Title: Anytime

Chapter 3

Disclaimer: Don't own any of these characters!

A/N: I'm trying to get the chapters out as fast as I can. I just moved back into my dorm room and classes begin in a few days...ack! Thank you to everyone who reviewed this story! Hope you like Chapter 3!

By the time they had reached the apartment, Jack only seemed to have gotten worse. He felt as if his head would explode from the pain.

Eric led him quickly to the couch before his legs could collapse below him. Jack tried to give him a reassuring smile, but only managed to turn the corners of his mouth up slightly through his chattering teeth.

"Thanks for getting me home, I would still be in the student union right now if you hadn't taken me back." Eric smiled and ruffled his friend's hair affectionately.

"Anytime, buddy. I'm going to call the Student Health Center; maybe they can give you an appointment today." As Eric moved to the kitchen area, Jack gripped his arm weakly.

"Eric? Something's been bothering you, man. Do you want to tell me what's up?" Eric's face showed surprise and Jack almost immediately regretted asking him.

"Nothing's up, Jack," he answered darkly. Eric stood beside the couch slouched, wearing a closed expression.

In all of the time that they had known each other, Jack had never seen this side of his best friend. Eric was known as nothing more than a clown by his family and friends. He would have found the scene before him hard to believe, if he hadn't seen Eric with his own eyes.

After a moment of hesitation, Jack decided that it didn't matter if he didn't feel up to a confrontation. There was something wrong with his best friend and he was determined to help him.

"I don't believe that. Seriously man, what's going on?" Eric shrugged off Jack's hand roughly and walked over to the phone.

"I'll give the Health Center a call for you." Without waiting for a reply, Eric began dialing the number.

Jack stared bewildered at this new person standing before him. The wheels in his head were spinning as Eric spoke to a receptionist at the Student Health Center. If possible, his head hurt even more as he thought of how best to handle this stranger.

"You're in luck, they can see you at two today. I think Shawn gets out of class around one. I'll give him a call; he can probably give you a ride down." Eric began to dial another number.

"Eric, what's up with you?" Jack asked, his voice laced with concern.

"Hi Shawn, this is Eric. Jack's not feeling well. Can you give him a ride to the Health Center? Ok, good. Talk to you later." Eric hung up the phone and started walking towards the door.

"Eric..." Jack began to say, but was cut off abruptly.

"I'm going to the store. Do you need anything?" Eric asked, ignoring Jack's question.

"No, but..." He started again, more forcefully.

"Ok, well I'll see you..." Eric said cutting him off once again.

"Wait..." Jack croaked hoarsely.

"Feel better," he said as if Jack had not said a word, and opened the apartment door to exit.

"STOP IT!" Jack screamed and immediately winced at the pain this produced in his throat. He leaned his head forward with a sickly expression on his face, covering his face in his hands.

Jack was very startled when he heard the apartment door slam shut. He whipped his head up quickly to see Eric glaring at him.

"Nothing's wrong Jack," he said through gritted teeth.

"I don't understand why you just won't tell me!"

"There's nothing to tell!"

"Yes there is Eric. You're not acting like you at all."

"Oh? And how have I been acting then, Jack?"

"I don't know. You've been acting so..." Jack was at a loss for a way to describe exactly how Eric was acting without deteriorating the situation further.

"I've been acting so what, Jack? Normal?"

"No, that's not it."

"Ok. What about sane?"

"Eric, no..." Jack started to say, but was cut off.

"Come on Jack, just say it. I'm not that stupid. I know what everyone thinks about me."

"Eric, please..."

"Please what? It's the truth. You and Shawn even came right out and said it. Eric's the screw up!"

"God, Eric we were all fighting then!" Jack stood up abruptly with frustration. The blood rushed to Jack's head and his vision dimmed. He gripped his burning head and whimpered.

"Jack!" He heard his name being called distantly as his world quickly faded into darkness.

TBC