All Time Slash - Fireworks. (Jalex FanFic)

Chapter 9

“Oh, Alex,” Jack hushed, instinctively acting as the boy’s protection as his arms wrapped around the older boy, pulling him into his chest. “I’m so proud of you, I truly am.” He whispered into the boy’s hair whilst the palm of his hand gently massaged Alex’s lower back.

The other male gently nuzzled Jack’s neck with his nose, he really did enjoy the comfort and the support.

He guessed maybe that’s what he’d been lacking all these years.

After he passed away, Alex didn’t have anybody to turn to.

His parents were a wreck, but who could blame them? They’d lost their first born, and though they loved Alex dearly, he wasn’t able to fill the empty place at the dinner table.

He watched his parents cry every day for almost a year, but never once did Alex shed a single tear. His mum and dad cried for him, because he didn’t want them to see that he was just as weak as they were. He wanted them to be proud of their son who was strong, who could pull through even the toughest of times, but it was all just an act.

Maybe Eastenders, Hollyoaks, or some other shitty soap opera would benefit Alex’s talents.

Now, though, it was a strange feeling to not have to bottle everything up. To have somebody who doesn’t even have to respond, just listen, perhaps that’s why Alex’s heart skipped a beat for Jack.

And he felt guilty for only coming to terms with this now and not realising sooner.

“I’m sorry.” Alex murmured, closing his eyes, his fingers locking around Jack’s hip.

“Hey... s’okay, don’t worry about it.”

And the younger boy with the ‘dodgy’ accent, carefully leant down to press his soft, warm lips against Alex’s temple.

“You’re not alone anymore, I promise.”

Though the comforting peck sent shivers down Alex’s spine, he pulled himself out of Jack’s grip, shaking his head. “Please don’t make promises, Jack.” He sighed, brushing his fringe from his eyes. “Promises are just lies with pretty ribbons tied to them.”

Too many promises had been broken in his past.

Even Daniel’s.

“I’ll never leave you, Alex, I promise.”

“You don’t know for certain if you can keep it.” Alex mumbled, with sadness in his eyes.

Jack’s finger gently tilted Alex’s chin up, “Well then I’ll try my hardest to, for you.” He smiled, and that was the only persuasion Alex needed.

“Thank you, Jack.” And the boy started to believe for what felt like the first time.

- - - -

“How are you feeling now, anyway?”

“What are you on about?” Alex questioned, the two boys were now sat back on the sofa. He took Jack’s arm with his hand and slid the limb across his shoulders.

“Earlier, you said felt sick.”

The boy shrugged, “Yeah, I did. I still do, a bit. Though I think it’s because of all of this, you know?”

Jack nodded, “Mm, that’s understandable. It takes a while to get used to, though.”

“I think I can manage, I mean, you’ll stay by me, wont you?”

“Of course I will. You walked into my life by chance, you make me feel something I haven’t felt for such a long time, I’m not letting you walk out already.” Jack chuckled, “Something like this doesn’t just happen everyday, Alex.”