Don't Panic (Jalex)

Hey Can You Pass The Salt

The so called "truce" doesn't go exactly to planned.

Alex's patience is already running thin, and the sexual tension between him and Jack is not helping.

Even the most minor inconveniences seem like a reason to start a war. Like the dishes left in the sink that lead to a three day meal strike and Rian going full Mom Mode on everyone.

Then of course there was the Home Alone incident where Jack found out Alex set the DVD on fire. This only ended in Alex having to steal the movie from a nearby Target and Jack spending the day in his room.

Then of course there was The Broccoli Incident and The Couch Drama, but they don't hit a breaking point until a week after the initial truce.

Alex is trying to teach Jack the guitar parts of a song titled Thanks To You during their weekly band practice. Sadly, Jack can't seem to get it right because he's too focused on the lyrics, "I'll spend my whole lifetime with your lifeline wrapped around my throat."

Alex snaps after the twelfth mistake. "Jesus fuck, Jack, can't you do anything right?" Everyone's frustrates and tired, but Alex's sanity has been hanging by a thread since day one of the apocalypse.
Jack sets the guitar down, trying to stay calm. He pushes his glasses up with his index finger and then looks up at Alex. "Look, I'm trying, okay? I'm just thinking too much and I've been through a lot and-"
"Been through what?" Alex asks through gritted teeth. He nearly jumps out of his seat, throwing his hands into the air in frustration. "What have you been through? War? Did you go to war, Jack? Is that what happened?" Alex crosses his arm, glaring daggers into the taller man. "Because you haven't said a god. damned. thing about your little military adventures since you got back.

"Alex!" Zack shouts, "Shut the hell up! Jack's just as much a part of this band as you are, and we're all tired beyond belief. Lay off."

Zack and Rian being the only ones who have any real idea of what Jack's been through are more than a little annoyed with Alex's bullshit.

Jack stands up with a sigh. "Look, Lex, I'm sorry, okay? I'll try harder?"
"Whatever Jack," is all Alex says before leaving the room without another word, but Rian stops at the door.

"You need to cut the shit," Rian says sternly. You're a fucking grownup. I get that you're pissed off and all, but you're not a fucking two year old.

They look over to see Jack and Zack talking to each other on the other side of the room. Rian pulls Alex outside like a first grade teacher ready to scream at an innocent student in the hallway.

When the door is closed behind them, Rian crosses his arms and glares at the taller man in front of him. "You need a break, man. How long's it been since you've seen Richard?"

Alex can tell Rian is trying to stay calm, but Rian's words are laced with anger and impatience.

"I'll go grab my guitar," Alex says, knowing full well that Rian is basically kicking him out for the day. "I'll be back later."
"Just get some fresh air, okay?" This time, Alex can tell Rian's words are genuine.