A/N I'm back, I apologise for my long absence but before you yell at me, look a new chapter :D
Jake groaned loudly as a ray of light that had broken through the curtains blinded him, sending daggers racing through his spine. He turned over to found that the movement hurt even more, as though his entire body was screaming in agony. It took a while before he remembered the cause of his problems, his few glasses of 'brandy'. Suddenly the light was gone, blocked by a shadow looming over him.
"Morning partner, you want some coffee, you look like you need it." Jake turned over painfully to find Mark standing over him, smiling gently with a cup of steaming coffee in his hand. Jake did his best to nod and sat up before just managing to hold on to the hot cup.
"You look terrible." Mark said as he sat on the bed opposite Jake. "I think you should stay away from alcohol from now on, you obviously can't take it."
He seemed chipper, whilst Jake felt miserable, he was right about the alcohol, and it wasn't good. Memories of the night before kept spinning in his head. Mark knew everything, all his dark secrets and painful memories. He tried to clear his head by sipping the coffee, it didn't work but it did burn his tongue.
"Jake, I need to say something, about what happened yesterday." Mark said, suddenly sounding quite serious which sent a wave of alarm over Jake.
"What about?" He croaked, his voice was coarse and raspy, nothing like his usual higher pitched squeal.
"About the, kiss." Mark replied slowly, sounding uncomfortable about where he was taking their conversation. "I'm sorry that I scared you, I don't know what came over me."
"It's fine." Jake broke in.
"The thing is Jake, I'm gay. I have known for a while but I was too scared to tell anyone, you're like my best friend, I care about you." He said, his gaze focusing on a small stain on the carpet. "And, I like you, as in 'like you'."
Jake didn't know how to react, he felt something welling inside him but he couldn't figure out what it meant. Mark seemed desperate for Jake to say something, but he couldn't figure out what to say.
"I, err…" Jake finally said. He thought for a moment about what Logan said the night before and about how he felt, he liked Mark and when he thought about it, he liked the kiss. "I like you too." He admitted.
Mark smiled and moved over, pulling his friend close into a hug. Jake closed his eyes and soaked in the comforting warmth of Mark's body. It felt nice, as though relief washed over him.
"Why don't we go somewhere, if you're up to it?" Mark whispered softly. That idea sound perfect, Jake still felt terrible but simply being with Mark pushed the pain away.
"That's a good idea." Jake said, some normality returning to his voice. "But can you hug me a little more first."
The sunlight was warm and comforting as Jake trekked across the dirt path leading from the Institute, it was late morning, nearly noon and the sun was high above them. They should actually be in geography right now but he didn't actually care. Besides Mark's reasoning was sound, they deserved some time to relax after their ordeal in Las Vegas, its events still burning in Jake's mind. He needed to check on Jubilee when they got back, he wanted to know if she was okay.
Mark walked a little way in front of him, backpack full of food and water resting on his shoulder. Is shirt was loose; hiding the boy's lean, muscular frame, but his arms showed that he was athletic and strong. Jake realised he was suddenly allowing himself to think Mark was attractive, something he would normally desperately repress. However, since he had already admitted it to Mark, he needed to do the same for himself; he thought Mark was good looking. His friend glanced back to check on him, shooting a smile that turned Jake's legs to jelly, thankfully not physically. His own smile had returned a gentle but happy one.
The grounds beyond the institute were beautiful and rugged, the forest stretched through right across to the state line and beyond. Jake wasn't aware of anybody from the institute who had actually explored them, but he doubted they'd be the first. Once they were beyond the view of the school Mark stopped. For a brief moment, Jake was confused before Mark took his hand. "Come on." He said, walking at a slightly faster pace with Jake's hand in his grasp.
Inside the forest was dark as the sunlight struggled to break through the canopy. They stuck to a natural trail through the vines and bushes as the headed deeper into the forest. Jake was content to follow his friend, who was holding his hand. He thought briefly, about how Mark seemed to be growing taller than he was all the time, he was once a lot shorter.
"Do you want to take a rest?" Mark asked. Jake nodded as they reached a spot just above a stream and laid back in the soft grass. Jake looked at Mark, who was rifling through the rucksack. Some heavy was weighing on his chest.
"Mark, do you want to be with me?" He asked. The boy froze.
"What do you mean?" He said, feigning ignorance.
"You know, be in a relationship." Jake cursed himself for making sound so formal but he struggled to find the right thing to say.
"Yes." Mark answered simply, turning to Jake. Jake found the butterflies in his stomach were becoming unbearable and did something he never thought he would do. He lent towards his friend who did the same, and their lips touched gently. Unlike before Jake let himself enjoy it, and found their kiss grow stronger as they pressed together for more. It lasted until Jake found he was being starved of oxygen and gently pulled away.
"That was nice." Jake said happily. Mark gently pushed him onto his back before kissing once more, this time with more intensity and passion. Jake wrapped his hand in longish brown locks, his mind focusing only on the sensation of soft wet lips firmly but gently press against his own, their mouths parted to allow their tongues to roam freely. Jake caressed Mark's back whilst holding him close, tingling at the feeling of Mark's cool fingers rub his sides gently. Mark stopped and looked at Jake, his eyes burning.
"Jake, I want to be with you." He said softly. "I want to hold you and kiss you, I love being with you, I love you."
Jake grinned sleepily; "You love me?" He asked happily.
"Of course I do." Mark replied, bringing his head closer, their eyes still locked.
"Mark, I have something to tell you." Jake said.
"What?"
"I'm gay." He said giggling softly before bringing Mark's head back to his own. They kissed passionately, not caring about the time, thoughts of the day before forgotten. All they cared about at that moment was each other.
