Work Text:
Jude spends most of his days winging most of what he does. He can't help it—hefty expectations, especially anything involving the future, kills his vibe.
He sits at Stick It with his arms sprawled out on the metal counter. Jude's waiting, either for customers, or to see if they'll go out of business. He's not sure what will come first but he doesn't exactly care either way, because neither are happening right at this moment.
When Jude overthinks, he feels the weight of the world on his shoulders, so he tries to ignore the responsibilities that overwhelm him. But he always makes time for his friends and skating on his board. They're more important to him than any kind of future could ever be. Naturally, Jude hangs out with his friends more often than he actually goes to work. It's not a problem though, or at least it hasn't become one yet.
Bored and alone at work, Jude daydreams to pass the time. Some days he thinks about new tricks, and other days he watches people, coming up with fake backstories for random bystanders until he falls asleep on the counter. But now while staring out into the rest of the food court, he catches a glimpse of a familiar face heading straight towards him.
Jonesy.
Jude is so relieved his lips curl. He hasn't seen Jonesy all day, and even though they just hung out the day before, Jude misses him. Standing to enthusiastically wave, Jude's smile falls flat when he realizes Jonesy is stomping. Even from this distance, Jude can tell there's a certain fire burning in his furrowed gaze and Jude can't wait to hear all about it.
"Jonesy—dude—what's goin' on?" Jude urges with a calm smile.
Jonesy slams both of his hands right on the counter. “I’m still pissed at Wyatt!" Jumping over the side of the counter—and almost kicking Jude—Jonesy heads straight to the back of Stick It and continues to rant, "and now the girls have me—heated! Ugh!"
Shaken awake with Jonesy's temper, Jude trails behind. He's feeling a little timid, like if he's not careful, Jonesy might blow up on him.
"Tell me about it, dude. I'm all ears."
"At least you are." Jonesy spats. He sits on top of the back freezer and crosses his arms, wearing a prominent scowl. "No one else will listen to me."
"What?" Jude remarks, a little dazed.
"You should know!"
Blinking, Jude tries to remain calm, but inside he's starting to panic. He doesn't want to set Jonesy off, but he can't help if he doesn't know what has Jonesy so pissy. At the same time, he'll shut up if he needs too.
"Oh come on Jude!" Jonesy shifts, like he's preparing to leave.
"Wait! Wait!" Jude steps in front of him, clearing his throat. On a quick exhale, he tries to keep his voice low. "Uh, is it, uhm, are you still mad about—the twin thing?"
“What do you mean the twin thing!" Jonesy rubs his eyes before groaning. "Jude! Do I—Jude do I act gay?” Frantic, Jonesy reaches out his hands, holding them in front with open palms facing up, and desperation stains his features. "Is it—my clothes? My hair? What about me looks gay!"
Jude squints, eyes dancing all over from Jonesy's tattered sneakers, to his blue jeans and up his navy T-shirt, then over his tanned arms. Briefly, Jude stares at Jonesy's forced, pearly white smile, his gaze flickering to Jonesy's twitching eye, and then Jude peers up to Jonesy's slick hair which might be styled with enough product to put Justin Timberlake to shame.
"Uh." Jude swallows, uncertain. How is Jude supposed to know what it means to look gay? He figures one of Caitlin's girly magazines might have an idea or two, but that won't help him with Jonesy simmering just a few feet away from him. "I mean, dude—"
Awkward silence fills the distance between the two of them as Jude toils over in his head. In the background, the hum of the freezer acts as a reminder of where they're at. Chattering from passing by mall customers catches Jude's attention, and for a second, he thinks he might need to go work.
Thankfully, the sound of two giggling girls fades, and Jude sighs. Hearing his own heart thump through his ears, Jude tries to stay on track and not become so distracted with the outside noises. He has to say something now—Jonesy looks like smoke might start coming out of his ears.
Jonesy peers over his shoulder, checking out the commotion before ducking back inside the storage room. It's like he's hiding. "Oh god it's them!"
"They're—walking away. False alarm dude." He chuckles under his breath, but Jonesy isn't laughing.
“The whole reason why those twins were hanging around us is because they thought Wyatt and I were gay—”
"Oh no dude." He swallows acting as if Jonesy didn't already text him about this.
"I know!" Jonesy frantically waves his hands as he speaks. "We spent so much money—and left them with the bill—" Jude laughs at this fact, shaking his head from side to side while Jonesy continues to explain, "But it's like every where I go, I see them! They're haunting me!"
"That wasn't very nice dude—"
"And then they just look at me and laugh! Can you believe that!"
"Maybe they just think you're funny—"
"Jude! Answer me! Do. I. Look. Gay."
Jonesy is overwhelming.
Nervous and pursing his lips together, Jude chokes, and instead of a laugh, a mangled noise leaves his mouth.
He wants to ask does it matter if you're gay but he figures that's not the answer Jonesy wants to hear. So Jude tries to consider the possibility a little more, and the mere idea is funny. Jonesy gay? With the way he chases after girls? Not to mention the way he is when Nikki is around? Of course Jude wants to laugh, would a gay guy be so flirty with woman?
Upon further consideration… Jude isn't sure. Gay people could do anything they want, probably.
"I don't know dude, maybe you look—"
This clearly does not appease Jonesy, because he interrupts.
“Okay you know what—" Jonesy seethes, gritting his teeth together as he hops off the freezer and turns to the door. "Forget it Jude. Some help you are—”
"Jonesy—dude." Between coughs, Jude stifles an uncomfortable laugh and quickly steps in front of Jonesy to block the exit.
"Move."
"Hold on—"
"Get out of my way."
"Wait—dude—"
Jonesy rolls his eyes. He tries to push past Jude by bumping his shoulder against Jude's side, but Jude promptly grabs Jonesy's wrist, latching on for dear life.
“Dude I said wait!”
Peering at the ceiling, Jonesy groans with a dramatic sigh.
Jude bites his lip—he's trying to buy time so he can think of what he should say without Jonesy leaving. If Jonesy gets away, then he's going to have a whole new problem on his shoulders.
He doesn't want Jonesy to be mad at him too.
Stomach churning, Jude ignores the nausea building in his gut and hopes for the best. The air conditioner overhead kicks on, grazing his face with a nice refreshing burst of air. It's a pause that helps him distract from his erratic heart beat.
“Look man, didn’t you just hit on that milf like a month ago?" Jude starts talking, but he isn't really sure of what he's trying to say, or what he's trying to prove, but he keeps going anyways. "Before you got fired from the rent a cop job? That’s not gay….I think.”
"You think?" Jonesy scoffs. "Jude I know you're trying I just—" Jonesy brings his freehand up to his hair and he runs his fingers through it, disturbing the gel and ruffling the strands.
It's okay—Jude likes his hair better this way.
“I just tried to talk to everyone and they totally made an ass out of me, I’m sure Nikki is still laughing, and Wyatt is still cracking jokes about how gay I am.”
"Is… that bad?"
"I don't know!" Jonesy groans. "It feels bad. I—don't like it.""
Jonesy's vulnerability is surprising, but Jude takes a deep breath in through his nostrils. He holds onto the feeling until it settles right in Jude's chest, air filling his lungs while a warm, trusting sensation cradles his heart. It's endearing, but kind of stresses Jude out even more. They talk about random stuff all the time, but never something like this.
What if he accidentally says something that makes Jonesy think he's making fun of him too?
"Damn, dude."
Jonesy usually keeps what bothers him to himself. He's better at it than anyone. So to see him wear this frustration so sincerely is a bit disturbing to Jude, but that doesn't mean he doesn't care. He wants to help Jonesy feel better, but also, he doesn't want him to—well, what if Jonesy is gay?
"I know Jude!"
He thinks maybe he should hug him—but actually knowing Jonesy that's a really bad idea.
"That's—not a bad thing, I think."
"I—yeah." Jonesy sighs, leaning against the wall—the gesture pulls on Jude's arm, a reminder they're still connected by his grip on Jonesy's wrist.
Jude's fingers tense, softly squeezing, he can't believe he forgot. Considering pulling away, Jonesy's shaky voice pulls his attention back to the conversation.
"Jonesy, dude—" Committed, Jude lazily keeps his fingers wrapped around Jonesy's wrist. All he wants is to comfort Jonesy and take away this worry.
"It's not like I can spend every single second with the ladies." Jonesy tries to reassure himself, but his tone is still apprehensive. "I have my list if I need it, do they think I'm supposed to be out there every single—"
"You already are."
It's not a lie, Jonesy is always ogling women. Even when they hang out together, which sometimes is a little annoying, Jude doesn't like to aimlessly sit while Jonesy's drooling. Regardless whether or not Jude wants to hear about Jonesy's stats every other day, Jonesy clearly puts himself out there.
"But I shouldn't have to just for them to think I'm not gay! I'm—so straight!" Standing alert, he grips Jude's shoulders, eyes darting to the side as he suddenly catches Jude's hand on his wrist as if they haven't been touching for the past five minutes.
"Yeah—dude." Jude says, his arm bent and dangling. He could let go, but he doesn't want to. “What’ddya try to ask them to make them even think that?”
"I don't know man!" Jonesy turns. He moves so quick Jude's fingers slips off Jonesy's skin. Throwing his arms up, Jonesy exclaims, "I'm just confused! Dammit!”
"Confused?" Jude squints again, still standing in the doorway. "About—what?" As he asks, he watches Jonesy cross his arms. He turns around, mouth open as he tries to speak, but the only thing that comes out are muffled, frustrated sounds.
Jude wants to step forward, to tell him it's okay and he can be honest and that it's a safe space or whatever—but there's a gentleman at the other side of the front counter demanding service. Jude knows the guy can see him, so there's no where he can hide.
"I'll be with ya' in a second dude!" Jude cranes his waist to shout at the guy.
Jonesy shakes his head, breathing fire from his nose in another exasperated sigh. He goes to step away, and Jude bites his bottom lip.
He wishes timing could be better in situations like this, but unfortunately, it never seems to be that way.
As Jonesy maneuvers to push past Jude again, tilting his body to the side so he can try and fit through the doorway, Jude extends out his hand, grabbing the wall of the frame and effectively blocking him in.
Jonesy glances down, staring at Jude's arm with a perplexed stare.
Jude gulps, not sure what he's even doing at this point.
The customer continues rambling on, shouting expletives about having to wait.
"Maybe I can give you a ride home." Jude announces, fully knowledgeable that his permit tends to be a saving grace. "And stay over tonight?"
Jonesy breathes, chest rising and falling as he contemplates.
For a moment, Jude feels bad for imposing himself on Jonesy, but then Jonesy nods, gaze glancing down and locking onto Jude's.
“Uh yeah sure, whatever…”
As he agrees, Jude drops his hand from the door and allows Jonesy to leave. He mentions he'll text Jonesy in a bit, and Jonesy throws up a hand to acknowledge he at least heard what Jude had to say.
As Jude helps the customer with a fried stick of who knows what, he wishes the next few hours could fly by as fast as possible.
Often, Jude is out of it.
He tries so hard not to, but anytime Jude is overwhelmed this happens. His mind wanders anywhere but the present despite the fact he so desperately tries to avoid the future.
Overall, he just struggles to pay attention in a lot of situations, especially when there's a lot going on.
It's hard to multitask, like continue to work after Jonesy stomps out. Though, driving is a different story, even if Jonesy is right next to him.
Right now, he's mindful of the moment. When he drives, Jude’s a completely different person. He has to be, or at least he feels that way. Driving isn't as fun as skating, but if his attention fails while he's on his board, then he crashes out. He assumes the same philosophy applies in the car, but it's deadlier.
The road is stimulating, along with the various rules, other cars, and obstacles that get in his way. The car won't grind and he can't kick flip off the throttle, but he still puts his weight into every turn while navigating the wheel.
For this reason, Jude isn't a huge talker when he's chauffeuring. He wishes he could, because Jonesy still seems on edge.
"You're so focused, Jude."
"Yeah—dude." Jude repeats, eyes still glued on the road.
"Yeah."
He can kind of make out Jonesy in his peripheral—and he looks confused. Jude wants to say something, but he doesn't feel like he can juggle the weight of a heavy conversation and the heavy automobile.
But then Jonesy let's out this huge sigh, like he's lamenting. How can Jude ignore that?
“You alright dude?” Jude asks, trying to glance over to Jonesy when he coasts to a gentle four-way stop. Jude glances over to Jonesy.
His cheeks are stained red—Jude thinks it might be from the cold weather outside but otherwise he can't really make sense why else he'd be flushed. Jonesy's gaze darts over to Jude, and their eyes meet, but only briefly before Jonesy turns to look out of the window again.
Jude simply assumes Jonesy just needs a minute. The most he can do is show respect, and he hopes Jonesy can see how much he's trying.
It's all he can do.
Once parked in Jonesy's driveway, Jude hops out to open Jonesy's door. It just seems like the right thing.
But then Jonesy curses under his breath and nearly hits Jude with the door, so Jude second-guesses his supportive advances.
Once inside the front of the house, Jonesy's rambunctious brothers start their antics. Diego shouts an array of insults, many of which make no sense, and then Robbie throws his dirty socks at them—one for each of them. Usually Jonesy will berate them back, including forcing them to smell their own dirty socks, but this time around, Jonesy silently passes by. Diego's insults fall flat and Robbie's day old socks fall on the ground.
Jonesy still fires glares in their directions, but he continues forward towards his room without even making a sound. Jude watches the pair of boys stare dumbfounded at Jonesy and then glance back and forth to each other and him. Jude shrugs, but then catches up to his friend.
Jude doesn't say much—he doesn't need to. But as they walk up the stairs and turn the corner, Jude's wandering gaze catches a glimpse of Jen. He thinks about saying hello, but then wonders the impact the greeting may have on Jonesy given the whole drama from earlier. A little lost on what he would even say, Jude keeps his mouth zipped shut.
Jen stands at the end of the hall near her room, a wide smirk on her face, and her hands sit on her hips. She bats her eyelashes at Jude, smile widening as she visibly glances from Jude to Jonesy and then back.
Jonesy ignores her and walks right into his room.
While Jude steps besides her, he gives her a small smile as if to indicate they're at least on good terms. But then her smirk grows more smug as he giggles to herself. Turning around, her hair flings over her shoulder, and then she heads away down the hall.
Jonesy's house is tense, and Jude feels a bit uncomfortable, but at least his room is right how Jonesy left it. Stepping inside Jonesy's man cave, he collapses into a comfy bean bag right besides Jonesy's bed.
Jonesy closes the door to his room and then follows Jude. Instead of diving into the bean bag chair, he falls face first into his bed. It's not abnormal for Jonesy to close the door to his room when they hang out, if anything he has to because his brothers are usually so noisy they otherwise can't hear the movies or video games they typically turn to. Though Jude does think it's strange how Jonesy sulks. He doesn't want to pressure Jonesy into explaining what happened, but Jude is deathly curious. Could some silly jokes about Jonesy being gay really be enough to get him this frazzled?
He'll drop it for now. Jonesy will probably bring it up again, when he's ready. And at that point, Jude will be there for him.
"You wanna watch Final Destination again?
Jonesy groans straight into his pillow. “We’ve seen it like 90 times Jude.”
“What about Scream 2 or Scary Movie? You love those."
Still muffled by his bed, Jonesy's second groan is even louder.
"Okay. The Shining. The Ring. The Silence of the—"
"Jesus Jude." Jonesy rolls over to his side, just enough so he can face Jude and say, “I know you’re trying but—" Jude glances over his should during Jonesy's brief pause, "—but I’m not feeling anything, I don’t even know why I agreed to you coming over. I'm—my bad.”
Heart sinking into his stomach, Jude nods. Avoiding Jonesy's stare, Jude slowly looks back to the door before dropping his head. He feels defeated. No matter what he tries, nothing seems to snap Jonesy out of this funk. Even worse, he feels unwanted.
Maybe he should just leave.
Jude swallows a lump in his throat at the idea, and plants the soles of his feet on the ground. He's about to stand and excuse himself out, but Jonesy drapes his hand over Jude's shoulder. Half of his fingers rest on Jude's shirt, but his thumb and index finger graze the bare skin along Jude's neck. It sends a tingle across his back and he recoils, twitching at the touch, but he stays seated.
"I didn't mean that." Jonesy's fingers twitch, softly squeezing with what very well might be the lightest embrace Jude's ever felt. "I've just—Jude. I've had like the worst day of my life. Or the worst week.”
Jonesy sits up in his bed, and Jude misses the calming warmth of Jonesy's fingertips.
Bending his knees, Jude partially stands so he can scoot the chair around and get a better look at Jonesy. He seems so exhausted, sitting up with heavy eyelids and a solid frown. Jude wonders if maybe the dimmed light is casting the bags under Jonesy's eyes—otherwise it looks like he hasn't slept well either.
“You know you can talk to me, dude.”
Gaze softening, Jonesy's glance drifts to the floor. His eyebrows suddenly cock, like he's toying around with the idea.
"Okay."
"Okay, dude." Jude smiles, doing his best. "So what's up?"
"Uhm—" Jonesy stalls, gaze still wandering all over the floor. " I don’t know Jude, it was all bad.” He looks up for just a second, but as soon as he locks eyes with Jude, Jonesy snaps his neck to the side to promptly stare at the wall.
Jude thinks about making a joke—telling Jonesy that his wall sure is dang interesting, but that probably won't go over so well. As much as they tease each other on the daily, Jude doesn't want to cross a line just when he earned Jonesy's trust.
“I don’t know if I want to talk about everything.”
"That's okay."
"And I don't know where to start."
“Find a place to start." Jude suggests. "Doesn't matter where, when, who, what, or—"
"Okay yeah—thanks Jude—I get it." Jonesy's lips curl into a gentle smile.
Jude returns one back, happily encouraging Jonesy to just get whatever was bothering him before off his chest.
"You know I won't tell anyone." Jude glances up through his bangs, "pinky swear, dude."
"Yes—I know."
They remain in silence for at least a minute. Jude keeps himself occupied by looking along Jonesy's walls and staring at the various artworks and pictures of women.
Jonesy—gay?
No way, right?
“You remember when those girls thought Wyatt and I were gay?” Jonesy whispers, speaking at such a low octave Jude turns his head just to hear it.
Duh, Jude thinks, this literally just happened, how could he forget?
"Uhm, yeah." He answers instead.
Suddenly, they hear Jonesy's doorknob shake. It's like it's being toyed with, because his door stays closed. Jude wonders if it's Jonesy's brothers trying to spy on them—or maybe it's even Jen!
Regardless, no one comes inside, and after another minute of quietly waiting, Jonesy speaks again.
"I just—feel weird." Jonesy rests his hand over his eyes, "I can't explain it."
"How do you feel weird."
"I just said I can't explain it."
Jude inhales sharply. He tries to slow his breaths, just enough to calm the lingering anxiety. He wants to walk Jonesy through this—whatever this is.
"Start with the what." Jude urges. "Like what made Jen act so weird?"
Jonesy groans again. "I can't flirt anymore."
"What?" Jude finds himself squinting again. "What do you mean you can't—?"
"This morning." Jonesy interjects. "I tried flirting with Miranda."
"See you're not—"
"But it got all fucked up Jude—" Jonesy drops his hand, wide eyes staring at Jude and glazed over with concern. "Her—her—boyfriend heard me."
"That hasn't stopped you bef—"
"I know, I know, but something happened."
Jude leans forward.
"He—looked at me and—" Jonesy's palm rests on his chin. Anxiously biting his fingers, Jonesy hesitates.
"You can tell me Jonesy."
"I—Jude it sucked! Jen overhead and—fuck!"
"What did she hear? I'm lost dude—"
"I know—I know—fuck!" Jonesy fumbles over his own words. "It was rancid. I told her she was looking curvy today. But Austin heard me and—he thought I was talking about him!"
"Oh?"
"Yeah! And like—I wasn't talking to him but—he kind of is? Or—like his ass is—curvier—than hers actually—and—"
"You're right—dude's got a bubble bu—"
"Jude! Focus!"
Stiffining, Jude nods.
"Jen heard. And she—fuck! She. Told. Everyone."
Contemplating the damage, Jude wonders what would happen if the gang heard him talking about another guy's bubble butt. His imagination falls flat. Jude is direct, he points out the obvious. But Jonesy getting caught starting at a guy's ass and then talking about it is, unlike him.
"Uh oh?"
"I know! I'm doomed!"
They sit quietly for another few seconds, and Jude tries to think of what to say next. He's never had to deal with a situation like this before, but Jonesy's obviously shaken up by it. He can't just suggest they forget about it and then throw on a horror.
"Jude I—I'm going to have to drop out and then I'll be stuck working at—"
"What's wrong with what you said?"
Jude's question makes Jonesy's jaw hang so open it nearly falls off.
"Are you serious?"
"Yeah dude—his ass is like—totally huge—"
"Jude she told everyone I was checking out his ass! Like everyone!"
"Well—weren't you—"
"Jude!"
"Okay, sorry." Jude bites his tongue. He doesn't see anything wrong with it—Jude always looks at everyone's butt. So he tries to understand why Jonesy's position. "What are you worried about—?"
"I heard about it all day. All. Day. Long. Even at the Squeeze! Wyatt asked me if—if I'm a boobs or an ass man and they all voted—ass—and started laughing before I could even say something! They think I'm gay!"
Jude stares, trying to not look at the voluptuous pin up of a bikini clad asses right behind Jonesy's headboard. The gang is definitely right, Jonesy has his type.
Jude watches Jonesy’s cheeks fluster a deep pink against his tan skin—it's not a look Jonesy often wears.
“I keep seeing myself smiling at him even though I wasn’t talking to him but I just smiled until they tried to walk away, then I started denying it, no one believes me! I’m so screwed.”
"Okay—" Jude clears his throat, "I get it, dude, but like—who cares what they think man?"
Jonesy squints at Jude like he just said something taboo.
"Jonesy—seriously—"
"You can't just—"
"Hold on—a second." Jude interjects. "They'll all probably forget, probably by the end of the week."
Jonesy's gaze adverts to the side before snapping back to Jude. "I guess."
"And like—even if it doesn't go away, what’s so bad about flirting with a guy?”
“Because I’m not gay! I don’t want people thinking I’m gay because I’m not gay.”
“What’s wrong with being gay?” Jude's question is innocent by nature, but clearly Earth shattering for Jonesy.
Jonesy runs another hand through his hair, fluffing it even more, and Jude can't help a small grin that crosses over his features. His hair looks so good like that—like straight out of Caitlin's girly magazines.
“Nothing Jude—I just—I just don’t want people thinking I’m gay.”
Jude purses his lips, thinking. There's not much else he can say. If Jonesy cares that much about how others perceive him, then what else is he supposed to do now that this has happened?
"Maybe go hit on a bunch of hot chicks and then—”
"I already said—" Jonesy begins, gritting his teeth as to withhold an outburst, "—there's something wrong with me, I can't flirt with—girls anymore." Jonesy leans back, and stares up aimlessly. "I feel—too nervous. Like they're gonna judge me and think—"
Sighing, Jude stands from the bean bag so he can sit beside Jonesy on his bed. Mimicking Jonesy, Jude falls back with a soft thud, crosses his hands over his stomach, and gazes at the ceiling.
“Have you tried flirting with a dude, like on purpose?”
“Not since Caitlyn made you wear that wig.” Jonesy sighs initially, but when Jude tilts his head they catch each other's eyes, and release a simultaneous, wholesome chuckle.
"I was a hot chick—admit it." Playfully, Jude teases, clearing his throat before speaking in a high pitched voice. "Hi Jonesy, you look so cute when you're red—"
"Jude! Shut up!" Jonesy elbows him in the side, face turning an even darker shade right before Jude's eyes.
"Ow—ouch." Jude grins, recoiling as Jonesy laughs. For some reason, seeing Jonesy's freckles under that dark blush makes Jude's heart skip a beat. "Is that how you flirt dude?"
"Whatever Jude!" Jonesy laughs again, scooting up in his seat so he can sit against the wall. "You're just as red."
"Am I?" Jude asks. He brings his hand to his face to touch his cheek, surprised to feel just how warm his skin is. "Oh dude, I am hot."
Glancing up, Jude catches Jonesy's focused stare, glaring him down with a half smile.
"Feel me." Jude suddenly says, reaching for Jonesy's hand.
"Dude I'm not gonna feel—what!"
Unprecedented, Jude brings his hand up to Jonesy's cheek, just barely grazing the surface with his fingertip. "Dude, you're hot too."
“Jude you’re actually going to kill me.”
"Why?" Clueless, Jude stares with surprise as Jonesy grabs his wrist.
Shutting his eyes, Jonesy breathes in cautiously.
"You—are hot." Jude repeats himself, unapologetic and honest. "Like really hot."
"Jude." Jonesy whispers under his breath, nostrils flaring as he exhales.
Jude doesn't think Jonesy can get any redder. At the same time, he feels the heat crawl up his own limbs, pooling in his stomach. The grip on his wrist tightens, and for a split second, Jude thinks Jonesy might cut off his circulation.
“Hey I’m just trying to show you that just because you flirt with a guy once doesn’t mean anything is going to happen.” Jude reasons, but even he knows there's some truth to the compliment—he does think Jonesy is attractive, and Jude isn't ashamed to say it.
Does that make him gay? Jude doesn't really care.
Jonesy drops Jude's hand then brings his knees up so he can rest his forehead. "Jude it's fucking weird." His hands attach on either side of his head so he can massage his temples. "You're giving me a headache Jude."
"Me too." Jude states, bringing his arm up to poke and probe at Jonesy's side. "And a tummy ache too."
"A what?" Jonesy says, pausing his gestures to look down at Jude. "Do you feel like you're gonna hurl too?"
"Oh yeah." Jude agrees. He sits up, taking off his beanie in the process. His blonde hair spills out, and Jude runs his hands through his long locks, untangling the slight knots before sliding the hat back over his head. "It's too hot in here. I blame yo—"
"You do kind of look like a chick—but you definitely don't smell like one." He laughs, briefly glancing at Jude's face before glancing away. "You got the lips of a chick, though." Jonesy says, and then immediately grows wide eyed at his own revelation. "Hold on—wait a—"
Batting his eyelashes, Jude wears a dumbfounded expression as he tries to process whatever the hell Jonesy just said. He looks like a chick? Has the lips of one? How? Why? Is that a compliment or an insult?
Then it hits him.
“Wait dude, that was you, fl-flirting? With me?”
Jonesy's lips part, but he says nothing. Instead, his throat bobs as he swallows hard.
Feeling washed over with a weightlessness, Jude bites back a laugh, desperate to hide it behind his unwavering smile.
"Dammit Jude!"
"You totally were dude!" Jude nudges his elbow into Jonesy, it's a playful gesture. "See you totally can flirt."
"Jude—"
"It's that easy Jonesy, then all you gotta do—is look for the signs."
"The signs?"
Jude smirks, gaze darting between Jonesy's lips and his soft stare.
"Oh yeah—the signs." Jonesy repeats, clearly following Jude's line of sight.
Deja vu, much?
With restraint, Jude leans to the side, just enough so he can face Jonesy. There's a few inches between them as they sit back in the bed, resting their backs on the wall. Jonesy's legs slowly slide until they're flat on the comforter.
Jude inhales through his nose, desperate to keep himself together while his mind floods with past memories of his first kiss—what it was like to feel Jonesy's lips on his own.
They weren't exactly soft like Star's were—Jonesy's chapped lips felt rugged, and yet Jude still favored that texture over Star's—err—Nebula's lip ring.
But now, Jonesy's lips seem different, and Jude's curious if they're as plush as they look.
He won't dare act on it though—been there done that. Then last thing he wants to do is upset Jonesy, or confuse him even more.
"Jonesy?"
"It's weird Jude."
"It doesn't have to be." Cooing, Jude remains cautious—he's made how he feels obvious time and time again. It's not abnormal for them to get close like this, and then Jonesy pulls away. So that's all Jude expects as he rests the side of his head on the wall and stares.
Jonesy turns to do the same. As if his neck is grounded on a gearshift he slots the side of his head on the wall so that their foreheads are almost touching.
"Do you like dudes?" Jonesy whispers, brows furrowing together as his eyebrow twitches. He's nervous. His eyes glance between Jude's and then to the door, ping ponging back and forth every other second.
"I don't know—" Jude matches Jonesy's tone and answers with his own uncertainty, he hasn't really thought about it that deeply before. "I mean, I you're a dude. So yeah."
"You—like me?" Jonesy bites his bottom lip with apprehension before an exasperated remark leaves his lips. "Seriously?"
"Yeah, sure." Jude states, trying to remain as calm as he can.
"Like you liked Starr?"
Jude pauses, swallowing—he can't exactly say that, not so easily anyways. And though he doesn't exactly favor being interrogated like this, Jude knows how important his friends are. Starr was important too, but different.
"Uh," Jude tries to say something, but it turns into a placeholder as he thinks. He's worried the silence will make Jonesy even antsier, but Jude can't distinguish the words. He admires Jonesy, thinks he's suave and overall a cool guy. And in fact, Jude loves him too, not that he's said it before, but Caitlin tells him all the time how much she loves him, so maybe it's like that.
"Jude?" Meek, Jonesy's voice cracks under the weight of the unknown.
Jude tries to unravel himself quick enough to give Jonesy the answer he's so desperately waiting for. He adores him enough to want to kiss him again—that's more than what he could say for Starr. Or Nebula. Or even Caitlin, even if he loves her back.
"Kind of." Jude hopes his vague response is enough. He doesn't really know how to describe it. All Jude knows is he really liked his first kiss. He's worried that if he says this out loud, Jonesy might run.
"Kind of how?" Jonesy continues to probe like he's on the edge of something sharp. "Or like you like Melinda W—"
"I said—" Jude speaks in shallow breaths. He's shattering. Coming clean would be the best to relieve himself of this pressure, but he's not so sure he's ready for the aftermath. Diving in didn't work in the past—it likely won't help right now either. So he exhales slowly, deciding to do what he does best and wing it. "Just read the signs, dude—you tell me."
Purposefully staring to Jonesy's lips, Jude's heart races in his chest. It's now or never—and only after that point will Jude start reconsidering his unrequited crush on Melinda Wilson.
But then Jonesy leans forward, just enough to brush his lips against Jude's, and he nearly ruptures from the heat that stains his cheeks.
The first thought he has is self righteous—Jonesy's lips are much softer this time around.
Moving with reservations, Jude feels his eyelids fall half-lit, and he purses his lips together, just enough so Jonesy can feel his effort. Jonesy returns it, even craning his neck to offer more leverage as their mouths move together.
As quick as it starts, Jonesy pulls away.
Jude isn't surprised, but he misses the contact and how it's replaced by the cold air of Jonesy's room. He'd like to follow Jonesy's lips, catch them back in another peck, but Jude figures it might be trying his luck.
"You've—gotten better." Jonesy says, chest heaving like he forgot to breathe.
"Yeah?" Jude chuckles, there's something fascinating about Jonesy's current state. From his out of place hair to his flushed cheeks and pink lips, glimmering with traces of Jude's presence. He wants to say something romantic like he's seen in those chick-flicks that Caitlin always gets him to watch whenever she's been dumped, or maybe even make a joke about how Jonesy's a good teacher, but everything still feels too charged. So instead, he drops his head down and hides under his scraggy bangs.
In brief solitude, Jude feels the heat crawl from his cheeks and spread through the rest of his body with tinglings flutters rebounding in his chest. His heart is thumping in his ears. He bites his lip to keep from saying something he might regret and instead internally recites a manta to keep himself contained. The thought is short and incriminating—I liked that, I really liked that.
"Do you—wanna—again?"
Kiss, again? Of course he wants to kiss again—Jude doesn't even need to think about it. He nearly lunges himself forward at such an offer.
"Dude—!" Jude chokes out, glee basically seeping from his curled lips. Fingers quivering with excitement, Jude searches for the next sign. Jonesy's eyes gloss over with a focused intrigue while gazing into Jude's eyes. "Like—now?"
"Duh." Jonesy grins again, leaning in to catch Jude's lips in another soft embrace. There's added pressure, but not where the kiss is forceful—he's confident.
They both are.
Jude takes in the kiss with greater preparation, pursing his lips slightly. Jonesy's lips are wet and warm, so they separate with an audible pop.
Jonesy makes a sound—a muffled yet satisfied noise that catches in his throat and awakens Jude, kindling a wanderlust. It's new
This time, Jude reacts, craning towards Jonesy, he slides their lips together just as before, fitting like puzzle pieces. And yet, he's driven to explore for more.
Lips parting, Jude mouths against Jonesy, starting with small, freeing movements to test his limits. Jonesy mimics this, mirroring Jude until their lips are velvet and reckless.
Jude doesn't track how he finds himself on top of Jonesy, but it happens quickly. Hands wandering over his torso, he thinks Jonesy must have pulled him in at some point, guiding him until Jude crawled over and settled in Jonesy's lap. Jude easily obliged, lost in their deepening his as Jonesy's tongue met his.
And now, Jonesy drags his fingers over Jude's back, dipping under the edges of Jude's baggy shirt to massage his hips.
Skin on skin is foreign for Jude, yet it feels so good. Almost as good as Jonesy's smooth tongue rubbing against his, lapping languid strokes. Savoring this moment, Jude copies Jonesy's greedy gropes, his hands dancing under the hem of Jonesy's shirt and cautiously drag his fingernails over Jonesy's abs. He shivers, and Jude can't help but moan.
He wants Jonesy's shirt off, but that sounds like too much to ask for. Jude doesn't want to cross a line. Instead, he gnaws on Jonesy's bottom lip, a carnal heat pooling in his core when Jonesy gasps, another fresh, choked out sound that Jude's never heard before. He feels honored, so captivated that Jonesy is sharing this version of himself.
It makes him want to offer even more.
Suffocating, they break the kiss, though it's only for a second before rekindling. Hungry and ravenous it's like they have a need that hasn't been fed in who knows how long. For Jude, this kiss is unlike any other he's ever had. He can't speak for Jonesy, but Jude thinks this is also a first for Jonesy too. It's so intoxicating, pressure building and building and Jude has no idea what to do about it because Jonesy's so hot, so enticing, so—he's everything.
"Jonesy—" Breathless, Jude breathes out, hopeful the drawl of his best friend's name is enough to convey what he's so afraid to say aloud. Though Jonesy seems to understand enough to bring his hands up, skating over Jude's shoulders and into his hair, knocking off his beanie. Jonesy drags his fingers over Jude's nape, kneading into his soft locks.
"Jude—" Jonesy's tone is just as ragged, it sounds like he has more to say but Jude doesn't want to stop the kiss, he doesn't want to stop even though his head is aching—his heart is pounding in his ears, mixing with the echo of Jonesy cupping his head.
Just when Jude thinks his head might actually explode, Jonesy's door knob turns.
"Jonesy!" Diego's voice bellows from the hall and Jonesy reacts by shoving, hard. Jude flies back, soaring straight to the ground. Thankfully, the bean bag chair breaks the impact, catching his head before hitting the hardwood.
Winded, Jude stares up to Jonesy—he's wide eyed, lips swollen and wet. Jonesy glances back to him and then to the door in absolute terror.
"Dad wants you to do the dishes!" Diego is unforgiving, bursting in to Jonesy's dimly lit room without a care in the world.
He has no idea what he just interrupted.
"Why do you…look like that?" Diego scowls at Jonesy.
"Why do you look like that—get out of my room!"
Diego flips him off with both hands, sticks out his tongue, then waddles back into the hall.
Mortified, Jonesy and Jude sit in complete silence. They're taking in the reality of the moment, including what almost happened and thankfully didn't.
After an insufferable minute, Jude props himself up on his shoulders, ignoring how his bangs fall in front of his eyes. "Dude, not cool." He mumbles, rubbing the back of his head. "At least I had a cushion."
Jonesy nods slowly, still mute.
There's another tormenting minute where the only thing Jude can hear is their rampant breaths slowly calming. Jude doesn't know what to do, he worries it might be awkward if he stays, but if he gets up and just announces he's going home then Jonesy might think—
"After I wash the dishes, do you want to watch that movie?"
Jonesy's voice pulls Jude out of overthinking. It's a reprieve, exactly what he needed.
"Yeah, dude," Jude grins, sighing in relief. "Yeah, you pick."
"I will." Jonesy stands, flashing Jude a poignant smirk before heading out of his room.
When Jonesy is gone, Jude sinks back into the bean bag chair and groans. This won't be the last time Jude will be Jonesy's collateral damage.
Written by a human in Ellipsus.