@pantheeons (for ryder as promised)
the wooden steps groaned under jack's weight as he approached the cabin, the toolbox heavy in his hand. the sun was beginning its descent, casting long shadows through the trees. he didn't bother knocking twice, just one firm rap against the doorframe. it swung open almost immediately.
ryder was leaned against the frame, a slow smile spreading across his face.
jack's gaze was steady as he took in the sight. "you said the shutter was broken again?"
his eyes flickered toward the window, then back to the younger man. a little sigh escaped him.
jack's gaze followed his to the window. the shutter hung crookedly, one hinge clearly pulled away from the frame, leaving it hanging at an awkward angle. he could see the fresh splintering around the screws, the kind of damage that didn't happen from normal wear and tear. another broken thing. another excuse. it was a pattern he'd come to recognize, one he didn't bother questioning anymore. there was a strange comfort in it, this predictable dance of pretense.
"right," jack said, setting his toolbox down with a soft thud. "terrible."
he straightened up, his shoulders stretching the fabric of his flannel, the scar across his cheek caught the light as he turned his head slightly. his brown eyes met ryder's, holding no judgment, only a quiet acknowledgment of the game they were playing. why jack pretended ryder's efforts were an annoyance? he didn't know.
"guess i'm gonna get to work," jack said, his voice dropping to a lower register while assessing the damage, rummaging through his tools to find the proper one.