~Mark

"You're all packed?" I asked incredulously Jack after I ended his video. He nodded in response, his gaze distant. It had only taken him fifteen minutes, while it took me nearly twice that and even still I felt unprepared. "What's up?" I gently nudged him in the ribs with my elbow. His attention snapped back to me as he smiled somewhat forcefully. "Sorry, just mentally making sure I remembered everything." I knew he was obviously lying, but I decided to let it slide. He'd tell me when he's ready to, right?, I thought as I watched him begin the long process of editing. "I'm gonna go get some food." I stated as I walked towards the door, pausing in the doorway. He only nodded in acknowledgment, his eyes glued to the screen. "Is something wrong?" I walked back over to him. "Hm? Oh, no I'm fine." He waved me off. Once again, I could tell he was lying. "You know you can tell me anything." I gently grabbed his chin and turned it so he was facing me. He flinched when I touched him. "I know." He mumbled, prying his chin put of my grasp so he could continue editing. "I love you!" I called out over my shoulder as I left the room. I heard no reply, just the typing of keys and clicking of the mouse. With a sigh, I fixed myself a sandwich, but quickly lost my appetite when I thought of Jack flinching from my touch, fear flashing briefly in his eyes. I quickly shook the images away as I dumped the sandwich in the trash, refilling Chica's food bowl before I went to my room. I changed into pjs and laid on the bed, thoughts racing through my head before I fell into a fitful sleep.

~Sean

       I felt my heart shatter as Mark left the room dejectedly. I was tempted to call him back and apologize, but lost the courage to do so. He could tell I was lying, but I couldn't tell him why. At least not yet. I glanced over at my suitcase barely visible under the bed. I had lied about finishing packing as well, mainly because there was one last thing to add. I turned away and finished editing hastily so I could make sure Mark was okay. I searched around the house, finally finding him curled up in bed with Chica laying beside him, watching him with her large brown eyes. I could see trails of tears lining his cheeks in the soft golden glow of the sun. I was about to leave when I heard him roll over, curling into an even tighter ball as he whispered something unintelligible from where I was standing. "Mark?" I sat by him on the bed. "I'm scared, I'm scared." He repeated like a mantra, his shoulders shaking as he buried his face in his knees. Yet somehow he was still asleep. I shook his shoulder, starting to panic a little. What did I do?!?, I screamed internally, shaking him harder. He was still asleep, silently crying as he continued saying the same thing over and over again. As a last resort, I ran to the kitchen, filled a cup with cold water, and dumped it on him. He awoke with a gasp, water soaking through his white t-shirt and red plaid pants. He rubbed his arms as he looked at me with confusion. "What was that for?" "You were crying in your sleep, saying you were scared over and over again." I sat down on the bed by him, letting his head lay on my chest as I held him in my arms. Water dripped from the ends of his red hair onto the bed. "What's wrong?" I pressed. He remained silent, tears subsiding as his shoulders stiffened. "I don't know, why don't you tell me?" He snapped. "I-I can't." I stammered quietly, unable to meet his gaze. "Sean, look at me." He ordered seriously. I swallowed hard, doing as he wanted. As soon as I did, I regretted it. His chocolate brown eyes that were normally sparked with humor were shining with anguish, pain and betrayal. "Please, I want to help." He pleaded desperately. "You can't. No one can." I sighed sadly. "Let me try." Mark grabbed my hand, squeezing it reassuringly. I didn't answer as I slid my hand from his and left the room, blinking rapidly to dispell the tears forming in my eyes that were clouding my vision. "Please." I heard Mark whisper, his voice cracking with emotion. I hesitated, tempted to go back, then continued to the living room where I spent the night staring at the ceiling, wondering if I was doing the right thing.