Holding On To Keep This Strong

June rolled around much faster than Jack or Alex had expected it to. They'd grown into a routine at this point with both of them completely free all day. Sleep in, make brunch together, maybe go out or simply watch a movie, make dinner, share a shower, go to bed. It may have seemed boring but to them it was perfect, heaven almost. They liked all the time spent together, it was just natural for the both of them.

But of course today- like every cliche- is different. Why, because today is Jack's birthday and Alex doesn't want routine, not today. He wants something special for his boyfriend, something out of their norm. Which is exactly why he'd woken Jack up early that morning, not necessarily early but much earlier than they'd usually gotten up. After he'd already made breakfast for Jack, his favorite to be exact. Waffles with maple syrup already cooked into them. To say the least Alex was doing his absolute best to spoil his boyfriend today.

"Thanks for the breakfast, Lex." Jack mumbled through a mouth full of waffles.

"You're welcome birthday boy." Alex smiled at the younger, who clearly hadn't even realized it was his own birthday yet.

"Shit...it is my birthday isn't it?"

"Yeah, I'm pretty sure it's the eighteenth. Otherwise my calendar told me wrong and he and I are going to have some serious issues." He joked getting a smile and a laugh from the boy who sat across from him. "Guess what else it is?"

"What?"

"Not only is it your birthday but it's your golden birthday. You're turning eighteen on the eighteenth. It's a pretty special day."

"Really? Well what are we doing today?"

"Can't tell you, it's a secret. But I can say that after you finish eating you should shower and get dressed."

"Hm...would you like to save water and shower with me?"

"Nope, we're on a schedule and I already showered."

"A schedule? Really Alex?"

"Yes really, don't question it, just finish eating your breakfast."

Jack rolled his eyes and mocked his boyfriend, lovingly of course, but he complied anyway.

-

"The pier, isn't it a little early to be here?" Jack asked, frowning as he looked out the window.

"No, it's open. Just no ones here this early. Makes parking a lot easier too." Alex murmured as he pulled into one of the few spaces in front of the building. They were usually all filled on account of the pier being ridiculously busy especially during the summer. But that's exactly why he'd woken Jack up so early, besides that it was a Wendsay so he expected it to be especially empty. Absolutely no one would be there at nine in the morning only the people who worked there and maybe a few tourists.

Eventually the pair were hand in hand walking up to the pier's entrance. Alex leading the way taking his boyfriend towards the ferris wheel, probably one of the main attractions of the pier.

"The ferris wheel?" Jack asked, cocking a brow at the elder.

"Yeah, you said you've never been on it even though you've lived here your whole life. I thought we should go."

The teen smiled at that and leaned into Alex just lightly before holding up his own weight once more. "Thanks Lex."

"No problem kitten, it's your day I'm just trying to make it a good one."

"You don't have to try, it's a good day whenever I have you around."

"That's not true and you know it." Alex argued. "Though it's cute and super sweet, I don't think the days we fight are good ones."

"Yeah, but the days without you are never good either, I'd say they're a lot worse actually."

Alex simply shrugged, now no longer really invested in their conversation. Right now he was focused on getting their ferris wheel tickets, he was almost certain this exact conversation would come up again in the near future anyway so there was no need to have it on Jack's birthday. He didn't want to be the cause of his boyfriend getting upset at all today.

A few minutes later and they were stepping into the ferris wheel cab, taking their seats next to each other.

Jack seemed to be completely mesmerized by the early morning skyline, looking at all the buildings with a smile on his face. Alex watching him contentedly, getting the exact reaction he wanted from the younger boy. His eyes lighting up when they reached the very top of the wheel, eyes searching but not sure what to focus on. Alex found it completely adorable and he loved each second of it.

"The lake looks really pretty from up here." Jack mumbled, staring off at the rippling water that seemed to be made up of silver the way the sun reflected off of it.

"It is, you wanna go again?"

"Please?" Jack nearly pleaded now turning around to face his boyfriend.

"I paid for two rides, don't worry."

Jack only smiled in response and leaned into Alex's side continuing to look out of the plastic windows.
-

Probably four rides later and Alex was pulling Jack away from the ferris wheel. He knew that Jack clearly wasn't happy about not going on another ride but he was pretty sure the rest of the day would make up for it.

"Come on, I want to take you up to the garden. The tropical plants look best during the summer."

"The garden isn't as fun as the ferris wheel."

"Im pretty sure it is, besides this place is still a ghost town, it's nice when it's empty."

And Alex was right, as usual of course, the rooftop garden was an absolute ghost town. Not a soul was roaming and that left the couple completely alone with the garden all to themselves.

"Wow," gasped Jack, clearly taken aback by the scenery. He hadn't been there since he was a little boy so of course the change was quite drastic. He never remembered everything being so vividly beautiful, vines hanging from the glass dome that acted as a ceiling, sunlight sleeping through it's beams accenting the early morning dew that still rested on some of the plant's leaves. The room was almost misty but it only added a slight mystery to it's beauty. At the least Jack loved it, he could probably stay here for hours simply roaming and basking in the sweet smell of the various flowers.

"So was I right to bring you up here?" Alex asked almost tauntingly as he smiled at his boyfriend. Jack only nodded and began to lead Alex further into the room.

They stayed there for a long while, Jack pointing out a different flower every few minutes and almost prancing towards it to read the descriptions of each one. Being completely honest Alex hadn't expected Jack to get that excited over the graden but he loved his reaction nonetheless. Just the way his jaw dropped when they first walked in was enough for Alex. He was making Jack happy and causing genuine smiles that he hadn't seen in weeks. That's all he wanted out if today, for Jack to be happy and from the signs of things he was.

-
"We're going somewhere else?" Jack asked once he'd realized that they were most definitely not heading back towards Alex's apartment. Because the 82nd highway definitely did not take them back to town from the city.

"Yeah, just sit back and relax. It's going to be at least forty five minutes before we get there."

"Can we pick up some food then, I'm hungry and it's almost twelve."

"M'sorry Jay we can't be late. But I'm very much prepared and there are granola bars in the glove compartment."

"I love you." Jack uttered out of gratitude already opening the glove compartment.

"I know."

Eventually they made it to their destination. A pristine white house in the suburbs, two levels, a perfectly groomed yard, and set walkway up to the front door that came right off of the driveway. Jack looked pretty confused when they got there but asked absolutely no questions, just glancing back and fourth from his boyfriend and to the house.

"Don't worry, I didn't buy a house for us. Not yet anyway. I'm saving that for another birthday." Alex joked as he got out of the car. He opened Jack's door for him and took ahold of his hand. "You'll see, just come on."
"I'm a little scared right now, not going to lie." Jack laughed nervously but his genuine smile still prevailing.

"You've got no reason to be." Alex said before turning and quickly pecking Jack on the lips. They were now standing on the porch making Jack even more nervous. "I'm right here and I think you'll like this surprise."

Alex pulled a key out of his pocket and unlocked the door. He let Jack go in first before following suit and shutting the door behind them. Jack had to admit the house was really nice though, shiny stained wood floors. A pretty high ceiling and there was even a fireplace. He liked it though it was barely furnished, only one recliner sitting lonely in front of the fire place.

"C'mon, upstairs we go." Alex said, which really only caused more confusion in the younger boy. "You'll see what it is, just come on."

Jack only nodded and took Alex's hand in his letting the elder lead him upstairs. They went into one of the bedrooms that seemed a lot more furnished than the living room had been.

Alex lead him over to the bed where two pairs of swim trunks and two beach towels were waiting on them.

"Get changed, I've got flip flops if you want to wear them instead of your gym shoes." Alex said, already beginning to take his shirt off, having let go of Jack's hand.

Despite being completely bewildered Jack did as told, stripping his clothes away and trading them for a yellow pair of swim trunks with red stitching. He looked over to see that Alex's pair were the exact opposite and matching his.

"Why do I feel like my mom has something to do with this?" Jack more of stated than asked as he picked up his towel.

"What makes you think that?"

"Our swim trunks, they match. It's something my mom would do. You...not really. Sometimes, but swim suits, you wouldn't put that much thought into it."

"Well why don't we just go to the back yard?"

Jack shrugged and followed behind his boyfriend who was padding his way out of the room.

Alex opened the sliding glass door letting Jack go through in front of him. Sadly he couldn't tell what was waiting for him until after the door was opened, due to curtains covering all of the windows that faced the back yard. But Jack didn't mind it too much, he rather liked that Alex and more than likely his mom were doing so much for him.

"Surprise!" A pretty large group of people shouted, startling Jack at first. But not even an instant later a large smile formed on his lips. Literally everyone he could want there were there. His friends of course, his parents, brother -with a very pretty blonde accessory on his arm- and even a few cousins on his dad's side that he'd missed dearly.

Not to mention the fact that the back of the house was pretty impressive. There was a small deck that he guessed came off of the dining room, a pool and a pretty spacious patio.

"God, you guys are the best!" Jack shouted, looking around at all of the familiar faces and then to Alex. He was almost certain that this would be his best birthday. And he could credit most of it to a certain person with messy brown and blond hair.
-

"Hey, look at my lil bro. Finally an adult." David said as he wrapped an arm around Jack as he sat down next to the younger on the deck.

"Yeah, I'm gonna be old soon." He laughed, still looking from where he sat on the deck at all of his friends and of course his boyfriend. They were all in the pool, splashing each other, screaming and having fun together.

"Yeah...hey I just wanted to say sorry about your graduation dinner...I was an ass."

"Just a little bit. You didn't know though, so I guess I forgive you." He teased, lightly pushing his brother by leaning over. "I know you guys didn't know, dad already talked to me. You two are good."

"Thanks...so he makes you happy, huh?" David asked obviously referring to Alex.

"Yeah, I know it may sound stupid and crazy, especially since I'm only seven- no eighteen, but I could see myself spending the rest of my life with him...I kind of want to."

"That does sound kind of crazy...but I think I get what you're saying. Hey, off topic but it's crazy too, do you think mom and dad could get back together?"

"Honestly, no but that's only cause the divorce was so bad. Right now...I dunno, they seem to be on okay terms but I think it's far from romance."

"So there's a chance?" Jack shrugged. "I don't know but I think it'd be pretty cool if they got back together, moms gonna be pretty lonely living in this house all by herself. And I don't think she wants to live alone."

"Okay, there's a chance but lets not talk about it. No getting our hopes up."

"Yeah, okay. Hey I bet I can make it to the pool before you."

"I bet you can't!" Jack said, alread getting up and running off of the deck. David chased after him, Jack cannonballing into the pool and his brother following suit.

-
A few hours later and they'd started a fire pit, all of the adults who were over eighteen retreating into the house to get dinner and the cake together. Jack sat down with Rian and Zack on either side of him.

"Today's been good Jacky boy." Zack said, nudging his friend I'm the shoulder. "I think you just might be back."

"Back am I? I don't think I ever went anywhere." Jack joked though he knew exactly what Zack meant. He hadn't been the same since the entire ordeal with Billie Joe, but he was surely getting back to being himself. The past month with Alex had definitely helped with that. He was never forced to go out if he didn't want to and had all of the time he could possibly need in what was his safe haven, Alex's place. It helped but by no means had he fully healed although he'd truly stopped playing the blame game. He didn't shift it over from Billie Joe and back to himself, no, he knew that it was by no means his fault and that was a big step in itself. As for his mental state he still broke down every once in awhile but not nearly as much. He still wanted to kick and scream about it but he didn't have to. Though it was tough he'd begun to take Alex up and talking about it which had helped much more than he thought it would. He'd also opened up to his friends a lot more on the matter, mainly Cassadee she just happened to be a bit more delicate on the matter than Zack or Rian were. Not that they were harsh, it was just that neither of them really knew an appropriate way to ask qustions they had or comfort him. Yet and still talking to all of them took away the vast majority of anxiety he'd felt over the past two months.

"You're right...you've always been here, we just had to wait to see you. I'm glad to now."

Jack smiled at his friend and turned away for a moment before looking back at him. "Don't be a big sap on me, not tonight okay? We're gonna be happy and have fun, okay?"

"Yeah, okay. No tears when I beat you in Just Dance. My hips don't lie." Zack laughed.

"He's not lying though." Jaime interjected from where he sat I'm the chair next to Zack. "Not in a dirty way, that's my secret. But he beat the shit out of me last time we played one of those dance games."

"Well I think this calls for a dance battle...after dinner though cause I'm really hungry." Jack said getting a couple laughs from his cousins and friends who were joining their conversation at the mention of a dance battle.

-

"Happy birthday to you dear..." His friends and family sang as they stood around him as he stood in front of his cake at the table on the deck. He laughed at the various names everyone called out, Jacky Boy, Idiot, and somewhere in there Kitten.

Eventually their song was over and Jack was blowing out the candles.
-
Much sooner than Jack wanted it to be the party was over. His cousins leaving first then his friends and soon it was only him Alex and his mother left at the house. And he knew theyd have to leave soon too. They had already agreed on going back to Alex's place for the night and coming back later that week to help his mother pick out furniture.

He was happy with the plan but he just didn't want the day to end. It'd been perfect, not to mention much better than the past two months combined. He appreciated Alex and his family a lot for making it so great too. Without them he knew he'd barely have his head above water by now.

-

"So what'd you wish for?" Alex asked later on the car ride home.

"Hm?"

"When you blew out the candles, what was your wish."

"Nothing, I've already gotten everything I could want. Besides I couldn't tell you cause then it wouldn't come true." He smiled teasingly despite the fact that he really hadn't wished for anything he didn't already have. He just wished for everyone in his life to stay exactly where they were, right by his side.

The pair made it home almost an hour later having taken the scenic route through the city.

"Jay, I'm gonna go take a shower." Alex said as he kissed the younger gently on his lips.

"Okay," Jack mumbled as he hooked an arm around the back of Alex's neck with absolutely no intention of letting Alex leave. He pressed his lips back against the elder's, Alex kissing him back obviously restraining himself.

"Hey..." Alex whispered after pulling away from the younger. "You sure about doing any of this...I mean we haven't since-"

"I know, but I want this...I need this right now, I miss you." Jack breathed, crashing his lips back onto Alex's being welcomed by the older boy - no, man.

Alex lifted the younger up, holding onto the back of Jack's thighs. He carried him towards the bedroom, stopping near the door way and pressing Jack against the wall.

"Fuck, keep me right here...just stay like this for awhile." Jack mumbled into their kiss, wrapping his legs tighter around the teacher's waist.

Alex did as told, kissing then teenager frevrently, loving the press of Jack's soft lips against his. It'd been too long since they'd done anything this physically intimate and if Alex was being completely honest he missed Jack. He missed being pressed against him naked and sweaty, their skin sticking together. He savored every moment, even of kissing. Finally sharing kisses that weren't innocent, kisses that had passion behind them, drive to a definite goal. They carried less weight now than the only sugary sweet kisses and pecks they'd shared the past couple months. These were burning with intensity and traveling through their bodies rapidly, the anticipation nearl killing both of them.

Jack tangled his fingers in the hair at the nape of Alex's neck, consequently pressing their lips even closer together. But he didn't mind and from Alex's response he didn't mind it either.

The elder tightened his grip on Jack's thighs now and pushing his body closer to the younger's.

"Bedroom. Now." He muttered having felt the growing blulge in Jack's pants press into him one too many times. The younger nodded before moving on to kiss where Alex's jaw and neck met. Which only made Alex move faster, carrying the younger into the bedroom and leaning him over the bed.

He moved them further onto the bed before settling there, letting most of his weight fall upon Jack. But the younger didn't mind it at all, it just meant more pressure which was something he greatly lusted for at the moment.

"Alex...just, please?" The younger panted out letting his head fall to the pillow and legs drop from Alex's waist. Alex nodded and moved to stand on his knees, still leaning over his boyfriend.

He began taking Jack's shirt off, thankful that the younger had worn a button down that day. He continued to press small kisses onto his chest as he unbuttoned the shirt, trailing down to Jack's naval and back up.

Jack was nearly trembling by the time Alex had gotten the shirt off of him. Usually he'd be fine but then again Alex usually didn't do everything in his power to make Jack as sensitive as possible. Aside from their first time they'd never kissed for this long, just kissing. No grinding against each other, no palming or teasing. They only used their lips and unfortunately for Jack his boyfriend was almost scarily good with his mouth.

By the time they'd each gotten rid of all of their clothes Jack was refusing to simply kiss. He wanted Alex badly at this point, no he needed Alex right now. Waiting any longer than he had to just wasn't happening and Alex sensed that easily. But sensing it and actually doing any were completely different.

Alex continued to suck at Jack's chest, working his way down to the younger's nipples and back up. He had no intention of rushing a thing though he knew that Jack was already leaking and yearning for more by now.

"Stop fucking teasing." Jack groaned. Alex didn't respond immediately, kissing his way back up except all the way back to Jack's neck this time, then to his jaw, his cheek, and finally back onto his mouth. He wrapped a hand around Jack's leaking member, barely moving it, still teasing the younger but all within good reason. "Come on..." Jack moaned now, bucking into Alex's hand which honestly didn't help in the slightest.

"Shh...no rushing." Alex said almost in a scolding matter but reached over to open the nightstand drawer where none other than lube and condoms were kept. He could nearly feel Jack's excitement at that single action. But rather than teasing he followed through and grabbed the bottle of lube.

Jack tensed at the sound of the cap opening and even more so when Alex was sliding two fingers down from the base of his cock and to his entrance. But soon after he relaxed knowing that the only reason Alex had simply stopped was because it'd hurt if he remained as tense as he was.

After a short while that felt like an eternity to Jack Alex was finally pressing a finger in and soon after a second.

Jack gasped at the second intrusion now biting his lower lip. He moved his arms behind his head, clutching onto the pillow tightly. It'd been a lot longer than Jack thought it'd been, he was barely even used to being stretched out at this point.

Alex went gently for a long while, simply shifting his hand around before completely pulling out. And usually Jack would be upset about that but he was fine with it knowing what was coming next.

Much later than Jack wanted him to Alex was lining himself up with the younger. The elder's hesitation was literally driving Jack insane. He needed Alex right now.

"M'sorry Jay... Just, I keep thinking. This is the first time we're doing this and it's legal." He almost laughed. "I dunno it's just weird to think of, y'know."

Jack nodded and smiled at just how innocent his boyfriend was being. Especially at a moment like this that most definitely was not innocent, not by any means. He titled his head up to kiss Alex lightly, then again this time much less chaste, now with fury behind it.

"Hey, wait." Alex muttered as he pulled away. "I'm not going to do anything without warning you first."

"Just do it, I'm ready. I want you, okay?"

Alex nodded and pushed in, slowly of course and he'd used more than enough lube but it didn't stop Jack from groaning. But soon he was giving Alex the signal to move his hips faster. So he did, not by much at all but just enough to have Jack muttering curses.

The younger wrapped his arms around Alex's neck, beginning to kiss him. Not with any thought but just to feel. To have a sense of someone caring about him, not just using his body as a quick lay. Just knowing that the person who laid over him loved him and saw him as a person. That's probably what he enjoyed most right now at this very moment.

Alex on the other hand just enjoyed having Jack this close. Not necessarily at the expense of his pleasure but just knowing that this was a step. This was a step that Jack needed to take and he was taking it, and Alex was proud of him for it.

"St-stop." Jack breathed out trying to steady his breathing. "Just give me a minute." He mumbled, bringing a hand to Alex's chest. "Turn over." He finally commanded after a few long moments, pushing at Alex's shoulder lightly.

Alex almost wanted to ask why but he could guess and he'd know eventually. He pulled out of the younger and lay on his back, letting Jack take control. The younger straddled Alex, standing on his knees, leaning over him his breath tickling Alex's face. He smiled softly and blushed for no reason at all.

He moved slowly, sinking down and lining Alex up with himself. He finally felt Alex pressing into him and slowly kept on until he was almost sitting on Alex's lap. He liked things this way, he had a lot more control not to mention he felt much fuller this way.

Jack began to shift his hips, trying to figure out what exactly it was he wanted to do. Admittedly he and Alex had only been together eight months and only in a handful of them had they had sex...so this was still a bit of a learning experience for Jack. He rutted his hips forward finding exactly what he was looking for, tipping his head back and letting a moan fall from his lips. He repeated the same motion of his hips, now leaning forward resting his hands on Alex's chest.

Alex moved his hands, gripping onto his boyfriend's hips. Looking at Jack right now was an image literally straight out of a wet dream. His mouth hanging ajar, lips a shade of bright pink, chest glistening, messy hair that seemed to suit him. Actually Alex was sure his imagination couldn't even produce an image this perfect.

He brought a hand up to Jack's face cupping his cheek in his hand, biting a lip himself as he suppressed a moan. Alex bucked his hips up to meed Jack who was sinking down again. Eventually the pair found a rhythm, each of their whined, grunts, and moans filling the otherwise quiet bedroom.

Alex sat up and connected his lips with the younger's, threading his fingers in Jack's hair. He pulled away not a moment later, leaving his lips practically on Jack's lips so that they brushed together with each of Jack's movements. He brought a shaky hand up from Jack's hip to run his finger's down the teen's back making the hairs on Jack's skin raise.

"God, you look gorgeous right now." Alex whispered before bringing his lips to meet with Jack's once again. Jack was barely kissing back, focusing on bouncing in the older man's lap. He wrapped an arm around Alex's neck unconsciously digging his fingers into his shoulder blades. Which just called for a kiss with too much saliva, too much tongue, and too much teeth, but it didn't matter much to either of them. It was still the perfect kiss to each of them.

Jack tipped his head back once more, huffing shallowly and weak moans falling out of his mouth. He leaned forward again, still unsure of exactly what to do with himself, he nuzzled his nose into Alex's neck, his breathing making the knot in the pit of Alex's stomach tighten.

Alex let go of the younger boy's hair and brought both of his hands down to gently grip Jack's hips once more. When the teen paused the movement of his hips for a moment Alex took control once more, pushing Jack to lay on his back. The teen complied and lay back, wrapping his legs back around Alex's waist.

The elder snapped is hips back and then forward causing Jack to nearly yelp from the intense bolts of pleasure that seeped through his body and bite down on his lower lip.

"Jack." Alex moaned, now slowly circling his hips, burrowing himself in the younger boy who was cursing incoherently beneath him. "I'm close." He muttered, beginning to move his hips back and forth once again, going at a much slower pace than before.

Jack tilted his head up to press his lips against Alex's neck, kissing the elder's hot skin gently making him moan softly.

"L-Lex..." Jack sputtered out his voice tremulous. "Stop, its too much..." He breathed shallowly.

Alex complied and completely pulled away, not just laying over his boyfriend and connecting their mouths. He ran his tongue along Jack's quivering lower lip which only caused the younger to shake even more. He took a hold of his own throbbing member along with Jack's in one hand, pumping his fist.

The teen groaned bucking up into Alex's hand wanting more though he was already teetering on his edge and very much close to being pushed off. Alex rutted against him earning a guttural moan from the younger who shut his eyes tightly.

Alex bit his lip, closing his eyes too feeling so close to release. He let go of himself and his boyfriend, pressing his body closer to Jack's. The pair molded together as if they were one, grinding against each other at first gently but growing progressively rougher and rougher until each of them were practically screaming each other's names.

Alex was the first to come, thick strips of white merging in the small space left between him and Jack. The latter came shortly after, still grinding against Alex's abdomen until he was nearly worn out and unable to move his hips much more.

They stayed as they were for a long while, whispering sweet nothings, sharing small kisses here and there, lazy grins occupying each of their faces. Alex was the one to move first, simply shifting to lay next to Jack rather than on top of him. He pecked the younger man's cheek, closing his eyes and nuzzling into Jack's neck.

"I don't wanna get up." He mumbled, his breath tickling Jack's neck.

"Me either." Jack whispered back still trying to steady his breath. "We need to clean up though."

"It can wait, right now I just wanna lay down with my boyfriend."

Jack smiled and said nothing else, just maneuvering his neck to kiss Alex's forehead. Usually he'd think it was gross to just lay there covered in sweat and cum but right now he didn't really care. He was just happy to be celebrating his birthday with possibly his favorite person in the world and definitely the person he loved more than anything in the world.

"I love you." He murmured gazing over at Alex who hadn't taken his eyes off of the younger.

"I love you too, kitten...happy birthday." The teacher smiled as he leaned over to kiss Jack gently, the first kiss tonight that was simply for comfort and affection. One of those few kisses that made a moment completely perfect, but then again as far as Jack was concerned all of the moments he spent with Alex were perfect. Every last second he spent with him was perfect because all in all Alex made him happy and even through their rough patches he kept him happy.

As far as Jack was concerned that was true love and it was all he needed.

Notes

Jeez this took forever to write. But anyways I am bot proud of the smut but I guess it was decent to be the third one I've written. Tbh it was rushed. Anyways I think I'm going to just make the next chapter the last one, Le sigh.
(Oh and shout out to this chapter to be the longest one of this fic weighing in at 5,509 words)