Title: The Family Dream
Author: veiledndarkness
Summary: Waiting for the answer.
Pairing: Bobby and Jack.
Warning: Not mine, I just play with these guys. A family story of sorts.
000
Jack stirred the green beans in the pot on the stove, his teeth clenched lightly as the background noise behind him grew to a nearly unbearable level. Caitlyn ran through the kitchen, her high pitched giggles trailing like bubbles, several colorful ribbons grasped in her hand as she ran past Jack.
Jack bit the inside of his cheek before giving his daughter a wide smile. She wrapped her small arms around his legs and beamed up at him, her cheeks flushed and her eyes glowing.
"Daddy, look!" she said, holding up her handful of ribbons. She smiled expectantly as he leaned down and examined them closely.
"Wow, where'd you get those Caitie?" he asked, feigning confusion.
"Gramma Evie," she said proudly. Jack nodded. "I think maybe you should put those in your room. You can use them for tomorrow for your scrapbook."
With that, Caitlyn ran upstairs, whooping loudly as she skipped every second stair. Jack rubbed the side of his head with the tips of his fingers. He looked up wearily as Bobby stepped into the room.
"You look like you need to sleep," Bobby said as he pulled Jack close to him, hugging him tightly. Jack closed his eyes, yawning softly.
"I'll sleep later," he mumbled. Bobby kissed the side of his head where the headache throbbed. Jack slipped away from Bobby and turned the heat off under the pot.
Wordlessly, Bobby began to set the table. Caitlyn returned moments later, her happy squeals at seeing Bobby filling the room. She ran over to him, her arms over her head, demanding a hug.
Bobby scooped her up and chatted quietly with her while Jack served up their dinner. Jack grimaced as his headache grew stronger, his stomach twisting nervously. Bobby kept up a steady conversation with both Caitlyn and with Jack, aware of his edginess, of the way he watched the clock.
At a loss for words, Jack pushed his food around. The sudden shrill ring of the phone cut the air. Jack shot out of his chair, skidding across the floor and grabbing the receiver before gasping out a breathy "Hello?"
Bobby watched with interest as Jack's face paled, as his eyes grew wider and felt his own heart rate speed up. He shushed Caitlyn and pulled her close. Jack nodded several times before whispering a "thank you," and hanging up the phone.
He staggered over to the table and sat down, his hands shaking. "Well?" Bobby said, half demanding, half nervous.
Jack looked up at him, his eyes glimmering with unshed tears. "They said yes," he murmured.
Bobby was up and over to him before he could blink. He swept Jack up and was kissing him, stealing his breath, making him gasp helplessly. Caitlyn giggled once before wrapping her arms around their legs.
"Do I have to share my room with him?" she asked suddenly, a tiny frown on her face.