Rue [Borderlands fanfiction]

Part 11

I stood there in shock, not knowing what to say.

"Er, what was that?" I managed to ask him, wondering if I'd heard right. 

"I said... that I like you, okay?" Rhys replied, speaking quietly, hoping Jack didn't hear. So apparently I was right.

"Rhys really?" I asked, exasperated. He really couldn't have picked a better time for this? He sighed, looking down.

"Yes. I just... I needed to get it off my chest. And I know you don't feel the same, and that's okay, I just needed to say something, it was killing me."

Before I could say anything, Jack walked back over to us.

"Just made the announcement, kiddos. Jack is officially back, baby!" He grinned, spreading his arms, expecting a hug. I gave him one.

"And I couldn't be more happy," I replied, talking into his chest, feeling the soft rise and fall of it. I could feel him kiss the top of my head, nuzzling into my hair. 

Don't get me wrong, I loved having Jack back, it was like a dream come true, but I couldn't get rid of that conversation with Rhys. It kept on playing over and over in my head.

"Have you found the piece yet?" Jack asked, as we broke from our embrace, looking over to Rhys. 

"Not yet," Rhys replied, quickly checking through the pile. 

"Awesome," Jack replied, grabbing my hand, "just let us know when you're done okay?" He began to drag me over to what I knew was a bedroom, Jack's bedroom. I knew him well, I could read his expressions, I knew what he wanted. 

"Not now, Jack," I spoke, looking at him. He looked shocked.

"What?"

"I mean, I really want to, don't worry about that, it's just that we have some overriding issues to deal with here," I gestured to Rhys, "but once this is all done, you'll have my full attention. Promise."

That seemed good enough for Jack, who looked at me, a little disappointed, but seemed to shake it off before walking back over to Rhys.

"Got it!" We heard Rhys yell, causing us to run over.

"The piece?" I asked excitedly.

"Yes, Gortys' final upgrade" Rhys replied, holding it in the air so we could see. It was a weird u-shaped bit of metal with a spherical object inside. 

"Cool, nice jobs Rhys," I commented, looking at it.

"Yeah, nice one pal," Jack added, walking over to the door out of his office, "now let's go! We've got a vault to open!" Rhys hesitated.

"You're coming?"

I was surprised at this, I could've sworn that Jack was Rhys' hero, but I guessed that if Jack didn't go, Rhys would get to spend more time with me. God, I really hoped that I didn't tear their friendship apart.

"Course I'm coming, cupcake!" Jack replied, grinning. "You think I'd just sit here whilst you guys go and have all the fun?" Rhys gave what looked like a forced smile.

"Oh. Great! It'll be nice... to have you with us" he spoke, trying to sound sincere. Jack looked confused towards him. 

"Okaaay. Cool. Well, come on, let's go!" Jack walked past me, slapping my arse enthusiastically. I sighed as Rhys turned to look at me.

"Rue, I-"

"Just don't. Don't say anymore okay?"

"I just needed to tell you, I didn't mean any-"