The Magpie's Death

Welcome to The Glass House (2)

Jack's words were friendly and his voice cheerful, but inside Jack was tired and wanted a break. He couldn't keep his mind from wandering and had to force the pleasantries that usually came naturally. Especially now, he had good and bad days. Today was definitely turning out to be a bad day.

The stranger stopped in the foyer, not approaching the desk any further. He was tall, with a larger build, and his weight leaned slightly to one side. A small, worn duffle bag hung over his shoulder. He didn't look particularly dirty, but his brown hair was shaggy, hanging in his face, and he had a short, scruffy beard.

Jack only meant to glance over, but his gaze was stuck on this new visitor. He counted the people already checked in and waiting and realized he wasn't expecting more guests.

Homeless? Drifter? Why is he just standing there like that?

"Excuse me? My key?"

Jack turned to look at the woman who had called his daughter sweet, a little nervous knot twisting and settling in his stomach. Shaking the feeling, he handed her the room key with a smile, then turned back to the man still frozen in the makeshift lobby.

He cleared his throat in the awkward quiet. "Uh, sir, are you here for a room? Do you have a reservation? You're welcome to stand in line, or sit and wait..."

There was a low, deep chuckle from the stranger, then a small grin. Jack's breath caught at the sound.

"No reservation," the man said. "Actually, I was looking for a job."

The voice was as deep as the laugh and Jack's heart stopped. Scrambling over the desk, his hands and feet sent papers and pens flying, the next guest in line cursing as he was shoved out of the way.

"You don't need to pay me," the man continued. "Just room and-"

His words were cut off as Jack leapt, wrapping arms and legs around him and clinging with all his strength. Every muscle tensed and tightened, desperate to keep the large body inside his grasp. There was another deep chuckle in response. The man dropped the duffle onto the floor, hands moving to support Jack's light frame so he wouldn't fall.

"Does this mean I have the job?" the man teased. "That was an easy interview."

Jack leaned back enough to look into the dark brown eyes sparkling up at him. Partially hidden under an uneven fringe of hair, it was the same face but so much more expressive. The grin was wider now and his cheeks were flushed. What used to be subtle and reserved now screamed happiness.

Without a word, Jack kissed him. Their lips pressed hard together and the familiar taste made his face and ears hot and his chest tight. So much about him was different, but this felt exactly the same. There were distant murmurs and mumbling from the neglected guests, but Jack didn't care. He didn't care about anything. Nothing existed except this man and he wouldn't let him pull away even for a breath.

"Well, look who's back."

Jade's voice was playful behind them, but there was a warmth to it, making it clear she was genuinely pleased to see him again. She pat the man on the back. All he could do in return was grunt, Jack refusing to set him free.

With a light laugh, she headed past them toward the desk. "Don't let me interrupt."

Jack heard her join the waiting guests, their mumbling louder now. She hushed them.

"You wish you were lucky enough to love someone as much as those two love each other." The noise instantly died down. "I can check you in. Ignore them."

He began to sniffle. The man finally pushed him back, but he avoided the gaze, shifting his head to the man's shoulder.

"Is he a soldier or something?" one of the guests asked in the background. "Back from deployment?"

"More like back from the dead."

Jade's words pierced through him and Jack couldn't hold back the sobs anymore. He had cried often over the past year and there were times when he didn't know he could feel so sad, but he hadn't realized how much he missed this man until this moment. It was as if a massive hole, one he'd desperately tried to ignore, was suddenly filled. Everything he stored inside had nowhere to hide and came gushing out instead. His entire body shook as tears poured down his face and he heaved heavy breaths, pressing himself against the man's chest.

There was another chuckle in response, but this laugh was a weak attempt to cover sorrow and guilt.

"You still cry so much..." In the past, those words were confused, then joking. Now they were sweet and the tone made it sound like an apology.

"And you're... still so... frustrating."

This time, the laugh was lighter. The man kissed him on the head. "You're speaking to me now."

"I thought you were dead!" Jack pulled back and punched into his firm chest, shouting between sobs. "I thought... I would never... see you again! Do you know... how long... a lifetime... is? You said... And sacrifice... And..."

He stammered out half-sentences, finding it difficult to think. Those familiar lips cut him off, a forceful tongue not allowing even a muffled word. He didn't have enough air to sob and the man wouldn't let him go, so he breathed hard through his nose. The rhythm steadied and his tears slowed.

Backing away, the man let out a quick breath and then smiled, using a thumb to wipe Jack's wet cheeks. "Sorry, but I had to shut you up."

Between the teasing and the sweetness in his voice, every word said through a smile, Jack couldn't help laughing. His sorrow was replaced with a bright grin. Who was this stranger in front of him? It was the man he loved, yet it wasn't Sam and it wasn't the Magpie. It was as if that shadow of a person who used to hide in his eyes had burst free.

"Who are you?" he asked, wanting to know but nervous to hear.

The man placed him gently on the floor, head leaning down and brown eyes staring deep into his.

"I guess I should introduce myself." His smile grew playful and he backed up to hold out a hand. "Leo. Evans. I look forward to working with you."