The Taste Of Rebound Love

Part 17

Jack let Mark rub his back, loving the feeling of Mark's fingers loosening up his muscles.  Little by little, those tiny circles Mark was rubbing into his back made him feel... lonely?  He didn't quite understand it.  Both Felix and Mark seemed to be competing for his attention... how could he feel so lonely?  Jack didn't bother trying to ration it all out.  He was just too tired.  Turning into Mark's chest, Jack laid his head against Mark's shoulder.  He felt so warm.  Mark continued to stroke his back, while he asked him gently.  "You need to rest. Should I call Felix and have him take you home"?  An icy fear stabbed into Jack's heart and he grabbed Mark's shirt desperately shaking his head.  He couldn't handle the two of them going at each others throats.  He didn't even want to imagine Felix tongue lashing him after learning he had snuck off with Mark!  Just the idea of that emotional turmoil had Jack leaning back over the toilet again.  Mark gently rubbed Jack's back, telling him softly.  "Ok. Then let me get you into the bed".

Jack leaned back, allowing Mark to pull him up onto his feet carefully.  Jack barely felt his feet beneath him as Mark walked him to the bed.  All Jack wanted was to feel the fluffy clouds under his body!  Dropping out across the bed, he numbly took in the fact that Mark was removing his shoes.  Mark helped tuck him under the large fluffy blanket, gently running a hand through his green bangs.  Jack gave him a sleepy smile and closed his eyes, feeling himself drift away.  Mark smiled to himself as Jack fell asleep almost instantly.  The poor guy was exhausted.  Nervously running his fingers through his hair, Mark took a seat in the only armchair in the room.  Turning on the TV and keeping the volume low, Mark started to watch his favorite Christmas movie.  While it played softly in the background, he called down to room service to order dinner.  Shifting around in the uncomfortable chair, Mark rested his chin on his hand to watch the movie.  He wanted nothing more than to join Jack in bed... but Jack needed space.

Every so often Mark would glance over at Jack to check on him.  He looked so peaceful that it made Mark's heart hurt.  He was part of the reason why Jack was stressing out.  He'd always hate a part of himself for that.  The live stream wasn't easy for him... Seeing the way Jack played with Felix.  He missed the days when Jack had done all that with him.  Just hearing Jack sing for Felix had been painful... but the playfully kisses they shared... Jack would never know how deeply it had cut him.  Yet, through it all... it didn't change how he felt about him.  He still loved Jack.  He didn't want to let him go.  He couldn't just sit back and watch Felix take him away.  Turning his eyes back on the movie, Mark felt like a Grinch... He didn't want to let Jack go, but neither did Felix.  If one of them didn't back out... what would be left of Jack?  If he let go... would Felix truly care for him?  He just didn't know.  Someone knocked loudly on the door, and Mark climbed quickly to his feet.  Cracking open the door, Mark smiled at the man who had brought up the cart with their dinner.  In a soft whisper, Mark told the man.  "Thank you. Bring it in, but please be quiet. My friend isn't feeling well".  The man nodded with a smile, wheeling the cart in then waved as he departed. 

Mark pulled the metal cover off the large pizza, and barely contained his chuckle as Jack's stomach growled loudly.  Even asleep his nose could detect pizza!  Smiling, Mark strolled over to the bedside.  Placing a soothing hand on Jack's shoulder, telling him softly in a gently attempt to wake him.  "Jackaboy? Wake up. You need to eat".  Jack stirred a little, mumbling something to low for him to hear.  So, he tried again.  This time Mark raised an eyebrow.  He didn't understand it because it wasn't English.  Jack had sleepily answered.  "Dìreach beagan nas fhaide, ma".  Gaelic, maybe?  Mark could guess what he answered with... but gently continued to shake him.  Finally, Jack's eyes opened and Mark told him quickly.  "Pizza is here. You should have a slice".  While Jack slowly sat up, Mark crossed around to pick up a slice from the half he didn't like... Pineapple pizza side.  Holding it out to Jack like it was a nasty creature, he heard Jack chuckle softly.  Jack knew how much he hated pineapple pizza... but he had ordered half the pizza to be that way for him.  Seeing Jack's face light up made it worth the effort. 

Jack patted the bed for Mark to sit down with him.  It really didn't seem right for him to sit in that stiff awful chair.  Scooting over, Mark stretched out on top of the covers beside Jack.  As they finished off the movie, Mark asked Jack casually.  "Do you always dream in Irish"?  Jack looked at him confused, and Mark chuckled.  Jack turned back to the TV muttering simply.  "Comes and it goes, I guess. Why did you ask me something"?  Mark shook his head honestly, asking a little distracted by the idea of having asked him something out of curiosity.  "No... Jack, do you love Felix"?  Mark watched Jack stop chewing.  He refused to look in Mark's direction and swallowed deeply, before answering seriously.  "Don't ask me stuff like that. This is suppose to be a friendly dinner between friends".  Mark took a sip of his soda, telling Jack just as seriously.  "This is. I'm just curious to know what you're thinking".  Mark regretted it the second it slipped out.  Jack lowered the pizza in his hands, snapping back defensively.  "Why? So, you can hold it against Felix tomorrow"? 

Mark rubbed his mouth with his hand, trying to soften things back up as he answered honestly.  "That's not why, Jack. I... It's hard to explain".  Jack rolled his eyes, dryly replying.  "Preaching to the choir, Mark".  Mark smirked a little, admitting softly.  "I need to know if you still want me to fight for you? If you love him, Jack... I'll step aside. Just don't string me along".  Jack stared at Mark feeling like his heart was being twisted.  Mark wasn't looking at him.  Mark was covering his mouth with his hand and staring at the bed.  Jack's heart was screaming at him to comfort Mark.  To keep him.  To tell him... but his mind was fighting to pull him the other way.  Mark had hurt him!  Mark isolated him!  Felix was there for him!  Jack tuned them both out.  Reaching out, he turned Mark's chin to look at him.  Looking in those soft brown eyes for just a moment, Jack leaned in and kissed him hesitantly.  Then before Mark could respond, the voice in his brain  kicked him out of... whatever trance he had put himself in.  Forcing him to quickly jerk away from Mark and off the bed.  To Be Continued...