It’s a strange feeling, to be so grateful and so troubled at the same time. Leading Jack into the house with an arm around his shoulders, he’s grateful for this sudden exposure of Jack’s true face, the self he tries so hard to keep hidden.

But he’s troubled by whatever caused it—John can see, can feel the tension and the weariness and all he wants is to make it stop. Even if it means Jack is guarding himself again, leaving those glimpses of his real face for John to see when they’re together.

Once they’re inside, John kneels to help Jack out of his boots and leaves them by the door, then gently nudged him towards the stairs.

“Bathroom. Strip and dry off, there’s towels in the linen cabinet. Gonna start a fire to warm things up a little, I’ll be right there.”