Page 34 of Jackson

“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me,” Jackson said. He was exhausted. Not only physically but mentally as well.

“Well, you do have a problem with disappearing when we’re asleep,” Finn told him.

Fuck! There was no argument that he could make. Jackson offered his wrists and the leather cuffs he’d been wearing since he’d arrived at the cabin. Finn connected Jackson to the chain that gave him a little more room to maneuver.

“Good boy,” Finn praised.

Jackson growled.

“Just don’t leave again when I’m sleeping,” Michael said quietly. “I can’t…I can’t handle that.”

“What?” Jackson paused, trying to get comfortable. “What do you mean?”

Michael was facing Jackson but had his eyes closed tightly, and Jackson knew something more was happening. He tried to pull Michael close, but his fucking hands were bound. Jackson jerked on the chain.

“Michael,” Finn said softly.

Michael opened his eyes. “That’s what my parents did. They would always take off and go drinking when we were asleep. The first time that I remember was when I woke up from a bad dream. I was five. The twins were three.”

“Baby.” Guilt and disgust filled Jackson. Had he brought Michael’s trauma back?

“Then one night they snuck out when we were asleep. They were driving home drunk and ran the car into a concrete barrier. They died instantly.”

Finn moved fast. Quicker than Jackson could even track and had Michael sitting on Finn’s lap, but Jackson could touch him.

Tears trailed down Michael’s face.

“I’m sorry,” Jackson said desperately. He’d had no idea.

“Just…just don’t leave when I’m asleep,” Michael repeated.

“I won’t,” Jackson swore. “Never again. I swear, never again.”

Michael sniffed. “I still wake up and have to check to make sure the twins are home and safe in bed. I dream all the time that they snuck out and…and are hurt.”

Fuck him! Jackson was a monster. He managed to get Michael’s hands in his bound ones. “I’ll never do it again.”

“Okay.” Michael nodded. “I can handle it if you choose to walk away. I won’t like it. I love you and want you with us, but if you want out then I can’t stop you. Just tell me.”

“I was a coward,” Jackson admitted. “I thought I didn’t deserve you.” He shrugged. “Still don’t think I do. But I love you two and for as long as you can handle me, I’ll stay.”

Michael gave a watery laugh that warmed Jackson’s heart. “Daddy Finn more than proved that he can handle you. I can too.”

“True.” Jackson could admit that Finn had his number. Not that Jackson believed that he was done fighting. It was too ingrained in him. To never let anyone have a real piece of him. Finn would be kept busy.

“Glad you can admit it,” Finn said with way too much cockiness.

Jackson held his bound hands up. “So?”

“Nice try.” Finn laughed before nuzzling Michael’s cheek. “Better, baby?”

“Yes, Daddy. I’m tired.”

“Why don’t you wrap yourself around Jackson? That should make you feel better.” Finn winked at Jackson.

Jackson settled on his back. “Come be my blanket.”

“Good idea!” Michael settled close to Jackson’s side, now between Jackson and Finn, before throwing an arm and leg over Jackson. “I’ll make sure you don’t go anywhere.”

---