Glory and Gore Go Hand in Hand (JALEX)

Chapter 8

When someone throws some statistic involving a large number, you tend to not think about it too hard. Numbers and odds are something you don't think about unless it has to do with you directly. Jack wasn't the exception to that. He's never given a second thought to numbers, odds and statistics, because frankly he just didn't care. Until it happened to him. Out of the seven billion people in the world, he never expected to run into his other half -- yet here he was, risking his life every day just to see him. Even after meeting Alex, Jack never deeply considered what exactly the odds were of that happening, or just how unlikely that was. But now, the only thing on his mind is the odds of that happening. Why? Because he's the one facing these odds. 

At this exact second there is seven billion, two hundred seventy seven million, six hundred eighty one thousand, six hundred and four people in the world. And Jack is searching for one in particular: Ian's other half. He wasn't sure why he thought this would be so easy, to find one person out of billions just like that. But it definitely wasn't. He's tried searching all across the globe, but when you have the whole world in your hands where do you begin? If it was Ian searching, that would be different for they are naturally drawn together. However, Ian was not about to go out searching for a girl, unless it was for a one-night stand -- granted that is how Jack and Alex met. 

"What's wrong?" 

"What?" Jack asked, startled. He hadn't realized he was so lost in his thoughts. Alex smiled, scooting closer to him and kissed Jack lightly on the lips. 

"You were thinking hard about something.. you had a slight frown on your face." 

"Oh, just thinking about my brother. I'm worried about him, is all."

"You have a brother?" Alex asked in surprise. You'd think Jack would have mentioned this by now; after all, they've known each other for nearly two months already. He wasn't the only one surprised: Jack had not planned on talking about his family at all. But a little bit of information couldn't hurt right?

"Uh, yeah. He's a few years older than me. He's just seemed so...miserable lately. I think what he needs is to find his other half. But he claims he doesn't want to, so I've been trying to find her for him, but it's such an impossible task." 

Alex couldn't help but laugh and shake his head at that. "Jack, there's over seven billion people in the world right? You can't expect to just come across her like it's nothing. You're absolutely right, it is impossible. You have to let him find her on his own, even if it's by accident. Because when the time is right, their paths will cross."

"Spoken like a true romantic," Jack teased, smirking at Alex's faux hurt expression, and the blush that managed to creep its way across his face.

"Oh shut up. I'm just trying to help, asshole."

"My God,  you're adorable when you get fiesty."

"We've been over this -- I'm not adorable because I'm a grown man. I think the word you're looking for is sexy." 

"I think sexy is a bit of stretch for you, Alex." At that, Alex's mouth opened in indignation, but before he could make a retort, Jack was attacking him with kisses, knocking Alex to his back on the couch. Jack could feel Alex's smile against him in between kisses, which made him smile right back. What Alex said was very true, but he wasn't going to give up on finding Ian's soulmate. Funny how two months ago Jack was a relentless mass murderer who was revolted by humans, yet here he was now making out with one he was meant to be with. 

Jack's train of thought quickly ended there, for Alex's tongue made its way into his mouth while he pulled him closer to him. He knew exactly where this was going, and he loved it. 

- - - - -

There's a saying that goes as, 'ignorance is bliss.' Jack wasn't sure where it came from, but since he met Alex it really resonated with him. He was very aware of the danger he was putting himself and Alex into, but he chose to remain ignorant and not think about it. Probably not his smartest decision, but like Jack said before, he's selfish. As it goes with numbers and statistics, people don't give much thought to ignorance until it personally affects them; except with ignorance, there can be consequences for choosing to ignore it. 

Once again, within two days of each other, Jack found himself personally affected. It happened when his father, Zeus called him. He informed him that they needed to talk -- in person.  And everyone knows that's never a good sign when it comes to any circumstance -- especially this one. As soon as Jack got off the phone with his father, his throat felt dry, his palms began to sweat and he felt queasy. Surely he must have found out right? And this is why he wanted to talk to him...to give him an ultimatum: either you kill him or I do. He knew he was stupid to remain ignorant to the harm he was putting them both in. But at the same time, Jack didn't regret anything about it. In fact, he'd do it all over again, if he could. Now, there was only one thing to do: talk to his dad and see if there's any chance of saving Alex's life.

Jack was just putting his jacket on and getting ready to teleport to his office on Earth when there was a knock on the door and Ian came in. He frowned at his older brother, he rarely ever stops by unexpectedly. "Hey, I can't talk right now, Ian. I'm just leaving, I have to go talk to--"

"Yeah, you have to go talk to dad. So do I, he called me too."

"Oh. He didn't tell me that." So what does this mean? His father was going to tell Ian about it as well, so he could make sure Alex dies? Jack's throat began to feel even more dry than before.

"Yeah, are you ready? He's going to be pissed if we're late. I wonder what it's about..we've been doing well with not leaving any couples unaccounted for."

"Yeah, I'm not sure.." Jack trailed off as his mind began to race, desperately trying to find a way out of this mess he made. Ian smiled before he disappeared, and Jack was sure to follow right behind him.

"Good afternoon boys," Athena greeted, looking up from a desk in the corner. "Zeus is waiting in his office for you both." She gave the two of them a warm smile as they walked past her to the big oak door. 

Ian walked in the room first, with Jack following close behind, his eyes studying the mahogany hardwood floors. 

"Ah Jack, Ian -- take a seat." 

Ian sauntered to one of the chairs positioned in front of the desk their father was perched at. Jack  once again followed his brother, doing as he did, and attempting to remain calm regardless of his heart beginning to beat out of his chest.   

"So, I believe we have some business to discuss," Zeus stated, making direct eye contact with Jack.

Yeah, he was definitely busted.

- - - - -

A/N Look at that, two updates in three days! I've plotted out this entire story, so since I know where I am going with this, there shouldn't be large gaps between chapters. Anyway, please vote and comment your feedback and reactions so far. I absolutely love receiving feedback! Thanks!