he kept telling himself to remain calm and collected. after all, he hadn’t seen or heard from Gabe, not that he really had a way to contact him. everyone avoided mentioning his names, and mike stayed away from the news because he was afraid what they were saying about him. which is an advantage for Gabe as he won’t be as angry and upset. it’s clear that he isn’t expecting Mike to show up by how he responds to the knock. for a moment, he wonders if he should make a run for it but remembers that he has stood up for himself before and that he could do it again. he didn’t need someone protecting him. as the door opens, he stares at him with a neutral expression. “hey.. we need to talk.” his voice stern as he stands there. “you aren’t busy are you?” he asks wanting to make sure that he doesn’t have guest. although depending on his response, the conversation could be avoided and mike would have his answer.

if it hadn’t been for Doug, he probably would have returned home, packed his stuff and bought a one way ticket far away from everyone. he had never been more humiliated, confused, angry, hurt and upset in his life. why did both of them behave that way? they knew that was the last thing he wanted. he was always the barrier between this time he didn’t do anything. mostly because he was embarrassed and angry. everyone was staring at them and whispering on how Jack probably cheated, lead them on and was only looking for attention and money. they didn’t know him and assumptions were being made which is why he left. he walked around, found a hole in the wall pizza place where he ate and had a few drinks before Doug found him. They talked for a while, where he came clean about everything. his friend gave him good advice, told mike to take some time to think before he spoke to either one of them. which is exactly what he did. two days had passed since the incident, he had just finished talking with James and was heading to his talk with Gabriel. that conversation was emotional and intense.  he could only imagine how it would go with Gabriel. Jack took a deep breath as he found himself knocking on the door. // @gabriel-davis​

there was a feeling of satisfaction when he saw that he had drawn blood. even with all their history, their rivalry never escalated to a physical fight until now. it was apparent that Jack really meant something to the both of them and neither of them seeming to back down. this whole fight started over him. “fuck you.” he scoffed before Gabriel jumped him. It became a blur after that, all he knew was fist were connecting with him as the same time he was throwing his own punches. there was yelling, gasp and people trying to separate them before Gabriel was pulled away by someone. while James was held back by Doug, “Calm the fuck down, both of you, this is no way to act. you’re both grown men!” although James still had plenty of pent of anger to release. yet when they both were yelled at, he took a deep breath. Gabriel didn’t look to well which meant that he probably didn’t look any better. he could taste blood and his face stung. “I fucking warned you!” he repeated as he got back up. everyone was staring at him or Gabriel, before they went back to murmuring. there were a couple more flashes before everyone went back to their business.  “Can someone get me ice.” he asked before realizing that Jack was gone. when Doug returned with ice, he stated that Jack left before they got pulled apart. “fuck!” he said loudly, as he pulled his phone and began calling Jack. when he didn’t answer, he sent a couple of texts. in that moment, he knew he fucked up. 

“then why do you keep hurting him? If you so call love and care for him?” he asked bluntly. although he couldn’t help that he felt a certain type of way when he stated that he loves Jack. James wasn’t going to lie and say that he was caught off guard when the other push him back or even when he punched him. his hand touched where the other had punched him before he found himself returning the gesture. although James didn’t really care where he hit, as long as it made contact. although he couldn’t deny that he did aim for the face intentionally. Jack being temporarily being forgotten in angry and jealous rage. 

James scoffed before letting out a bitter laugh at the other’s comment. “you really haven’t changed, have you?” his eyes briefly looking back towards Jack whom was in complete and utter shock. he was clearly trying to process what was happening. “Act like i care for him?!  you’re stupider than i thought.  if anyone is acting like they care it’s you!!  i’ve done nothing but care for him, i love him and i’ll do anything to protect him which means keeping him away from you. all you do is hurt him and cause him pain. or do i need to remind you that you completely abandon him? left him a former shell of himself?” he spat back. his anger for the other was only boiling. this whole thing was a long time coming so when Gabriel bumped into him. James suddenly felt his hand pushing the other. “I said stay away from him.”

Jack tried dodging the question about his conversation with Gabriel as well as what exactly happened between them. although he wasn’t exactly in the mood to talk about the other. All he really said was that he tried apologizing, and that he realized that Gabriel who he thought he was and that he may have never actually cared about him. It seemed to have satisfied his friend for now, but the look James was giving him made him know the other didn’t buy it. which wasn’t a surprise since he knew Jack better than anyone even possible Gabe. he remained silent, as they continued to talk and socialize. Jack just wanted to go home, and he was about to say something when heard someone say something about Gabriel. As he looked up, he saw the other walking toward him. his mouth opened to say something when it was silenced by the other’s lips. Jack froze in shock as he heard murmurs and whispers as well as camera’s flashing. Right as he was about to react to it, he felt himself being pulled away. 

James wasn’t an idiot, he knew something went down between Jack and Gabriel. they way the other called him in a wreck, how hurt and sad he looked whenever mentioned the other. he wasn’t going to pressure the other to tell him. it also took every once of strength to go off or even a punch. his main priority was helping Jack through this tough time. He tried to finish his conversation quickly so he could take mike back to the hotel room when their mutual friend Freddie mentioned that Gabriel was walking over. If he had turned around a few second earlier, he probably would have intervene and stopped what happened but it was too late. He saw Gabriel passionately kissing Jack. His blood boiled and all he saw was red. there was a part of him that was angry, jealous and even a little hurt but also the other had caused enough damage. at this point, he was just torturing the other and he’ll be damned if he hurts mike. So pulled mike away and stood in front of the other. “What the fuck do you think you’re doing?! Stay the fuck away from him.”

Jack wanted to scoff at Gabriel’s word. if he truly felt that way, why did he throw Jack out the way he did? why was had he been so eager to get into his pants?  he may be saying one thing but his action said a whole other.  not to mention that he hadn’t spoken, thought or even seemed to cared about mike since leaving. “that’s hard to believe.” he responded coldly. Jack knew that he was being harsh but the other had hurt him more than enough. not to mention, all those years he wasted on the idea that meant something to Gabriel. “just stop with all the excuses and blame! you let it change you. no one forced you to do and say the things that you did. that a choice you made, just like you choose to cut all ties with me. if that guy was still there, then he never would have hurt me to begin with. yeah? then where is he? because i don’t see him right now?” Jack had to hold back the tears. he was getting emotional but he refuse to shed another tear over him. “I don’t think you can because you may just end up hurting me again! stop it! James has been there for me! even now, after I broke off our engagement, he came to me.” his heart raced as he moved closer to him. his words slightly frighten him because he wasn’t sure what the man meant and what he was going to do. Jack stood there for a minute trying to process everything before heading back inside. he looked around around trying to find James before locating him talking to his friend that invited him to the party. they both looked concern, and mike told him that he wanted to head home soon. 

It took a lot of strength not to just walk away from Gabriel. aside from being hurt, Jack was still angry and didn’t think his former friend even deserved the time of day. the man couldn’t even be bothered for a conversation before he was throwing mike out like common trash. “are you? because last time i checked, you didn’t hesitate until i called you out and told you the truth. that’s understatement.” he said unable to hold back the roll of his eyes. Jack wasn’t sure whether this conversation was good or bad. “it sure didn’t seem like it. funny you should say that because i thought you felt the way when we reunited but you were just looking for sex. which was a mistake on my part since i thought my first time would be with someone who cares, loves and values me. you mean third chance? i’m not sure i can do that especially after everything,”  it was harsh but the truth. the pain was still very much there. Jack could feel himself begin to tear up either from frustration, anger or even sadness. “yes, that guy, my former fiancé.” he reminded him. Jack wasn’t looking forward to his conversation with James either. he had called him for a reason, and the man came to his side for a reason as well. whether they worked their way back to a relationship, continued where they left off or simply remain friends, he wasn’t sure. “don’t call him that! I only broke up with him was because i wasn’t over you but since this morning, i might be.”

While Jack didn’t exactly tell James what everything that went down between him and Gabe. It was more than enough to restart their dislike for one another. All he knew was that his former best friend, just treated him like dirt and didn’t really wanted to be associated with him. if he knew they had slept together, and Gabe treated him like a one night stand, there would have definitely been a fight. Jack crossed his arms and rolled his eyes when Gabriel told him to shut up. “so your first instinct was to treat me like shit? you didn’t mean to do it when you were the one to come onto me!! clearly, you had been trying to get laid and i was just another number to you.  wasn’t cool?? really?! that’s how you’re going to describe it??”  he couldn’t help but scoff at the other. “then you should have talked to me!! yet you choose to hurt me instead.. again. it’s clear that i’m just so disposable to you. there had been a time where you would have bent backward just to get me to smile or even kicked anyone’s ass if they did anything to hurt me. now, you do it on your own. i should thank you because you made i clear that only one person who actually loves and cares for me and he’s currently inside there waiting for me. “

His hand held onto the back of James’ arm, hoping and waiting for Gabriel to walk away.  Jack knew that both of them still held hostility. It was apparent by how thick the tension was. while James had let all the high school pettiness go, he hated Gabriel for breaking him, whether Gabriel knew it or not. James did always say that he would kick Gabriel’s ass when he saw him. And he was sure the only reason that he wasn’t doing so was for mike’s sake and the fact they were surrounded by celebrity, press and many other high profile people. ‘it’s good to see you… well.. me and Jack were just about to sneak out to get some food and talk. so yo–’.  “James, it’s fine, i’ll meet you outside.” Jack interrupted not wanting to find out whether James was going to be polite and take the high road. As much as he didn’t want to talk to Gabriel, he knew that the male would keep pushing and would eventually lead to a fight between him and James. Jack almost by instinct, kissed James on the cheek. the male smiled before kissing mike on the forehead and told mike that he’ll be waiting for him before throwing a glare at Gabriel. a soft smile on his face, knowing that at least someone actually loves him. he turned his attention back to Gabriel. “what? are you going to throw my coat at me and tell me to leave? besides isn’t the point of one night stand to never talk again?” he asked.

As soon as James hugged him, it made all his insecurities go away. it remind him of when he helped Jack get his life back together after Gabriel left. maybe now Jack was able to fully commit to him, knowing that it wasn’t meant to be with his former best friend. Although almost on queue, he heard Gabe’s voice, and as they pulled apart, he noticed him walking toward him. Jack tensed up, his mind still fresh from the hurt that happened early. James seemed to notice as he intervene, a smile on his face as he greeted his former nemesis. ‘Gabriel, is that you? how have you been man?’ the male asked as Jack stood behind him avoiding eye contact. he really didn’t want anything to do with him anymore. not after he completely broke his heart, not once but twice now. 

Jack sat in a secluded area since he wasn’t exactly feeling social. which was saying something since the room was filled with some of his favorite actors, actress, and directors. the last thing he wanted was to be disappointed and hurt by another person that isn’t who he thought they were. Then again, better to find out now than waste years and live in ignorance bliss. regardless, he was sitting drowning in self-pity and insecurities while his friend went to get drinks from them. Jack suddenly received a text from his friend telling him to come to the bar. in his mind, he assumed that he needed a hand carrying them. which is why he got up and headed that way, as he got closer to the bar, a familiar face stood out. Jack wasn’t sure how to react but soon a smile formed on his face. “James!!”  he rushed his former fiance in a hug. unaware that his former best friend and one night stand were nearby.

it was one of the hardest things that jack ever had to do. despite how Gabriel treated him, there was still a part of him that cared about him. he couldn’t just throw those years of friendship away even if Gabe had done himself. Jack was way too loyal, caring and kind to do anything like that. he wasted no time in going to his hotel room. once he was inside the safety of his room, he broke down. all the emotions that he held in came pour out. he had officially lost his former crush and best friend for good. it wasn’t like when Gabriel first left because there was still a chance but now it was confirmed. Jack found himself calling someone who he always turned to. “James.. i made a mistake.” he said as he cried and explained the situation to him. 

-TIME JUMP-

He wasn’t feeling a lot better about what happened with Gabriel earlier in the day. Although there he was at another party. his friend took him out in attempt to cheer him up. he was pretty certain that Gabriel wouldn’t be at the party since it was mostly just people in the film industry. the only thing he was looking forward was James was flying in. he wasn’t sure if it was later in the night or tomorrow, regardless mike told him where to find him.

Gabriel didn’t have much time to try and find a way to contact Jack. His manager was there pretty fast, already going through a contract while Gabe took a shower and tried to make himself look somewhat presentable. “Is that the contract?” he asked his manager and the older guy nodded. “Yes. It’s a pretty incredible deal. You’re gonna get a lot of recognition from this.” he smirked and Gabriel chuckled. “Recognition is always good. It’s been rather quiet lately. I didn’t get as many jobs as I used to, so this one could be a really big deal.” The model looked at the contract and signed it after he went through it with his manager. This was going to be great.

-TIME JUMP-

 jack had always seen how Gabriel had treated others in high school. he was all about casual sex after all but he wasn’t ever like this. this was worse than what he remembered. Gabriel really had changed in every way. he charmed mike into sleeping with him and then kicked him out like he was nothing. the Gabriel that he once knew and loved was completely gone. Jack remained silent as he finished changing, only really making a sound in agreement. As he put his shoes on, Gabe decided to give him his number. although mike was sure that he was only doing it out of pity. “thanks. i’ll be sure to hit you up.” he said with a slight nod as he patted his pocket. he turned around and began making his exit. although he stopped dead in his track when Gabe called him another of his night stand. immediately he turned around and pulled the paper out of his pocket. “actually no, you can keep that because i don’t need your pity.” he said as shoved it back at him. “you know, i always had regrets about you. why i never told you i liked you. why we never slept together. why we drifted apart. the list can go on and on but now i only have one regret. the only regret now is thinking you ever truly care about you and wasting my time on you. there was a time where you would go out of your way to bring a smile on my face. you helped me through a tough time when my parents were divorcing and my depression. that Gabriel would have never hurt or treated me the way you are.” he said before starting to walk towards the door. he stopped briefly once again once he opened the door. “by the way, you would have never known this but when you left and cut everyone off, i fell apart. your the reason that me and James got together. he figured out the reason why i felt apart and put me back together. we grew close and fell in love so i guess something came from liking you.”

  jack debated on whether just going back to sleep and waiting until gabriel woke up to talk about last night or just waking him up. although he didn’t really have a chance to decide since the male was moving beside him. in a panic, he pretended to be asleep. jack could feel and hear the other’s movement. for a moment, he thought that he might just let him sleep but then the other male was throwing his pants at him telling him to get up and leave. his heart sank as he continued to pretended that he just woke up. it probably should have surprised him as much as it did. although he never felt so used before especially from someone who had been his best friend. a part of him thought that Gabe would at least let him down gently but he was wrong. it seemed their relationship and gabriel really did change. he got up holding back any emotions and masking it with a fake smile. “mistakes happen.. it was nice seeing you though. i should get going though, my friend is probably worried about me.”