Felix briskly walked with Jack toward the panel, telling him a little excitedly.  "Hey, Jack... I was thinking. You know how Mark has been touring lately"?  Jack jogged down the last few steps of the stairs and nodded to the two bodyguards waiting for them as he answered.  "Ya, what about it"?  Felix reached out to take Jack's arm to slow him down a bit, before answering softly.  "I was thinking that maybe you should too".  Jack came to a stop, forcing Felix to turn around.  The idea unsettled Jack.  He barely had the courage to do panels.  What made Felix think he could do tours?  Jack shook his head a little, telling him bluntly.  "Felix, even if I wanted to I can't. I have a strict schedule that I have NEVER broken and I just don't have the time".  Felix moved closer to tell him in a sweet low voice.  "That is my point. You need a little change of pace. Something to get your mind off everything. Get a fresh start". 

Jack ran a hand through his green bangs, stating hesitantly.  "I don't know, Felix. I don't think that touring is for me".  Felix crossed his arms, flashing Jack a smug grin as he said.  "How do you know if you've never tried? If it makes you feel any better... I can ask around for you. I'm sure there are other youtubers that want to go on tour. Maybe you can pair up with them for a bit"?  One of the bodyguards tapped his watch for Jack to see, forcing Jack to continue walking toward the stage, while he answered Felix curiously.  "What about you"?  Felix walked beside him again, saying happily.  "What about me? I've got my own issues to handle right now. Besides... I think it will be good for you to get away from Mark and myself for awhile. Focus on yourself and your fans".  Jack approached the steps to the stage and stopped.  Turning around slowly, he softly asked Felix.  "You're scaring me all of a sudden. Why do I feel like you're trying to get rid of me"? 

Felix rolled his eyes, moving closer to whisper against Jack's cheek.  "Because your overthinking this. This isn't about us. I'm just thinking about you. You've been stressed out lately. I think getting away for a bit will help you breathe and remember who you are. Trust me on this. Too much pressure in this line of work could ruin you".  Felix gave him a brief kiss on the cheek before backing away, adding with a smile.  "Go on. They're waiting for you".  Jack started up the steps, but turned around to chime out giddily.  "I'll think about it".  Felix just nodded in response.  Then mustering up his courage, Jack crossed out onto the stage of his solo panel.  The solo panel left Jack with more energy than he knew what to do with.  He even let it slip that he was thinking about touring.  People really loved the idea of seeing him on a more personal level and not so rushed for time. 

Briskly walking off the stage and practically dripping with sweat from the warm stage lights, Jack saw Felix waiting for him at the stairs.  A bright smile spread across his face and he jogged the over to jump into Felix's arms.  Felix hadn't expected it, but still managed to keep them upright.  The stage hands passing by them chuckled, but Jack didn't care.  He was in a great mood.  Snuggling into Felix's arms, Jack muffled out to him giddily.  "I've made up my mind. I want to do it".  Felix rubbed Jack's back, playfully glancing around as he replied.  "Right here?! That's kind of risky. What if someone catches us"?  Jack took a step back to smack Felix's arm, stating with a chuckle.  "I meant the tour, Felix"!  Felix ruffled his hair and wrapped an arm around his shoulders, answering innocently.  "I know. So, tell me. How did they respond? I'm afraid I missed it". 

Jack was in the middle of describing every tiny detail like rapid fire, when he overheard a familiar voice state aloud to someone.  "Can you believe him? Mark comes up with idea to tour and now HE has the balls to copy him? Can't he come up with his own thing. I mean, come on".  Jack's smile fell and he felt his mood dim to a dull spark.  Why had Ethan been watching his show?  Didn't Mark have a leash for this kid?  As they passed by Ethan and another young youtuber, Felix shot back loudly without looking at them.  "Nice dye job, Ethan. Were you trying to copy Mark or Jack? Either way, it doesn't give you room to talk".  The young youtuber snorted as Ethan turned to snap back.  "Don't get me started on you... Nazi".  Jack grabbed Felix's wrist that was draped over his shoulder and tried to keep him moving, but Felix had stopped short. 

Jack squeezed Felix's wrist, telling him in a firm soft voice.  "Don't do it, man. Just keep walking".  Felix flashed him a smile.  Although, Jack could clearly see the fire in his greyish blue eyes.  Felix kept his fiery eyes on Jack as he purposefully uttered aloud.  "I guess, it all makes sense now. The 'Cranky' baby needs attention".  Felix broke eye contact with Jack to glance over his shoulder and sneer out to Ethan mockingly.  "What's wrong cranky boy? Is Daddy growing tired of you? You whiny bitch".  Jack's hand shot up to cover Felix's mouth, but it was too late the damage was done.  Ethan lunged for Felix.  Felix quickly pushed Jack out of harms way, when a bodyguard stepped between them.  The large bodyguard grumbled out in a stern deep voice.  "That's enough! No fighting"! 

Jack grabbed Felix's arm and started to drag him away slowly.  Even as Felix called out to Ethan teasingly.  "Keep an eye on your subscribers, Ethan. I've destroyed channels bigger than yours. Although, with your low count... Why would I bother"?  Felix let out a loud chuckle as Ethan tried to rush past the bodyguard.  Jack tugged roughly on Felix's arm, bitterly snapping back.  "Felix! Don't instigate him. He's just a naïve kid".  Felix wrapped his arm back around Jack's shoulders, muttering out dryly.  "A stupid kid. What is he.. like twelve? What the fuck was Mark thinking when he slipped into bed with that? That's jailbait. Ugly jailbait".  Jack tried to resist a smirk, but Felix was trying so hard to make him smile.  They walked to the signing room and took their seats, just as Ethan strolled in with Mark.  Jack watched Mark enter out of habit.

Mark looked distracted with something going on in his own mind.  His eyes were a bit unfocused and he seemed a little down.  Ethan caught Jack staring and lifted Mark's arm over his shoulder.  Jack turned away, telling Felix in a low undertone.  "What did you do to Mark? He looks depressed"?  Felix nudged Jack's side, uttering back playfully.  "I did nothing. It was probably his man-child. He'd drain the life out of me too".  As Ethan walked behind them, he leaned in a bit to prod at them in a whisper.  "You won't be the king of youtube forever. Someone will replace you when you fuck up".  Felix looked over his shoulder with a bright smile, stating aloud.  "It still won't be you".  Mark snapped out of whatever trance he was in and pulled his arm off Ethan, giving him a weird look before taking his seat farther down.  Jack sighed softly, telling Felix honestly.  "I kind of feel bad for Ethan... He's trying so hard to prove he's better than me in some way, but why should he have too"? 

Felix took Jack's hand, entwining their fingers as he leaned in to whisper in his ear.  "He shouldn't have too... but he does because Mark still has feelings for you. Ethan can say whatever he wants to me. Just so long as he leaves you alone from now on".  Jack turned his head until their lips were only an inch or two apart, asking soft and sweet.  "I can handle myself".  Felix smirked, whispering closer to his lips.  "I know, but I never want to see him steal the light from you again".  Felix's lips very lightly brushed over his own, but pulled away as a woman told them all loudly from across the room.  "Everyone ready? We are letting them in now".  To Be Continued...