Work Text:
Jeremy took a deep breath and snapped his helmet into place. He shook out the rest of his nerves and made his way towards the front of the line. He used his shoulder to bump Laila and Catalina before stopping in front of Jean. He knocked into the tall backliner and yelled “Best behavior tonight. We don’t want any cards.”
Jeremy watched Jean roll his eyes and settle back into his game ready position. Not wanting to berate his teammate further he went to join Anayna and Min Cai.
“We got this! TROJANS!” Catalina’s voice rang out over the group as they called back. “FIGHT” in unison.
Jeremy looked over at Anyana and nodded. He wasn’t worried about winning. They were up by two going into this half and their line up was strong. He was worried about Faser and Jean being on the field at the same time. After Jeremy let Faser’s name slip out Jean’s face would darken anytime he was brought up.
Jeremy just had to hope that he wouldn’t be marked to Ivan and that being a court apart would keep Jean away from him.
“For your second half line up Striker Anyana Deshmuk and Captain Jeremy Knox!”
Jeremy gripped his racket and ran towards his starting position at half court. He zeroed in on the task ahead and looked towards his mark across the court. He sighed when he saw him.
Ivan stood with his racket slung over his shoulders and a smirk across his face you could feel more than see. He was clearly looking back at Jeremy too.
The clack against his racket brought him back to reality. Jeremy looked over to see Jean standing next to him, unusual for him since he normally was so focused on the court. He leaned into Jeremy to be heard over the crowd. “If he tries to pull anything or say anything, let me know, I’ll take care of him.”
Jeremy looked at Jean, his grey eyes focused on the other man across the court. Jeremy shut him down, “Jean, you signed a contract. You can’t, it’ll be fine.”
Jean’s eyes snapped to Jeremy. “We will see.” Jeremy wanted to say something else but Jean stalked off towards the 4th line.
Jeremy let his gaze go past Jean and he looked at Cat. She shrugged and grinned. Not wanting to risk looking at Laila, in case he saw her disappointment, he turned as the clock counted down from 5.
They were ten minutes into the half and Faser hadn’t said anything to Jeremy yet. Granted, Jeremy had been attempting to keep his distance, preferring to stand closer to mid court than near the goal. He needed to get over it though, the Trojans hadn’t scored this half and the Wildcats were fighting with everything they had.
Jeremy watched as Xavier lost the ball to the Wildcats dealer who sent it up to their striker near Cat. Five steps later and a rebound
At the reset Jeremy looked back over to Jean and gave him a nod. At the whistle he took off down the court ready to meet Faser head on.
Jeremy ran and took his offensive position in front of Ivan with his back towards him, he was watching the ball as Min passed the ball to Catalina.
“Faser pushed Jeremy from behind. “There you are, captain, decided to stop hiding from me?”
“I’m just here to play.” Jeremy replied as the Wildcats striker attempted a goal, Laila deflecting it easily towards Jean.
“Is that why you haven’t texted me back? Are you guys spending the night here? I can pick you up again.”
Jeremy heard Jean snap his racket as he launched the ball towards Jeremy. Jeremy flicked his wrist to control the ball and pivoted away barely even looking as he took a shot at goal. He basked in the glow of his success before he turned towards his starting position. “No, I’m good.” Jeremy said without looking back.
Two plays later Ivan decided to try a new tactic to knock Jeremy off his game. "You fuck him yet?" He sneered as he shouldered into Jeremy.
"Who?" Jeremy asked. He leaned into Ivan’s mass for a moment before pushing free to try to get around him.
"The Raven, he keeps passing to you. Fucking him to get special treatment? I knew you’d sink to your knees once scouting season started"
“You sound jealous, I don’t need him to get scouted, you know that”. Anayna passed him the ball and Jeremy took a step back trying to assess his chances on goal.
“Not at all." Ivan said with an eye roll, he slammed into Jeremy, knocking him to the ground. "Is he that good in bed you’d give up sleeping with me?”
Jeremy’s stomach curdled at the idea of having to touch Ivan again. "No, he's better." He snapped, not processing what he said. He got up and waved off the referee who was eying him from beyond the court wall. Jeremy tried to locate the ball as he got his feet back under him.
"Jeremy!" Shouted across the court, jerked his attention to his backliners. He heard the crack against Faser’s helmet before the younger man fell to the ground. The Wildcats goalie grabbed the ball to put a stop to play.
Jeremy peered down at him, wincing at the loud groan that escaped. Alejandro Torres appeared at Jeremy’s shoulder as he took in his fallen teammate. “Tough luck, can't believe Moreau was that wide on his pass.
Jean approached from Jeremy’s other shoulder and he knelt down. Jeremy looked up for the referees and used his stick to poke at Jean. “Come on Jean, let’s get back to our side.”
Jean waved Jeremy off as he looked at Ivan's fallen form. "Don't touch my partner again. You won't like what comes next."
Jeremy froze, playing the words over in his head. Eyes widening he looked over his shoulder at Torres gauging if he heard.
A referee pushed his way through, "Moreau, Knox! Back to your team now before I card you."
"Of course no problem." Jeremy said. "Just making sure he's okay from Jean's stray ball. Sounded bad."
Jean stood up and pulled Jeremy by his jersey to their side of the court. Jeremy grabbed his face mask and stopped him. "You hit him on purpose?"
Jean shrugged, " It's not like anyone will know. It looked like an ill-timed pass. He deserved worse.”
Jeremy let go of Jean and pointed with his stick. "Thin ice Jean, don't do that again."
Jean's eyes were focused over Jeremy's shoulder. "Won't have to. He's getting pulled." Jeremy turned and looked as Ivan was shuffled between two of his teammates and walked over to the court door. The scoreboard caught Jeremy's attention as a replay came over the screen. Jean's attack did look like an ill-timed pass. When the whistle blew to restart the half with no cards dealt, Jeremy took a deep breath and kept playing.
The Trojans won with a score of 10-6. They lined up to shake hands with Arizona. Jean squeezed in just behind Jeremy, giving Jeremy a sense of security he didn’t realize he was missing. Going down the line it was easy to put on a smile until he noticed Faser waiting at the end.
"Last chance" he said to Jeremy, giving him a look.
"I'm good. Jeremy replied, letting Jean see nothing was going to happen between the two.
"I bet you are. Going to reward your boyfriend for knocking me out? Give it up, I bet you guys won't even make it to the banquet."
Jeremy rolled his eyes and tried to walk away. Faser put his stick out in front of him.
“No really, if you show up to the banquet next week single, unblock my number. I’ll remind you what you are missing out on. If you guys prove you’re the real deal, I’ll back down.”
Jeremy bit down his vitriol towards Ivan, why he ever thought sleeping with the other man was a good idea was beyond him. Jeremy let his anger get the best of him and said, "Can't wait to disappoint you. Goodnight.”
Jeremy walked off with his head held high and his press smile in place when the familiar weight behind him disappeared. He looked back and saw Jean frozen in place.
Jeremy’s mind raced as he approached him. He checked over Jean for his normal tells that something triggered him. He reached out without touching, “Jean, what’s wrong?”
“Boyfriend.” Jean’s eyes pierced through Jeremy’s. “He thinks I’m using you for my spot?”
Jeremy flushed and pulled Jean behind him, making their way to the locker room. “He implied I was using you to get pro scouts to notice me. I slipped up and let him get to me, I'm sorry.”
“You wouldn’t do that to me. There is nothing to be sorry for”
“I know, but neither of our reputations help with his accusation. It’s fine. Let’s just get ready to head back to the bus, we can deal with this later.”
The ride back to Los Angeles was unusually silent as the Trojans settled after winning. Jeremy fiddled with his phone debating if he should unblock Faser to get the embarrassment over with now.
Jean’s hand covered Jeremy's, “Stop worrying. There is nothing to worry about.”
“I was just trying to brush him off. I know how he is, he is trying to goad me into sleeping with him again.” Jeremy admitted knowing Jean knew what he was stressing about.
“Was it working?” Jean asked, pulling his hands away and settling them back into his lap.
Jeremy looked into Jean’s eyes and didn’t respond.
With a sigh Jean looked towards the front of the bus. “We can fake it for a week.”
“What?”
“I don't want him to pressure you into anything. He hurt you. I'll be your fake boyfriend to get him to back off.” Jean shrugged like it wasn’t that big of a deal.
“You don't have to. I can handle it.”
“Jeremy, I am your partner, I’ll protect you just like the last banquet. Let me do this. Let me take care of you.”
Jeremy searched Jean’s face for any signs of hesitation. “Okay, yeah, it’s only for the banquet.”
Jean gave Jeremy a soft smile. “Now, focus on the game we just played. Tell me what you thought.”
Jeremy smiled back and they launched into a discussion that lasted until they drifted off to sleep.
The week of finals before winter break meant the Trojans had a lighter practice week. Jeremy met up with the rest of the 5th years in the weight room ready to work out his muscles after a quiet weekend locked away in the family home. His LSAT scores were set to arrive soon and Bryson’s impending arrival was putting extra pressure on Jeremy.
Laila must have noticed his anxiety, she cornered him during a water break. “Jeremy, heard you got a hot date for the banquet?”
Jeremy choked out, “He told you?” He wiped away the water he sent spraying down his front ignoring his cheeks heating.
“He said it was just to get Ivan off your back but he wants to know what to wear so you all match without being too showy.”
Jeremy felt a knot tighten in his stomach at the thought. “You’re serious?”
“He did, he cares, you know that. Jeremy, are you sure you are up for this?” Her eyes softened as she wrapped an arm around his waist pulling him further away from their team mates.
“What do you mean?”
“I know how you look at him, you feel something towards him. Are you going to be okay pretending?”
“Yeah, it won’t be that different, right? He isn’t the most touchy guy. No one will know, we just need Ivan to believe it.” Jeremy shrugged her off, turning so his back was towards the rest of the team.
Laila sighed, “I don’t want either of you getting hurt.”
“It's fine. I’ve never really gone on a date before. It’ll be fun, even if it’s fake.”
Laila rubbed the bridge of her nose. “Alright. Send me a picture of your suit and tie tonight, I'll take him shopping tomorrow.”
Jeremy met up with Jean before Ceramics. He felt a tinge of unease as he approached Jean as he released Shane from watch duty. “How was your final?” He tried sounding upbeat for Jean’s sake, he didn’t want Jean to pick up on his nerves about their fake relationship.
Jean’s eyes narrowed, “Boring, why are you being weird?”
“I’m not,” he replied, “just curious, are you ready for this?”
“We are just collecting our final projects and getting feedback. There is nothing to worry about.” Jean said, he pulled Jeremy in closer, he draped his arm over Jeremy’s shoulder. It lingered as they made their way to the Art building.
That was easy for Jean to say. Ceramics ended up being the one class that almost broke Jeremy’s GPA. He groaned, “I was terrible at wheel working. I don’t know why I bothered.”
Jean pressed into his shoulder before releasing him, “Don’t worry, Jabberwocky will love his new bowl.”
They got to the ceramics room and lined up at the door waiting for their turn to talk with the professor. When the door opened Elias came out. Jean looked over at Jeremy and went into the room first shutting the door behind him.
Elias looked over at Jeremy and leaned against the wall. Too close to be anything platonic. Jeremy gave him a small smile. “Elias, how’d your semester end up?” Maybe Jeremy could sleep with Elias again. The weight of everything around him pressed down. He wanted to get out of his head for a while. It would make having to pretending to be Jean's boyfriend this weekend easier.
“It was good, only a year left. How about you?” He leaned in a little closer, and fiddled with the strap of Jeremy’s canvas bag. “You could come over later, maybe we have another class together next semester.”
Jeremy looked at Elias’ lips remembering the one time he hooked up with him. Elias liked leaving hickies and Jeremy hated looking at them afterwards. He took a half step back and tried to come up with an excuse.
The door opened and Jean appeared. He looked over at the two men. “Elias,” he said dismissively, “Your turn, Jeremy.”
Jeremy stood up and walked into the classroom leaving Jean and Elias behind. He hoped Jean didn’t notice how flirty the two became. Jeremy let the door shut and looked over to Adrian sitting at one of the wheels. He beckoned Jeremy forwards and pulled out Jeremy’s final piece.
“Jeremy, lovely to see you. Did you enjoy your semester?”
“Yeah, it was great, thanks for having us.”
Adrian's mouth corked, “Your piece turned out well. What did you think?”
“I thought it could have gone better. Ceramics isn’t my strong suit I guess.”
“Are you always this hard on yourself?” Ardian asked.
Jeremy shrugged, “I guess.”
Ardian hummed. “Are you taking another art course next semester? If you take one more 400 level course you could earn a minor in general art studies."
Jeremy’s eyebrows raised. “I didn’t realize I was that close.”
“It's something to think about. Anyway, don’t compare yourself to Jean. I think I convinced him to sign up for another ceramic course. He’s a natural, it seemed to soothe something in him.”
Jeremy smiled at his professor and thanked him as he left. He wished he could declare a minor in general art studies, but he knew how that would go over with his family. He eyed the hallway and spotted Jean leaning against the wall where he left him Elias no where to be seen.
Jean's eyes were steady when they met. His slight frown seemed out of place. “Where’d Elias go?”
“I sent him on his way.” Jean said as if that wasn’t obvious.
“Why?”
Jean pushed Jeremy against the wall and grabbed his chin. “If I am going to be your fake boyfriend this weekend then you are not going to sleep with anyone else this week. Do you understand?”
Jeremy swallowed. He looked up at Jean and nodded. “I wasn’t going to sleep with him.”
Jean scoffed and backed off. “Sure, Jeremy.” Leaving the art building in his wake.
Swallowing his pride, Jeremy followed Jean out, letting his mind wander as he used Jean’s taller form to guide him.
The rest of the week passed in a blur of final papers that needed to be turned in and Bryson’s arrival at the house. By the time Friday rolled around, Jeremy could barely keep his eyes open.
Jeremy pulled into the Loft and turned off his car. He was excited to see Jabberwocky after a long week. He could hold off on sleep if it meant he got to spend time with his dog. As he walked into the apartment and looked around the quiet space. His friends and dog are missing, he slid down onto the couch that still didn't feel right and pulled out his phone to wait before he drifted off to sleep.
What could have been moments or an hour later Jeremy was woken by Jean’s gentle touch and Jabberwocky’s little body jumping into his lap. “What time is it?”
“Only 2, you’re here earlier than I expected.” Jean said from his spot on the floor next to the couch. He reached up and played with Jabberwocky's pointed ear causing Jeremy to smile.
“Yeah, William is helping me cover my family. They aren’t expecting me until after the banquet tonight.”
Jean looked over Jeremy, taking in his appearance. “You should go to my room and get some sleep. Take Jab with you. I could use some peace.”
“I can’t take your bed Jean.”
With a huff Jean said, “You are my boyfriend tonight, take my bed. I’ll come in to wake you when it is time to start getting ready.”
Jeremy smiled as he peeled himself off the couch carrying Jab with him. He looked around the space Jean had made his own. He missed the room they shared at the house. He missed being able to look over and check on Jean and having a space of his own in the house. The apartment never felt like a place he belonged, it left a hole in his heart he refused to examine. He sat down on Jean's bed, the light blue sheets brought him a bit of peace as he laid down to get a few more hours of sleep.
Jeremy woke later to loud music being played from the living room. As he rubbed the sleep from his eyes he looked around and noticed Jab missing from the bed, stretching he got up to see what the fuss was about.
“Jeremy! You’re up! About time.” Cat exclaimed, she was sitting on the couch with Min Cai between her legs assisting with her hair. “Go hop in the shower. We gotta meet the rest of team soon.”
“Yeah, where is Jean?” He couldn’t stop himself from asking.
Cat smiled up at him. “Laila and Jean took Jab out for a walk. Now hurry, I want to take a picture before we have to leave.”
Back in Jean’s room Jeremy ran his hands over his suit jacket. The darker grey material wasn’t his first choice but the flowery silk tie he paired with it looked good. The door creaked open and Jean slipped in closing the door behind him. He looked stunning in his blue suit and grey tie combo. Jeremy was surprised how well they actually matched tonight.
Jean stood against the door and returned the look. “How was your nap?”
“It was really great, thanks for letting me crash here. Is everyone ready to go?”
Jean nodded as he walked to meet Jeremy standing just behind him in the mirror. “We look good,” he said.
Jeremy’s small smile faulted in the reflection. He took in Jean, and felt terrible about forcing Jean into this agreement tonight. “You don’t have to do this, I can figure it out. Faser was probably bluffing. Nothing I can't handle.”
Jean shook his head. “I got us something to wear. It’s not a flower or anything, nothing too flashy.” Jean pulled out a box from his pocket. “It’ll just be a reminder for tonight.”
He opened the box revealing two sets of cuff links. One shaped like the sun and another like a crescent moon. Jean took out the first pair and asked, “May I?”
“Yes of course, I feel terrible, I didn’t think of getting you anything.”
Jean shrugged, “I don’t mind.” He looked up from his work. “I’m happy to do something just for you.”
Jeremy’s heart swelled, he cleared his throat, “Can I put the other pair on you?”
At Jean’s nod Jeremy took the cuff links and put them through Jean’s shirt. The silence settled between them, Jeremy smiled up at Jean lost for words at the kindness Jean treated him with. He wished he could have Jean as his real date tonight, but he could pretend for a little while.
UCLA was selected to host the winter banquet this year, it was a blessing with the overcrowded bus with the amount of dates people were bringing with them tonight. Jeremy found his seat next to Jean easily. He turned to his partner and with practiced ease said the phrase Jean gave him in the fall, as he sat down with a smile.
“Your accent has improved.” Jean noted as he pressed his thigh into Jeremy’s, sending his heart into hyperdrive.
The banquet was hosted in one of the downtown conference centers closer to UCLA’s campus. Locating their tables easily, Jeremy sat down at a round table across from the Bruins captain.
“Jeremy, good job this season. Looking forward to watching this spring season.” The team captain said.
Jeremy tried to remember the man’s name. “Yeah thanks man, you guys did well too.”
Jean sat down next to Jeremy then, he unbuttoned his suit jacket and draped his arm along the back of Jeremy’s chair drawing the attention of everyone at the table. “Christopher Gullins, backliner,” he whispered into Jeremy’s ear.
Jeremy smiled, “thanks.” He took advantage of Jean’s closeness to pause the conversation around him.
Laila sat to Jeremy’s other side and she patted his leg drawing his attention away from Jean. “Chris, it’s good to see you again, interesting set up you guys came up with,” She said.
Chris waved her off, “Coach said it was cheaper since it came with the center. It made the seating chart almost impossible though.”
Jeremy glanced around the conference room at that and saw the teams all intermingled with one another. Even some of the younger Trojans were placed with the younger White Ridge players. His eyes roamed the room and caught on Faser, who was staring daggers at the back of Jean’s head. His eyes snapped to Jeremy’s and he winked. Jeremy gave him a small nod before turning back to the table. Jean’s hand came up to play with the hair at the nape of his neck and it lingered there until Rhemann was called to the stage.
“Alright, thank you all for coming, I am going to announce the 4 teams moving forward to the Spring Championships and then dinner will be served.
In First Place: University of Southern California
Second Place: White Ridge
Third Place University of Arizona
Fourth Place: University of California Los Angeles.
Please enjoy tonight's dinner and activities.”
Once the dinner portion of the evening was completed, staff from the conference center started clearing some of the tables away to allow the teams to mingle more with each other.
Jean stuck to Jeremy’s side, his hand occasionally brushing Jeremy’s as they moved around the room. It felt easy being with Jean like this. Jeremy felt like he could melt into every press of Jean’s hand against him. His steady strength holds his anxiety at bay. The night had felt like a dream Jeremy did not want to wake up from. Jean leaned down after the conversation with the French speaking goalie from Arizona petered out. His mouth followed the same path as it did on the Fourth of July, Jean whispers, “Let’s take a break”
Jeremy nodded lost for words as Jean tangled their fingers together and guided him towards the hall. He led them all the way outside where the LA winter chilled him.
Jean moved to stand in front of Jeremy blocking him from the street as he caressed his cheek forcing their eyes to lock. “How are you holding up tonight?”
Jeremy gave Jean a small smile. “It’s been great. Thank you. You’re a wonderful date.” He watched as Jean’s cheeks turned a little pink.
“Can I kiss you? I just-” Jean whispered, unable to find his voice.
Jeremy’s nod cut him off. Jean leaned down and placed his lips on Jeremy’s and something clicked in his head, he knew right then that Jean would always be something more to him than just his best friend or Exy partner. He wrapped his arms around Jean's waist savoring the moment he only dreamed of before.
Clapping pulled Jeremy from this earth shattering moment and he saw Faser watching the pair with his phone out.
“I’m surprised, Jeremy.” Faser said as he stalked closer. “I thought he’d move on by now.”
Jean shifted so was blocking Jeremy from the prowling man. “Go back inside, you are unwanted here.”
Faser laughed, “Unwanted? No, I don’t think so. How much do you think this photo will go for? Ending your career the way it started huh Jeremy?”
Jeremy's heart stopped. The world began to tunnel around him as he took in what was implied. His family would disown him for this and he would lose any pro prospects not to mention what it would do to Jean. He wasn’t able to spiral too far before Jean moved. He slammed Faser to the ground and pulled his phone from his hands, flinging it behind him. Jeremy barely caught it.
Jean barked at Faser. “I will not tolerate someone as talentless as you hurting my partner.”
Jeremy’s mouth was on the ground as he took in the scene in front of him. Jean looked over his shoulder at him and said, “Jeremy, the photo.”
“Oh, right” he opened up the phone and deleted it. He took a step and placed his hand on the small of Jean’s back, feeling the small vibration radiating from Jean’s body.
Jean reached for the phone and dropped it onto Faser's stomach. He looked down at him, “You are to leave Jeremy alone from now on, do you understand?”
“Y-yes.” Faser said, scooting off to the side. I’ll leave you guys alone. I’m sorry.”
Jean took Jeremy by the wrist and walked back into the banquet. Leaving no room for discussion.
“Jean?” Jeremy tried when he noticed Jean hadn’t stopped shaking as they made their way back to the banquet, “Hey, hold on.”
Jean stopped and let go of Jeremy. He doesn’t turn around as his shoulders drop. “I’m sorry, I understand if you don’t want me around anymore.”
“Wait what?” Jeremy’s stomach fell. He doesn’t understand. Jean just kissed him, it felt real. Why would he think that? .
“Just,” Jean paused, “Don’t let Coach remove me from the team. I don’t think I’d survive if he let me go.”
“Jean, he wouldn’t do anything like that. I promise. Will you look at me?”
Jean turned and looked at Jeremy, his grey eyes wet and tears flowed down his face. “I broke my contract. I am sorry.”
Jean pushed away from Jeremy, he pulled out his phone and walked away. Leaving Jeremy behind lost on how to help his partner through this.
Jeremy collected his thoughts and walked into the banquet searching for Jean in the crowd. He wasn’t able to locate him. For the first time since Jean joined the team, Jeremy wasn’t able to find him.
Laila must have sensed Jeremy’s distraught. Her arm curled around him as she pulled him into a hug. “What’s wrong?”
Instead of responding Jeremy cried.
Rhemann approached him and Laila later when Jeremy had calmed down enough to put on his press face again. “Hernandez got Cat and Jean back to their apartment. Jeremy what happened? He hasn’t been that upset in months.”
Jeremy’s smile faltered at that. “One of the other players threatened us. Jean pushed him and told him to back down.” Jeremy felt the tears swelling in his eyes again. “He was just trying to protect me, he’s afraid he’ll get kicked off the team.”
Rhemann’s face tightened. “A name?”
“I don’t want to cause another scandal, coach, it’s fine.”
“No, Jeremy, both of you have been through too much. Give me a name.”
“Ivan Faser” Laila replied. “He’s the one who left the bruises on Jeremy after the fall banquet. He threatened Jeremy at the Arizona game last week too.”
Jeremy closed his eyes at Laila’s response. He couldn’t handle this anymore. Not tonight. Not when Jean ran away from him.
Rhemann let out an audible sigh, “You both go to the front, I’ll have Hernandez come back to pick you up too.”
Jeremy wanted to deny his coach but he couldn’t be here anymore tonight. He wanted to get back to Jean and try to fix this.
Laila let go of Jeremy, “Meet me in the lobby, I am going to go collect my stuff.”
Jeremy’s daze broke when he flopped into a chair in the lobby to wait for Laila to come back. He pulled his phone out of his pocket checking to see if Jean reached out but his phone didn’t have a single notification.
The small bag dangled in front of his face startled Jeremy back to the present. He batted the hand away and made eye contact with Connors.
“Go away, before I report you Connors.”
“How boring, you looked like you needed a pick me up. What do you say?” The serpent-like smile on his face sent a shiver down Jeremy’s back.
“No, please go.”
Connors smile faded. “Where is your feral guard dog? He’s been attached to your hip all night. He finally learn that you’re not worth the effort?”
Jeremy bristled as he leaned back, not wanting to admit the bag brought back memories he wanted to escape to. He looked towards the main entrance looking for Hernandez’ car. “Scury along Connors- my coach will be here soon. You don’t want to get caught with that do you?”
Connors sneered, “Why not? They’d blame you.”
“I don’t think they would,” Laila said from over Connors shoulder. “Jeremy we are going, come on.”
Jeremy scrambled from the chair and interlaced his fingers with Laila, allowing her to guide him away and back home.
The loft was silent when they entered. Laila signed, “you should stay here tonight. I don’t think you should drive back. Tonight was a lot.”
“You know I can’t.” Jeremy said, not making eye contact. He leaned into Laila and gave her a hug. “Thank you, I mean it.”
Laila released him, “text me at least, I want to know you are safe.”
“Of course,”Jeremy replied. She took off her heels and went into her and Cat’s room shutting the door behind her.
Jeremy looked around to locate his keys, his eyes slid to Jean’s closed door. He willed the other man to open it. To come see him off before he had to stay away for winter break. He wanted to fix what might have broken tonight, he wanted Jean.
He walked over to the couch, his keys still missing. He tried retracing his steps earlier and he paused. Eyes landing on Jean’s closed door again. Jeremy left the keys on Jean’s dresser. If he needed to get home, he was going to have to go into Jean’s room.
Jeremy walked over and quietly knocked. “Jean,” he whispered as he opened the door. “I’m sorry I need my keys.”
Jeremy’s eyes looked over to Jean’s bed. He was sitting in the middle of the bed, head hung low and his hands covering his face. Jeremy swallowed, on silent feet he walked over to Jean’s bed and climbed on, his arm bumped into Jean’s as he sat down next to him.
Jean’s breathing relaxed at the contact. “I thought I could do this,” broke out. He looked over at Jeremy and wiped his nose.
Jeremy wanted to reach out, he wasn’t sure how. He wasn’t even sure if Jean was upset over the kiss or how he acted with Faser anymore. He just needed to reassure him that everything was fine.
“Jean, you didn’t do anything wrong. Faser was out of line and Rhemann is reporting him to the ERC. No one is mad at you.”
A small whine left Jean at that. He laid back and curled into himself. “I’m sorry for kissing you, I just- I needed to know. I know it was supposed to be fake. I crossed the line.”
Jeremy let Jean’s pain wash over him. He laid down and gathered the younger man in his arms, feeling every shutter released from him. “I wanted to know too. I wish I would have asked you to be my real date tonight instead of just pretending. Please don’t regret me.”
Jean froze before he turned in Jeremy’s arms and wrapped his arms around Jeremy too. “I would never regret you. I already told you, I’ll always choose you.”
Jeremy felt his heart swell. Maybe he could have this. Jean said it didn’t he? Jeremy could choose this too. “Can I stay here?”
Jean kissed Jeremy’s forehead. “Whenever you want, Jeremy. You belong here.”
Scratching at the door woke Jeremy the next morning. He kissed Jean’s shoulder and pulled away to open the door. Jabberwocky stood at the other side wagging his tail.
“I just took him out and gave him breakfast. I’m going back to bed.” Catalina said not looking up, “Can you watch him for a bit?”
“Yeah, sure no problem, who’s a good boy?” Jeremy asked the small dog crouching down to pet him.
Catalina whipped around and looked at him. “Did you sleep over last night? In Jean’s room?”
Jeremy felt himself turn beet red as he rubbed the back of his neck. “Uh, yeah, yeah, I did.”
A smile came across her face. “About time you guys figure it out. I’ll tell Laila you’re alive. You worried her last night.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t end up leaving. So I didn't text her.”
“Don’t worry this is so much better. Now go back to your boy. I want to hear everything later.”
Jeremy picked up Jab and brought him to Jean’s bed. Jean peaked at the two of them. “You stayed.”
“I stayed,” Jeremy said. “I might keep staying if that’s okay?”
“As long as you want. You are my partner.”
“Boyfriend.” Jeremy replied. “My real boyfriend.”
Jean smiled, “I’ll take you on a real date tonight then. Right now, take care of the beast.”
Jeremy laughed and left the room with Jab to give Jean some space. He knew he had a lot he needed to figure out, but for now he will let the warmth of his chosen family wash over him.