I love you.

Jack heard those words so often and by so many different people he no longer believed that they even meant anything.

When he entered the Mercier household he again heard those words. Those three simple words that meant abouslately nothing. The only thing was…here they did. They meant something, because when they were used more went with it.

Bright eyes, bear hugs, cheek kisses from Evenly, laughter and just pure and simple happiness.

The first time Evenly says she loves him, Jack cowers in his room. He doesn't believe her, he wants to…but he doesn't.

He gets into a fight one day while waiting to be picked up from school. Well, it's not so much as a fight as in someone beating the out of him for being 'so faggy looking'. Jack didn't make the situation any better by stating that wasn't even a word.

He's bruised, y and nearly unconscience when he hears a door slam in the distant then seconds later his attackers screams.

When he peels his eyes open to look he sees Bobby's fist smashing into the other man's jaw. His knee crushing against his stomach, fighting in a vicious, brutal fashion, Jack lifts himself up, watching in stunned silence.

Bobby grabs the man's collar and shakes him, "You ever so much as look at my little brother again and I'll kill you."

His tone is so harsh and cold it sends shivers down Jack's spine. He's never heard anyone promise so well.

When he's settled in Bobby's car and their miles away, Bobby's hand strayed to Jack's face. Fingertips lightly brushed over his swollen cheeks.

"God damn it, Jackie. I'm sorry I wasn't there sooner."

Jack shook his head, "It's ok."

"No it ain't." Bobby hissed, letting his hand fall to Jack's thigh. "I won't let anyone hurt you like that again. I promise."

Jack nodded.

"I…I love you, kid. And I promise I'm gonna take care of you." Bobby whispered, his eyes locked on the road.

Jack glanced sideways in surprised. Shock radiated through him.

The words he knew…but the truth behind them was new.

Jack felt his lips curve into a smile, the pain suddenly gone, he believed him.