The Nephew Trap
Chapter Nine: Friendly Fire
Jack Abbot x Fem!Reader
Word Count: 7.6k
Summary: A day at the Fun Zone turns into a full-scale tactical operation when Jack takes laser tag far too seriously, Carter refuses to surrender his winning streak, and you discover that putting the two of them in direct competition may have been a terrible idea.
Warnings: Fluff, mutual pining, competitive Jack Abbot, deeply unserious laser-tag warfare, Carter continuing to meddle, family dynamics, references to Jack’s military service, and an aggressively determined claw-machine mission.
Author's Note: Hello, lovelies! This chapter features laser tag, competitive Jack, Carter refusing to fear a grown man with military training, and one claw machine being treated like a matter of national importance. I hope you enjoy Friendly Fire!
Xoxo, Del
| Prologue | Chpt. 1 | Chpt. 2 | Chpt. 3 | Chpt. 4 | Chpt. 5 | Chpt. 6 | Chpt. 7 | Chpt. 8 |
The attendant collected the waivers and pointed toward a row of glowing vests mounted along the wall.
“Pick one that fits, then wait by the arena doors,” she instructed.
Carter reached the rack first and pulled down a red vest.
“I want this one,” he announced.
Jack took a blue vest from the opposite end and turned it over in his hands. He checked the straps, the sensor panels, and the plastic laser gun clipped to the front.
You watched his expression sharpen.
“Oh, no,” you murmured.
Jack glanced toward you. “What?” he asked.
You pulled a second blue vest from the rack.
“You’re already taking this seriously,” you said.
Jack tightened one of the straps.
“Carter declared war,” he replied.
Carter tugged his vest over his head and lifted the laser gun.
“I’m going to destroy both of you,” he announced.
Jack looked toward him. His expression went completely serious.
“You know I was in the Army, right?” Jack asked.
Carter stared at him. You slowly turned toward Jack.
“He knows,” you said.
Jack kept his attention on Carter.
“I’m making sure he understands the situation,” he replied.
Carter tightened both hands around the laser gun. “You’re old,” he said.
Jack’s eyebrows lifted. “That was your last mistake,” he told him.
Carter grinned.
“You have to catch me first,” he challenged.
The attendant opened the arena doors before Jack could respond.
A narrow hallway waited beyond them, lit by strips of blue and red light. Music pulsed from somewhere inside the maze. Several children from the next group hurried past, shouting over one another as they disappeared around the first corner.
Carter backed toward the entrance.
“No teaming up with other people,” he warned.
Jack clipped the laser gun into place against his vest.
“You’re the one who insisted we were a team,” he reminded him.
Carter pointed toward you both.
“You’re only allowed to team up with each other,” he clarified.
You pulled the vest over your head.
“That sounds suspiciously specific,” you observed.
Carter adjusted the strap beneath his arm. “It’s fair,” he insisted.
Jack looked toward the darkened maze. “It isn’t,” he replied.
Carter’s grin widened. “That’s because you’re scared,” he said.
Jack took one step toward him.
Carter turned and disappeared through the arena doors. You watched him go.
“That child has entirely too much confidence,” you said.
Jack checked the charge indicator on his laser gun.
“He gets it from Robby,” he replied.
You tightened the last strap across your chest.
“He also gets the poor decision-making from Robby,” you added.
Jack glanced toward you. “Must be a Robinavitch thing,” he said.
You stared at him.
“Careful, Abbot,” you warned.
Jack’s mouth curved.
The attendant motioned both of you forward.
“The game begins when the music changes,” she explained. “No running, no physical contact, and keep the laser guns below shoulder level.”
Jack nodded once. You looked at him.
“Did you hear the part about no running?” you asked.
Jack stepped into the hallway.
“I make no promises,” he replied.
You stared at him.
“Jack, he’s nine,” you reminded him.
Jack looked toward the arena entrance.
“Irrelevant,” he said.
The arena doors closed behind you. The music shifted. A sharp electronic tone rang through the maze, and the sensor panels across your vest lit blue.
Jack immediately moved toward the first corner.
“Stay behind me,” he instructed.
You stared at his back.
“You cannot be serious,” you said.
Jack peered around the edge of the wall.
“Cover my six,” he added.
You followed him.
“I don’t know what that means,” you admitted.
Jack kept his laser gun raised as he advanced.
“Watch behind us,” he explained.
You looked over your shoulder. “Why didn’t you just say that?”
Jack lifted one hand in front of you and made a quick, sharp signal. You walked directly into his back. Jack looked over his shoulder.
“That meant stop,” he whispered.
You rubbed your forehead.
“It would have been more useful before the collision,” you pointed out.
Jack faced forward again.
“You need to pay attention,” he murmured.
“I did not attend the briefing where we learned secret Army charades,” you replied.
Jack raised two fingers toward his eyes, then pointed toward the passage on your right.
You stared at him.
Jack waited.
You looked toward the empty corridor. Then you looked back at him.
“What does that one mean?” you whispered.
Jack closed his eyes briefly. “Watch the right side,” he explained.
You raised your laser gun toward the corridor. “You could have just said that.”
“The point is not to talk,” Jack replied.
“You’re talking right now,” you pointed out.
Jack turned his head and gave you a long look.
A red beam flashed across the wall beside him.
Jack caught your arm and pulled you behind the nearest barrier.
Carter’s shot struck the edge of the partition where Jack had been standing.
Carter’s laughter echoed through the maze.
“You’re bad at this!” Carter shouted.
Jack leaned around the barrier. “She’s compromising the operation,” he called back.
You stared at him. “I am on your team,” you reminded him.
Jack glanced down at you. “Then start acting like it,” he replied.
The command came out low and automatic.
Your breath caught.
Jack’s attention had already returned to the corridor. He had no idea what that tone was doing to you. Which felt deeply unfair.
Carter fired again.
Jack pulled you closer behind the barrier as another red beam cut across the open passage.
You looked at the hand still wrapped around your arm. Then you looked up at him. Jack released your arm and checked the opposite corner.
“Keep close,” he instructed.
You watched him move into the open corridor with his shoulders squared and his attention sharpened.
This should not have been attractive.
Unfortunately, it was.
A red beam sliced across the wall in front of him.
Jack stopped so abruptly that you nearly walked into him again. He raised one hand without looking back.
You stared at his fingers. “No,” you whispered.
Jack glanced over his shoulder. “No?” he repeated.
You tightened your grip on the laser gun. “I’m done learning hand signals,” you told him.
Jack motioned toward the corridor on your right. “Watch that side,” he instructed.
You raised your weapon and aimed into the empty passage.
“See how easy words are?” you asked.
Jack ignored you and leaned around the next corner. Somewhere deeper in the maze, Carter laughed. Jack’s head turned toward the sound.
“He’s circling back,” he murmured.
You looked around at the maze of glowing partitions.
“You cannot possibly know that,” you said.
Jack moved forward. “He favors his right side,” he explained.
You followed him.
“He is a fourth grader playing laser tag,” you reminded him.
Jack checked the opening ahead. “And he favors his right side,” he repeated.
Another red beam flashed across the corridor.
Jack caught the front of your vest and pulled you behind him.
The shot struck the sensor over his shoulder instead.
His vest erupted in red light.
A sharp electronic tone sounded through the maze.
Carter’s laughter grew louder.
“I got you!” Carter shouted from somewhere beyond the partition.
Jack looked down at the flashing sensor on his chest.
You pressed your lips together.
“Don’t,” he warned.
You lost the fight immediately.
Your laughter bounced off the walls around you.
Jack waited for his vest to reset.
“He used you as a distraction,” he said.
You stared at him.
“I was standing behind you,” you pointed out.
Jack looked toward the corridor again. “Exactly,” he replied.
Carter leaned around a partition several yards away.
“You’re bad at this!” Carter called.
Jack lifted his laser gun. Carter disappeared before Jack could fire. Jack moved after him. You hurried to keep up.
“The attendant said no running,” you reminded him.
Jack kept his pace just below a jog. “I’m walking quickly,” he replied.
“You are stalking a child,” you said.
Jack checked the next opening.
“I’m pursuing an objective,” he corrected.
You closed your eyes briefly.
“Of course you are,” you muttered.
Jack raised one hand again and made another signal.
You stopped several feet behind him. Jack looked back at you.
“Why are you all the way over there?” he whispered.
You gestured toward his raised hand. “I’m respecting the hand,” you explained.
Jack lowered it. “That meant move up,” he said.
You stared at him.
“The last one meant stop,” you reminded him.
“It was a different signal,” Jack replied.
“You moved one finger,” you said.
Jack looked toward the corridor.
“Details matter,” he told you.
You crossed the distance between you with a long-suffering sigh.
“There are too many hands, Jack,” you whispered.
Jack glanced at you.
“There are not too many hands,” he replied.
“There are already more hand signals than miniature golf required,” you said.
Jack gave you a long look before turning back toward the corridor.
“You are compromising the operation,” he muttered.
You aimed the laser gun at the sensor between his shoulder blades.
“This is a room full of children wearing glowing vests,” you reminded him.
Jack kept his attention on the opening ahead.
“One of those children has already hit us repeatedly,” he said.
Carter’s voice echoed from somewhere nearby.
“And I’m going to do it again!” he shouted.
Jack turned sharply toward the sound. “He’s counting,” he murmured.
You stared at the focused set of his jaw.
“I need you to understand how insane you are being,” you told him.
Jack lifted his weapon and stepped into the open.
“Stay behind me,” he instructed.
The command came out low and automatic. Your irritation dissolved far too quickly. You followed him.
“You also need to stop saying that like that,” you muttered.
Jack glanced back. “Like what?” he asked.
You looked away before he could read your face.
“Nothing,” you replied.
Jack made another hand signal. You stopped. He motioned again. You narrowed your eyes at him. Jack pointed toward the corridor, then toward you.
You lifted your laser gun.
“I swear to God, Jack,” you warned.
Jack looked back at you. “What?” he asked.
You aimed at the sensor between his shoulder blades.
“Use your words next time,” you told him.
You pulled the trigger.
Jack’s vest exploded in red light.
He went completely still.
The electronic tone sounded again.
Carter’s delighted laughter rang out from behind the nearest wall.
Jack slowly turned toward you.
You lowered the gun. “Friendly fire,” you explained.
Jack stared at you. “You shot me,” he said.
You nodded once. “I did,” you confirmed.
Jack glanced down at the matching blue lights on your vests.
“We’re on the same team,” he reminded you.
You nodded again.
“I know,” you replied.
Jack stepped toward you. You backed away, already smiling.
“You were becoming unbearable,” you explained.
Jack took another step.
“That is not a recognized tactical justification,” he said.
You continued retreating. “It felt justified after miniature golf,” you replied.
Jack’s mouth twitched. “Wrong battlefield,” he said.
You lifted one shoulder. “Same problem,” you replied.
Carter leaned around the corner behind Jack and fired. Jack’s vest flashed red again. Carter vanished before Jack could turn.
“I got you too!” Carter shouted from somewhere beyond the partition.
You pressed one hand over your mouth. Jack looked toward the empty corridor. Then he looked back at you.
“This team has serious discipline issues,” he said.
You lowered your hand.
“We have a leadership problem,” you corrected.
Jack stared at you for one beat. Then he started toward you. You turned and began speed-walking away as quickly as the arena rules allowed.
“Jack,” you warned through your laughter.
Jack followed close behind you.
“You compromised the operation,” he called after you.
You glanced over your shoulder. “It was worth it,” you insisted.
Jack gained another step. “We’ll see,” he replied.
You reached the next corner and cut sharply to the right. Jack followed. You looked back just long enough to see him closing the distance between you.
“That is dangerously close to running,” you warned.
Jack kept pace behind you. “I’m walking quickly,” he replied.
You turned forward again. “You’re abusing the distinction,” you said.
Jack caught the back strap of your vest before you reached the next opening. You stopped with a startled laugh and turned toward him.
“That is physical contact,” you reminded him.
Jack kept one hand hooked lightly through the strap.
“You shot your commanding officer,” he replied.
You looked down at his hand.
“You are not my commanding officer,” you said.
Jack stepped closer.
“You decided I was following your lead,” you corrected.
Jack’s mouth shifted.
“Same thing,” he said.
“This is bringing out a lovely side of you,” you teased.
Jack’s gaze moved slowly over your face.
“All my sides are lovely,” he replied.
You pressed your lips together.
“That confidence must be why Carter keeps shooting you,” you said.
A red glow swept across the wall behind Jack.
His expression changed immediately. Jack caught your wrist and pulled you behind the nearest partition. Your back met the wall. Jack stepped in front of you and blocked the open corridor with his body.
“Quiet,” he whispered.
You looked toward the narrow opening beside his shoulder. Carter’s footsteps moved closer. Jack raised one finger to his lips. You glanced at the finger. Then you looked back at him.
“You’re still using your hands,” you whispered.
Jack’s jaw tightened.
“You are physically incapable of being quiet,” he murmured.
You leaned a little closer.
“You knew that before you picked me for your team,” you reminded him.
Jack’s gaze dropped briefly toward your mouth.
“Carter picked you,” he reminded you.
Your smile softened.
“You didn’t object very hard,” you replied.
The footsteps stopped.
Jack’s attention shifted toward the corridor. Carter’s shadow moved across the opposite wall. Jack tightened his hold on your wrist and waited.
Carter’s shadow moved across the opposite wall.
Jack looked back at you, his expression focused.
A red beam flashed through the opening.
Jack’s vest lit up.
He closed his eyes.
Carter leaned around the partition with a triumphant grin.
“Got you again,” Carter announced.
Jack slowly looked toward him.
“You gave away your position,” he said.
Carter lifted his laser gun.
“I still got you,” he replied.
Jack raised his own weapon. Carter disappeared around the corner before Jack could fire. Jack released your wrist and stepped away from the wall. You remained there for half a second longer. Jack looked back at you.
“Are you coming?” he asked.
You pushed away from the partition.
“I’m deciding whether your strategy has any merit,” you replied.
Jack waited until you reached him.
“It does when my teammate stops shooting me,” he said.
You lifted your laser gun. “No promises,” you replied.
Jack gave you a long look. Then he pointed toward the corridor.
“With me,” he instructed.
You fell into step behind him.
This time, when Jack raised one hand, you stopped before walking into him.
He glanced over his shoulder.
You lifted your eyebrows. “Progress,” you whispered.
Jack’s mouth curved. “Minimal,” he replied.
He pointed two fingers toward his eyes, then toward the corridor on your right. You followed the direction of his hand.
“Watch the right side,” you translated quietly.
Jack nodded once. “Good,” he murmured.
You tightened your grip on the laser gun.
“Do I get a badge now?” you asked.
Jack faced the opposite corridor.
“Survive the next thirty seconds,” he instructed.
You settled beside the partition and watched the opening. A faint red glow flashed across the far wall. You caught the movement at the edge of the corridor.
Carter leaned around the partition with his weapon already raised.
You kept your laser trained on him.
“Right side,” you warned.
Jack turned before Carter could pull the trigger.
His laser struck the center sensor on Carter’s vest.
Blue light erupted across the red panels.
Carter froze and looked down at himself.
Jack lowered his weapon. “Got you,” he said.
Carter stared at the flashing sensors across his chest.
“That was too fast,” he complained.
Jack’s expression remained completely serious.
“You exposed your position,” he explained.
Carter looked up at him.
“You weren’t even looking at me,” he argued.
Jack nodded toward you. “She was,” he replied.
You smiled and lifted your laser gun slightly.
“I covered his six,” you announced.
Jack glanced toward you.
“You did,” he confirmed.
The quiet approval in his voice landed far too warmly in your chest.
You looked toward Carter before Jack could notice. Carter’s vest reset with a sharp electronic tone. He immediately lifted his weapon again.
“That one didn’t count,” he decided.
Jack raised his own laser gun.
“Move,” he advised.
Carter’s eyes widened. Then he turned and hurried around the corner as quickly as the rules allowed. You looked toward Jack.
“You enjoyed that,” you accused.
Jack started after Carter. “Immensely,” he admitted.
You fell into step beside him.
“That was one shot,” you reminded him.
Jack checked the next corridor.
“It was a decisive shot,” he corrected.
Carter’s voice echoed from somewhere ahead.
“I still have more points!” he shouted.
Jack’s jaw tightened. You watched his expression sharpen again.
Jack slowed near the next intersection.
You stopped beside him.
For the first time since the game began, he did not motion for you to move behind him. Instead, Jack looked between the two corridors before nodding toward the one on your right.
“You take that side,” he instructed.
You glanced toward him. “You trust me on my own now?” you asked.
Jack’s gaze settled on your face.
“I trust you beside me,” he corrected.
The answer caught you off guard.
Jack seemed to realize how it sounded only after the words had left him. Neither of you moved. Blue light passed slowly across his face. You lowered your laser gun slightly.
“We always did make a good team,” you said.
Jack’s expression softened. “We did,” he agreed.
Footsteps sounded somewhere beyond the next wall.
Jack’s attention shifted toward the noise.
He caught your wrist and pulled you into a narrow alcove beside the corridor.
Your shoulder brushed the wall.
Jack stepped in close, shielding both of you from the open passage.
His hand remained wrapped around your wrist.
“Wait,” he whispered.
You looked past his shoulder toward the corridor. Carter’s shadow moved across the opposite wall.
Jack leaned closer so neither of you could be seen from the opening.
The space between you disappeared.
Your chest brushed his.
Jack’s free hand settled against the wall beside your head.
Carter’s footsteps slowed.
You held your breath.
Jack looked down at you.
The colored lights shifted across his face.
His gaze dropped toward your mouth.
Your fingers tightened around the front of his vest.
Jack moved a fraction closer.
You lifted your face toward his.
A red beam struck the sensor on your chest.
Your vest erupted in light.
You jolted.
Carter leaned around the edge of the alcove with his laser gun raised.
“Got you,” he announced.
Jack closed his eyes. You stared at Carter. Carter’s gaze moved from your flashing vest to your hand still curled into the front of Jack’s.
His grin widened. “You got distracted,” he observed.
Jack slowly looked toward him.
“You have terrible timing,” he grumbled.
Carter’s grin widened further. “Timing for what?” he asked.
Jack lifted his laser gun. “Go,” he instructed.
Carter laughed and disappeared around the corner.
Jack looked back at you.
Your hand was still resting against his vest. You pulled it away slowly.
“Subtle,” you murmured.
Jack’s mouth tightened. “He knows what he did,” he replied.
You adjusted the front of your vest even though nothing had shifted.
“And whose fault is that?” you asked.
Jack’s gaze remained on your face. “Robby’s,” he decided.
You laughed softly.
“That is becoming a very convenient answer,” you said.
Jack stepped out of the alcove and checked the corridor Carter had taken.
“It is usually the correct one,” he replied.
You followed him into the passage.
Your vest reset with a sharp electronic chirp. Jack glanced toward the blue lights across your chest.
“You’re active again,” he said.
You raised your laser gun.
“Try not to distract me this time,” you warned.
Jack looked at you. “I distracted you?” he asked.
You faced the corridor before he could see your expression.
“Keep moving, soldier,” you instructed.
Jack’s mouth curved. “Yes, ma’am,” he replied.
You followed Jack into the next corridor.
For the final few minutes, the three of you traded shots through the maze. Jack hit Carter once more, and you caught him when he doubled back, but Carter still found both of you more often.
The final tone rang through the arena. The music cut out. The overhead lights brightened.
Carter stepped into the main corridor with his laser gun raised over his head.
“I won,” he announced.
Jack lowered his weapon.
“The scoreboard has not confirmed that,” he said.
Carter pointed toward the exit.
“It will,” he insisted.
You looked toward Jack.
“He sounds confident,” you observed.
Jack glanced at you. “He usually does,” he replied.
The three of you followed the glowing arrows toward the lobby.
Carter reached the scoreboard first. His name sat at the top. He turned around slowly. The grin on his face was almost unbearable.
“I won,” he repeated.
You looked up at the screen. Carter had beaten you by more than a hundred points. Jack stood beneath your name in third place. You pressed your lips together. Jack noticed.
“Don’t,” he warned.
Your smile broke free. “You lost to a nine-year-old,” you said.
Jack looked toward Carter. “He had a tactical advantage,” he replied.
Carter folded his arms. “What advantage?” he asked.
Jack pointed toward the scoreboard.
“You know the terrain,” he explained.
Carter stared at him.
“I’ve been here once,” he reminded him.
Jack nodded once. “Exactly,” he said.
You laughed. Carter looked between you and Jack.
“I still won,” he said.
Jack removed his vest.
“Enjoy it while it lasts,” he replied.
Carter frowned.
“Then how is it not going to last?” he asked.
Jack looked toward the arcade.
“Because I’m choosing the next game,” he replied.
Carter hurried after him.
“You’re just scared I’ll win again,” he called.
Jack looked back over his shoulder.
“Keep talking,” he advised.
You followed them into the arcade, still smiling.
Carter had won the game.
Jack had nearly kissed you.
Somehow, both of those things felt equally impossible to ignore.
Jack’s gaze swept across the rows of flashing machines. The basketball game caught his attention. You noticed his pace slow.
“Oh, no,” you murmured.
Jack glanced toward you. “What?” he asked.
You nodded toward the two hoops. “You found something you think you can win,” you observed.
Jack looked back at the machine. “I can win most things,” he replied.
Carter stopped in front of the game and turned around.
“You lost mini golf and laser tag,” he pointed out.
Jack’s attention shifted toward him.
“You’ve already won twice,” he said.
Carter folded his arms. “Are you scared I’ll win again?” he asked.
You recognized the change in Jack’s expression immediately.
“Carter,” you warned.
Carter glanced toward you. “What?” he asked.
You nodded toward Jack.
“You keep doing that,” you explained.
Jack stepped onto the platform beside Carter.
“Let him,” he said.
Carter grinned and swiped his game card across both readers.
“Winner gets bragging rights,” he announced.
Jack reached for the first basketball.
“You already have enough,” he replied.
Carter picked up a ball from his side of the rack.
“You’re just worried I’ll get more,” he said.
Jack settled the basketball against his palm.
“I’m not worried,” he replied.
The timer sounded.
Carter launched the first ball toward his hoop. It struck the backboard and dropped through the net. Jack’s first shot followed half a second later. Then another. And another.
He settled into a steady rhythm, barely waiting for each ball to pass through the net before reaching for the next.
You watched his score climb.
Carter glanced toward Jack’s screen. His next ball struck the rim and bounced back toward him.
“Stop looking at my score,” Jack advised.
Carter grabbed another ball. “I’m not,” he insisted.
Jack sank two more shots without taking his eyes from the hoop.
“You are,” he replied.
As the timer accelerated, Carter began throwing faster while Jack maintained the same infuriating rhythm. You crossed your arms.
“This is getting uncomfortable,” you observed.
Jack sank another shot. “For him,” he replied.
Carter shot him an offended look.
“You’re distracting me,” he accused.
Jack caught the next ball.
“You said distractions didn’t count,” he reminded him.
Carter threw too hard. The basketball struck the top of the machine and dropped back into the rack. The final buzzer sounded.
Carter’s score froze at forty-two.
Jack’s stopped at seventy-six.
Carter stared at the two screens. Jack placed the last basketball into the rack.
Carter looked toward Jack. “You practiced,” he accused.
Jack stepped down from the platform.
“I have played basketball before,” he replied.
Carter pointed toward the score.
“Nobody gets seventy-six without practicing,” he argued.
Jack folded his arms. “Apparently, I do,” he said.
You stepped onto the empty platform beside him.
“My turn,” you announced.
Jack looked toward you. “Against me?” he asked.
You swiped the game card across both readers.
“You need humbling,” you explained.
Jack stepped back onto the platform.
“You just watched what happened to him,” he reminded you.
You reached for a basketball. “He’s nine,” you said.
Jack picked up the first ball.
“We established that was irrelevant,” he replied.
Carter moved between the two machines and looked from you to Jack.
“I’m keeping score,” he announced.
Jack glanced toward the glowing numbers above both hoops.
“The machine does that,” he pointed out.
Carter rested both hands against the divider.
“I’m making sure nobody cheats,” he explained.
You looked toward Jack.
“He means you,” you said.
Jack adjusted his grip on the ball.
“He should be watching you,” he replied. “You need all the help you can get.”
The timer sounded.
You threw first.
Your first shot bounced through. Jack’s dropped cleanly beside it.
“Show-off,” you muttered.
Jack released his next shot. “You challenged me,” he reminded you.
The second round began faster.
You found a rhythm after the first several shots, sending one ball after another through the hoop. Carter watched the scores climb.
“You’re close,” he told you.
Jack caught another ball. “Do not coach the opposition,” he warned.
Carter looked toward him. “She’s losing,” he replied.
You threw another shot.
“I can hear both of you,” you reminded them.
Jack’s next ball slipped through the net.
“That sounds like a focus problem,” he said.
You turned your head toward him.
“That sounds like friendly-fire justification,” you warned.
Jack’s mouth curved. “Keep your eyes on the hoop,” he advised.
You faced forward again.
You closed the gap in the final seconds, but Jack still pulled ahead before the buzzer rang.
Your score froze at sixty-one. Jack’s stopped at seventy-two.
You lowered the basketball in your hands and stared at the numbers. Jack placed his final ball into the rack.
“Lovely effort,” he said.
You turned toward him.
“Do not become insufferable,” you warned.
Jack stepped down from the platform.
“Too late,” Carter muttered.
Jack looked toward him. “Scoreboard,” he replied.
Carter groaned.
You followed Jack toward the next row of machines.
“You have been waiting all day to say that,” you accused.
Jack glanced toward you. “Since the moat,” he confirmed.
You laughed and bumped your shoulder lightly against his arm.
“Feeling better now?” you asked.
Jack looked toward the glowing score behind him.
“Considerably,” he replied.
Carter hurried after both of you.
“You still lost two games,” he reminded him.
Jack slipped one hand into his pocket.
“I won the most recent one,” he said.
Carter frowned.
“That isn’t how the whole day works,” he argued.
Jack looked toward him. “It is now,” he replied.
Carter wandered toward the next row of machines while Jack continued enjoying his basketball victory far more than necessary.
You followed several steps behind them.
A claw machine near the end of the aisle caught your attention.
A pile of brightly colored stuffed animals filled the glass cabinet. Near the top sat a small green dragon with crooked wings and an expression that looked mildly offended.
You slowed beside the claw machine.
“That one is cute,” you said.
Carter followed your gaze toward the dragon. “I’ll win it for you,” he announced.
Jack stopped beside him and studied the machine.
“You think so?” he asked.
Carter reached for the game card. “I know so,” he replied.
Jack held one hand toward him.
“Hand it over,” he said.
Carter pulled the card against his chest.
“I’m going first,” he insisted.
Jack leaned one shoulder against the machine.
“Be my guest,” he replied.
You folded your arms.
“Neither of you has to win it,” you reminded them.
Carter swiped the card through the reader. “I’m going to,” he insisted.
Jack moved closer to the glass. “We’ll see,” he said.
You looked between them.
“And now it’s a competition,” you observed.
Jack kept his gaze on the dragon. “Apparently,” he replied.
Carter wrapped both hands around the joystick. Jack moved closer to the glass.
“You’re too far left,” Jack observed.
Carter glanced toward him. “You’re not helping,” he said.
Jack folded his arms. “I’m evaluating the competition,” he replied.
Carter returned his attention to the claw and nudged it toward the dragon.
You stepped closer.
“That looks lined up,” you offered.
Carter nodded. “I know,” he said.
Jack looked toward you. “It is not,” he replied.
Carter pressed the button before Jack could say anything else.
The claw dropped.
It closed around the dragon’s middle and lifted it cleanly from the pile.
Carter gasped. “I got it,” he whispered.
Jack leaned toward the glass. “Not yet,” he warned.
The claw carried the dragon several inches toward the chute. One crooked wing slipped free. The toy dropped back into the pile. Carter stared through the glass. You rested one hand against his shoulder.
“That was close,” you told him.
Carter looked toward Jack and held out the card. “Your turn,” he said.
Jack accepted it.
“You only get one try,” Carter warned.
Jack stepped behind the controls. “That rule did not exist when you started,” he pointed out.
Carter crossed his arms. “It exists now,” he replied.
Jack swiped the card. You moved beside him.
“You know winning this will not prove anything,” you said.
Jack glanced toward you. “I know,” he replied.
Carter leaned against the side of the machine.
“You’re too far right,” he advised.
Jack adjusted the joystick. “I did not ask for assistance,” he said.
Carter pointed through the glass. “You’re going to miss,” he warned.
Jack shifted the claw slightly. “No, I’m not,” he replied.
You looked between them. “This feels familiar,” you observed.
Jack kept his eyes on the dragon. “Quiet,” he murmured.
You stared at him.
“You are not in laser tag anymore,” you reminded him.
Jack pressed the button.
The claw descended and closed around the dragon behind its front legs.
It lifted the toy and carried it toward the prize chute.
All three of you leaned closer.
The dragon slipped from the claw at the last second and landed against the plastic barrier beside the opening.
Carter looked toward Jack. “You missed,” he said.
Jack stared through the glass. “I moved it closer,” he replied.
Carter held out his hand. “My turn,” he demanded.
Jack passed him the card. “You have one try,” he said.
Carter frowned.
“You said that rule was made up,” he reminded him.
Jack stepped aside. “It exists now,” he replied.
You covered your mouth to hide your smile.
Carter swiped the card and returned both hands to the controls.
The dragon sat close to the chute now, one crooked wing pressed against the glass.
Jack moved around the side of the machine.
“You need to come in from the left,” he instructed.
Carter glanced toward him.
“You said you weren’t helping,” he pointed out.
Jack crouched slightly to inspect the angle.
“I’m protecting my investment,” he replied.
You looked toward him.
“Your investment?” you asked.
Jack glanced at you.
“The dragon,” he clarified.
You smiled. “Of course,” you said.
Carter shifted the claw.
Jack straightened. “Too far,” he warned.
Carter looked toward him.
“You told me left,” he argued.
“I meant slightly left,” Jack explained.
Carter returned his attention to the controls.
“You should have said slightly,” he muttered.
The timer began counting down. You pointed toward the flashing numbers.
“You have five seconds,” you warned.
Carter pressed the button. The claw dropped beside the dragon and closed around empty space. Carter watched it rise again. Jack folded his arms.
“You were too far left,” he said.
Carter turned toward him. “You told me to move left,” he argued.
Jack looked through the glass. “I said slightly left,” he corrected.
Carter pointed toward the dragon. “And neither of us got it,” he said.
Jack followed the direction of his hand. The competition passed quietly between them. Then Carter looked toward you.
“We both want Auntie to have it,” he said.
Jack’s expression softened. “That part was never in question,” he replied.
Carter looked up at him.
“Truce?” he offered.
Jack considered him.
“Temporary,” he agreed.
They immediately moved to opposite sides of the machine. Carter crouched beside the glass and studied the dragon from the right. Jack circled toward the left and lowered his head to inspect the space beside the chute.
You remained in front of the controls.
“What are you doing?” you asked.
Jack narrowed one eye.
“Assessing the angle,” he explained.
Carter moved toward the rear corner.
“We need to see every side,” he added.
Jack rose beside him.
“He’s right,” he agreed.
You held the game card against your chest.
“This is deeply embarrassing for both of you,” you informed them.
Jack leaned toward the glass.
“The center of gravity is near the stomach,” he said.
Carter crouched again.
“But the claw could catch the wing,” he added.
Jack pointed toward the dragon.
“The wing will slip,” he replied.
Carter traced an imaginary line along the glass.
“Then grab it behind the front legs,” he suggested.
Jack studied the angle.
“That could work,” he admitted.
Carter looked up at him.
“I know,” he said.
Jack gave him a flat look.
You held out the game card.
“Are the experts ready?” you asked.
Jack took it.
“Almost,” he replied.
He and Carter circled the machine one more time.
You closed your eyes.
“Of course,” you muttered.
Jack stopped behind the controls. Carter moved beside him. Jack swiped the card and rested one hand on the joystick.
Carter placed both hands around Jack’s wrist.
“I’ll tell you where,” he explained.
Jack nodded once.
“Talk me in,” he instructed.
You covered your mouth to contain your laughter.
Carter watched the claw through narrowed eyes. “Left,” he said.
Jack shifted the joystick.
“A little more,” Carter instructed.
Jack moved it again.
“Forward,” Carter directed.
Jack nudged the claw.
Carter leaned closer. “Stop,” he whispered.
Jack released the joystick. The timer counted down.
Carter looked toward him. “Now,” he said.
Jack pressed the button.
The claw descended. It closed securely around the dragon’s middle and carried it toward the chute. Jack and Carter leaned toward the glass in perfect unison. The dragon swayed once.
Neither of them breathed.
Then the toy dropped through the opening.
Carter threw both arms around Jack’s waist.
“We got it!” he shouted.
Jack caught Carter by the shoulder to steady him.
“We got it,” he agreed.
Carter crouched beside the prize door and pulled out the dragon. He stood and held it toward you with both hands.
“We won it for you,” he announced.
You accepted the toy and curled your fingers around its crooked wings.
Carter looked up at Jack and held out one hand.
“Good teamwork,” he said.
Jack considered him with complete seriousness before taking it.
“Good teamwork,” he agreed.
They shook once, firm and formal. You looked between them.
“That was alarmingly official,” you observed.
Carter released Jack’s hand.
“It was a difficult mission,” he explained.
Jack folded his arms.
“The debrief was necessary,” he added.
You looked down at the dragon, then turned toward Jack.
“You won me another terrible stuffed animal,” you said.
Jack’s expression changed. “Another?” he asked.
You smoothed one thumb over the dragon’s crooked wing. “The bear,” you explained.
Jack went still. “You still have that?” he asked.
You looked up at him. “Of course I do,” you replied.
Carter looked between you. “What bear?” he asked.
You held the dragon against your chest.
“Uncle Jack won me one at a carnival a long time ago,” you explained.
Carter looked toward Jack. “Was it better than this one?” he asked.
Jack kept his gaze on you.
“No,” he replied. “It was worse.”
Your smile softened. “Much worse,” you agreed.
Carter looked at the dragon again. “And you kept it?” he asked.
You nodded. “I keep important things,” you replied.
Jack held your gaze.
The noise of the arcade seemed to soften around you.
Then Carter touched his stomach.
“I’m hungry,” he announced.
You looked away from Jack and tucked the dragon beneath your arm.
“Good timing,” you told him.
Jack glanced toward Carter.
“For once,” he agreed.
By the time you returned to Robby’s house, Carter had already started listing everything he needed for the game and sleepover.
“I need my Pirates hat, my glove, pajamas, and my charger,” he announced from the back seat.
You unfastened your seat belt. “And clean clothes for tomorrow,” you reminded him.
Carter opened his door. “I know,” he replied.
Jack stepped out on the other side.
“You also need socks,” he added.
Carter paused beside the car. “I’m wearing socks,” he pointed out.
Jack looked down at his sneakers. “You will need another pair tomorrow,” he explained.
Carter started toward the house. “I know how clothes work,” he muttered.
You stepped out and tucked the stuffed dragon beneath your arm.
“Your packing history suggests otherwise,” you called after him.
Carter disappeared inside.
Jack came around the front of the car and followed you toward the porch.
“That sounded personal,” he observed.
“It was earned,” you replied.
Carter’s bedroom looked as though he had attempted to pack by opening every drawer at once.
His overnight bag sat open on the bed beside his baseball glove, Pirates cap, and a pile of clothes.
You stopped in the doorway. “Where are your pants?” you asked.
Carter looked toward the bag. “I was getting to them,” he replied.
Jack stepped around you and retrieved the charger from beneath Carter’s desk.
“And this?” he asked.
Carter glanced at the cord.
“I knew where it was,” he insisted.
Jack coiled it and placed it in the side pocket.
“That is not the same as packing it,” he replied.
You sat on the edge of the bed and folded the clothes Carter had selected while he added his glove to the bag.
Jack picked up two comic books and returned them to the desk.
“You need one,” he decided.
Carter frowned at him. “What if I finish it?” he asked.
Jack looked at the comic still in Carter’s hand.
“You won’t,” he replied.
Carter pushed it into the bag.
“You don’t know that,” he argued.
Jack zipped the side pocket. “I do,” he said.
You tucked the folded clothes inside. “Toothbrush?” you asked.
Carter froze.
Jack looked toward him.
Carter turned and hurried into the hallway without answering.
You watched him disappear toward the bathroom.
Jack looked toward the open overnight bag.
“He knows how clothes work,” he reminded you.
You smiled.
“Hygiene is apparently a separate curriculum,” you replied.
Carter returned with his toothbrush held triumphantly above his head.
“I remembered,” he announced.
Jack looked at him.
“Your aunt asked you,” he pointed out.
Carter dropped the toothbrush into the front pocket.
“That still counts,” he insisted.
“Close enough,” you agreed.
The sound of a car pulling into the driveway carried through the open bedroom door.
Carter’s head lifted.
“They’re here,” he announced.
Jack zipped the overnight bag and lifted it from the bed.
“Check the room one more time,” he instructed.
Carter turned in a slow circle.
His gaze moved over the open dresser drawers, the clothes on the floor, and the comic books scattered across his desk.
“I have everything,” he decided.
You looked toward the toothbrush sticking out of the front pocket of his bag.
“That conclusion feels optimistic,” you said.
Carter grabbed his Pirates cap from the bed and pulled it onto his head.
“I have the important stuff,” he corrected.
Jack headed into the hallway with the bag.
“That is what people say immediately before realizing they forgot underwear,” he replied.
Carter stopped. You watched the thought cross his face. Then he hurried back toward the bed and checked inside the bag.
“They’re in there,” he confirmed.
Jack continued toward the front of the house.
“Good,” he said.
You followed Carter toward the front of the house and set the stuffed dragon beside your purse on the kitchen counter.
Carter hurried toward the front window.
Noah leaned out of the back-seat window of the car in the driveway and waved both arms.
Carter waved back.
“Noah’s here,” he announced.
“We gathered that,” Jack replied from beside the front door.
Carter crossed the room and reached for his overnight bag.
Jack kept hold of it.
“I can carry it,” Carter insisted.
“I know,” Jack replied.
Carter waited. Jack opened the front door.
“I’m carrying it anyway,” he added.
Carter rolled his eyes and stepped onto the porch. Noah’s mother lowered the driver’s-side window as you approached.
“Hi,” she called with a smile.
You lifted one hand in greeting.
“Hi,” you replied. “Thanks for taking him.”
Noah’s mother glanced toward Carter.
“We’re happy to have him,” she assured you.
Noah leaned farther toward the open window. “I brought my other glove,” he told Carter.
Carter hurried toward the car. “I brought mine too,” he replied.
Jack opened the rear hatch and placed Carter’s bag inside. Noah’s mother looked toward him.
“Thank you, Jack,” she said.
Jack lowered the hatch. “No problem,” he replied.
Carter reached for the rear door but paused before opening it. You stepped closer and adjusted the brim of his Pirates cap.
“Stay with Noah’s mom at the stadium,” you reminded him. “And answer your phone.”
Carter looked up at you. “I know,” he said.
You rested one hand against his shoulder. “And brush your teeth tonight,” you added.
Carter’s expression tightened. “You already asked if I packed it,” he complained.
“That was not the same instruction,” you replied.
Carter glanced toward Jack.
Jack nodded solemnly. “She’s right,” he confirmed.
Carter released a long sigh.
“You two are worse together,” he decided.
Jack’s mouth shifted.
“He may have a point,” he said.
You looked toward him.
“Do not encourage him,” you warned.
Carter watched the exchange before stepping forward and wrapping his arms around your waist. You blinked in surprise, then held him close.
“Have fun,” you told him.
“I will,” Carter promised against you.
You kissed the top of his cap before releasing him. Carter turned toward Jack. For a moment, he seemed to consider whether he was too old to hug him. Jack solved the problem by reaching out and pulling Carter briefly against his side.
“Behave yourself,” Jack instructed.
Carter returned the one-armed hug. “I always do,” he replied.
Jack released him and looked down at him.
“That was not even your first lie today,” he said.
Carter grinned.
“You can’t prove that,” he replied.
You pressed your lips together.
Jack’s eyebrows lifted.
Carter seemed to realize what he had admitted. Then he opened the car door before either of you could question him. Noah shifted across the seat to make room. Carter climbed inside and fastened his seat belt. He lowered the window before Noah’s mother began backing out.
“What are you guys doing tonight?” Carter called.
You looked toward Jack. Jack looked toward you.
“We haven’t decided,” you answered.
Carter’s gaze moved between you. “Are you guys gonna hang out together?” he asked.
Jack slipped one hand into his pocket. “We’ll probably watch the Pirates game,” he replied.
Carter nodded slowly. The satisfaction on his face was impossible to miss.
“Okay,” he said.
Noah’s mother laughed from the front seat. “I’ll bring him home tomorrow,” she called.
You lifted your hand. “Thank you,” you replied.
Carter waved through the open window.
“Bye, Auntie,” he called.
You waved back.
“Bye, honey,” you answered.
Carter turned his attention toward Jack. “Bye, Uncle Jack,” he added.
Jack raised one hand. “See you tomorrow,” he replied.
Noah waved enthusiastically from beside him.
You and Jack returned the gesture as the car backed into the street.
Carter kept waving until the car reached the corner.
Then it disappeared from view.
The driveway fell quiet.
You lowered your hand. Jack remained beside you, his shoulder almost touching yours.
“He looked pleased with himself,” you observed.
Jack glanced toward the empty street.
“He thinks he accomplished something,” he replied.
You turned toward him.
“You know he arranged most of this weekend,” you said.
Jack looked down at you.
“I had suspicions,” he admitted.
“Suspicions?” you repeated.
Jack started toward the porch.
“He is not subtle,” he explained.
You followed him.
“You still went along with it,” you pointed out.
Jack opened the front door and held it for you. “So did you,” he replied.
You passed close enough for your arm to brush his chest.
“I didn’t know I was going along with anything,” you said.
Jack stepped inside behind you.
“By the time I figured it out, I didn’t mind,” he replied.
The house felt different without Carter in it.
The silence was not uncomfortable, but it was immediate. No footsteps hurried across the floor. No drawers slammed downstairs. No voice called from another room to demand a ruling on something neither of you had witnessed.
Jack closed the front door.
For a moment, neither of you moved.
You looked around at the remnants of the weekend. Carter’s empty glass sat beside the sink. The game boxes remained stacked near the end of the table. A blanket had been left twisted across the couch.
“We should clean up,” you said.
Jack followed your gaze around the room. “We should,” he agreed.
Neither of you started.
You looked toward him. Jack looked back at you.
A smile pulled at the corner of your mouth.
“This is very efficient,” you observed.
Jack nodded once.
“We’ve identified the objective,” he replied.
You reached for Carter’s glass while Jack collected the plates beside the sink.
You carried the glass into the kitchen, and Jack followed with the plates.
You turned on the faucet while he opened the dishwasher.
The two of you fell into an easy rhythm without discussing it. You rinsed the glasses and handed them to him while Jack arranged them inside the dishwasher.
“You still organize everything like it’s going to be inspected,” you observed.
Jack adjusted one of the glasses.
“You still load a dishwasher like gravity is optional,” he replied.
You glanced toward the counter.
The small green dragon sat beside the photo box from the garage.
Your smile faded slightly.
Jack followed your gaze.
Neither of you spoke.
The faucet continued running between you.
You reached over and turned it off.
The sudden silence settled across the kitchen. Jack remained beside the open dishwasher, one hand resting against the counter. Your gaze returned to the small green dragon. It sat beside the photo box, its crooked wings brushing the edge of the lid.
You dried your hands slowly on the dish towel.
“Did Carter bring that inside?” you asked.
Jack followed your gaze. “This morning,” he answered.
You stepped closer to the counter. “Before or after he interrogated you?” you asked.
Jack closed the dishwasher. “During,” he replied.
Your fingers rested against the edge of the box.
The cardboard had softened at the corners. The handwriting across the lid had faded, but the word was still easy to read. PHOTOS. You traced the first letter with your thumb.
“This is where he found us,” you said.
Jack moved to the other side of the counter. “I figured,” he replied.
You looked up at him. “He was not subtle,” you observed.
Jack’s mouth shifted. “No,” he agreed.
You looked back at the box.
For years, it had been easy to think of the contents as old photographs. Pieces of a life that had already happened. People you had once been. Now Jack stood across from you, close enough to touch. The box no longer felt like the past.
It felt like a question.
Jack’s gaze settled on your hand. “You don’t have to open it tonight,” he said.
You lifted your eyes to his. “Do you want to?” you asked.
Jack looked at the box. He drew a slow breath before looking back at you.
“With you?” he asked.
You nodded. “With me,” you confirmed.
Jack held your gaze for a long moment. “Yeah,” he said quietly. “I do.”
Then he moved around the counter and pulled out a chair for you.
You sat. Jack took the chair beside yours. His knee rested against yours beneath the table.
Neither of you moved away.
You pulled the box closer.
Jack rested one hand beside it.
You looked toward him.
“Ready?” you asked.
Jack stared at the faded handwriting on the lid.
“Not even a little,” he admitted.
A small laugh escaped you.
“Me neither,” you confessed.
You rested both hands against the sides of the box.
Jack watched you for a moment before placing one hand against the opposite edge.
Together, you lifted the lid.
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