The Magpie's Death

A Different Family (2)

Red took the passenger seat, keeping the gun close, and the Magpie looked out the windshield at Jack. He had never experienced real heartbreak, but the sharp, wrenching agony he felt at the sight couldn't be anything else. It was worse than the throbbing in his shoulder and the searing pain in his leg. He couldn't imagine what Jack was feeling in return, standing there helpless. He gave him the most reassuring smile possible.

I told you I was dangerous, but at least I was able to protect you.

Red tapped his temple with the barrel of the gun. After a resigned sigh, he turned the key and the engine rumbled. As he pulled away, Red reached out the open window and shot. It was a clean hit to the lower forehead. Jack dropped to his knees, landing hard on the dirt and grass. In less than a second, his eyes darkened, everything behind them gone, and he fell face first to the ground.

"No!" Slamming on the breaks, the Magpie struggled to get free, but the gun was on him again.

"I'll gladly take out the other leg," Red offered through a wicked smirk. "You don't need to walk for me to get what I want."

He stared at the monstrous man next to him, eyes wide and wet and his breathing harsh as he tried to process what just happened. It wasn't supposed to go this way. They had planned this to perfection. There wasn't a single reason this should have happened.

"Why... Why would you do that?" He stammered the words out. The air around them grew thick and every breath filled his lungs with a hot slurry of panic and confusion. He needed to get out of this car. "That was a mess! And now your video will be released to the world."

His shock was only met with a calm chuckle. "That's where you're wrong, my old friend. I know you, Nate. I know how you think. Sacrifice is noble, but it's lonely. Who's going to release that recording except you?"

Red's eyes were narrow and giddy, his grin mischievous and cruel, and the Magpie knew he was right. He had taken a risk and it had failed.

"You lose, Magpie." Blackness began to consume his vision and Red's voice was in his ear. "I'll take you back to the Boss. Then we'll find your little girl and take her too. I know you were planning to die, but we wouldn't want that to happen before you see everything you love destroyed."

No. This isn't the way this should go. This isn't the Red I know. This wasn't the plan. No one was supposed to die.

"No one was supposed to die... It wasn't sacrifice..."

"Leo," said a light voice next to him. He felt a gentle hand shaking his shoulder. "Leo, wake up."

The voice was warm and soothing, full of love and trust and understanding. Slowly, it replaced the panic. With a sharp breath in, his body shuddered and he opened his eyes. Jack moved a hand to his cheek, smiling sadly at him. His eyes were wet and glistened in the dim moonlight streaming through the bedroom window. Taking him in his arms, Leo squeezed him like he would disappear if he didn't hold tight enough. Returning the embrace, Jack kissed his neck.

"It was just a nightmare," he promised in that same warm voice. "Everything's okay."

Leo took a few deep breaths, not loosening his grip. "I said I was ready to die." He could barely force it out. He was ashamed to say it, realizing now how wrong he'd been. "But I wasn't... I didn't want to leave. I didn't want to leave you..."

Jack continued to comfort him. "I know."

"I'm sorry." He could feel tears forming as he spoke. "I'm so sorry."

Jack's warm arms released from around his waist and pushed him back enough to see his face. His eyes were still wet, but like everything else, they were smiling. It was the most beautiful sight and Leo felt instant relief.

"The past is gone. It's over. No matter what happens in your dreams, you'll always wake up and I'll always be here next to you. You came back and we're all together now, so you have nothing to be sorry for."

Leo nodded, his breathing calmer, and he drew Jack into his chest. "I love you so much."

"As much as I love you?"

"More."

Jack chuckled and returned to circling his waist. "Such a softie. Don't waste all this sweetness before the wedding or you won't have anything left for your vows."

"Emotions don't really work that way." He leaned back to look into those green eyes, grinning playfully.

Jack clicked his teeth. "Oh? You're an expert on emotions now?" After a quick peck, he added a honeyed, "So frustrating."

In one swift motion, Leo shifted on top of him, head hanging inches above his. "I'm a fast learner."

"Fast learner, my ass. How is thirty years fast?" Jack grinned back and Leo huffed as he leaned down to bite him on the shoulder. "Really?" He said it in aggravation, but Jack couldn't stop his smile from spreading. His finger moved to rest on Leo's lips. "Ellie's just down the hall. Don't wake her."

Leo only grunted in response, running a hand down Jack's bare chest to his waist. Jack giggled at the touch, the sound muffled as their lips pressed together and he drew the blanket up over their heads.