This choice: Jacob tells something too Jack, but Dylan doesn’t hear him • Go Back...Chapter #4Jacob tells something too Jack, but Dylan doesn... by: Tinymannn  
Jack tucked the cleat into his gym bag, zipping it partway to keep Matt hidden. The world tilted as Jack slung the bag over his shoulder, each step sending vibrations through the cleat. Matt bounced slightly, the insole’s curve cradling him like a hammock but pressing him against the warm, damp leather. The smell was overwhelming—sweat, grass, and a hint of Jack’s natural scent—but it was also strangely grounding, a reminder of whose cleat he was in.
The locker room filled with the team’s noise—shouts, laughter, the clatter of gear. Matt heard Jacob’s grating voice nearby, mocking someone about a missed tackle, and Daniel’s quick retort. Coach Stevens’ foghorn voice cut through, delivering a brief post-practice speech. Matt stayed still, praying no one noticed the cleat in Jack’s bag. Jack’s voice joined the chatter, calm and casual, betraying nothing.
After what felt like an eternity, the bag was set down with a thud. Matt heard a door close, and Jack’s voice came closer. “We’re at my dorm, Matt. Hold on.” The cleat was lifted out, unlaced, and tilted, sending Matt sliding onto Jack’s desk. He landed in a heap, blinking up at Jack’s concerned face.
“You smell like my cleat now,” Jack teased, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. Matt’s face burned, but he managed a weak laugh. “Yeah, well… it worked.”
Jack sat on his bed, his massive frame making the room feel smaller. “We gotta get you un-shrunk, man. This is nuts. Let’s just focus on keeping you alive first, yeah?”
Matt’s heart pounded, hope and fear swirling. Before he could respond, a loud knock startled them. “Jack! Open up!” It was Jacob’s voice, gruff and demanding. Jack cursed under his breath, scooping Matt up. “Hide,” he whispered, placing Matt behind a stack of books on the desk. As Jack strode to the door, Matt peeked out, his tiny body tense. Jacob’s hulking form filled the doorway, his cruel smirk making Matt’s stomach churn.
“What’s up, Jacob?” Jack asked, leaning casually against the doorframe, his tone neutral but his shoulders tense.
Jacob crossed his arms, his eyes glinting with something malicious. “You hear about the shrinking thing? They figured out who got zapped. It’s Matt. Word’s spreading fast—Coach is freaking out, and they’re looking for him. You seen him around?”
Matt’s heart stopped, but the stack of books muffled Jacob’s voice, leaving only a low rumble. He strained to hear, but the words were lost.
Jack’s face froze for a split second, but he forced a confused frown, scratching the back of his neck. “Matt? Nah, man, I haven’t seen him since practice yesterday. He’s probably just laying low, you know? Maybe he’s freaked out about the whole shrinking deal.”
Jacob snorted, unimpressed. “Yeah, well, if you see him, tell him to quit hiding. Coach wants everyone accounted for. You sure you don’t know anything?”
Jack shrugged, his voice steady. “Dude, I’ve been at practice and here. Barely had time to shower. Look, I’m beat, and I’ve got homework piling up. Can we catch up later?”
Jacob eyed him for a long moment, his smirk fading slightly. “Fine. But don’t play dumb if you hear something.” He turned, his heavy footsteps fading down the hall.
Jack closed the door, locking it, and exhaled sharply. He crossed to the desk and gently moved the books, revealing Matt’s tiny form. Matt looked up, his eyes wide. “What was that about? I couldn’t hear him.”
Jack crouched to Matt’s level, his voice low. “Jacob said they know it’s you who got shrunk. The school’s looking for you—Coach, everyone. They don’t know you’re here, but people are gonna be sniffing around now.”
Matt’s face paled, his tiny hands trembling. “What do we do?”
Jack ran a hand through his hair, thinking fast. “We keep you hidden, that’s what. But no more pockets or bags—it’s too risky. From now on, you stay close. Like, *real* close. I’m talking inside my jockstrap or underwear whenever you’re with me. It’s the safest spot—no one’s looking there, and I can keep you secure.”
Matt’s eyes widened, a mix of embarrassment and fear flooding him. “Your… jockstrap? Jack, that’s—”
“I know it’s weird,” Jack cut in, his tone firm but kind. “But it’s better than getting caught. I’ve got you, Matt. We’ll figure this out, but you gotta trust me. Deal?”
Matt swallowed hard, nodding. “Deal.”
Jack offered a small, reassuring smile. “Good. Now let’s get you settled. We’ve got a long road ahead.”
  indicates the next chapter needs to be written. |
| Members who added to this interactive story also contributed to these: |
<<-- Previous · Outline  · Recent Additions © Copyright 2025 Tinymannn (UN: gayrulers at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.
Tinymannn has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work within this interactive story. Poster accepts all responsibility, legal and otherwise, for the content uploaded, submitted to and posted on Writing.Com. |
View Portfolio
Visit Notebook
Send Gift Points
Awards
Badges
Send Email
Community Newsfeed
General Discussion
Sponsored Items
Book of Trinkets
Static Items
Books
Groups
Interactive Stories
Audio
Campfire Creatives
Community Notes
Crossword Puzzles
Documents
Folders
Images
In & Outs
Madlibs
Photo Albums
Polls
Product Reviews
Quizzes
Survey Forms
Web Pages
Word Searches
More by this author