The Taste Of Rebound Love

Part 18

Jack stumbled off the bed in a panic.  Shaking his head and covering his face as he muttered out loudly to himself.  "I shouldn't have done that! What the hell am I doing?! I need to go"!  Jack dashed for the door, grabbing the handle just as Mark softly called his name.  Jack's hand curled around the handle, but he couldn't open it.  He just stayed stiff at the door, listening to the bed creek as Mark got up.  Jack's head lowered in shame, he needed to leave NOW... but he just couldn't bring himself to go.  Mark's voice was still a good distance away from him, when he told Jack solemnly.  "Don't go down this road, Jack. I've been there. It only prolongs the pain".  Jack's hand started to shake as it clutched the door handle and he shot back defensively.  "You're so full of shite! You don't know what I'm going through"!  Mark walked closer, his voice turning soft but serious as he stated.  "Don't I? Felix or Amy. Amy or You. I've walked this road... and you're following in suite. Felix or Me".  Jack's grip loosened on the door handle as that thought sank in. 

Turning his head to glare at Mark, Jack bitterly shot back.  "I'm not you! I don't isolate people because I can't deal with something"!  Mark gestured to him, snapping back as gently as he could.  "Look what you're doing right now! You're running. Don't you see? You're shutting me out. When you get home, will you talk to Felix? Or run to your room"?  Jack turned his head to face the door again.  He couldn't look at Mark and he didn't want to answer.  Mark's hand slid up over his shoulder comfortingly as he told him in a hushed voice.  "Jack, I'm trying to save you so much pain. The longer you wait the worse this gets. I don't want to watch you loose yourself. You have to choose".  Jack clenched his jaw and closed his eyes trying to fight off the pain that was twisting around his insides.  Taking a shaky breath, Jack muttered out sternly.  "This is the part where you state how I should choose you. Then I go home and Felix states how I should be with him. Then you two argue and I'm right back here".

Mark shrugged removing his hand, sadly saying.  "Then don't choose either of us. Just walk away. I already told you, Jack. If it saves you... I'll let go. You can't hold us both".  Jack's throat was starting to close up as he rushed out.  "I've got to go".  Yanking the door open, Jack rushed out as fast as he could.  Slamming his finger against the elevator button at the end of the hall.  He didn't want Mark to come after him... but as he paced before the elevator, he noticed Mark walking toward him.  Jack wrapped his arms around his chest, backing up against the button as he pleaded with Mark.  "Please, Mark. Don't-".  Mark stopped before him, giving him a small warm smile and reaching out for his hand.  Jack could feel tears starting to brim his eyes, as he extended a hand out to Mark.  Mark took his wrist carefully in his hands, clipping a survival cord bracelet to his wrist.  When he released his wrist, Mark told him casually.  "For luck. A kind of escape rope. You control your life Jack. Save yourself if you have too".  Mark brushed Jack's bangs away from his eyes, before turning and walking back to his room.  Jack looked down at the green and blue woven cords as the elevator door dinged open. 

Jack stepped out of the taxi outside of Felix's house.  He couldn't stop twisting the bracelet around his wrist.  He felt so confused.  He liked them both for different reasons... but if he didn't make up his mind soon, he was going to loose Mark.  If he chose Mark, he would loose Felix.  Dragging his feet all the way to the door, he was thankful that all the lights were off.  Felix must have turned in early.  Quietly, Jack opened the door and slipped in.  Then froze in shock.  Felix wouldn't have gone to bed and left his door unlocked.  A light flicked on in the corner of the room, where Felix sat with his legs crossed and a sour expression on his face.  Jack felt like a deer in the headlights.  He felt caught... but how would Felix even know?  Felix draped his arms along the top of the couch, asking a bit spiteful.  "Enjoy your dinner"?  Jack closed the door gently, telling Felix a little shaky.  "Actually, I wandered around Brighton mostly. I'm sorry. I didn't realize how late it got and flagging a taxi wasn't easy".  Felix's tone came out like smooth marble as he asked.  "I see. Where'd the bracelet come from"?

Jack felt suddenly uneasy, but he quickly told Felix with a smile.  "I ran into a fan. They made it with Septic Sam's colors. Cool, huh"?  Jack raised his wrist to show him, but he couldn't help wondering how Felix had seen it in the dim lighting.  Felix leaned forward casually to rest his elbows on his knees as he asked stony.  "Was Mark with you"?  Jack felt cornered.  Shaking his head, he stayed silent.  He didn't trust himself to answer without sounding guilty.  Felix lowered his head in defeat, muttering out.  "I don't understand why you feel the need to lie to me.  Emma saw you leave in a cab with Mark".  Jack suddenly felt light-headed.  Busted.  Felix rose off the couch and Jack quickly added in honestly.  "Nothing happened. We just had dinner and watched movies".  Felix flashed him a stern glare, snapping back.  "How romantic. Did I do something that has upset you"?  Jack shook his head and backed up against the door as Felix approached him.  He wasn't scared of Felix... but his body seemed to be preparing for a violent reaction.  Felix braced his hands on the door beside Jack's shoulders, his voice softening as he asked.  "What did he tell you about me? Whatever it is, you should know he's a good manipulator".  Jack twisted the bracelet around his wrist nervously, feeling a little more calm when he asked suspiciously.  "What are you afraid of him saying about you, Felix"?

Felix stepped in closer to him, pinning him up against the door.  Jack raised his hands getting ready to push Felix away, when Felix grabbed both of Jack's thin wrists with his one hand and quickly pinned them up against the door.  Jack turned his face away, anxiously telling Felix.  "Your scaring me, Felix"!  Felix slipped a hand against his jaw to turn his face slowly toward his.  His voice turning husky and distant as he whispered against Jack's lips.  "You have nothing to fear from me. I love you".  Felix pressed his lips against Jack's, feeling Jack's pulse race wildly under his palm.  Jack didn't kiss him back at first, but Felix expected he would before long.  To Be Continued...