You're In Awfully Early {Septiplier}

Just Too Worried

Jack thinks he's stop crying enough for the red rim to disappear from his eyes. He's been in the driveway for nearly fifteen minutes, fanning away the tears. The small, velvet box feels so precious and small in his slender hands.

He fingers rustle through his keys, still in the ignition. He grabs the puzzle piece charm, the impression of Mark's name nearly faded from his touches over the years. He can just barely see the engraving in the dulled metal.

Jack's eyes fill with tears, and he just has to peek at the ring one more time. He carefully opens the small box, ring so precious he treats it as if it's made of glass. The moonlight catches the platinum ring, the sparkle of the silver shine causing a tear to trail down his cheek.

He carefully pulls the jewelry from the cushion, heart fluttering as he images placing it on Mark's finger. He glances at the inside, a beautiful engraving standing out on the polished metal: Seán. He can't wait to have his own made, to have Mark's name always on his hand.

He jumps when his phone goes off, nearly dropping the ring onto the car floor. He quickly placed it back into the box, fishing his phone from his pocket. Terrified Mark has been peering out the window, has seen the ring, Jack's relieved when the caller ID shows Robin.

"Hey, Robin. What's up?" Jack answers, placing the phone between his ear and shoulder. He tries to slide the ring box into his pocket, cursing his black skinny jean. He shimmies in his seat, trying to hide the box.

"Have you been crying?" Robin asks, voice laced with concern.

"Oh! Uhm, no," the Irishman insists, clearing his throat. "Why would you think that?"

"Jack."

"It's a surprise! A surprise you'll have to see on YouTube because you're missing PAX."

"We aren't all floating in a river of YouTube money, Mr. SepticEye," Robin chuckles.

Jack chuckles too, rolling his eyes. "What did you need?"

The humor drains from Robin's voice, turning serious once again. "Did you know Felix is going to PAX?"

"Of course," Jack chirps. "I'm the one who asked him to come."

"Doesn't that seem a little... spontaneous for Felix?"

Jack snickers. "Felix has always been spontaneous."

"Not in the past few years," Robin disagrees. "He's mellowed out a lot. And, he's been avoiding American conventions like the plague. It just seems weird, ya know?"

Jack pauses for a moment, humming in thought. "Well, he's coming for me this time. And, in case you didn't know, I'm quite the convincer."

"Of course you are," Robin offers. "But, honestly, something seems off with him."

"I'll keep an eye on him, okay?" Jack assures. "And I promise I'll do some digging."

"Okay, okay," Robin concedes. "Oh, and congratulations on your engagement, Jack."

Jack's mouth flies open, completely taken back. He flatters for just a moment before he can speak, "I, uhm, I don't know what you're talking about! Engagement? What engagement?"

"Oh come on, Jackaboy," Robin teases. "A big surprise at PAX? An anniversary party the day after? Felix going to America? Either you and Mark are getting married or one of you is dying."

"It's possible," Jack draws, "That I may be proposing to Mark. But, if that were true, which I'm not saying it is, then it's most definitely a secret that should not be repeated to another soul."

"Of course," Robin agrees. "I'll make sure your videos are edited and uploaded right on time. You seem to have other things to worry about."

"Thanks, Robin," Jack smiles. "I'll talk to you later."

"Talk to you soon, you crazy kid," the other chuckles.

Jack ends the call, sliding his phone back into his pocket. The ring box is pressing horribly into his hip bone, reminding him that he'll need a better plan than sliding the box into his jeans when he proposes. He hopes and prays Mark will be in his office on his way in, that he won't see the bulge of his surprise.

He nearly creeps to the house, hoping not to alert Mark. He lets himself in quietly. Chica lifts her head from her dog bed in the living room, wagging her tail lazily when she sees him. Jack gives her a few pats to keep her quiet, and she lays back down, returning to her snooze.

With careful feet, he slinks up the stairs, the house quiet. He breathes a sigh of relief when he sees Mark's office door is closed, easily walking past and into their bedroom. Jack hides the ring in his dresser, pushing it to the back corner and covering it with underwear.

He considers going to his own office, getting ahead on a few of his videos for after PAX, but he's afraid to forget about Robin's comments on Felix. He gives a few small knocks to Mark's door before opening it a bit, peeking his head in.

Mark must have just finished a videos, his screens filled with a the ending scene of a video game. The raven swivels in his chair, completely forgetting his game at the arrival of his boyfriend. He's in only boxers and a t shirt, but Jack's heart still flutters a bit.

"You made it back in one piece!" Mark smiles.

"And you survived lunch on your own," Jack returns, leaning down to catch Mark's lips in a kiss.

Mark smirks into the kiss, sliding a hand into Jack's hair to keep them together. Their lips move slowly, savoring the taste of each other's mouths, until Mark's free hand grabs one of Jack's belt loops. He gently eases the Irishman onto his lap, nibbling his bottom lip as he straddles his thighs.

Jack groans softly, deepening the kiss. Their tongues brush as Jack's fingers disappear into the dark hair of his lover, gripping harder as Mark's hands run down his back. Mark's hands glide down to Jack's perky bottom, giving it a squeeze.

Jack gives a small gasp, forcing himself to pull away when their lips are apart. Even though Mark's mouth follows his, he turns his cheek to the side, allowing the older to press kisses into his stubble. Jack takes a deep breathe to compose himself, trying to remember why he came into the office in the first place.

"Robin called me," the Irishman starts, mind a bit foggy.

Mark hums to show he is listening, lips working on Jack's pale throat. The news isn't incredibly shocking, as the two speak nearly every day. The raven's mind is clouded by the promises he made before Jack left.

"He's worried about Felix," Jack continues.

That makes Mark pause, pulling his lips away from Jack's neck. "Worried?"

The Irishman nods, thankful to now think straight. "He thinks Felix is being strangely spontaneous."

Mark chuckles, shaking his head. "This isn't Felix's spontaneity. It's your puppy dog eyes."

"They haven't worked in the last four years," he mutters.

"Hey, don't get yourself all worked up, Roo," Mark insists, giving a gentle peck to Jack's lips. "The inner workings of Felix's mind are a mystery to even himself. We'll keep an eye on him, okay? But, I really do think he's fine. Maybe he's just finally ready to face another PAX."

"Okay, Moomoo," Jack resigns, running his fingers through his boyfriend's dark hair.

Mark groans lightly at the gentle tug. "I think I'm ready to cash in that rain check from earlier today."

Jack smirks, dipping down to catch Mark's lips in a deep kiss. "You can't let me fall asleep afterwards. I have one more thumbnail to make, and then I'm done for the week."

"Better not go to the bedroom then," Mark whispers into the Irishman's ear. "I'll just take you right here."

Jack groans softly, "Please."