Don't Panic (Jalex)

Whoever Chose The Old Chapter Titles Is Fired

Content warning:
- brief mention of rape
- trauma
- cute fluff

The blaring music from the nightclub can be heard from a block away. People of all races, genders, and ages are spilling out of a set of garage doors and onto the streets. The whole block is a party, and everyone's invited.

Even zombies are having a flash mob to the song Thriller playing on a broken stereo.

Alex is pretty sure he's tripping on something, but that might just be anxiety. He also can't think of the last time he's seen actual drugs.

"Alright," Rian yells over the speakers, "Zack and I are gonna go get something to drink! Everything's free, so we'll see you back at the hotel later!" He reminds them both to use the buddy system before walking off with Zack.

Alex and Jack are left alone to stand awkwardly in the street, not really sure what to say to each other.

Jack clears his throat, a smirk spreading across his face. "Can I buy you a drink?" He asks.
"Rian said everything's free," Alex answers with a roll of the eyes.
Jack snorts, then shakes his head before looking at Alex with a hopeful expression. "Can't a guy offer to buy is ex boyfriend a free drink in the midst of the apocalypse?"

They both flinch at the ex in front of boyfriend. Neither of them are quite sure where they actually stand with each other, but the words sound wrong coming from Jack's mouth.

As if to combat the new term, Alex nudges Jack with his elbow. "Well then," he says in an accent, "by all means, my good sir, buy me as many free drinks you'd like."

Jack laughs and he pulls Alex buy the hand all the way to the bar.

Alex's mission for the night is to get Jack drunk, and to stay as sober as he can. He wants information, and Jack can't keep his mouth shut when he's drunk off his ass.

The only problem with this plan?

Jack has his own plan which follows the same basic steps. He wants Alex drunk so they can talk about feelings.

In their heads, their plans are flawless, it they end up getting too caught up in fun to notice the other not even taking a sip of their drink.

After hours of heated make out sessions, dancing in the streets to blaring music, and not even a drop of alcohol, Jack and Alex are stumbling to the beach house from a few nights before.

Just like the last time they were here, they head straight for the bedroom, stealing kisses when they can until Jack shoves Alex roughly against the bed.

The soon find themselves with Jack pressed against the headboard with Alex grinding against him as their lips move in sync.

It feels forced though as they both try to act drunk, but neither of them make any attempt to stop. At least not until Alex reaches for the zipper of Jack's hoodie.

Jack grabs Alex's wrist and lightly pushes him away. "Lex, we shouldn't. You're drunk and-"
"Wait, but I thought you were drunk," Alex interrupts, backing off immediately and then regretting his words as soon as he hears them.

"I wasn't going to sleep with you!" Alex adds quickly. "I swear! I know that makes me sound like an ass, but-"
"It's okay," Jack laughs quietly. "I know you wouldn't do that."

"I should go," Alex mutters, crawling out of bed. But Jack grabs his arm before he can get too far.
"Wait, don't!" Jack exclaims, much to Alex's surprise. "I mean... I mean we don't have to do anything, I just- I-I was kind of hoping we could just..."

Alex smiles sympathetically before crawling over to sit next to Jack, both of them now leaning back against the headboard as they stare at the opposite wall in silence.