And that makes Jack's mouth curve into a twisted smile, and he glances over, dark hair rustling against the pillow case.

"Sure wish there were somethin I could do to help you out, bud. Don't want you--"

Ending up like me.

But he stops, shuts up.






"You need me t'do anythin? You just say it." And hell, it's as close to making a swear that Jack has ever come that didn't involve his wedding vows.