From The Journals of Katherine Plumber

January 22nd, 1900

(Not me forgetting to post today because I was in a masterclass most of the night. Lol.)

 I will never forget the look of shock on Ralph's face last night after I told him the poor, beaten up man in my arms was the one and only Jack Kelly, the one who he had thought for months practically stole me away from my family. He took me much more seriously and showed lots of sympathy after that. I love my brother but he is not the strongest, which could be why we took nearly an hour to get Jack back to the lodge. I swear, I was doing all the lifting.

Once we had him back at the lodge, Ralph was trying to call a doctor for him and I was cleaning his wounds. Which is wear I've been for the past 6 hours, on our bed trying not to sob. Whoever hurt him did all too well a job. I've counted at least 20 cuts and gashes on his torso alone, so from what looks like brass knuckles and some from what I can only hope wasn't a knife.

It is now 5AM. Ralph was still trying to find a doctor and Claira and Jo had come over around 1AM, since I needed someone responsible to watch the very worried Johnny and Crutchie, since Race and Elmer were no help. Jack had been asleep most of the time, only waking up here and there when he would shift around and feel the pain.

Finally, as I sit on the edge of the bed, holding his hand in mine and staring off in worry, I hear him mutter a few words. I quickly turn to face him, "Jack? Jack, c'mon. Are you awake?" I asked, keeping his hand close. His eyes flickered open and he showed a weak smirk at me. I sighed and smiled softly in relief, "Oh, God, Jack!" I lean down to hug him but he gasped. I quickly pull away and look at him, seeing how he is holding his side.

"Damn. Theyse got me good." Jack muttered.

"Who are they, Jack?" I asked.

"Dunno. Had cufflinks with an 'A' on it, though." He coughed out.

"Andrews. Thomas Andrews." I sighed, "That son of a bitch."

"Youse said he'll be true ta 'is word." He groaned.

"I don't know why. I didn't try anything, I put on a perfect act for him last night." I said.

"Ain't good enough." He muttered.

I sigh and place a hand on his cheek, "I am so sorry."

"Why?" He asked.

"I did this. It's my fault." I cried.

"It ain't ya fault, Ace." He said, a hand on my cheek.

"But, I-"

"Ace. It. Ain't. Ya. Fault." Jack said.

I nod as I hold his hand on my cheek. Jack smirks weakly, pulling me down closer and closer by the second. He's injured, Katherine, don't forget that. You can't sleep with him now, or you might kill him. But, God, he is so handsome. Especially when he looks at me like this, like he will do anything in his power to assure me that I am fine. Fuck it. I lean down and kiss gently. He clearly wanted that, too, since his hand 'accidentally' slipped inside my blouse in the first five seconds our lips were connected. I mean, I didn't mind. As long as he was okay, so was I. He wasted no time in deepening the kiss, having me lie down next to him.

"Katherine!?" Ralph ran down the stairs, "I finally found a doctor and- Oh."

I quickly pull away from Jack and button my blouse. I don't even know when Jack unbuttoned it. I look at Ralph with a small, innocent smile. Jack tried to sit up, but I made sure he stayed down and he let out an annoyed groan. Ralph cleared his throat awkwardly, "Um,... Katie, I, um,... I found a doctor for your... Mr. Kelly." He said.

I nodded, "Thank you."

"Ise don't need a docta', whoever youse is." Jack said.

I sighed, "Jack, this is Ralph, my older brother." I said, "Don't mind him, Ral, stubborn is his middle name."