Chapter Text
How Jack had the energy to carry Les piggyback up four flights of stairs to the Jacobs’ apartment at the end of the day, Davey would never know. What Jack knew was that Les helped keep him warm, especially after a cold, rainy day like this one. Warm wet was better than cold wet.
“You’re sure about this?” Jack asked for the thirty-eighth time, calling up the stairs to Davey. Davey didn’t even bother to answer by now. Jack kept going and finally followed Davey down the hall to what must be their door.
“Mama! We’re home!” Davey called, unlocking the door. He pulled off his cap and got his wet coat off as Jack stood in the hall, gently lowering Les from his back. Les squeezed around Jack and likewise pulled off his wet things. Davey held out his hand to Les and took their coats and hats to the rack by the stove to dry, greeting his mother with a hug.
“Mama, we brought Jack, like you wanted,” Davey started in, turning to introduce Jack, and then glancing around quickly until he noticed Jack still standing in the hall. “You coming?” he called to Jack. “You came all this way, it’s just one more step.”
Jack shoved his frozen hands in his pockets and stepped stiffly into the apartment, wincing a little when Les squeezed around him again and slammed the door shut behind him. “Uh, hey,” he muttered. “How you doin’.” He didn’t miss the brief look Mrs. Jacobs gave Davey that clearly said Jack had already messed up.
“I, uh, I gotta get going, Dave, so I’ll see ya,” Jack said, barely audible. He backed toward the door, telling himself he hadn’t nearly sat at their table, or nearly dried out a little faster than usual in their warm apartment.
“No!” Les cried, pulling at Jack’s arm. “You promised! You said you’d stay! Mama, make him!”
By this time, Mrs. Jacobs had come across the room, her arm extended to usher him further into the apartment. “Come on in, Jack. Come dry out, hm? It’s so nice to finally meet you.” He let her touch the torn sleeve of his shirt and wished it was clean like Dave’s. He managed half a smile and took a step forward, daring to take off his cap like he was going to stay.
“David?!” Jack stopped at the sound of Mr. Jacobs’ voice coming from the bedroom directly across from him. “How was your day? Did I hear something about Jack finally coming?”
Davey grinned at Jack. “Yes, Papa! He’s here! You need help getting up?” Davey walked over to the bedroom door and peered in. “Let me help.” He went in briefly and Jack kept his eyes trained on the doorway. He squeezed his cap and felt water run through his fingers and drip onto the floor. An uneven gait slid across the bedroom floorboards, and Davey reappeared, supporting his father, a slightly stooped figure with wiry graying hair.
Jack stared for what seemed like an eternity as his world ground to a halt, and what feeling had come back in his hands left him once again. He staggered backwards and yanked his cap back on as he gaped at Mr. Jacobs. He whirled back toward the door, but couldn’t get very far with Les standing there, and both of them tumbled to the floor. Jack flipped himself onto his back to make sure he knew where Mr. Jacobs was, and scrambled on his hands and heels over Les as fast as he could, Les’ yelps notwithstanding. People were talking, talking to him, coming at him, and he launched himself at the door. He fled down the stairs, leaping two or three at a time, barely keeping his balance, before flying back out into the rain turned sleet.