Chapter Text
Jack's phone vibrated.
It had been set to vibrate since the moment he get it. He was always afraid to turn on the system volume in fear that it might get really loud and frighten him when it goes off.
The Irishman switched it on and a text notification appeared on-screen immediately- it was from Mark.
Mark: ive landed
Jack typed in his passcode- 2424. A constant reminder of how many things scared him. It upset him to think about it sometimes.
While wrapped up in his thoughts, Mark had sent him two new texts. Jack snapped back to reality and read them.
Mark: i think ill be out in about 20
Mark: you better come pick me up
Jack's heart dropped. He never told Mark he couldn't drive, did he?
He started typing, his thumbs flying around the keyboard quickly. He read through his message again and stopped short.
Mark was expecting to be picked up and Jack felt obligated to do it. He didn't want to disappoint his guest. His guest, who had flown all the way from California to Ireland by himself just so he could visit for a week.
Gritting his teeth and hunching his shoulders nervously, Jack hit the 'send' button with his shaky thumb.
Jack: no dude just get a taxi. it's what they're there for :p
The Irishman started to sweat a little bit, chewing on his bottom lip as he waited for a reply. He almost dropped his phone when it vibrated.
Mark: fiiiine
Jack let out the breath he didn't realise he was holding. Mark wasn't disappointed, thank god. His thumbs got to work immediately.
Jack: see you soon!!
Mark: :)
The Irishman smiled weakly, setting his phone down on his desk and returning to the task at hand- editing. He wasn't going to be recording anything new while Mark was staying over, so he stockpiled a bunch of videos to upload over the week.
Sometimes he didn't understand himself. In his videos he always looks so happy, smiling and laughing at everything. But he's scared on the inside- just a frightened child who wants to break down and cry. He hates himself for lying to everyone- pretending he's always happy, pretending he's okay.
Jack got two videos fully edited before his phone vibrated again. Another text from Mark.
Mark: hey jackass
Mark: im in the lobby
Jack laughed quietly, his thumbs rapidly typing a witty response.
Jack: get in the lift you dingus
Mark: 3rd floor rite
Jack: yh
Mark: ok i'm coming up
The green-haired man grinned, removing his headphones and getting up, walking into the living room. He opened the door for Mark, who was briskly walking down the hall and pulling his suitcase behind him.
"Hey, Jack." Mark grinned, leaning against the door frame. "Great to see you again!"
"You too, Mark. C'mon in!" Jack smiled back, hastily stepping out of the way. Mark thanked him, wheeling his suitcase into the apartment.
"Need me to put this anywhere?" the guest asked, gesturing to his bag as he leaned himself on Jack's shoulder.
The Irishman tensed up, trying not to shrug Mark off of him. "Nah, I'll just dump it somewhere later." he choked out.
"Okay, cool. I'm gonna go sleep or something."
"Alright. Nighty-night, Markimoo."
Mark raised his hand weakly, entering Jack's room and closing the door behind him.
The Irishman collapsed onto the sofa and held his head in his hands. This was going to be a fun week.