Archive of Our Own ^beta

"So you're actually leaving? Holy heck dude, I didn't think you'd do it."

"Well, I guess I am, huh?" Jack sighs, resting his head on Felix's shoulder. "M'gonna miss you guys."

"Aww, we'll miss you too, bro."

"Speak for yourself." Codi says, throwing a chip at Jack who throws it right back with a grin. "But seriously, who's gonna help Felix and PJ keep Robert in line?"

"Wha--I don't need to be kept in line!!!"

"Inside voice." Marzia scolds, and Robert pouts on the side of the couch while Felix and Jack snicker.

"I didn't get to know you very well,but, it was nice meeting you." Ryan mumbles, and Jack shoots him a soft smile.

"Thanks dude. Sorry about...y'know, bein' an asshole at the dance."

"It's totally cool, I'm used to being...outcasted."

Jack winces at that, but it relaxes as he sees PJ grab Ryan's hand in comfort. "Oh."

"Well, this get together isn't for sad stories, so, you guys ready to party?"

"What exactly do you mean by party, Rob? Because you know I don't--"

"Do anything fun? Yeah, I know, Peej." Robert sighs, then he stands and brushes chip crumbs off his pants from Jack and Codi's earlier fight. "Which is why we are going out to a club to celebrate, not smoking pot at my apartment."

"A club??" Codi and Marzia say collectively, confused.

"Yes. A club. Waterparks is playing downtown and I'm not missing that for the world so, you guys are coming with me! Food's on me!"

"What about drinks?" Felix smiles, but Jack hits him with a pillow.

"My flight leaves at 8am tomorrow, we are not drinkin'."

"That reminds me, how did things go with your parents?"

Jack sighs, pausing to fluff his hair. "My ma didn't take it very well...especially not when I told her I was engaged. My pa...was oddly excited I was gettin' married this winter."

"That's good right?"

Was it good? Jack didn't know, and didn't want to think about it. So he shrugged and smiled, standing up abruptly with Robert. "Of course! Now, let's get to Waterparks!"

"Hell yeah!!! Waterparks!!!"

"Of course I am. I told you guys that from the start, you just chose not to believe me."

Mark winces at Tyler's sigh, but never turns around.

"Dan and Phil said to tell you safe travels."

"Did they now? Hm."

"Mark--"

"You don't have to pity me anymore, Tyler. Look, I'm thankful that you let me stay here. I'm thankful you let me work at your school and nearly fuck up your reputation. I'm thankful for it all, but...this is my decision. Neither you nor Ethan can change that."

"You're leaving everything behind again for some...kid who isn't even sure he loves you."

"Even if he doesn't he will learn to." Mark mumbles, zipping his luggage shut with anger. "I think you forget than you and Ethan aren't so close in age either."

"He's also not in high school."

"CHRIST TYLER, LET IT GO!"

He shouts, finally spinning around. "Please..."

Tyler glares at him for awhile, then places his hand on Mark's shoulder and sighs. "Good luck in America, Mark."

"You can't stay mad at me forever, Ty."

"I know. What time does your flight leave?"

"8 am. I was gonna catch a cab at 6 and--"

"We'll take you." Ethan chimes in, wrapping a secure arm around Tyler's and grinning.

"I don't think--"

"I agree. We will take you."

Mark glances between them, but it settles on Tyler. "Are you sure?"

"Of course we are. We're all friends, right? Besides, I like Jack, he's pretty cool!"

"That makes two of us." Mark grunts, but Tyler remains unmoved.

"Ethan, you're driving since you volunteered us. I'm going to take a nap."

"Awww! But--"

"Butts are for pooping. See you at 6."

Mark stiffles a chuckle as Tyler kisses his forehead and walks out the door with a half hearted wave. "Shut up!"

"I didn't say anything, I swear!" He begs, but their façades are broken by uproarous laughter.

Once it subsides, Ethan grins at Mark, and Mark raises his eyebrow. "I'm glad you fell in love."

"Me too. See you at 6am?"

"Ugh, don't remind me. You owe me sooo fucking much."

"I sure do. Thanks Eth."

"You're welcome, Mark. Ty will come around, I promise."

"I sure hope so. Considering I proposed to Jack."

"What??? When were you planning on telling me about this??"

"A wedding invitation in the mail a month before the wedding." He chuckles, and Ethan gives him the same wave Tyler did minutes ago. "Goodnight Eth!"

He sighs to himself and wraps back up into bed, pulling out his phone to a text message. He smiles brightly, staring at it.

Mon Cherí

Never :P I can't wait to see you tomorrow. Felix is trying to take mtlwpwp

To that, Mark laughs, because he's got no reason to be jealous.

He got exactly what he wanted, and that was all he needed to know to fall asleep.

Tomorrow was a new day.