You'll Have to Watch Me Struggle

'Is that a hickey?'
Jack looks up when he hears Rian say this, he watches as the younger pokes at Alex's neck, they are all back on the bus, travelling to Cardiff, but they spent two nights staying in a hotel and partying.
'Probably. I pulled one of the hottest chics I've ever seen last night.' Alex smirks and Jack sighs quietly,
'Nice one.' Rian chuckles, high fiving Alex while Jack chews on his lip nervously, eyes darting around the room quickly before meeting Zack's, who just looks at him sympathetically.
Zack is the only person who knows about Jack's feelings for Alex.
'She was super hot. And so damn good in bed.' Alex grins and Jack gets up, leaving the bus lounge quickly.

It's nearly ten minutes later when someone goes to check on Jack,
'Are you alright?' Alex asks, shaking Jack's bunk curtain, a silent question, asking if he can open it,
'I'm fine.' Jack whispers and Alex pulls the fabric back to reveal Jack facing the wall, his back to Alex,
'Jacky, what's up?' The elder whispers, resting his hand on Jack's back, causing the younger to flinch,
'Nothing. I'm just tired and feel kinda sick. Can you leave me alone please.' He sighs,
'Can I get you anything?' Alex asks,
'No, I just want to be left alone.' Jack whispers.

It's ten minutes later when Zack comes in,
'Want a hug?' He asks and Jack nods, rolling to face Zack before shuffling over so Zack can climb in next to him, Jack buries his face into his friends neck quickly,
'I just wish I didn't like him.' Jack cries quietly and Zack rubs his back soothingly,
'It's not your fault Jay.' Zack whispers,
'I just get so fucking upset when he talks about all these girls. I wish it was me.' Jack sobs, being as quiet as possible,
'I know. But he doesn't know bud, maybe if he did, he'd be more careful.' Zack sighs and Jack shakes his head roughly,
'I can't tell him. Ever.' He mumbles,
'One day you might have to.' Zack whispers and Jack shakes his head again before nuzzling into Zack's neck and crying softly.

'I'm gonna leave you be now, okay? Try and sleep.' Zack whispers after ten minutes of silence,
'Okay. Thank you. I love you.' Jack whispers,
'Love you too bud.' Zack whispers back before climbing out,
'So you'll let Zack be with you but not me?' A voice snaps and Jack opens his eyes to see Alex sat in his bunk across the aisle,
'Alex just leave him be.' Zack sighs before leaving the bunk area,
'I'm going to sleep.' Jack whispers,
'Dickhead.' Alex sighs and Jack has to stifle a whimper into his sleeve.

Jack jumps when he feels something grab his hand and opens his eyes to see his arm flung over the side of his bunk, Alex is in his own bunk, reaching across to hold the youngers hand,
'What are you doing?' Jack yawns,
'I just want you to be okay. You were tossing and turning.' Alex whispers,
'Oh.' Jack sighs, not bothering to remove his hand from Alex's grip,
'Everyone else is in the lounge, do you want to talk about anything?' Alex asks,
'Not really.' Jack sighs,
'Come here... Please.' Alex begs and Jack gets up and gets into Alex's bunk with him,
'There is something wrong but I really can't tell you right now. But Zack knows, okay? I know you hate it when I keep things bottled up but someone else does know.' Jack explains quietly and Alex nods,
'Okay. As long as you're not alone.' He whispers, wrapping his arms around the younger tightly, Jack sighs and nuzzles into Alex's chest before he begins to cry softly,
'Oh Jacky, it's okay. I've got you, it's okay.' Alex whispers, 'Just let it out. Whatever it is, it'll get better.' He adds.