We returned to the hotel and greeted everyone, pretending nothing had happened. All of the kisses we had shared that morning lingered on my lips, and I tried to hide my smile. No one expected anything, and were probably just glad we had developed a camaraderie instead of constantly being at each other’s throats. They just didn’t how deep the friendship had become.
The two of us spent most of the rest of the day sneaking glances and smiles at each other, an occasional kiss on the cheek happening when everyone’s back was turned. Still, we tried to remain as casual as ever. I was elated to be with him now, and he appeared to feel the same way.
At the show that night, I helped set the stage up and assisted Matt with all of the behind the scenes aspects of All Time Low’s performance, surprisingly keeping my focus, though Alex was looming in the back of my mind. Plus, the excitement of a secret was probably contributing to my twitterpated actions.
As the boys played their set, I watched them from my usual spot backstage, amazed at how much energy they put into each show, and how the crowd was always so lively. I laughed as Jack headbanged so hard I thought he was going to get whiplash. He shot me one of his goofy grins before jogging to the other side of the stage.
My smile faded as a thought crossed my mind. How could we keep this from Jack? He was Alex’s best friend, and definitely one of mine. Hell, Jack was the one person I could confide in since this whole thing started. I resolved to talk to Alex later, hoping to convince him that Jack should be told.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t until the early hours of the morning that we were able to talk. Rian, Zack, Jack and the rest of the gang had gone out to a bar, so it was just Alex and I. He had been in the shower, so I had a book out on my lap waiting for him.
He plopped down on the couch beside me, clothed in pajamas, and wrapped his arms around my waist. I chuckled slightly before dog-earing the page I was on and setting the book aside.
“It hasn’t even been a day and it’s hell keeping this a secret from everyone,” Alex murmured with a sigh.
“About that,” I replied. “I think we should at least tell one person.”
“Who? Rian? Zack?” he questioned.
“No, I was thinking we should tell Jack. I mean, he’s your best friend, and maybe even mine. Shouldn’t he be like, the first person to know?” I mentioned.
“No way. Yes, Jack is my best friend, but he’ll completely blow our cover,” he commented.
“I don’t think you’re giving him enough credit. I’m sure if we asked him, he’d be more than willing to keep our secret,” I said.
“C’mon! You haven’t even known him long enough to decide that. You’re a little too trusting, dear,” he responded, freeing me from his arms and instead folding them across his chest.
“So what if I am? Jack has been so nice to me while I’ve been here. Trusting him only makes sense,” I defended, standing up from the couch and pacing.
“He’s probably just trying to bang you,” Alex retorted.
I scoffed. “What, and you aren’t?”
He paused. “That’s not the point. We are not telling Jack about us. End of story.”
I shook my head. “You are unbelievable. It’s like you’re always looking for an argument.”
“Me? You’re the one bringing up stupid ideas!” he shouted.
“Oh, so my ideas are stupid now?” I yelled back.
Just then, the guys stumbled onto the bus. “Jesus,” Jack said. “You two were fine earlier, and now you’re at each other’s throats again?”
“Yeah. What happened to being friends?” Matt asked.
“I don’t know how well that’s working out,” Alex muttered, but I still heard him.
I threw my hands up in defeat. “I give up. I’m going to bed. Night.”
I stormed out of the room and climbed into my bunk, steam practically shooting out of my ears, but that didn’t stop me from listening to what the guys had to say. I heard Rian, Zack, and Matt leave the living room, which left Alex and Jack.
“Dude, you two really have to stop arguing all the damn time,” Jack stated.
“It wasn’t my fault-” Alex began.
“I don’t care. Don’t you remember that little tidbit I told you the other day?” he wondered.
“Yeah, I know Max likes me, and I like her too,” he responded.
I froze. Jack had told Alex that I liked him even though I told him not to? Fuck. Why did jack have to prove Alex right?
“Then why are you picking fights with her? I know for a fact she always tries to be nice to you,” he mentioned.
“It’s just...it’s really complicated, Jack,” Alex said with a sigh.
“Not really. Just confess to her already. Then you can stop fighting and just like, make out with her or something,” Jack mentioned.
“I’ll think about it. Let’s just get some sleep. I’ll talk to Max later,” he replied.
I rolled over in my bunk, trying to think through everything, but I couldn’t think straight. Why would Jack tell Alex I liked him, but not that Alex liked me back? Surprisingly, I quickly fell asleep, hoping to resolve things when I woke up.

Notes

I changed the rating on this because I'm hoping to include some smut later on ;) Though I have a friend who will be writing it because I can't write smut worth a damn XD But as you can see, I have returned! I plan to write and post Chapter 12 tomorrow :) Thanks for reading!