"I can't believe I'm going home," Jack says in disbelief. He looks to the passing scenery outside the bus window. Mark smiles at his side and grabs Jacks hand.

"I can't believe I persuaded you," Mark says and Jack turns and looks right into his eyes.

"Thank you. For everything," Mark shakes his head away and turns to the isle. Jack follows his eyes to the people. The bus wasn't very full, maybe ten out of the thirty seats. Alma had parted for Rhode Island just thirty minuets before they got on the bus to Iowa. On her way out she gave Jack her red car. Tossing it on her lap and scurrying off before Jack could say anything.

He turns back to window. It was now an hour out of the nine hour bus ride that would only stop for an hour at nine to switch drivers. Jack had pretty much memorized the schedule, not daring to miss time to stretch his legs.

"You know what?" Jack says looking at Mark.

"What?"

"I just realized that I'm stuck on this bus for eight more hours," Mark laughs and tugs away from his hand to reach in his bag.

      "I brought a notepad," he smiles and Jack grins.

      "What are we going to do with that?"

      "I'm going to draw you in your free spirited, dashing, state," Mark flashes a dazzling grin and Jack makes the duck face.

       "No don't do that!" Mark scolds as Jack laughs. "Look out the window but let me see the side of your face still," He reaches out and touches Jacks cheek, lightly moving his face until it's perfect. "Now stay still," he mumbles as he begins to draw.

       "What am I suppose-"

       "Don't move," Mark says as Jack continues to look out the window. The swirling roads and trees flow out in front if him. Deeply dense woods with trees just starting to sprout leaves in preparation for summer. It wasn't a pretty sight and it looked like it would rain in a few hours but for some reason it was also amazing. It looked like a future in those woods.

It was dark out now. A few straggling stars spurt the sky. Jack glanced down at his wrist watch. Eight thirty. If they were on time in thirty minutes they would be off the bus for an hour until they kept driving and got to Iowa at twelve. Beside him Mark was asleep. His head lulled to his side.

"Cute little bunny you," Jack whispers as he pinches Marks cheeks. He jerks his head up and looks right at Jack.

"What the fuck?" Jack laughs and he points to his watch.

"Thirty minutes pretty boy," Mark groans and covers his eyes.

"I'm so tired Jackaboy. Let me sleep," He complains before Jack wacks him in the arm.

"Stay awake!" He whisper yells at Mark. Mark half makes a disgruntled noise and also a half smile as he takes Jacks hands in his own, pressing them both together.

"You," he begins with a smile. "are a annoying needy fuck but alas I like you anyway," Jack laughs and pushes him away.

"I'm sorry I'm just excited. I mean after our break three hours until Iowa. Fricken Iowa," Jack says. Mark grins and takes Jacks hand for real this time, enlacing their fingers together.

"I'm regretting not bring more to do on the bus rides," Mark says suddenly and Jack turns to him.

"Yeah same but hey at least there's pry at least one convenience store with a deck of cards. We can buy that when we stop,"

"True but we still have thirty minutes," Mark states. Jacks face alights with such an idea he can almost swear there is a lightbulb above his own head.

"Twenty questions!" He says excitedly and Mark nods.

"I'll go first," Jack watches as he strokes his invisible beard before coming up with an answer. "Place you had your first kiss," Jacks eyebrows furrow and his tries to dig back deep in his brain.

"Umm I think it was back in fifth grade-"

"Wait fifth grade?" Jack nods sheepishly and goes on.

"I was in the lunchroom and my childhood crush yanked me in and kissed me. Hard. I remember kissing back and then getting a milk carton throw at my head," Mark laughs.

"Mine was in freshman year of high school. I was at this party with a girl and I didn't even know her name but she licked the side of my face and then leaned in for a kiss. However she got her braces stuck in my cheek and then yanked back and got blood all over this white shirt. She was really embarrassed and never looked at me again," Then Jacks laughing.

"Jeez that sucks. I thought the milk carton was bad,"

"Yeah yeah just ask your question,"

"Why did you dye your hair?" Jack asks immediately as if he'd thought about it for months.

"Oh that's easy. Ethan had dared me to dye it hot pink and I said I would only do it if he dyed his blue. We both did it and my mom was so mad she paid me hundred bucks to get it out; to which I donated that money to charity. After she got use to it I asked if I could keep doing it because I liked it, but she only agreed to red. So here I am," Mark runs a hand through his red hair.

"Mines less interesting but I saw some hair dye at the store and Felix was like hair dye is for pussies so I came in the next day with green hair as an act of rebellion and then I just kept it," Mark laughs and gives Jack a high five.

"Excuse me to the two boys in seats 5 and 7 please quiet down," the bus driver instructs. Jack makes a 'oh well' kind of face and turns down to his hands.

Twenty minutes now. Twenty more minutes of pure silence. Jack looks at Mark as he squeezes his hand.

Jack stretches his legs and crawls off the bus. Apparently they were in Illinois right now and Jack could feel the humidity. Mark plops beside him moments later.

"I've got to pee like a racehorse," he says immediately to which Jack laughs.

"Yeah well I don't so I'm going to go look at that shop," Jack points to a small convince store. Mark walks off mumbling about how he can't believe Jack used the bus bathroom.

Jack grins and walks towards the only lit store. Pushing open the doors he gets a burst of cool air against his face. Inside is lots of cheap food and drink, a few novelty shirts, native porcelain dolls, a odd toy section, toiletries, and then everything a tourist could need in one isle. Jack nods and walks to the tourist isle. Without thought he grabs two disposable cameras, a postcard, some Motrin and, of course, a deck of cards.

"What you got?" Mark says suddelny as he places a hand on Jacks shoulder.

"Just a few essentials," Jack answers and Mark nods before walking off, Jack following close behind.

"Did you know my favorite animal is a bear," Mark swirls around, holding a cheap teddy bear. He grins and pulls at the red ribbon. "Matches my hair," He floofs his hair and Jack laughs grabbing the bear.

       "It's yours," he presses it against his chest and turns on his heel.

       "This all sir?" The cashier asks as Jack places his stuff on the counter.

       "Wait!" Mark says as he slides a water bottle on the counter.

       "Is now," Jack grins turning to Mark and playfully slapping his cheek. He laughs and turns away from Jack.

       "Dork," Mark accuses. Jack rolls his eyes and reaches into his bag grabbing out the wad of cash.

"You guys are cute," she says as she takes Jacks twenty. "How long have you been together?" Jacks face goes beat red and Marks hand takes Jacks hand.

"The times a little smudged,"