A Little Laughter Left In Me... (Laughing Jack x Reader)

~A Snack Break and Popped Tires~

It wasn't long before you were back on the road, with nothing but the semi-clear sky and the still snow-littered ground all around you. You eventually dozed off after your father told you it would be a while before you got back to that gas station, plus it was almost dawn so you should get another nap in.

When you awoke, the car was parked and the sun had already risen, but you noticed your father wasn't anywhere to be found.

You sat up, stretching a little and yawning, then looked around. As you expected, you were back at the gas station you'd taken a restroom break at the previous day. The memory of that man that stared at you through the window before running off gave you more of those chills. Just what exactly was wrong with him at the time? He seemed perfectly fine while you were both inside...

You sighed, then heard a familiar voice.

"He went inside to grab some food. I could hear his stomach from back here."

You smiled, turning in your seat to see Liu leaning over the back seat, his arms crossed over it. His hair was messier than before, probably from the car making him shake around while he slept.

"Have a nice nap?" He asked, and you nodded.

"How about you?"

He thought the question over before nodding slightly.

"Honestly, it's been a while since I've slept more than ten minutes. Nightmares and memories have kept me up ever since... well, y'know."

You gave him a sympathetic look, wishing you could help somehow. But then he smiled and said: "I think it's thanks to you neither of those things interfered for once, however."

You giggled, then Liu suddenly shot back down behind the seat, and you snorted in response as you looked over to see your father approaching the van. He opened his door and handed you a bag filled with different snacks. Beef jerky, trail mix, (favorite snack), and two cans of (favorite drink).

"I'm gonna fill up the tank real quick, eat whatever you like, sweetie." He then shut the door and walked over to the gas pump.

"Er... can I have some?" You heard your brother ask, and you snickered before grabbing a handful of (favorite snack) and offering it to him. He re-appeared from behind the seat and smiled gratefully as he took the food into his hands, then mouthed a 'thank you' before swiftly moving back and sinking down into his hiding place. You popped a couple pieces into your mouth, leaning back in your seat and getting lost in your thoughts.

"Well, so far so good, I guess... I just hope everyone at home is okay."

You thought about Miles, who was probably having a heck of a time with your mother. She'd always wanted a puppy when she was little to play dress up with, and knowing her, she probably decided to get Miles a couple presents for the holiday. Your mind then thought back to Jeff and the others. You hoped your mother was still oblivious to the secret basement door, you couldn't bear the thought of something going wrong, especially while you weren't there.

And, of course, you couldn't forget about Jack.

You remembered the gift you had to get ready for him, and you felt a smile of excitement spread across your face, but only for a few moments.

"I hope he likes it..." You mentally sighed. You weren't sure what you'd do if he didn't, especially if he thought it didn't suit him or that it was a ridiculous idea in the first place. You bit your lip, trying to push the more discouraging thoughts away, and you were so distracted that you almost jumped in surprise when your father hopped back into the driver's seat.

"All right, we're all set." He grabbed one of the two cans and pushed the tab to open it, taking a few gulps of the drink before setting it in the cupholder and starting up the van.