The Adventure (Tomark)

Chapter 4

A/N: Thanks for your support so far! I hope you enjoy "The Adventure" & I'm very happy that some people read this story and even let me know their thoughts. Also, please keep in mind that this fic contains explicit language and adult themes (this chapter thus comes with a warning for sexual content & drugs). Have fun! 

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After attending Mark's little pool party and spending the afternoon in his room, Tom starts to hang out with the college student regularly. Mark didn't exactly invite him, but when Tom knocked on his door and immediately started babbling after tutoring one day, he didn't seem to mind either.

The two of them spend lots of time in the family's backyard pool, frequent the nearby skatepark and occasionally check out the newest releases at their favorite record store. However, Tom likes lazing around in Mark's messy room the most, using the older boy's brand-new PlayStation or extensive record collection as an excuse, when he really just longs for the intimacy and comfort the place offers. It almost feels like a fort; they talk about everything in there and when they do, the outside world doesn't matter for a while.

And there's something about Mark that never fails to impress Tom. He comes across as that daring and confident happy-go-lucky kind of guy who never loses his cool (and Tom does hope that some of Mark's coolness will rub off on him, the idiot that always get all flustered and pays way too much attention to other people's opinions). The teenager admires that; he internalizes every single funny story Mark tells, he is at the cutting edge when his friend comes up with stupid pranks and he's the first one to burst into laughter when Mark cracks one of his obnoxious dick jokes.

But he is fond of Mark's calm and serious side as well; the one that sometimes shows when they hang out in the older boy's cozy room and address more profound topics, his parent's imminent divorce for instance. Mark, despite having a huge ego, joking about pretty much everything and constantly displaying all kinds of profanity, turns out to be surprisingly empathetic and wise in such moments. It makes Tom like him even more.

Tom, perfectly aware that this (albeit platonic) idolization might be a bit over the top, doesn't tell anyone. And yet, deep inside he knows that being friends with Mark certainly is one of the best things to ever happen to him, not only because Tom finds the college student pretty damn awesome, but also because of the numerous things that can be learned from him; stuff like being adventurous and quick-witted, sneaking into punk rock concerts or putting up a fight. Mark's indecency rubbed off on him as well, much to his parents' dismay, but Tom doesn't care at all.

For him, this is the best summer ever.

***

„Geez, you're too good at this! I give up," Mark complains while throwing away his controller. They have been playing Twisted Metal 2 until now, a video game Tom masters quite well.

„Aw, sounds like someone's being a sore loser," Tom taunts, „Perhaps your eyes are to blame? I mean, you're not the youngest anymore..."

„Young enough to kick your stupid ass, DeLonge!"

They both laugh, and while Tom sinks into Mark's comfortable mattress, the college student pulls out a small box from his bedside cabinet. Tom knows that this is where the weed, condoms and other secret items he yet has to spot are hidden, and he gets nervous whenever Mark makes use of that mysterious chest. It's not necessarily the pot though; Tom, albeit refraining from participating, doesn't mind Mark's occasional smoking session, especially since his friend always shares his huge supply of candy when he gets the munchies. But he gets all flustered as soon as he sees those stupid rubbers, and he doesn't even know why. Maybe he just needs to get laid; this could at least prevent freaking out about such ordinary things.