A/N: This chapter is dedicated to my friend Kyla, who hasn't been having an easy time of things lately. I hope having a new chapter of this to read helps cheer you up hon *hugs*! As always, the fabulous Jordan belongs to jacquelin825. Littletonpace, sorry Mia's not in this chapter, I moved her part to the next one, so she will definitely be in the story again in Chapter 16
Also a heads-up warning…the rating definitely goes up on this chapter, at the end. There's a lot of m/m going on lol. Just wanted to let you all know.
Dear Jordan,
I'm completely fine. I wanted to make sure I say that right away, because I'm sure you're worried. I'd actually be completely happy here if you were here too. I'm in love with an amazing man-and before you start worrying again, he actually is an amazing man. He's a doctor actually, and he heals me. I can see you rolling your eyes at the cheesiness of it all, but it's true. You'll see when you meet him. His name is Jack, and I can't wait for the two of you to meet. I miss you so much Jordan, and I love you so much. I'll see you soon.
Love,
Matt
With a sigh, Matt folded the paper up and stuck it in his pocket. Standing up, he glanced around, expecting to see Jack, who had sworn he'd be back with some food soon. Matt suddenly noticed a commotion coming from the jungle, and took off running. He froze when he saw the site before him.
Boone lay stretched out on a homemade hospital bed, Jack next to him, head bowed as blood somehow flowed from Jack's arm through a rough tube to Boone's still body. Matt moved closer, and lightly took Jack's free hand between his own. Jack looked up, and a smile ghosted its way across his haggard face.
"Hey," Matt whispered, kneeling down, rubbing his thumbs across Jack's hand.
"I don't think he's going to make it," Jack admitted, tears catching in his eyes. "But I have to try."
"Of course you do," Matt answered, planting a light kiss on Jack's palm. "But I need you to be careful too, ok?" His voice shook slightly as his gaze fell back on the tube transferring blood.
"Don't worry." Sun's voice came from behind a makeshift curtain, and she stepped out to smile softly at Matt. "I'm making sure he doesn't give too much."
"Thank you," Matt said earnestly.
"Of course." Sun lay a reassuring hand on Jack's shoulder, subtly checking his complexion. "Jack, you need to take a break."
"No, I'm fine," Jack insisted, head hanging down, eyes drooping.
"You are definitely not fine," Matt chimed in, touching Jack's cheek gently. "Please, take a break. Please, babe." Jack started to shake his head, but met Matt's eyes, and sighed deeply.
"Five minutes," Jack said, wincing as Sun unhooked the tube.
"Close your eyes at least, and rest," Matt said softly, patting his shoulder. Jack closed his eyes, and nestled his head on Matt's shoulder.
"Thanks," Jack whispered, exhaustion in every syllable.
"Of course." Matt kissed his forehead, rubbing a hand slowly up and down his arm. Suddenly a choked out "Jack" caused them both to spin around. Boone's eyes were open, and he was looking straight at them. Jack leapt up, Matt on his heels, and leaned over Boone.
"Tell, tell Shannon…" Boone tried to continue, but the words caught in his throat. One last choked out gasp, and his eyes closed, breathing stilled.
"No…" The word wailed its way out of Jack's throat, and he collapsed into Matt's arms, tears streaming down his face. Matt held Jack tight, gently turning so Jack wouldn't have to look at Boone's body. Closing his eyes, Matt felt his own tears streaking Jack's blood-stained shirt.
"You did everything you could," Matt whispered, a chant he kept repeating into Jack's ear until Jack's tears slowed. "You need some sleep. Come back to our tent with me, please."
"I'll stay here," Sun said softly, laying a hand on Jack's shoulder. "He won't be alone."
"Thank you," Matt mouthed at Sun, leaning over to kiss her cheek. Jack was too tired to offer up any more protest as Matt took his hand, and they began a walk back to the beach, Jack leaning slightly on Matt's arm for support.
As they crested the hill, and could see the beach, they saw a group of people gathered around Claire, who was holding something in her arms. Spotting them, she grinned, and made her way towards them. As she got closer, they could see a small squirming baby in her arms.
"This is Aaron," Claire said, her massive smile never leaving her face as she tilted Aaron's face towards theirs. "Aaron, this is your Uncle Jack, and your Uncle Matt."
"Claire, he's perfect," Jack said, a grin spreading across his face as Aaron grabbed his finger.
"Absolutely perfect," Matt agreed, grinning as he rested a hand on Jack's shoulder, leaning over to coo at Aaron. The grin suddenly dropped off Jack's face, and Matt followed his gaze, spying Shannon and Sayid coming down the beach.
Jack pulled the tent flap back, entering quietly.
"Hey," Matt said, moving from the blanket to Jack's side. "How are you doing?" He lay a hand on Jack's shoulder, and squeezed gently.
"You didn't have to wait up." Jack sighed, leaning into Matt's touch.
"Of course I did." Matt wrapped his arms tighter around Jack. "I'm not going to let you go through this alone. Let me take care of you for once." He grabbed the bottom of Jack's blood-stained shirt. "Let's get you out of this, for starters." Pulling the shirt over Jack's head, he froze, one hand resting on Jack's chest. "God, you're so beautiful."
A hand on the back of Matt's head, Jack pulled him in for a kiss, tongue dancing between Matt's lips. Matt moved closer, pressing his body taunt against Jack's, returning the deep kiss. Jack moved his lips to Matt's neck, planting light kisses until his mouth reached the collar of Matt's shirt. Sliding his hands down Matt's side, eliciting a deep shiver from Matt, Jack pulled the shirt over Matt's head.
The two men stayed like that for a moment, Jack's hands resting on the small of Matt's now-bare lower back. "Are you sure?" Matt whispered. "Because I don't want to force you into anything. I don't want you to wake up tomorrow and regret this."
"I'd regret not doing this," Jack said softly, running a hand down Matt's cheek. "Life's too short, we saw that today, and I love you. I love you and I want you. I want this." Fingers kneading Matt's back, Jack smiled, eyes lit up with desire. "How could I not? You're the most beautiful thing I've ever seen."
Jack saw tears in Matt's eyes, and raised his lips to Matt's face, gently kissing them away, tasting the salt on his lips. "I will never, ever hurt you," he promised, whispering the words against Matt's skin.
"I know," Matt whispered, with no hesitation, and wrapped his arms around Jack's back, pulling him down on top of him. Jack kissed a track down Matt's chest and stomach, then slowly unbuttoned the top button of Matt's jeans, a hand slipping beneath them, leaving Matt writhing and moaning underneath him.
"For someone who says he's never done this before," Matt gasped out, head thrown back, back arching at the pleasure, "you're exceptionally damn good at this."
"Wanted you for so damn long," Jack rasped out huskily, pulling Matt's jeans down off his hips. He stared down at Matt, face flushed, eyes bright, and kissed him deeply.
Matt's hands slid up and down Jack's back, and he flipped them over, until he was on top. Pressing down until their bodies were completely taut against each other, he ground their hips together, Jack moaning loudly and arching into the touch. "Oh god," Jack gasped out, hands clasping at Matt's sweat-soaked skin. "Feels so good."
"I love you." Matt kissed the words down Jack's skin, stopping only to unbutton Jack's jeans and pull them down, continuing until Jack lay bare before him. "God, you're amazing," Matt said huskily, raising his body slightly to let Jack finish undressing him.
"I want to feel you inside me," Jack gasped out, grabbing Matt's ass and pulling him in as close as possible. Matt froze, staring down at Jack.
"Are you sure?" Matt asked softly, hesitantly. "I mean, there's seriously nothing I want more right now, but…but you've never done this, and I…I don't want to hurt you, I don't want you to regret any-" He gasped, the words cut off by the feel of Jack's hands sliding lower and lower, teasing, touching, stroking, eliciting moan after moan from Matt's lips. "Not. Playing. Fair," Matt managed to gasp out, head thrown back, body heaving.
"Ready to say yes, yet?" Jack gasped out, as he moved slightly, rubbing their bodies together.
"If you're sure-" Matt began to say, the words ending in a loud, long, low moan as Jack moved their bodies together again.
"I've never been more sure," Jack said, pulling Matt down for a deep kiss.