Paint yourself a picture,
something perfectly obscure
To hide away the messes behind your manicure
And all of my obsessing to find the perfect words
Sick of second guessing, I didn't mean to make you hurt
Didn't mean to make you hurt, hurt hurt


After a lot of convincing Jack to come over to Alex's, Jack finally gave in. They started making their way to the bus after the bell had gone, signalling them school is finally over. Alex felt a shit tone of weight fall off from his shoulders as he exited the building. He no longer felt paranoid as he's not inside that dark hole anymore. As for Jack, Jack still felt a little triggered, but not as much. He just hoped he'd forget about it when he arrives at Alex's house.

As they got to the bus, they showed their ID to yet the same driver. He always wears that disgusted face on him like he hates his job. Alex couldn't blame him. Who would like a vehicle they're driving to be filled with noisy, obnoxious kids? Exactly. It must be difficult not crashing with so much going on behind you while you're driving.

Alex looked around, automatically finding two seats near the front. They were near the front of the line, so they actually get seats. He sat down closet to the window, watching Jack sit down next to him. He noticed how Jack always puts his bag over his laps and plays with the threads that stick out. He guessed it's a habit.

"So, are you alright talking on the bus, or does it make you anxious?" Alex asked kindly, trying not to sound rude about the fact he can't help that he doesn't talk in any social places with a lot of people. Alex watched Jack shake his head 'No'. Alex nodded, understanding how Jack felt. Well, he didn't know all of what Jack felt, only that he gets really anxious around other people, but not around him. It's strange how close Jack and Alex's friendship has grown. Alex actually invited Jack over. That means that Alex likes Jack and doesn't plan on talking to him just because he's there. Normally, when someone invites you over to their house, they really like you as a friend. If Alex didn't like Jack, he wouldn't of invited him around. It's not like he invited him because he's bored at home, it's just a friendly gesture. Alex rolled his head to the side, looking out the window, not bothering to look at the people who were still waiting in line to get on the bus. Instead, he surprisingly looked at the school, flashbacks of what happened today. Jason making Jack have a panic attack that luckily wasn't too dangerous. And if Alex would say he didn't want to punch Jason to next year, he'd be lying. To next year wasn't enough to explain how much Alex wanted to punch him, but he kept himself to himself, not thinking that punching Jason will help the 'Max and Jason thing'.

Then his mind went back to Maths. Why won't Jack speak? I know he gets anxious, but that's more like mute. He thought about it, coming up many different scenarios. Maybe he's shy? Maybe he just doesn't like talking? Maybe he gets too anxious? Maybe he doesn't like his voice? Maybe something is stopping him? The last one got to him. Maybe Jason was stopping Jack from talking. But in that case, why wouldn't he talk in Maths? Alex just shrugged the thought off, his eyes going back to the line. He noticed that the last two people getting on. He then just rested his head on the window, watching the people show the bus driver their ID.

Meanwhile, Jack was still a little worried about being around someone's house. The last time he was around a friend's house was when he was eight, Aldemar came into Jack's life at nine. Aldemar didn't really do anything to Jack at the age of nine, only when Jack hit twelve did he start the drama. Now that Jack's seventeen at age, he's finally gone again, but for a short period of time. Jack frowned at the thought of Aldemar. He hoped he never see or hear of him again.

After a twenty minute ride on the bus, both boys were now getting off it, making their way to Alex's house. Jack felt strange not walking the opposite way to Alex. They would've split up by now, Alex going one way, Jack the other. So yeah, it felt weird for him. At least now Alex could start a conversation.

"Okay, so my house isn't the best, but I have a PS3, so all is good." Alex chuckled quietly, sticking his hands in his pockets to protect them from the cold. Jack just nodded, not really knowing what to say.

"Are you, uh, okay?" Alex asked carefully, not really wanting to pressure Jack into talking. He just wanted to hear that quiet voice.

"Y-Yeah, I'm fine." Jack lied, trying his best to sound convincing. Jack wasn't totally okay. The depression is still there and always will be. As long as that's there, he's not gonna be okay. Jack didn't really approve of lying to Alex, but he didn't want Alex to know about his depression, that's if he hasn't already guessed.

Alex didn't say anymore, seeing as they were at his house.

"Okay, I have a cat. You're not allergic, are you?" Alex asked with concern. The last thing he needed was Jack to have an allergic reaction. Truth be told, Jack didn't even know. He's never been near a cat before, even when he were younger.

"I-I've never seen a cat." Jack said quietly, feeling a little embarrassed. He has seen a picture of a cat, but not in reality.

"What? Really?" Alex asked in shock. Jack nodded, feeling his cheeks warm up.

"I'll go get him and maybe bring medicine for reactions, just in case." Alex smiled, walking away from Jack and on his way to find his cat. That's when he realised he left Jack standing there.

"You can follow if you want, or there's a seat. Do what ever, be yourself here." Alex grinned, waiting for Jack's decision. When Jack started walking closer to Alex, Alex's smile grew.

"On the search to find Tinkerbell!" Alex yelled once Jack was at his side. Jack chuckled. What sort of name is Tinkerbell? He followed Alex nevertheless.

~~~

"There you are, my precious shit." Alex laughed, picking his ginger-almost-yellow tabby cat up and holding her in his arms. Tinkerbell had annoyance on her face because she was sleeping before Alex decided to pick her up. Jack lifted his head up, seeing the cat in Alex's arms, the cat's paw on Alex's chin. This was probably the most cutest, strangest animal Jack has ever seen, and that ain't many. Jack Aw'd accidentally, covering his mouth up automatically after. Alex chuckled walking closer to Jack.

"Do you wanna hold her?" Alex asked, sounding as though the cat was his baby. He treated her like a baby. She's actually recent to the family, only been in the house for a week and she's found where her territory is: on top of the fridge. Alex literally had to put biscuits in his hand to get the cat down. If his mum found the cat on the kitchen sides, she'd flip. She hates how they carry so much 'germs', but got her for Alex anyway.

Jack nodded, his eyes flickering to Alex's, before resting on the cat. Alex felt all giddy for no reason when Jack looked at him in the eye. He guessed it was nice to see Jack was being more like his original self. Alex pushed the cat in Jack's direction, Jack grabbing the cat awkwardly, touching Alex's hand which sent both electricity through both their hands. Jack bit his lip as he had the cat fully in his arms like a baby, on her back. Normally, if Jack was five, Alex would be shouting at him for holding her like that, but he decided to let Jack have the moment with an animal he's never even touched before.

Jack was looking down at the cat's eyes, finding them slightly scary, but beautiful. He could see the black flicks through the yellow. He found it scary because of the diamond shaped orb the cat had. When Jack went to stroke the cat's belly, it clawed onto his hand harshly.

"What a meanie." Alex chuckled, reaching up for the cats paw and making it discard her claws from Jack's hand.

"I don't think she likes me." Jack chuckled quietly. Now for Alex, that was a moment to die for. Jack talking with no stutter, clearly and a little chuckle at the end of it. Jack went to stroke the cat's belly again, only to stroke it the wrong way. The cat this time went for Jack's nose, biting it for second before letting go.

"Ow?" Jack laughed again. Alex laughed along with Jack, finding it cute how Jack didn't even know how to hold the animal, or even stroke its fur.

"You're petting her the wrong way." Alex laughed, reaching forward to scratch behind the cat's ear. Jack looked carefully, trying to memorize it. Jack actually thought cats are cool. They're not afraid to do anything. Jack wished he could be like that.

Once Alex stopped scratching behind the cats ear, Jack tried, finding the cats fur really weird. The cat started the purr, making Jack confused.

"Is it telling me to leave her? She keeps makin w-weird noises." Jack frowned down at the cat who had her eyes closed.

"No, Jack. She's telling you to carry on," Alex smiled, yet again finding it adorable how Jack was acting around the cat.

"Do you wanna go upstairs? You can bring the cat up, but first..." Alex reached for the cat, getting disapproved mewls, and replaced the cat in a comfortable position.

"You were holding her wrong, but it's okay. Come on, let's go." Alex said, adding a weird accent on the 'go', which made Jack laugh. Jack could already tell Alex was truly a great friend. An amazing friend, actually, and he hopes he never leaves his side.

Notes

Hellolilo. So, uh, I've been thinking...but i don't know. I was thinking... Should I add Jalex in the next chapter? Like, Alex gets feelings and just wants to ' try something out'? Or is that too early? Let me know, please. C: Thanks for reading!