Uncomplicated(All Time Low One Shots)

Not The End (All Time Low)

With Alex's calming presence beside him, Zack closed his eyes and tried to follow his friend's instructions, focusing on the rhythm of his breaths. Gradually, the tightness in his chest began to ease, and the racing of his heart slowed to a more manageable pace.

As the panic attack subsided, Zack opened his eyes, grateful for Alex's support. "Thank you," he whispered, his voice hoarse with emotion. "I don't know what I would do without you."

Alex squeezed Zack's shoulder reassuringly. "Anytime, man," he said softly. "We're in this together." And in that moment, as they waited anxiously for news of their friend, Zack knew that no matter what happened, he wouldn't have to face it alone.

***
Jack woke up, not dead in a hospital, he pulled out the wires. "that was a close call" Jack joked to the nurse by his side, "I'm fine" he insisted, but she knew he was lying.

Jack kept up with the jokes, in an attempt to not be kept overnight. The nurse left Jack after reapplying the wires safely letting the trio know he was awake.

Alex walked in first, going and hugging Jack sniffling softly "You're an idiot" Alex whispered "You know we're here to talk" Alex muttered kissing Jack's head out of habit.

Zack and Rian approached both muttering similar things each hugging Jack grateful he's still there with them.

"Would you believe me if I said this is not the end?" Alex asked "that it does get better?" He asked

Jack shrugs "bit generic innit?" Jack joked.

The tension in the room eased slightly as Jack's humor broke through the heavy atmosphere. Alex chuckled softly, shaking his head at Jack's response. "Yeah, I guess it is," he admitted, a small smile playing on his lips.

Zack and Rian joined in, their laughter mingling with Jack's as they shared a moment of relief amidst the uncertainty. It was a brief respite from the weight of the situation, but it reminded them that even in their darkest moments, there was still room for lightness and camaraderie.

As they sat together, Jack surrounded by his friends, they knew that the road ahead wouldn't be easy. But with each other's support, they felt a glimmer of hope that they could navigate the challenges ahead, one step at a time. And for now, in that hospital room filled with laughter and love, they found solace in the simple act of being together.

————-

Ten long years had passed, the four continued touring together, between touring and being home, Jack moved in with Rian, the duo worked surprisingly well.

"Jack?" Rian asked

Jack sat on the floor of the his room, his journal in his lap, and a pen in his fingers, humming softly.

"You wouldn't believe the things we achieved, even if I told you..I made up with dad, break up with the bad ones, I actually got sober, with Rian's help.. we both got sober, 10 years.. as of today...Alex was right it does get better, it wasn't the end.."

Rian leaned against the doorway, watching Jack with a soft smile. "You're talking to yourself again," he teased gently, crossing the room to sit beside Jack. "What's on your mind?"

Jack looked up, his eyes bright with emotion as he closed his journal. "Just reflecting, you know?" he said, his voice tinged with gratitude. "Thinking about how far we've come, all the ups and downs we've been through together."

Rian nodded, understanding shining in his eyes. "Yeah, it's been quite the journey," he agreed. "But we made it, Jack. Against all odds, we made it."

Jack reached out, squeezing Rian's hand tightly. "We did, didn't we?" he said, his voice filled with wonder. "And I couldn't have done it without you, without any of you."

Rian smiled, a lump forming in his throat as he felt the weight of Jack's words. "Same here, buddy," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "We're a team, always have been, always will be."

————
The four sat in Rian's studio, Zack strumming his bass swiftly creating a perfect melody, Rian was in the back, drumming along with Zack, as Jack sung, one of his personal song, about his own demons

"This is not the end, it's the anthem and it plays inside your head And the drums sound like the heartbeat in your chest, oh Hold on, I know that it's gonna get better This is a song, not a suicide letter Yeah yeah, not a suicide letter Yeah yeah, yeah yeah yeah This is not the end, it's the anthem in your head And the drums sound like the heartbeat in your chest, oh Hold on, I know that it's gonna get better This is a song, not a suicide letter This is not the end, it's the anthem and it plays inside your head See me waiting for the ones we won't forget, no Hold on, I know that it's gonna get better This is a song, not a suicide letter" Jack sung ending it teary eyed.

As Jack finished singing, a hush fell over the studio, the weight of his words hanging in the air. Zack's fingers stilled on his bass, and Rian set down his drumsticks, their expressions somber as they absorbed the raw emotion in Jack's voice.

"That was powerful, man," Zack said quietly, his voice thick with emotion. "You really poured your heart into that one."

Rian nodded in agreement, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Yeah, it's like you took all the pain and turned it into something beautiful," he said, his voice filled with admiration.

Jack wiped away a stray tear, his chest tightening with emotion as he looked at his friends. "Thanks, guys," he said, his voice hoarse with emotion. "It means a lot to me that I can share this with you."

Alex, who had been listening quietly from the corner of the room, stepped forward, his eyes shining with pride. "Jack, that was incredible," he said, his voice filled with genuine warmth. "You've come so far, and I couldn't be more proud of you."

Jack smiled gratefully, feeling the weight of his friends' support like a lifeline. In that moment, surrounded by the people who had stood by him through thick and thin, he knew that no matter what life threw at him, he would always have a reason to keep going. And as they sat together in the warmth of Rian's studio, the music echoing in their ears, Jack felt a sense of peace wash over him, knowing that he was exactly where he was meant to be.