Two's Company
CHUGGA-chugga CHUGGA-chugga CHUGGA-chugga CHUGGA-chugga…
Sam had never really thought of train tracks as relaxing, but they had to admit: it was pretty hard to focus on their book at the moment.
Or maybe it was the company.
Said company had his arm around their shoulder, absentmindedly stroking their arm as he read along.
It was one of those rare moments when they were completely alone in the car. Evie and Henry had gone to India for something or other, Agnes was reaming out the engineer for taking turns too fast, the rooks were cautious about being in Jacob's room on account of the last time they'd entered unannounced, and whoever would've usually been hanging around admiring the books and keepsakes was strangely absent.
Not that Sam was complaining.
CHUGGA-chugga CHUGGA-chugga CHUGGA-chugga…
"Hey, who's that?" They pointed at the portrait on the wall with a red X over the face. The Target Wall was always full of portraits, mostly changing every few months as one plot ended and another began, but that man with the mustache and receding black hairline always remained.
"Maxwell Roth. He was the leader of the Blighters, and a…former partner of mine."
Sam drew out of Jacob's grip and turned to face him with confused surprise, snapping their book closed and setting it on top of the safe..
"Partner like us, or just business partners?"
Jacob chuckled "Just business partners, love."
"And why, pray tell, were you doing business with a Templar?"
Jacob smiled as he pulled Sam down with him and wrapped his arms around their back.
CHUGGA-chugga CHUGGA-chugga CHUGGA-chugga…
"It's a long story," he said, planting a kiss on their forehead and holding them close to his chest.
Sam sighed and breathed in his scent, and Jacob did the same. Sleep wasn't far off, now.
"I could lie here forever."
"Me too, darling." Jacob stroked their hair as Sam's eyes slipped shut. "Me too."
CHUGGA-chugga CHUGGA-chugga CHUGGA-chugga CHUGGA-chugga CHUGGA-chugga CHUGGA-chugga…