Jack slipped his headphones up over his ears as he exited the plane, heading for the baggage claim.  It was so weird to be back for Pax.  It had been a few months but he felt like it hadn't been nearly that long.  Time just seemed to race the more involved he got in youtube.  Making a quick side stop at a food booth, he bought a cup of coffee and continued on to the luggage claim.  He hoped he'd be in and out before anyone recognized who he was... but the luggage was taking awhile to unload.  So, leaning against a sport beam, Jack sipped his coffee and tried to relax.  Resting his head back against the beam, he closed his eyes and started to feel himself drift.  Even coffee couldn't shake off his jet lag today.  All those videos he had to stay up late recording for this trip... and then the long flight.  He couldn't even sleep on the plane because the people sitting next to him knew who he was.  Sure, he loved getting to know his fans.  Especially, the young boy who sat next to him.  He spent the whole flight making fan art of him with Trico.  Inspired to be an artist because of him... but sleep... it's what he desperately wanted right now.  Even the hard pounding of rock music in his ears couldn't keep him from drifting in and out. 

When the buzzer for the baggage claim blared to alert everyone that it was starting, Jack felt uneasy.  How long had he been out of it?  He had been standing the last time he checked... now he was sitting against the beam.  Dropping his headphones around his neck, he rubbed his eyes.  When a familiar voice close by told him.  "It's not safe for you to drift in and out like that. If a fan recognizes you, you could get robbed or kidnapped".  Chuckling to himself, he didn't bother looking at the man when he answered.  "My stuff, sure. I'll give you that... but a tired Irishman? I don't think they'd get far".  A hand gently ruffled his long green bangs, replying seriously.  "Maybe in Athone, but here in L.A.? That could happen right here and no one would bat an eye".  Jack closed his eyes again, not really listening to Mark.  His attention was on Mark's comforting touch.  Even after so many months, his touch had a calming effect on him.  Jack was drawn out of his trace when someone called out across the airport.  "Is that Markiplier"?!  Mark's hand jerked away and he put on a big bright smile as a small girl ran up to him.  Jack ran a hand through his bangs to fix them from the ruffled chaos Mark hand caused.  Then slowly climbed to his feet, telling Mark softly in an undertone.  "You shouldn't have come in here".  Mark waved a dismissive hand at Jack, his focus completely on the little girl who was showing him a plushy of Tiny Box Tim. 

Trudging over to the baggage conveyor, Jack pulled his suitcase off as the girl tugged on the hem of his shirt.  Carefully kneeling down to her level, she stood on tip toes to wrap her tiny arms around his neck.  Smiling softly, Jack wrapped an arm around her tiny frame to pull her close.  His arm felt like it could wrap around her twice!  Pressing his cheek against her, he shot a look at Mark.  Had he sent her over here?  She seemed to be a Markiplier fan.  Mark wasn't looking at him though.  He was hugging a woman that he guessed was the mother.  He was just about to let go when the girls soft voice whispered to him.  "Thank you for saving mommy".  It was a jerk to the heart strings he hadn't expected.  His eyes started to water and he hugged her tighter with both arms this time.  He wanted to say 'your welcome'... but it didn't feel right.  He just made people laugh.  He couldn't take credit for something like that.  A knot formed in his throat and he was relieved to have Mark lighten up the moment, by telling them playfully.  "HA, Jack! She only has Tiny Box Tim! No ugly poo eyes here"!  The girl broke away from Jack's hug, putting her hands on her hips and playfully snapping back.  "You weren't suppose to tell! I wanted both, but mom could only afford one"!  Jack didn't want to make this a habit... but he unzipped his suitcase and started to dig around as the little girl quickly turned to tell him embarrassed.  "Honest, Jack! I love Sam too! Please don't be mad"!  Smiling, Jack pulled out a small Septic-Sam from his suitcase and gestured her closer.

Nervously, she crept forward and he whispered low enough for only her to hear.  "If you keep this a secret and don't tell anyone where you got him. Do you think you can care for Little Sam"?  She stared at Sam, frozen to the spot as she whispered back.  "You'd let me have him"?  Jack nodded, and she jumped back into his arms crying out.  "I'll take good care of him! I promise"!  As they left, Jack zipped back up his suitcase, listening to Mark say smugly as he strolled over.  "You're going to be in big trouble if your fans hear about that stunt. Giving away a free Septic Sam. She got to you didn't she"?  Jack tried to hide his sniffle, as he straightened up onto his feet answering nonchalantly.  "I don't know what your talking about. She had him when she walked up to me".  Mark stepped in closer to brush a tear starting down his cheek, telling him seriously.  "Domestic abuse. Crisis Text Line walked her through getting out. All her toys were left behind. Tiny Box Tim was a birthday present yesterday".  Jack had to take a deep breath to keep from breaking down.  He never dreamed he'd help people make such strong decisions.  Mark slid a hand up onto his shoulder, trying to cheer him up.  "So... You always travel with a Septic Sam"?  Jack brushed Mark's hand off, smiling back as he said.  "Ya, so what"?  Mark glanced around quickly to see if anyone was within earshot, before leaning in to whisper into his ear.  "You're lucky she didn't see the collar, while you were trying to fish him out".  Jack eyes widened in surprise.  Mark had spotted it in his bag?  Mark flashed him a wicked grin, before straightening up.  Taking Jack's suitcase from his hand, Mark started to walk away while calling out over his shoulder.  "Come on, ya big softy".  To Be Continued...