Under Pressure - Septiplier

Chapter Sixty Four

"Wanna go to the cafe? My treat?" Ethan asks with a grin. His hair is tousled, voice a bit breathless, eyes sparkling with elation. Jack smiles and immediately nods, excited for the prospect of free food not given out of a sense of charity.

"Yeah, that sounds awesome. We'd love to go," Jack answers, speaking for Mark as well. The teenager frowns and looks over at Jack, frustrated. Why is he acting like everything is alright? This is not alright. Jack keeps rejecting Mark, and it's not fine. They're boyfriends, not secret lovers. Mark thought Jack was okay with their relationship, but he clearly has some reservations. It's insulting. Does Jack not want their relationship to be public? Does he think it'll tarnish his reputation in some way? Does he inwardly believe he'll be judged for dating Mark?

On the walk to the cafe, Jack tries to reach for Mark's hand again, but Mark pulls away this time. He sends a glaring frown to his boyfriend before turning his nose away and shoving his hands into his pockets. If Jack will not hold his hand in the cafeteria, Mark will not hold his hand out here. The wind is biting now, as the sky darkens, and street lamps turn on. It cuts into their faces as they trek against the bitter chill, noses tucked down into jackets and their hoods uptight. Ethan is chattering along happily, smiling brightly as he practically skips ahead, grinning brilliantly. He seems impervious to the cold, warm and bright, while Jack and Mark are both huddled up, cold and bitter.

It's only as the group walks up to the place does Mark actually process where they are. Obviously, they're at Lola's, but he hadn't fully realized that until just now. Mark stills in the doorway, pausing and staring at the shop as Ethan and Jack walk in without a problem. Amy is behind the counter, wiping down the surface. She looks up and grins, happily greeting the two before freezing as she sees Mark. The smile falls from her face like a bag slowly sliding off a desk as the weight pulls it down. Amy steps out from behind the counter, walking past Jack and Ethan over to Mark. She furrows and brows and takes Mark's arm.

Seeing Mark with Ethan is the final push. Amy's been thinking about apologizing for quite some time now, and the sight of Mark with Ethan again proves the point. Things have changed, and it's time to own up to her mistakes. She gently pulls him back outside, turning to face him as the door swings closed behind them, leaving Jack and Ethan to their own devices. Mark shakes his head hard, blinking and looking anywhere but at Amy.

"Mark, I want to apologize. I've been awful to you. I just ditched you because I was worried about what people would think. I made excuses about being busy, and I didn't bother to keep up. I distanced myself because I was shallow and selfish. I'm so sorry. It was wrong and cruel. You were going through a lot, and I was too lazy and uncaring to actually do anything to help. I've just avoided you for the past year or so, and I really don't know how I can get more cowardly than that. I love you so much, you're such a great, kind, gentle soul, and I can't believe I ever thought it was a smart idea to break apart our friendship. As soon as the slightest gap grew between us, I gave up, and it was stupid. You're an amazing person, and I... I would like to try again, if you'll let me. I would love to be your friend again," Amy spills out, tears welling up that she hastily dabs away before it ruins her eyeliner.

Mark bows his head and looks down at the ground for a long moment. He thinks over what she said and then works on figuring out what to say, not to mention how to say it. Amy stands patiently, slowly calming back down as Mark deliberates over this moment. He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath, preparing himself for the loud rumbling that rattles his skull. If he prepares for it, the feeling won't bother him as much. He can mend this. Amy is asking for forgiveness, and Mark shouldn't shut him out.

"Thank you for that. I... I think being friends again would be good," Mark mumbles, lifting his head to force himself to meet Amy's gaze. Eye contact is important, even though he hates it. Mark only manages a quick glance before turning his head again, "Wanna get a drink?" he asks with a touch of dry, amused sarcasm. Amy giggles breathlessly and nods, opening the door and holding it for Mark. The two-step in, relaxing as they enter the warmth of the cafe, and the door closes behind them, shutting out the icy wind. The lights are dim in the cafe, and the music plays softly in the background as they walk further in.

"Yes, I'd love one," she answers, walking in after Mark. "Okay, y'all, what are we feeling? I'm thinking we do a smorgasbord of sweets and super sugary drinks to celebrate Ethan being an awesome artist and for you two being awesome models!" Amy proposes to the group. Jack perks up immediately.

"Oh! Fuck yes! Food!" Jack exclaims, scurrying behind the counter and grabbing a few plates to fill with brownies, muffins, croissants, and cookies. Amy fills up four mugs with fresh hot chocolate, and the four kids sit down at a table, beginning to talk. It is tentative at first, stepping out onto repaired bridges, nervous they'll collapse beneath their feet again. However, it quickly warms up, sugar and warm drinks effectively calming everyone down and building a comfortable, soothing environment. The teenagers laugh and joke around for several hours. Mark watches as his group comes back together, happy, and content.