#aflockoffeathers

Clay: Wait what did you eat? Jack: Energy drink Clay:... Jack: This morning... Clay: ... Jack: Dose that not count?

Clay smiled, blushing as he played a few random strings on his guitar, having just finished quietly playing a song while him and Jack relaxed. He hadn't heard Jack sing before, but damn, were they good,

"Ya'll uh...ya'll got a real pretty voice there Jack," He complimented, "I'd like to hear it more, please?"

| Muse Interaction

The glow from the fairy lights that been strung up in the backyard of Jack’s home gave enough light to se with out harshing on the more romantic mood that Jack was going for….when he tried to plan this date out with his chameleon bot and all. Clay had suggested the fairy lights, because they were ‘less of a fire hazard’. Jack guessed that was a good call on the cowboy’s part though even with how gentle the wind was. It would make embers spark and fly off.

The back yard garden had a lot of time, and money poured into it mostly to show off like most things about the house. Though Jack felt Clay might like it, it was tranquil and private. Ponds and small streams with even a bridge to cross plenty of plants to add a naturally grow look of bamboo plants, trees and some bushes. It was spacious area letting them have a corner of it all to themselves almost like a mini back yard just for them.

It fitted the mood, course seemed Clay felt like it could still use more as he settled in the grass, and propped his guitar in his lap. Fringes strum over chords. And Jack swore his own heartstrings must be getting plucked as well. Though as Clay played and Jack rested in the grass, he felt like he knew the melody they were playing.

Then it suddenly hit him. He knew this song! Maybe he and Clay have some songs in common that they liked? Jack smiled to himself at the thought. Jack didn't want to interrupt Clay from playing, though, just to tell him this. But, he also wanted Clay to know he knew the song.

"And if I listen, there's a whispering sound." Jack jumped in once he felt he knew where in the song Clay had gotten to. "It's all a mystery, and my heart is cold. Longing for the warmth when someone holds you close."

Jack loved the way Clay's playing sounded, yeah, he's heard music a lot and even guitars, but never like Clay. Far as he was convinced, Clay's playing was angelic.

"Ya'll uh...ya'll got a real pretty voice there Jack,"

"Hmm?"

Jack turned to look at Clay, he was ready to compliment them but Clay beat him to it. "Oh uh..yeah?" it wasn't something Jack ever got complimented on before. Sure he sang when drunk at bars or clubs but that's different from being with a crowd of drunk idiots who can't carry a tune.

"I'd like to hear it more, please?"

"Uh Jack, darlin', I mean this in the nicest way possible...but please go touch some grass."

| Muse interaction

Jack's lab always had some noise going on in it. From Jack working on a new bot or other project. Wuya yelling at him about finding wu or getting after him for something else to even just him filling the air with his need to blast his industrial tech music. But, right now he was constantly switching the music playing letting a few notes play before he deicde it wasn't what he wanted at the time.

"What about this one?" He asked, looking to his chameleon bot, before he gave it a look of disapproval. "Hey what did I say? You are meant to be Clay right now. I didn't add all that Clay information into your database for nothing."

The bot sighed and changed forums. Jack watched their height and build become like Clays. The blond hair grew out, and hat sat on top as they shifted in their spot on the floor. Where Jack had set down a blanket. Everything on it gave away that this was meant to be a picnic. As Jack went back to his music choice, the bot was running through it's Clay logs. Jack had spent a lot of time gathering everything. Unlike the time he had it swapped in for Kimi he wanted the bot to be a perfect match for Clay.

Jack made sure the voice was correct using recordings of Clay's voice to retain the accent and cadence of Clay's deep Texan accent. A catalog of Courtyisms. heck it knew Clay's blood type, his BMI, and SSN. All for the sake of being absolutely one hundred percent accurate for this reason alone.

'I reckon this one's got a nice tune to it Jack' Chamlon bot said and it was enough to make Jack smile as he left the song to play. Looking to the set up.

"What about mood light? Candles or like fairy lights?" Jack asked as he held up a box of lights and candles. He watched as the Chamelon rubbed at his chin in thought. "Man Clay so sexy when he thinks," Jack said fondly getting the bot to pause and look at him.

'Darlin' why ya makin' me go through all this?'

Jack reeled himself back from his gazing as he sighed. "Look i've done things with others. I know what i'm attracted to. I know how to put the moves out and such" Jack expressed, "But I don't really know how to do this part." He gestures to the space between them.

'Datin?'

"Okay yes dating I don't..I don't know how to do that okay! No ones..no ones ever stuck around for that. I'm good for being used else wise but the whole coupling up thing? Going out..being together?" Jack states. Slolwy lowering his gaze away.

Man how pathetic did he look right now? He might as well be playing make-believe tea party with his cousin Megan and her dolls. Jack felt a touch lay heavily across the back of his hand. Looking, he found Clay's larger hand resting there. Softly, his thumb stroked over the back of his knuckles. As if asking permission to hold his hand. Jack lifted his hand up to answer back, feeling warmth as Clay's fingers curled around his hand and held him in a firm grip, but gently. For a moment, Jack forgot this wasn't actually Clay he was with, the heavy feeling wasn't because of the metal the bot was made from, the warmth not just what Jack recalled should be there as he risked a chance to look up his red eyes meeting Clays blue ones.

Man he really needed to make some contacts to properly see the color.

'Jack, ya'll don't need to go that far just for me' Clay said with the smallest cruve to his mouth in that little shy smile.

"Course I do, Clay I want..I want to treat you how you should be. You mean a lot to me. Not just cause I like how you look or kiss. But..I mean" Jack slowly started to lose his nerve on what he was trying to say nearly pulling back his hand, before Clay grabbed it back, pulling Jack closer to him. Free hand cupping the side of his face so he couldn't look away this time.

'Yall don't think i feel the same way?' Clay asked and it was enough to make Jack have to swallow thickly. His heart was going rapidly in his chest.

"I just.. stil can't believe this is real. Us. I'm Jack Spicer...what could you possbily get from being with me Clay? I gotta show I have worth..or I might." His lips locked after he couldnt bring himself to say it if he did? Maybe Clay would finally wake up get wise and see he could do so much better than Jack.

'Jaaack' Clay drew out in the way that just sent shivers down Jack's spine everytime. 'I ain't gonna look anywhere else'

Jack's eyes grew wide, near pleading, as he looked back to Clay letting hope sit there foolishly to believe it was ture. "You aint?"

'Why would I? I got exactly all I need here,' Clay's voice lowered softly as if he were whispering so only Jack could hear those words.

Jack's face grew hot, Clay so easily got to him. He was so easily to believe because he knew Clay meant it. Scooting closer Jack just needed Clay in that moment. He needed to chase after what they said prove it was real to himself as his lips found Clay's own. A sudden zap striked across his mouth. He could feel the hair on his arms and the back of his neck stand on end suddenly. Thinking that 'saprk' mentioned in the romance drab was real. Till he could smell-Smoke?

"gahh!" Jack screamed, jumped away from the chameleon bot that was still sparking from the contact. he forgot that wasn't Clay at all. But before he could say anything get mad or even impressed with himself that he so easily got convinced by his own creation. He got a wake up call of sorts as the southern tang of Clay's voice pulled both his and the bots' attention over to the stairs.

"Uh Jack, darlin', I mean this in the nicest way possible...but please go touch some grass."

| The Slowburn & Sparks meme

It was becoming a problem. Jack had crushes before, hell Jack has kissed and fooled around abit as well before. Sucked some dicks got some under the shirt action. But this? This was so different. It was bad so so bad and not the bad jack wanted. This wasn’t swiping a tube of mascara when the cashier wasn’t paying attention. Or filling a water cup with pop. It also wasn’t the bad that falls under being a villain who seeked to take over the world. Yet, here he was.

A evil boy genius with a crush.

Sure he had his crush on Chase but that was different. That was something that never COULD happen. It’s like having a crush on a movie star, or you’re senior at work even. It’s someone you see and can even interact with to fuel that infatuation. To use for his private thoughts the hypothetical evil partner shit he and Chase could do. Things they would do when alone away from do Goodyear eyes and such. It was all fantasy!

But then he started to feel things..for Clay. They even fucking kissed, worse Jack was the one who pulled Clay down so that his lips would crash into his own. Clay’s soft full but firm lips. It was clear he never kissed anyone just following Jack’s lead but it felt so good to kiss Clay. Jack has kissed before but kissing Clay was different. It was so more than Jack ever thought a Kiss could be. The way Clay’s warmth seemed to just radiate and seep into Jack’s very bones. The fullness of Clay’s chest. Yeah had Jack wondering just how thick and juicy those pecs must be. The way he could hear Clay’s heart pounding as their mouths moved together. The smell that Jack never knew he carried on him, it was like the smell of summer, hay and that scent the earth carried just after it rained.

Before Jack knew it, Clay was in his every thought. Everything reminded him of the monk. Jack looked for a chance for conversation to lead to him. Grew excited for a chance to see him when a new Wu became active. Jack laid up at night not because he was restless but because he was thinking about Clay. It was worse than the crush on Chase. That was just well Jack didn’t know he knew that it could never happen so he never even played with the concept in his mind. But Clay?

Clay hung out with him. They went for ice cream often about once a month. They started to do more Jack even vented to him and Clay vented to him as well, shared the thoughts in his mind. Clay seemed so perfect. Like nothing got to him outside maybe losing his hat. But, see a bit past that? Jack saw past the illusion. Clay was no different from himself. And, that just drew him in more. Accidental touches with a purpose, reasons for them to be in compromising positions just for a chance for maybe another kiss to happen.

Jack, felt like he was losing his mind.

But one more kiss and he be over it. Jack knew what to expect this time. It wouldn’t be a shock. He swore it was all just because it was sudden and unexpected. Ignoring the fact he pulled Clay into that kiss.

Jack was certain it was just that. Jack has made out with complete strangers, so clearly that played a part he knew Clay. It wasn’t real it couldn’t be real.

Yet, when Clay loomed over him. All Jack felt was anticipation.

From this angle lifting his chin let Jack see Clay’s eyes, “your eyes are like sapphires.” Jack hadn’t even noticed he said it out loud till noting how Clay’s face seemed to flush at the compliment. Jack found it hard for Mr.perfect to never have heard one before.

Whatever this was between them it seemed Clay felt it too, Jack hoped he did. as he watched them lean in, chest pressed against Jack’s own forcing his back to press back against the brick wall behind him. It was a reflex to grip on to Clay’s shoulders as they seemed to navigate his lips towards Jack’s own. Mouth pressing in against Jack’s like they do this al the time. Well a few. It was clear it wasn’t just Jack who wanted it. As Clay’s lips pressed in against his own, jack’s breath hitched as he opened his mouth just enough. Arms slipped around Clay’s thick neck tugging him down because Jack needed more it wasn’t enough he wanted to taste Clay. Jack needed everything that Clay would give him let him have. But that might not be enough. These chance encounters were not enough, every time he was alone with Clay . Jack wanted to ensure that moments like this would happen. It made him anxious not to know what was going through Clay’s head.

Did he just like making out with Jack? Did he like Jack how he liked Clay? Jack been in so many situations like this before. Never had he wanted one to lead somewhere though. Hands pressed to Clay’s chest as he pushed Jack knew he stood now chance against Clay when it came to strength so when he broke the kiss he knew it was Clay responses to Jack’s actions. Maybe it was that? That thing about Clay that made Jack want to make this risk, even if his mouth grew dry and he forgot how words worked in the moment. Jack considered it he just in part felt like if they dated? Clay would treat him..well.

Was that why he liked him? Because Clay was good to him? Nice to him? Showed interest in him? Was that all it fucking took for him? Swallowing thickly Jack spoke up.

“I don’t think you’re the type to go kissing guys just cause you can…” Jack said trying to understand what he even wanted here himself. Was it just because Clay seemed into him? Was that so wrong? Jack was meant to be a bad guy. “ But off chance you are that kind of guy I gotta set things stright just cause I’m good at kissing don’t mean I’m gonna give them out for free. Jack Spicer aint a cheap hit.”

“Next time we meet I only want it to happen if you agree to it being a date.” There he set the expectations. If Clay didn’t show up he would take that as his answer as he moved away from Clay. Jack may fooled around but…he hated the feeling of being seen as ‘easy’ Bad enough he was pathetic for Wuya’s praise, or Chase’s acknowledgment. Jack refused to be easy.

But one sentence…gave Jack more hope than he thought he was able to hold.

“If we do this… it stays between us.”

Jack turned on his heels so fast he near about fell, as he looked at Clay. Did he say yes?

It had hurt; oh boy had it hurt, but it was completely worth it. Clay had faced a fear, and gotten something good in return. A surprise for the person he knew as his soulmate. He was sure they would like it; the fresh ink now adorning their pec. Clay simply had to hope he could hide the wince with every step he took.

It was an all too familiar scene; Clay was on Jack's bed, while Jack himself was straddling his lap. Clay's large hands were on their slender hips, while lips were locked in a desperate kiss. Even though they had seen each other earlier that day for a showdown, it still felt like forever since they could just be this.

Clay felt as Jack's fingers started to undo the buttons of his shirt - as usual, the cowboys face began to redden with a blush. Then the fabric was pulled away, and everything came to a stop as the tattoo he got was on show. A red heart with Jack's name on it, which was being lasso'd up. Clay's blush deepend,

"Got it the other day, so it's still a lil' sore...but well, seein' as you stole my heart, only fair I get to catch yours."

Clay knew how sappy that sounded, but for the moment he didn't care one bit. His voice softened, as he shyly asked,

"Y'all like it?"

| muse interaction

It was sometimes unbearable when Jack settled into Clay's lap, lips locked in a heated make-out session. Biting at Clay's lips, demanding entrance into their mouth. Tounges all in a tangle, Jack's arms were around Clay, and Clay's found their home on his hips. Holding Jack in a good spot, which allowed him to roll his hips, bringing his crotch up against Clay's own as he kept the motion up. Jack's breathing turned into heavy panting into Clay's own mouth. Kisses were being opened as Jack could feel the result of the friction he was causing by dry humping against Clay's own crotch.

Feeling Clay 'pitch a tent.' Just had Jack moan into the kiss, forcing him to finally break away from Clay's mouth as he ground down against Clay's bluge, listening to Clay's own soft moans escaping his mouth as Jack held on to Clay's broad shoulders a moment. Leaning in to start peppering kisses, trailing along Clay's jawline to their neck.

Jack was fully engrossed and lost in Clay. Soaking in those moaning breaths, loving the shade of red on their cheeks. How Clay whispered Jack's name, when their breath hitched, clearly getting worked up and turned on. Left a smile on his lips, knowing how easily he got Clay riled up like so lowering his hands down to rest on to Clay’s lap idly rubbing the bit of space available. Pulling away from their neck as he smirks at Clay. “My good boy, getting all worked up from just a bit of attention.” He teased gently as he played with the zipper of Clay’s jeans slowly dragging it down before he worked the buckle open. Just to give him an opening, sneaking his fringes into the opening so he could run them against Clay’s cover length that same mocking smirk still on his face. “Rock hard.”

He noted approvingly as if Clay had any control over that but he still let them know they were being good for him despite that fact. Jack moved to lean against clay moving his hands behind their neck as he starts to loosen the knot that kept their scarf tied. “It’s cute how worked up you get.” As if Jack wasn’t the one who always started to roll his hips the second they started to make out. Letting the scarf freely fall as he gently adjusted the leather collar they wore around his neck. Mostly admiring how nice it looked against his neck. As fingers started to make work on the buttons.

Jack was setting a mood, clearly in the mood, and Clay’s reciprocating told him they were feeling the same way.

As he slowly worked on opening up Clay's shirt, not yet fully unclothed yet the idea of Clay's clothing hanging loosely around Clay was an image Jack seeked. At least till he caught sight of color ink on Clay's chest.

"Wait, what's this?" Dropping the sultly sound in his voice, Jack tugged Clay's shirt over to have a better look. A red heart with Jack's name on it, which was surrounded by a lasso. "My name?" Was all he managed to get out from his surprise of seeing

"Got it the other day, so it's still a lil' sore...but well, seein' as you stole my heart, only fair I get to catch yours."

Jack's blush was faintly slowly growing deeper as he was thinking about the mere fact that Clay got a tattoo specially with Jack in mind. The corny little addition of meaning for the design, Clay went on to make it clearer. This was Clay's way of saying he wanted Jack's heart. Was that obvious? maybe. Well, for those who aren't Jack. But for Jack, it was like a physical constant bit of proof of the fact that Clay's here for something about Jack, that Jack would never see as worth seeking out from him. Jack was tentative with his touch, not outright touching the ink but the outer edge of it. Admiring the detailed lines for the rope and the coloring on the heart.

For some reason, it just wasn't registering that Jack's name was on this heart the lasso was aimed at. As usual, Clay had lassoed Jack before. They made his self-claimed black heart pitter patter quicker at the thought.

"Y'all like it?"

Jack was slow to look up, not even aware of the expression he wore. Eyes gleaming from the layer of tears glistening over his scarlet eyes. Smile, one Jack couldn't describe if asked, despite knowing a good few words.

"You got this cause...of me?" Was all he could seem to work out of his mouth. Jack knew Clay loved him he did course he did. He knew how much Clay wanted him even when Chase seemed to be seen as a threat to Clay. Jack knew as Clay phased it is that he couldn’t ‘quit’ him. Though Jack even admitted he didn’t fully know that. It’s something hard for him to believe or buy into that anyone could feel like this for Jack. To Jack, there was always a chance Clay would wake up and come to his senses. That he needed to try and not fall too in deep with his, fuck it, Love for Clay because it would hurt that much if not more the moment Clay did end things.

Yet?

He went and scared his body with an image meant to display something Clay wanted most. To capture Jack’s heart. One he has still been guarding sure he’s let Clay, offered it at moments. But, he hasn’t fully given it over. All because of fears that Clay has done nothing but eased the whole time they been together. But, Jack hasn’t fully given it over.

Clay was back to reading, preferring the feel of paper beneath his fingers as opposed to staring at a phone screen. Nothing beat that new book smell.

He glanced up, briefly, when he noticed Jack leave their desk to come and join him on the bed. Clay smiled gently as the evil genius made themselves comfortable between his legs; Clay didn't say a word of complaint.

Instead, he placed his book off to the side, and moved to wrap his arms around Jack's midsection. Chest pressing to their back, Clay leaned forward, until he was able to press a warm, lingering kiss to Jack's cheek.

He soon moved to rest his chin against their shoulder. He hummed softly, staring down at the game they were playing.

"What'cha playin' there?"

Clay already knew the answer, but he liked hearing Jack talk.

"What's that lil' fella y'all got there? You tryin' to catch him or somethin'?"

Clay just smiled more when Jack spoke; he'd prefer them speak his ear off all night, than them sit in silence.

| muse interaction

Jack rubbed at his eyes for a moment. They felt sore and dry, even his brain felt like mush; he was too tired to do any sort of thinking well in terms of specs and formulas, at least. Man's school workload was worse than it was in high school. Can't people understand he is a serious evil boy genius working to take over the world, yet he had to meet due dates and engage in brain-numbing discussion posts. And the worst of it all.

Group Project.

Where this Addy was clearly his number one nemesis here. Some people had other things going on, and he was still in time for the damn due date. Could she stop blowing up his messages!

Jack lead back in his chair letting his tried eyes rest for a moment. Not from being tried really just tried of staring at all this stupid work. Addy couldn’t even pick a good looking theme for the slide show they were putting together for their presentation. Why would anyone use that ugly ass brown color or whatever the fuck it was. Jack was have tempted to fake that his grandma had fallen gravely ill and leave her to do all the work since she wanted to have control over everything going on. But, two issues with that. Granny Spicer was already dead. And well Jack loved her to much to use her as an excuse that way, maybe he could claim Wuya was his grandma and claim she was ill instead? She was a ghost how much worse can you get from that after all?

Nah somehow he knew she find out.

Jack let his eyes open and his head turn to the side looking over to where his switch was. It had fully charged. Maybe a break was needed? Between school, Wu hunting, boyfriend entertaining and evil boy doing? Jack could use some gaming time. So he pushed against the flor letting the wheels of his chair roll over so he could take it from the dock before moving out from his seat. Jack turned it on, and booted up his Pokémon game. It had been his current fix for when he felt over worked lately. Jack liked the more technical aspects of the games it’s what he spent most his playing time time on, not so much progressing through the story. But, sereching for creatures with perfect stats or more suited to be the better fighters for his teams.

And of course he loved when his little pixel creatures coding resulted in a different color palate for them to be displayed with. The stars that appeared and the little twinkle sound even. The moment he saw it it just filled his little gamer heart and soul with a spike in seretoni.

Jack already had his current target in mind as he walked towards the pull out joining Clay. He happily settled between Clay’s legs uncaring that the action made the book move that Clay was currently ready in their down time. Jack settled into his method of finding his sought out creature as he felt Clay’s weight shift the mattress the springs creaking. Since he never used it till dating Clay the bed as finally getting broken in.

Jack felt the familiar warmth of Clay when their big, strong arms came around his waist and tugged him back till their chest pressed against his spine and their chin rested to his shoulder. Jack smiled for a second; even now, Clay couldn’t help but dish out that affection that seemed unending at all times. Sinking into Clay's embrace felt so good right now

"What'cha playin' there?"

"Pokemon" Clay knew that it had been the game Jack had been kind of obsessed over. Shifting a bit in their hold so he could comfortably hold his switch well, he just happily soaked in Clay around him. It melted away all his annoyance he was just riddled with before. All of that didn't matter anymore, all he cared about is that scent of hay and dirt after it's rained surrounding him. How Clay managed to always smell like fresh hay did make for an interesting mystery.

"What's that lil' fella y'all got there? You tryin' to catch him or somethin'?"

Jack smirked at the comment of the bull-like creature being referred to as little. When it was said to weigh 194.9 lbs. "Sort of, not this on excatly though." Jack said as he left from the bull creature he ran into returning and seeing another one. Before Jack went and reset the span again and then again before he contuined to speak.

"I want this one but I want it's rare coloring instead. But it's base odds of showing up is 1 in 4,096. I have an item that dose reduce the odds but its still 1 in 1,024. There's a few methods to make it go by faster, but theres no benches in the area so I can't use that. Leaving the area rerolls all the pokemon in the area as well. Benches make that easy cause it makes time pass. I get tried of just walking back and forth though. So i've been using fast travel." Jack explained to Clay knowing that there was just no way Clay would even understand like half of what he was saying.

"I need a bluky addtion to my team and this guy seemed a good fit but it's being a bitch and wont spawn in with the shiny- OH FUCK!"

Clay gently stroked Jack's back, having remained quiet as he found himself holding the evil boy genius most of the night. It wasn't the first time he had seen Jack like this, and every time, it made Clay worry. Keeping them close, Clay continued to draw patterns of Jack's back with his fingers, while he murmured gently to them,

"Ya'll bein' awfully clingy today..."

It wasn't a complaint, just an observation,

"...Wanna talk 'bout what's goin' on?"

Clay wouldn't force Jack to open up if they didn't want to, but he did want to make sure that they knew he was always there for him to talk to - no matter what.

| Muse interaction part 1

There was something Jack hadn't really thought about when it came to dating someone, and it was that apparently when you texted them that you want to see them they just show up. Or maybe that was just Clay. Getting a text from Jack suddenly being told that jack just wants to see him. It was far more a need to see him than a want at the moment. Jack just felt so lost, aimless. Jack knew he still wanted to be Heylin to take over the world even. To hunt Wu when they appeared. But what did that all mean without Wuya? Sure they spilt apart before. She ditched him for Mala mala Jong, she took Raimundo over him, the snow yeti beast even before. Heck Wuya even tried ditching him for Ashely of all people.

Thing was she always just came back. She would give a bad attempt of a sorry without really saying he was sorry but it was enough for Jack to see she wanted to partner up with him again. It’s just how they were they were both to prideful to say it but Jack knew it and he was sure Wuya knew it. they started off on a fated meeting but they built a connection between them. Wuya sure had to relie on him but she was there. And Wuya knew on some level eventually Jack would break down and accept the partnership agin.

Jack just grew attached he guessed. Even started to see it as a lasting thing. Jack was her fool, her silly boy. The one she yelled at and scolded.

Then she left. Jack kept waiting and waiting for Wuya to come back. He kept her necklace he made her safe. Jack kept the photo he got her to stay around for. Jack waited and waited eventually Wuya was going to go back to him right? She leave Chase and return to him. Jack was her boy first after all! He was always by her side..she was always by his own side.

Jack could feel his eyes threaten to wet with tears; he felt himself take in a deep, shuddering breath. Could feel Clay’s hand against his back. Their heaven Han moved across his slender back, drawing out patterns. Every so often, Jack focused on the movement of their fringes. Trying to mentally guess what shape they were making at the time. Sometimes it was a simple shape like a star or a square. Others it was random lines. Clay's touch was the only thing that would bring him out of it here and there. Sadly, his mind would plunge back into that same place.

Despite it all, Wuya was there from the start. She was around after she always came back. There had to be a reason she came back, right? Jack's relationship with his parents wasn't that hard to understand; hell, he's told Clay about them both. Jack could count the amount of time he's physically seen his Dad on one hand alone. Whenever his mother was around, he had a bad habit of clinging on to her and going into an anxious spiral when she would leave. He never knew when she would come back, fearing she might just not one day. The fact that she couldn't even tell the difference between him and a robot stung. Jack couldn't even be good at being her son?

Jack wasn't good at anything. Jack turned to being bad because he was so bad at everything else, it seemed the only last ditch effort he could manage to make happen. Be so bad he was good at it was the mindset least to Jack. Jack had no worth otherwise.

"Ya'll bein' awfully clingy today..."

Great now hw was being overbearing to his boyfriend.

That was his problem, wasn't it? Once someone came around he clung and it chased them off.

His Dad. Always just gone Jack would get a gift sometimes from him like the puzzle box.

His mother would be gone days at a time really only home if she had a function going on in Chain or a party was coming up.

His grandmother, she understood his whole evil needs. But even she wasn’t around.

Wuya..he thought could be different. She always came back but she hadn’t this time.

Hid Dad found his need to be an inventor to be too much, unnecessary. Never care to listen to anything Jack made all those years spent calling trying to tell his dad or find time to go to the office and show it even. The rare times he saw him he would even try only to be denied reminded he wouldn’t be ‘wasting’ his time on that sort of thing once he was of enough to take over the company.

His mom? Sure she was around at times but trying to get her to understand him. But, Jack just didn’t meet her societal expectations or her friends the lack of emotional validation was likely why he sought it out so much since she came around far more often. But, it wouldn’t matter the times he was gone she hardly was ever phased. Jack asked once if she noticed she didn’t till a few days later. When Jack told her he was off in New York she just off handle remarked how he’ like his farther he used to love running around the world too before he got into the business.

Wuya? Yeah he heard it all the time he was a failure, a fool, and idiot and so much more but she stuck around! She came back! Because she had no other options it was Jack or nothing and Jack was better than nothing. And maybe thats why this was hitting him.

"...Wanna talk 'bout what's goin' on?"

“…Sometime” Jack started with, he wouldn’t admit this was about Wuya. It wasn't even really about Wuya it was other issues he wasn't willing to give a name or voice to. Thinking ignorance made it better, but he still needed to voice it as he gripped tighter to Clay. Just holding on to him, not the shameless feeling over Clay’s muscles as Jack seemed to feel over Clay. Tentatively, like when testing the ice to make sure it was thick enough to support your weight. Or feeling out the ground to make sure it wouldn’t fall from under you. “Sorry..I know I'm being a lot right now."

Jack offered a faint smile looking up at Clay. And, he's glad he looked up seeing Clay's clear worried expression. The fact he came right away just for Jack.

"You ever think your the dragon of earth cause how stable you make me feel?" Jack said without really thinking. Lowering his head back down as he moved in closer to Clay letting his eyes shut just hiding against Clay. "I just...need to feel grounded and I thought of you right away cause you help me with that." Jack confesses. Likely not what Clay meant he might wanted to hear what was going on in Jack head but it was only like that because he felt like this now.

"I know ya gotta get back but please" It was hard to say that, but the plead was clear as his hold on Clay grew tighter. He asked before if he could keep them. Now he hoped Clay would never leave too. Jack can mange the loss of the rest but Clay?

"Its dumb but I didnt think telling mt boyfriend i wanted to see him would well get me that. And its just not as bad when you're here. Being in your arms like this? Like nothing can possibly touch me when were like this together...I guess I mean."

No he was far too deep now.