First Floor Garage, Monday Evening

[carter-i-am.livejournal.com]

Sam was on the floor of the garage next to her swoop bike, surrounded by parts--half clean, half filthy--a rag, and assorted tools. She was currently busy filing down a part she'd designed and cast for the propulsion system, trying to smooth all the rough edges before she replaced it.

So far, it was a little better than it had been, but the process was slow-going because she had to keep stopping to pull the metal filings out of her fingertips. At least it was mind-numbing enough work that she could let her mind drift, and not think of anything; particularly not seventeen-year-old girls leading armies into battle, because that should never have happened.


[ooc: Open to all.]

Comments

[anextimeagent.livejournal.com]

"I was drunk. I didn't think, I just...I hurt him, Sam. I didn't mean to." The breath he dragged in was shaky. "And now he's all alone, and Isabel's gone and I don't know how to fix it."

[carter-i-am.livejournal.com]

"I'll talk to him," Sam promised, "and let him know he's not alone." That was the easy part. "And no, you didn't mean to hurt him, and I'm sure he'll realize that, eventually. It may just take a little time."

Which they didn't have, although even Sam wouldn't say that out loud.

[anextimeagent.livejournal.com]

"Thank you," he breathed, clinging to her. "He can't be alone. He hates it." Jack rubbed his cheek against her shoulder. "I don't know if he will. Or if it will matter. He promised, but-- " Memory replayed the moment, Cedric's face, letting him leave, and he closed his eyes. "I don't know."

[carter-i-am.livejournal.com]

Her heart ached for both of them. "He won't be alone, I promise. I wish I could do more for you."

[anextimeagent.livejournal.com]

"All I want is for him to be okay." All he wanted was to go back in time and not screw everything up, but he couldn't. "That's all I want."

[carter-i-am.livejournal.com]

"He will be," Sam said, rubbing little circles into his back. Maybe a little older, a little wiser, not quite as trusting, but okay. "Maybe he just needs time to think and process."

[anextimeagent.livejournal.com]

"Does that mean I can't go and see him?" he asked, lifting his head. "Sam," he grimaced, rubbing his forehead, "I don't know what to do. I always know what to do, and now I don't."

[carter-i-am.livejournal.com]

"I'm not the best judge," even Sam admitted she was emotionally stunted and had bad coping mechanisms, "but I think you need to let him come to you when he's ready."

[anextimeagent.livejournal.com]

"I can't. I have to know. I won't--" Jack shook his head, forcing himself to be calm, to think objectively. "If I just go by to make sure he's all right? I won't stay, I'll just check in on him. Because he might never come to me."

[carter-i-am.livejournal.com]

"Jack..." Sam pulled away and looked at him apologetically, "I think you need to go by his schedule. I know you're in pain, but he's the one who was hurt. He has to heal, and if you don't let him...you can't rush this, Jack. You just can't."

She sighed. "You can walk by his door."

[anextimeagent.livejournal.com]

He studied her intently, then his shoulders slumped in acquiescence. "Okay. But you'll talk to him? Take him something sweet?" He managed a half smile. "He likes sweet things."

[carter-i-am.livejournal.com]

"I will," she promised, hugging him again. "Now, what can I do for you? Anything?"

[anextimeagent.livejournal.com]

"I don't want to be alone. Can I stay with you?" he asked. "I'm not exactly good company, though."

[carter-i-am.livejournal.com]

"You don't need to be good company," Sam told him, "and you know there's always room."

[anextimeagent.livejournal.com]

"I know." Jack kissed her, just a quick brush of his lips against hers. "Thank you. I need you. A lot. Love you."

[carter-i-am.livejournal.com]

"I love you too," Sam said, resting her forehead against his, "and it's my turn to take care of you."

[anextimeagent.livejournal.com]

"It's my turn to let you," he sighed.

[carter-i-am.livejournal.com]

"You have to trust me that I know a little more about this than you do," she warned, already putting her tools away.

[anextimeagent.livejournal.com]

"I think everyone in the world knows more about this than I do," he said ruefully, watching her from his place on the floor. "And you know I trust you. With everything."

[carter-i-am.livejournal.com]

"So you'll leave Cedric alone for a couple of days?" She'd given up on hinting and closed the toolbox with an authoritative clank before she reached a hand down to help Jack up.

[anextimeagent.livejournal.com]

"You said I could walk past his door," he replied, avoiding the question as Sam pulled him to his feet. He let the motion carry him forward, and he hugged her. "Can we go now? My head hurts."

[carter-i-am.livejournal.com]

She hugged him back, leaving an arm around his waist for support. "Yes, we can go now. C'mon, I'll make you some tea and tuck you in."

[anextimeagent.livejournal.com]

"That'd be good," he said, leaning into her. "Tea would be good, and you, and sleep. Things are bound to be better tomorrow. Right?"

[carter-i-am.livejournal.com]

"I hope so," was unfortunately the best she could do as she guided him to her room.

[anextimeagent.livejournal.com]

Jack was paying no attention, trusting Sam to lead him, and he looked up in surprise as they reached her door. "I'd say at least it can't be worse, but even I'm not that stupid."