Title: Jack's Nightmare pt. 1 (of 2 parts, it is kind of long. you're welcome. i felt like this kind of story deserved more)

Summary: Takes place after Kickin' It in China where Jack is a little more traumatized from what happened than he let on. When nightmares stop him from getting the sleep he needs, how does Kim react?

Author's Note: So this is the over-due one-shot of a Jack hurt/comfort story. I always do Kim, which I do enjoy reading and writing, but at a certain point, it gets to be too much, you know?

I also want to thank the guest who commented about how much these stories mean to them. I understand why people don't really post on this fandom anymore, I just chose this as a fandom to hyper fixate on and I feel like I can write about almost anything and fit it into the narrative of Kickin' it. But your comment is what motivated me to finally finish up this story (I started writing this probably like 3 months ago. Again, I usually work on 0-6 stories at a time. I have no order.)

After that day on the Great Wall, Jack was in a solemn mood. The gang tried to cheer him up, goofing off as they usually did. It worked during the day, but at night all of Jack's fears and worries came back in full force.

The first night it was understandable when Jack couldn't sleep very well. The next morning the guys were quiet so Jack could sleep in, but he was already awake.

When Milton offered to bring him breakfast so he could sleep, Jack refused, saying he wasn't sure he could go back to sleep.

The guys just shrugged and together they went down to breakfast.

Kim hadn't been there and Jack freaked out when Jerry revealed that she hadn't yet answered his text telling her they were going to breakfast if she wanted to join them. No one had thought anything of it, they knew Kim was tired and wanted to sleep in. But Jack froze and practically sprinted back upstairs to the room she was staying in.

When he knocked, she didn't answer right away and he was impatiently pacing the hall.

When she did finally come to the door, rubbing her eyes with a yawn, she didn't notice the fearful expression on Jack's face melting to relief.

Jack briefly asked if she had seen Jerry's text and when she was confused, it was clear she had just been sleeping–just like the guys had said. Jack laughed it off, telling Kim he was sorry for waking her up (on the inside, he really wasn't sorry) and that he would wait for her to go down to breakfast.

Kim got dressed quickly and soon the pair rejoined the rest of the group for breakfast. Everyone had seemingly forgotten Jack's slightly strange behavior, everyone except Rudy. He kept a close eye on Jack, noticing all the things no one else did. The way his body was always angled between his friends and any entrance. The way he scanned the room every few minutes. The way his breathing halted when Eddie accidentally burnt his tongue or when Jerry dropped his fork with a loud clang. When Kim got up to get more orange juice, Jack stood up with her, within arms reach the entire time as he chatted with her.

The gang still had a few more days in China. They wanted to make a small trip out of it to explore the foreign country. At the end of breakfast, everyone talked about their plans and all the places they wanted to travel. So they dispersed, everyone agreeing to dress properly and meet in the lobby in half an hour.

"Jack," Rudy called before Jack could leave with the others. "Wait here a second."

Jack frowned, giving the others a small wave as he walked back to where Rudy was. "Hey, what's up?" he asked, glancing back at his friend to watch as they safely got in the elevator.

Rudy didn't miss that.

"Are you okay, Jack?" Rudy asked concerningly.

"Me?" Jack asked. "I'm fine," he shrugged stuffing his hands into his jeans.

"Are you sure? You just seem a little… on edge, lately," Rudy pointed out.

Jack frowned and looked at the ground.

"Jack, it's okay to feel a little scared or confused after what happened yesterday," Rudy pointed out. "What happened to you with Kai was traumatic. If you aren't okay-"

"I'm okay, Rudy," Jack promised, giving Rudy a small smile. "My wrist was just hurting a little, that's all. Really, I promise I'm all good."

Rudy searched Jack's face before sighing. "Okay. Go get ready, we're hiking first."

Jack smiled as he ran off to the room.

The hike up the mountain was incredible. Everyone was in awe at the beautiful landscape and the lush trees around them. It was so different than their home in California and so beautiful at the same time.

On the bus ride afterward, Kim still couldn't get over it.

"Wasn't it just so cool?" she sighed, staring up at the bus ceiling.

"Amazing," Milton agreed.

"Majestic," Eddie added.

"I mean," Kim continued. "Just think, it's all the same earth. Like yes, we're so far from California, but we're still connected. All this is just one planet. Isn't that incredible?"

"Totally," Jerry agreed.

Kim smiled. What a great trip. She couldn't wait for them to get to the city. She had been wanting to do some shopping. She could only find a present for Jack so far. It was just so easy for her to find things for Jack but she needed something for her sister.

"Jack?" Kim asked, suddenly realizing he had been quiet. She sat up and looked at the guys before they finally landed on Jack.

He was sitting next to Jerry, right behind her, with his head on the window. His eyes were shut and he was fast asleep.

"Oh," Kim realized quietly.

"At least he's sleeping now," Eddie said from beside her.

"What do you mean 'now'?" Kim asked, looking at the others.

"He didn't sleep last night," Milton chimed in. "Like, at all. He woke up when I was getting into bed and when we woke up this morning, he was still laying there, wide awake."

Kim's brows furrowed in concern. Jack hadn't slept last night? How was he not exhausted?

"Is he sick?" she asked, looking around.

Rudy shook his head. "I'm sure he's fine. I talked to him this morning."

Kim nodded, not completely convinced. "Okay…"

Kim turned back in her seat, staring out the window.

A few minutes later, she heard quiet whining and turned around. Jack was squirming in his seat, his mouth turned to a frown.

She looked to the side, but Jerry was occupied with Eddie and Rudy, they were having a contest to see who could hold their breath the longest.

"Useless…" she muttered, turning back to Jack.

When he started to get louder, she wasn't sure if something was wrong. He got louder, and it was now clear he was having some kind of nightmare.

Jerry seemed to notice and he looked at Kim with confusion.

Suddenly, Jack sat up with a start, gasping.

"A-are you okay?" Kim asked, unsure of what just happened.

Jack looked up at her eyes, studying her for a second before turning to look at the others in their seats. He looked out the window and around the bus, taking note of his surroundings and everyone around him.

"Yeah," he gulped. "I'm okay. Just a bad dream," he sighed, sitting upright.

"The guys said you didn't get very much sleep last night," Kim said.

Jack immediately turned to Jerry with a glare.

"Was it a bad dream last night, too?" Kim asked with concern.

"I'm fine," Jack insisted. "Nothing to worry about, honestly. I can handle a bad dream, Kim."

Kim sighed. "Okay." He wasn't a little kid, Kim knew he could handle himself. He was one of the strongest people she knew, she trusted him when he said he would be okay.

Jack had Kim, Rudy, and everyone else fooled for the rest of the day. He hid it all well and was able to laugh and joke with them. Kim and Milton corralled him into some antique shop and they actually saw some really cool things. Eddie, Rudy, and Jerry convinced him to go into an arcade, where they spent way longer than necessary and Jack ended up diffusing a sticky situation between Rudy and an old grandma.

On the long ride back to the hotel, everyone was tired and thus quiet.

Kim sat next to Jack, whispering to him quietly as she told him all about this and that. He was grateful, listening intently.

"-and I thought he was lost or something but really he was just the sweetest old man. I mean, the flower was pink and it was the exact right shade and that stuff only happens in movies, you know?"

Kim paused and Jack just hummed, really have no idea what she was talking about but enjoying it nonetheless

"It was just so magical. And then-"

At some point, even Kim fell asleep and Jack was left alone.

The next morning, everyone woke up feeling well-rested. The day before had been exhausting and the sleep they got had fully refreshed them.

Except for Jack.

Eddie practically jumped out of bed, the others not much different. They woke up easily, hopping around the room with a pep in their step.

Until they noticed Jack.

He was sitting up in his bed, rubbing his eyes. His phone was in his hand.

"Jack…" Milton said, taking note of him. "Did you sleep last night?"

Everyone slowed down as they turned to Jack to hear his answer.

"Yeah," he said, fighting another yawn. "Of course I did. I fell asleep right away last night, didn't I, Jerry?"

Everyone turned to Jerry for confirmation. "I mean, he did fall asleep."

"See," Jack said, succumbing to the yawn.

"And how long did you stay asleep?" Rudy asked pointedly.

Jack looked away guiltily.

"Jack?" Rudy asked, looking at the others.

Jack sighed in defeat. "I don't know… Not long." Jack swung his legs over the side of the bed and hurried his head in his hands.

Rudy sat on the bed across from Jack. "What's wrong, Jack? If your wrist is hurting that much we should get some more painkillers."

Jack shook his head. "It's not the wrist. Well, it hurts, but only a little. It's not that…"

"Then what is it?" Eddie asked.

"I just… keep having dreams. Unpleasant dreams. I'd rather be awake than see them every time I try to sleep," Jack explained vaguely.

"Nightmares?" Milton offered.

"Bad dreams," Jack insisted. "Look, I'm fine. I'm sure it'll go away."

Everyone wanted to argue but a knock on the door cut them off.

Eddie went to open it, revealing Kim waiting on the other side.

"Good morning!" she greeted happily, wide awake and fully dressed for the day. It seemed the guys weren't the only ones who were well-rested.

"Oh good, are you all awake?" Kim asked, stepping into the room.

"All but Jack," Eddie muttered.

Kim took a quick once over of the room, noting the somber expression and Rudy sitting closer to Jack who was still in bed and looked like death.

"What's wrong?" she asked. "Jack?"

Jack took a breath before forcing a smile. "Nothing. Go head down to breakfast with the guys, I'll change and meet you there."

"Oh," Kim said, looking at the others before doing ad Jack said. "Okay… See you soon?"

"Yep," Jack said with a smile. He looked over at Rudy before going to his suitcase.

Kim went down to breakfast with everyone else, sensing that Jack was hiding something.

"Is Jack okay?" she asked in the elevator, unable to stop thinking about it. "He seemed tired."

"He didn't sleep. Again," Milton said tactlessly.

"What?" Kim gasped, turning around.

"Bad dreams," Jerry said mockingly. "At least, that's what he said."

Kim's heart dropped. Jack had seemed tired yesterday morning but she had hoped he would at least get some sleep last night.

"Nightmares, more likely," Eddie said. "Bad dreams don't keep people awake like that."

"Rudy?" Kim asked, turning to their Sensei.

Rudy frowned. "He's acting tough, but something is really bothering him. He doesn't want to talk about it, so we'll just have to be mindful and patient with him. Maybe you can talk to him?"

Kim nodded immediately. If she could help figure out what was wrong she would do it in a heartbeat.

When Jack finally made an appearance, Kim had saved a seat for him right next to her.

Jack took his seat, greeting everyone with a nod but not bothering to participate in the conversation any more than that.

Kim turned to him, watching him closely. He didn't bother to get food, and that concerned Kim. He was a growing boy and always hungry.

"Jack," she rasped quietly.

Jack turned to look at her and Kim knew his fatigue was making him slow.

"Take my plate," she sighed. "I'm done eating."

Jack looked between Kim and her food. Usually, she was very territorial about it.

"Go ahead," she nodded.

Jack gave her a grateful nod and slowly began munching on some toast.

"How'd you sleep?" she asked casually.

"Fine," Jack mumbled with a shrug.

"Jack!" Kim finally snapped. "I can see the bags under your eyes," she hissed.

"Okay fine, I didn't sleep well. Why are you mad at me?" Jack asked angrily, shooting Kim a sideways glance.

Kim sighed in frustration. "I'm not mad at you. I'm trying to help you."

"I don't need help," Jack spat, pushing Kim's plate away. "So you can stop annoying me about it."

Kim huffed, having no desire to talk to Jack when he was going to be so short with her. "I only wanted to help," she huffed, folding her arms and leaning back.

Jack felt bad for snapping at Kim, but he was so tired he couldn't think straight. She stayed quiet at first, ignoring him, but then she started laughing at something Jerry said, and pretty soon she was back to normal and he was left to sulk alone.

Jack hadn't even realized he had dozed off until his head hit the table with a loud bang.

Rubbing his forehead, he saw the others looking at him with concern, but they knew better than to question him when he was in a bad mood.

When they were out for the day, Kim kept an eye on Jack.

Even though he was cranky and rude to her, she couldn't help but care about him. She knew something was wrong and someone had to take care of him.

They were at a museum when Kim saw Jack falling asleep on a bench.

Kim sat down next to him, looking closely.

"Jack, are you sure you're okay?" she asked quietly.

"Fine," Jack muttered without even opening his eyes.

Kim frowned and somehow Jack could sense it. He opened his eyes to confirm.

"I'm fine, Kim," he said again, gentler.

"You're falling asleep," she argued.

"What can I say, it's a museum," Jack deadpanned. "When have museums ever not made me fall asleep?"

Kim smiled and let out a small giggle at the comment that was so like Jack. It was enough to convince her that he would be fine.

"Seriously, Kim," Jack added. "I'll be here. Get off this bench and go look at everything, I know you're curious. Just come find me when you're all ready to go," Jack instructed.

Kim was hesitant to leave him but Jack was right about her curiosity.

After the museum, Jack was in a bad mood. Again.

Kim tried to figure out why. Her best guess was that his little nap made him even more tired, but that didn't quite explain his strange behavior.

He was suddenly very physical with her, he would grab her hand to cross the street, would wrap an arm around her as they walked. Kim admittedly liked it, but she found it strange. Even more so because Jack could barely keep his eyes open yet he seemed so intent on touching her and having her near.

And despite the sweet actions, his words were anything but. He was short and rude to everyone, snapping an answer or snarky remark every time a question or comment was directed at him. He had called Milton a pushover, implied Eddie was an idiot, and claimed that Rudy was irresponsible. Everyone knew he was tired, but his words still hurt. It didn't take long for everyone to stop talking to him.

When Rudy gave everyone a choice to either head to the market or go back to the hotel to rest for a little, Kim was tempted to go to the market. But one look at Jack told her he needed to lie down.

"Well I could use a nap," Kim said.

"Okay," Rudy nodded. "Does anyone want to go back with Kim?" He asked.

"I could also go back," Milton offered.

"Okay, anyone else?"

When nobody else said anything, Rudy looked at Kim. He trusted her and Milton, but he would have liked at least someone else to go with them. Just in case.

"Jack?" Kim said, looking over at him. "Can you come with us?"

Jack blinked slowly as he looked at Kim. "Me? Oh, yeah, uh, sure…"

Kim smiled. Good. Jack wasn't going to fight her.

"Okay, so you three will go back. The rest of us, let's head to the market. We'll all meet up back at the hotel in time for dinner," Rudy instructed.

Kim, Milton, and Jack made their way back to the hotel. Kim made sure Jack got up to their room, praying that he would have the sense to take a freaking nap. She left him there with Milton and went to her own room to get some rest.

Kim fell asleep but woke up soon after. She lay in bed for a while before she couldn't help herself. She was out of bed and walking down the hall before she really knew why.

"Kim?"

Kim looked up and saw Milton walking out of the room.

"Hey, Milton. What's up? Where are you going?"

Milton bit his lip as he held up a small container. "I was just about to get some ice. I- I think Jack might be having another nightmare. I thought some ice water would be nice for when he wakes up."

Kim frowned. Another nightmare meant less sleep for Jack. Again.

Sensing Kim's concern, Milton offered the room key.

"You can go check on him. I just didn't want to wake him, you know?"

"Yeah," Kim agreed. "We should let him sleep. But I'll just make sure he's okay." Kim took the card gratefully and quietly crept into the room.

Jack was on the bed, his labored breathing was loud and he shook every once in a while, mumbling something unintelligible.

Kim watched, stopping herself from waking him from whatever was going on in his mind. She knew how much he needed sleep and she wanted to let him have as much as he could.

I'll post part two soon. Hopefully, like right now. but I still have to edit it so if I get interrupted it may be a day. But i'm also watching criminal minds rn so i have plenty of time.