He's Adorable as Hell
Your Peppermint Breath on My Cheek
Chapter 6
“What?” I was sort of surprised. Yeah, Jack and I were best friends, but he was also my teacher.
“Come to my place. Meet Matt, spend the night.” Jack shrugged like it was nothing.
“Are you sure?”
“Why would I not be?”
“Because I’m your student and Matt thinks we’re fucking.”
“Please?”
I sighed. “Alright.”
“Yay! Let’s go.” He got up and grabbed his keys and other things. I got my guitar and backpack, trying to get my keys out of my skinny jeans. Jack laughed at me.
“You can’t even get your fingers in the pocket of your skinny jeans.”
“Shut up.” I said as I finally got the keys out. “See? I got them.”
He just laughed and we walked out to ours cars. “Just follow me.”
I nodded and got in my car, following him to his apartment.
We walked in and I saw who was probably Matt sitting on the couch, watching TV. “Hey Jay, who’s this?”
“Alex.”
“Oh, your little fuck buddy.”
Jack groaned and I laughed. “No, we aren’t fucking, sorry to rain on your parade.” I explained.
“Damn. Sit, tell me about yourself.” Matt patted the spot next to him and I sat down, Jack sitting in the leather chair across from us.
“Um... Okay... I’m almost nineteen years old, I sing and play guitar, and I’m sure Jack’s told you about my cutting issue.”
Matt nodded. “Yeah.”
“But I’m two days clean and I plan to stay that way.”
“Really? That’s amazing!”
“Thanks.”
The door was knocked on and Matt went to get it. At first it was silent, then there was yelling. Two voices heard at once.
“LET ME SEE HIM!” A woman shouted.
“GET OUT, NOW!” Matt bellowed back.
“LET ME IN!”
“HE DOESN’T WANT TO SEE YOU!”
Jack wasn’t saying anything. He just looked at his crossed legs and his hands played with one another. He looked uncomfortable.
“GET THE HELL OUT, BITCH!” Matt shouted and the door slammed shut. He came storming back in, plopping back on the couch. “Bitch.”
“Who was that?” I asked.
“Jack’s ex girlfriend. She broke his heart and now she wants him back.”
“Why?”
“She was just using him for sex, money, nice things, a place to hang out even when he wasn’t here. Or when I wasn’t here. It was creepy to come home and see her sitting in our kitchen.”
I looked over at Jack. He hadn’t looked up from his fumbling fingers. He looked sad, angry, and adorable all the same time.
“She sounds like a vindictive bitch who doesn’t deserve such a good guy.” I said, not looking away from Jack. He smiled a little but still didn’t direct his gaze up.
“She is. She said some pretty hurtful things to him when she broke up. She wasn’t even nice about it. The poor guy came home and went straight to his room and didn’t come out for days while she went and got a new boyfriend to use.”
“That’s harsh. And unnecessary.”
“Yeah well, she’s just stupid.”
Jack still didn’t say a word. He just got up and left the room. I heard a door shut down the hall.
“Where’d he go?”
“To his room.”
“Where is it?”
“Down the hall, to the left.”
I thanked him and went to the room, taking my guitar with me. I quietly opened the door and saw Jack laying on his stomach with his eyes closed and head turned to the side. I smiled at his sweet innocence and lay down facing him. His eyes opened.
“Hey Lex.”
“Hey Jay. I’m sorry about your girlfriend.” I said sympathetically.
“It was over three months ago. I’m over it.”
“Jack. You’re not.”
He sighed. “Okay, I’m not.”
“Tell me about it.”
He sighed again. “She was fine at first. Gorgeous, sweet, perfect. Then she became rude and controlling, basically living at my apartment when I never asked her to move in. Me and Matt would come home and she’d be sitting in the kitchen, reading a book. It was like stalker level. She didn’t even have a key. Then she broke up with me, saying I was worthless, nothing but a casual fuck to her, she liked me for what I could give her, she never loved me. And no one could ever love me.”
“How?”
“What do you mean, how?”
“How could she say those things and then come by the apartment, asking to get you back?”
“Because she’s a persistent bitch.” He said, putting an angry emphasis on bitch.
“Have you found anyone since?”
“Well yeah, but they don’t know I like them. And they never will.”
“Who?”
“Not saying.”
I shrugged. “Alright.”
“Alright? You’re not going to beg?”
“Do you want me to? It’s your decision.” I said.
He smiled. “Thanks.”
I smiled back and he closed his eyes again. I got my guitar out and began to play The Downtown Fiction, A Wonderful Surprise.
He was so sweet. How could his ex be so horrible? I wanted to know who he liked, because if I was to kiss him tomorrow and he didn’t like me that way, it’d be really awkward. Another potential friendship destroyer.
I just played and sang softly until we both fell asleep. I wasn’t planning on falling asleep in the same bed as Jack, but it happened.
I woke up and Jack and I weren’t cuddling in our sleep, like I had sorta hoped. Oh well.
Matt came in holding Jack’s phone. “Jay, your ex is blowing up your phone with texts... Oh, uh... Hey Alex...” He said upon seeing Jack and I in the same bed.
“Nothing happened.” I explained quickly.
“Okay... Anyway, get off the bed, I need to get Jack up.”
I gave him a confused look and climbed off. He grabbed the covers at the end and yanked them off the bed, letting them pile on the floor. “JACK! UP!” He shouted.
Jack had slept in his clothes, like I had. He gave Matt the finger and climbed out of bed. “Hi Lexi.” He said, yawning. Oh my god, his morning voice was the sexiest thing in the world.
“Hey Jay.”
“How’d you sleep?”
“Fine, how about you?”
“Alright.” He ran his fingers through his already messy hair and took my hand, pulling me out to the kitchen. “You want some food?”
“I’m okay, thanks.”
He raised an eyebrow, but didn’t question me. “Still on the whole ‘Be yourself’ plan?”
“Yep. In fact, I should probably go and get some clothes from my car, I’ll be right back.” I said as I stood up and left the apartment. I unlocked my car and moved some things around before I found an AVP shirt and some clean boxers and skinny jeans.
I walked back up to the apartment and let myself in. I heard shouting, but Matt and Jack weren’t in the same room. What?
I looked at Matt. “What’s going on with Jack?”
“His ex called.”
“Why’d he pick it up?”
“He was sick of her calling and figured he should end it once and for all.”
I heard another yell and a loud bang. I ran back to his room, seeing Jack standing in the middle of the room with his hands grabbing at his hair and staring at his phone, which I assumed he had thrown at the wall because it was laying on the ground by the closest wall with a crack in it.
“Dude!” I exclaimed, getting it for him. I heard his ex’s voice through it and held it out for him.
“Just take care of it for me, please.” He whispered before leaving the room.
I held the phone to my ear. “Jack? Jack, what was that noise, baby, talk to me!” I heard a woman say.
“Uh, it’s not Jack anymore, it’s his friend Alex.”
“Put him back on the phone!”
“He told me to take care of it so... You shouldn’t contact him anymore.”
“But I love him!”
“Bullshit. If you loved him you wouldn’t have broken his heart.”
“But I do!”
“Listen. Don’t call Jack again. He’s over you. If you loved him, you would have stayed with him. He doesn’t want to get back together with you. It’s done bitch, move on. He has.” I growled before hanging up.
I went back out and handed Jack his broken phone. “There. Let’s hope that worked.”
“What’d you say?”
“Told her not to call you, you were over her, if she loved you she wouldn’t have broken your heart and left, you don’t want to get back together, called her a bitch, told her to move on because you have.”
“Thanks.”
“Anytime.” I smiled. “I’m going to get changed, I’ll be back.”
I walked towards the bathroom and wiggled into my clothes. I finger brushed my hair, running a little water through it to make it stay flat.
I walked back out to see a peroxide blonde with the biggest boobs ever in the sluttiest outfit ever talking to Jack. He looked upset and angry, she looked like she was pleading. Must be his ex.
I rolled my eyes and walked over to them, telling Jack to go wait in his room. “Listen whore. Jack has moved on. He doesn’t like or love you anymore. He hates your guts. You destroyed him. I don’t know what exactly you did, but I know you used him and said some pretty fucking rude things to him when you broke his heart. He likes someone else. I don’t know who, don’t ask me. But you need to leave him alone. You’re crossing the line from annoying to stalker. Now get the fuck out of here and don’t come back. You have done enough.” I said firmly before shutting and locking the door in her face.
Jack came back out. “Thank you.” He said again.
“No problem. She is a bitch. And really slutty too. Was she always dressed like that when you guys dated?”
He nodded. “Yeah. It was kinda awkward. My friends would take pictures of us when her boobs were like, overflowing out of her four size too small mini dress. Weird. I think they took pictures of us so they could get off to her.”
“Awkward. Come on. Get ready, we have school.” I replied, pushing him towards the bathroom. He laughed and walked away.
Matt came out. “You’re a really good friend for him.”
“Why?”
“He could never be that blunt to that girl. He has a soft spot for her, even though he hates her guts. You really saved him back there.” He said before leaving for work, leaving me wondering about what the girl had done to him and why we never addressed her by her name.
Jack came back out looking like a teenager. Immature shirt, skinny jeans, and snazzy shoes. I laughed at him.
“What?” He asked.
“Nothing, let’s go.” I said and pulled him out to our cars. I got in mine and grabbed my black fedora and nerd glasses from the backseat, putting them on and driving to school.
I got out and saw Jack. He spotted me and then stopped, his jaw dropping. I looked down, wondering if there was something wrong with my outfit or what.
I walked over, confused. “What are you staring at?”
“You! I’m saying this as a friend, but you look hot!” He laughed. I laughed too.
“Thanks?”
“You’re welcome. Let’s go.”
We walked in the room and all I could think about was Jack calling me hot. It made my stomach flutter in a way it never had before and I loved it. We reached his room and sat in the spinny chairs. I decided to ask him about his ex’s name.
“Why don’t we ever use your ex’s name?”
He seemed to freeze. “Sorry, I shouldn’t have asked that.” I mumbled.
“N-No, it’s fine, her name’s Holly. We don’t say it just because it reminds me of her.”
“Oh, sorry.”
“It’s fine, you didn’t know.” He shrugged it off.
I smiled a little again at the thought of him calling me hot.
~~~
Jack’s POV
Holy shit.
Alex looked so fucking hot today.
So. FUCKING. Hot.
It was almost unbearable. I couldn’t take my eyes off of him. I had moved on from Holly, I moved to him. I liked him, as more than a friend, but he didn’t feel the same way. At least now I was in touch with my feelings towards him.
But the way his jeans complimented his legs(ass) so perfectly and his band shirt looked so comfortable and his glasses and hat... Wow. I was trying to resist the urge to rip all his fantastic clothes off and fuck him on the desk.
But I couldn’t.
Damn it.
~~~
I kept myself going happily throughout the day with the thought of Alex in my mind.
Alex’s friends had totally fucked him for wearing what he had. I remember them saying rather rude things.
“Dude, who’s Artist vs Poet? Is that some gay ass band you like? Lame!”
“Really Gaskarth? Artist vs Poet? Nerd glasses? A fucking hat? What the hell?”
He stood his ground though. I could see the words tore him down, but he stayed strong. “Artist vs Poet isn’t gay, they wrote a song about one night stands, the nerd glasses are fucking amazing and my hat is pretty damn snazzy if I do say so myself.”
“Psh, okay. Snazzy is such a fag word. You gay now Gaskarth?”
“No.”
“So what’s the deal then?”
Alex seemed to be backing down a little. “I-I just wanted to try something different.”
“If different means gay, then you’re as different as different can get.”
“Hey!” I snapped. “Don’t talk to him like that.”
Alex looked at me gratefully, hurt in his eyes. I smiled at him. I got a small smile back, but the hurt in his eyes made it sad. He didn’t really talk for the rest of the period. He just did his work silently, probably thinking about lyrics or something because I could tell he wasn’t paying attention to the worksheet.
Class ended and Alex came up to me. “Thanks. This was a mistake.”
“It was not. Did I not say you looked hot this morning? You just need to find some other people who like AVP. If those guys keep teasing you, just stand up for yourself. Say what’s on your mind, no matter how rude. Preferably you wouldn’t start any fights, but if they start one first, self defend and fight back. Show them they can’t tear you down.”
Alex looked around the room and through the windows before leaning down and slowly kissing me, but quickly. He didn’t say anything else, just left for his next class.
Woah.
He kissed me.
Again.
Did he like me? I hoped so. He was so confusing in a mesmerizing way. I couldn’t stop hanging out with him, I didn’t want to stop. He was so confusing that he had captured my attention in a way others never had.
And I loved it.
~~~
Alex’s POV
Why on earth did I just kiss Jack? And during school hours? Anyone could have seen! Fuck, I was so stupid! I could get him fired!
But it felt so good, so right, so wrong, so perfect. I wanted it again and again. I told myself not to give up on him quite yet. I’ll get him soon. I hope.
As long as this person he likes turns him down.
Unless that person is me.
I hoped it was so bad.
I didn’t pay attention during my other classes. I copied down random lyrics from songs I loved.
During PE, I had all the same guys from English with me. Great.
“Hey Gayskarth, how ya doing fag?”
I rolled my eyes. “Am I seriously getting discriminated because of how I fucking dressed?”
They were quiet. “Well... Yeah! You look like such a fag!”
“So if I LOOK like a fag, I automatically am one? Although I’ve gotten laid more times than all of you combined?”
“Probably all by a guy though.”
I turned around. “Maria, Jasey, Kelly, Lisa, and blondey over there, you guys have all slept with me at least once, correct?”
They all nodded and I turned back around. “How about now?”
Again, they were quiet for a minute. “That doesn’t prove anything. I bet you have a fag crush on that teacher for English.”
My heart stopped. “What? Jack? No!” I exclaimed, internally patting myself on the back for not stuttering.
“Why are you always meeting him after class?”
“Because he’s my friend?”
“Oh, your boyfriend!”
“No! He’s my best friend! I’m not gay. And if I were, I wouldn’t date Jack. It’d be awkward. But since I’m not gay, I won’t be dating him at all.”
A fist was driven into my stomach. I stumbled back, the air taken from my lungs. “What the hell?” I coughed, holding my torso.
“We’re giving you what fags get.”
Another punch to the chest. This was made my heart physically hurt. Kicks and hits were thrown before a voice was heard.
“Hey! Get the fuck off him!”
I was on the ground, eyes closed, not even fighting back anymore. I just let it happen. One more kick to the stomach and they ran.
“Hey, you okay?”
This wasn’t Jack. I didn’t want some random teacher, I need Jack. I just coughed, a little bit of blood coming up with it.
“Barakat. Get Barakat.” I choked out.
The teacher ran and got Jack, who came and kneeled by my side. “Fuck, what happened?”
“I tried to stand up for myself.” I coughed again, more blood.
“Alex, you have to get to the hospital.”
“No!”
“You’re hurt, Lex! Pretty bad, too. We can’t just let you go unattended.”
“I don’t even care anymore.” I said as I stumbled back on my feet, using the wall as support with one hand.
“Don’t you dare start talking about death again.” Jack warned.
“I wasn’t thinking death! I just don’t care what happens to me anymore! Whether it be cutting, drugs, alcohol or this, I don’t give a shit anymore. Let it come.” I walked towards my car, getting in and turning the radio on. I leant my head back against the headrest and closed my eyes.
“No. You have to go to the hospital.”
“No. I hate hospitals. The last time I went, my aunt died. I have to be somewhere.”
“Right now?”
“Yes.”
He sighed and got out. I drove away, thinking about if Jack could be considered my boyfriend. We kissed, we hugged, we occasionally cuddled, shared sweet words... What do you label that?
~~~
Jack’s POV
(Next Morning)
Alex came in class early and I burst out laughing. “Holy- oh my god, your hair!” I exclaimed. It had splashes of pink in the front. “That looks amazing!”
“I know, right? I’ve been wanting to do this for a while. I’ll get called a fag more, but they’re just going to hate to deal until it fades out or I dye it back.”
“That’s awesome.”
“Thanks.”
I thought about my fingers running through it as I kissed him-Wait, what? I’m thinking about a hot make out session with Alex? I know I like him but... Awkward.
The other kids came in and sat down, all talking like usual. Only today it was Alex’s hair.
“Oh my god, fag!”
“Pink? Supporting breast cancer, are we?”
“It looks awesome!”
My mind got the best of me while they had free time.
I imagined myself making out with Alex, his soft lips moving against mine, his tongue in my mouth, biting my lip. I thought about his hands up my shirt, telling me he wanted it off. His hand on my belt. Popping the button and unzipping my jeans. His hand in my boxers.
I jumped from my daydream with a loud “FUCK!”, getting everyone’s attention.
“Um... Sorry, just remembered something important.” I lied. Alex grinned and came up to my desk.
“What was that about?”
“Inappropriate daydream.” I mumbled.
“Oh really? How inappropriate?”
I looked down. Alex did too and burst out laughing. “Oh dude, really? In the middle of class? Nice one.”
“Shut up! This is so humiliating!”
“Just go to the bathroom real fast and take care of it. Go.”
I nodded and excused myself, going through the back and quickly running to the bathroom, getting rid of it. My heart was racing at the embarrassment of it and the thought of getting caught. I didn’t, but still. Risky.
I went back to class and Alex smirked at me. I flipped him off as the bell rang. “Better?” He asked.
“Fuck you. That was so embarrassing.”
“Who were you daydreaming about?”
“That certain someone.”
“Ah. Okay... Try not to do that in class anymore, okay?”
“Shut up! I can’t believe you don’t want to know who it is.”
“Your decision. You don’t want to say, don’t say. You’ll get ‘em eventually.” He grinned and left.
He was so sweet and innocent.
And a little oblivious.
~~~
Christmas came around a few months later. Alex had turned nineteen a week ago and in the spirit of his birthday and Christmas, I gave us a free period.
He was wearing a Santa hat and nerd glasses today, making him look super adorable. He grinned at my words and pulled his guitar out, playing Airplanes and Candy Canes by AVP.
He grinned again and winked at me before playing. “I’m coming home this Christmas Eve...”
I loved this song. It was so cute. I didn’t realize he could be suggesting something until the chorus.
“Your peppermint breath of my cheek, is the only mint I need, and I’m excited to try it. And I’m waiting so impatiently, for the sweet taste of your kiss from your candy cane lips, I- I can’t miss. I wanna live under the mistletoe, follow your footsteps in the snow and I know, I’m coming home, home with you...”
I was eating a candy cane. My breath was sure to smell like peppermint. I had kissed Alex’s cheek yesterday.
Suggestive song. Especially since he winked at me before starting. Was he trying to say he liked me?
“Dedicated that one to a certain someone, no one knows who. Unless, they caught on to my little hint.” Alex laughed, not catching my eye.
He hasn’t cut in over three months. He was definitely happier and while it still hurt when people teased and shoved him around, he didn’t let it get to him. He’s emotionally the strongest person I know. He laughed, made jokes, and smiled a lot. It was enjoyable.
“Very nice, Gaskarth, I’m liking it.” I commented about the song.
“Thank Barakat.” He grinned and the bell rang. Alex came by my desk.
“Hey Jay.”
“Hey Lex. Having a good Christmas?”
“The best! How about you?”
“Pretty great. Who’d you dedicate the song to?”
“A certain someone.”
“Oooh, do tell.”
“I don’t think so, Barakat.” He chuckled.
“Please?”
“Only if you tell me yours.”
“No!”
“Is it Holly?”
“What? No!” I exclaimed.
“Because I swear to god if it was Holly-“
“It’s not Holly, it’s you!”
“What?” I was sort of surprised. Yeah, Jack and I were best friends, but he was also my teacher.
“Come to my place. Meet Matt, spend the night.” Jack shrugged like it was nothing.
“Are you sure?”
“Why would I not be?”
“Because I’m your student and Matt thinks we’re fucking.”
“Please?”
I sighed. “Alright.”
“Yay! Let’s go.” He got up and grabbed his keys and other things. I got my guitar and backpack, trying to get my keys out of my skinny jeans. Jack laughed at me.
“You can’t even get your fingers in the pocket of your skinny jeans.”
“Shut up.” I said as I finally got the keys out. “See? I got them.”
He just laughed and we walked out to ours cars. “Just follow me.”
I nodded and got in my car, following him to his apartment.
We walked in and I saw who was probably Matt sitting on the couch, watching TV. “Hey Jay, who’s this?”
“Alex.”
“Oh, your little fuck buddy.”
Jack groaned and I laughed. “No, we aren’t fucking, sorry to rain on your parade.” I explained.
“Damn. Sit, tell me about yourself.” Matt patted the spot next to him and I sat down, Jack sitting in the leather chair across from us.
“Um... Okay... I’m almost nineteen years old, I sing and play guitar, and I’m sure Jack’s told you about my cutting issue.”
Matt nodded. “Yeah.”
“But I’m two days clean and I plan to stay that way.”
“Really? That’s amazing!”
“Thanks.”
The door was knocked on and Matt went to get it. At first it was silent, then there was yelling. Two voices heard at once.
“LET ME SEE HIM!” A woman shouted.
“GET OUT, NOW!” Matt bellowed back.
“LET ME IN!”
“HE DOESN’T WANT TO SEE YOU!”
Jack wasn’t saying anything. He just looked at his crossed legs and his hands played with one another. He looked uncomfortable.
“GET THE HELL OUT, BITCH!” Matt shouted and the door slammed shut. He came storming back in, plopping back on the couch. “Bitch.”
“Who was that?” I asked.
“Jack’s ex girlfriend. She broke his heart and now she wants him back.”
“Why?”
“She was just using him for sex, money, nice things, a place to hang out even when he wasn’t here. Or when I wasn’t here. It was creepy to come home and see her sitting in our kitchen.”
I looked over at Jack. He hadn’t looked up from his fumbling fingers. He looked sad, angry, and adorable all the same time.
“She sounds like a vindictive bitch who doesn’t deserve such a good guy.” I said, not looking away from Jack. He smiled a little but still didn’t direct his gaze up.
“She is. She said some pretty hurtful things to him when she broke up. She wasn’t even nice about it. The poor guy came home and went straight to his room and didn’t come out for days while she went and got a new boyfriend to use.”
“That’s harsh. And unnecessary.”
“Yeah well, she’s just stupid.”
Jack still didn’t say a word. He just got up and left the room. I heard a door shut down the hall.
“Where’d he go?”
“To his room.”
“Where is it?”
“Down the hall, to the left.”
I thanked him and went to the room, taking my guitar with me. I quietly opened the door and saw Jack laying on his stomach with his eyes closed and head turned to the side. I smiled at his sweet innocence and lay down facing him. His eyes opened.
“Hey Lex.”
“Hey Jay. I’m sorry about your girlfriend.” I said sympathetically.
“It was over three months ago. I’m over it.”
“Jack. You’re not.”
He sighed. “Okay, I’m not.”
“Tell me about it.”
He sighed again. “She was fine at first. Gorgeous, sweet, perfect. Then she became rude and controlling, basically living at my apartment when I never asked her to move in. Me and Matt would come home and she’d be sitting in the kitchen, reading a book. It was like stalker level. She didn’t even have a key. Then she broke up with me, saying I was worthless, nothing but a casual fuck to her, she liked me for what I could give her, she never loved me. And no one could ever love me.”
“How?”
“What do you mean, how?”
“How could she say those things and then come by the apartment, asking to get you back?”
“Because she’s a persistent bitch.” He said, putting an angry emphasis on bitch.
“Have you found anyone since?”
“Well yeah, but they don’t know I like them. And they never will.”
“Who?”
“Not saying.”
I shrugged. “Alright.”
“Alright? You’re not going to beg?”
“Do you want me to? It’s your decision.” I said.
He smiled. “Thanks.”
I smiled back and he closed his eyes again. I got my guitar out and began to play The Downtown Fiction, A Wonderful Surprise.
He was so sweet. How could his ex be so horrible? I wanted to know who he liked, because if I was to kiss him tomorrow and he didn’t like me that way, it’d be really awkward. Another potential friendship destroyer.
I just played and sang softly until we both fell asleep. I wasn’t planning on falling asleep in the same bed as Jack, but it happened.
I woke up and Jack and I weren’t cuddling in our sleep, like I had sorta hoped. Oh well.
Matt came in holding Jack’s phone. “Jay, your ex is blowing up your phone with texts... Oh, uh... Hey Alex...” He said upon seeing Jack and I in the same bed.
“Nothing happened.” I explained quickly.
“Okay... Anyway, get off the bed, I need to get Jack up.”
I gave him a confused look and climbed off. He grabbed the covers at the end and yanked them off the bed, letting them pile on the floor. “JACK! UP!” He shouted.
Jack had slept in his clothes, like I had. He gave Matt the finger and climbed out of bed. “Hi Lexi.” He said, yawning. Oh my god, his morning voice was the sexiest thing in the world.
“Hey Jay.”
“How’d you sleep?”
“Fine, how about you?”
“Alright.” He ran his fingers through his already messy hair and took my hand, pulling me out to the kitchen. “You want some food?”
“I’m okay, thanks.”
He raised an eyebrow, but didn’t question me. “Still on the whole ‘Be yourself’ plan?”
“Yep. In fact, I should probably go and get some clothes from my car, I’ll be right back.” I said as I stood up and left the apartment. I unlocked my car and moved some things around before I found an AVP shirt and some clean boxers and skinny jeans.
I walked back up to the apartment and let myself in. I heard shouting, but Matt and Jack weren’t in the same room. What?
I looked at Matt. “What’s going on with Jack?”
“His ex called.”
“Why’d he pick it up?”
“He was sick of her calling and figured he should end it once and for all.”
I heard another yell and a loud bang. I ran back to his room, seeing Jack standing in the middle of the room with his hands grabbing at his hair and staring at his phone, which I assumed he had thrown at the wall because it was laying on the ground by the closest wall with a crack in it.
“Dude!” I exclaimed, getting it for him. I heard his ex’s voice through it and held it out for him.
“Just take care of it for me, please.” He whispered before leaving the room.
I held the phone to my ear. “Jack? Jack, what was that noise, baby, talk to me!” I heard a woman say.
“Uh, it’s not Jack anymore, it’s his friend Alex.”
“Put him back on the phone!”
“He told me to take care of it so... You shouldn’t contact him anymore.”
“But I love him!”
“Bullshit. If you loved him you wouldn’t have broken his heart.”
“But I do!”
“Listen. Don’t call Jack again. He’s over you. If you loved him, you would have stayed with him. He doesn’t want to get back together with you. It’s done bitch, move on. He has.” I growled before hanging up.
I went back out and handed Jack his broken phone. “There. Let’s hope that worked.”
“What’d you say?”
“Told her not to call you, you were over her, if she loved you she wouldn’t have broken your heart and left, you don’t want to get back together, called her a bitch, told her to move on because you have.”
“Thanks.”
“Anytime.” I smiled. “I’m going to get changed, I’ll be back.”
I walked towards the bathroom and wiggled into my clothes. I finger brushed my hair, running a little water through it to make it stay flat.
I walked back out to see a peroxide blonde with the biggest boobs ever in the sluttiest outfit ever talking to Jack. He looked upset and angry, she looked like she was pleading. Must be his ex.
I rolled my eyes and walked over to them, telling Jack to go wait in his room. “Listen whore. Jack has moved on. He doesn’t like or love you anymore. He hates your guts. You destroyed him. I don’t know what exactly you did, but I know you used him and said some pretty fucking rude things to him when you broke his heart. He likes someone else. I don’t know who, don’t ask me. But you need to leave him alone. You’re crossing the line from annoying to stalker. Now get the fuck out of here and don’t come back. You have done enough.” I said firmly before shutting and locking the door in her face.
Jack came back out. “Thank you.” He said again.
“No problem. She is a bitch. And really slutty too. Was she always dressed like that when you guys dated?”
He nodded. “Yeah. It was kinda awkward. My friends would take pictures of us when her boobs were like, overflowing out of her four size too small mini dress. Weird. I think they took pictures of us so they could get off to her.”
“Awkward. Come on. Get ready, we have school.” I replied, pushing him towards the bathroom. He laughed and walked away.
Matt came out. “You’re a really good friend for him.”
“Why?”
“He could never be that blunt to that girl. He has a soft spot for her, even though he hates her guts. You really saved him back there.” He said before leaving for work, leaving me wondering about what the girl had done to him and why we never addressed her by her name.
Jack came back out looking like a teenager. Immature shirt, skinny jeans, and snazzy shoes. I laughed at him.
“What?” He asked.
“Nothing, let’s go.” I said and pulled him out to our cars. I got in mine and grabbed my black fedora and nerd glasses from the backseat, putting them on and driving to school.
I got out and saw Jack. He spotted me and then stopped, his jaw dropping. I looked down, wondering if there was something wrong with my outfit or what.
I walked over, confused. “What are you staring at?”
“You! I’m saying this as a friend, but you look hot!” He laughed. I laughed too.
“Thanks?”
“You’re welcome. Let’s go.”
We walked in the room and all I could think about was Jack calling me hot. It made my stomach flutter in a way it never had before and I loved it. We reached his room and sat in the spinny chairs. I decided to ask him about his ex’s name.
“Why don’t we ever use your ex’s name?”
He seemed to freeze. “Sorry, I shouldn’t have asked that.” I mumbled.
“N-No, it’s fine, her name’s Holly. We don’t say it just because it reminds me of her.”
“Oh, sorry.”
“It’s fine, you didn’t know.” He shrugged it off.
I smiled a little again at the thought of him calling me hot.
~~~
Jack’s POV
Holy shit.
Alex looked so fucking hot today.
So. FUCKING. Hot.
It was almost unbearable. I couldn’t take my eyes off of him. I had moved on from Holly, I moved to him. I liked him, as more than a friend, but he didn’t feel the same way. At least now I was in touch with my feelings towards him.
But the way his jeans complimented his legs(ass) so perfectly and his band shirt looked so comfortable and his glasses and hat... Wow. I was trying to resist the urge to rip all his fantastic clothes off and fuck him on the desk.
But I couldn’t.
Damn it.
~~~
I kept myself going happily throughout the day with the thought of Alex in my mind.
Alex’s friends had totally fucked him for wearing what he had. I remember them saying rather rude things.
“Dude, who’s Artist vs Poet? Is that some gay ass band you like? Lame!”
“Really Gaskarth? Artist vs Poet? Nerd glasses? A fucking hat? What the hell?”
He stood his ground though. I could see the words tore him down, but he stayed strong. “Artist vs Poet isn’t gay, they wrote a song about one night stands, the nerd glasses are fucking amazing and my hat is pretty damn snazzy if I do say so myself.”
“Psh, okay. Snazzy is such a fag word. You gay now Gaskarth?”
“No.”
“So what’s the deal then?”
Alex seemed to be backing down a little. “I-I just wanted to try something different.”
“If different means gay, then you’re as different as different can get.”
“Hey!” I snapped. “Don’t talk to him like that.”
Alex looked at me gratefully, hurt in his eyes. I smiled at him. I got a small smile back, but the hurt in his eyes made it sad. He didn’t really talk for the rest of the period. He just did his work silently, probably thinking about lyrics or something because I could tell he wasn’t paying attention to the worksheet.
Class ended and Alex came up to me. “Thanks. This was a mistake.”
“It was not. Did I not say you looked hot this morning? You just need to find some other people who like AVP. If those guys keep teasing you, just stand up for yourself. Say what’s on your mind, no matter how rude. Preferably you wouldn’t start any fights, but if they start one first, self defend and fight back. Show them they can’t tear you down.”
Alex looked around the room and through the windows before leaning down and slowly kissing me, but quickly. He didn’t say anything else, just left for his next class.
Woah.
He kissed me.
Again.
Did he like me? I hoped so. He was so confusing in a mesmerizing way. I couldn’t stop hanging out with him, I didn’t want to stop. He was so confusing that he had captured my attention in a way others never had.
And I loved it.
~~~
Alex’s POV
Why on earth did I just kiss Jack? And during school hours? Anyone could have seen! Fuck, I was so stupid! I could get him fired!
But it felt so good, so right, so wrong, so perfect. I wanted it again and again. I told myself not to give up on him quite yet. I’ll get him soon. I hope.
As long as this person he likes turns him down.
Unless that person is me.
I hoped it was so bad.
I didn’t pay attention during my other classes. I copied down random lyrics from songs I loved.
During PE, I had all the same guys from English with me. Great.
“Hey Gayskarth, how ya doing fag?”
I rolled my eyes. “Am I seriously getting discriminated because of how I fucking dressed?”
They were quiet. “Well... Yeah! You look like such a fag!”
“So if I LOOK like a fag, I automatically am one? Although I’ve gotten laid more times than all of you combined?”
“Probably all by a guy though.”
I turned around. “Maria, Jasey, Kelly, Lisa, and blondey over there, you guys have all slept with me at least once, correct?”
They all nodded and I turned back around. “How about now?”
Again, they were quiet for a minute. “That doesn’t prove anything. I bet you have a fag crush on that teacher for English.”
My heart stopped. “What? Jack? No!” I exclaimed, internally patting myself on the back for not stuttering.
“Why are you always meeting him after class?”
“Because he’s my friend?”
“Oh, your boyfriend!”
“No! He’s my best friend! I’m not gay. And if I were, I wouldn’t date Jack. It’d be awkward. But since I’m not gay, I won’t be dating him at all.”
A fist was driven into my stomach. I stumbled back, the air taken from my lungs. “What the hell?” I coughed, holding my torso.
“We’re giving you what fags get.”
Another punch to the chest. This was made my heart physically hurt. Kicks and hits were thrown before a voice was heard.
“Hey! Get the fuck off him!”
I was on the ground, eyes closed, not even fighting back anymore. I just let it happen. One more kick to the stomach and they ran.
“Hey, you okay?”
This wasn’t Jack. I didn’t want some random teacher, I need Jack. I just coughed, a little bit of blood coming up with it.
“Barakat. Get Barakat.” I choked out.
The teacher ran and got Jack, who came and kneeled by my side. “Fuck, what happened?”
“I tried to stand up for myself.” I coughed again, more blood.
“Alex, you have to get to the hospital.”
“No!”
“You’re hurt, Lex! Pretty bad, too. We can’t just let you go unattended.”
“I don’t even care anymore.” I said as I stumbled back on my feet, using the wall as support with one hand.
“Don’t you dare start talking about death again.” Jack warned.
“I wasn’t thinking death! I just don’t care what happens to me anymore! Whether it be cutting, drugs, alcohol or this, I don’t give a shit anymore. Let it come.” I walked towards my car, getting in and turning the radio on. I leant my head back against the headrest and closed my eyes.
“No. You have to go to the hospital.”
“No. I hate hospitals. The last time I went, my aunt died. I have to be somewhere.”
“Right now?”
“Yes.”
He sighed and got out. I drove away, thinking about if Jack could be considered my boyfriend. We kissed, we hugged, we occasionally cuddled, shared sweet words... What do you label that?
~~~
Jack’s POV
(Next Morning)
Alex came in class early and I burst out laughing. “Holy- oh my god, your hair!” I exclaimed. It had splashes of pink in the front. “That looks amazing!”
“I know, right? I’ve been wanting to do this for a while. I’ll get called a fag more, but they’re just going to hate to deal until it fades out or I dye it back.”
“That’s awesome.”
“Thanks.”
I thought about my fingers running through it as I kissed him-Wait, what? I’m thinking about a hot make out session with Alex? I know I like him but... Awkward.
The other kids came in and sat down, all talking like usual. Only today it was Alex’s hair.
“Oh my god, fag!”
“Pink? Supporting breast cancer, are we?”
“It looks awesome!”
My mind got the best of me while they had free time.
I imagined myself making out with Alex, his soft lips moving against mine, his tongue in my mouth, biting my lip. I thought about his hands up my shirt, telling me he wanted it off. His hand on my belt. Popping the button and unzipping my jeans. His hand in my boxers.
I jumped from my daydream with a loud “FUCK!”, getting everyone’s attention.
“Um... Sorry, just remembered something important.” I lied. Alex grinned and came up to my desk.
“What was that about?”
“Inappropriate daydream.” I mumbled.
“Oh really? How inappropriate?”
I looked down. Alex did too and burst out laughing. “Oh dude, really? In the middle of class? Nice one.”
“Shut up! This is so humiliating!”
“Just go to the bathroom real fast and take care of it. Go.”
I nodded and excused myself, going through the back and quickly running to the bathroom, getting rid of it. My heart was racing at the embarrassment of it and the thought of getting caught. I didn’t, but still. Risky.
I went back to class and Alex smirked at me. I flipped him off as the bell rang. “Better?” He asked.
“Fuck you. That was so embarrassing.”
“Who were you daydreaming about?”
“That certain someone.”
“Ah. Okay... Try not to do that in class anymore, okay?”
“Shut up! I can’t believe you don’t want to know who it is.”
“Your decision. You don’t want to say, don’t say. You’ll get ‘em eventually.” He grinned and left.
He was so sweet and innocent.
And a little oblivious.
~~~
Christmas came around a few months later. Alex had turned nineteen a week ago and in the spirit of his birthday and Christmas, I gave us a free period.
He was wearing a Santa hat and nerd glasses today, making him look super adorable. He grinned at my words and pulled his guitar out, playing Airplanes and Candy Canes by AVP.
He grinned again and winked at me before playing. “I’m coming home this Christmas Eve...”
I loved this song. It was so cute. I didn’t realize he could be suggesting something until the chorus.
“Your peppermint breath of my cheek, is the only mint I need, and I’m excited to try it. And I’m waiting so impatiently, for the sweet taste of your kiss from your candy cane lips, I- I can’t miss. I wanna live under the mistletoe, follow your footsteps in the snow and I know, I’m coming home, home with you...”
I was eating a candy cane. My breath was sure to smell like peppermint. I had kissed Alex’s cheek yesterday.
Suggestive song. Especially since he winked at me before starting. Was he trying to say he liked me?
“Dedicated that one to a certain someone, no one knows who. Unless, they caught on to my little hint.” Alex laughed, not catching my eye.
He hasn’t cut in over three months. He was definitely happier and while it still hurt when people teased and shoved him around, he didn’t let it get to him. He’s emotionally the strongest person I know. He laughed, made jokes, and smiled a lot. It was enjoyable.
“Very nice, Gaskarth, I’m liking it.” I commented about the song.
“Thank Barakat.” He grinned and the bell rang. Alex came by my desk.
“Hey Jay.”
“Hey Lex. Having a good Christmas?”
“The best! How about you?”
“Pretty great. Who’d you dedicate the song to?”
“A certain someone.”
“Oooh, do tell.”
“I don’t think so, Barakat.” He chuckled.
“Please?”
“Only if you tell me yours.”
“No!”
“Is it Holly?”
“What? No!” I exclaimed.
“Because I swear to god if it was Holly-“
“It’s not Holly, it’s you!”
@TotalBandWh0re @JalexInNeverland @TheJalexWhisperer hey guys idk of you knew this, bus Melissa (the author of this story hasn't been able to access this account in a looooong time but it is finished and their are 4 more sequel's to this and neither of them die sorrynotsorry but here's the link to where its finished Hes Adorable As Hell and its totally worth reading :3
6/1/14