The Taste Of Rebound Love

Part 16

Almost four hours later, the first part of the stream ended and Jack quickly strolled outside.  He had to get some fresh air.  Felix and Mark had kept up the tension throughout the whole stream.  Both bottling up pressure, waiting for the other to burst.  He could barely stand it.  The cool air felt nice against his skin.  Jack was just enjoying the calm silence, when Mark stepped outside casually asking.  "Tired"?  Jack leaned back against the wall, nodding with his eyes closed.  He wasn't physically tired... just emotionally.  When Jack peeked a glance at Mark from under his eyelids, he told him curiously.  "Did Felix see you come out here"?  Mark took a sip from his water bottle, before stating softly.  "No. He's discussing tomorrows live stream with the crew. Making sure they have more props etcetera. Why? You worried about me"?  Jack closed his eyes again, sighing heavily before he answered dryly.  "I don't have the energy to keep you two civil. Not after almost four hours of walking on eggshells and watching over you two like a hawk. I just can't...". 

Mark taped his shoulder lightly to draw Jack's attention, leaning in to ask almost in a whisper.  "Would you like to grab dinner with me"?  Jack's heart skipped over the very thought, but his mind was the one that answered calmly.  "I can't... Felix is the only one that has a key to his house. I have to go back with him".  Mark walked around to stand before Jack, raising his chin a little as he whispered smugly.  "He won't lock you out if he doesn't know you left with me".  Jack tried to swallow down his nervousness.  Why did Mark have to stare at him with those soft eyes?  Mark was crumbling walls that not even Felix could break down!  Turning his head away to hide his shame, Jack mumbled out weakly.  "That's not a good idea. I'm still mad at you".  Mark surprised him by stepping back and sincerely telling him.  "Just dinner. Just friends. Maybe a game, or a movie"?  Jack felt like he was being torn in two different directions.  His heart wanted to go with Mark, but his mind wanted to stay and wait for Felix.  He couldn't make up his mind.  This choice was going to effect the rest of his night.

Jack nervously began to stroke his neck.  He was running out of time to answer... but what did he want?  That's when Mark started to slowly turn away, calling out playfully over his shoulder.  "I'm going to order pizza. I think I'll watch the new Deadpool movie. Then maybe top off the night with a pint of ice cream. Your loss".  Jack's heart was bouncing and screaming in his ribs, until he reluctantly stepped away from the wall calling to Mark.  "Wait. Let me just tell Felix something".  Mark stopped, but Jack didn't wait to see what kind of look he had.  It probably wasn't good anyway.  Slipping back inside, he found Felix lugging around Edgar and asking questions from the camera crew.  At first, Felix didn't seem to notice him, but then he turned and handed out Edgar asking.  "Oh, good. Can you walk Edgar? I've got to help clean up and stuff".  Jack petted Edgar's head, quickly telling Felix gently.  "Actually, I was going to go eat. I'll help babysit him tomorrow? I'm just wasting away right now".  Felix pulled Edgar back, replying reassuringly.  "Just give me a few more minutes and we'll go together".  Jack grabbed his arm before Felix could turn away, stating quickly.  "I really want this time alone. To think. Please"?

Felix rolled his eyes, but jabbed a hand into his pocket to pull out some money.  Jack tried to refuse it, but Felix told him seriously.  "Don't! You're going to need money to get home. Here, take it. Otherwise, don't use it and just call me to come pick you up.  Alright"?  Jack took the money, nodding.  He didn't plan to use it and had full intentions on giving it back when he returned.  Without another word, Jack quickly strolled back outside where Mark was waiting.  He felt so guilty... This wasn't the type of person he was.  He was risking what little friendship that was still holding them together.  Mark lead him to the nearest cab and Jack quickly slid in.  This was just going to be a dinner among two friends, Jack told himself.  He was going to repair their friendship... but a voice in the back of his mind bluntly stated.  "Or you're going to wind up making things worse".  The second the cab pulled up before the hotel, Jack felt like he might have made a mistake.  What if this did only pull them farther apart.  Mark paid the cab driver, and Jack followed Mark into the lobby. 

The ride in the elevator had Jack's heart racing.  The whole time Jack couldn't stop staring at Mark.  He half expected him to jump him in this box trap, but Mark didn't.  Mark just leaned back against his arms that had hold of the bar, staring up at the floor numbers as they lit up.  He looked so calm.  Jack couldn't imagine how he managed that.  Jack had to cross his own arms around his ribs just to keep from shaking.  Suddenly, Mark turned to look at him with concern asking gently.  "You alright? Are you cold"?  Jack could only manage a shrug, lowering his gaze to the floor.  The elevator door dinged loudly and the doors opened.  Jack let Mark exit first, then slowly followed after him.  The closer they got to Mark's room, the more Jack felt suddenly sick.  Why was this happening to him?  Too much pressure on him, maybe?  Fear of the unknown?  Was it just simply because he hadn't eaten?  Mark opened the door, letting Jack walk inside.... and the change in the air did it.  The air in Mark's room felt thick and heavy compared to the hall.  Covering his mouth, Jack dashed into the open bathroom door and barely made it to the toilet.  He may not have eaten recently... but breakfast came back. 

Dropping to his knees before the toilet, Jack noticed Mark standing in the doorway and told him embarrassed.  "I'm sorry. I don't know what happened".  Mark slowly started towards him, but Jack weakly raised a hand to stop him.  He couldn't even look Mark in the eyes as he meekly told him.  "Don't. I don't want you getting sick".  Mark didn't listen to him.  Kneeling casually beside him, starting to rub Jack's back soothingly as he answered.  "I think all the stress is making you sick, Jack. You need to relax".  Jack shook his head trying to disagree... but they way Mark was rubbing his back... it did make him feel calmer.  To Be Continued...