Trust Your Instincts

-33- Transparency

 Jack and Mark spent the whole weekend together at Jack's apartment, Mark told his dad that he'd just be staying at a friend's house for the weekend, to which his dad was probably relieved, because, despite his efforts, Mark could tell that the whole parenting thing was becoming a burden for his dad.

 They didn't do much over the few days, not leaving Jack's apartment once, and only opening the door to answer the pizza delivery man. Mark worried that staying in and playing video games all day was a waste of their time when they could be out doing stuff that other couples do, but he didn't really care. To Mark, every second he spent with the green haired man was perfect.

 Jack thoroughly enjoyed their time together also, naturally. His happiness, however, was weighed down slightly by the lingering thought of Mark finding out about his other form. It was, in all seriousness, inevitable that Mark would find out, if Jack wanted this relationship to go anywhere, which he did. He really did.

 He just had to decipher the best way to break the news to him, the best way to not scare him off or make him want to stop dating... The thought of such a scenario made Jack shiver. He wanted to do it before the next full moon, which was just around the corner. Wednesday to be exact.

 He couldn't show his concern, though, not when this weekend with Mark was going so amazingly. And so he had to hide it, one of his few talents. Luckily, Mark was too invested in their game of Golf with Friends to notice any change in Jack's attitude, as he screamed at his laptop screen.

 Jack smiled widely, he's so cute when he's angry he thought to himself, as Mark missed the hole, for the fourth time, allowing more curse words to flood from his mouth. 

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 Before they knew it, it was Monday again, and Jack awoke alone, as Mark had to go home the night before to get homework done. Or something. Jack thought, recalling that he might have missed the explanation, as he was focussing too hard on another part of Mark... 

 He smiled and got into the shower, the anxiety that telling Mark about his secret brought being pushed to the back of his mind. That was a worry for another hour. 

 Jack was usually late to school. His period one teachers had grown accustomed to him slipping into class five minutes into the lesson, and if they didn't complain, who was Jack to turn down an extra five minutes in bed?

 Today was different though, he couldn't wait to get out of the comfort of his bed as it meant he'd be able to see Mark sooner. He rushed to school, excited to see his boyfriend, but also aware not to overplay it. Mark wasn't ready to come out to the school yet, and Jack had learned to respect his choice, agreeing that keeping their relationship secret for the time being might be better, for both of their reputations.

 Jack walked into the school, the smell of new books mingled with the overwhelming scent of freshly brewed vanilla lattes from the coffee shop down the street causing his spirits to lift even higher. It was something that he had never really appreciated. He normally paid it no attention as he rushed into school late and sped to his first class, but his new relationship with Mark seemed to make him downright giddy when faced with even the simplest of things.

 He bounced down the corridor, a spring in his step as he headed towards where he had first met Mark, on that first day of school. He rounded the corner, and saw him. It was as if he was meeting his soulmate for the first time. Excitement took over as he sped up to a jog and ran to Mark, who was talking to Isaac, casually leaning against the wall. 

 Jack didn't even hesitate before he closed the gap between him and Mark, wrapping his arms around him. Mark was caught off guard for a second, but eventually he mimicked Jack's actions, before pulling away, unsure of whether to look confused to throw Isaac off, who now looked at them with raised eyebrows.

 "And where's my hug, Jackaboy?" Isaac said, in an insulted tone, but it was obvious that he was amused deep down, seeing Jack's face glow pink when he realised what he had just did.

 Jack tried his best to play it off, he hugged Isaac just as enthusiastically, explaining that he was just in a good mood today, but Isaac wasn't stupid.

 After a few awkward minutes that were filled with Jack's unstoppable rambling, the bell rang, indicating that Mark and Isaac should head to their first class, and Jack should head to his.

 After splitting with Jack, Isaac looked to Mark, one eyebrow raised, and a large grin on his face.

 "So... you guys are dating now?" He asked, causing Mark to stop in his tracks, his face reddening with embarrassment.

 "Wha- No! We're just friends, just like you and I!" Mark tried his best to lie, but even he knew how unconvincing it sounded, and by the look of Isaac's crossed arms and narrowed eyes, he wasn't falling for it either.

 "Okay," Mark admitted, smiling goofily, "but please don't tell anyone, not yet." He pleaded.

 Isaac chuckled. "You two keep it up, I won't have to tell anyone. They'll all know by lunchtime." He said mockingly, laughing heartily. Mark tried his best to stay serious, but Isaac's laugh was too amusing to resist laughing alongside him. 

 "Is it that obvious?" He asked gleefully, to which Isaac could only nod slightly, in between his fits of laughter. Mark did know why, but he didn't feel in the slightest uncomfortable that Isaac had found out. It felt right. He knew that he could trust Isaac.

 Once they had stopped laughing and had sat down in their class, Mark gazed out the window, watching the tree branches sway gently in the breeze.

 We'll be more careful. He thought to himself. The last thing I want is to be the reason Jack gets bullied more than he does already. 

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A/N I'm back with another (very nice and fluffy) chapter!!

Not much happened, but I felt like it was good to get a chapter in that didn't have any negative undertones ;D

 I hope you enjoyed it, and if you did, then I will see you in the next chapter! :)