Work Text:
Jason never minded Jack handing around the workshop. He was a little goofy and talked too much about his "little duckies", but he was good company. Today, however, Jack was quiet. It was almost distracting. No giggling and stories, no offer of sweets and the distinct pop of bubblegum. His grey seemed greyer today too.
Jason turned to see what the clown was up to, watching him turn a box 'round and around in his hands. It was a brightly colored Jack-in-the-Box. Jason stood up.
"Jack? You've been quiet..."
"mm.. Sorry, I can go."
"No, you're fine..." Jason wasn't sure what to say. Jack was never shy about speaking his mind, so whatever it was-
"What do I keep doing wrong?"
"What?"
"Why does everyone leave me..."
Jason wanted to tell him it was because he chose to befriend nasty little children who were nothing but fickle brats. He wanted to tell Jack that he was an idiot and nothing was wrong with him. He wanted to find the last little shit who abandoned him and skin them alive, make them cry.
"Not everyone..." It was a quiet confession that left his lips instead. Jack stopped toying with the box and tilt his head back at an odd angle. His make up was smudged with the tears that had started falling. "I mean... I'm still here... right?"
"That you are my friend." jack smiled and it soothed something in Jason's chest.
"There's nothing wrong with you Jack, its those kids. They don't appreciate you. You're a toy, and when the game is over, they don't want to play anymore."
Jack’s face scrunched. Jason frowned. He messed it up.
“What about you?”
“What?”
“Why do you stay?”
“Well… because I care about you. You’re my friend and I will never get bored of playing with you Jack. You’re not just a toy to be tossed aside, you’re a treasure. Something to be loved and treasured for a long time.” Jack’s cheeks had taken on a monochromatic flush and Jason smile, tuning back to his workbench. “Come, come sit with me. You can pick out the colors for my new dolly.”
Jack followed to the table, setting aside the box. He missed his kids, still felt a pang of something bitter and weird, but he could ignore it for now. He still had Sally and Casper to play with. He still had his little carnival. And he still had Jason. Wonderful, creative, beautiful Jason.
“I think red hair would look nice on her.”
“Red it is then.” Jason smiled, happy to have Jack back to his chipper self.
“Oh and Jason?”
“Yes?” Turning to face Jack, he felt cold lips press against his own, and a sharp nose poking his cheek. Jack pulled back with a grin.
“I care about you too~”
The doll could wait a bit longer, Jason grabbed the taller man and yanked him close, kissing him again.