Don't Panic (Jalex)

Stockholm Syndrome Interlude But Less Melodramatic

Content Warning:
- Mild stupidity
- Stolen song lyrics (from blink-182)
- Long texts

Alex doesn't go to the beach the next morning, though he knows Richard will be upset.
Instead, he tells Rian and Zack of the nightmares that have plagued him since Jack left to join the fake military.

He tells them both of the morbid imagery his mind created, much to his friends' dismay. They both are concerned for his health; both mental and physical. Rian tried to suggest a very, very long break from all things alcoholic and maybe switching rooms again.
Alex thinks he's nuts.

"Have you texted Jack since he left?" Zack asks when Alex finishes describing his recurring nightmares.
"No."
"He has his phone," Zack says. "Why haven't you-"
"Jack hasn't texted either," Alex snarls. "So just fuck off, okay?"

Rian interrupts them before the small disagreement can escalate. Apparently he's now playing peacemaker for the group. "Alex, maybe Jack hasn't texted because he doesn't know how long you need to calm down." Rian pauses to study Alex's expression for any malice his friend may hold, then he continues carefully. "If I remember correctly, you were the one who blew up at him. He probably thinks you're still mad."
"I am still mad!"
"So wait to text him until you're ready," Rian says softly. "But it sounds to me like you're already ready to talk to him."

Alex thinks about this for a long time as he glares at a chip in the table. He sighs.
"Jack left a letter," he tells his friends. "I haven't read it yet."
"See?" Zack exclaims. "He was waiting for you to calm down and go back to him."
"Because he knew I was going to apologize?" Alex asks, unimpressed.
"Because he knows you and how you act during an argument," Rian explains. "If anything he's going to apologize for leaving and come running back."
Alex shakes his head. "You don't know Jack like I do."
"Maybe we don't," Zack agrees. "But I saw him just moments before he was leaving. He was a wreck, Alex."
"Yeah," Rian adds, "and I've seen the way he looks at you. Jack isn't going to let some stupid fight come between him and his soulmate, and I'm genuinely surprised you think he would."

Alex considers their argument for a while as he stares at the table. Then he stands up without a word and leaves the room.

*****

He stares at the folded paper in his hands, almost terrified to unfold it and see what Jack has written him.
Alex's name is still scrawled on the back in Jack's handwriting. It's nearer than Alex's, but still sloppy in spots.

Alex always liked they Jack wrote words. Maybe it was because Jack would leave stupid notes all over the apartment. Things like "I'm the prettiest princess in the whole world" could be found stuck to the bathroom mirror.

He laughs at the memory of Jack explaining that one. Jack had bought a tiara the next week and Alex said he was going to wear it to their wedding.

His smile falls as the heavy feeling of loss settles over him like a weighted blanket.

A sinking feeling settled in his stomach as he finally opens the letter.

My dearest,

Alex snorts. Jack is such a drama queen.

( https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=iAhtSzini5o )

I've missed you very, very much since that last night we were together
And will hold that night especially in my memories for years to come
I've been turning it over and over in my mind lately
I've read your letter through at least four times

And will probably read it more times before I'm through
I've been sitting here, looking at your picture
And getting more homesick every minute
I've wanted that picture more than anything else I know of