I can love a block of wood (septiplier nutcracker AU)

Chapter 30

The prince got back into his regular clothes and draped the pants over his arm before going to find Jack, Ethan, and Tyler. They were all doing their own thing. Tyler and Ethan were napping, Tyler against the tree and Ethan in the sleigh. Jack was sitting with some of the ornament children, telling them stories that he would listen to when he was a child. Mark stopped for a moment, watching him with a soft, sweet smile. He felt something warm in his chest that just spread. For a moment he forgot that there was anything wrong with the kingdom. For a moment, he remembered his family before everything was ruined. For a moment, he felt his heartbeat in his chest. The smile on the prince's face didn't falter when Jack looked at him. His smile got bigger. Both men waved to each other before Jack told the children that he had to go.  They whined as the Irishman stood and walked to Mark.

"Rose wants me to gather everyone to try the clothes." The prince told his friend. "But I don't want to wake up Ethan or Tyler."

"So will it be just you and me then?" Mark shook his head to answer his question.

"No, I am just going to wait for them to wake up."

"So what are you doing until then?"

"Spending more time with you, hopefully." Jack laughed a bit. "So what do you want to do?"

"I don't know what I want to do. Is there anything to do other than walk?"

"No, I don't believe so." They both laughed a bit before starting on their walk. There wasn't anywhere for them to go since Ethan was in the sleigh, so they just walked around the level of the tree. This was one of the few times they were left alone to enjoy their walk. Instead, people just watched them enjoy each other's company. Some people whispered to each other about how happy the prince looked or how cute they were. At some point, they both stopped walking and just stood facing each other. Mark took Jack's hands, pulling him close. There were no words between them. At that moment Mark knew that he loved him. He wanted to kiss him and let him know. But Jack was scared. Jack was scared about what would happen, what might happen, how the reactions might be. Jack thought about what might happen if he kissed Mark and he didn't change back. He Mark didn't know that was how the spell got broken, but Jack knew. Jack knew that a kiss would save him and it would hurt more than anything to find out his kiss didn't work. Mark had leaned in, dipping his head a bit. Their lips were so close... But Jack looked away. Mark felt a sharp pang of pain in his chest, feeling rejected and hurt, and also looked away from Jack. The smaller man pulled away from him and looked out into the large living room. Tyler came over after a few moments, having seen what had happened.

"Rose woke me up since you were taking so long." Jack turned his head and looked at Tyler.

"We will be on our way in a moment. Is Ethan awake?"

"Yes, she woke his up too." Mark nodded so Tyler took it as him being dismissed. He walked away and left the two men alone.

"Jack-"

"Please, don't talk about what just happened." He said quietly. The prince respected his wish then offered his hand. Jack did accept it so they walked back to Rose holding hands.

"It's about time. Jack, get over here." Rose motioned the Irishman over quickly. He let go of the prince's hand to do what was ordered of him. "Go change into this!" She watched him walk away to change before looking at Mark. "What happened? Why are you upset?"

"I would rather not discuss it with..." The nutcracker gave the girl a look that showed he felt awful but he meant it.

"I get it. Don't worry." Rose brushed off the look as she stood. She dusted off her skirt then turned as Ethan came back in his disguise. "Does anything feel too big or small?"

"The pants-"

"Are supposed to be longer in the legs. It's part of the design." The doctor nodded.

"Marki, when are we leaving?" Ethan questioned his friend, holding out his arms as Rose made adjustments.

"Tomorrow hopefully. I want to teach Jack a few things and have everyone rest before we go." Tyler was the next to come out in his own outfit. "Looking sharp." The general just smiled and adjusted his vest a bit. Finally, Jack came out. Mark just stared at him with that little bit of a smile. Even if he was hurt he couldn't help but smile seeing jack. "Green looks good on you."

"I have to agree with you on that one." The shorter man smiled as he responded. "Rose, you did a good job. This fits really well."

"Of course."

"Are you going to try on your pants Markiplier."

"I already have. They fit like a glove." Amy joined them and looked over the men. "They look good, right?"

"Yes, they do. Rose, you have done a wonderful job."

"Guys, my ego can't take anymore. It's going to explode if it gets any bigger." Everyone laughed at her remark. "Now go get changed out of these outfits. I will fold them up until tomorrow." Tyler was the first to go change.

"Tomorrow?" Jack looked slightly panicked.

"Don't worry Jack. I'm teaching you everything tonight and we will be resting tomorrow until we leave." Jack relaxed slightly at Mark's answer but he was still panicking. "Everything will be fine."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes Jack, I'm sure. " Jack nodded, rubbing his neck. Tyler came back from changing and Jack quickly went to change as well. The Prince sighed sadly and quietly.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Tyler asked. Mark looked at his friend for a moment before he nodded.

"In a bit, yeah."