Eyes going wide like saucers, she really hasn’t expected to hear him say that. It left her momentarily shocked, unmoving despite the bulldog fighting for her attention. “Y-You do..?” She whispered, as if unable to believe it. “…Why?”
Despite everything and how negatively she had thought the meeting to go, to hear this from his lips sent a warm feeling to curl in her chest.
It was hard for Jack to find the right thing to say. Painting and music were his gifts, not words. But, once he began talking, his feelings poured out.
“B-because you’re wonderful, Katelynn. I don’t know why you can’t believe that. You’ve got the biggest heart of a-anyone I know. You’re so sweet, and kind – y-you even try to make friends with villains!” he chuckled weakly. “And you’re so brave. And you make me feel brave when I’m with you.”
He reached out for her, wanting so badly to hold her but so afraid she’d pull away again. “W-when you were drugged … that wasn’t you, Katelynn. That’s not who you really are. I know that. And it’s not your fault that it happened. You’re not weak because you couldn’t stop it. You’re brave, and you’re strong, and you’re kind, and I love you.“
He left her speechless, her eyes not leaving his face. She knew he meant it because Jack wasn’t the type to say hollow words from what she had learned of him. Without thinking she reached a hand out hesitantly until her palm touched the skin of his cheek.
Her eyes were full if love yet mixed with sorrow. “..I still love you too…I thought..Jack I had thought I was hurting you too much..I don’t even know if I deserve someone so wonderful..but I wanted to see you..I missed you so much..I at least wanted to talk it out..”
“O-of course,” he stammered quickly. Just having her come to him now was enough to give him hope. And oh god, she still loved him too?
Yes, they could talk this out.
“We can talk as much as you need. Here,” Jack got to his feet, and offered her a hand. “Let’s go inside." Please come inside. Please come home.
Jack Maple 