Unexpected Outcomes

The Train Hideout

"It's fine love.... Really, besides...." He hesitated as he lowered himself back down into the chair   "its not overly my bed you're in at the moment" he grinned mischievously. He watched as his finger traced a seam in the chairs arm as he spoke

"Not overly?" You queried looking for clarification

"No........" He glanced up from under the shadow of his hat " it's Evie's but she said It's fine love..... really!" He spoke as if he needed to rid himself of the words quickly so you didn't disbelieve him      " she said to make sure someone kept their eye on you and to make sure you were comfortable " Jacob said rather sheepishly, his eyes flitted across the trains floor.

"Evie said that?" You asked suspiciously

"I swear it" Jacob gave a wide smile and held his hands aloft, his voice gave a convincing velvet tone.

There was a sated and comfortable  silence between the two of you for a moment as you allowed yourself to relax and slowly blink your eyes closed.

"You know...I hardly recognised you at the asylum without your clothes on" He said an innocent smile creeping across his face. With a quickened stress,  your eyes promptly shot open seeking his, slightly alarmed by his choice of words.

Jacobs eyes widened, panicked slightly at your reaction, his face falling upon realisation of what he'd just said  "oh god no! That's not what I meant..... I was talking without your Rook clothes.... I see you so often in your green coat and trousers.... I didn't recognise you without them ..........Aaaah It's probably best I just shut up!" He ended with a slight stammer realising he was just digging himself into a deeper hole

The first suggestions of a smile began to tug at the corners of your lips as you listened to him desperately trying to back peddle. It was the first time in a while you'd felt relaxed enough to smile and it's simple comfort began to feel good. Being in Jacobs company once more somehow made the heartache of the previous turn of events more bearable in some silly way. You felt safe now he was around, it was a simple as that

That in mind you allowed the startings of a weakened laugh fall from your nose. His panicked innocent expression at the sheer thought he'd offended made you realise just how much you'd come to  like his slight unintentional brashness and clumsy social overconfidence without even knowing.

"I'm sorry" he said, giving a quiet playful chuckle as he realised his faux pas .... His smiling mischievous eyes slowly flicked up to your hair that was splayed out next to you on your pillow and his face softened   "Seriously though, your hair does suit you like that.... You should wear it down more often" he said, his eyes glinting cheekily in the nearby gas light as he smiled.

You gushed inwardly at Jacobs warm compliment, his words alleviating your pain and making your stomach flip happily "Well I have no clothes left Jacob, no hat.... I've got no choice but to wear it down"  you took a sharp inhale of breath as your body shuddered slightly

"You cold?" He asked, as he watched you grasp the bed sheets tighter and nodded in return. He gave a breathy sigh, his lips pursing somewhat before he spoke "yeah, Elliotson had everything burned I'm afraid,  ....I'll see you get some new warm clobber as soon as you're back on your feet love.... You'll be the best dressed rook in the whole of London"

"Elliotson?" You enquired with a noticeable panic to your voice. your eyes sought the answers you needed as your brain, now prompted, began to slowly piece things back together.