Chapter Text
The Devils had a rare day off, and Jack intended to do exactly nothing. Well—nothing except to look after Luke, who’d slipped into his little headspace again the moment he woke up.
Jack had found him padding into the kitchen barefoot, hair sticking up in every direction, drowning in the sleeves of one of Jack’s old hoodies.
“Mornin’, sleepyhead,” Jack said, pouring cereal.
Luke didn’t answer with words—just shuffled forward until he could lean against Jack’s side, cheek pressed to his shoulder. Jack chuckled, ruffling his hair. “Yeah, I get it. You’re in little mode today, huh?”
Luke gave a tiny nod, his hand curling into Jack’s hoodie pocket like he always did.
Jack kissed the top of his head. “Alright, buddy. Day off means we can do whatever you want.”
—
They started with cartoons. Jack let Luke pick, and of course he gravitated toward the most colorful, silly show on the streaming app. Jack didn’t mind. He sprawled on the couch with Luke tucked into his chest, the blanket cocooning them both.
Every so often, Luke would giggle at the screen, pointing at some goofy character. Jack made sure to laugh along, adding little comments just to see Luke’s eyes light up.
When the episode ended, Jack asked, “Wanna do something else, kiddo? We got the whole day.”
Luke tilted his head, then shyly whispered, “Colors?”
“Colors?” Jack repeated, before it clicked. “Ohhh, you mean finger paints?”
Luke nodded eagerly, the first real spark of excitement in his sleepy morning demeanor.
—
Jack set up a spot at the kitchen table with big sheets of paper and washable paints. He rolled up Luke’s sleeves and helped him dip his fingers into the colors.
Luke’s giggles filled the room as he smeared bright streaks across the paper. “Look, Jackie!”
Jack leaned over, grinning. “Whoa, is that a… dinosaur?”
Luke nodded proudly. It didn’t really look like a dinosaur, but Jack wasn’t about to ruin the moment. “That’s awesome, buddy. He looks like he could totally outskate me.”
Luke gasped dramatically. “Nooo, Jackie fast.”
Jack laughed, ruffling his hair again. “You’re too sweet.”
By the end, Luke’s hands were covered in every shade imaginable, and there were smudges of blue on his cheeks. Jack snapped a quick picture on his phone, just for himself.
—
Later that afternoon, Luke was back in cuddle-mode. He’d climbed onto Jack’s lap with his blanket and was half-dozing when Jack’s phone buzzed.
Incoming FaceTime: Quinn.
Jack smirked. “Hey, Lukey. Wanna see Q for a bit?”
Luke perked up, nodding sleepily. Jack tapped accept, and Quinn’s face filled the screen.
“Yo,” Quinn said, lounging on his couch back home. “What’s up, Jack?”
Before Jack could answer, Luke stirred and peeked at the screen. “Q…” he whispered, voice small and warm.
Quinn’s whole expression softened. “Hey, buddy. What’re you doing there?”
Luke smiled shyly, snuggling closer against Jack’s chest. “With Jackie… Jackie being really nice.”
Jack felt his heart squeeze at the way Luke said it, like he couldn’t imagine Jack being anything but gentle.
Quinn chuckled. “Yeah? He better be. That’s his job, taking care of you.”
“Mmhm,” Luke hummed, burying his face against Jack again.
Jack kissed the top of his head. “Always got him.”
Quinn smiled knowingly. “You’re a good big brother, man.”
Jack shrugged like it was nothing, but his chest warmed. “Someone’s gotta make sure the kid’s okay.”
Luke peeked out again, grinning sleepily at the screen. “Love you, Q.”
Quinn’s voice softened. “Love you too, Lukey. Get some rest, yeah? I'll see you both soon.”
Luke nodded, already drifting off, the phone slipping from Jack’s hand as he shifted to cradle his brother more comfortably.
—
That night, Jack carried Luke to bed, tucking him in and staying close until his breathing evened out.
As he watched his little brother sleep, Jack thought about what Quinn had said. Good big brother.
He didn’t know about good. But he knew one thing for sure—he’d always be here for Luke.
On the ice, off the ice. Forever.