Thanks To You

I grumbled, digging my face more into the warmth while something dug into my shoulder over and over. Moaning in discomfort, I pried my eyes open and struggled to breathe with the thickness in my throat mixed with my clogged nostrils. Coughing hard, I pulled my elbow over my mouth and rolled more onto my back while my heavy eyes fell closed again.

“Alex.” Jack called, successfully scaring the shit out of me.

I whined, cringing at the pounding of my heart while I twisted back onto my side how I was before. I pushed my face more into the back of the couch, tugging the thin blanket more up my back before dropping my weak arm back in front of my face.

“Get up, asshole.” He groaned, shaking my back. “You’re not sleeping here.”

“Uh huh.” I mumbled, already drifting back to sleep.

“Alex, c’mon.” He pleaded, more weight pressing into my back. “I’m scared.”

I woke up a little bit once his words registered through my groggy brain. Heaving a sigh, I forced myself to sit up and wipe at my eyes. Swallowing thickly, I coughed miserably and grimaced at the pain in my throat. Throwing the blanket over my bare legs, I squinted through the dark and watched the bundles of bunched up Kleenex fall to the carpet. I groaned, wiping the raw patch under my nose with the back of my hand out of habit while I searched the darkness for Jack.

“Please.” He called softer, appearing right in front of me.

“Okay.” I agreed, feeling my throat close up.

I sniffed, pulling myself up and off of the couch without another minute to waste. I swayed to the side, barely catching myself on the armrest as I struggled to stand up with the rest of my body. Humming, I stood up straight and grabbed the small throw blanket from the ground. Thunder rumbled through the walls as I bent down to grab all of the used tissues from the floor and the small sound of Jack whimpering broke through my clogged ears. Frowning, I stood back up and shoved all of the tissues into my hoodie pocket before stepping closer towards him.

“Can’t see.” I murmured, reaching out for him.

My fingers grazed his hips, sending a strong flip through my stomach before I slipped my hand further to bunch the back of his t-shirt in my fist. I coughed some more, using the blanket to shield my mouth while Jack pulled me away from the couch and in the direction of the stairs as quick as he could with me stumbling behind him. Louder thunder shook the house and I bit my lip as Jack jumped against me.

“S’okay.” I whispered, dropping his shirt in order to rub his side.

I climbed up the steps slowly and carefully, walking to his room with ease once we reached the hall. I stepped inside and listened to his door close, loud rain filling the silence of the house. I blinked tiredly, wasting no time before I dropped down onto his bed stomach-first. I dug my face into the first pillow I came across and tucked my arms under my head, not caring to cover the rest of my body with my blanket. Jack’s gasp filled my ears a few seconds later followed by the weight of his body rolling over my back and into the space between me and the wall. I peeked my tired eyes open, the flash of lightening filling the room long enough for me to see his wide eyes as he faced me.

“S’just rain.” I reminded, clearing my throat in attempt to get rid of the lumps.

“You sound terrible.” He whispered, pushing my bangs back with his hand. “I’ll make you some hot tea-”

“Sleep.” I mumbled, shaking my head in protest.

“Will you, um.” He stammered awkwardly, pulling the rest of the comforter from under my stomach.

“What?” I croaked.

“Will you like, lay with me?” He asked.

“I am.” I replied, furrowing my eyebrows.

“No.” He sighed, draping some blanket over me. “Like,”

I opened my eyes all the way, rolling more onto my side instinctively while his chest pressed into mine. I opened my mouth, closing it right after while my words refused to form on my tongue and fell more onto my back while Jack pushed himself over my chest. I swallowed thickly, turning my head a bit to avoid getting a mouthful of his hair while he grabbed my arm and pulled it up over his back.

“Like this.” He directed, placing my hand over his warm side.

I blinked slowly, still feeling disoriented as I tried to understand what’s happening. Licking my lips, I carefully tilted my head and tried to keep my heart from racing when the fact that he’s cuddling into me finally registered. Gulping, I felt more alert than I did five minutes ago and found myself laying as stiff as a fucking board underneath him. This is different than sleeping in his bed with him to make him feel better. This is different when I’m laying here sober and not out of my mind doing what I want without any cares.

“Relax.” He whispered, his hot breath right on my neck. “It’s just me.”

“Tha’s the problem, Jay.” I blurted, grimacing at how bad I sounded.

He sighed, sending chills down my body while he nuzzled his face more into my neck. His arm draped more over my stomach, his left hand grabbing my right and slipping our fingers together easily. I bit my lip, the quick movement stretching the freshly cut skin hidden inside my sleeve. I stared at the dark ceiling, blatantly ignoring the way my fingers twitched to close around his while my breath caught in my throat.

“Let it happen.” He mumbled, squeezing my palm harder than before. “I need you, Lexy.”

“Gross.” I cringed, biting my lip harder. “Not that.”

“Lexy-poo? Boo? Ally-bear?” He pestered, repeatedly squeezing my palm. “String bean?”

I chuckled, unable to contain the smile taking over my lips while my fingers reluctantly locked around his like he wanted them too.

“Really?” He giggled. “String bean?”

“S’funny.” I shrugged, calming down from the short laugh quickly. “Um.”

Realization washed over me just as quick and I suddenly felt nervous. The anxiety rising in me had my hands grow warm and the stupid fear of sweaty palms had me wanting to get out of his grip as fast as I could, but he held tight.

“You did it.” He teased, forcing his leg through my thighs underneath the blankets. “No take-backs.”

“You’re som’in else.” I managed, the rush of the rain outside oddly soothing.

Then again, I’ve always loved the storms. Jack is the one with the irrational fear every storm is going to turn into a tornado that kills us all or something crazy like that.

“You’re somethin’ else too.” He hummed and I could feel his lips curl up against the side of my neck. “String bean.”

“Jesus Christ.” I muttered, forcing the thick saliva down my throat.

“Tomorrow we’re shaving your face.” He informed quietly, pressing into me even more.

“We?” I croaked, coughing lightly.

“I’m not sleeping in a face full of stubble again.” He reasoned, sending my heart into my stomach. “Either you shave it or I will, hobo.”

I cleared my throat, silently nodding even though he wasn’t looking at me. Thunder cracked through the walls once more, making me jump along with Jack this time but only because his knee was centimeters from wrecking my balls.

“Watch it.” I breathed, feeling my heart pound in my chest.

“Like I wouldn’t make it better.” He sassed, digging his right arm in between my side and his chest.

Warmth spread through my stomach, making me even more nervous as silence passed between us in long seconds. Butterflies circled my ribs and nothing but confusion clouded my mind because what the fuck. Why is he hinting at making my balls feel better and laying all over me and being like, flirty?

“I,” I started, feeling him run his thumb over the back of my hand. “I don’t-”

“Sh.” He hushed, pressing his lips into my neck in the process. “Sleep time.”

I closed my mouth, blinking my eyes closed once the dryness got too much. I turned my head, coughing hard over the side of the bed while my body relaxed back into the small mattress. Once the tingles in my throat lightened up, I laid my head back comfortably and subconsciously pulled Jack more into my side as the familiar feeling of drifting away took over my senses.

“You make me feel safe.” He muttered after a few minutes into silence, hugging me tighter.

I furrowed my eyebrows, faintly feeling the tickles of his hair against my cheek. I mumbled incoherently, whining in the back of my throat when his weight shifted. My loose fingers dropped back by my side freely and the warmth cupping my jaw jolted me out of the lull taking me over. Squinting, I attempted to pry an eye open only to close them again with the soft pressure on my lips. I gasped, pulling away with a loud pop as harsh coughs tumbled from my tingling lips. I leaned away, barely taking in the soft rubbing along my back as I covered my loud sounds with my elbow.

“Sorry.” He whispered quickly, patting my back a little harder. “I forgot you can’t breathe. I’m sorry.”

I cracked a smile through my fit, shaking my head lightly as I calmed down. Panting, I pulled my arm from around him and reached for the nightstand. My hand gripped the cold water I knew was going to be sitting there and I pulled the cap off, allowing myself two long gulps before I set it back down. Patting my chest, I tried to stop my pounding heart and shook my head. Licking my lips, I slowly laid back down and closed my eyes while tension filled the air between us. I wiped my mouth dry with my sleeve, wincing at the slight burn. The reminder sent me back into my shell as all of Joe’s words clouded my memory for the millionth time tonight and I rolled back onto my stomach, slipping my arms under my head without a word the second Jack tried to tuck himself back into my side.

What the fuck is going on? Why did he want to lay with me like that when he has a girlfriend? Why did he just kiss me like that? He’s not drunk and I’m definitely not drunk. Confusion riddled my mind, making me sick to my stomach as the blurry image of what’s-her-name flickered through my head. He doesn’t want me and he never will want me that way. I can’t let my guard down like that. What the fuck would’ve happened if Joe would’ve found us like that in the morning? What would’ve happened if I could breathe through my nose and actually kissed him back?

“Alex?” Jack whispered, my chest aching with how hurt he sounded.

Or maybe that’s because I still can’t fucking breathe.

“Alex, I’m sorry.” He repeated even softer.

I frowned into my pillow, itching to slip back out of the bed and trek to my car. My hands twitched under my head, needing to feel the thin neck of the glass bottle I desperately draw comfort from. Squeezing my eyes closed, I clenched my fists and willed the urge to get up and drink everything in my front seat away while the rain lightened up on the small window a few feet from the bed.

“Goodnight.” He whispered, sending goosebumps over my legs when his warm hand pressed into the skin of my lower back.

I kept quiet, only relaxing when his breath evened out a painful twenty minutes later.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“Are you okay, sweetie?” Joyce asked in concern, leaning over me and pressing her hand to my forehead again. “You look like you’ve lost your mind a little bit.”

I shook my head, stopping immediately when her eyes widened.

“No.” I paused, tossing my head back. “Yes. Fine.”

“My goodness, child.” She scolded, tsking me while she hurried back to the stove. “You’ll be the death of me and we can’t have that on Thanksgiving, can we?”

Thanksgiving. It’s fucking Thanksgiving and my dumb ass is still here, freeloading off of her for as long as I can get away with. I’m such a piece of shit and I really don’t deserve any of this. I should be figuring out where to go next once it come that time my dad supposedly comes home, but I haven’t even thought about it. All I can think about is what happened yesterday and how I’m still sitting here even though I should really get it together and get out of here like I was told.

“No ma’am.” I whispered, as much as my voice would allow me.

“What kind of father leaves his son alone on Thanksgiving?” She repeated, a lot quieter while she pulled the squealing pot from the stove. “A sick son the less.”

I chuckled awkwardly, twiddling my thumbs over the island while she poured the boiling water into a fancy black and gold specked mug. I shrugged out of instinct, twirling my tongue piercing as she noisily opened the cupboard above her head. She pulled a teabag out and shook it a bit before dropping it into the mug and scooping it up effortlessly.

“This will do wonders for you. Drink it all.” She advised, standing in front of me again and sliding the mug toward me. “I just need to add a spoonful or two of honey.”

I grimaced, staring down at the browning liquid briefly before flickering my gaze back up to hers.

“Wipe that look off your face, you won’t even taste it.” She scolded, rolling her eyes in amusement.

“Still know s’there.” I squeaked out, prying my lips closed when she widened her eyes at me.

“Zip it.” She ordered, pulling the bear looking jar out of nowhere and popping the cap. “Close your eyes.”

I made a face, immediately obeying afterwards to avoid the death stare burning holes into my face. I groaned at the squeezy sound, coughing when the vibrations sent tickles up my throat.

“There.” She chirped happily, like she wasn’t about to kill me for not listening. “You didn’t see it, you don’t know it’s there.”

I fought the urge to tell her I heard it, sitting silently and watching her stir the small spoon around a few times before pushing the steaming cup even closer to me.

“Drink up, sugar.” She smiled, brushing her hair behind her ears. “I called Jack’s doctor. He said that you’ll be able to take the antibiotics you’re prescribed along with your ADHD medication. There will be no interferences.”

I nodded in thanks, hesitantly curling my cold hands around the hot mug and pulling it closer to my mouth. Blowing softly, I slowly sipped a mouthful and made a face when the roof of my mouth lit on fire.

“I told you it was going to be hot.” She reminded. “It kills the bacteria.”

I nodded again, mentally prepared for the burn as I forced myself to gulp another mouthful down. The hotness soothed my throat for only a few seconds, but it only made me want to keep getting the satisfaction. The steam opened my clogged senses, making my nose run instead of stuff which felt like a miracle compared to what it was like yesterday.

“Am I seeing things or is Alex really awake before me?”

I froze, tracing my thumb around the rim of my mug while my eyes glued to the countertop. The sound of Jack’s bare footsteps padded over the tile, filling my ears before Joyce’s soft laugh.

“I was surprised too, but he’s good company.” She noted, clicking her tongue. “Especially when he can’t speak.”

I rolled my eyes, letting the smile break through my face as she laughed at her own little joke.

“Now since I’m not hosting this year, I must get back to baking my pies for dessert.” She informed, brushing her apron off. “Why don’t you boys hang out in the tv room?”

“Can Alex come to Aunt Shelly’s with us?” Jack asked, suddenly beside me.

“Alex can always come with us.” She retorted with a warm smile, making my heart skip weirdly in my chest. “Now, off yous go out of my baking space.”

I rolled my hot lips together, forcing myself off of my stool. My feet hit the cool tile, sending chills up legs all the way to my neck. Shivering, I held the mug out in front of me and grudgingly walked through the kitchen and into the family room. May immediately came into my sight, sitting cross-legged on the couch. Popping my lips, I side-stepped to the space beside her and sprawled out purposely making no room for Jack.

“Hello?” She whined, making no move to shove my legs away from her as I spread out the best I could. “You’re lucky you don’t smell today.”

I shrugged, slurping at the tea annoyingly and wincing when she pinched my knee. She laughed loudly, making another smile grace my lips and I felt a little bit more calm and okay. Sighing, I stared down at the black shorts riding above my knees and took another long drink of the tea. She was right, it is doing wonders. I still feel like shit, but I can breathe a little bit better and that’s some progress.

“Gaskarth, just the guy I was looking for!”

I jumped, panic shooting through me when I barely caught the mug from slipping out of my grasp. Breathing out of relief, I shot my eyes to the open entryway and gulped loudly when Jack’s Dad stood in the center bundled up in a winter coat with everything to match.

“Um,” I stammered, sitting up straight.

“The mechanic of the house, right?” He joked, waving me over. “I need you, son.”

I flickered my gaze from his wiggling eyebrows to Jack’s in his place on the armchair and found Jack furrowing his eyebrows back at me. Clearing my throat, I scratched at my messy hair and set the mug down on the coffee table instead of dwelling on how hard my heart is beating.

“Yeah.” I rasped, standing from the couch and brushing my hands over my stomach.

“I hope you’re going to put some clothes on first.” Jack commented. “It’s literally fifteen degrees out right now.”

“You heard him.” Mr. Barakat teased, pointing to the ceiling. “You’ve already got a gnarly cold, go get some clothes on.”

I nodded, wiping my mouth on my sleeve instinctively while I beelined towards the steps. I jogged up, hating the pain in my chest as my lungs tried to catch up with me. Strolling into Jack’s room, I grabbed my backpack and pulled some black jeans out. Shaking them out, I pulled them up over my shorts and buttoned them up quickly before pulling on some socks strewn across the carpet. Swiping Jack’s purple beanie from the corner of his bed, I pulled it over my hair along with my hood and grabbed the thin strings dangling from my neck. Shoving one between my teeth, I nodded to myself and hurried back out of the room.

“We’ll be in the garage.” Mr. Barakat announced as soon as my feet hit the foyer.

I chewed on the string tightly, making a half-assed attempt to slip my feet into my shoes before I followed behind him. We walked back through the kitchen and passed the basement, side-stepping into the hidden door leading into the two-car garage. I coughed, sniffling desperately to keep my boogers from hitting my lips once the cold air chilled my spine. An old mustang came into view once my eyes adjusted to the light change and I gawked in appreciation at it’s beauty, immediately taking in everything under the popped hood.

“I can’t seem to pinpoint why she still won’t start,” He started, tossing a dirty rag onto the engine.

I hummed, rolling up my sleeves as I stepped closer. Leaning down, I looked over all of the details carefully and furrowed my eyebrows. Nothing looked wrong with her as far as I could tell, so why would she still be stalling out? I tapped my fingers along the front of the car, automatically reaching for the oil dipstick. I grabbed the rag in my right hand and pulled the stick out, squinting as I wiped the stick down in one swipe. Black gunk stained the dipstick, making me click my tongue while I dropped the rag and rubbed my thumb over the end of the dipstick.

“S’bad.” I informed, rubbing the gritty substance between my thumb and pointer finger.

“You’re telling me I needed to check the oil?” He questioned incredulously.

I nodded, sticking the dipstick back in it’s place and looking over everything a third time. Snapping my dirty fingers, I pointed as another problem caught my eyes and leaned more into the car to inspect. Rolling my lips, I looked more towards the right side and pointed towards the fuel line.

“Bad filter.” I muttered hoarsely, clearing my throat while I pushed myself back up.

“An oil change and a new fuel filter?” He rephrased, making me nod my head again. “That’s my boy!”

I chuckled, holding my elbow in front of my mouth when rough coughs left my throat. Pushing off of the hood, I stood up straight and grimaced when I noticed the black tint taking over my fingers despite how I only intended to use my thumb. Wiping my hands over my thighs, stinging shot through my arm and my heart jumped up into my throat. Gulping loudly, I yanked my sleeves down and tried to keep my composure as I crossed my arms over my chest uncomfortably.

“Go on, back inside.” He nodded, clasping me on the back. “Rest up that voice for later because you know everyone’s gonna talk your ear off.”

I nodded slowly and tried to keep some color in my face while I looked over his face. Nothing seemed off, relieving me a shitload as I stepped behind him to get back to the door. Twisting the knob, I held my breath and waited an extra second but he said nothing behind me and kept muttering about oil changes. Pulling the door open, I hurried inside and pulled the door closed. Breathing in through my mouth, I walked through the kitchen and felt relieved when Jack’s mom was gone. Striding over to the sink, I quickly scrubbed my hands as clean as they would get because one of the many perks of being a mechanic means having stained hands for who knows how fucking long. Dabbing them dry with some paper towel, I crumpled them into the garbage and slowly inched back towards the TV room as Jack’s mom calls it.

“She’s a lovely chick, Jack.” Joe complimented. “You should bring her along to Aunt Shelly’s.”

I paused, keeping out of sight while my stomach sank unintentionally. I crossed my arms over my chest tightly, listening to May agree excitedly while I stayed still around the corner.

“She’s got her own family to spend time with today, guys.” Jack reminded calmly.

“Well, so does Alex, but he’s still here.” Joe scoffed.

“He wouldn’t be if he had family to be with.” Jack argued just as rude. “Rachelle doesn’t want to meet my whole family after like two months.”

“What kind of girlfriend doesn’t want to meet her boyfriend’s family after dating for a few months? Its obvious you guys are going to be together for a long time.” Joe went on.

“Wow, really?” May laughed. “Is that supposed to be sexist? What kind of guy wants to meet a girl’s big family after two months? Not you, Joe. So, back off of Jack because that’s his and Rachelle’s decision.”

I blinked, taking that as my que to stop hiding behind the wall like a weirdo and cleared my throat as I walked back into the room. I rubbed at the back of my neck, taking my time grabbing my mug from the table once I realized Joe was sitting in the center of the couch where I was before. With Jack still in the armchair, I stood in the middle of the room for a few seconds not really knowing what to do.

“Did you figure it out?” Jack asked, jumping up from the recliner.

I nodded my head, the warm liquid feeling even better as it slid down my throat easily.

“Fix what?” Joe asked, burning holes into my face with his stare.

“Ramona.” May said with an eyeroll. “He told Dad how to fix Ramona.”

“I told him I was going to look at it.” Joe retorted, staring at me even harder if it was possible.

“Obviously he trusted Alex’s word more.” Jack shot back, slapping my elbow. “C’mon, you need to shave so you don’t scare the kiddos later.”

I rolled my eyes, bringing my free hand to rub at my scruffy face while May’s laughter filled my ears again. Shaking my head, I took another drink of my tea and slowly followed him up the steps. I bit my tongue once I got into the hallway, a sense of dread washing over me at the thought of being alone with him. One of the reasons I slipped out of his bed at six in the morning was to avoid anything he might try to corner me about the second we’re alone. I can’t help but think he’s going to bring up his weird behavior last night.

“Why do you look like that?” He questioned skeptically, knocking me back into reality as I almost walked straight into him.

“Huh?” I muttered, looking around to see we’re back in the bathroom.

“You’re being weird.” He observed, his stare burning into my face as I watched my mug slip onto the counter.

“M’not.” I shrugged, tucking my hands under my sleeves awkwardly.

“You’re being awkward.” He deadpanned, holding a can of shaving cream out to me. “You can use my razor for real this time.”

I nodded, realization washing over me after I took the shaving cream. I opened my mouth, closing it just as quick when he pulled the curtain of the shower back effortlessly. He grunted, bending down while I squeezed my eyes shut for a good few seconds.

“What the fuck?” He wondered, yanking the curtain back more.

“Oh.” I muttered stupidly, watching him turn to face me with the three pieces of his good razor. “I uh, broke it.”

“You broke it?” He gawked, looking in his hands again before raising his eyes to me.

“I stepped on it, yeah.” I rambled, feeling sick with the lie as I rubbed the back of my neck.

“Alex.” He called seriously, tossing the pieces onto the counter.

“Sorry.” I chuckled humorlessly, my heartbeat quickening at his unsure eyes.

“I know you’re lying.” He whispered, pulling the pocket of my hoodie until I stepped all the way into the bathroom.

I gulped, crossing my arms back over my chest while the door clicked shut behind me. I looked down, watching Jack’s feet return in front of mine even closer than they were before. Tension thickened the air between us, making my stomach twist even more and the burning in my sleeve was doing the exact opposite it did for me yesterday.

“Rubbing your neck, biting your lip, fidgeting your knees.” He listed, barely above a whisper. “Your nervous. What the fuck did you do, Alex?”

I shook my head, shrugging my shoulders and leaning back against the counter. Sighing heavily, I stood up straight and slowly lifted my gaze to meet his. My heart caught in my throat and I’m pretty sure the color drained from my face once I took in the wetness forming in his eyes. Biting my lip, I didn’t fight him when he pulled my left arm free from my chest. He turned it over, quickly ripping the sleeve upwards and sighing with relief when he found the smooth tattooed skin. As soon as he traced the skeleton body, a sharp gasp filled my ears and he was grabbing my right arm instead. My heart pounded in my chest and I bit my lip even harder, squeezing my eyes shut when he lifted the sleeve a lot more gently this time.

“No.” He whispered shakily, pushing the sleeve up to my elbow. “Alex, no.”

Opening my eyes, tons of jagged cuts met my vision. Some long and some skinny, but all red and gross looking. I grimaced, staring at the irritated skin until I felt drops of water near my wrist. I pulled my arm only for Jack to tighten his grip around my wrist and force me to be still.

“You.” He stuttered, sniffling. “I was here and you did this to yourself. Why didn’t you talk to me?”

“I don’t know.” I answered honestly.

“This is.” He whimpered, shaking his head. “This is not okay, Alex. You can’t do this. This is not helping you.”

“Okay.” I agreed quietly, wincing when his thumb grazed the sore cuts.

“Promise me this is the only time this happened.” He whispered, staring into my eyes.

“I promise.” I nodded, licking my dry lips again.

“When you feel like, like that, you talk to me.” He demanded, squeezing my wrist. “Understood.”

“Okay.” I said, wincing a little. “Got it.”

“God.” He sighed, letting go in order to get under the sink. “You could’ve really fucked up you stupid idiot.”

I leaned back, watching him pull out a first-aid kit once he stood back up. The cupboard door shut loudly in the quiet room and I sighed, holding my arm out while he got out some supplies.

“This will sting.” He warned, popping the cap off of some spray and wiping under his nose.

I shrugged, scrunching my face a bit when he squirted it all over every single mark. Once he was done, he rubbed some cream all over and topped it all off with a long strip of thick gauze. Once he stuck the sticky ends together near my wrists, I felt a lot better and almost thankful he caught me red-handed. I ran my fingers over the soft material a few times, stopping when Jack slapped my hand away and fixed my sleeve.

“Slouch down some.” He instructed after wiping his eyes. “I’m shaving your face until I can trust you with a razor in your hand.”

“That’s fucking dramatic.” I scoffed.

“Is it?” He shot back, grabbing the can of shaving cream. “Just shut up and do what I tell you.”

I rolled my eyes, granting his command anyway. The edge of the counter dug into my lower back uncomfortably, but nothing I couldn’t deal with for a few minutes. Sighing, I closed my eyes and tried not to bit my lip when his thin fingers ran across my cheek. He hummed, covering every single hair on my face in the thick foam and paying careful attention around my lips. The clink of the can against the counter rang through my ears before the sound of running water and I opened my eyes, watching Jack squint as he slowly swiped a brand-new razor down my cheek. My eyebrows raised when I caught the lump of hair taken off and once he cleaned it off and repeated the process, I couldn’t argue that it didn’t feel better.

“This is really satisfying.” He mentioned, pressing his thumb into my bottom lip as he cleared my chin of hair.

A small smile cracked through my face and I rolled my eyes, tilting my head to make it easier for him as he got closer to the left side of my jaw. Another ten strokes or so and he was wiping a warm rag over my face. I sucked on my teeth, waiting for him to wipe all of the access cream off before I let my hand graze my cheek.

“Shit.” I mumbled, tracing around my lips.

“Shit.” Jack repeated, standing back in front of me. “Shit.”

“What?” I wondered, pushing off of the counter.

“I just,” He stammered, cheeks flushing bright pink. “I forgot how good-looking you are.”

“Oh.” I laughed awkwardly, butterflies swarming my stomach at the look taking over his face.

“I can see your lips.” He whispered, lifting his hands to my cheeks and stroking my smooth jaw.

“Uh huh.” I hummed quietly, gulping when he stepped closer. “Jack.”

I jumped back, slamming into the counter while his front pressed up into mine. I looked away, chuckling awkwardly as my heart jumped around my chest. His breath ghosted over my neck and excitement piled in the pit of my stomach as he hands continued to cup my jaw gently. Closing my eyes, I counted to ten and prepared to push him away. I’m letting my guard down again and he’s confusing me with al this touchy-feely shit he’s doing to me. I don’t want to be confused.

“Jack.” I said again, pushing at his hips softly.

“Alex.” He replied, sliding his hands to the back of my neck.

I swallowed thickly, reluctantly looking down at him as chills ran down my spine from the touch. Licking my lips, his dark eyes burned into mine and I lost all of the words I wanted to say.

“I want to kiss you.” He whispered, pressing the end of his nose into mine.

“Okay.” I whispered back, his warm lips pressing into mine without another second to waste.

I sucked in a breath, gripping his hips tightly in my hands while I leaned down to his level. His arms looped around my neck, hugging me tighter as he sucked my lip into his mouth. I hummed, parting my lips a bit further and feeling his tongue slip over mine. He moaned and warmth spread through my gut while time moved in slow motion the longer he kissed me. He panted into my mouth, running his hands up the beanie until it fell from my head and tangling his fingers into my knotty hair. I grunted, slipping my fingers up his shirt and curling them around the soft skin above his hips. He pulled me closer, taking my breath away with all of his open-mouthed kisses and making it harder for me to control myself. Everything felt so good and so right, it made my heart swell and I didn’t want him to stop locking lips with me until I passed out.

“Jack!”

I hissed, Jack ripping my bottom lip open with his teeth a second time as he pulled away faster than I could open my eyes. I winced, pressing my fingers to the stinging spot near my piercing once again while pounding on the door registered in my brain. I stood up, coughing hard into my hand in attempt to steady my breathing while Jack scrambled to pull the bathroom door open. I turned my back to the door and grabbed a wad of toilet paper, shoving it over my mouth quickly while the door squeaked on its hinges.

“Ah, there you are!” Mr. Barakat exclaimed, clapping his hands. “We’re getting ready to go now that it’s almost three.”

I slowly turned around, trying to keep my composure when his eyes studied me immediately. He quirked an eyebrow, looking between the two of us a few times before settling his gaze back on me.

“Uh, shaving.” I supplied, dabbing my chin with the bloody splotches of the tissue.

“Looks great, kiddo.” Mr. Barakat chirped, giving me a thumbs-up. “Jack, I want you to wear that nice sweater vest with your dress shirt. Alex, come with me son. I’m sure I’ve got an old shirt you can fit into. Those jeans will have to do.”

I swallowed, barely having time to toss the napkin into the garbage before Jack’s dad was pushing him aside and grabbing at my elbow. I stumbled through the doorway, fighting the urge to glance back at Jack as I was pulled into his parents’ bedroom.

Notes

thanks for all of the love on here! I'd like to say this is where the story really starts! ;)