the pantaloon + open, joining

[jacob w.c.]

Jacob watched the boy with growing concern. Then he spoke his name. Flaw? Who would name a child such a horrible thing? He wouldn't say anything, of course, but he couldn't imagine whatever life this boy had lived. Then he spoke again. An abusive home. Jacob had experienced plenty of terrible things within his lifetime but that wasn't one of them. Perhaps that'd come as a surprise to some but Vito had always been a good and loving father, as had his Pa and, eventually, his Ma. Even if they weren't all really family, they'd treated him as their beloved son and they'd never laid a paw on him. Then the boy stated how long he'd been walking and Jacob was even more horrified, though he tried to think of all the possible medical problems as he looked at Flaw. Then he asked if he could stay. Jacob barely held his sigh of relief. He was staying. He could treat him. It would all be okay. "Of course, I ca-" he would begin before falling silent when the boy asked about where he was. "You're in a place called Snowbound. We live in a place close ta' 'ere, in some caves n' tunnels n' stuff. I can show ya' the way there. Oh, and 'course you're welcome ta' stay with us. I'm the frosthealer, or doctor, 'ere. Since ya' 'ave been out for so long, would ya' like somethin' ta' eat n' drink n' I can take a look at ya' ta' make sure you're in good health n' all that," he offered, hardly able to let the words leave his lips fast enough. He knew he needed to look over Flaw to be sure he wasn't sick or malnourished or injured. As of last week, anyone who came to Snowbound was now under his care and he was going to make sure they were all well. 

★ though the scars remain and tears will never dry, i'll bless my homeland til i die ━