The Taste Of Rebound Love

Part 1

Pax West was buzzing with excitement as the revelmode squad made their way backstage.  As the cameras flashed and laughs were shared, a feeling began to cluster like rocks in Jack's chest.  At first, Jack brushed it off as simple jitters from knowing he would be doing his very first solo panel this year...  but it continued to linger as the hours past.  It appeared that the longer he stood around his best friend Markiplier... the worse the feeling got.  It felt like someone had filled his chest with soda and pop rocks!  As the tingling excitement and anticipation grew... so did the pressure!  Deep breaths kept the feeling mild, but it refused to go away.  Then while taking pictures with the Revelmode crew, the unthinkable happened!  Mark requested to lift Jack into his arms for the sake of being funny.  Although, Jack suspected it was just to show off how small he was compared to Mark.  The first picture looked great with Mark, and Ken  holding him up, while Felix made a show of keeping Jack's head upright for added humor.  Everything was fine... until it wasn't.  For the next picture, Jack shifted up in Mark's arms to give Mark a playful kiss on the cheek.  At the time, he figured it would give the fan-girls something to laugh about.... Instead, he found himself lost in that single moment his lips made contact with Mark's warm cheek.  The unsettling feeling in his chest faded away like it had never been there.  Not only that, but the kiss had made Jack's senses falter!  For a split moment, Jack couldn't hear a single soul in the room.  All his senses where focused on how Mark smelled and felt!  There was a faint sound of a camera flashing as Jack's hearing slowly returned, then Mark dropped Jack to his feet a bit harshly.  In that moment, something had changed.  It was difficult to get Mark alone with him.  Jack thought about waiting to discuss the incident... but the longer it usually took him to say something, the more he knew he'd put it off.  Eventually, Jack managed to confront Mark backstage.  The joyful air that had surrounded them earlier was now filled with an air of uncertainty.  Mark wasn't letting on to his discomfort on the outside... but inside Jack could tell that the passion he'd put into that kiss had not gone unnoticed.  Nervously, rubbing his chest lightly, Jack mumbled out.  "So... So what do we have planed for the panel"?  Jack bit his tongue in disgust with himself.  He had buckled under pressure.  Something about Mark always did that to him!  Mark shrugged, clearly excited when he answered.  "I'm not sure. Wade says he's going to propose and that's really all I can think about. I'm so happy for them"!  Jack wanted to be happy, but that clustered rock feeling in his chest was back and heavier then ever!  Staring at the ground by Mark's feet Jack rubbed his neck nervously and tried again.  "So Mark... speaking about proposals... I got to thinking that if I... possibly asked you again this year... what would you-"  Mark immediately cut him off to throw in.  "No. The answer is No. The whole Septiplier thing is done. We agreed to sink it, remember? That will only get it going again and throw more hate Amy's way".  Jack forced out his best fake smile.  Jack had always felt Mark had at least felt something for him.  Why else would Mark be so jealous and protective of him?  Why else would Mark sweet talk him and always show him affection is his small hand gestures?  However, Mark wasn't acting that way now.  Mark no longer stood beside him in photos, or sat next to him during the panels.  Something had changed between them... and it was quickly becoming clear that Mark was shutting him out.  Jack had thought that the pain from hearing Mark say 'No' at Pax East was hard to swallow... This felt worse.  He wasn't just being shot down by someone he held so dear to his heart... He was also loosing his best friend.  Jack could feel the dark clouds of his depression slowly blocking out the warmth from his heart... leaving him to make the hardest decision of all... to wait for a possible chance that Mark might come back around... or move on.

On the last night of the Pax West, Jack had joined all the revelmode crew for one last dinner.  The place was packed and loud with people laughing and smiling.  Well, all but Jack... He faked his smiles and gave short answers when asked.  All the while his eyes drifting down the table to where Mark sat with Amy.  They were holding hands and Mark looked so happy.  Someone nudged his rib cage, drawing his attention to the man sitting next to him.  Felix leaned in with a smug grin as he asked.  "Jealous of Mark's bae"?  Jack shifted his gaze to his plate, ignoring the question.  Picking up his water glass, he took a sip as Felix leaned in again to whisper softly in his ear.  "I know the feeling. Mark can be a bit indecisive. Look, if you ever want to just hang out, text me up"?  Jack set his glass down, replying to Felix without looking his way.  "Why? You hate me. I would think spending time with me would be your nightmare".  Felix pushed his dessert over to Jack, standing up as he leaned in to say seriously.  "Give me a chance to like you then. We just might hit it off, spud".  Felix placed a hand on Jack's shoulder, squeezing it lightly as he waved goodbye to everyone else.  Jack shifted slightly to watch Felix leave.  That was the first time Felix had ever done anything like that.  Why had he suddenly taken an interest in his company?  Jack turned back to scan the table and when his eyes found Mark's stern gaze, Mark turned away.  To Be Continued...