The party was in full swing.
I mean it was nothing too crazy because we were responsible adults and not a bunch of horny teenagers and it was a birthday reception and not a homecoming celebration. So we stood around talking and drinking or moving to the music that wasn't blaring from the speakers but adding more of a background noise. I guess this will all be different tomorrow when we actually party in the club.

I noticed a change in Jack's behaviour over the last hour or so. Before he was jumping around like a hyperactive child on a sugar rush, talking a hundred miles a minute and smiling and laughing out loud to every lame joke.
When midnight came around we all sang 'Happy Birthday' and he cut the cake and opened the rest of his presents but his happiness seemed forced. As time went on he smiled less and frowned more until he finally settled down on the couch and stopped participating in the conversations all together.
The party slowly died down with people not wanting to go all out until tomorrow so I saw the last guests out around 2am.

When I return to the living room Jack is staring into the glass of whiskey he is holding in his hand and mumbles, "he didn't come" he sounds devastated but also with a certain surprise in his voice, " he never missed my birthday before." He shakes his head incredulously.

I don't have to ask who he is talking about. Alex, of course. He hadn't shown up. I am so angry at him seeing how much it affects Jack that his best friend has ignored his birthday. I hate to see him so upset so I walk over to him, straddle his thighs and put my arms around him, with the height advantage I pull his face to my chest and run my fingers through his hair. He holds me close nuzzling into my shirt.
"I know baby," I try to soothe him, "I'm so sorry. I'm sure it's just some miscommunication and we can set this straight. Let's call him tomorrow and he'll definitely come to the club with us."
I'm not sure if I even believe what I'm saying but Jack nods his head still hiding his face in my blouse. I feel his shoulders shake lightly and I'm afraid he's crying. Damn you Gaskarth for making Jacky so sad, I'm gonna give you some piece of my mind when I see you next!

We sit like that for a while but eventually I get up with a sigh and start picking up the empty bottles from the table. Jack is helping to clean up a bit but his whole posture shows defeat. What a sad ending to a lovely day.
We both had enough alcohol to not really care about the condition of the apartment so I suggest to leave the mess and just go to bed when there is a knock on the door.

We look at each other in surprise. Probably one of the guests has forgotten his keys or phone and came back. We walk to the door together and Jack pulls it open.

I can't help but gasp in shock when I see Alex standing there. He looks worn out and tired his eyes dark and his skin pale, his hair sticking up as if he had run his hands through it in desperation, his cheeks are tear stained and he reeks of booze.

I'm even more surprised when I look at Jack questioningly and he coldly states. "Sorry Alex but the party is over," and attempts to slam the door shut. He must really be hurt. But Alex stops the door with his outstretched palm and pleads.

"Jack, no! Please don't. I'm sorry! I tried so hard to push you away because whenever I was near one of you, I couldn't stop myself from wanting you. I know you guys asked me to stop what we had but I just can't. I can't do this anymore. Every time I see you it is like torture to realise I will never be able to kiss and hold you any more. And when I don't see you, I can't stop thinking about you." He clasps his hand over his mouth as if he had not meant to say this.
Unsure of how to react to this I look back and forth between Alex and Jack. The one looking desperate and the other still resentful.
When Jack doesn't respond Alex makes a few uncertain steps into the apartment holding eye contact with his best friend. He reaches out his hand to touch him when Jack turns his face away and looks down, showing no sign of forgiveness.

I can't stand this tension and grab a hold of Alex's hand. I'm about to turn to Jack asking him to drop the act and forgive him, when I'm being pulled into Alex's side and he presses my head close to his shoulder. He then grabs Jack by the front of his shirt and roughly pulls him close too, "Jack, please let me love you," he desperately whispers against the others lips.

Notes

Short chapter but I'm already working on the next one! I wanted to make the next a stand alone but I'm still not happy how it turned out, so it needs some re writing still. Meanwhile - enjoy!