Work Text:
Frank Langdon had to ruin everything.
His figure standing near Samira instantly dampens Jack’s mood. He was already well aware of Langdon’s remorseful behaviour, like a guilty dog seeking love and affection after doing a bad thing. And yes, Jack should feel more sympathy for him with all he went through while being away.
But as he watches Langdon leans down to whisper something in Samira’s ear, a little bit of Jack’s empathy simmers away.
Fuck.
He should be the one to make her laugh. He should be the one to put a smile on her face. He should be the one even talking to her in the first place.
It’s not like as if Jack didn’t try. The first few months after the MCI enhanced a boost in his ability to be around her even more. The night shifts became meaningful with her around. It was like a purpose had been discovered again through the way he could teach and encourage her in ways he knew Robby could not provide.
And then Christmas happened. A complete reminder of Jen’s death haunting him throughout the tedious shift until he snapped involuntarily at her during a turbulent MVA, the case all too familiar and all too much for him. The past had decided to not let go of him just yet.
He apologised, but avoided her outside of work hours – the closeness once established now gone in a blink. It killed him inside at the thought of Samira losing the confidence she gained through his help. He couldn’t bear to be the burden of such things. He couldn’t bear to bring forth his own misery upon her.
But now, as she leaves with a gentle pat on Langdon’s shoulder to go back to work, something in Jack’s mind twists.
Damn everybody else. Damn his good faith and angst and honour… He won’t let her slip away again.