Hello! Its been almost a month, hasn't it? Here's a Christmas one shot I couldn't help working on through the break. One shots will resume soon - I promise! Thanks for the patience and continuous support even when I've been gone. I'm still in shock my one shots are sitting at 110K Reads that's just.... crazy.

Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays everyone! Here's some fluff :D

Mark has always been obsessive, ever since he was young; The first thing he remembers obsessing over was a little red firetruck, which he got for Christmas that year from his father, even had his name on it. He took it everywhere and anywhere -- Most kids his age had teddy bears but no, this firetruck was Marks best friend and he has it sat on his self although the 'a' in Mark is a little faded from age, the truck is still in okay condition. Hes had many, many obsessions since then. Some he was able to let go of and some not. Its difficult for Mark because he either feels so strongly for something or has no interest in things. It was the same with people really, which of course makes life itself difficult. Friends he would either care so so much for and others, he'd care a little bit, but nothing to write home about.

And Mark always hated that about himself, grew to resent it even - The little switch in his brain with the no in between, the absolute burn out obsession he'd have, attached to things until he couldn't obsess anymore. It was a coping mechanism too he had discovered, pouring all his energy and passionate into one thing until the next. Relationships were even harder too. Mark had never been in love - been he'd been fixated and then, not. Girls and boys piquing his interest but never keeping it, he felt cruel when he lost interest and usually resulted in arguments and conflicts and countless apologies.

Mark has never met a person that romantically could keep that interest, keep the switch there for longer than a few months - There was one girl whom he was interested in for a few years and he put his all into the relationship and it burned out, a heated fire to begin with but then extinguished - Mark putting the flames out. Ever since then hes had a few relationships but it was never love. Truth was, Marks probably afraid of it. How obsessed would he be with somebody he loved? Would it just burn out like most? Putting so much on another person doesn't seem worth it to him; too much vulnerability. Marks many things, but he's not weak.

;

Then there is Jack, a rather opposite - in the world and trait wise. Jack cannot hold focus on anything for long and hops from one thing to another; His brain is swirling with new ideas and possibilities he'll never finish and stays awake during the nights wrestling with them, wrestling with the voice that yells at him to just focus on anything and he can't. He tries, tries focusing on the minor things but just gets distracted in the end; Jack can't even focus on sleeping for fucks sake. People usually find his hyperactivity or lack of finishing tasks due to moving onto the next and overall hyper-ness annoying so he tends to stay out of people's way - Even if he enjoys being in big groups.

Jack speaks to people online more-so than in real life - they tend to me more forgiving perhaps, of his loudness and its nice to feel accepted somewhere.

;

And these two clash; but when they do it isn't harsh like some waves hitting the shore its calm like rain beginning to fall and then picking up harshly. They meet online from a friend of a friend, Jacks safe place he realizes now, the internet. - And at first its awkward and they don't really have anything in common but Mark makes Jack laugh a lot and its nice. He likes having people whom like all the same things as him and understand him as a whole but its also refreshing to see somebody who just doesn't but shares the same humor.

Jack realizes as time goes on that, Mark does understand him - Understands how Jack sees the world. They get talking on one of Jacks lonely nights; when the world seems against him and he feels the distance between himself and everyone else.

And maybe they're on the same wave length of bad days because when Mark sees Jack typing he breathes a sigh of relief. Anxieties washing away; Jack does want to talk to him. That annoying voice in his head was wrong;

;

Jack is typing...

I feel so alone, I'm sorry for being so serious

Mark is typing...

Me too and its okay, I'm happy to hear from you again I thought that you didn't want to talk to me

Jack breathes out, someone else that feels similar, finally.

Jack is typing...

I did, I was scared to bother you though - in case you didn't want to talk to me!

Mark is smiling, laughing even - they're both idiots.

Mark is typing...

Omg, we're idiots dude. How come you feel so lonely?

Jack is typing...

People don't really like me in real life. I'm always 'too' something for them; too loud. too hyper.

Mark is typing...

Then they're too dull. I think you're great.

Jack is typing...

You really think so?

Mark is typing...

Yeah. You're not alone, you got me and everyone else on the other side of a phone - You can contact me whenever.

Jack smiles, putting his phone down for a moment and shoving his anxieties and loneliness away for a few moments to appreciate Marks words. The guy barely knows him and just gave him a lifeline.

Jack is typing...

Thank you, the same goes for you; I feel a bit better.

Mark is typing...

Anytime, wanna join me for some video games?

Jack glances at the clock with the bright red digits flashing at him, mocking him almost. 2:22 AM. He shouldnt but he gets up anyway.

Jack is typing...

I'm on my way!

He cant say no.

;

They speak often and it usually comes at the end of bad or rough days, Jack is job hopping (there's that lack of concentration and interest again) and with the festive season right around the corner things are looking grim. His rents due and he needs the money but his boss is yelling at him for not focusing. Things hes heard before. And as for Mark, hes craving a get away - change for once, something hes not usually open too but right now he needs it feels like life is suffocating him and rather than facing it and dealing with the harsh reality's that play on his mind he just wants to shut his eyes and run the other way. He and Jack have been up late nights talking, escaping the world for a little and its really helped Mark get by but it just isn't enough to keep him distracted for too long. And Hes afraid, afraid because he knows all the tell-tale signs of his next obsession and its Jack.

And it dawns on Mark that it might be too late to let Jack go, doesn't think he could. Not when the man across an ocean is rambling about how he needs an escape and Mark can't help but agree. The festive season is upon them, snowing falling on the ground for the first time Mark has seen since his childhood, when times were simpler. He takes a photo and sends it to Jack with a short caption;

"White Christmas here maybe, wish you were here." Jack mentioned how they don't get much snow in Ireland and wishes he was here to share it with him, maybe Jack could be his escape but he knows its not possible at the moment. He hopes Jack is still awake and that the time difference isn't too much that Mark will wake him.

But of course Jack is wide awake at such hours. Hes wrestling with some thoughts and hes had enough, maybe the text is the final straw; Maybe hes desperate to see snow, whatever it is - its enough.

Jack doesn't bother to look at his bank balance after he has purchased that ticket - doesn't care. Hes got a few days to get his things together and leave rent money for his landlord. Although hes not planning to be away for too long, he does actually want to come home to a house.

;

Its when hes on the bus ride to the airport that it feels a little more real. His backpack full of certain belongings, including warm clothes and his little green eyeball plushie known as Sam. The bus is fairly quiet although there's a girl with hazel hair watching 'friends' on her phone with headphones in her ears, sitting across from Jack - he guesses shes in for a long trip. Jacks gaze must linger on the screen for too long and she notices, putting subtitles on and Jack smiles, its strange; But he watches the episode until the bus pulls into the airport. He shoots her a final smile, and hops off.

He messaged Mark on the bus ride asking him what his plans were for the holidays. Jack hope he isn't doing anything or at least has time to see Jack - Realizes his impulse could end in disaster but no time for regrets. Hes always been that way though - impulsive, spontaneous and hasty in his choices. Jack usually craves change due to his lack of focus, here is no exception.

Glancing at his phone he breathes a sigh of relief. Mark responds with a simple no and asks if Jack has plans.

Yeah, I do. Visiting someone actually. Is his response and he smiles, wishes he could see Marks face when he tells him.

Mark wonders who Jack is visiting, family perhaps - that is what the holiday season is for, after all. Curiosity the better of him and Mark asks who. What he hadn't expected was Jacks response.

'You.' He goes light-headed and wonders if hes seeing that right, surely not. Jack said he couldn't afford a plane ticket and had refused his offer to buy him one, a bunch of question marks is his response - maybe Jacks joking.

A selfie in an airport from the man in question and it looks like he's serious, Marks never dialed a number so fast. Jack answers swiftly, a smile upon his features to hear Marks racing voice and a million questions through the phone questions like;

"You're serious? Where are you staying? Where will I pick you up? How long are you staying for? What food do you like?" Mark knows he has a tendancy to ramble when hes nervous and or excited and in this situation its both. Hes scared that once Jack is here, in the flesh that it'll confirm everything hes been in denial about.

(Jacks his new obsession.)

"Mark, Mark! Slow down." Jack responds, giddy to hear just how excited the American is. "I might need to crash on your couch and the airport if possible, and just over the holiday period. Also, I'll eat anything." The man on the other end of the phone (and world) rambles out everything and the only coherent to Jack was;

"I can't wait to see you."

Before Mark has any more time to ramble a womans automated voice interupts.

"Flight 187, Boarding." Jack says his goodbyes and it feels good to say to Mark he'll see him soon - because he really will this time.

;

He arrives at the airport, in America and he slept okay, but hes touched down on unfamiliar ground - Yet there's butterflies in his stomach (Or maybe that's just from the fear of heights.) Nonetheless he looks around the airport to see a raven-haired man holding up a ridiculous looking piece of cardboard with Jacks name on it - He walks (sprints, rather) over to the American and freezes when hes less than a foot in front of him. Last minute choices usually don't feel real until its happening and this is one of those moments, luckily, the american wraps his arms around Jack and that seems to kick his brain into gear.

"You're real!" Mark whispers and Jack laughs.

Out of all the things Jack expects Mark to drive, it certainly isn't a van. He shoots him a look and Mark laughs; "I swear I'm not a serial killer." Jack almost believes him but finds himself in the passenger seat anyway.

And when Christmas music starts playing on the radio, he'd usually turn it off, but today - in his best friends van, whom he thought he'd never meet, he turns the radio up and sings along with Mark. He feels at ease, right here and they have so much to talk about.

The drive is short, and Mark shows him around the place. Its neat and there's a collection of games and consoles in the back corner which of course Jack rushes to check out. Mark notices, Jack looks like a kid in a candy store and it warms his heart; Hes already less lonely.

They get comfortable and order pizza, the two sat in front of the chosen console for the night and elbow-ing each other in the sides when the other gains a point. Its nice to actually have Jack here on his sofa rather than through a mic where he sometimes cuts out. Nice to hear his laugh for real and his playful insults.

Like old souls re-united, Jack has been on Marks mind since the day the talked on Jacks lonely night. Mark has been Jacks escape for months now and hes properly escaped now, ignoring the problems he'll have to go back to; Its not the time for worry.

It is however, the time to kick Marks ass at video games.

;

The next day they're out in busy and snowy NYC, Jack on the hunt for a present for Mark. They visit a toy store (It was Jacks idea.) and end up pressing all the buttons, and causing a ruckus. The store clerk laughs and asks if they're shopping for their children and they both freeze, a nervous laugh from Mark and an unsure nod from Jack. He isn't going to tell this store clerk they came in here because he got excited about light sabers or anything.

Jack ends up buying a nice looking watch for Mark and Mark picks up the light saber or two for his 'kids' (He means for Jack and him.)

One snowball fight later and they're back at Marks home.

In the evening, Mark recieves a phone call from his mother which isn't unusual this time of year but shes a little early to wish him a Merry Christmas. However, she invites him for Christmas dinner which is highly unusual. Mark decides to agree but only if he can bring a certain someone with him and she accepts, also unusual. Maybe shes planning something.

Regardless, once of the phone Mark turns to Jack.

"We're going for Christmas dinner with my family. I don't usually but it seems this year things are different."

Jack smiles happily, its been awhile since hes had a proper Christmas dinner with all the trimmings and agrees.

;

Christmas arrives sooner than ever and although Jacks happy hes also sad because as the days tick by he knows he cannot stay in America forever but ignoring that, he gives Mark his present and he swiftly puts it on - after a thank you hug and then they light saber battle in the living room (Its not a euphemism, the author swears.)

Jack puts on the fanciest clothing hes brought with him and heads out the door with Mark attached to his arm.

The drive is lengthy but Jacks sure the food will be worth it and the drive isn't so bad with good company. They talk most of the time when they aren't singing that is.

"Yknow I have a lot of problems to face back home but being here with you, makes them not matter." Jack utters, softly as he gazes out the window.

"Its nice to have another in my empty home. You fill a void, I'm glad I get to see you." The atmosphere is nice and Jacks problems back home do not matter.

Mark tries not to get caught up in his own head, 'you're obsessed.' (When is he not.)  Its scary to him because he knows how it goes, its always the same.

;

They arrived at his mothers house and are quickly mawled with love from the two dogs, which Mark hasn't seen in years. They love the attention from the pair and Marks mother greets them at the door.

"Mom, this is my best friend from Ireland, Jack." Hes nervous, its been so long since his mother did the whole family Christmas thing, which he understands its been hard since they lost dad he knows - but hes also worried why she decided this year to hold a feast. However, he is looking forward to eating his entire body weight in Chicken and Dumplings.

Jack speaks to his mother softly, telling her about Ireland and how cold it is, how he and Mark met. Its nice, casual - something Mark hasn't felt in a long time. Its just the two here at the moment but Mark warns Jack that all the cousins and siblings will be round soon and thats when the chaos starts. Jack looks oddly at ease, in a strangers home - helping Mark organise the table and humming.

The best part though, is when the cousins come rushing in and gush over the two.

"Uncle Mark Uncle Mark!"

;

When things finally settled and Mark has caught up with his brother Thomas, his mother brings through seemingly endless plates of food.

Turkey, Chicken and dumplings, Brussel sprouts, gravy, roast potatoes, vegetables. Its a feast fight for kings and Jack thinks its the most food he's ever seen in one place. Everybody tucks in immediately, Mark going straight for the dumplings and Jack making a beeline for the turkey. His mother has to butt in when they start throwing brussel sprouts at each other however, which earns a tongue stick out from Jack to Mark - it has the cousins giggling and Thomas eyeing Mark with that look and he shakes his head.

'Its not like that.' Maybe it is like that, though.

His mother then decides to bring up the girlfriend topic and Marks ready to leave, however after stuffing his face and trying to answer with his mouth full his mother dismisses it, bullet dodged. Jack snorts next to him.

;

After a few hours and almost falling asleep several times the pair head home, the night sky above them. Mark sometimes shifts his eyes from the black road in front of him to spare a glance Jacks way and he looks pretty; the skylight shining through the window and onto his features, he looks sleepy but happy and it makes Marks heart burst. Jack catches him stealing glances eventually and with a barely contained smile he asks what Marks staring at. Something tells Mark he already knows what he is staring at but he says it anyway.

"You. You're pretty." Jack just laughs and turns his head away shyly.

Having Jack here has made Mark feel better and more at ease than he ever has been - Jack is such a ray of positivity and force even though he doesn't always have positivity in his life, hes always positive to others. Mark has endless amounts of respect for him and love, even.

Jacks always on his mind somehow, when he wasn't here - Mark was always wondering how he was, what he was doing, if he was feeling okay. Now that hes here and he sees hes okay but its not gonna last when he leaves, it hurts. Mark wishes he could stay, keep him company on extra lonely days.

;

The days after Christmas are spent in front of the TV, questioning terrible and rather cheesy Christmas movies and trying not to slip into a food coma. They get to know each other even though its like they've been friends forever and sometimes, sometimes, when Mark brushes Jacks knuckles or smiles at him differently - it feels like more. Jack fills a void and he's really going to miss him. As the days draw in, closer to the new year; The sinking feeling about going back to Ireland gets worse. Its the 31st already and Mark although he cannot drink even bought Jack some alcohol, he knows it wont be the same as the Irish alcohol which he supposes is one thing to look forward to going back to, he accepts anyway.

Maybe accepts too much because he royally fills his boots and gets drunk, but he remembers being sober enough to celebrate the new year with Mark before hes leaning on him and singing some old song, and he follows the man to his men despite his protests and just lays there, mumbling.

Marks next to him, rubbing his forehead as he drifts off to sleep. He leaves him be, thinking Jack would be confused when he wakes up which would be the last thing he needs on top of his hangover and tomorrow is his last day here. Mark will treat him to a good breakfast before he leaves to face his problems at least.

;

The smell of freshly brewed coffee must waken the most likely hungover man in Marks bed. Jacks cocoa-colored hair was an absolute mess, sticking up in all directions but when Mark walks in he finds it oddly charming. Hes carrying a tray with a plate full of goodies (Scrambled eggs, sausages, bacon and toast) completed with A cup of dark coffee (Mark remembers asking how he could drink it that way, Mark needs at least two sugars before he can tolerate coffee.)

Jack eyes seem to light up at the tray and they're even softer blue now, Mark stares into them for a moment getting lost before snapping out of it and placing the tray down on the bed next to the man.

He scoffs it down in no time, an apology from Jack for getting so drunk last night.

"You passed out in my bed and I slept on the couch." Jack seems to breathe a sigh of relief that this.

Then he thanks Mark for the breakfast and they stay there in silence for a few moments, Jack sipping his coffee.

Mark breaks the silence with something thats been playing on his mind for awhile.

"Stay."

It seems to shock Jack for a moment, and Mark already wants to back-pedal mentally but he continues anyway.

"Cancel your flight. Ill pay for your things to be shipped over but its lonely here and having you with me has been amazing." Mark utters, his heart heavy - maybe it is stupid to ask Jack to basically re-locate but Mark has always wore his heart on his sleeve.

Its silent again and Mark just about to say forget it when Jack breaks the silence.

"I'll stay." Mark falls back onto the bed, smiling - Jack just lifted all the weight the silence had brought on and he wants to make sure its what he wants.

"You're sure?"

"Yes, this is the happiest I've been. I can make a new start here." Jack smiles, Mark just solved all of his problems.

;

The months bleed through and they visit Ireland for nostalgia purposes more than anything. They drive by Jacks old home and its nice.

Mark has always been obsessed and when he is, he runs whatever thing or person hes obsessed with into the ground. However, he gazes at his latest obsession and it, he gazes back. Marks heart swells and he can't help the words that leave his mouth after Jack catches him looking his way.

"I'm so obsessed with you." Jack smiles, he knows; Hes obsessed with Mark too.

Jack has always lost focus, regardless of what it is. He often got punished for it at school; 'Pay more attention!' his teachers would yell he remembers.

Lately, hes been more focused that he has in his life. Maybe its due to Mark keeping him that way but hes landed on his feet. He edits videos for someone across the country back in the UK and it helps him; there's something different to add, edit in on each of the videos and it pays well too. Jack thinks he'd love to make videos one day too - Thinks Mark would be good on camera.

Focused and happily obsessed.