An impulsive move across the country sends Jack away from the Suburbs of Baltimore and into a city he's never known. It's not as if he's upset about leaving his friends and life back in Maryland, but it's the unfamiliarity he's nervous about, though that's just a minor part in Jack's life to come. Being a band obsessed teenager, he's directed to a small record store to apply for a job that he's almost guaranteed. Once stepping in, Jack can already feel the joy of working with the one thing he's always been passionate about, but also the feeling of dread as he meets his new co-worker, Alex Gaskarth, conveniently the owners son, who is nothing but an asshole. Aside from the snide remarks, Jack learns that his world will change drastically, surprising even himself in the situation he'd be in.
-COMPLETED-
I wasn't wanted or needed by anyone, and I knew that far too well by now. There was nothing left for me in the cruel wrath of life until I found everything in the deep brown eyes that belonged to a tall, sensitive boy by the name of Jack Barakat. The night that I thought would be another boring, sad chapter of my story ended up being the beginning of a whole new one.
He kept me safe when not even my own house could.
==+==
Told in Alex's POV.
Trigger warnings: anxiety, abuse (verbal/physical), cussing.
Disclaimer: This is partnered with "You Keep Me Sane" (which is not completed), but you do not need to read the other one before this one, or the other way around. It's the exact same story in another perspective.
Started: Dec. 18, 2019
Finished: May 26, 2021