In Search of the Mirror Image (Septiplier/Septiplier AU)

Meeting Jack #90

The next jump is a rough one. There are things that people don't warn you about when you jump across dimensional planes. Firstly, it's much more dangerous when you are jumping within the same time but not the same space. Brighton, England is much cooler and gloomier than sunny California, but luckily I did come prepared with heavier clothing in my satchel bag.

Jack's house will be easier to find than Mark's was. Luckily Mark kept his addresses in a fairly easy file on his computer. Part of me felt sorry for what I did to Mark #90. He hadn't seen it coming, and it was likely that he would wake up with a splitting headache. I shake off my guilt in a matter of moments, though. The need to save my Jack is the only thing that really matters. I'll deal with the fall out of my actions once he's alive and in my arms again.

I flag down the first cab that I can find right off of my landing spot and travel into the city. The driver is much chattier than the one in Los Angeles, but I do my best to smile. The last thing I need is to around suspicion in any way. The smallest things cause me to look around, and it must be the frayed edges of my nerves that are causing me to bite my bottom lip. Jack #90 has so many qualities of my Jack that I love, and I worry that I might break apart at just the sight of him.

"We're here," chimes the cab driver in a cheery sing song type of voice.

I thank him and give him a large tip for his service, and with a large grin he waves me goodbye. It's off putting that Jack #90's house is fairly modest considering his worth. I chalk it up to a humility that makes my heart beat faster than it already was. Unlike Mark #90 I have less of an idea as to exactly what I was going to do when I finally met Jack #90. I had a few different ideas if he gave me any trouble, but I was still afraid of hurting him accidentally.

Failure was not something that could happen this time. I needed to make sure that he was going to be okay. I needed him as physically healthy and mentally sound as I could. The walk up to the front door is purposeful, despite my heart disagreeing. Jack #90 didn't have a dog, so at least that part would be easier.

"Coming! Hold ya horses!"

The sound of footsteps echo as I wait, and there is the blur of an approaching figure descending some stairs and then opening the door. The smile is the same, and the bone crushing hug would have killed me if I hadn't dealt with six years of them from my own Jack.

"Mark," he yells happily, "What in the hell are ya doing here? Come in, come in. Rest your feet and tell me why you're all the way in Brighton!"

With a sweep of his hand Jack #90 welcomed me inside, then quickly closed the door and locked it behind us.

"So, is Signe here?" I asked, trying to keep my tone as relaxed as possible.

"No, she's out of town for the next two weeks visiting her sister," he says, ushering me into the living room. "Got the whole place to myself. Kind of getting lonely so your timing is perfect. Have you eaten yet? There's a really great fish n' chips place right up the road."

I shake my head, trying to keep my wits about me. The last thing I need is for us to be around lots of other people, and my time is growing short with all the plane jumps I am doing today.

"Maybe after we talk," I reply, and Jack #90 looks suddenly concerned. "I have a lot going on with me...personally and I really could use your help."

He grabs my arm and pulls me to the couch and we sit down. The bright blue eyes look up at me is such a sweet way that I can feel my chest start to ache. He's so much like my Jack. This was the best choice. He'll be prefect for what I need to do.

"What's going on," he whispers. "What can I do to help?"

I sigh as I place my small travel bag on my lap and open it. The curious way that he watches me is almost too much to bare as I pull out the small pen device and give it to him.

"What's this," he asks, his pale fingers holding the last invention that my Jack made.

"It'll be over in just a minute," I reply. "Just remember...try not to fight it. It'll hurt more if you do, okay?"

Then before he could say another word, the electric shock is taking over his body, his beautiful blue eyes roll back, and he's out before he even hit the ground.