Odd One Out

Mark is smiling as he runs down the hall and into the cafeteria.

The sounds, smells and words hit him like a freight train. He ignores them and sniffs. It's hard and he gags, but he finds Jacks scent and walks to it.

He frowns seeing Jack sitting at a table alone with a slice of pizza and only one bite taken from it. Mark smiles sitting in front of him and picking up the pizza and taking a bite. Jack looks up eyes widening upon seeing Mark.

Mark is shocked to see sauce and toppings on Jacks face and in his hair. He puts the pizza down.

"Jack…" Mark mumbles

Mark slams his hands on the table, startling Jack, and gaining attention. He turns and glares daggers at every student letting the feeling of pure fury come from him.

"NEVER AGAIN!" he yells eyes looking at everyone "Never shall anyone lay a hand on Jack, if you do you will answer to me!" he snaps pointing at himself

Normally people would laugh at this. But these humans can tell Mark is serious and will do what ever it takes to protect Jack. Anyone looking at him turns away not wanting to anger him. Mark huffs and sits. Jack swallows, the fury still coming from him. Mark takes deep breaths to calm himself.

"You really do mean it" Jack mumbles

"Of course, I do~" Mark murmurs giving a big smile and picking up a napkin to clean his face.

Jack sniffs and covers his face. But it's too late, he is both crying and has a blush covering his face and ears.

Mark moves so he is sitting next to Jack and wraps an arm around him.

"Blush and cry as much as you can, nothing will make me leave your side" Mark murmurs in Jack ear, while cleaning up Jack.

The lunch bell rings ruining the sweet moment. Mark pouts and watches Jack eat the pizza as fast as he can.

"Come, we have class" Jack says standing

Mark nods and follows Jack as he throws out the plate then runs to his locker. He takes out the books he needs then closes it. As he walks down the hall he sees the ones who would normally trip him and laugh, look at him then run away. What he doesn't know is as they ready themselves Mark glareing at them. He. smiles brightly at Jack.

At the door Jack sighs preparing himself. A hand on his shoulder calms him. He goes in and looks at the man at the front, he whispers a quick 'Sorry' before going to his table. Mark goes to follow but Mr. Jackson holds up a hand to stop him.

"Fischbach, right?" he says, confusing Mark

"Yes?"

Mr. Jackson picks up a paper from his desk.

"Cathy would be a good partner" he says

Cathy raises her hand with a bright smile.

"But I want to be with Jack" Mark says

"You made quite a scene in the cafeteria, but I will not allow you to influence my teaching" Mr. Jackson says, his steel blue eye looking down at him.

It's faint but Mark can smell Doberman from him. He nods and goes to sit beside Cathy

"Alright, turn to page 15"

"Um I don't have a book" Mark says

"Here, take this one" Cathy says giving him a book

"Thanks" Mark says, taking the book

He opens it and reads while listening to the teacher. At one point he feels something touch his knee and looks down to see Cathy brushing her knee against his to which he moves away. She nudges her high heel against his shoe, moving away more. When attempting to put her hand on his Mark stands and steps away.

"What is it Fischbach?" Mr. Jackson asks

"Cathy keeps trying to touch me" Mark says

"Cathy?"

"No, I haven't" she says

Mark huffs walking past everyone and out the room. He leans on the wall across the door and even as the lesson continues he listens and reads the book until the bell rings. As the students leave Mr. Jackson stops Cathy.

"Cathy, I know you're a good student but please don't make the new student uncomfortable"

"But I-"

"I know you did something and tomorrow Mark is switching with Darwin, Am I clear?"

"Yes sir…" Cathy says before walking out.

As Jack walks to his next class he sees Mark walk into his peripheral.

"You look happy"

"I am, being around you makes me happy~" Mark chirps

Jack feels his face get hot. "Ok, thanks"

"You're Welcome" Mark says, with a soft smile

In the next class the teacher gives Mark a text book.

"Read through chapters 1- 5 and, that should bring you up to speed" they say, and he sits in the empty seat beside Jack. Mark does as told and reads while listening. When the bell rings everyone leaves. Mark stops Jack at his locker as he prepares for his next class.

"Jack, can you help me?" Mark asks

"Sure, go ahead"

"What are all these letters?" Mark asks holding out the textbook

"What, how do you not know this?" Jack asks

"I know the math for money but not this"

Jack thinks but can't think of anything.

"Leave your books here, it's time for gym" Jack says

Mark puts his books in Jack's locker and follows him to another room. Its big and has lines painted on the ground. It makes Mark think of a training area. Jack tugs his shirt bringing him to doors he pushes them open and walks in to see other boys changing to different clothes.

"W-What is this?" he asks

"Boys changing room, we change into clothes that are easier to move in" Jack says

He goes to a locker and uses the combination to opens it. Mark watches as Jack takes out a bag and sets it down on the bench behind him. Jack takes off his shirt revealing bruises and cuts then takes a shirt from the bag putting it on and his shirt in the bag.

He does this with his pants. switching his pants with a pair of long shorts covering more bruises. Lastly, he changes his shoes with a pair of durable sneakers. Picking up the bag he looks up ready to put it back but sees Mark staring at him with a blank face. He uses the bag to cover his red face.

Mark saw him naked! Another thing dawns on him, the room it silent. No laughing or jabs at his appearance. He looks around. They are changing and leaving when done. Did Marks statement in the cafeteria do more than he thought?

"Mark why haven't you changed?" Jack asks

"Nothing to change into" Mark replies

Right, nowhere to put his books or clothes. Think Jack, think… OH! He rummages though the bag and takes out a pair of shorts.

"Here, wear these" Jacks says "They may be a bit small but its the best I can do"

Mark takes them and removes his shoes and pants then puts on the shorts. He looks at Jack who has wide eyes.

"Jack?"

Jack shakes his head and smiles. "Its nothing"

Mark nods as Jack is putting the bag in the locker Mark puts his socks in making him bare footed.

"Mark…"

"I'll be fine, don't want to slip~" Mark chirps

Jack sighs, closing the locker and the two walk out.