ella

my redesign of Lala Nelson (jack hunter in drag) bc the show did her so dirty and didn’t understand her the way i do (brunette. she’s a brunette)

Maybe it was the first time they'd held hands in the movie theater in April while couples around them ignored the screen.

Maybe it was May, when Eric made Jack breakfast in his boxers and Jack got so red that Eric insisted on checking for a fever— he was lucky he didn't have one, or Eric might've made him stay home.

Or perhaps it was late June, when Eric begged Jack to teach him how to dance— and he did. Begrudgingly, but still; he loved the way Eric tried so hard, but still tripped over his feet and giggled every time Jack showed him a new move or put his hand on Eric's waist— he must be ticklish.

Maybe it was the fourth of July, when Jack fell asleep on Eric's chest, worn out from running around with him and Tommy in the sprinklers after dinner.

Maybe it was the first time Eric kissed Jack, just a quick and soft goodbye on the cheek, in August.

Or maybe it was early September, when movie night was a little too romantic— Jack's head laid back on Eric's shoulder while he practically sat on him as the cheesy romance Cory had chosen played. Eric may never admit this, but Jack still remembers the quiet whimper Eric breathed when he adjusted himself on Eric's thigh.

Nobody really quite knew when it had changed.

But that day, mid-October in the student lounge, with Topanga and Cory sitting together all cuddled up and talking about decorating their new place, Shawn was talking with Rachel about maybe going to the racquetball game this weekend, and Angela beside them faced towards Eric.

And Jack and Eric, comfortable yet still squished together in the large armchair. Jack was running his fingers through Eric's hair, draped over him with his legs hung over the other arm of the chair, while Eric debated with Angela about the best way to study— he claimed that making friends with the dean was the way to go, and Angela said, "Why wouldn't you just study like a normal person?"

And before Eric could answer, Jack butted in with, "Because he's not a normal person!" But it was said with affection. He kissed Eric on the nose, and Eric wrinkled his nose up in response— still grinning.

That day, something was definitely different than it had been months ago. And nobody even noted it. Not until—

"Oh, hey, Jack!" A girl called from across the student union. Jack tipped his head back to see, hanging over the arm of the chair before he flipped over and hopped off Eric's lap.

"Mindy!" He called excitedly, smiling and reaching out for a hug. She hugged him back. "Oh, my gosh! I haven't seen you in forever!!"

"Yeah, I'm going to Pennbrooke now! Just transferred from Lafayette!!" She grinned, leaning out of the hug.

"Do you like it so far?"

"Oh, yeah, it's great! The teachers are so much nicer than my last school," she tittered with an eyeroll.

Jack nodded.

"Who are your friends?" Mindy asked, smiling and nodding to the group.

Jack huffed out a soft, happy sigh, "Yeah, so, uh, this is Topanga and Cory, and Shawn, Angela over here and that's Rachel." He gestured to his friends, and they all waved, smiling. Jack turned a little, "And this is my boyfriend, Eric!" The word left his mouth before he even realized he had said it. But there was no taking it back. He glanced at Eric, nerves buzzing a little— but there was a kind of expectation in his eyes. Eric just smiled at Mindy, not reacting to the claim hardly at all as he stood, and reached out to shake her hand.

"Hi!" He was grinning that stupid, charming grin he always wore. And, somehow, the anxiety melted away from Jack. Eric pulled Jack in, arm around his waist, and kissed him on the cheek. Mindy beamed; "It's so nice to meet you all!" She said, looking around at them, "And I'm glad you finally found someone, Jack," she smiled warmly at him, but Jack wasn't looking at her when he replied, "Yeah, thanks.."

He was staring at Eric. Eric, and his stupid grin. Eric, and his big brown eyes. Eric, and his soft blonde hair. Eric.

And then Jack kissed him. For real this time. On the lips, with conviction. With control. With hunger. With love.

It was awkward at first, Jack coming in from the side. But as Eric shifted towards him, they adjusted. They fell into each other, Eric's arms still firm on Jack's waist— Jack was lucky he didn't collapse right there on the floor of the student union, knees about to buckle under him. It was warm and wet and soft and real.

"What was that for?" Eric asked— with a grin like the sun was stuck in his throat— when they finally parted, Jack huffing out a couple short pants.

And is staying around for a bit, maybe Eric offers him the couch in his apartment or smth.

It should start normal, just old pals catching up. Jason gets introduced to everybody. Everyone’s Having fun. It’s a great couple of days/weeks.

But when he goes to leave, he’s like

“hey eric thanks for having me. and i just want u to know i think it’s totally u cool u have a boyfriend now. unexpected but cool. i noticed u introduced him as ur roommate and i know thats a thing ppl do but u could’ve told me what was rlly up. we’ve been friends since we were 3, man!” (or something)

and then hes like alright nice seein ya man, bye!

Buck, choking on his drink: I-- a what?

Eddie: A kid.

Buck: No, I heard you, but the way that you said it implies that we already--

Eddie, ignoring him: I mean, Chris is a teen now, and we have the space, and we're more stable now--