Run and Hide
Disclaimer: I don't own anything, I'm just playing with the characters. I'll give them back eventually.
A/N: Thanks to everyone for reading and reviewing! Much appreciated! :) To Mystery (since I can't answer you directly) - there's a small scene (as in itty bitty LOL) in here with Jamie/Erin and another later on in a different chapter. I'm not as good at writing the female characters for some reason, so they're not too big. And as for Jamie telling the family of what Jake wanted Cole to do to him, no, I wasn't going to have that happen... since nothing actually happened, I don't feel there's that much relevance, and I'm not sure I want to get into that theme anyway. If I did it would be very, very brief. Thanks for the questions! :) To "anon" - we'll see. ;)
Anyway, I've decided to update after a rather hectic week - and next week's just scary. O_o As for the story, now that the action part is done I'm really hoping the rest of this hasn't/doesn't become boring. Traffic stats are funny that way. ;)
Onward!
Chapter 11
Frank walked down the hall of the hospital to Jamie's room. He was there to finally pick up his son and take him home. He could hear agitated voices coming from inside the room.
"Mr. Reagan, it's procedure for the patient to use the wheelchair while leaving the hospital. Please sit down!"
"I can walk just fine!"
"We don't want anything to happen to you while you're on your way out." the nurse grumbled, pushing the wheelchair towards her stubborn patient.
Frank walked into the room, amusement playing at his features as he took in the scene. A middle-aged nurse with her dark hair pulled back tightly was sternly gesturing to the wheelchair in front of her. Jamie was stubbornly refusing to sit, his arms folded tightly across his chest as he tried to stare her down. Despite being several inches shorter, she glared up at him refusing to give up. Jamie sighed in frustration.
"Really, what's going to happen? Am I going to trip over my own feet?" he grumbled. He spotted his father. "Dad, tell her! I don't need to use that thing, I can walk just fine!" Jamie's voice sounded more like a whine by this point. Frank shook his head.
"Jamie, just do as she says." he admonished. Jamie's face fell, his shoulders drooping.
"This is embarrassing." he muttered, sitting down in the chair. "Two perfectly good legs and I'm confined to a set of wheels…"
The nurse shook her head. "You're being difficult, Mr. Reagan." she chided. "I've met four year-olds more cooperative than you."
Jamie's lips thinned as he glared at his feet. The nurse rolled him out into the hallway, smirking gleefully. Frank followed them, an amused smile playing on his lips. He knew Jamie could have walked out of the hospital on his own two feet, but he had become restless the last few days of his stay and had managed to drive most of the nursing staff up the wall. Even the younger ones who had initially giggled and fawned over him were ready to tranquilize him just to get him to stay quiet and keep quiet. He figured he could help the staff out a little more, and at the same time teach Jamie that he wasn't always going to get his way when he demanded it.
"Your ride, Mr. Reagan." The nurse rolled him to a stop beside the waiting car idling at the entrance to the hospital, watching with amusement as Jamie nearly leaped out of the chair in his haste to get away. Danny grinned at him from the driver's seat. Frank had wanted to pick him up personally, but they both knew that Jamie wouldn't take kindly to having their father's security guards hovering and listening in. He'd never felt comfortable around them. Danny had insisted that he drive his father to the hospital. Besides, he wanted to see Jamie, too.
"In you get, kid." Danny called through the open passenger window, gesturing to the passenger seat. He and his father had already agreed to put him in the front where he would have a wide view of what was going on around him. They didn't want to test him by placing him in the backseat where he would be more enclosed.
Jamie gave his brother a smile, climbing into the front seat while his father tried to make himself comfortable in the back. Jamie turned slightly, giving his father an amused glance. "You okay back there, Dad? I can sit there instead, you know."
"It's fine, Jamie." Frank said, waving him off. His knees touched the back of Danny's seat but he ignored his cramped quarters. Jamie nodded, turning back to face the front as Danny pulled away from the curb, heading out onto the main street. Jamie leaned his head against the headrest, closing his eyes.
"You okay, kid?" Danny asked softly. Jamie opened his eyes, glancing at his brother. Danny was casting him concerned looks while trying to concentrate on the road in front of him. Jamie could feel his father's eyes resting on the back of his head.
"Yeah." Jamie responded. "I'm just tired, Danny."
"Your room is already set up." Frank told him. "You should lie down, get some rest."
"I've been resting for days, Dad." Jamie sighed. "I just want to move around. I just want to get home."
Frank shared a look in the rear view mirror with Danny. "We just want you home too, son." he replied, leaning forward to squeeze his shoulder.
"Yeah, kid." Danny smiled. "Can't wait to hear your stories at the dinner table."
Jamie snorted. "What stories?"
"Oh, I don't know… how about the story of that pretty little nurse you tried to feel up…" Danny teased.
Jamie reddened. "I was delusional and hallucinating on pain meds." he stuttered.
"She seemed to be pretty giggly afterwards…" Danny continued to tease him. Jamie glowered.
"Shut up." he mumbled.
"You could always call her… I think she left her number for you…"
Jamie gave a groan of embarrassment and turned to stare out the window.
Frank smiled as he listened to his sons banter back and forth. It felt like forever since he'd last heard them laughing and talking with each other. However, he didn't think his youngest son's face could get any redder before it started turning purple. He stepped in just as Danny was about to say something else.
"I don't think that's an appropriate story for the dinner table, Danny." he admonished. "You'll corrupt your sons before they're even teenagers!"
Danny paused. "Yeah, you're probably right. Grandpa would like it, though!"
Frank sighed. "Pop would like anything." Danny laughed in response, but ceased his teasing of his brother.
"Thanks, Dad." Jamie mumbled quietly from the front, still staring out the window. Frank shot him a concerned look before giving his shoulder a squeeze.
"Didn't want your head exploding before we got you home!" Frank bantered lightly, feeling relieved to see a smile tug at his son's lips as he turned to glance at him. Frank shared another look with Danny in the rear view mirror.
The rest of the ride remained quiet as each Reagan got lost in their thoughts. Jamie snapped back to reality when he felt the car slow down, gradually stopping in front of their family home. His throat tightened as he took in the familiar sight; there had been more than one occasion that he was sure he'd never see it again. He jumped as he felt a hand on his shoulder.
"You okay, kid?" Danny asked, giving his shoulder a squeeze. Jamie smiled tightly, clearing his throat.
"Yeah. It's just…" Jamie gestured feebly towards the house. "Been a while, that's all."
"I'll say." Danny mumbled, squeezing Jamie's shoulder again before opening the driver's door. Frank had already gotten out and was opening Jamie's door as Jamie undid his seat belt. Jamie slid out, standing on the sidewalk with his hands stuffed in his pockets as he gazed at the house. The wind teased his hair. He closed his eyes as he felt his eyes start to water. He felt an arm encase his shoulders.
"Come on, son." Frank soothed, gently rubbing his back. "Let's get you inside, okay?"
Jamie opened his eyes, catching a look of concern on his father's face and a look of sympathy on Danny's. He nodded, forcing a smile onto his face. "Gramps is anxious, isn't he?" he guessed.
Frank smiled. "He's been antsy since five this morning. He was up making coffee before my alarm went off." he grumbled, making his sons laugh. Danny walked around to Jamie's other side, slinging an arm comfortably around his brother's shoulders. Frank smiled at his oldest, squashing down a laugh as Jamie tried to move away from them, embarrassed at the attention.
The front door opened as they approached. Jamie only had time to put his arms up before he found himself engulfed in his grandfather's tight squeeze. He squirmed slightly, not wanting to offend his grandfather but needing to get him to ease up. His muscles still pulled occasionally, the bruises very light but still noticeable.
"Sorry, Jamie." Henry apologized, loosening his hold. He grasped his grandson's face gently in his hands. "It's just been way too long…"
Jamie pulled him back into a hug. "I know, Gramps." he mumbled softly. "I'm sorry."
Henry pulled him back into the house, bustling him over to the couch in the living room. "Don't be silly, Jamie, what are you sorry about?" he questioned, giving his grandson a funny look as he sat next to him. He shared a concerned look with Frank and Danny. They looked just as confused as he did.
Jamie shook his head. "I should have listened to you, Grandpa. I should have stayed here… I don't know what I was thinking."
"You couldn't have known, Jamie." Henry said, resting a hand on Jamie's shoulder. "None of us could have known."
"We told you that already, kid." Danny supplied softly. "None of what happened was your fault."
"I know that, Danny…" Jamie muttered. "I just wish this had never happened…"
"We all do, Jamie." Frank said. "But it did, and we'll deal with it like we always do. As a family."
Jamie looked up at him. He caught the looks of support and determination on the three older males faces. He smiled at them. "Thanks." he mumbled, still feeling slightly embarrassed at the attention.
"Why don't you go rest for a while, Jamie?" Henry suggested. "Your room is already made up and waiting for you. Everyone will be over for dinner later on."
Jamie nodded, his energy already wearing off. "Yeah, that's a good idea. I want a shower first, though." He rubbed at his eyes, reddening at Danny's snort. "Shut up, Danny."
"What?" Danny asked, grinning. "I didn't say anything."
"You were thinking it." Jamie grumbled, standing up and glowering at his brother. He started moving towards the stairs.
"Mind reader now, kid?" Danny teased.
"Danny…" Frank sighed, watching the red deepen on his youngest son's face. "Leave him alone." Danny coughed down a laugh.
"Sorry, Dad." he mumbled. "Jamie, don't rush away. I'm sorry. That was stupid of me."
Jamie turned to look at his brother, shooting him a small smile. "Whatever, Danny. Doesn't matter." He nodded at them again, turning to ease his way upstairs. They heard his bedroom door close briefly before reopening, then the bathroom door closed.
"What was that all about?" Henry asked, frowning. He shot accusatory glances between his son and grandson.
"Nothing, Pop. Just leave it." Frank said, shooting Danny another look. Danny changed his snort of amusement into a cough. Frank sighed, standing. "I need some coffee."
Henry watched as Frank wandered into the kitchen before scooting closer to Danny. "Well?"
"Dad's right, Gramps. This probably isn't a good idea…"
"Just tell me, Daniel."
Danny lips thinned. "Fine, but if either of them kill me, I'm coming back to haunt you!" he hissed quietly, shooting a look towards the kitchen. Henry looked at him pointedly. Danny sighed. "The pain medication he was on was quite strong. It caused him to become quite loopy… it was pretty funny, actually. I've never seen him high before. Anyway, a young nurse came in at one point to check on him… he started flirting up a storm. She giggled and flirted back, of course, but she knew it was the meds talking. She leaned over him to check on one of his IV's and…" Danny trailed off, smirking in remembrance.
"What?" Henry pressed.
# # #
"You're pretty." Jamie mumbled, gazing at the young nurse goofily. Danny snorted.
The nurse smiled, jotting down a few notes as she looked at the various monitors. "Thank you."
"I mean it." Jamie said, pointing a wobbly finger in the general direction of her eyes. "Your eyes are like… like… blue pools…" he stuttered. A look of confusion crossed his face. Danny laughed.
"Poetic, Jamie." he snorted. The nurse giggled.
"Aren't you sweet?" she cooed, patting his face gently. She leaned over him to check on an IV in his hand. A funny look crossed Jamie's face. He reached up…
The nurse squealed and jumped back, crossing her arms over her chest. "Jamie Reagan!" she admonished, giggling. "You keep your hands to yourself, mister! And you're not helping!" She waved a finger at Danny, who was laughing uproariously.
"But… but you're so soft!" Jamie mumbled, trying to reach towards her, making Danny laugh harder. She slapped his hand away.
"I suppose I should say thank you." she muttered, still blushing furiously and giggling. She quickly finished her examination and hustled out of the room. Jamie stared after her.
"Where are you going?" he called after her, looking hurt. He looked at Danny. "Why'd she leave? I just wanted…"
"We know what you wanted, kid." Danny snorted, trying to control his laughter. "Don't even think about it."
Jamie pouted.
# # #
Henry laughed. "Why am I not surprised? I suppose he got all embarrassed when the meds wore off?"
Danny grinned. "He only remembered bits and pieces. I had to fill him in on the rest. I thought he was going to self-combust, his face was so red, and it gets even better. I think he'll blush every time he hears the words 'sponge bath' from now on."
# # #
Danny looked up from his book as he heard a nurse enter the room. Jamie was on a heavy dose of pain medication and was spending most of his time sleeping. The older nurse smiled at them as she watched her young patient crack open his eyes.
"Bath time." she said, holding up a sponge and bucket full of water. Danny smirked, putting down his book. He knew Jamie would rather shower, but in his current medicated state, a shower could mean an accident and an even longer hospital stay.
"I'll be back later, kid. Enjoy." He grinned at the sleepy look of confusion on his brother's face before turning to leave the room.
Jamie grumbled incoherently as his blankets were moved aside. He just wanted to sleep.
"Just a few minutes, Mr. Reagan, then you can go back to sleep." The nurse gently pushed aside the hospital gown, minding the remaining scars and bruises. Jamie frowned, feeling cold. He shivered as the water cooled on his skin.
His eyes shot open, and he turned a glowering stare onto the nurse. She giggled, while at the same time an annoyed look crossed her features.
"Really, Jamie… I'm a lot older than you, and I'm married!" she teased. He blushed, staring at the ceiling, his brain still a foggy mess because of the medication. He willed this to just be a very bad dream.
She replaced his gown and pulled the blankets back over him, grumbling slightly, a few giggles still making their way out. He pulled the blankets up to his chin, looking everywhere but at her. She patted him on the shoulder. "There, all clean." She smiled. His lips thinned. She laughed. He rolled over onto his side as she left. Danny re-entered the room, looking after the nurse with confusion.
"What was that all about, kid? I don't think I've ever seen someone look flattered and annoyed at the same time." He turned to look at Jamie, who was curled on his side with the covers pulled to his chin. A light flush still coloured his cheeks as he stared morosely at his older brother. Danny frowned, staring back. Then he laughed.
"Really, kid? She's older than me!" he smirked. Jamie glared. "Don't worry about it, Jamie. Sometimes our parts work against us!" he laughed again.
Jamie groaned and pulled the covers over his head.
# # #
Henry laughed again. "I'll be careful of what terms I use, then."
"Probably a good idea." Danny snorted.
"I knew you'd tell him."
Danny and Henry both jumped, turning to look at Frank who had returned from the kitchen. He smiled at the slightly panicked look on Danny's face.
"Sorry, Dad… he made me!"
"I knew he would." Frank said, glowering at his father. "You can never just leave things alone, can you Pop?"
Henry shrugged. "What? It makes for a good story!"
~~BB~~
Jamie stared at his reflection in the steamy mirror, his hand trailing absentmindedly over the scar from the emergency surgery. His eyes were glazed, focused on something far away. He knew the scars would fade, but they would always be there, taunting him, mocking him…
He inhaled sharply and turned quickly away from his reflection, leaning back against the counter. He buried his face in his hands, taking in a shaky breath.
'Pull yourself together, Reagan!' he thought angrily. 'They can't hurt you anymore!'
He took another shuddering breath, quickly drying off and wrapping the towel around his waist. He opened the door, padding softly down the hall to his room. He jumped at the short intake of breath that came from behind him, instinctively pulling the towel tighter around him. He turned, spying his grandfather at the top of the stairs, holding a cup of tea.
"Grandpa, you startled me." Jamie mumbled, turning again towards his room. He could hear his grandfather following him.
"I'm sorry, Jamie. I was just bringing you some tea. I thought you might like something hot."
"Yeah, thanks Grandpa." Jamie answered, smiling gratefully. He turned his back towards his grandfather, rummaging around his closet. Someone, likely Danny or his father, had stopped by his apartment and packed some items for him. He smiled at the amount of items in the closet; he felt they had gone overboard, but appreciated it just the same. He took out a button-down shirt and a pair of casual dress pants. He laid them carefully over the back of the chair by the desk before turning to the dresser, reaching for a pair of flannel pants and t-shirt. He wanted to nap, but didn't want to wrinkle his good clothes. He stood, startling again at the sight of his grandfather. "No offense, Gramps, but why are you still in here? I'd like to change…" he trailed off awkwardly, holding up the clothes.
Henry smiled sadly. "I know, Jamie… I'm going…"
Jamie nodded, feeling awkward as he turned around, placing the clothes on his bed. He jumped as he felt a hand on his back. His eyes closed as an ashamed flush coloured his cheeks. "Grandpa, don't…" he mumbled softly. "That doesn't help either of us."
Henry stopped tracing the scars on his grandsons back. His face flushed, though his was out of anger. What he wouldn't give to bring that bastard back to life and wring his neck… his thoughts stopped short. Jamie had turned slightly to look at him, his eyes swimming with pain. His heart thumped painfully as he drew his grandson into a hug. Jamie stiffened, attempting to pull away. Finally, he relaxed, wrapping his arms around his grandfather.
"I just want to forget…" Jamie mumbled, his voice thick.
Henry sat him down on his bed. "Jamie… you know it won't be easy. It won't be easy for any of us. We'll get through it, though. All of us, together. Don't shut us out. We all want to be there for you, you just have to let us in."
Jamie nodded, his elbows resting on his knees, his head bowed. "I know… but not right now, okay? I just got home… I just want to sleep for a bit."
Henry squeezed his shoulder. "I know, kiddo. If I could change it… if I could have taken your place…"
Jamie's head shot up. "Don't say that!" he ground out through clenched teeth. Henry leaned back at the sudden fury in his grandson's face.
"Okay, Jamie." he soothed, putting his hands up. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean anything by it…"
Jamie sighed shakily, running his hands over his face. "I'm sorry, Grandpa. I didn't mean to snap." He smiled tensely. "I guess I'm more tired than I thought."
Henry smiled back, confused and tense. "Yeah, maybe some sleep would be a good idea." He stood, giving Jamie's shoulder a squeeze. "Don't forget your tea. It doesn't taste that good when cold."
Jamie gave him a real smile. "Yeah, that I agree with." He laughed, watching as his grandfather quietly left the room, closing the door behind him. Jamie leaned forwards again, his face in his hands. He steeled himself, standing and quickly changing into the clothes he'd placed on his bed. As he hung the damp towel over his closet door, his eyes caught the scar on his left wrist, just above his watch. His fist clenched as the tears filled his eyes. He sat down on his bed, laying on his side and drawing his knees up to his chest. He closed his eyes, turning his face into the pillow.
'Damn you, Jake! I hate you for doing this to me!' he thought, hot tears coursing down his cheeks and soaking into the fabric beneath him.
~~BB~~
Henry walked back into the kitchen, his thoughts far away. He didn't notice Frank and Danny staring at him from the kitchen table.
"Pop?"
Henry jumped. "What? Oh, sorry Francis… I was just lost in thought."
Danny smirked. "We could tell. What's wrong?"
Henry shook his head. "Oh, nothing. I'm sure I'm just looking into it too much."
"Into what, Pop?"
"I took some tea up to Jamie in case he wanted something hot. I met him as he was coming out of the bathroom. I startled him… I knew how badly he was scarred… but I hadn't seen everything. I didn't know his back was just as bad…" he trailed off.
Frank stared at the table. He glanced at Danny, who was fiddling with his cellphone. "They'll fade, Pop." Frank placated him. "They're still healing up."
"I know… I followed him into his room to put the tea on his nightstand. He must have thought I left because I startled him again as he turned around. He mumbled something about changing before turning his back to me again. Maybe I shouldn't have…"
"What? Grandpa, what happened? What did you do?" Danny said, annoyance breaking through the sadness that clouded his mind. He could feel the protectiveness building as he glowered at his grandfather.
"Easy, Danny." Frank soothed, reaching a hand towards his son.
"I was tracing one of the scars on his back… my mind was far away, thinking about how much I'd like to wring Caulfield's neck… he told me to stop, that doing that wouldn't help either of us."
"He's probably right, Pop. We can't dwell on what's happened. He has to be able to move forward."
Henry nodded. "I don't think he wanted me to hug him… but he gave in. I talked to him…"
Danny groaned. "What did you say this time?"
Henry glowered at his grandson. "I just told him we all wanted to be there for him, and to not shut us out. I also said that I wished I could have changed something, or taken his place… I've never seen him look so furious before. He snapped at me, told me not to say that."
Frank and Danny stared at him. "Why would he snap at that? Any of us would have traded places with him in a second." Danny mumbled, concerned.
"There's more to this." Frank sighed. "There has to be. Something happened that we don't know about."
Henry nodded. "I agree… but what? Will he even talk to us about it?"
Danny shrugged. "I don't know. He opened up to me before, but not about anything that happened to him in Jake's clutches. He seems to shut down if something is mentioned."
"We can't force him." Frank cautioned. "Just keep an eye on him, stay quiet if it seems that he's about to open up. Let him come to you." He waited until the other two had nodded in agreement. He sighed, wishing he could take away his son's pain.
~~BB~~
He lay shivering on the floor, feeling the electricity still moving through him even though the taser had been removed. Jake leaned down, his eyes wild. Something glinted in his hand as he examined Jamie's face.
"I could make this all go away right now, little Reagan!" Jake sneered, brandishing the pocket knife he clutched in his hand. He grabbed Jamie's left hand, caressing his wrist with the knife point. "Your precious family won't come by now, there's no point. I told them that!"
Jamie moaned painfully, trying to pull his arm out of Jake's grasp. Jake laughed.
"Poor little Jamie… lost and all alone…"
Jamie gave a sob as he felt the blade cut through his skin. He tried again to pull his arm out of Jake's grasp… the throbbing pain focused his attention... he noticed Jake suddenly let go as Cole took a swipe at him. Jake's wild eyes darted around the room as he mumbled incoherently to himself, noticing nothing. Cole pressed a cloth to his wrist.
"It's not too deep… you just keep holding on!" Cole whispered harshly. "Don't you dare give up!"
Jamie gave another small moan, wishing he could just pass out and forget where he was. There was a noise at the top of the stairs… shouts, yelling… he was sure he could hear familiar voices… he gave a twitch as he heard two loud pops… gunshots? Who had a gun? He tried to roll over.
Through a haze, he watched as Cole seemed to perk up and look hopefully towards the stairs. He lunged suddenly at Jake, forcing him down onto his face. He was shouting something at him, though Jamie couldn't make out the words. The way he hauled Jake to his feet and shoved him towards the stairs looked very familiar…
He floated back to consciousness, feeling something touching his face. He was sure his partner was talking to him… he must be in worse shape than he thought… there was no way Renzulli could be there, could he? He could hear him pleading…
Danny… was that Danny? It couldn't be, he was sure he had told him to stay away from here. But he heard his father, too… he wordlessly pleaded for someone to grasp his hand… someone grabbed at his twitching fingers. Danny. He felt his eyes fill… he had come for him. He was really here. He could hear more voices…
Jamie's eyes opened slowly; he found himself staring at the darkening ceiling of his old room. His eyes automatically sought out the small blue paintball stain in the corner above his bed… he smiled slightly, remembering how much trouble he and Joe had gotten in that day…
He slowly sat up, his eyes scratchy and burning. He wiped away the stray tears that lingered on his face, glancing around his empty room, running his fingers once again over the scar on his wrist. He'd caught his father glancing at it every once in a while. Danny, too. He sighed. He'd have to explain that one soon. He didn't want them thinking he'd done it to himself. He dug around in the drawer of his nightstand, reaching for the cream his doctor had given him. It was supposed to help reduce the visibility of his scars. He rubbed some into his wrist, practically begging for it to vanish before his eyes. It defiantly stayed put. He tore his eyes away; he didn't want to be reminded of the pure hopelessness he'd felt in that moment.
He could still hear voices. He smiled grimly. The rest of his family must have arrived. He moved slowly towards the clothes he'd placed on the chair. He changed, feeling like he'd rather stay up in his room than face the sympathetic, sad looks on his family members faces. He didn't want to deal with that right now. He sighed, turning towards the door. It was now or never. He opened the door. He'd have to make it into the bathroom first without being noticed.
He stepped out into the hallway, peering both ways. He couldn't see anyone, but he could hear the rumble of voices coming from the living room and kitchen below. He could smell the food wafting from the kitchen. His stomach growled. He stepped into the bathroom, closing the door softly.
He stared again at his reflection. His eyes were slightly reddened, but nothing too noticeable. He looked pale, but then again, he had just woken up. It was to be expected. He'd shaved after his shower, noticing his face looked thinner. He'd obviously lost some weight, though he was sure his family's home cooked meals would fix that soon enough. His stomach growled again. He smirked to himself.
Splashing some water over his face, he gulped some water from the tap before grabbing the towel beside him and drying off. His eyes felt cooler already, the stinging sensation having vanished with the water running down the drain. He checked his shirt sleeves, making sure they were dry. He made sure his left sleeve covered everything.
'Quit stalling!' the little voice in his head snarled. 'They're your family! Are you going to hide forever?' He sighed, knowing the voice was right. He couldn't hide forever. He took a calming breath, giving himself another once-over. Satisfied, he opened the bathroom door and padded towards the stairs.
At the bottom, he swallowed nervously. He could see into the kitchen, watching Erin and Linda bustle around trying to get the meal finished. His grandfather hovered, attempting to be helpful. Linda looked ready to kick him. A quick glance into the living room showed Danny and his father. Danny was watching TV, his father reading the paper.
A squeal startled him. "Uncle Jamie!"
He turned towards his nephews as they ran towards him. He was aware of several pairs of eyes on him but did his best to ignore them. He smiled at Jack and Sean.
"Careful boys." Linda called from the kitchen doorway. She gave Jamie a smile.
"Yes Mom!" they chorused, pausing just as they reached him. He smiled again, grabbing each of them and pulling them into a hug.
"Hi, Jack! Sean? What's on your face?" Jamie asked, peering at the small purple line on his nephew's cheek. He attempted to rub it off for him. Sean glowered at his brother as Jack laughed. Jamie could hear an amused snort come from Danny's direction.
"I told him not to run, Uncle Jamie. Mom always says don't run with sharp objects. I guessed that a marker would mean the same thing. He didn't believe me." Jack taunted.
"It won't come off." Sean mumbled, pouting.
"Well, you believe him now, don't you Sean?" Jamie admonished, a grin on his lips. Sean huffed before grinning back at his uncle.
"Yes." he mumbled.
"Lesson learned, then." Jamie smirked, ruffling their hair. He glanced up as Nicki shyly made her way towards him. "Hi, Nic."
"Hi Uncle Jamie." she smiled. He could feel her tense up as she hugged him gingerly. She was old enough to understand more of what went on. Erin had probably explained most of what had happened. Sure enough, when she pulled away, her eyes were damp. She gave him another smile. "Glad you're here." she mumbled, quickly giving his cheek a kiss before hurrying back into the kitchen. He smiled sadly after her, hearing her double meaning.
"Jamie." He turned, seeing Linda hurrying up to him. She wrapped her arms carefully around him. "It's good to see you."
He smiled at her. "Thanks, Linda. It's good seeing you too." She patted his arm before hurrying back to the kitchen. He didn't miss the pity in her eyes.
He groaned internally when Erin hurried up to him, looking like she was about to cry. "Erin…"
She waved him off, grabbing him into a hug. "Just glad you're here, safe and sound." she sniffed. She smiled at him. "Hope you're hungry."
"Starving."
"Then you'll love this. We made all of your favourites… anything you want, you can have."
He forced a smile. "You're too kind, sis."
She smirked, her eyes watering again. "Anything for you, Jamie. I've got to get back in there before Grandpa ruins something…" she laughed, hurrying back towards the kitchen. He shook his head, turning towards the living room, trying to ignore the fact that he could feel his father and brother watching him the whole time he'd stood at the bottom of the stairs. He smiled at them, sitting next to Danny on the couch.
"It's a regular zoo out there." Danny said lightly.
"Yeah." Jamie agreed, forced lightness in his voice. His father turned back to his paper as if he'd never looked up. Jamie glanced at the TV, noticing some old movie that he couldn't remember the name of. His thoughts wandered.
He was interrupted by the arrival of his grandfather. He looked up, taking in the annoyed look on his face.
"I got kicked out." Henry grumbled, answering Jamie's questioning look. He passed a beer to Danny, handing Jamie a bottle of water. Jamie discreetly shot Danny an annoyed look.
"Pain meds, kid." Danny mumbled quietly. "You can't mix them."
"Right." Jamie mumbled back, cracking open the lid of the bottle. "Sorry."
"I swear." Henry was mumbling. "Get anywhere near the roast and Linda practically skewers you!"
"Well, you did burn it pretty good the last time, Gramps." Danny smirked.
Henry shrugged. "I thought she said she wanted a higher temperature on it. I didn't know she hadn't checked it yet."
The others laughed. Jamie grinned with them, but his mind was already floating away…
His throat was crying out… he felt parched… his insides would start cracking at any moment…
Jake laughed as he grabbed up the last remaining water bottle, mockingly dumping it onto the floor…
"Earth to Jamie!"
Jamie's head snapped up. He blinked at Danny, confused. "What?"
"Where were you, kid? You spaced out on us."
Jamie swallowed. "Nowhere, Danny. Still tired, I guess."
"Right." Danny answered, unconvinced. "You've got a death grip on that bottle…"
Jamie looked down. Sure enough, he was squeezing the bottle hard enough to dent it. His knuckles where white. He eased up the pressure in his hand. He smiled tensely. "Daydreaming, like you said." he answered shortly, avoiding the concerned looks he was getting. He was saved from further explanation by the arrival of Erin's voice from the dining room.
"Dinner's ready." she called.
"Finally." Danny grumbled. "Thought I was going to wither away before it was done."
Jamie smirked, following his brother out of the room. "I think you've got a lot to go before you wither away." He poked at Danny's side, pretending to pinch him. Danny darted away.
"Watch it, kid. Leave the fat alone." Danny teased. "Someday you're going to get old, too. I'll remember this, just you wait."
"I'd like to see you try." Jamie grumbled, tweaking Danny's head before darting around the table to his chair. Danny took a half-hearted swipe at thin air before Linda gave him her own swat and pointed to his chair.
"Sit your butt before you destroy something, Danny." she ordered, warily watching the dishes on the table. Her husband had narrowly missed the potato dish.
"Yes Ma'am." he mumbled, shooting a sly look at Jamie, who couldn't help but grin back. He watched as the rest of his family filed in, taking their places. He felt his eyes sting, but kept the tears at bay; he hadn't realized how much he missed this part. They all said grace that night.
~~TBC~~