Disclaimer: Not mine I'm afraid. Tragic ain't it.
Author Notes: I'm so glad this story is well liked thus far! I've been fairly busy as of late, but I hope this chapter is to everyone's liking!
Buddy
When Jack's door clicked shut, Shawn broke out of his reverie. He shook himself out of his frozen shock, and bolted past Eric, up the stairs and into Jack's room without knocking. Jack was sitting on his bed, holding his head in his hands.
"Jack.." Shawn breathed, unsure of what exactly to do. If it was Cory, he would hug him or talk to him. He'd do something to make it better. With Cory however, it was never this serious. He wasn't sure what to do for Jack. Shawn was nearly bowled off his feet when Eric shouldered on by. He bee lined straight to Jack before sitting down and putting his arm securely around Jack's shoulders.
"Aw buddy, what can I do?" Eric murmured soothingly. Jack's teeth were grit and his face pulled tightly. He was trying his best not to bawl. Not to break down in his friends hold and cry until there were no more tears. He wouldn't, no couldn't do that.
Shawn was surprised at how easily Eric and Jack had become friends. They were put into an apartment together, and had become best friends. Not even over time, but as if they went to sleep strangers and woke up best friends. He was a little envious he wasn't as close to his brother as that.
"Could you take notes for me?" Jack's voice brought Shawn out of his inner monologue and he was surprised that's what he had said. Take notes? His mom had just died and he was worried about school?
"Yeah buddy, I'll take notes." Eric agreed, watching as Jack began to smooth out his pants. When Jack was upset, or frazzled, he fiddled with his clothing. He smoothed it out over and over again.
"I should pack." Jack mumbled. "I have to pack tonight, and I'll talk to my teachers tomorrow," He glanced at the clock. "I mean later today. It's late you should be sleeping," Rambling was another tick. That proved to Shawn just how upset Jack really was. The fact that Eric called me Buddy more than once was also a testament of how worried he was. Shawn and Eric exchanged a glance.
"I'll help you pack" Shawn heard his own voice offer.
"And I'll take you to the airport on Thursday." Eric said, squeezing Jack's shoulders lightly.
"You guys don't have to do that." Jack's voice was tired and flat.
"Of course we don't." Eric agreed. "But you're my best friend, and Shawn's your brother, we're gonna help ya man." Jack nodded gratefully, eyes downcast.
"Maybe we should sleep…I, um, we can do this later." He cleared his throat lightly and Eric and Shawn exchanged another glance, speaking volumes of what they couldn't say.
"Ok." Eric agreed. "But you know where to find me if you need anything."
"That goes for me too." Shawn tact on hollowly. Jack's smile was empty but he nodded and the two boys left him alone. Only when he was alone could he cry.