AN: SURPRISE! Lol I decided to update a day early. Call it a gift from me to you on this lovely Christmas Day.
***TRIGGER WARNING: Please be aware that this chapter has mentions of physical abuse.***
Chapter 13
Listen here, you little shit,
I have been lenient for far too long and now I find my patience is wearing thin. If you refuse to return to your mother's house by Thanksgiving, I will send someone to retrieve you and they will not be nearly as kind as I am. The next time I see you, I will make you regret ever ignoring my first missive. Any more of this monk bullshit and I will kill you with my bare hands, family business be damned.
C.K.
Jack could hear his heartbeat in his ears. He was so dead. What was he going to do? He couldn't just leave! He had just started understanding his element! What would Master Fung say? What would Chase say?
"What's this?" The letter was suddenly snatched out of Jack's hands and his head snapped up to see Raimundo.
"Give it back!" He yelped, trying to grab it back. Raimundo laughed, jumping out of the way, holding the letter just out of reach.
"Why d'you want it so bad, huh?" He taunted, "Is it from a girlfriend or better yet, a boyfriend?"
"Screw you!" Jack shouted as Raimundo sneered at him.
"Now, what's going on here?"
Clay, who'd been practicing his roping, had wandered over. Kimiko and Omi weren't far behind, the squabble interrupting their gaming session.
"Give it back!" Jack yelled again, this time louder, ignoring them. He lunged at Raimundo who shoved his hard. With a yelp, he landed in the dirt.
"Rai!"
"This is no way for Wudai Warriors to behave!"
"Listen here, you little shit. Ooo, someone's not a big fan of you, Spicer." Raimundo taunted with a smirk, continuing to read the entire letter aloud. His voice trailed off as he started to feel sick. What was this? The other monks had fallen silent, their protests eventually dying away in shock. He swallowed hard and looked in horror from the letter to Jack.
Jack's resolve crumbled. Unable to stop them, sobs clawed their way up his throat and out, tears bubbling up and spilling over. The others were frozen, not knowing what to do. The letter now loose in Raimundo's hand, Jack grabbed it, scrambled to his feet, and ran. He fled the gardens and sped into the residential hall. He turned a corner sharply and hit something solid. The something- no, someone- grabbed his upper arms.
"Spicer?"
Jack looked up, still sobbing horribly, to see Chase. Before he could react, Jack broke free from his grasp and left quickly, locking himself in his lab.
Chase was absolutely baffled, concern so heavy it was etched onto his face. What had set Spicer off? He heard shouting from the gardens and made his way there.
"What the frick is wrong with you, Rai?!" Kimiko was yelling furiously.
"How was I supposed to know it was going to say shit like that?!"
"Raimundo, partner, that was lower than a dog's fleas."
"A real warrior knows when enough is enough!"
"What happened?" Chase's voice cut through the noise like a knife and the monks fell into a tense silence. He glared expectantly at them, arms crossed, "Well?"
"Raimundo here thought it'd be a fantastic idea to read Jack's letter aloud to the group." Clay started.
"But there were a lot of awful words and it made Jack really upset." Omi jumped in.
"I think Jack's in trouble, Chase." Kimiko said quietly. Chase looked at her sharply, realizing her eyes were a little misty.
"Trouble?"
"It-it sounded like someone was threatening him…" Raimundo offered, ears red with shame. Even he knew he'd gone too far. Chase rounded on him.
"I thought I'd asked you not to antagonize Spicer any further," Chase growled, fixing Raimundo with and icy glare as the boy swallowed, "I see my threats have fallen on deaf ears."
"Hey, look, I-!" Raimundo broke off with a yelp as Chase seized the front of his shirt.
"Chase Young, release my student at once." Master Fung had arrived. He was frowning severely enough to make Kimiko, Clay, and Omi all take a step back. Chase relaxed his grip.
"I would advise that you leave discipline at the temple to me," Master Fung suggested, eyebrow raised. Chase fully released Raimundo, stepping away, "Now, young monks, I want a full explanation of why an inconsolable Jack Spicer has locked himself in his lab."
The monks had enough grace to look properly ashamed of themselves.
-oOo-
For the remainder of the day, Jack stayed holed up in his lab, bent over his desk, choosing to channel his focus into a project instead. He'd long since stopped crying but couldn't bring himself to show up to lunch. The back of his neck prickled in embarrassment and he shoved the feeling down. Just when he thought he was starting to get along with the other monks… And now this shit.
Dammit, he'd fused the wrong wires again! In a burst of rage, Jack swept everything off his desk with a series of crashes. He raised his fist to bring it down on the table. Someone caught his forearm and he spun, ready to fight whoever it was.
Chase was standing there, frowning in… Concern? Disappointment? Jack couldn't tell. All he knew was that suddenly, it all hurt too much. His breath got stuck in his chest, catching on a sob, and he buried his face in the crook of his free arm. He wanted desperately to hide. How pathetic could he get? Sniveling in front of Chase Young.
Something curled up and ached in Chase's chest. He hated seeing Spicer like this. No… He hated seeing Jack like this.
Not giving his infamous pride time to stop him, Chase pulled Jack against him, wrapping his arms around the distraught teen. One of his hands stroked the hair on the back of the other's neck in comfort, not speaking. Jack clung back, weeping openly into Chase's shoulder.
They stood there for quite a long time. When Jack's sobs gave way to soft sniffling, Chase pulled back. Jack's eyes were swollen and sparkling with tears, face flushed miserably. Chase sighed, keeping his hands on Jack's upper arms.
"You can not hide in here forever." He chastised softly.
"I-I c… I can try…" Jack choked out, head bowed in shame.
"And let them think they won? I won't allow it," Chase moved one hand, placing it under Jack's chin and lifting his face up, "Remember this: no one can make you feel inferior without your consent."
Jack blinked as he processed this, a few more big tears rolling down his cheeks. Then, after a moment, he smiled weakly.
"Eleanor Roosevelt…"
Chase released Jack's chin, his expression shifting slightly to something more serious.
"Kimiko informed me that you may be in trouble."
"Y-yeah, I…" Jack sniffled, "My dad, he… He's not happy about me being here."
"I think you ought to know," Chase said silkily, voice low, "If you need me to, I can handle it. Just say the word and I'll make him disappear." Jack's eyes widened a fraction in shock.
"No! Chase! I-I'm flattered," Jack stuttered, face warm, "But he's my dad! Asshole as he may be…"
"Very well," Chase conceded, folding his arms. He gave Jack a stern look, "Now, I know you'd like to spend all day here but you mustn't; you didn't eat lunch and you will not be in your lab on an empty stomach. I expect you to be at dinner. Am I clear?"
"Crystal." Jack sighed, scrubbing at his eye.
-oOo-
Dinner was eaten in absolute silence. Jack sniffled, picking at his food. There was a large fish on the table, head attached, covered in spices. It was staring at him with wide glassy eyes. Typically, he didn't mind seafood. He just wasn't hungry. After a couple of bites, he finally gave up, settling for the soft comfort of steamed rice.
Not even the other monks spoke to each other. Omi opened his mouth a couple of times like he might speak but Clay met his eye, shaking his head. Kimiko reached over under the table, touching his knee gently. When he looked at her in question, she tilted his phone so he could see the screen.
R U ok?
He shrugged a bit, managing a weak smile. She smiled back encouragingly before going back to her own food.
Close towards the end of the meal, Master Fung stepped onto the pavilion, Chase right behind him like a strange Heylin shadow.
"Jack," Master Fung said quietly. "With me."
Nodding slowly, Jack stood. He followed the two men across the courtyard and into a private office, the Temple's official office. Master Fung took his seat in the chair behind the desk.
"Gentlemen, take a seat."
Jack and Chase obliged. Jack sank into the soft armchair, tucking his knees against his chest. He had a feeling he knew what this conversation was going to be about and so much he wished he could disappear on the spot. Shrink down until he 'poof'ed out of existence. Quietly. Discreetly.
"Firstly, I wish to apologize on behalf of Raimundo. He is my charge while here at the Temple and nothing could possibly excuse his actions and behavior. Now, I have spoken to Raimundo about what has happened today and will be expecting far better of him from here on out."
"You're right," Chase hissed, "Nothing could excuse his behavior," Master Fung sighed as Chase continued, "I would have thought that you would watch your Xiaolin Dragons more closely seeing the heavy responsibilities they have. Surely, they wouldn't stoop as low as bullying one of their own. Apparently-!"
"I have failed you, Jack." Jack, who'd been staring at a very fascinating spot on his knee, looked up at Master Fung. The old man seemed weary, tired behind the aged eyes.
"N-no, it's not your fault," He stuttered, "Raimundo's just an ass."
Chase snorted.
"While I appreciate you thinking so, I will do what I can to ease the situation," Master Fung said, "For example, all trips away from the temple will be chaperoned by an elder monk or…"
And it suddenly became apparent why Chase had been invited along to this meeting.
"If you think for one moment that I will be letting those little heathens out of my sight, you are not as wise as I'd deemed you."
Master Fung inclined his head, choosing not to comment on his monks being referred to as 'little heathens'.
"Now, Raimundo's unfortunate behavior aside, I have a far more pressing matter to discuss with you," (Jack's blood ran cold), "The contents of the letter."
"Th-that's… It's just my dad. He wants me to go home."
"I find it interesting that a father would speak to his son in a manner such as this." Master Fung smoothed out a horrifyingly familiar piece of paper in front of him and Jack thought he might be sick. When had he…? Chase, he realized with a jolt. Chase must've snagged the letter from his lab when he wasn't looking.
"That's the second letter," Jack elaborated, trying desperately to keep his voice from shaking, "He's just made that i didn't go home when he told me to the first time."
"This is a threatening letter, Jack," Master Fung pressed gently, "If you are in any danger at all, I need to be made aware."
As Jack opened his mouth to protest, something moved fast in his periphery. His hands flew up, head ducking. His entire body curled in upon itself. His heart galloped in his chest, pounding painfully against his ribcage as his breath hitched.
Chase had moved, his hand gripping the arm of Jack's chair. He'd moved to make his presence known, to let the young man know he was there, to offer comfort of some sort. Jack's reaction, however, had Chase's mind whirling and questioning everything he knew about him.
"Spicer, I am going to ask you something and I need you to answer truthfully," He struggled to keep his voice steady, "Does he hit you?"
Jack's throat went very dry. His hands began to shake and he tucked them safely in his lap. He swallowed. Now he really wanted to disappear. Stupid, pathetic, idiotic…
"Jack," His head shot up to look at Chase in shock. He'd said his name. Chase had said his name. There wasn't an echo of a sneer, smirk, or laugh. He was serious. "We need to know."
The moment of silence might've stretched a century. Finally, taking a deep, shaky breath, Jack spoke.
"I'm the family disappointment, Chase," His voice was tired, empty, "Of course, he hits me."
"You cannot return there." Chase said immediately.
"I agree," Master Fung added quietly, "As it is, anyone who wants to take you away from the Temple will be meeting with me first. I have failed at protecting you up to this point. I shall not be failing you again, Jack, you have my word."
Something uncoiled in Jack's chest; he knew Master Fung's words to be sincere. He could stay. He was safe. The tension drained out of him and tears burned in his eyes. He wiped his eyes and nose with his sleeves, sniffling for what felt like the fiftieth time that day. Master Fung smiled kindly at him.
"As a rule of thumb, please bring any other threatening missives to either Chase or myself. We will handle the situation accordingly," Jack nodded, not trusting himself to speak without sobbing, "Go eat something. You did not have much for dinner."
Chase led Jack from the office, one hand on his upper back, guiding him out. Master Fung sighed, burying his face in his hands. How could he have not seen this before now?
-oOo-
If Jack hadn't had an appetite before, he certainly didn't now. Chase, after he'd refused to eat, had taken him directly to his bunk.
"If you aren't going to eat, then you're going to bed. Don't argue this with me, Spicer."
He huffed but crawled under his blanket anyway. Honestly, the warlord was so stubborn… That was how Kimiko found him, pouting flat on his back on his mat. He sat up when she closed the curtain behind her.
"Kimiko? What's up?"
"We need to talk."
Jack sighed. He figured it'd been coming. She had, after all, heard the contents of the letter like every other damn person. Kimiko sat beside him, crossing her legs beneath her. Remorse was written all over her face.
"I'm sorry…"
"No, Kimi, look," Jack held up his hand, exasperated," It wasn't your fault, okay?"
"But-!"
"No."
She sighed before finally conceding with a nod.
"Jack, are you in trouble? We're all worried about you."
"I'll be fine. Master Fung and Chase are handling everything."
"He's abusive, isn't he. Your father." She said it quietly but it still hit Jack like a mallet to the face. He looked away, picking at a small hole in his blanket, "Jack? Tell me he's not abusive."
"Remember last year," He questioned, "When the Jinghai Goggles were revealed? I didn't show up, just Wuya?"
"Yeah…?"
"I wasn't there because dad pushed me down the stairs," Kimiko covered her mouth with her hand in horror, "I had a really bad bruise on my cheeks and a nasty cut on my eyebrow, there was no way I was going to show up."
"Jack, I…"
"What, Kimiko? What?" Anger swelled in his chest, "That's just how it is! Was! Whatever. Besides, it was my fault. Shouldn't have picked a fight at the top of the staircase."
"Bullshit, Jack!" Kimiko burst out and he blinked, "Your fault? Your fau- None of this is your fault, got that? None of it! If I ever meet your dad, I'm gonna kick his ass!" Jack leaned back against the bunk wall, stunned into silence. Kimiko crossed her arms and added with a huff, "Although, Chase might beat me to it."
"Nah, I've already asked him not to."
Kimiko snorted. She smirked lightly, eyes glittering.
"Speaking of Chase, the man obviously likes you."
"Likes me? Are you crazy?" Jack squeaked, cheeks warm. Kimiko rolled her eyes, exasperated.
"Did you know he threatened Raimundo after Yangshuo?" She teased lightly, "And again today? He cares, Jack. You'd have to be blind not to see it."
Jack gaped at her. Chase had threatened Raimundo? Twice? For him? Who did that? Chase Young apparently!
"L-look…" He said slowly, "It's not like that. We're just… Actually getting along! We're friends! It's fine!"
"You're in denial," Kimiko disagreed, standing, "But whatever."
"He doesn't like me!" He called after her as she left.
"Good night, Jack!"
"Good… night."
On his back on his mat again, Jack reflected, mind abuzz. Him and Chase had gotten closer, that much was true. But like him? Chase? That was absolutely absurd!
And yet… He rolled onto his side, curling up. Completely wonderful. So much, more than anything, Jack wished he could somehow find the courage to grab Chase's hair (which was surely silky-soft) and lay a kiss on the warlord. What did he taste like? Would he grip Jack's hips in return, hard enough to leave fingertip bruises on his skin? He sighed, so heavy with longing, it anchored him to the mat.
Jack needed to stop dreaming big enough to break his own heart.
-oOo-
AN: Phew. This was a tough chapter to write. Jack's going through a lot right now. For my Raimundo fans out there, this is a turning point. He won't get any nastier than this, I assure you.
Merry Christmas, y'all. Or Happy Holidays. Whichever you're comfortable with, I hope you have a good day.
Next update will be on January 2nd. While you're waiting, go check out my friend BaiLong05; she just posted a Chase/Jack Christmas two-shot as well. And keep watching her! You'll be glad you did. ;)
-P3ac3fulFor3st