"What the heck?!" Jack yelled, frantically digging around in the dirt in the hopes the beanstalk would suddenly sprout again. Nothing. Jack's way home had vanished into thin air. The sun set as Jack searched, leaving him in darkness. No way home and nowhere to go. Except…
"No." Jack argued with himself. "I can't go crawling back to Mark after my whole speech on independence. I ain't a hypocrite!" Stubborn in nature, Jack was left with no choice but to spend the night outside. In the dark, cold giant world filled with several creatures that could probably eat him in one bite. Jack gulped, for once missing Chica. At least her only fault was being too friendly.
Jack set up camp under the cover of some gnarled tree roots, forming a sort of mini room with walls to keep him safe. Animals didn't dig through tree roots often, right? Jack pulled his blanket up to his ears as loud howling began a few hours later. Jack could only pray that whatever was making that sound would be more interested in bigger prey than himself. Jack shivered, both of cold and fear. The night dragged on, and Jack didn't sleep a wink. He nearly cried in relief when the morning light began infiltrating his natural shelter.
"Thank god." Jack sighed, packing up his stuff. He really hoped he never had to do that again. Knowing he only had one option left, Jack headed back towards the castle.
"I'm sure Mark'll be happy to see me." Jack reminded himself, trying to look at the only positive of this situation rather than the fact that he might never see his family again. Although, Jack was still unsure whether Mark would welcome him as a friend or a pet. Did he really want to beg Mark for a place to stay? The place sounded inviting but the begging did not. No way would Mark respect him as an equal if Jack had to rely on him for every aspect of life. It would be better if Mark didn't know he was stranded.
Speak of the devil- Jack was surprised to see Mark sitting on the steps outside, looking lost in thought. What was he doing up so early? Chica was nowhere to be seen. Jack approached him through the grass, but Mark still hadn't spotted him; a benefit to having green hair.
"Hey!" Jack called out in greeting, wanting to make sure Mark knew he was there before doing something stupid like running around. Instantly those giant brown eyes perked up, scanning around before locking onto Jack. Mark's face lit up in a huge grin.
"You came back!" Mark called back, giving a wave. He looked surprised. Mark laid down on his stomach in the grass, putting his head on his arms as he tried to be level with Jack. It was intimidating for Mark to move so close, but Jack appreciated that they could see eye to giant eye.
"I didn't think I'd ever see you again." Mark whispered, his breath moving Jack's hair. It smelled strongly of peppermint. Jack took a few steps back, deciding that was too close.
"Yeah, well…" Jack rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly, not sure how much to tell. "I guess I didn't get enough of your stupid face." Mark chuckled.
"Well, this stupid face wants some breakfast." Mark grinned. "Any chance you want to join me?"
"That depends on what you're havin'." Jack replied nonchalantly. Lies- at this point he was as hungry as a horse. He'd eat anything.
"I was in a mood for pancakes." Mark said. Jack laughed, making Mark tilt his head in confusion. "What's so funny?"
"Oh, i get it." Jack rolled his eyes. "You only know how to make one thing." Mark grinned, catching on.
"That's not true!" He retorted. "I just happen to make pancakes a lot."
"Whatever you say, pancake boy." Jack said, beginning to walk around him to get up the stairs. However, Mark stuck his arm out to block his way. "Uh, do you mind?" Jack asked.
"Chica's out." Mark said by way of explanation. Right on cue, there was a loud barking sound coming from the other side of the door. Mark winced. "Maybe it'd be better if I carried you inside?"
"Oh." Jack tried to keep a brave face. It seemed like the most plausible solution, but Jack's fear of heights wasn't based around reason. "S-sure, I guess."
Mark shifted around so that he was on his knees, rising high above Jack. Mark placed his hand on the ground, palm up, waiting for Jack rather than just grabbing him. Jack hesitantly stepped on, feeling the skin rise and fall with Mark's every breath. He sat down to help keep his balance before looking up at Mark.
"Ready?" Mark asked, staying still. Jack gave the big guy a thumbs-up, trying to look cheerful rather than terrified. Mark's hand slowly began to ascend. Immediately regretting everything, Jack grabbed at Mark's thumb for safety. Mark stopped at the touch before beginning to rise once more, even slower than before. Jack had a death grip, trying his best to not look down and instead focus on the patterning of Mark's red plaid flannel.
"Are you okay?" Mark asked, bringing Jack up so that he was once again face-to-face with the giant.
"Freakin' peachy." Jack replied through gritted teeth, ears turning red in embarrassment. If Mark saw through his weak lie, he was kind enough not to mention it. There was more shifting as Mark stood up to his full height, during which Jack couldn't hold back a small groan. He squeezed his eyes shut, trying to ignore the feeling in his stomach.
There was a loud creaking sound as Mark opened the front door with his free hand, before it was cupped around Jack as a second sort of safety net. A loud whining was heard, and Jack was sure if he looked down he would have seen Chica trying to sniff at Mark's hands.
"Down, girl." Mark ordered. Jack kept his eyes shut as Mark began to move down the hall and through multiple rooms. Jack had never been on a ship, but he had always imagined it would feel something like this. The constant movement and shifting beneath him. The rising and falling feeling in his core. The analogy actually helped Jack begin to settle down, imagining himself a ship's crew member. Yep, he was totally on the ocean, out at sea, not dangling several hundred feet in the air...nope, that didn't work.
Jack sighed to himself, feeling frustrated with his own inability to even cope with the situation. He felt his stomach drop again, not sure if he was descending or rising. Everything finally settled down for a moment, and Jack took a second to calm down.
"Uh, Jack?" Mark's voice boomed far above him. "You can let go of my thumb now." Jack opened his eyes to see that Mark's hand was now on what looked to be a giant kitchen table. Jack quickly let go, climbing off to be on solid ground.
"Er, thanks." Jack said, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. It was embarrassing to seem so afraid of what Mark probably thought was a basic favor. Mark shrugged.
"No problem, man." Mark gave him a small smile. "Now, let's make some pancakes!"