Chapter Text
Jack was just sitting at the table, writing his notes as usual. He didn’t notice Shayna walk downstairs and take a seat at the other side of the table.
They just sat in silence until Shayna spoke up.
“Jack?”
He jumped a bit in surprise and looked up. “Oh, greetings Shayna. I didn’t notice you come down.” He replied, setting his pen aside. “How can I help you?”
“I’m just wondering what you see in Benny.” She asked.
Jack blinked. “Excuse me?”
“Don’t get me wrong, he’s a good guy. I owe him for saving me from those insane cultists that kept me trapped in the dungeon for ages.” Shayna said. “But I don’t see him as the… Romantic type, I think.”
The guide raised an eyebrow.
“Well, for starters… His eyes… Glow. They glow in the dark.”
“I think it’s interesting.” Jack replied.
“He’s absolutely massive .” She continued.
“There’s no problem with a little extra height.”
“He has really, really sharp teeth.” Shayna said.
Jack blushed a little. “I’m not sure what you’re trying to say.”
The mechanic rested her chin in one hand, leaning forward slightly. “Don’t tell me that’s something you’re into. Big monster men?”
Jack’s face reddened and he coughed awkwardly. “N-No! Not at all! I’m not sure what gave you that idea?”
Shayna smiled a little. “I’m teasing you, Jack.”
“Oh, right.” He said and sighed. “As you were saying?”
“Right.” She went on. “He’s not exactly cuddly is he? That bullet proof vest and helmet don’t look very comfortable.”
“He doesn’t wear them all the time.” Jack said.
“And again, he’s not really romantic. He says things that don’t make sense. He jokes around all the time. Also I feel like…” She paused for a second. “I feel like he’s a bit of a.... Sadist.”
Jack raised an eyebrow. “What makes you say that?”
“He messes with monster… What did he call it… Monster spawn rates? He makes monsters appear more just to kill them. He summons giant creatures just to fight them.” She said. “Why does he do that?”
Jack leaned back in his chair and looked up at the ceiling in thought. “If it helps any, he does defend the house and everyone inside. I don’t think he will harm anyone other than monsters.”
Shayna nodded slightly. “You have a point.”
“And, well… Benny has a different way of showing his affection. He sings to me if I’m having a rough time.” Jack said.
“Well, he does it mostly to you. He likes you best.” Shayna replied.
Jack looked at her. “You’re not… Jealous, are you?”
Shayna glared at him. “Of course not. I just think you’re a little biased.”
Jack chuckled. “Maybe so. Though, I don’t see why he wouldn’t care for you too. He likes you, you know. Not in a way like he likes me but… I think he considers you a friend.” He said reassuringly. “I’m sure if you went to him for comfort, he wouldn’t say no.”
Shayna sighed. “I think I’m good.”
“Suit yourself.” Jack said and picked his pen up again. “And going back into Benny’s form of affection… I feel like he says odd things to distract from whatever is bothering you. Either a strange joke or even some made up word he came up with. He does care. He cares about all of us.”
“What about DeShawn?” Shayna asked.
“Okay, almost all of us.” Jack corrected himself. “Benny isn’t a bad guy. He’s just… Different. I think his antics are endearing.”
“If you say so.” Shayna replied but with a smile. “You two are ridiculous together.”
“I guess we are.” Jack chuckled. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Then the front door opened and Benny ducked inside, Timmy on his shoulders. “Be careful, you large idiot! I’m gonna hit my head!” The angler cursed and hit Benny’s helmet a few times.
Benny didn’t reply. He just casually picked Timmy back up and set him down on the floor.
Jack smiled at them. “How did the beach trip go?”
“As good as a trip on a rainy day can get.” Timmy huffed. “Benny caught me what I wanted, but he doesn’t even use a fishin’ rod! He walks into the water and grabs them with his hands or teeth like some kind of animal.”
Benny just grinned, revealing his sharp, pointy teeth.
“Yeah, that sure does track.” Jack replied.
Timmy grumbled. “I’m goin’ to bed. Later, weirdos.” He said and went upstairs.
Benny walked over to stand behind Jack’s chair and rest his head on his. “Yo.”
Jack turned his head slightly. “Hello, Ben.” He replied to his boyfriend.
Shayna stood. “I’m taking this as my cue to leave. It’s late, anyway.” She said. “Goodnight, Jack. Benny.”
“Goodnight, Shayna. Rest well.” Jack said to her.
“Night.” Benny said back.
Shayna looked at the lovebirds one more time before going back upstairs. She still doesn’t understand but love works in strange ways, she supposes.
Jack was happy, so she guess that’s just what counts.
Shayna went to bed and thought about her own crush.
Maybe she had a chance with the goblin tinkerer. This definitely gave her the confidence.
Then she ended up drifting off to sleep as she thought about what she will do next.