Jack frowned, but didn't say anything more about it. He leaned down to retrieve the bucket, his dark hair flopping over his piercing eyes as he moved to put it away.
Avice hesitated, reaching her hand to brush his hair away from his eyes with a nervous look. Right after, she turned away, minding her own business self consciously.
She would be able to notice the instant tension associated with the act; his shoulders stiffened and it almost seemed as if he were holding his breath. He didn't comment on it, however, and started into the gate, heading for the coop with a wicker basket in hand.
He hesitated, looking very uncertain in that moment. "No, that's okay. I'm... going to head back to the house. Lock the gate when you're done, okay?"
He turned on his heel and headed down the hill, his hands in his pockets and his head looking down towards the ground.
Jack closed the door behind him and a strange noise came from his throat, a mixture between a groan and a choke. He bit his tongue to try to keep himself together and tasted blood. He clapped his trembling hand over his mouth and smothered the noise, forcing himself to stay silent. "Be quiet," he hissed at himself. "Be quiet!" He hurried to the bedroom, closing the door behind him before he finally removed his hand. A shudder escaped him and he sat on the edge of the bed and put his head in his hands.
