☆“ᴇxᴛʀᴀ!“☆

is this a safe space to say that jack kelly is never blond NEVER ginger always curly haired always dimple always dark brown hair often latino often african american occasionally white

*Instead, he finds Davey shaking violently, curled on the ground in the fetal position, with his hands gripping his ears.*

*jacks face changes on a dime and he crouches down and closes the closet door behind him.* davey

*he whines.*

*Davey starts to sob and whimper, curling up further.*

*jack slowly reaches out and puts his hands on daveys shoulders gently. Trying maybe to pull him back with touch*

*he yelps like Jack burned him.*

*jack flinches and backs up* sorry-! Sorry…. I- what do you need? Can you talk?

*He just sobs louder, scooting away from the door and away from Jack. He didn't want to be alone, but he didn't want to talk nor to be touched either. He was non-verbal at this point, and even if he wasn't, he still wouldn't want to talk.*

*jacks anxious now. But he’s giving him space* I’ll… I’ll stay right here *he puts his hands up and stays away. But he stays in the closet with him*

*jack watches. Confused. Nervous*

*Davey slowly buttons his shirt back up, still shaking.*

I-do you need something to fidget with? Or anything…?

davey…. *jack very slowly reaches out this time, waiting very carefully to see if Davey will let him touch*

*Davey stays still, allowing Jack to touch but staring hard at him.*

*Jack very carefully places his hands on daveys shoulders*

*a slight flinch.*

*jack keeps his hands real still* this okay?

*a nod.*

*Jack stays like that for a long time. Just his hands on daveys shoulders*

*Eventually, he relaxes. The touch is okay.*

….do you want a hug?

*a nod.*

*Jack shifts closer and opens his arms*

*he practically barrels into Jack, curling up into him, trying to hide himself with his arms locked tight around Jack.*

*Jack makes a small “oof” noise but immediately closes his arms around davey*

*he makes small, cough-like sounds. Not coughing, just little pops of air in his throat.*

*Jack rubs his back soothingly*

*Eventually, silence. Davey doesn't make a sound. Doesn't say a word. Just snuggles further into Jack.*

*eventually Jack speaks up* better?

*a nod. Slowly, Davey uncurls. He rolls up his sleeve to show Jack a large, fresh, hand-shaped bruise around his wrist.*

*Jack very gently takes his wrist, careful of the bruise* Davey… what’s it from?

What do you mean?

*he points to the buttons on his shirt. Earlier, they were unbuttoned.*

Oh..

*he tucks his face into Jack's shoulder in an attempt to comfort Jack.*

*Jack hugs him again* you wanna stay in here for a while?

...do you?

.. I’de like too

Okay. Me too.

But, it- it feels wrong. My-my chest feel like it should be sticky or-or something, and the reaction is still there but-? I-It's not actually sticky, y'know? It just.... feels dirty. I-I'm gonna take a-a bath later, I-I- I want to wash this feeling off of me.

You’re not sticky or gross David. What happened is gross but it’s doesn’t make you gross. If you wanna take a shower later that’s okay but I promise you’re not gross to me. I’m sorry you feel like that

...okay. I-If I took a shower, would-would you guard the door..?

I would. I promise, promise, promise I would.

...okay. I-I'll use the... the shower here, I think. At-At home, Ma would be nosy.

Okay. Okay that’s fine. Want to wait until a few more people leave or go now?

*Jack resumes rubbing his back for a while*

*Davey melts into Jack, leaning against him and internally purring.*

*Jack melts too and they stay like that for a long time*

*Eventually, the party calms down. But outside, everyone starts to be confused. Where did Davey and Jack go? The search begins.*

*Jack nudges Davey gently* should we go now?

...mhm.

Okay.. *Jack slowly stands and helps Davey up*

*He puts his head on Jack's shoulder, giving him the opportunity to put a hand around his waist or an arm around his shoulders.*

*Jack slides an arm around daveys waist and opens the closet door slowly*

*Jack startles* damnit race- there was no need. We were just taking a break from the party

*Jack frown but nods. Before letting go of Davey he looks at him* you good from here?

"...Jack, it's the next day. Whatever you have planned with Medda can wait. You need rest, and Dave's mom is probably worried sick, and you love Esther."

No no ya don’t understand. We promised today and medda will be mad if we don’t. I’m sure Esther can wait. She knew Davey was here tonight. If she was really that worried she would have sent Sarah or gone herself to make sure Davey and Les were okay.

"...alright, fine. But I'm comin' in an hour t' get you guys."

Great! Fine. We might not be there cause it might not take to long. *Jack moves to daveys side and tugs him but the sleeve away* bye racer!

Nope. I promised, and I almost let ya go with race. Promise is a promise. I’ll guard the door. Well just wait a few minutes for race to go to bed. I know he ain’t actually gonna check in. His ass is out to sleep within minutes.

...promise that you're honestly okay with.. me?

*Jack looks at him seriously* I promise I am. I swear on my life.

Okay, let’s head to the showers. I’m sure race is gone by now

Mhm.

*they head up to the showers of the lodging house. Jack hands him a towel and things* I’ll wait here

*Jack sits outside the door. Patient and waiting*

*jack stands* o-oh. Uh- maybe the hot waters being finicky. It does that. Uh- you wanna wait to see if it kicks up? Or shower at your house?

I... I-I could try using a wash cloth, but that- it would take longer.

Yeah that could work. Are you okay with it taking longer? I can always wait.

...yeah. i-i just want the feeling off.

*Jack frowns but understands* okay. Take as long as you need..

*Davey gets back into the shower, scrubbing himself roughly.*

*Jack once again sits outside. Anxious now*

*He scrubs and scrubs and scrubs, but the feeling persists, and a feeling of desperation overtakes him as he scrubs past the pain blooming in his skin.*

*Jack eventually gets so anxious* you okay in there?

You sure? The washcloth okay?

*jacks still unsure as daveys been in there for a while* okay… don’t be too much longer, okay? Don’t want you melting *he half jokes*

*Jack can hear the tremor in daveys voice and is now sure something’s wrong* you’re lying, Dave. What’s going on?

Davey- Davey?! Can I come in? Please? Let me in please? What’s wrong?

It-It's not coming off! I-I'm gonna be gross forever, I look completely pathetic right now, don't come in!

*Jack is starting to realize what’s happening* Davey, they aren’t here anymore, hon. You’re not gross or weird. It’s just me and you.

It-It feels like they are, Jack!

I promise it’s just us, Davey. I swear on it. Listen to my voice, okay? It’s only mine. Your safe. Your safe here with me.

...god, anytime I'm alone, I can feel her hands on me again.

You’re not alone now, okay? I’m with you. Anytime you need me I’m here. She’s gone.

I...I-I don't know how to dry off. It's gonna hurt to even put clothes on. This- this was such a bad idea...

Would a towel just over your shoulders help to cover up? I- how bad is it? You were scrubbing your skin, right..?

I- I-I'm scratched up, and- ble- *he has to swallow.* bleeding, a-a little.

*jacks fidgeting and sweating and worried* okay, stay in there, okay? Maybe get a towel to carefully dry off? I’m going to get some first aid.

...okay!

*Jack scurries around the lodging house for some soft bandaging and the softest cloths. He tries to find some alcohol to clean out the bleeding, but there isn’t any now after Kloppman banned the newsboys from it. Jack domes back and knocks on the bathroom door* can I come in?

*jack quietly walks in and sets the clothes and bandages on the counter* I got some stuff to help you clean up.

...thank you.

Do you need anything…?

...god, I just-... I don't wanna be alone right now, Jackie. I'm afraid I'm going to do something worse to myself.

*Jack walks over and kisses his forehead* I’ll stay here. I’ll be with you.

*Jack sits with him the whole time*

*Eventually, he's all bandaged up. He puts his head on Jack's shoulder.*

*jack hugs him gently, careful of his skin*…better, hon?

Yeah... now I'm just embarrassed.. *he chuckles.* You're so composed whiles I'm so... David.

I’m not always composed. And lucky for you, I like David. *he kisses his head again* you wanna go home? Or stay here tonight?

...Race wanted me to go home earlier.

Yeah… you don’t want that? Cause if you wanted to stay you could… *Jack absolutely does want him to stay but understands if he wants to go home*

...I don't think I can face Sarah right now, and it's late. I-I think I should stay here, is- is that alright, Jackie?

*Jack nods immediately* of course it’s okay. Of course. You wanna borrow some clothes or just sleep in yours? Or maybe a blankets comfortable?

Could-Could I borrow some of your clothes..?

Of course. *Jack leads Davey to were he keeps his clothes and grabs some extras and hands them to davey*

*He just changes that, ignoring how his skin burns.*

*Jack breaks visibly a little and very very carefully hugs him* I’m sorry, Davey. Hey, if you don’t wanna, you don’t gotta sleep in the shirt or the pants if there bothering you.

*Every rub, every tighten, every movement stings and burns, with one area's relief being another's newfound pain. He can barely control his tears, not risking speech. He honestly isn't sure he's going to be able to get these clothes off with how much it'll rub against him.*

*Jack holds him for a while, unsure how to help*

*He's choked up as hell, barely holding himself together.*

You can cry, Davey.

*he sobs quietly into Jack's shoulder.*

*Jack runs circles across daveys back gently*

*he shakes a little as he sobs, snot-nosed and in physical (and some mental) pain.*

I’m here. I gotcha.

I...I can't do this anymore. This is awful, Jackie.

What do you need from me? How can I help?

*Instead, he finds Davey shaking violently, curled on the ground in the fetal position, with his hands gripping his ears.*

*jacks face changes on a dime and he crouches down and closes the closet door behind him.* davey

*he whines.*

*Davey starts to sob and whimper, curling up further.*

*jack slowly reaches out and puts his hands on daveys shoulders gently. Trying maybe to pull him back with touch*

*he yelps like Jack burned him.*

*jack flinches and backs up* sorry-! Sorry…. I- what do you need? Can you talk?

*He just sobs louder, scooting away from the door and away from Jack. He didn't want to be alone, but he didn't want to talk nor to be touched either. He was non-verbal at this point, and even if he wasn't, he still wouldn't want to talk.*

*jacks anxious now. But he’s giving him space* I’ll… I’ll stay right here *he puts his hands up and stays away. But he stays in the closet with him*

*jack watches. Confused. Nervous*

*Davey slowly buttons his shirt back up, still shaking.*

I-do you need something to fidget with? Or anything…?

davey…. *jack very slowly reaches out this time, waiting very carefully to see if Davey will let him touch*

*Davey stays still, allowing Jack to touch but staring hard at him.*

*Jack very carefully places his hands on daveys shoulders*

*a slight flinch.*

*jack keeps his hands real still* this okay?

*a nod.*

*Jack stays like that for a long time. Just his hands on daveys shoulders*

*Eventually, he relaxes. The touch is okay.*

….do you want a hug?

*a nod.*

*Jack shifts closer and opens his arms*

*he practically barrels into Jack, curling up into him, trying to hide himself with his arms locked tight around Jack.*

*Jack makes a small “oof” noise but immediately closes his arms around davey*

*he makes small, cough-like sounds. Not coughing, just little pops of air in his throat.*

*Jack rubs his back soothingly*

*Eventually, silence. Davey doesn't make a sound. Doesn't say a word. Just snuggles further into Jack.*

*eventually Jack speaks up* better?

*a nod. Slowly, Davey uncurls. He rolls up his sleeve to show Jack a large, fresh, hand-shaped bruise around his wrist.*

*Jack very gently takes his wrist, careful of the bruise* Davey… what’s it from?

What do you mean?

*he points to the buttons on his shirt. Earlier, they were unbuttoned.*

Oh..

*he tucks his face into Jack's shoulder in an attempt to comfort Jack.*

*Jack hugs him again* you wanna stay in here for a while?

...do you?

.. I’de like too

Okay. Me too.

But, it- it feels wrong. My-my chest feel like it should be sticky or-or something, and the reaction is still there but-? I-It's not actually sticky, y'know? It just.... feels dirty. I-I'm gonna take a-a bath later, I-I- I want to wash this feeling off of me.

You’re not sticky or gross David. What happened is gross but it’s doesn’t make you gross. If you wanna take a shower later that’s okay but I promise you’re not gross to me. I’m sorry you feel like that

...okay. I-If I took a shower, would-would you guard the door..?

I would. I promise, promise, promise I would.

...okay. I-I'll use the... the shower here, I think. At-At home, Ma would be nosy.

Okay. Okay that’s fine. Want to wait until a few more people leave or go now?

*Jack resumes rubbing his back for a while*

*Davey melts into Jack, leaning against him and internally purring.*

*Jack melts too and they stay like that for a long time*

*Eventually, the party calms down. But outside, everyone starts to be confused. Where did Davey and Jack go? The search begins.*

*Jack nudges Davey gently* should we go now?

...mhm.

Okay.. *Jack slowly stands and helps Davey up*

*He puts his head on Jack's shoulder, giving him the opportunity to put a hand around his waist or an arm around his shoulders.*

*Jack slides an arm around daveys waist and opens the closet door slowly*

*Jack startles* damnit race- there was no need. We were just taking a break from the party

*Jack frown but nods. Before letting go of Davey he looks at him* you good from here?

"...Jack, it's the next day. Whatever you have planned with Medda can wait. You need rest, and Dave's mom is probably worried sick, and you love Esther."

No no ya don’t understand. We promised today and medda will be mad if we don’t. I’m sure Esther can wait. She knew Davey was here tonight. If she was really that worried she would have sent Sarah or gone herself to make sure Davey and Les were okay.

"...alright, fine. But I'm comin' in an hour t' get you guys."

Great! Fine. We might not be there cause it might not take to long. *Jack moves to daveys side and tugs him but the sleeve away* bye racer!

Nope. I promised, and I almost let ya go with race. Promise is a promise. I’ll guard the door. Well just wait a few minutes for race to go to bed. I know he ain’t actually gonna check in. His ass is out to sleep within minutes.

...promise that you're honestly okay with.. me?

*Jack looks at him seriously* I promise I am. I swear on my life.

Okay, let’s head to the showers. I’m sure race is gone by now

Mhm.

*they head up to the showers of the lodging house. Jack hands him a towel and things* I’ll wait here

*Jack sits outside the door. Patient and waiting*

*jack stands* o-oh. Uh- maybe the hot waters being finicky. It does that. Uh- you wanna wait to see if it kicks up? Or shower at your house?

I... I-I could try using a wash cloth, but that- it would take longer.

Yeah that could work. Are you okay with it taking longer? I can always wait.

...yeah. i-i just want the feeling off.

*Jack frowns but understands* okay. Take as long as you need..

*Davey gets back into the shower, scrubbing himself roughly.*

*Jack once again sits outside. Anxious now*

*He scrubs and scrubs and scrubs, but the feeling persists, and a feeling of desperation overtakes him as he scrubs past the pain blooming in his skin.*

*Jack eventually gets so anxious* you okay in there?

You sure? The washcloth okay?

*jacks still unsure as daveys been in there for a while* okay… don’t be too much longer, okay? Don’t want you melting *he half jokes*

*Jack can hear the tremor in daveys voice and is now sure something’s wrong* you’re lying, Dave. What’s going on?

Davey- Davey?! Can I come in? Please? Let me in please? What’s wrong?

It-It's not coming off! I-I'm gonna be gross forever, I look completely pathetic right now, don't come in!

*Jack is starting to realize what’s happening* Davey, they aren’t here anymore, hon. You’re not gross or weird. It’s just me and you.

It-It feels like they are, Jack!

I promise it’s just us, Davey. I swear on it. Listen to my voice, okay? It’s only mine. Your safe. Your safe here with me.

...god, anytime I'm alone, I can feel her hands on me again.

You’re not alone now, okay? I’m with you. Anytime you need me I’m here. She’s gone.

I...I-I don't know how to dry off. It's gonna hurt to even put clothes on. This- this was such a bad idea...

Would a towel just over your shoulders help to cover up? I- how bad is it? You were scrubbing your skin, right..?

I- I-I'm scratched up, and- ble- *he has to swallow.* bleeding, a-a little.

*jacks fidgeting and sweating and worried* okay, stay in there, okay? Maybe get a towel to carefully dry off? I’m going to get some first aid.

...okay!

*Jack scurries around the lodging house for some soft bandaging and the softest cloths. He tries to find some alcohol to clean out the bleeding, but there isn’t any now after Kloppman banned the newsboys from it. Jack domes back and knocks on the bathroom door* can I come in?

*jack quietly walks in and sets the clothes and bandages on the counter* I got some stuff to help you clean up.

...thank you.

Do you need anything…?

...god, I just-... I don't wanna be alone right now, Jackie. I'm afraid I'm going to do something worse to myself.

*Jack walks over and kisses his forehead* I’ll stay here. I’ll be with you.

*Jack sits with him the whole time*

*Eventually, he's all bandaged up. He puts his head on Jack's shoulder.*

*jack hugs him gently, careful of his skin*…better, hon?

Yeah... now I'm just embarrassed.. *he chuckles.* You're so composed whiles I'm so... David.

I’m not always composed. And lucky for you, I like David. *he kisses his head again* you wanna go home? Or stay here tonight?

...Race wanted me to go home earlier.

Yeah… you don’t want that? Cause if you wanted to stay you could… *Jack absolutely does want him to stay but understands if he wants to go home*

...I don't think I can face Sarah right now, and it's late. I-I think I should stay here, is- is that alright, Jackie?

*Jack nods immediately* of course it’s okay. Of course. You wanna borrow some clothes or just sleep in yours? Or maybe a blankets comfortable?

Could-Could I borrow some of your clothes..?

Of course. *Jack leads Davey to were he keeps his clothes and grabs some extras and hands them to davey*

*He just changes that, ignoring how his skin burns.*

*Jack breaks visibly a little and very very carefully hugs him* I’m sorry, Davey. Hey, if you don’t wanna, you don’t gotta sleep in the shirt or the pants if there bothering you.

*Every rub, every tighten, every movement stings and burns, with one area's relief being another's newfound pain. He can barely control his tears, not risking speech. He honestly isn't sure he's going to be able to get these clothes off with how much it'll rub against him.*

*Jack holds him for a while, unsure how to help*

*He's choked up as hell, barely holding himself together.*

You can cry, Davey.

*he sobs quietly into Jack's shoulder.*

*Jack runs circles across daveys back gently*

*he shakes a little as he sobs, snot-nosed and in physical (and some mental) pain.*

I’m here. I gotcha.

*Instead, he finds Davey shaking violently, curled on the ground in the fetal position, with his hands gripping his ears.*

*jacks face changes on a dime and he crouches down and closes the closet door behind him.* davey

*he whines.*

*Davey starts to sob and whimper, curling up further.*

*jack slowly reaches out and puts his hands on daveys shoulders gently. Trying maybe to pull him back with touch*

*he yelps like Jack burned him.*

*jack flinches and backs up* sorry-! Sorry…. I- what do you need? Can you talk?

*He just sobs louder, scooting away from the door and away from Jack. He didn't want to be alone, but he didn't want to talk nor to be touched either. He was non-verbal at this point, and even if he wasn't, he still wouldn't want to talk.*

*jacks anxious now. But he’s giving him space* I’ll… I’ll stay right here *he puts his hands up and stays away. But he stays in the closet with him*

*jack watches. Confused. Nervous*

*Davey slowly buttons his shirt back up, still shaking.*

I-do you need something to fidget with? Or anything…?

davey…. *jack very slowly reaches out this time, waiting very carefully to see if Davey will let him touch*

*Davey stays still, allowing Jack to touch but staring hard at him.*

*Jack very carefully places his hands on daveys shoulders*

*a slight flinch.*

*jack keeps his hands real still* this okay?

*a nod.*

*Jack stays like that for a long time. Just his hands on daveys shoulders*

*Eventually, he relaxes. The touch is okay.*

….do you want a hug?

*a nod.*

*Jack shifts closer and opens his arms*

*he practically barrels into Jack, curling up into him, trying to hide himself with his arms locked tight around Jack.*

*Jack makes a small “oof” noise but immediately closes his arms around davey*

*he makes small, cough-like sounds. Not coughing, just little pops of air in his throat.*

*Jack rubs his back soothingly*

*Eventually, silence. Davey doesn't make a sound. Doesn't say a word. Just snuggles further into Jack.*

*eventually Jack speaks up* better?

*a nod. Slowly, Davey uncurls. He rolls up his sleeve to show Jack a large, fresh, hand-shaped bruise around his wrist.*

*Jack very gently takes his wrist, careful of the bruise* Davey… what’s it from?

What do you mean?

*he points to the buttons on his shirt. Earlier, they were unbuttoned.*

Oh..

*he tucks his face into Jack's shoulder in an attempt to comfort Jack.*

*Jack hugs him again* you wanna stay in here for a while?

...do you?

.. I’de like too

Okay. Me too.

But, it- it feels wrong. My-my chest feel like it should be sticky or-or something, and the reaction is still there but-? I-It's not actually sticky, y'know? It just.... feels dirty. I-I'm gonna take a-a bath later, I-I- I want to wash this feeling off of me.

You’re not sticky or gross David. What happened is gross but it’s doesn’t make you gross. If you wanna take a shower later that’s okay but I promise you’re not gross to me. I’m sorry you feel like that

...okay. I-If I took a shower, would-would you guard the door..?

I would. I promise, promise, promise I would.

...okay. I-I'll use the... the shower here, I think. At-At home, Ma would be nosy.

Okay. Okay that’s fine. Want to wait until a few more people leave or go now?

*Jack resumes rubbing his back for a while*

*Davey melts into Jack, leaning against him and internally purring.*

*Jack melts too and they stay like that for a long time*

*Eventually, the party calms down. But outside, everyone starts to be confused. Where did Davey and Jack go? The search begins.*

*Jack nudges Davey gently* should we go now?

...mhm.

Okay.. *Jack slowly stands and helps Davey up*

*He puts his head on Jack's shoulder, giving him the opportunity to put a hand around his waist or an arm around his shoulders.*

*Jack slides an arm around daveys waist and opens the closet door slowly*

*Jack startles* damnit race- there was no need. We were just taking a break from the party

*Jack frown but nods. Before letting go of Davey he looks at him* you good from here?

"...Jack, it's the next day. Whatever you have planned with Medda can wait. You need rest, and Dave's mom is probably worried sick, and you love Esther."

No no ya don’t understand. We promised today and medda will be mad if we don’t. I’m sure Esther can wait. She knew Davey was here tonight. If she was really that worried she would have sent Sarah or gone herself to make sure Davey and Les were okay.

"...alright, fine. But I'm comin' in an hour t' get you guys."

Great! Fine. We might not be there cause it might not take to long. *Jack moves to daveys side and tugs him but the sleeve away* bye racer!

Nope. I promised, and I almost let ya go with race. Promise is a promise. I’ll guard the door. Well just wait a few minutes for race to go to bed. I know he ain’t actually gonna check in. His ass is out to sleep within minutes.

...promise that you're honestly okay with.. me?

*Jack looks at him seriously* I promise I am. I swear on my life.

Okay, let’s head to the showers. I’m sure race is gone by now

Mhm.

*they head up to the showers of the lodging house. Jack hands him a towel and things* I’ll wait here

*Jack sits outside the door. Patient and waiting*

*jack stands* o-oh. Uh- maybe the hot waters being finicky. It does that. Uh- you wanna wait to see if it kicks up? Or shower at your house?

I... I-I could try using a wash cloth, but that- it would take longer.

Yeah that could work. Are you okay with it taking longer? I can always wait.

...yeah. i-i just want the feeling off.

*Jack frowns but understands* okay. Take as long as you need..

*Davey gets back into the shower, scrubbing himself roughly.*

*Jack once again sits outside. Anxious now*

*He scrubs and scrubs and scrubs, but the feeling persists, and a feeling of desperation overtakes him as he scrubs past the pain blooming in his skin.*

*Jack eventually gets so anxious* you okay in there?

You sure? The washcloth okay?

*jacks still unsure as daveys been in there for a while* okay… don’t be too much longer, okay? Don’t want you melting *he half jokes*

*Jack can hear the tremor in daveys voice and is now sure something’s wrong* you’re lying, Dave. What’s going on?

Davey- Davey?! Can I come in? Please? Let me in please? What’s wrong?

It-It's not coming off! I-I'm gonna be gross forever, I look completely pathetic right now, don't come in!

*Jack is starting to realize what’s happening* Davey, they aren’t here anymore, hon. You’re not gross or weird. It’s just me and you.

It-It feels like they are, Jack!

I promise it’s just us, Davey. I swear on it. Listen to my voice, okay? It’s only mine. Your safe. Your safe here with me.

...god, anytime I'm alone, I can feel her hands on me again.

You’re not alone now, okay? I’m with you. Anytime you need me I’m here. She’s gone.

I...I-I don't know how to dry off. It's gonna hurt to even put clothes on. This- this was such a bad idea...

Would a towel just over your shoulders help to cover up? I- how bad is it? You were scrubbing your skin, right..?

I- I-I'm scratched up, and- ble- *he has to swallow.* bleeding, a-a little.

*jacks fidgeting and sweating and worried* okay, stay in there, okay? Maybe get a towel to carefully dry off? I’m going to get some first aid.

...okay!

*Jack scurries around the lodging house for some soft bandaging and the softest cloths. He tries to find some alcohol to clean out the bleeding, but there isn’t any now after Kloppman banned the newsboys from it. Jack domes back and knocks on the bathroom door* can I come in?

*jack quietly walks in and sets the clothes and bandages on the counter* I got some stuff to help you clean up.

...thank you.

Do you need anything…?

...god, I just-... I don't wanna be alone right now, Jackie. I'm afraid I'm going to do something worse to myself.

*Jack walks over and kisses his forehead* I’ll stay here. I’ll be with you.

*Jack sits with him the whole time*

*Eventually, he's all bandaged up. He puts his head on Jack's shoulder.*

*jack hugs him gently, careful of his skin*…better, hon?

Yeah... now I'm just embarrassed.. *he chuckles.* You're so composed whiles I'm so... David.

I’m not always composed. And lucky for you, I like David. *he kisses his head again* you wanna go home? Or stay here tonight?

...Race wanted me to go home earlier.

Yeah… you don’t want that? Cause if you wanted to stay you could… *Jack absolutely does want him to stay but understands if he wants to go home*

...I don't think I can face Sarah right now, and it's late. I-I think I should stay here, is- is that alright, Jackie?

*Jack nods immediately* of course it’s okay. Of course. You wanna borrow some clothes or just sleep in yours? Or maybe a blankets comfortable?

Could-Could I borrow some of your clothes..?

Of course. *Jack leads Davey to were he keeps his clothes and grabs some extras and hands them to davey*

*He just changes that, ignoring how his skin burns.*

*Jack breaks visibly a little and very very carefully hugs him* I’m sorry, Davey. Hey, if you don’t wanna, you don’t gotta sleep in the shirt or the pants if there bothering you.

*Every rub, every tighten, every movement stings and burns, with one area's relief being another's newfound pain. He can barely control his tears, not risking speech. He honestly isn't sure he's going to be able to get these clothes off with how much it'll rub against him.*

*Jack holds him for a while, unsure how to help*

*He's choked up as hell, barely holding himself together.*

You can cry, Davey.

*he sobs quietly into Jack's shoulder.*

*Jack runs circles across daveys back gently*

*Instead, he finds Davey shaking violently, curled on the ground in the fetal position, with his hands gripping his ears.*

*jacks face changes on a dime and he crouches down and closes the closet door behind him.* davey