breaking free - jalph (lotf) ੈ♡

Chapter 2

Please go check out Stray Embers (Jalph) by Anxietytoast, they're lovely and an amazing writer :)

"Ralph, we need to talk."

Ralph bolted upright, recognizing his voice almost instantly. It was the terror himself,.

"Jack," Ralph spat his name out, on alert, and ready to run at any second.

Jack took a small step back, noticing with guilt how fearful he seemed to make the shorter boy. "I, uh.. I'm not here to hurt you, if that's what you were thinking." Jack ran one hand through his hair, avoiding eye contact and fidgeting nervously, "We just need to sort some things out." Ralph relaxed a bit, realizing that he was telling the truth.

"Fine. You have five minutes." Ralph scooted over on the bed, making room for the other. Jack hesitated before stepping forward and awkwardly sitting down, making sure the two didn't touch at all. It was silent for a few seconds.

"I've been thinking," Jack began,

"That's shocking," Ralph muttered, earning a dead look from Jack.

"As I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted, I've been thinking about the way I treated you and the others. It wasn't right." Ralph laughed, and Jack's eyes widened in confusion.

"Do you honestly think that's enough to make me forgive you? You have no idea about the fears I face. I can't take one step without feeling like we're back there, like I'm going to be ripped apart at any second. It's all your fault. All of it." By now, Ralph's eyes were filled with tears and his fists were clenched in both anger and sadness. Jack smiled softly.

"You think you're the only one dealing with that? It's hard for me too. Maybe not for the same reasons, but I'm still drowning in guilt. I technically killed people, Ralph. Innocent boys. I let myself be consumed by power, and look where it got us." Jack stood up, "Goodnight."

"Wait." Ralph said softly, almost inaudibly. Jack paused, looking back. Tears were streaming down Ralph's face, but he quickly wiped them away with the sleeve of a long sleeve the officers gave him. 

"N-Nevermind. Goodnight." Jack turned back around and climbed into his bed, thoughts racing through his mind. Why did he tell Jack to wait? Would he ever be forgiven? 

Both boys fell asleep as the others all walked into the room.

. . .

Ralph sleepily opened his eyes and pushed himself into a sitting position, yawning all the while.  That had been the best night of sleep he had gotten in a while. Looking around and noticing nobody else seemed to be awake, he decided to get up and head up to the small deck to watch the sun finish rising. Taking one last glance back, he quietly opened the door and walked out.

Jack quickly got up as well. He had been awake for a few minutes already, and had pretended to be asleep as soon as he saw Ralph wake up. It was the perfect time to try and be friendly to Ralph again. Or, so he thought.

Jack arrived at the deck, watching Ralph for a few seconds. Light shone on him, blurring the edges of his blond hair and the outline of his body. He looked like a hazy daydream come to life. Jack smiled and strode towards him.

"Morning, Ralph." He stayed where he was, not turning around, as there was no mistaking who was there, "Morning."

Jack stood next to Ralph, stuffing his hands in his pockets. The chilly air nipped at their exposed faces and cut through their thin clothes, but they stayed staring out at the open sea. The sky was a brilliant reddish color, reflecting onto the calm waves and illuminating the world. Ralph glanced sideways. Jack's profile was a stark contrast to the background behind him, and a nice one at that.

"See something you like?" said the ginger boy. Ralph blushed and looked back out at the sea, "You wish." The past was forgotten in the dream-like world they found themselves in.

"Jack?"

"Yeah?"

"I forgive you. Partly." Ralph didn't know where the words were coming from. How could he forgive him? But it just seemed right. He had always hated hating people. It was hard, and only ended up hurting him more. "You're going to have to prove you changed."

Jack looked at him, happiness evident on his face. He grabbed Ralph's hand in his and grinned, "Thank you. You won't regret it."

Ralph pulled his hand away and strode back inside. Jack watched him go, heart pounding and glee still filling his body. His plan was taking off.

Huh? Who's "taking things too fast"? Definitely not me :) Also I don't feel like reading back, so if there are any mistakes just tell me. Muchas gracias.

Thanks for reading!