Work Text:
The night was cool, the breeze against Jim's neck and running through his hair. It was a little chilly out, but it was nice nevertheless.
His eyes were glued to Joel's back– convincing himself he was simply admiring the leather of his jacket and how his pants clung around the flesh of his calves.. And- thighs... Up to his–
Jimmy pulled himself away from the thoughts, jogging up a bit to catch up to his brunet friend. Joel turned to meet his eyes almost immediately, and stared, waiting for Jimmy to sputter out a sentence. He, however, didn't speak for an almost uncomfortable amount of time. He admired his face for a moment– the little dents in his skin to his glimmering eyes.
“..Jim, mate, what the bloody hell-” Joel began to snicker to himself, raising his hand to his mouth. Jimmy quickly attempted to brush it off– “Nothin’. Just- uhh- lost my train of thought, y’know.” Jimmy said, hesitating with his words. Why was he staring so much?..
“Alrighty, not like I'm gonna protest you starin’ at me.” Joel scoffed, though his voice wasn't as harsh as usual, more soft and low. Jim stopped in his tracks at that, feeling the heat rise in his originally pale cheeks as they grew red.
Joel looked back at Jim for a moment as well. His expression was shrouded in the usual shade of night– these death game servers never truly had stars for long, he felt like the scarcity was representative of the life on the server– always flickering out, but the moon made for some light.
The pair trudged through the wheat of the bread bridge, as they continued down in silence, walking close to each other. Jimmy glanced at him every few seconds, listening to the breath of his friend. They approached the base together, and they finally began to speak again.
“So, Jim, you goin’ to sleep?” Joel asked, grunting as he climbed up a step. “I’m off to the skynet.” Jimmy looked at Joel. “No, if you're going up ill come along.” Jim shrugged, following after.
The two climbed up the ladder, precariously as usual. Joel pulled him up the last stretch, and they once again shared silent eye contact. It was awkward- but oddly made Jim feel nice.
Joel sighed looking up at the night sky. “...how’d ya think this season gonna treat us, Jim?” Joel sat along the edge, not hanging his legs off the side. Jimmy didn't know how to respond, really. “Well, I know it's not gonna treat me well, as usual.” Jimmy chuckled. He was surprised to be met with an annoyed stare from Joel.
“Ugh, you idiot.” He said suddenly. There were a few seconds of silence, before he continued. “Why don't you expect to ever survive? You only point out your shortcomings, and it's bloody infuriatin’.” His words were oddly kind, though set to his usual harsh tone.
“... I don't know. It's kinda a pattern that I just accept now…” Jimmy said, voice a little strained. His breath hitched as he was pulled by the collar into the fellow bad boy.
“Listen, you bloody punk, you will not be the first out. If not this season, then the next, you have my word.” Joel said harshly, but the way the moonlight hit his face finally let you see his face in all its glory, distracting Jimmy from giving a proper reply.
“... right.” He chuckled, trying his best not to trip on his words. Every second he remained so close, feeling his breath against his now rosy cheeks made his heart beat louder.
His grip on Jimmy's collar softened, but not enough to make him feel like he should pull away. Their eyes were locked on each others, and Jimmy noticed the same red hue on his own face mirrored on Joel's. His heart skipped a beat as Joel leaned closer, lifting Jimmy's glasses from his lovestruck face.
“...idiot..” Joel murmured, leaning into Jimmy's face, before a call from Grian made the two jolt.
“For fucks sake -!” Joel said, slipping away, leaving Jim in a state of confusion and arousal. After a few moments, he looked at the stars.
Wow,
Jim thought.
I’m gonna kick Grian’s ass over this.