Do I Matter?

Chapter one

When Mark woke up that morning, his first instinct was to check his phone for texts from Jack. He had three texts from the Irishman. He had asked if Mark wanted to meet up at the library later today, since today was Saturday. Jack was having trouble with the material they were reading in literature. The other two was just him asking if Mark was awake. The brunette knew meeting him was a dare by his friends, but he had really started to like Jack. When Mark was at that playground with his 'friends', they had noticed how much Mark was staring at the unfamiliar, blue-eyed Irishman and dared him to talk to him.

They knew he was bi. A few of them were as well. Mark's friend, Matt, brought up the dare idea because he saw how a few other guys and girls were looking at him. Matt was one of Mark's close friend, but he was straight. Mark knows that if he wasn't, he'd most likely being dating him now.

It wasn't a for sure crush, but the brunette was certain that he liked Jack.

Jack was secretive. He didn't share too much about himself. Mark noticed all of those smiles he forced when someone asked him if he was okay. He wanted to make him smile for real. He wanted a true smile from Jack, like when they first met.

A soft knock emitted from his bedroom door. "Come in," The brunette said, putting on his lucky flannel. His older brother, Tom, walked into his room carrying a single poptart. "Mornin'," He said lazily. Tom eyed the flannel and smirked. "Who the guy?"

"What?"

Tom chuckled. "You don't wear that flannel out unless there's someone you really like, or if you're playing some game that gets yer blood boiling."

Mark smiled softly. "You remember Jack?"

"Ah, yes, the Irishman you always talk about."

"Heh... Yeah. Well, I guess, you can say that's the guy."

The older of the two grinned and took a large bite out of his poptart. "You should bring him over at some point. I bet Mom would love to him."

Sticking his tongue out, Mark continued to flatten down his flannel. "Shut up."

"When are ya leaving?"

The brunette checked his phone. "We agreed on noon." Upon turning around, Mark was hit with a raincoat. "Mom says walk the dogs," Tom said with a smirk.

"... Motherfucker."

~~~~~~

Once Mark had arrived downstairs, wearing the raincoat Tom gave him and carrying the dog's leashes. "Hi Mark," His mother greeted him, "Thank you for agreeing to walk the dogs. Tom said you'd say no." Mark turned and glared at his brother before smiling at his mother sweetly. "It's not a problem."

"Don't stay outside with them for too long, though. I wouldn't want you to catch a cold."

"Give me ten minutes, Mom, then I'll be back inside to help with the cleaning."

"Thank you!"

The brunette looked at the clock that hung above the dinner table. It was currently 10:23 am. After walking the dogs, he could help his mother and join Jack at the library. Mark smiled. Maybe he could get Jack to open up to him about his family.

His phone dinged. Digging it out of his pocket, Mark read the text. It was from Ethan

EtHaN>< Are u comin to eat lunch w/ us?

Ah, that's right. Mark had arranged to eat lunch with Ethan, Bob, Matt and Wade today. He had forgotten. He was so caught up with Jack that he had completely forgotten.