All The Way

Chapter Twenty Two: Actors

*Third POV*

Khalid's raspy, harmonizing voice boomed from Mark's speakers, both he and Jack singing at the top of their lungs. 

"Tables they are turning! Lover I am hurting!" Mark sang, his deep voice sending goosebumps along Jack's skin. 

Mark smiled over at Jack, and swayed his head, as they followed Cry to his house. Jack's eyes glistened with happiness, as he leaned his head against the door, the wind cool against his face. The sun gleamed through his open window, casting a warm glow over his pale skin. His hair flowed like silk, dancing over his forehead, and tickled his nose. Mark glanced at him, secretly admiring the sight. Jack looked happy. 

In the car ahead, Cry drove Felix's car back into town, towards his apartment. Felix fiddled with the radio, trying to find a good station. Cry glanced over at him, and reached out, poking the top of his head. Felix froze, caught off guard by the strange touch. Cry moved his hand back to the steering wheel, without saying a word. Felix looked at him, eyes filled with questions, his fingers brushing the area he had gently poked. Cry's icy eyes stayed locked on the road, humming softly to the indie song playing over the radio. A small smile inched over Felix's lips, as he sat back in his seat, and gazed out the window. He had every street corner memorized by now, his body growing more fidgety the closer they got to Cry's home. Although rather small, the strange boy's apartment was more of a home than his own would ever be. He felt safe. Welcomed. Hopeful, he thought, Cry's mom wouldn't have a problem with him staying for a while. 

"This must be it. Reminds me of your apartment complex," Mark said, as he and Jack got out of the car.

"Looks smaller," Jack said, quietly. 

"This is it," Cry said, unlocking the door to Apartment 1B. 

The smell of coffee instantly reminded Jack of his own house, allowing his nerves to relax. Felix was the first to skip inside, shouting Lou, a big smile on his face. Cry ushered in Mark and Jack, a small, cautious smile on his face. He wasn't used to introducing new people to his home, and his mom. 

"Is that you, Felix?" a light, smooth voice hummed from somewhere inside the apartment. She sounded a lot like Cry, her cool, raspy voice bringing a smile to all their faces. A shorter, thin woman stumbled out of a room down the short hall, paint smeared on her cheeks and arms. "Oh, hello!" she smiled, blue eyes twinkling with a pleasant joy. 

"Hi," Mark and Jack smiled, waving shyly. 

"This is Mark, and Jack. They're some friends from school."

"Wow, Cry. You've been making a lot of new friends lately. I'm glad," Lou smiled, tapping the end of a paintbrush against her cheek. "And they are so cute!"

"Mom!"

Jack blushed, and looked away, nerves clawing at his back. Mark noticed, and reached around, settling his palm on Jack's thin waist. His touch instantly calmed him down, his mind focusing on the smell of coffee, and Mark's warm breaths. Felix glanced at the two, empathy in his eyes. 

"Is it okay if they hang out here, for a bit?"

"Of course, I'm just painting. Don't worry about being loud. Ima have my music blasting anyhow," Lou smiled, giving Felix a little wink. 

Cry rolled his eyes, and chuckled. He walked over to her, lowering his voice to ask, "Can I talk with you about something?"

"Of course, Ryan. What is it?"

"Guys, go ahead to my bedroom. Felix, show them in, and start up the Xbox."

Felix nodded, worry in his eyes. "What is it, Cry?" Lou asked, setting a hand gently on his shoulder.