Hopeless Without You

CHPT - 3

Mark tapped his fingers on the car steering wheel to the beat of Panic! At the Disco's "Death of a Bachelor" as he drove to the airport. The bass thumped through the car, the sun was inching it's way up the sky, and he felt good with a cup of Starbucks coffee perched on his leg like a lap dog. He knew he'd need it since sunrise wasn't typically a part of his wake up schedule. He'd tried his best to get to bed earlier than usual last night, but he merely laid there, tossing and turning every so often. His excitement was so distracting he wasn't able to fall asleep until around 4am. He figured any sleep was better than none, though.

He turned into the airport parking lot then, a grin creeping up on his worn face. He'd been waiting for this event for awhile now, and couldn't believe it was actually about to happen. Running a hand through his tangled, black hair, he bit down on his lower lip when he pulled up near the front sidewalk and saw a gangly little guy with a tweed Irish cap. His plaid suitcase dragged behind him, and his shoulders slumped like he knew he didn't belong and it frightened him a little.

Mark smiled and honked the horn, causing Jack to jump and spin around, eyes wide as saucers. It took him a second to realize it was Mark, and when he did he played the biggest, goofiest smile Mark had seen in a very long time, and it made his heart pitter patter. He motioned that he was going to find a nearby parking spot and that he should try to spot him and meet him there. Jack's head probably would've fallen off if it weren't so tight on his neck he nodded so fast and hard. Mark laughed and pulled away, screeching like a pterodactyl when he finds a spot four back from the front. He whipped in and slammed it in park, jumping out after cutting the engine and yanking the keys out. He skidded out into the open, his eyes wide and dilated as they searched for Jack. He appeared from around the first car in the row and broke into an awkward trot when he caught sight of Mark with his chest puffed out and a broad smile welcoming him. They practically collided into a big bear hug, laughter bubbling up front their nervous stomachs and calming each other in moments. Jack's luggage sat abandoned a foot or so back, tipped over on its front with the wheels still spinning.

Mark allowed himself to breath Jack in deeply, though trying not to seem too strange about it. He smelled like a plane, but behind and in between the smell was the exhilarating flavor of woods and pine. Eventually it seemed they were hugging for a bit too long so they jumped apart (though neither would've pulled apart willingly until a car drove by and honked their horn at them) with nervous chuckles.

"Dude, this is so exciting!! I'm so glad to finally meet you in person!" Jack exclaimed, and Mark's heart pounded in silent response.

"I know right?! I can't believe we haven't met until now, honestly. This is super awesome!! It'll be great having you here!" Mark beamed, and Jack blushed. They stood there for a few moments or so before Mark suggested grabbing Jack's luggage and throwing it in the trunk (which Mark obliged to do).

"You're my guest!! It's my pleasure really! As long as you don't have a thing of bricks or a dead body, I'm OK with it." He paused and gave Jack a suspicious look before going to the pick the suitcase up. Jack rocked on his heels and whistled, acting like he had something to hide; a big smile soon replaced his charade and they both laughed as Mark tossed the bag in the trunk.

They're soon on the road, conversation starting to dry up and nerves taking over again. They still aren't used to each other, so it will take time - time Mark is willing to spend the rest of his life giving up. He wondered if that meant he was being too greedy or forward, and decided to let the thoughts slide by - uncharted.

"So do you have a kind of list of stuff you really wanna do while your here? Or do you kinda want to just chill? Either way I'm cool with, I was just curious..." Mark faded off as traffic came to a stop. He turned to look at Jack, offering a goofy grin to ease the tense air which was starting to cloud the car. Jack sat back in his seat and thought for a moment before slowly grinning ear to ear.

"Well, I always wanted to visit the Hollywood sign...but I know we're not really anywhere near it so don't worry about it. I'm sure there are plenty of things in LA to keep us busy." Jack eyes Mark and quickly looks away as a blush climbs from his neck to his ears. Mark snickers and moves forward again with traffic picking up again.

"We'll see what we can do, Sir Septiceye!" Mark chirped, and the car settled into a calming silence. He turned up the radio which played Fiona Apple's version of "Pure Imagination". Mark started humming with it, and then singing tenor harmony as it got to the main chorus.

Once it ended a thin silence stretched between them until Jack started to slow clap and hum in approval. Mark thanked him and bowed a couple times as they pulled into the communal parking lot for Mark's apartment complex. Jack leaned forward and grinned.

"Here already? Nice place!" He commented as they got out, taking a moment to stand and stretch out his muscles. Mark did the same as he headed around to the trunk and dragged out Jack's suitcase.

"Yeah, well you'll be able to enjoy it a little more once we're actually inside my apartment. You're gonna have to help me lug this thing up three flights of stairs though cause the elevator is out." Mark huffs slightly and Jack hurries to his side and grabs a portion of the bag.

"You mean like on the Big Bang Theory?" Jack joked with a light hearted smile, and Mark rolled his eyes and breathed out a laugh.

"Yeah, like on the Big Bang Theory."

It took them a solid ten minutes to make it to Mark's apartment 3 flights up, and by then they were both covered in sweat. Mark wished he hadn't worn a white shirt (which was now showing off his horrendous pit stains to the world), and Jack looked like he wished his Tweed Irish Cap didn't exist - sweat dribbled out from underneath it when he removed it. Mark eyed Jack's neck as the sweat beaded and dripped down into his shirt, making his stomach feel over heated and tingly. He wasn't sure why, but it was happening, and it kind of worried him. Nonetheless, he pulled his keys out again and unlocked the door to his humble abode, letting it swing wide open so they could stumble through and toss the luggage onto the couch.

"Jack did I mishear how long you're going to stay, because that thing is fucking heavy, and I'm getting really suspicious right now." Mark half joked, bending over to catch his breath. Jack mumbled an apology as he went to plop down next to his bag.

They allowed themselves to rest for a minute or so before Mark straightened back up and offered Jack something to drink.

"I've got quite the selection!" He said loudly as he made his way into the kitchen. "Water, milk, or Gatorade!" Jack shook his head with a laugh.

"Well, I only drink the most exquisite cup a tea!" Jack switched to a British accent and Mark snorted.

"Oh-ho-ho!! Sir Septiceye, how could I forget!!" He bowed and Jack shot his nose into the air with a cheeky grin. "Allow me to adorn thee some of my most exquisite tea!"

Mark turned from Jack and reached up into one of the cupboards, pulling out a small rectangular box and keeping it hidden from view.

"Does 'Twinings' work, sir?" He presented a small packet from the box as "Earl Grey" tea. Jack gasped and fanned himself, blushing again with a radiant smile.

"My my! What a presentation! I am honored that such a loyal friend would have such exquisite tea if only solely for me! I would adore some, kind gentleman." Jack hammed it up, though genuinely looking very thankful. Mark bowed again.

"You're very welcome, sir. Now uh...could you help me make it? I'm not sure how you like it so..." he asked sheepishly, and Jack chuckled.

"Sure, man."

Mark watched Jack set things up from behind, his heart about to beat out of his chest. Why did Jack have to be so unbelievably perfect and adorable!?

I'm going to make sure this is the best week of his life. He deserves it and more.