Chapter 1

Mark's POV

I yawn as I stretch the sleepiness away, rubbing my eyes slightly to get the sleep out of them. I sit up looking at the clock beside my bed. 8:30 A.M. I have an hour and a half until I usually get on the bus. I get out of bed heading to the bathroom for a morning shower. I immediately wake up as soon as the water hit me sending slightly painful cold icy pricks down my chest. Why is the water so cold? I thought. After a few seconds the water became warmer to my liking. After I finish everything I turn off the water before I step out.

I wrap a fluffy towel around my waist before I grab another towel to dry my hair. I hang the towel on the bar by the shower. I brush my teeth before I head back into my room to find my clothes for today. Hmm… Should I wear my flannel or just a normal black shirt? I reach for the flannel only to find out that it didn't get washed very well seeing as a food stain was still on the front right side. Black shirt it is. I thought as I pulled the shirt on. I grabbed a pair of black jeans as well as my leather plaid jacket. I pulled my pants up and slipped into the jacket. I shook my head to get rid of any more water droplets that were left.

I walked back into the bathroom to see what I needed to do with my red hair today. Surprisingly enough no beanie was needed. In fact it looked great to say the least. Smiling to myself I turned out the light as I walked out. 15 minutes left and it was a ten minute walk. I grabbed my wallet, phone, and keys to my house. I headed down the stairs locking the door behind me.

The walk there was calm and quiet. Not that much noise like usual. I sat down at the bus stop waiting for the bus to pull up.

I was playing on my phone when I heard the screech of the tires pull up in front of me. I turned off my phone, putting it in my pocket before I zipped it up. The doors hissed open as I stood up. I smiled at the bus driver. "Morning Frank." I said happily. "Mornin' Mark." He said tipping his hat. I paid my usual amount before I walked off to find a seat.

He's there. Sitting in the far back. Staring out the window, a lonely, longingly sad look across his face. I sit down towards the back, maybe 3 or 4 seats ahead of him. I've never seen him smile once and we've both rode this same bus for almost 2 years now. We have made eye contact a few times before but every time he would instantly get off on the next stop looking as though he's shaking.

I look back, studying his face in the reflection of the window. I slightly frown when I see a healing black eye and bruises on his face. What happened to him? I thought. I looked forward again not wanting him to freak out.

It's been about ten minutes since I got on. Just watching the sky as it grew darker and darker. Lighting ran across the sky, chased by soft, low booming thunder. The bus stopped to let more people on. Five guys walk past me. A look of surprise on each of their faces.

"Looky here." One of them exclaimed.

"Isn't that the little bitch from high school?" Another one joins.

"I think it is Jake." One replied.

"Wanna show him how much we missed him fellas?" Another sneered.

"Yeah, let's catch up on lost time." The last one finished.

I looked back to see a pure look of fear on the guy's face. They were definitely bullies. And I sure as hell wasn't about to let someone get beat up. I'm not one that's able to tolerate watching someone get bullied. I stood up from my seat. The bus lurched into motion but that didn't affect me even in the slightest as I walked back to the group. I'm guessing the leader had picked up the guy by the collar, shaking him slightly. I tapped on the guy's shoulder. He turned around and stared at me.

I just smiled and spoke calmly. Not feeling the need to fight or defend yet. "I would appreciate it if you set my friend down and got on with your day. It's obvious that he doesn't want to see you guys anymore." I said gesturing towards the captured man. The guy holding him just laughed. "What? Do you honestly think that you short ass intimidates me? I feel like I could trip on you and not know why I tripped." He said laughing. "Or is it because you're too stupid to care and that you're a loser?" I asked still smiling. I could see that I was pissing him off. And yet... I didn't care. He dropped the guy and swung at me. Time seemed to slow down as my smile left. I tensed up, a loud crack echoed as I stopped his fist. I stopped his swing then and there. I twisted his arm to the point it would break with another sharp move.

"Maybe you didn't hear me correctly the first time." I said growling slightly. His friends started to move towards me and I accidently twitched causing him to yell at them to not move. "I want you, and your bitch ass friends to leave him alone. Or a broken arm will be the least of your worries. Do I make myself clear?"I said narrowing my eyes. He nodded. "Say it!" I tightened my grip. "Yes I get it. He's with you. Fuck." I let go and he nurses his arm.

I move out of the way as they walk past before they get off. I carefully walk towards the back to see where the guy went. What I saw made me want to hunt those jackasses down and rip them a new one. In the very last seat, he was huddled into the corner sobbing as quietly as he could. It looks like they were able to hit him a few times before I stopped them. Dammit. He was shaking horribly and rocking slightly. I gently sat down in the same seat but all the way on the edge to not freak him out. He instantly stopped moving. Not looking towards me.

"I'm not going to hurt you if that's what you're thinking. I'm here to help. Trust me, I'm a friend." I said quietly. He looked at me from the corner of his eye. He was still sobbing but it was better than him freaking out and trying to get off. I afforded him a warm smile. His lips twitched in return. It was a start.

Ok. Which one do you guys want him to be? Jack or Aaron? Or I could do this: (Jack/Aaron) and you can read it with whichever name your heart desires. Whichever one it is though, you'll have to imagine the way they talk because I'm not even about to try and type like I'm British or Irish.