Reunited (Jack Lex)

It was this time of the year when Faith first met Jack, at the lake where she was reading her book and caught him skinny dipping. How she didn't even dare to take a peak when he was wrapping himself in a towel. The same exact spot where a few weeks later they held their first drunken kiss, and Faith herself went into the freezing water though she had clothes on. This was truly a magical time of the year, and all the memories are still so comforting. Every time the front door opened, bringing in that gust of wind, it more then ever invited in memories. The cold time of the year was so beautiful, even with most people seeing it as a time of sickness and death.

"Good evening Mrs. Lexington." Faith greeted as soon as the older women came through the door, a smile upon her face. Rarely was a smile seen on the young red head's face anymore, but the first signs of winter arriving was showing.

The smile was contagious and Mrs. Lexington couldn't help but bring an identical smile to her own face. "Well someone's looking better." She complimented, greeting the twins with a kiss on each forehead. "Mr. Lexington's working late tonight, so just us girls tonight." She informed, then suddenly gets interrupted by the sirens that informed the public of something wrong, usually terrible occurring. Within seconds Faith and Mrs. Lexington grabbed the closest baby to them and exited out of the home. It was probably only a drill, but it was always best to be fast.

With the Lexington home being a little bit further from the town an entire crowd had already formed around whatever was happening. The two ladies simply enjoyed the outskirts and bounced around Josh and Briar, awaiting for the news of whatever happened. The hustle and bustle of everyone eager for the news blocked out the majority of what the speaker was attempting to announce. Still Jack Lexington easily reached Faith ears, along with Mrs. Lexington, but not soon enough to convince Faith to wait until people started clearing out. Immediately Faith and baby Josh dove into the sea of people, to push their way up to the front. Have they brought back his dead body? Or did they spare his life? Either way tears had began clouding Faith's vision, only concerned about making it to the front.

"Jack!" Faith couldn't help but cry out at the first sight of his beaten-down yet still alive body. Tears had already began dripping down her cheeks, but luckily no flood has occurred. Without even the concerns of rules Faith couldn't help but run up to him, throwing the arm, not supporting the toddler, around him like it was her last chance again. She didn't care who saw her, she was just so happy to see Jack alive.

Eventually, after they put Jack through enough embarrassment, they let the poor guy free..well as much as someone in this District could be free. Still tears managed to occasionally fall, but Faith tried her best to hold them back. The baby boy in her arms was helping at least, the twins practically knowing that he was their Father. Even after so long, you could tell that they were aware of everything. Jack's Father showed up a little before the official release, taking a hold of Josh for the young lady. No words were needed once Faith could embrace Jack for even only a minute, she didn't need a kiss, or an I love you, she wanted him to be there, and he was.

If it was possible for a heart to jump out of someone's chest it'd be then for Faith, the longing feeling to have Jack back and feel the warmth of his hugs. No one else ever gave such comforting hugs. The look upon Josh and Briar's faces finally being near him was so priceless, they were certainly his children. Only Faith's father raised her, she could only imagine what it would of been like for the twins to grow up without either of their parents. Even after the horrors of being in the darkness, it was nearly all worth seeing the reunion.

To no surprise Jack immediately asks about his mother and daughter, being locked away from months one can only imagined what happened in the outside world. Faith couldn't bare to think about what Jack had gone through, especially seeing his condition up close; as if they beat him head to toe, not to mention his bleeding leg. Before he even has a chance to finish his question, or for Faith to answer it, Mrs. Lexington and Briar break through the crowd.

The glisten in Mrs. Lexington's eyes, declaring she was too strong to cry though she wanted to, only brought more tears to Faith. She was so happy about seeing Jack she didn't even consider being angry at the peacekeepers that did...or refused to think about it because she didn't want to risk anymore drama. Just seeing the Lexington family reunited was enough. Even though the baby boy had just left her arms a short while ago, baby Briar is replacing the spot, and Mrs. Lexington is turned towards the peacekeepers. Now it was obvious where Jack gets all of his spunk from.

"Mrs Lexington please." Quickly Faith jumped to prevent any more trouble, even managing to get in front of Mrs. Lexington's path before she got more then a yard away from her son. "Jack just got back." There was a desperate plead in her eyes, and for support she was still holding the baby girl. "We can't loose you now." She said in a softer voice. All she wanted was to curl up next to Jack, never leave his side again with fear of him being taken again, but Mrs. Lexington had now became just as important to her. "He's bleeding, let's take him home."

By this point people were finally making there way back to their homes, only feeling sorrow for the family. There was decent people in the District though, two guys that probably used to be really good friends with Jack helped them home. It'd of taken all night for Mr and Mrs Lexington and Faith to support Jack and carry the twins all the way home. As soon as they returned home the bleeding in Jack's leg was soaking nearly all of his pants, all they could truly do now was stop the bleeding and hope he didn't loose too much.

With Jack's bedroom being the attic they settled to lay him on the kitchen table, plus they didn't want to stain everything in red. Who knows who pulled out the first aid kit, everything was happening so fast, and all Mrs. Lexington and Faith wanted to do was stop the bleeding.

Just when Faith expect Jack too be weak and drained he pulls her close once again, the only spot she wanted to be except that she had to help Mrs Lexington, and needed to get Jack home. Certainly she could stay there all night and forget that they were still in the town with crispy cold air. His stubbly cheek against her was as comforting as anything else, making it nearly feel like nothing did happen. But it did, and Jack was at least feeling it. "Yeah, we've all been doing okay." She answered not only for herself, she could only imagine the reassurance he'd must want to know his entire family was okay. They weren't going to be good, or even fine, being without Jack Faith herself couldn't be more then okay.

The attention turns over to Briar who was happily bouncing on Faith's hip, all she knew was her Father was finally home what more would a toddler ever want? "Yeah." Faith agreed about Briar being so big now. "They're just starting to walk." She shared their mile marker, wiping her sniffly nose and damp cheeks. It was really Jack again.

The trek to the Lexington's home was cold, but still bearable. Faith and probably Mr & Mrs Lexington all couldn't keep their eyes off Jack, making sure he didn't pass out, or that the kind guys were handling him gently. Concentrating on keeping the baby girl warm and comfortable was a good distraction, it still didn't work for long though.

It nearly looks like Jack's ready to pass out once he's settled on the kitchen table, gazing at the lights above. Even the consideration of what they possibly did to him in the DC brings back the tears, and when he turns his head to look at Faith it brings even more tears if that was possible.

"How's his leg?" Faith asks pulling away from Jack's beautiful eyes for a mere minute because she knew once he begins talking she wouldn't be able to pull away. "Do you need any help?" She offered. Usually Faith was the healer of the family, but Mrs. Lexington had certainly proved to have much greater wisdom on fixing people. Things that Faith wanted to learn from herself, but not will tears impairing her vision.

The examination was still going on but after about a minute Mrs. Lexington had the answers. "I have to bandage, and keep him off of his feet for a while." Mrs. Lexington informed, but it was honestly good news considering the alternatives to what could of happened. "Looks like they decided to be hygienic with their torturing devices." The words bring a shooting pain to Faiths heart, but as soon as she see's Jack's hand reaching for hers she's completely distracted by it have. "I've got it sweetie." Was the last words to exchange from Mrs. Lexington.

"I've missed you to." Faith held a wobbly smile on her lips. Jack's hand felt so cold she could help but place both of her smaller hands around his. "Of course I'd still be here." She reassured, brushing his overly long hair from Jack's face. "Your parents are such charmers I could never leave." She gave a light joke, there was nothing more Faith wanted to see then Jack's famous smile. It might not be tonight, but she could at least try until it happens.

Faith hands didn't budge for a second, never wanting to let go of one of Jack's hands. "How about you?" It was a ridiculous question given the circumstance but Faith couldn't help but ask. "Do you want me to get you anything? Water? Pain killers?" All she wanted now was to help Jack to get as comfortable as possible, she already received the only thing that she wanted.

Still with one hand around Jack's hand, Faith pulled a chair over to them to sit. All she needed now was to sit here until she knew that Jack was going to be okay. She traced her a finger around the back of Jack's hand, wondering what she should ask, or say. Was it too soon to ask why they sent him there? What happened in there? The conditions to his departure from there? Or did she even want to know?

"Josh and Briar are doing great." Faith felt the need to inform, she knew the most important thing to Jack was his kids. "Though they knew you were gone and threw quite a few horrific tantrums." She shared with a slight chuckle that was blocked a bit by the tears. Still her hand never left his. "They're still really smart, like you."

There was no need to a thank you because Faith stuck around even when she had no clue if Jack would even be returning. If anything she should be thanking him for the opportunity. Sure the Lexington's were relatively poor, and they all worked to the bone to keep everything up, but the love was like something never seen before. Mrs. Lexington was becoming the motherly figure she never had with all things she had been teaching Faith. And ever since Jack and Faith first met her Father had been over-controling, probably because he had never seen his daughter fall for a boy before. Either way Faith was so grateful for the Lexington's to allow her to participate and help, even returning a lot of help and support in return. Maybe one day Faith could confess all her gratitude towards Jack, but right now was certainly now the time.

Her hands squeeze around one of Jack's when the screaming began, worse then hearing one of the babies cry out of pain, and much louder. The grip her had on her hands was a lot more, but all Faith could do was resist the tears. "What can I do." Her desperate eyes finally found Mrs. Lexington who was fixing up the previously stitches the capitol had badly and uncoordinatedly placed in. The pain from Jack's voice was so heart-breaking.

"Hope that he passes out from the pain." Was the only answer, it was too late to give him medicine, and even if it wasn't they didn't have nearly enough money to afford as much as Jack would need. Sleeping was going to have to be his own pain killer. Faith planted her lips gently on Jack's knuckles that she was holding, watching his fingers glow whiter with the clutch. He must be in so much pain, and there was absolutely nothing Faith could do. How this was almost worse then not knowing what was happening to him in the DC.

Finally something that could possibly help Jack escapes from his weak lips, a desire to see his son. Was there a threat that happened while being tortured? Or was it just because he had a chance to hug Briar but not so much Josh? Either way Faith wasn't going to question it. If there was any way to get him even a little distracted it was good enough for her. Just something to stop the heart-wrenching sounds of pain. "Okay." Faith nodded her head, taking a few seconds before being able to turn away from him, let go of his hands as if she was worried she'd never be able to cling to it again.

She nearly sprinted into the living room where Mr. Lexington was attempting his best the care for the twins; he certainly spent a lot of time with them, but not having to care for them both alone for a while. "He wants Josh." Faith announced, picking up the baby boy without receiving a response. Her only mind set was helping Jack as much as she could. A smile was Mr. Lexington's responds, most likely happy to see someone attempting to help so greatly, and also the obvious of having his son back.

The baby boy was set on the edge of the table, one of Faith's hand by side him incase his balance his lost. Immediately Josh goes the grab his Father's nose, a loud giggle escaping because he knew that was his Father. Even being so young and away from him for a few months, he knew. So did Briar as well. But one baby in the operating room was enough. "Here he is." Faith let Jack know, unsure with how far gone he was. There was a lot of chaos going on in order to fix up Jack, but Josh's naive age never let a smile leave his chubby face.

As soon as Jack comes to terms that his Son was sitting right next to him it almost as if peace finds his way into the room. Even his Mother can't help but shed a few tears as the Father and Son exchange a moment of reunion, a smile nearly going up on everyone's lips, or at least attempting to with all the pain. But the break in between fixing up Jack's leg can not be long, with fear of him loosing too much blood. Within seconds Mrs. Lexington orders Faith the watch Josh, and goes back to work of patching everything up perfectly. What they must of done to Jack. Were they attempting to cut off his leg? It must of only been to scare him on account they didn't go through with it.

Once the screaming begins again so does a loud cry from Josh, as if he could feel the pain that his Father was going to. How Mrs. Lexington was able to keep it cool this entire time was beyond Faith's knowledge, but she manages to super kindly ask Faith to take a hold of Josh. Immediately she does, knowing the wisdom Mrs. Lexington had and that her orders were always so right. She did her best to coddle the little boy, block his ears a bit to subside the noise. Just as she was about to take Josh to the living room everything stopped, the peace after the storm except for the cries that now escape Mrs. Lexington. How even more painful that sound was, she was always the one keeping together and now had to break down a little, but she was after all human. Faith couldn't help but go to the other side of the table in order to do her best to comfort Jack's Mother.

As if Mr. Lexington could also feel that it was all over he also arrived into the kitchen, with Baby Briar bouncing in his arms. At least the babies had settled down from everything, though Josh still sniffled from his last big sob. Mr. Lexington went on the other side of mrs. Lexington to also comfort her. In a way Faith felt so guilty for feeling sad when Jack's Mother must be feeling so much of her son's pain. Sitting at his side instead of attempting to help her. She tried to shake that feeling off on account so much was already going on.

Mr. Lexington questioned whether Jack was going to be okay, but only Mrs. Lexington had any knowledge of that, and only sobs escaped her at this moment. Fear ran through Faith, she could very well be crying because Jack's outcome was not going to be good. He could of already lost too much blood, or have to cut off his entire leg. That stingy pain returned to Faith's heart, along with tears that she attempted to hold back. It was Mrs. Lexington's turn to be sad. She held Josh on one hip and rubbed Mrs. Lexington's back along with Jack's Father.

Still no answer on how Jack's wound was doing, only cries that filled the room. Surprisingly Mr. Lexington places hi arm around Faith's shoulders, and it's evident where Jack gets his comforting hugs from even if it's not an entire hug. He also whispers that Jack was going to be fine, how strong he was and how he always turns out on top. At the same time it brings a smile and tears to Faith's face. Then he disappears back into the living room with the baby girl, after giving a small kiss on the hair of the red head.

Until Mrs. Lexington manages to pull it together Faith continues rub her back. It takes several minutes, but she was expecting it to take hours...at least that's what it felt like Mrs. Lexington deserved. She eventually gets up and leaves the room, and Faith doesn't even question it. Even with the baby boy still on her shoulder she sits back down next to Jack, moving Josh to her lap instead. From the kitchen Faith can hear a little bit of rustling from the living room, like the fire place being set up. "You're going to be okay." Faith reassured, taking a hold of one of Jack's hands again, only with one of her hands though, the other one making sure the Baby didn't stumble out of her lap.

Within a few minutes Mrs. Lexington is back with a large sheet that she covers her son with to keep him warm as she strips off the dc clothing. Curious to what she was going to do with them Faith follows her into the kitchen. "I'll be right back." She whispers to Jack before hand. Just as she enters the living room she watches Mrs. Lexington throw the DC clothing into the fire, and it instantly brings a relief among the house.

The baby boy is placed with his sister on the living room rug, where a few toys are scattered about. Faith makes her way over to the fire place, directly next to Mrs. Lexington. "Is there anything you need me to get?" Faith asked, even if all she wanted to do was sit next to Jack until he gained complete consciousness. When he woke up he'll probably be in a lot, and being next to him with something that could help would be even better.

"No sweetie." Mrs. Lexington reassures about needing supplies. "We haven't had any sicknesses for a while, we have enough for now." A weak smile played on her lips, sad to see her son in so much pain but also so happy to see him back. Certainly that was everyone's mutual feeling at this moment. Faith needed her head in understanding, and gave Mrs. Lexington a long hug.

"I'm going to go put the babies to bed, you guys have done so much tonight relax." Faith offered to Mrs. Lexington and also turned her head to Mr. Lexington with a small kind smile on her lips. How they both managed to hold everything together was beyond Faith's minds. All she could do though is help in anyways she could, and taking caring of youngsters was one of her specialties as everyone knew. She balanced a toddler on each hip and brought them into the second room. After all that happened tonight they were both exhausted and gave no fight as they often did at bed time.

As soon as both were fast asleep Faith returned back to Jack's side. Certainly she was just as exhausted as anyone else, but she held this fear as if peacekeepers were going to come while she was sleeping and take him back. She couldn't let that happen, not again, and not ever again. After a bit Faith did drift off to sleep without even realizing it, to be woken up an hour later by Mrs. Lexington.

"I'm going to bring Jack to the bedroom." He told, and Faith nodded her head and stepped back. It very a little surprising to see that Mr. Lexington could easily lift up his grown son, a bit adorable to as if in that moment Jack had became a little boy that fell asleep somewhere beside his room.

"Is it okay that I sleep in the living room?" Faith asked as she held open the door for Mr. Lexington.

"Of course." He answered, bringing his son across the living room and into his own bedroom. After all Jack's bedroom was in the attic, which would be awfully difficult for him to get his son up there.

Faith laid her head on sofa, quickly drifting off to sleep. The sound of her name was what woke her up in the middle of the night; probably an hour or two before the sun was about to arise. She immediately went to her feet and was by his bedside within a minute. "Hey." She whispered through the darkness, searching for his hand on the side of the bed, but gave up and simply rested her hands there. "How are you feeling?" She asked rubbing one of her eyes, still half asleep.