Alex's body was limp as he stared up at the dark night sky. Lately he'd been feeling like a stranger in his own home, what with Jack avoiding him. He wasn't sure what brought on the sudden change, but he figured it had something to do with the remark Zack made a few days ago. As a result, Alex called off the party he was supposed to throw, and grabbed an old blanket to take with him to his backyard. Alex curled up to it, relaxing into the ground and making peace with the stars. A cool breeze swept across his face, and Alex smiled in return. Really, it was the perfect Summer night. The only thing missing was a warm body beside of him. The first person that came to mind was Lisa. He loved the way she felt in his arms, because she was the only person in the world who thought he might be a safe place to land, but Alex couldn't shake the image of his best friend. One conversation, that's all he wanted. Just to clear the air.

The boy sighed and shifted his weight so that his arms were now under his head, serving as an uncomfortable pillow. His mind was racing. Something Zack said had stuck with him as well. Perhaps it was time for him and Jack to part ways, but only a little. Their relationship was an odd one. You could never have Alex without Jack, or Jack without Alex. The boy was even starting to wonder if that's why he wouldn't commit to Lisa. He just couldn't wrap his head around the idea of not having Jack as his partner in crime.

The pair came together when they had no one else. When they met, there was instant trust. They didn't go through that awkward phase of getting to know one another, or trying to figure out what to say without sounding totally lame. It had always been Alex and Jack, and a reality without that was one that Alexander did not want to live in. But what if it was time? What if the only way Jack would expand his social life is if Alex put a little space in between them? He couldn't do it though. He'd have no one if he didn't have Jack.

Alex shook his head to his own thoughts and turned on his side, hoping that if he changed his position it would make his thought process shift as well, but when his eyes adjusted to the dark again, he noticed a figure nearing him. His heart sped up a bit when he realized who those long legs belonged to.

"Hey," Jack spoke softly. His hands were shoved deep in his pockets and he was rocking on his heels. "I thought you might be out here."

"Here I am," Alex forced a smile and sat up so his way was on his elbows. "What's up?"

"It's been a weird couple of days and it's driving me crazy being locked in that room, I figured it was time we talked."

"I was just thinking the same thing."

Alex sat up completely and scooted his body over a few inches. He gave Jack a comforting smile and patted the spot next to him. Naturally, Jack followed his orders and sat down next to Alex. His body was tense, so to distract himself, he plucked a piece of grass and began tearing apart the blade.

"So.. I didn't mean anything by it when I kissed you. I was drunk, I didn't think about the million pairs of eyes on us. It's just, ya know, it's you. Something like that should never be awkward between us. I'm really sorry, Jack."

"Don't be," Jack tilted his head slightly and smiled at Alex. "I wasn't bothered by you doing it in front of everyone. I've heard all the jokes before, I'm kind of numb to them. It was more or less the fact that my own best friends started giving me shit. No offense dude, but you kissed me. I don't understand why I'm the target."

"Well, I do," Alex scratched the back of his, suddenly feeling a weight crashing down on his shoulders. "I don't know about Rian, but Zack feels like you're too dependent on me. Like, I'm holding you back from having a real life. They don't think you're gay, Jack, they just think I'm the only thing you really care about in life."

"Is that really such a bad thing? I mean, you are my best friend, dude. You said it yourself, we don't have any boundaries to cross."

"I'm well aware of that, but to everyone on the outside, it seems totally different. I don't know, bro, maybe it is time we venture outside of our wall."

It nearly killed Alex to speak those words, but he knew it had to be done. The sick feeling in his gut told him that his entire relationship with Jack just shifted. They would still be friends, but from now they would be Alex and Jack- Two totally different people with their own agendas. Alex felt even worse when he noticed the wounded look on Jack's face. Truthfully, it made him feel like shit to know the one person he'd spent so long protecting had been deeply injured by his own mouth.

Jack had expected those words to come eventually, though. It was really only a matter of time before Alex wanted a new life, something more serious with Lisa or more space to mature on his own. It hurt like Hell, but Jack had come prepared for those words. During his few days alone, he had been pondering the perfect way to set his best friend free. Jack knew that if he was fighting off demons he didn't understand, Alex was probably doing the same thing.

He simply nodded his head and smiled softly. "I know. I just-I-"
"You what?"

Jack choked back his words, regretting now that he even attempted to say them. "Some things are better left unsaid, dude."

Alex wanted to know more. He needed to know what was better left unsaid. Jack never kept things from him, so it had to be something serious, but after the agreement they just made he knew it'd be best not to pressure Jack. He groaned lightly and laid back on the grass. Two minutes into 'freedom' and he already wanted things to go back to how they were. Alex made a mental note to punch Zack the next time he saw him.

"Hey," Jack broke the silence. "I was wondering when you'd get here."

Confusion squirmed in Alex's bones. He tiled his head and looked in the direction that Jack's words were sent, and his heart nearly stopped when he saw a short blonde headed in their direction. What the fuck was she doing here? Alex sat up, scratching his messy hair. The girl stopped just above Jack and offered him her hand, which he willing took. What was happening?

"Hey Gaskarth," she smiled down at him, the same evil grin he'd grown to hate. "Long time, no see."

"Tosh," he replied, his words dripping with hate. "There's a reason for that."

"Yeah, well, whatever. You never were my favorite person."

"I was just thinking the same thing about you."

Tosh snickered, flipping a strand of her blonde hair behind her back. She was the bitch who broke Jack's heart, the one person responsible for ruining his reputation. What the Hell did he want with her?

That question was quickly answered when he lustfully connected their lips, tugging her towards the house.

Notes

Oh snap.