Chapter 1
"Cheers mate!" Jack exclaimed. Beer spilled onto the table as the glasses clanked together, "Cheers!" the gang all shouted, faces red from drinking. Laughter filled the bar.
"I am king of the werecats!" Bob screamed, ripping off his shirt and standing on the table. Wade fell out of his chair laughing.
Mark looked around at his friends. This is the best way to end PAX weekend, he thought to himself.
"Mark…" Jack reached over, grabbing at Marks arm. Mark looked over at Jack. "Mark, come on man. SHOTS!" Mark shook his head. "Yes! Shots!" Mark yelled, snapping back to reality. The bartender came over with a tray of shot glasses. The guys all grabbed a shot. "To Friends!" Mark said smiling. They all throw back the shot and slam down their glasses.
Many hours and many drinks later the guys were stumbling out the front door onto the sidewalk. Hugs and well tidings are shared amongst the friends as they begin to go their separate ways. Bob and Wade hop in a cab and head off for home, leaving Jack and Mark together in the silence of the night. Their eyes meet. Jack quickly looks away, slightly losing his balance. He looks up at Mark, whose arms were now wrapped firmly around his torso.
"Whoa. Have another pint…" Mark jokes as he pulls Jack back up to his feet. Their eyes lock and for a brief moment time stands still. "Thanks mate." Jack says, shaking his head and regaining his composure, "guess I had one to many." His accent was thick; his words mingled and slurred.
"Why don't I ride with you to your hotel? Just to make sure you get there safe. You probably don't even remember where the hell you're going do you?" Mark laughed.
"I got this bru." Jack replied jokingly. The cab pulled up to the sidewalk and Jack grabbed for the door, stumbling again.
"Yeah, nope. Not happening. I'm coming with you." Mark opened the door, and gestured for Jack to get in.
They laughed and reminisced and the cab continued through the city. Neon signs lit up the streets and stars lit up the sky. The cab screeched to a halt as they pulled up in front of the hotel.
"C'mon Mark." Jack grabbed at Mark as he exited the taxi. Mark was confused but didn't fight it. I can always get another taxi later I guess, Mark thought to himself as he curiously followed Jack. He assumed that Jack just had something to show him, maybe something he had bought at PAX earlier in the day.
They stepped into the elevator together. As the doors slid closed, the energy shifted. It was silent. Jack leaned against the wall, cool as always, his hat falling to the side. Mark tiled his head as he watched Jack. A smile crept across his face.
"You know I hate this hat right?" Mark said softly, pulling the hat from Jacks head. Jack stared at Mark, dumbfounded. Their eyes were locked in silence, the air electric. Mark put his hand on the wall next to Jack's head. Jack's legs shook as Mark drew himself closer and closer.
*DING* The elevator jerked to a halt and the doors opened. Quickly shaking his head back and forth, Mark snapped back to reality. What was that?! Marks mind was spinning. Jack remained leaning on the wall, mouth agape and motionless. The tension was intense and thick. Jack stood up, every breath deep and quick. He grabbed his hat, then reached for Mark's hand. "Let's go." Jack said. His voice was strong and determined, but inside he quaked.