[IC] X; When two becomes one ;X

[manapool1]

Jackson's teeth shattered against one another as he turned off his car and made his way towards the third floor of a towering tenement complex. His car was a great one, all be it busted up: sleek, small, comfortable seats and good on gas. One thing it lacked though was an air conditioner. If he was out in the sweltering heat the thing was like a greenhouse. Unfortunately, it went the other way too: and the icy ground was evidence that it was literally freezing outside. He moved slowly across the pavement and thin metal stairs to be careful not to slip on some slick ice that had concealed itself by spreading into a thin veil on the ground and eventually got to the door where he fumbled with his keys and unlocked it. The small man practically jumped inside, closing the door hard and fast as he entered.

There Jackson stood, a small and petite young man bundled up in a thick, dark green jacket lined with brown and clumped together fur on the inside and long jeans with long underwear underneath to match it. still, no matter how many layers he wore his tiny frame seemed to be defenseless against the cold, and his white teeth clashed against one another as he shivered in the room and made his way to the living room table where he placed several DVD boxes on it and sat down, wrapping himself up in a blanket so that only his feminine face and thick-framed glasses emerged.

"I didn't know what to get so I grabbed some classics: Starwars, E.T., Labyrinth, you know the deal" He squeaked out as he wiggled in his newly made cacoon.

This wasn't something all too common for these young men these days. Sure, they enjoyed watching movies together and had since they were children. Jackson still remembered the silent ride home after they went out to watch Eraserhead together, and he still sometimes wakes up from a dreaded nightmare about the lady in the radiator. Unfortunately, funds were usually low and they had long exhausted the list of decent things to watch of any streaming site they had. But when word of a snow storm came to town, Jackson's grandmothers worry for the boys left them with a fat stack of two hundred dollars added directly to his bank account, a sum of cash they hadn't planned on having and therefore free game as they had already managed to stave off the bills and starvation this month.

As Jackson finally got comfortable, laying his head against the arm of the loveseat in their living room he started to get tired. Not physically as his body never seemed to want to rest until it was time for class. It was the normal sort of tired he felt on lonely nights such as this. He had hoped that college would be a good time for him to finally meet someone. The few girls he had managed to get with never stuck around often, though. He wondered if rumors of his lacking 'performance' with Sharline had gotten out. It usually didn't matter much to him as he had other things to do (and having his best friend to cheer him up never hurt) but with the wild howl of the wind outside and the dreary navy blue sky on a barren white wonderland being all he could see, it was just the right amount of dejection to get him feeling melancholy. Again he called out to his roommate.

"Or we can just go to bed if you want. I bet they won't shut down tomorrow so we may not be the smartest thing to stay up all night" He let out in a much less energetic tone.

[Tainted]

As if Mike wasn't already on edge, things had become stressful the last few weeks.. to say the least.. him and Jackson had been stressing to one another or more or less he had been stressing to Jackson about certain things.. his heart had raced while his arm quickly found the bathroom wall to stop himself from slipping, he had been in the shower again when he had heard his best friend return (the bang was a big give away, all the time) and he tried his best not to yell "Mother fucker" at the top of his voice, it had gave him a fright from his own thoughts and as he tried to estimate in his head how long he'd been in there for he turned the shower head off now and wrapped a towel around his waist and casually just strolled into the living room and lent up against the counter looking towards Jackson who seemed clearly upset again and then he looked at the DVD picks his best friend had made even though he knew he wouldn't be disappointed by his choices and of course he wasn't one to stay mad at him for longer than a few hours, it didn't matter now what had happened between the two..

"Go to bed? You just went out and got all these films man.." he had chuckled and moved with a quick dash, his body slouched over the top of the love seat while he held the selection in his hands "Great choices by the way... you know this is defiantly the first film we are watching" he had smirked and held up Labyrinth and waved it around in his best friends face while also shaking his hips all too excitedly like a child had just gotten the last chocolate bar. It was his favorite film but Jackson would of known that, when they were young they must of watched the same films a thousand times (this is one of his top 5 films) way before they found the beautiful stream sites, being able to watch whatever they damn wanted was a bliss, sometimes. He had smirked and eventually stopped waving the picture in his face and whacked it playfully against his chest, he was most defiantly like a child sometimes and knew he could cheer him up by acting this way the most.

He had stood upright and decided to wander off towards the bedroom to pull on a pair of comfy clothes as he was feeling rather cold from still standing there half naked. He had pulled on a dark navy blue hooded jumper and a pair of black tracksuit bottoms, he was now feeling more comfortable and in the mood to snuggle watch films. He had quickly given his hair a quick towel dry and by the sounds of the wind and rain being smacked against the bedroom window he had this feeling it was going to be a long night "Oh I wouldn't be so sure... it's sounds so crazy out there now" he trailed off and shouted out again quickly "You know.. your grandmother is so sweet isn't she? I mean... she's the only one in your family to not think I'm the bad influence on you.." he had chuckled at this, yes, it was true, she had been the one who adored the duo, the amigo's as he'd remember her calling them whenever they visited her which was quite a lot back when they were younger but it had been a while since they both even attempted to visit, they had become so wrapped up with college and socializing that they forgot all them good times they both shared even back then to what they share and adore now.

"Hey we should go visit her... you know.. when this storm die's down... be another holiday to remember.." he had continued to laugh much louder now as he could remember the last holiday they had taken, the only last holiday they had for a while since becoming adults and paying bills - which had to come first.. had become the main issue why they hadn't bothered but they both needed a holiday, away from being adults. He made his way back out into the living room with a huge grin on his face as if he was already been planning it now "I'll grab the popcorn" he had skipped towards the cupboard and pulled out the bag of 'sweet & salted' popcorn and climbed over the back of the love seat and found himself slouched into it while he made sure he didn't take too much blanket to wrap himself up in.. although he wasn't cold anymore.. his body temperature could of been mistaken now as if he was the radiator, his body temperate was naturally always hot once his body relaxed, hence why they never needed to use the heating system when he could warm both them up, it saved them a fair bit of money that was for sure.

[manapool1]

Jackson turned as he heard the rhythmic footsteps of his friend moving towards him only to get a face full of partially naked man. It didn't matter how many times he saw the big lad's chiseled abs and barrel chest, it still made him gasp audibly to this day. He questioned why he had never bothered to get buff like him, the man was an absolute Adonis. As his gaze moved to the hazel eyes and wild, wet hair on the strong-jawed face Jackson questioned if it was even about his strong body. Maybe Mark had always been the picture perfection of masculinity. This admittedly strange train of thought was cut off by the comforting words of his friend assuring them that they would watch a movie tonight. The selection of Labyrinth was a comfort to him, as was Mike moving to put on pants. He gave a teasing reply as he walked off.

"That's what I'm talking about: 2 hours of Bowie bulge!" he sarcastically joked, yet he had picked up the case and was already putting the movie into their system.

As they went to talk about Jackson's grandma, the boy sighed. It was true he hadn't talked to her much. The last time he did was senior year of high school as they were moving out. They stopped in for a Christmas dinner with his mom and a few uncles and cousins. Jackson's dad didn't live with them, he was over in North Carolina with a new wife and kid so Jackson always felt a little uncomfortable there. The plethora of older siblings Jackson had at the dining table all seemed to fade away as soon as dinner was over and eventually, only Jackson, his grandparents and Mike remained. Even as eighteen-year-olds they were allowed a few glasses of brandy with Jackson struggled to get down and when he was too tipsy to drive he stayed the night singing carols until he passed out. The whole thought of it reminded him that the holidays were sneaking up on them. Winter always was like that. Jackson groaned as he suddenly wished he hadn't wasted so much of his newly obtained dough on such a petty distraction, he had gifts to deliver to 3 siblings. And then there was Mike. Both of them knew that they didn't need to get the other anything, but Jackson was far too empathetic to let that stop him from finding something. Maybe a trip to his grandparent's would be nice for both of them, it was always a soft spot for both of them and they hadn't eaten a real dinner since they got here.

"That's not true. My older sister, Ila, says you always knew how to cheer me up" He stated matter-of-factly in an attempt to help make his roommate a bit less self-conscious about being around the family. He failed to mention that she also told him they would make an excellent couple on multiple occasions.

As both thought over the plan to see her Jackson nodded his head. He could probably take up a few extra shifts if he could force himself to drink those god-awful energy drinks. Working a bar during the day probably wouldn't do him much good for tips but he was getting paid salary these days and that cash in his pocket was worth the damage to his kidney. Especially if it meant a nice few days back home. As Mike plopped down next to him, Jackson was very generous with the blanket, giving them each an equal share and moving in close with his gelid body touching the searing hotplate that was Mike.

"We could see your folks too if you want" He replied a bit softer.

Jackson felt it was a much more somber feeling there. The house was always a bit more barren than his own and Mike's father was an enigma to the tiny boy that continued to puzzle him as he developed. To this day he's not sure what kind of man he is. He remembered going on rollercoaster rides with the man and them both awkwardly sitting together while Mike waited below, too much of a softie to get on something with seven loops going backward. Neither one of them made a single noise as they sat there, yet the man was kind enough to take a strangers child with him. Still, Jackson never disliked Mike's home. Sharing a room with two brothers could make getting some quite hard, and Mike was never one to turn him away if he just needed to lay down. Jackson yawned as the movie started to play, scooting in closer so that his cheek rested on Mike's shoulder. It may not sound like it to many, but he found it rather comfortable.

[Tainted]

While he waited for Jackson to finally settle down against his body, something he enjoyed about the way it felt natural was the most comforting thing about the whole situation now although he did roll his eyes and shrugged his shoulder a tiny bit.

"Yeah maybe.." he had said this with a 'possibly not' tone but pressed his lips into a hard smile for a second and then made sure to look interested in the film even though he couldn't concentrate now. His folks? They were your normal Joe's.. well his father; recently retired from working as an accountant for a law firm was the only parent he had left after his mother; a nurse at the hospital he had been born at - unfortunately had got knocked down by a car when he was just five years old, the driver was never charged. Some would say he was the reason that she died and ever since that accident him and his father hadn't really gotten along although he was a great father back then, he'd made sure he went to school and got the grades but he never made the effort to have a loving relationship, heck he even wondered whether he even loved him. By the time he'd reached teenager years he was thrown out easily along with the memories he had once created in that house although he had made the most memories with Jackson and his family even if they didn't approve of their friendship.. they still made him feel wanted and loved, especially Jackson. Often enough he was climbing through his bedroom window just to avoid the eye contact of death... Mike wasn't a bad guy honestly it was just his silly plans that got him in trouble the most and of course Jackson was by his side.

It must of been a few years since he had given his father a visit, to try and make amends.. for his sake he just wanted to hear the guy tell him he loved him.. was that so wrong?. Thankfully Jackson had gone with him that day and they had the best ride down because he got to drive some of the way... still to this day Mike hadn't bothered to take his test and will still drive around on odd occasions much to Jackson's constant worry that he will get caught, that he was sure was drummed into his head every time so there was no way he would do anything stupid, heck he didn't even like to speed when there was no need to. By the end of the visit with his father, he hadn't wanted to say a word but both the lads had to endure watching documentaries on the television while the old man just nodded to any sort of communication Mike had tried to make.. Jackson and Mike had driven home the same night, in silent or at least Mike had nothing else to say about it since.

He still hadn't said a word while the film continued to play on although you could see that his lips were moving as he began whispering and copying it word for word, he knew it all of by heart. "I sure hope we get snowed in tomorrow... I haven't finished my assignment yet.." he had half whispered while his hands reached out the blanket to grab at the popcorn and began chucking them into his mouth.

[manapool1]

Jackson wasn't an idiot. He knew he had dropped a charged question, but he didn't want Mike losing his family. Perhaps it was not his place to meddle in the family strife of another person, but it was Mike. The same guy willing to go to the same college as him for the sake of friendship, and comforted and warmed him on nights like this. He just wanted to see his friend happy. Perhaps it wasn't the proper path that the bigger, stoic man needed but for Jackson, nothing but honesty ever seemed to get to people. He started to feel a bit embarrassed that he'd even try to convince Mike to do something like that, and he lightly closed his eyes softly to try to hide his shame. It wasn't like their past was lost on him. Jackson knew there was a reason he needed to sneak Mike in or why he'd stay over so often. He didn't have anything at home, not even fear.

As he wiggled closer and closer with his surprisingly cold body it slowly warmed to a more acceptable heat -even if it meant being wedged together. Jackson knew Mike wouldn't mind much, he was bony, sure, but even Jackson had enough of a give to his body that it was like an extra stiff pillow. The head atop his own made Jackson a crunch a bit, however. He knew it was weird enough for them to get all tucked together as they were. He himself didn't mind it a bit, but it reminded him that they were surprisingly close. Close enough to do something like this. As he sat in contemplation of such a thing he did hear Mike's words.

"It will be" He reassured in a soothing and soft voice, even as it juxtaposed his previous statements. He'd hold out on mentioning how he felt that way all along, they'd shared their grievances enough tonight. Sometimes it was better to just enjoy the moment with his best friend. Admittedly it was something in shorter supply than he wished. Even if they lived together they were always out and away from each other until the night. The rare times they could get a day together Jackson was always tired, sometimes Mike was the same though he seemed to be far more resilient. It was probably from years of being in trouble and the like.

"What'll we do if it does? I mean, we got the movies and all but that'll get boring" Jackson muttered in a breathy way. He was trying not to but he was falling asleep. The other boy's body heat was a force to be reckoned with, it's heating rock-like surface was exactly what Jackson needed to drift off at night. Sometimes when they didn't get so close together like this, Jackson would have trouble falling asleep, though he'd never tell Mike. That'd be a bit too clingy and Jackson knew he could find a way. Usually, a few cups of Jasmine tea and a warmed blanket could do the trick. Usually.

Regardless of how drained he may be, Jackson did bring up a point he felt was compelling. They had seen these movies a hundred times before. If anything it was just an excuse to sit down together like they were now. As enjoyable was it might be to spend a whole day on the couch with a warm body at his side, surely there was more to be done. Mike was always finding something or someone to get him into trouble. Jackson was sure that even know he was thinking of something.

[Tainted]

There was most certainly some darker shade of skin underneath Mikes eyes if you were to look closely enough, he'd not even attempted to move Jackson when he had fallen asleep on him within literally a few seconds of speaking about their plans for the very next day.. gone out like a light, he didn't mind although it was pretty much how their evenings would be spent together; this had made him want to think more about their first whole day together in months!. He hadn't slept a wink and had watched all four films, all his favorites, it was just like Jackson to know which films he loved although he had seen them a thousand times it hadn't ever got boring watching them along with him even if it did mean he'd fall asleep way before he'd liked him too.

Then the dreaded early hours had come, 6:30AM, he could only tell this vaguely by the lightness of the sunrise peering through the open curtains, the snow storm had somewhat slowed by now but there was a quite a large amount of snow mountains out there, most defiantly everything would be closed down for the day. Mike felt all happy considering he felt like he was hungover; lack of sleep and still he was excited for the day ahead. Mike had made sure not to wake Jackson when he had to move his tiny head that had fallen into his chest deeper, with the odd occasional mumble, a cute little thing his best friend had always done yet to this day he still couldn't understand what he was mumbling about; he had managed to lay the guy flat on the love chair and threw the covers over his whole body. He stormed off to the bathroom first, a quick cold shower just to keep himself awake now then he had hurried out while he had thrown on some boxer shorts and plain white t-shirt and returned eagerly to the kitchen to make himself a large cup of coffee, he'd become addicted to the stuff from a young age so there was was always that factor on why he wouldn't sleep.. duhh.. but that wasn't always the reason why. No.. his past still haunted him.

He had downed the coffee all in two swigs? He loved his coffee as much as he loved his best mate but he'd never admitted that to Jackson out loud. It was a strange yet comforting relationship they had grown in too from such a young age that it was just perfect, perfect enough not to ruin as such.. yet things were changing between the two and they'd become somewhat comforted by each others presence that he couldn't imagine not having him around or at least he tried not to imagine it and just enjoyed every moment he did spend with him.

Just Like this very precise moment.. Mike had decided it was now time to wake up sleeping beauty - not with a kiss though, he wasn't at all sure whether he was asleep with the covers also covering the guys face so he tried his hardest to open their front door so quietly and quickly, within one scoop of a handful, a nice clump of freezing snow then rolled between his hands quickly into a ball. He moved quickly across the room and lifted the covers up and within seconds threw it against the guys chest "Snow ball fight!" Mike had pretty much laughed and ran towards the kitchen and tried hiding his half naked self behind the counter.

"Thought I'd give you a nice wake up this morning..." it wasn't a nice wake up but he did enjoy playing these sorts of games with his friend even if it did annoy the other more than to enjoy these things. He had poked his tongue out playfully and with no surprise he began brewing up another batch of coffee, his hands were actually frozen from holding the snow and now he knew he was going to regret it if Jackson had planned on getting him back straight away seeing as he was still half naked again.