Trust Your Instincts

 School was school. Nothing special. It was better now than Jack had ever experienced it before now that he rarely got bullied anymore, and his grades were steady too, but despite this, he didn't really enjoy being there. Not when Mark was only in one of his classes meaning that he only had lunch to see him otherwise.

 It was Tuesday morning, and Jack, Mark, Isaac and Felix were on their way to their separate classes, fighting the tidal wave of students to get to where they needed to be. It was common knowledge around school that Mark and Jack were together now, and so they didn't really have to worry about holding hands in public or pecking each other on the lips when they had to part for classes, but that didn't change the fact that not everyone appreciated the fact that different sexualities exist. 

 The four walked down a corridor, deep in a conversation about what the cafeteria might be serving today when Jack was bumped pretty forcefully on the shoulder, stumbling backwards and releasing Mark's hand before he fell to the ground in a rather ungraceful manner, attracting a few snickers and guilty smiles from the surrounding students.

 He looked up to see who he had collided with, an apology already formulating in his mind despite him being the one on the ground. When he looked up into those lifeless hazel eyes though, his apologetic gaze disappeared completely.

 Of course it was Pete, one of the only members of Will's broken little clique, leering arrogantly at him. Pete and Slim Jim had stopped bullying Jack so torturously the minute their gang split, their usual rambunctious attitudes dissolving as they watched their reputations and egos be torn to shreds right in front of them.

 Most of the school actually took pity on the two, including Jack for some strange reason, but whenever he made eye contact, he could almost feel the resentment radiating off them. Will's death was a blessing for Jack and a curse for Pete.

 And so looking up at Pete, Jack knew this wasn't going to be a simple two-way apology. He knew that the overly aggressive shove was intentional, and he was reminded that, while his days of torment had certainly grown fewer and further between, they'd probably never end completely.

 "Watch where you're going, faggot." Pete spat viciously, pushing Jack back to the ground when he attempted to stand again. Slim Jim laughed nervously behind him, obviously more conscious of the small crowd that was starting to gather.

 Isaac and Felix looked on angrily, but they weren't Jack's main concern right now, his eyes diverted towards Mark's physique, watching his face redden and his hands curling into tight fists as he stared hatefully at Pete.

 "Awww, is Jackaboy lost for words? Looking for your faggot boyfriend for backup?" He chuckled confidently, placing his boot on Jack's collarbone and stomping him to the ground once more after observing yet another futile attempt to stand. 

 It was a struggle for Jack to keep his anger in, so he worried how Mark would manage to stay in control here.

 His question was answered before he had time to remove Pete's shoe from his sternum, though. Before he could even say a word, Mark was on Pete, pushing him aggressively into the metal lockers, his teeth gritting and his forearms trembling with fury.

 "Say that word again." Mark hissed, watching as Pete's confidence abandoned him, leaving behind only fear and shock. "I dare you."

 Mark brought his forearm up to Pete's neck, pressing down on it harshly and watching Pete gasp and stammer out desperate apologies. He didn't loosen his hold once he heard what he needed to, however. It was too much fun watching Pete's face flushed of all colour, bottom lip quivering in terror.

 Because sure, he may have joked about Mark coming to Jack's rescue, but he never expected him to do so in such a violent manner. 

 Realising the severity of the situation, Isaac and Felix sprang into action, Isaac pulling Mark back even as he held his grip on Pete's shirt, refusing to let go, and allowing his anger to rise. He was blind to the consequences by now.