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ray-the-fanatic · 23 hours ago

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Stay - Clay Bailey/Jack Spicer fic

Rating: General Audiences/SFW Fandom: Xiaolin Showdown Relationship(s): Clay Bailey/Jack Spicer, Clack Character(s): Clay Bailey, Jack Spicer Word Count: 5,077 Summary: Clay and Jack have been dating for secret for a while now, and have found a good routine with it all. However, after a night together, Jack wakes up to find Clay attempting to leave without even saying goodbye. Jack would prefer if Clay stayed. Author Note: My best friend, @ray-the-fanatic, and I randomly remembered Xiaolin Showdown existed like last week, and within 24 hours it has taken over our lives - especially the ship of Clay/Jack. We adore it ;3; So, I gift this fic to her, my best friend. Thank you for always being there for me through everything, I appreciate you more than I know how to say. Thank you for being the best friend I could ever ask for <3 I hope you enjoy it, especially because 80% of it was written at like 3 AM uwu

Also, this hasn't been beta read, and it's been a while since I've written these characters, so I'm a little rusty <3

This fic can also be read on A03 ! Link Here! (you will need an account)

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The World was quiet, outside of the faint rustle of a breeze through the surrounding tree's of Jack's home, or the faint buzz of one of his many robots charging around him. He had moved a bed down into his workshop a while ago; anything to help avoid his parents whenever they happened to be home. Whenever they happened to acknowledge the fact he still exists. Jack, the self-proclaimed Prince of darkness, didn't need them. He didn't need anyone in fact!

...

Well, he needed one person in his life.

And that person was laying next to him, half tangled in sheets as he snored quietly next to him. Jack was nestled into the arms of Clay, Xiaolin dragon of Earth. Even he had to acknowledge how surprising it was, that he, a genius with desires of World domination, would fall in love with the country bumpkin on the other side of the coin - one of four monks always getting in his way. Weird, he knew, even for him, but it was hard to ignore the southern charm that the human version of a Golden Retriever that Clay was. From the way they smiled, to how their blue eyes would glint in the bright lights of a Shen Gon Wu being activated, everything about them was captivating. Jack never intended to fall so hard for the country boy, but he was confident, and comforted, by the fact Clay never intended to fall so hard for him either.

Jack figured he could maybe delude himself long enough to convince himself this was fate. That their paths were always meant to entwine in this way the entire time.

The seconds of the clock ticked by. It had just gone passed three thirty in the morning. There was no chance that the sun would make its appearance anytime soon. Jack was never one to really sleep, but, the way Clay's arm rested over him, was both hard to escape from, and hard to resist. Their was this natural warmth to Clay that lured Jack in before he ever had a chance to really realise it. Now here the two of them were, fast asleep in each others arms. Heylin and Xiaolin. Two sides of the same coin. A secret shared between the two souls; stolen kisses while others hunted for Wu, whispered promises lodged in their hearts until they could hide away like this. That's what they were. On some level they both hated that they did have to be secretive about this.

Jack had a reputation to keep up after all, and Clay? Well...he had his entire existence to protect.

But none of that mattered. Not right now in the dead of night where they were safe and sound in each others embrace. There was nothing to worry about, nothing to fear. Dreams of a future where they could just exist without a second thought, a second guess. It would be theirs one day, the two was sure of it. And how Jack silently dreamed of his own paradise. Of himself, King of the World, with Clay at his side. He wonders if he could ever bring Clay over to his side.

Dreams were interrupted when Jack felt Clay move suddenly. He grunted quietly, assuming the cowboy was just shifting in his sleep. When the warmth of Clay's arms slipped away from him though, Jack found himself forcing his eyes open. He squinted, just about able to make out Clay's silhouette in the darkness of the room. Deep crimson eyes flickered over to his digital alarm clock. It was only three forty five in the morning. Jack huffed, hating that he had been woken up so early. His eyes more accustomed to the new darkness, he took his gaze back to Clay, who was shuffling about in the ink black of his room. He saw them attempting to drag their jeans back on as silently at possible. Clearly he wasn't aware that Jack was awake. With a tired, croaky voice, Jack spoke up,

"Didn't think you were the type to kiss and run Clay."

Their voice clearly caught the cowboy off guard, and Clay near about jumped out of his skin. Clay stumbled back, heart rate beating fast at the fact he'd been seen attempting to redress so he could scurry back off to the temple. There was a blush on his cheeks near immediately; he's sure it was bright enough Jack could see it.

"Sorry," He murmured, "Didn't mean t' wake ya..."

"Eh...I'm a light sleeper..."

"Heh, guessin' it's from all those energy drinks ya'll 'ave?" Clay comments, "I still aint sure how you can drink that junk yanno."

"You just haven't found the right flavour."

"...Right..."

There silence fell, awkward and thick, similar to how it was when this all began. Unsure, strange. Clay was still stood there, having managed to get his jeans on, but his belt was still a lost cause. God knows where that was, lost amongst the wires and junk that littered the metal floor. He knew he'd been caught, yet he refused to just explain. He wanted to avoid conflict, but that tended to bite him more in the ass than it did save him. Jack remained on his side, tired gaze on his boyfriend,

"Are you leaving?" Jack asked,

"...Yeah."

"Why?"

"I gotta get back to the temple," Clay responded nonchalantly, the answer seemed obvious, "Before the others wake up, an' realise I'm gone."

Once more, Jack looks to his alarm clock. His face scrunched up in disgust at the time,

"It's only four in the morning, Clay."

"I know," He dismissed, working on trying to find his belt, "I just, wanna make it seem convincin', like I'd been there all night yanno?"

A smirk tugged onto Jack's, and though Clay couldn't see the exact look on Jack's face, even with him squinting, he could just tell he was getting a look right now. Clay moved to cross his arms, a huff to his voice,

"What you smirkin' 'bout?"

"Nothing nothing," Jack brushed off,

"Don't seem like nothin'."

"It's just..." Jack hummed, slowly responding, "Cute."

"What is?" Clay questioned,

"You, trying to lie and stuff," Jack teased, "Sigh...after all our time together, I would've thought some of my dishonesty would've rubbed off on you - that's all."

"Huh? I aint bein' dishonest," Clay tried to argue.

"Oh? Then what are you being right now baby, because it sounds like you're trying to lie to the rest of those Xiaolin losers to me."

"I, well I jus', I aint-"

Clay did his best to find some sort of argument; an explanation to how him sneaking back and acting like he'd been at the temple was totally okay. However, his mind pulled nothing but blanks. He knew there was no way to twist this to suit his agenda, to make it seem like he was being honest. Always one to avoid conflict, Clay breathed out a heavy sigh, and shook his head,

"Forget it."

Jack just laughed at the way Clay's feathers got ruffled; it was a rare sight for anyone to see, but he loved getting to be the one to do it. He couldn't help it; it was just cute when they got all flustered and frustrated like this. Still the moment was fleeting. Jack didn't want Clay to leave him; wasn't ready for them to return to what their reality truly was. It's why he poked, prodded, teased - anything to keep Clay around for longer. But Jack couldn't bring himself to admit it; didn't want to come across as too clingy. Jack sat himself up in bed, blankets around his hips as he glanced over the side of the bed. There he saw his key, his bargaining chip to keep his boyfriend around for a little bit longer. Smirk turned to a wide, toothy grin, as Jack reached down and snatched up Clay's hat; it must've come off while they were sleeping. Laughing to himself, Jack idly slipped his boyfriend's favoured accessory onto his head. Folding his arms behind his back, Jack soon laid back, eyes on Clay,

"Are you sure you need to leave me Clay?"

"Yeah..." Clay reiterated, "I have to go back."

"Mmhhm...fine," Jack shrugged, seemingly giving up the fight, "But I'm keeping your hat."

Clay had never spun around so fast in his life; blue eyes quick to land on Jack, and their stupid smug face,

"No you aint."

"Yes I am," Jack argued, knowing exactly what he was doing.

"No you aint, Jack," Clay repeated, far more forcefully, "Las' time I showed up without my hat, it took me thirty minutes to convince the others I'm Clay."

Jack didn't try to hide the laugh that burst from his lungs. Clay felt the redness on his cheeks flare up harshly, as if the sun itself was beating down on him. There were few things that instantly got on Clay's nerves, but his hat was one that could ruffle him up quicker than anything. Belt, and the rest of his clothes for that matter, forgotten, Clay immediately stormed back over to bed. Jack's smile couldn't be more smug if he tried; he knew he had won. Clay's fingers tensed, briefly, into fists. Bed dipped as his knee pressed to the mattress, the boulder of a man moving to crawl over Jack, who did little to fight as he was trapped between Clay's arms.

"Give it back."

"Hmm..." Jack hummed, "No."

Lifting a hand, Clay went to snatch his hat back. Jack immediately squirmed back, his own hand snapping up and grabbing Clay's wrist to stop him. Not that he really did much in terms of strength; Clay could snap him in half with a bear hug if he really wanted to. However, their sudden touch was enough to get Clay to stop, his fingertips just grazing the hem of his hat.

"Weeeeelll..." Jack near sung out, "I suppose we can make a deal~"

"You-!" Clay's teeth gritted slightly, "Ya'll playin' dirtier than a pig in its pen Jack!"

"I know," Jack shrugged it off, "But you'll like this one, promise."

Clay rolled his eyes, though he refused to move. He was going to get his hat back, and sadly, Clay knew he wasn't above grovelling if needed.

"What is it ya snake?"

"You stay with me."

Clay's face softened at the request. He glanced away, the tension in his body fading slightly. He shifted back, causing Jack's fingers to slip away from Clay's wrist. The dragon of Earth was soon back on his knees, Jack's hips partially straddled in this new position. There was plenty of room for Jack to sit up, though, he remained laying down for now. Clay lifted a hand, rubbing the back of his neck, as he refused to look back at him,

"Ya know I can't..."

"But you can," Jack insisted.

"It aint that easy."

"You're the one making it difficult!"

Clay quirked his mouth. Technically, he was right, it was Clay himself focusing way too hard on how the others would react that was forcing him to leave. He went quiet, internalising his thoughts, unsure how to word whatever it was knocking around his skull. People always assumed there was nothing going up on there, but in truth, Clay was always thinking. Too much, about everything. Jack shifted back, sitting himself up, Clay's hat still snuggly on his head.

"Hey...Clay?"

More silence, more nothing. Hesitantly, Clay looked back to him, as if he was scared to meet their gaze.

"Yeah...?"

"Do you, you know, actually want to go back to the temple?"

"...No..."

"Then stay," Jack repeated, trying to drill it in, "Who cares what the rest of them think."

"I care Jack..." Clay points out.

Jack scrunched his face up, growing frustrated. It felt like the two of them were going around in circles.

"More than me huh?"

"Huh?" Clay takes offense, "That aint true at all."

"Doesn't seem like it," Jack crossed his arms, pressing harder, "If you cared more about me you'd stay."

"Don't - don't say stuff like that," Clay frowned, "It aint like that..."

"Then stay!"

"I can't Jack!" Clay kept pushing back, "If the others find out they...they..."

Shoulders slumped in defeat, and once more, Clay isn't looking at him. Jack leaned to the side, trying to force the stubborn cowboy to keep looking at him. He hated how Clay refused to look at him, how he always tried to hide away, whenever there was the sliver of a chance he may open up.

"...They what, Clay?"

The silence had never been louder. Clay once more rubbed the back of neck, before reaching to grab for his hat, instinctively wanting to use it to hide his face. Of course, there was nothing there for him to grab. Nothing to use as a shield. Dang it.

"...I don't think they'd understand," Clay admits quietly, "I like what we got here Jack...I really like it, an', I'm scared that they'd not accept us."

"Because we're gay?" Jack bristled, "Hah, and I thought I was the evil one."

"Wha-?" Clay blinked, dumbfounded, "No! They'd accept that, they aint phobic...least, I hope they aint..."

Clay shook his head, opting to brush off that fear for his own sanity. He knew all of them, he knew the other monks wouldn't be against him dating another guy - even if he was still comfortably hidden in the closest from everyone, except Jack, of course.

"I meant they wouldn't accept us cause ya'll evil, an' fight on the Heylin side, an' I'm...I'm a Xiaolin Dragon, yanno, it's wrong for us t' be doin' this stuff, an' I, I jus'..."

A frustrated groan left Clay, as he opted to hide his face into his hands. Trying to untangle its thoughts into something that could be comprehendible in words. Dragging his hands down his face, he forced himself to look up, his movements stiff and laboured. It was hard to talk when you were so used to tucking everything away; letting it fester inside like a seed trapped beneath soil. Maybe that's why he was the Dragon of Earth...

Still defeated, still tired, Clay remained slumped as he spoke in a low voice; something akin to a whisper, something he hoped Jack couldn't hear in the overbearing silence of early morning,

"I don't wanna risk puttin' us in danger, I don't wanna lose what we got," Clay managed to find something to say, "Ya'll the bes' thing I've ever had Jack..."

"...Really...?" Jack's eyes widened briefly, "I'm...the best?"

Clay nodded his head gently. It was rare for him to open up like this. Maybe he could blame the fact it was so early in the morning; he was early in the morning. It made him vulnerable. His dad always told him a man 'don't talk 'bout their feelings'. Just another one of a thousand reasons why he was like this.

"Yeah..." A soft admission, "When I look at ya'll...I see home..." Clay added on, voice barely heard, "I see that lil' white picket fence, aroun' a little home, with a load'a land for all the animals to run across, an' a big dog that tail never stops waggin', an' an'...I just see the future I wan'..."

Clay's blush returned at full force, paired with a smile Jack was worried he may not see that morning. Shame it was short lived, a spark in the dark that faded so fast,

"But...we aint gonna 'ave that, I aint gonna 'ave that...if the others find out..."

He hated hiding. Hated having to go behind all their backs. Clay knew there no real choice in the matter though. He loved Jack, and he wasn't going to risk losing them - no way, no how.

"This ain't 'cause I don't care 'bout you...it's 'cause I care 'bout losing ya'll..."

Jack stared at Clay, as if he was seeing them for the first time. Not a single snarky remark found. It was terrifying, for both of them, being vulnerable, being open. Maybe he should've just let them leave. Then again, Jack would've never gotten this peak into his boyfriends brain. Turned out there was more than just pig juggling and Texas on their mind. Who knew.

Red eyes flickered away, before back to Clay, Jack just trying to take it all in. He'd been staring too long without doing anything. He wasn't even sure he breathed for a good few seconds there. Jack's shoulders soon started to tremble, a shaky smile forming. A few stifled snickers managing to slip free, Jack slapping a hand over his face before he could laugh fully. Clay felt himself physically shrinking back, wanting to run and hide and never open his stupid mouth again. Thankfully, before Clay could decide to never open his yap again, Jack found his words with minimal laughed laced around his sentence,

"Clay," He said their name, moving to pluck the cowboy hat off his own head, "For the dragon element of Earth or whatever...you're pretty soft."

Jack placed it back where it belonged, on top of Clay's blonde hair. It was enough to make him grin, feeling himself with it back there. A sense of relief washed over him, glad Jack wasn't mocking him directly for pouring his heart out like that. Clay's smile remained though,

"Ya'll aint much better, 'Prince of darkness'."

"You take that back."

"Hmm..." Clay hummed, "No."

Jack pouted; he had a reputation to keep up after all. Clay turned his head, laughing himself now. Suddenly, it all felt new again. This love. When everything made them giggle and laugh over the stupidest of things that only they understood. Neither of them didn't even really understand what they were laughing about, but they still couldn't stop himself. Clay lifted a hand, placing it on Jack's shoulder. Immediately he moved closer, sharing in the affection as his own hand found its way onto Clay's cheek, thumb dragging over their freckled skin. Clay's laughter died down, his head tilting into their hold, as his free hand lifted and rested on top of Jack's own. Jack leaned in closer, the tip of his nose just a mere inch from Clay's own.

"...Stay?"

Back to this, except this time, Clay found himself not wanting to argue. He quickly looked to the clock. It had just gone four. Clay mulled it over, before giving in. How could he have ever truly hoped to resist those big puppy dog eyes,

"I'll stay for an extra hour."

"All day," Jack instantly pushed for.

"An hour an' a half," Clay rebutted.

"All morning?"

"Two hours, take it or leave it darlin'."

Jack wasn't happy with the offer, however, the fact Clay called him 'darlin'' did made a few butterflies flutter somewhere in his chest. It was fine though, he was already scheming how to make sure Clay stayed with him, glued at his side, right where he should be. He's sure Clay wouldn't be too upset if he just happened to forget an alarm for them. Pretending to accept defeat, Jack rolled his eyes,

"Fiiiiiine..." He complained, "I guess we got a deal."

Clay beamed, nose pressing against Jack's now as he closed off the space between them,

"Good."

"...Bad," Jack grumbled, keeping up the act.

"Only to ya'll," Clay gently chuckled, "'Sides, we're 'bout due a new Wu t' wake up, we'll be back together in a few hours, I'm sure of it."

"Uh-huh," Jack rolls his eyes, "You better get the Wu this time - last time Omi beat my butt, and I'm tired of losing."

"What? An' ya'll think I'm gonna go easy on you or somethin'?"

"Uh, yeah," Jack grinned knowingly, "Course you will."

Jack's hand slipped down from their face, arms moving to curl around the back of Clay's neck. Clay's own hands wandered, finding their home on his hips,

"An' why's that?"

"Because you love me."

Clay's gaze became half-lidded, a gentleness to his touch and gaze. He dragged a hand up his spine, the fabric of Jack's shirt idly getting caught on his calloused fingers. Jack felt a shiver roll over his skin, as Clay's touch danced between his shoulder blades, and over the back of their neck. Clay carded his fingers into their scarlet red hair; not holding them tightly, but merely cradling their head.

"Yeah...I do..."

Even though Clay's hand was holding onto him, Jack still had control of the situation. Clay was a gentle giant, aware of his strength, but never using it to pull anyone along, to lead at all. It was a contrast, and a control Jack appreciated in that moment. He didn't want his hair pulled on, or worse, ripped out. He tilted his head to the side, and Clay did the same, just in the opposite direction. Their lips met, a soft and sweet kiss shared; something short lived and familiar to the two of them. briefly, they parted. Though that too was short lived within itself.

Jack let his lips open first, capturing Clay's lips again. He remained, careful, soft; Clay was still easily startled when it came to intimacy. Jack knew that, understood that, and Clay was thankful for the extra care this villain always gave him. So when he felt Jack's, slightly, opened mouth on his own, he silently allowed entry, his own mouth opening. Jack took the silent invitation. Sensual, as delicate as flower petals blossoming in the Spring, the two of them kissed. Clay tensed a little when he felt Jack's tongue touch his own, though, he quickly melted back into the growing rhythm. It was still all a little new to the cowboy.

Clay let his eyes fall shut first, tentative himself as he allowed his tongue to slide against his own. A slow dance of its own, though this wasn't quite what he had in mind whenever he told Jack they should go slow dancing together, the two found their pace. Clay let Jack lead, it's easier to give the reigns to him. Clay was still new to all of this; to letting himself have something he wanted without second guessing himself. To admitting to himself that, not only did he love Jack, but he just, loved a guy in general. He knew that Jack preferred having the control too, especially in these moments were intimacy began to spark between them.

Fingers trailed and caressed over each other's forms. Clay's fingers would catch on Jack's shirt, or tangle into their hair; it was always so soft. Clay had never found his shirt, meaning Jack had full access to the Cowboy's skin. He smirked, feeling as goosebumps raised beneath his fingertips; as he felt the soft shudders and shivers that spurred through Clay's form. There was something captivating, addicting, about the fact that he could reduce this strong, boulder of a man into little more than putty in his hands.

Their hearts began to flutter harder, breathing growing a little heavier. Clay's skin was hot to the touch, his blush bleeding down his neck and towards his chest. Jack pulled away, just an inch, a string of saliva keeping them connected. Hot gusts of breath ghosted across their lips as they worked on just catching their breath. Clay's eyes opened, just enough for blue hues to be seen through soft blonde locks.

"Jack..." Clay murmured, their name a sin on his tongue.

"Clay..."

Clay breathed out, pressing his forehead to Jack's own, hat tilted back slightly. The two of them remained close, not wanting to move, not wanting the moment to end. Clays' voice was barely a murmur,

"...I don't wanna leave."

"I know."

Jack glided his fingers around Clay's ribs, making him chuckle softly; he had always been ticklish, and as much as Jack would love to torture him to stay that way, he knew there was an easier solution. He didn't need to beg them to stay like he had been, didn't need to wind them up until they snapped and gave in. No, Jack knew how the bumpkins mind worked, how it was wired. What Jack needed to do was simply give Clay an out. Jack's hands found Clay's face, as he cupped their cheeks. Their face was so warm; painted with a blush, and speckled with freckles that he just adored.

"...I can tell them I kidnapped you," Jack offered, "You caught me trying to rob your Wu, and I had to take drastic measures..."

It was the sweetest of temptations; the most delicious carrot on a string being dangled in front of Clay's face. He knew he should say 'no', stick to the supposed deal they had already made. But Clay could be selfish. Clay could want things, and sometimes, he wouldn't feel guilty for wanting those things. It was wrong to lie, but it was already wrong of him to be here, so close with their enemy, in the first place. It was always better to beg for forgiveness, than it was for permission. Clay felt a smile tug onto the corner of his lips. He shouldn't, but, how could he resist a few extra hours in the arms of his boyfriend, now that there was an excuse to be there in the first place.

"...Ya'll a bad influence, Spicer."

Jack's space split into a wide grin. He didn't need to hear Clay say 'yes' directly, to know he had agreed. Locking his arms around the back of Clay's neck, Jack began to lean back, in an attempt to pull him down. There was no way in Hell Jack could move Clay in the same way that Clay could move him; he always did like the way the cowboy could manhandle him without any effort. Thankfully, Clay got the message, and carefully leaned himself forward. He moved slowly, quickly moving on of his hands to press his palm to the bedsheets, keeping his balance to stop him from outright crushing his boyfriend. Jack's back rested against bunched up sheets; he kept grinning as he looked up at them.

"I'm the Prince of darkness Clay, of course I'm a bad influence."

Clay rolled his eyes, thankfully in a fond way. He let his arms bend, Clay carefully rolling off to the side, and forcing Jack to let go of him. Clay's body hit the mattress on his side, next to Jack. He returned to a more comfortable position, with one arm draped over Jack's much smaller form, and his other arm resting just above their head. Jack gently placed his hand on top of Clay's arm. He shifted his body a little closer, soaking in their warmth, the natural comfort that Clay gave. He always smelled like freshly dug Earth; Jack hated going outside, but the aroma that clung to Clay had grown to be one of his favourite scents. Jack tilted his head back, looking up to his lover,

"You going back to sleep?"

"Yeah..." Clay murmured, "Might as well try an' get a few more winks in 'fore the guys show up."

He pulled Jack a little closer, wanting to keep them close. He's sure Jack could hear his heartbeat. The delicate thumps that worked as the perfect lullaby. It just felt so...so right to have Jack in his arms like this. There was always a part of Clay that told him that this was wrong, but that voice was growing fainter, smaller, and the most time he spent just letting himself be happy with his boyfriend, the less that part of him seemed to talk at all. Maybe one day he'd have the spine to tell his family who he was, tell his friends who he was dating. That was a day far from now though. For now, he'd take what he had, soak it all in, enjoy it while he could to its fullest. Humming deeply, Clay pressed his lips to the top of Jack's head. It was rare for him to initiate things, so when he did, Jack couldn't help but feel giddy over it. Clay let his lips linger upon their hair for a few seconds, before pulling himself away. Chin soon replaced his lips place, Clay breathing out a relaxed sigh,

"G'night Jack..."

"It's morning Clay."

"...Mornin' Jack."

Snickering lowly to himself, Jack didn't bother to try and fall back asleep. He rarely bothered with it in general, preferring to live off of energy drinks and spite to keep him going through the day. So he was more than happy to just lay there, listening to Clay's heartbeat. It didn't take long for his breathing to slow down, and grow soft. Delicate little sighs, paired with the occasional snore touched the air, joining back in with the quiet symphony of charging equipment. The sun would be raising by now; good thing Jack primarily stayed in the basement - he didn't have to worry about the sun ruining the moment by making things too disgustingly bright.

He lay there silently, staring at the ceiling, counting the bolts that kept every panel together. Most of Jack's life sucked, but he liked this moment now. Sad to think this was probably the best moment in his life. He feared the moment it would end, having already accepting the worst case scenario. For now though, he'd let his desires to run rampant; it was more comforting to reject the reality of life, than accept he tainted all good that came into his life. Jack always knew that he was bad, and now he was sure that it was true - because he saw Clay as nothing but good, and he could never be anything like them. He just adored Clay, even if he never knew what made Clay think he was so special...

"Hey...Clay...?" Jack whispered.

He got a grunt in response. Half a warning not to wake him back up, and half an acknowledgement of Jack's words. The self-proclaimed evil genius was quiet for a beat, before he dared to speak again,

"I love you..."

Clay could be heard huffing out, loudly. Jack could feel as they tightened their grip around him, protectively, dare he hope it was even possessively. And, just maybe, it was just his delusions of a happy ending getting the better of him, but Jack was sure he heard Clay's half-asleep voice whispered in return,

"I love ya too..."

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