apparently I'm into xreader stuff now

"Stephen." A firm voice sounded from behind him. Stephen turned away from the zebras he'd been watching graze, and towards Morris and the others.

"Yes, Governor?" Stephen replied, eyes wide and already thinking he was in so much trouble. He just had to get distracted by the animals like a child. All the zebras had been doing was eating, and Stephen stopped listening to the politicking around him.

"Are we boring you, son?" Morris said with a strained, almost bitter smile. The other men all looked at Stephen with raised brows and downturned lips.

"No, I'm sorry," Stephen cleared his throat and walked towards where the Governor and the others were waiting for him to catch up. "I'm sorry."

Morris gave him a disappointed look as he tilted his head before plastering on a fake smile and patting Stephen on the shoulder. "Come on, we'll be done here soon." He dragged Stephen away from the zebras and towards the next section of the zoo.

Morris was trying to garner support for his campaign via animals— not a bad idea, people liked animals more than humans sometimes— and Stephen has been staring absolutely awestruck at all the animals they'd been walking past.

Morris had Stephen walk in front of him as he went back to speaking with a zoo worker, or owner, Stephen wasn't sure, while Stephen dropped his head and refused to look at any of the animals he's always wanted to see.

The other men were whispering to themselves behind his back and adding little comments to Morris's conversation. Stephen knew they were talking about him, he could see their reflections in the glass of the animal enclosures. They were staring daggers into his back, insulting and motioning towards him in annoyance.

Stephen just felt humiliated and ashamed. Distracted by a zebra… is that what he's going to be known for? Stephen sighed and shoved his hands in his coat pockets, hoping to seem more confident and unaffected by their words. By Morris's words.

As much as Stephen paid attention and answered every question when he needed to, every man in the group still could not let his bluster go. Morris's eyes were tracking his every move, making sure he didn't veer away from him and where he was needed.

The group stopped in front of another enclosure, one with a few lazing tigers bathing in the sun. Stephen stopped with the group and faced Morris, whose back was to him as he spoke to whomever it was from the zoo. Stephen had direct line of sight of the tigers lying down on the grass, and watched one stretch and roll over to sleep on its other side.

Stephen smiled at the sight and bit his lip. They were cute for creatures capable of shredding him to pieces. Just big, lazy cats… isn't that the dream?

"Stephen!"

Stephen snapped out of his trance, flinching at the loud voice in his ear, and turned. Paul was hovering near him and looking at him like he was insane. "Jesus, you look ridiculous. Get yourself together."

Stephen smoothed out his coat and nodded faintly. He looked down at the floor, away from the tigers and Paul. "Okay."

Paul huffed in frustration at him before walking away, following Morris and his entourage towards the entrance of the zoo. Oh, guess the field trip is over.

Stephen couldn't help glancing over at the tigers one last time, spotting one of them sitting upright, staring directly at him. It blinked slowly at him before stretching and lying its head back down on the grass. Stephen shook his head at himself and walked quickly to catch up with the Governor.

Morris gave some final words of thanks to the zoo person and shook their hand before he and their group filed out of the zoo. They each separated to head to their cars after discussing plans for work tomorrow.

Stephen went to leave but Morris grabbed his shoulder. Stephen turned towards him and immediately knew what to say. "I'm sorry, I don't know what happened. It's unacceptable."

Morris let him speak with pursed lips before dropping his hand off Stephen's shoulder. "Stephen," He shook his head. "You're better than this. Getting distracted by animals? How old are you?"

Stephen went to answer, not even realizing that Morris was asking rhetorically in his haste to correct his mistake, when Morris raised a hand to silence him. "I know how old you are— Old enough to know better. I want you focused, not whatever this was today."

Stephen looked down at the ground, thoroughly scolded and thankful no one was here to see this. "Understood," He whispered, restraining himself from fidgeting in place.

Morris let out a deep sigh before patting Stephen's shoulder comfortingly. "That's my boy," He gave Stephen a small smile before walking off towards his car. "See you at work!"

"See you at work," Stephen said back quietly. He looked up when he knew he was alone and started walking back to his car. Stephen clenched his hands in his pockets. What a goddamn fool he's made of himself today. Maybe he should get a drink before going home… or someone.

Stephen got into his car and started the engine, trying to ignore Morris's words echoing in his mind. It wasn't just the 'that's my boy' repeating, it was everything— Morris's disappointed words and face kept appearing in Stephen's mind— and Stephen tried to get his focus back on driving.

He drove for a little while, just lost in thought before he ended up in front of a bar he'd never been to. Stephen figured his work attire might actually fit in this crowd because it looked… expensive. Stephen may not have all the money in the world, but other people do— maybe someone would buy him something and he'd pay them back some other way.

Stephen parked his car and got out, locking the door behind him and walking into the bar with his hands in his pockets. He sat down in a booth away from the door and only half looked at the menu, too distracted by what had just happened.

He sat for a few minutes, ordering himself a beer and sipping on it, before a man approached his table. Stephen looked up at this stranger and saw how sharply dressed he was. Stephen braced himself for this man to turn out to be a politician or someone working for a politician, but all the man did was tilt his head at Stephen.

"You've been sipping on the beer the whole time," He said to Stephen, voice teasing and light. "Aren't you bored?"

Stephen relaxed, relieved work hadn't followed him into this bar, and took a sip of beer before replying. "Maybe I wanna be bored."

"I don't think so," The man shook his head insistently. "You don't seem the boring type."

Stephen actually smiled and snorted in amusement. "Oh, yeah? What 'type' do I look like?" He leaned forward on the table and the man took that as permission to sit across from him.

"Hmm," The man pretended to think, scanning what he could of Stephen. He gave Stephen a little smile. "I think you're the type to enjoy company— exciting company."

Stephen's eyebrows raised. "Are you exciting company?" He looked over the man in front of him. He looked good— well put together; Stephen could see him fitting in with richer crowds.

The man's smile widened. He held his hand out to Stephen and they shook hands. It felt too formal but somehow fun to shake hands as they talked about hooking up. "Name's Jacob Palmer."

Stephen put his hand back around his beer after their hands parted. "Stephen Meyers," He introduced himself quietly.

Jacob repeated the name to himself and called over a waiter, ordering both of them drinks that sounded far too expensive for Stephen's budget.

The waitress came back with their drinks and set them on the table, Jacob thanking her politely before she left them.

"So," Jacob took a sip of his drink. "What do you do— other than come to bars and talk to wonderful men?"

Stephen huffed a laugh. Jacob was quick-witted— Stephen liked that. "Politics," He shrugged. "Nothing fun."

Jacob nodded, not giving away any judgments he might be making. "You don't seem the politicking type… you're," He tilted his head as he thought. "Different."

Stephen took a sip of the drink Jacob had ordered for him and nodded approvingly at the taste. He saw Jacob smile out of the corner of his eye at that. "Different how?"

"Good different! You seem nicer than folks I've seen in politics," Jacob said quickly.

Stephen hummed and noted that Jacob had been around politicians before. Interesting. No wonder he hadn't judged Stephen.

They talked back and forth for a little while, sipping on their drinks and trading small pieces of information about themselves. Stephen was asked more questions about himself by this man than anyone who had in his life. It was strange to receive this much attention, let alone this kind of attention.

Stephen felt more relaxed now with Jacob than he'd been with anyone all day— maybe for a long time. He was officially distracted from his thoughts of what had happened earlier in the day. It was nice.

"Stephen," Jacob called his name softly. Stephen tilted his head in confusion. Jacob had been in the middle of speaking when he cut himself off and said Stephen's name. "You wanna get out of here?"

Stephen finished his drink and set it on the table with a definitive clink. "I thought you'd never ask."

Jacob smirked and left bills on the table, more than enough for what he'd ordered and what Stephen had gotten for himself. Stephen went to protest over him paying for Stephen's beer, but the man was already out of the booth waiting for him to get up.

Stephen followed Jacob out of the bar, shoving his hands in his pockets as they went out into the cold street. Jacob nodded over to his car and Stephen followed. He could just come back later for his car, it was locked anyway.

Jacob unlocked the car and they both got in, Stephen shivering from the cold despite his heavy coat. "Sorry, the heat will kick on in a second," Jacob said as he started the car and threw on his seatbelt. Stephen threw on his seatbelt, too, and rubbed his hands together to warm them.

"Thanks," Stephen replied sheepishly. Leave it to him to always demand something more of someone.

Jacob got the car onto the road and started heading towards his house. The car warmed up within a few minutes and Stephen relaxed into the seat. Jacob glanced over at him. "Better?"

"Yeah, thanks," Stephen replied quietly. "Surprised you didn't take me home sooner."

Jacob grinned and turned the car down a different street. "Wanted to know you first."

"You don't know anything about me," Stephen shook his head. Jacob was stubborn… in a charming sort of way.

"I know enough," Jacob said softly. Stephen looked over at him but Jacob's eyes were on the road.

The rest of the ride was quiet, interrupted now and then with mindless chatter— mostly from Jacob— until they reached the house.

Stephen looked at the house in front of him and realized why Jacob could pay both of their bills without looking twice— or at a bill at all. His house was large. Stephen went home with a rich guy… without even trying.

Stephen scanned the house as much as he could before Jacob rolled up the driveway and parked near the front door. He shut the car off and unbuckled. "Oh, yeah, this is my house," Jacob said cheekily when he saw Stephen's wide-eyed look.

Stephen scoffed lightheartedly and unbuckled. They got out of the car, Stephen following Jacob, and went up to the front door. Jacob unlocked it quickly, remembering after a second to lock his car, and held the door open so Stephen could go inside first.

Stephen took off his jacket and shoes, asking Jacob where he should put his stuff. Jacob just said 'anywhere', which left Stephen at a loss. He finally decided to just leave his shoes by the door and his coat folded over the back of one of the kitchen chairs.

Jacob shrugged off his own jacket and shoes and went into the kitchen after Stephen. Stephen watched the man put together two glasses of liquor for them and handed one off to Stephen. "Try this— it's a new one of mine."

Stephen looked at Jacob in surprise, but sipped the offered drink carefully. "Hmm! That's nice." Jacob looked delighted to hear that and took a sip of his own drink.

Stephen watched Jacob carefully, waiting for him to stop with all of this and get to doing what he wanted with Stephen— what they were really here for. But no.

Jacob kept sipping his drink and went over to his record player, shuffling between choices before landing on a record that looked well-loved. "Hope you don't mind my old-school music taste," He kindly told Stephen.

Stephen shrugged and went into the living room where Jacob was, and sat down on the couch. He placed his glass down on the coffee table and watched as Jacob set the needle on the record gently. The music started playing a second later and Jacob hummed approvingly to himself.

Jacob sat down on the couch beside Stephen and set his glass down on the table. He looked outside, watched as it began to rain, and followed the droplets fall down the large windows.

"Jacob?" Stephen asked quietly. The man turned towards him with an easy smile and Stephen bit his lip, unsure. "Why haven't we done anything yet?"

Jacob turned sideways on the couch to face Stephen, eyebrows knitted together. "You didn't look like you wanted anything to happen," He said matter-of-factly.

Stephen narrowed his eyes at the man. "Like you know what I want."

Jacob thought and then dropped his head apologetically. "Sorry, I should've asked rather than assume… you just looked," He searched for the right word. "Nervous."

"Nervous?" Stephen repeated. He thought he'd been acting okay. He hadn't been fidgeting at all or distracted, so how the hell could Jacob know something was off with him? "I'm not nervous. This isn't my first time doing this, either."

"I didn't say it was," Jacob said calmly. He shifted so his legs were pulled up on the couch. "I know this isn't your first time. I just got the feeling something was wrong."

Stephen sighed bitterly, angry at himself for letting this stranger see his faults and not even realizing he was giving himself away. "Nothing's wrong," He said forcefully. His eyes lacked conviction, though, and Jacob saw that.

"Stephen," Jacob said softly. "You don't have to do anything with me."

Stephen shook his head at him. "Yes, I do," He said, sure of himself. "You— you paid for everything and took me home. The least I can do is repay you."

Jacob froze on the couch. "What? Repay me… for the drinks and taking you home for a hookup? Wait, wait…" He trailed off and blinked a few times. "How were you going to repay me?"

Stephen shrugged like the answer was obvious. "I was gonna repay you by letting you do whatever you wanted."

Jacob's jaw actually dropped. "Whatever I wanted… meaning…?"

"Whatever you wanted to do to me," Stephen said frustratedly. He didn't think he'd have to spell out what he meant to Jacob. It was strange that the man was acting like he had no idea what Stephen was talking about.

Jacob looked away from Stephen, staring at a point on the couch with furrowed brows. Stephen watched him, utterly confused, and wondered how he'd fucked this up.

"Stephen, that's awful," Jacob finally said. He looked back up at Stephen and his eyes were wet. "That'd be a terrible thing to do to someone."

Stephen opened and closed his mouth several times, unable to answer. He was speechless. 'That'd be a terrible thing to do to someone'.

"But if I—" Stephen began to rationalize but Jacob firmly shook his head.

"No, using someone in that way just because you paid for their drinks is asinine. That's— that's awful." Jacob sounded angry, but not at Stephen— he wasn't even looking at Stephen as he spoke, still staring down at the couch cushions.

"Oh…" Stephen said quietly, looking down at his hands in his lap. He recalled what happened at work earlier that day for the first time in hours, and felt the same wave of humiliation run through him.

This humiliation was different from what happened at the zoo, sure, but it felt like Stephen just couldn't do or say anything right today. He just couldn't be what everyone wanted him to be today.

"Stephen?" Jacob called out and put a hand down on the couch near Stephen's knee.

Stephen looked at him and realized his vision was blurred. "Sorry," He whispered. "I ruined the night."

Jacob shuffled closer to him when Stephen's voice cracked. "No, no you didn't, it's okay."

He sat beside Stephen and pushed his leg into the man's, unsure of what was acceptable right now. "You didn't do anything wrong. We don't have to do anything, promise," Jacob added.

Stephen buried his head in his hands and squeezed his tight fists in his hair. Everything was just so frustrating today. God, how badly he wanted a break.

"Can I give you a hug?" Jacob whispered. Stephen felt his face heat up at the offer but nodded shakily.

Jacob turned him so he'd face Jacob's chest and pulled him into a hug. Stephen ducked his face down and squeezed his eyes shut tightly to stop himself from crying. He felt ridiculous. Everything just came crashing down in Jacob's arms.

Jacob held him tightly as Stephen finally let himself cry, and whispered assurances in his ear to help the man calm down. Stephen only cried for a few minutes, but he felt drained after his eyes dried out.

He pulled away from Jacob and sniffled, wiping his face off with both hands. "Sorry about that."

"Stop apologizing," Jacob scolded him lightheartedly. "Feel tired?"

Stephen nodded as he rubbed his sore temples. Jacob stood from the couch and offered him a hand. Stephen took it and Jacob held his hand as he guided him into Jacob's room.

"We're not doing anything, but I'm not letting you sleep on the couch," Jacob said when Stephen's eyes landed on the bed.

Stephen only nodded, biting back a reply that Jacob doing something to him was fine. Jacob wouldn't have believed a word he said— especially after being sobbed on.

Jacob gave Stephen a toothbrush and got some clothes for him to sleep in, before leaving the bedroom to give Stephen privacy.

Stephen changed clothes mechanically and marveled at how soft the shirt and pants he was now wearing were. Jacob had good taste— expensive taste. He went into the connected bathroom and did his nightly routine quickly, thoroughly exhausted and just wanting sleep.

Jacob knocked on the bedroom door and waited for Stephen to say he could come in before entering. Stephen was utterly baffled by his… thoughtfulness. He's never had someone wait for permission before entering 'his' room. Strange.

Jacob set a glass of water down on the bedside table. "Should drink some before you sleep," He suggested.

Stephen nodded as he sat down on the bed. "I… I appreciate this," He said, looking down at the covers.

"Don't mention it," Jacob replied.

Stephen glanced up and saw Jacob about to leave the room. "Wait!”

Jacob turned back around, eyes worried. "Yeah?"

"It's your room," Stephen said as he got under the covers. "You can stay… I don't mind."

Jacob looked him over critically. "You're sure?"

Stephen nodded, actually feeling sure for the first time today. "I really don't mind."

Jacob hummed and got ready for bed. Stephen pulled the blankets over him just as Jacob was pulling his side of the bedsheets back to get under the covers. He slipped into the bed beside Stephen and turned on his side, facing him.

"This okay?" Jacob asked, looking ready to leave at a moment's notice if Stephen was uncomfortable.

Stephen nodded and closed his eyes, facing Jacob. "I'm okay," He whispered. "…Just been a day, ya know?"

Jacob hummed in understanding and the room went quiet. The soft pitter-patter of rain lulled them closer and closer to sleep.

Stephen shuffled closer to Jacob and put his head near Jacob's, his hair brushing just against the other's. Jacob carefully slid an arm over Stephen's middle and pulled him against his chest.

Stephen sighed at the warmth Jacob seemed to be radiating from him, and snuggled closer. Jacob placed his chin on top of Stephen's head and they fell asleep bundled in each other's arms, sticking close together throughout the night.

Jacob may or may not have turned off Stephen's alarm when it rudely woke him up the next morning.

Julian wandered through the mall, going in and out of stores without buying anything because nothing caught his attention. He needed to buy some clothes now that he was moved back to the States, and had put off the chore for as long as possible… until he ran out of clean clothes.

Julian had gone to get his laundry cleaned, returned his cleaned clothes to his apartment before leaving to buy more— which left him wandering a mall.

He hadn't taken much when he left Thailand, just the necessities, really, but he couldn't exactly complain when he was still somehow alive. Julian had gotten away from his sins with his life, and the forgiveness of his chosen God. He should feel at peace now, but he didn't. Sure, he was more relaxed than he'd ever been all of his life, but the crushing weight of guilt and anguish still weighed heavily on his mind— on his soul.

When Julian walked through a store selling dress shirts and pants that caught his eye, someone started walking up to him from the corner of his vision. He didn't turn towards the person but tensed instinctively, waiting for a fight.

"Julian?" The man asked him as he stopped to stand next to Julian.

Julian's eyes widened at his name being known at all and turned towards the man. He scanned the man from head to toe but didn't recognize anything about him. "I'm sorry?" Julian ended up saying quietly. He figured when he'd gotten back to the States that he'd have to get more used to speaking to strangers— Americans loved to talk, dear God.

The man shook his head to himself. "Sorry, should introduce myself first," He said and held a hand out. "Jacob Palmer."

Julian turned fully towards Jacob and shook his hand. "Jacob," He whispered. "Jacob..."

He remembered Jacob. The man before him had been his one friend and light in his life as a child. Jacob may actually be the reason Julian had any happy memories of his childhood.

Jacob smiled and pulled his hand away. "Yeah, been a while, huh?" He tilted his head at Julian when the man didn't reply. "You… how's everything?"

Julian looked down at the floor. What a loaded question… and Jacob didn't even realize it. He finally forced himself to shrug in response and watched Jacob deflate.

"Wanna grab something to eat?" Jacob asked hesitantly.

Julian glanced around the store, heart racing and feeling almost trapped at the moment, but nodded. Jacob looked him over, eyes full of worry, before turning towards the entrance of the store with Julian following close behind.

They walked silently to the food court and Jacob paid for a pizza, denying Julian's silent request to pay when he pulled out his wallet. They sat down in a quieter area of the mall and started eating.

Julian took slow, small bites while Jacob devoured the pizza like a man starved. He kept throwing glances at Julian, brows knitted together, but didn't say anything.

Julian finished his first slice when Jacob started his third. "Sorry," Jacob mumbled suddenly. "Shoulda realized that was a dumb question."

Julian sat there, still and quiet, as he absorbed Jacob's words. The man just apologized to him. For making him uncomfortable. What the fuck?

"It's okay," Julian whispered back and took another slice, just to have something to fidget with.

Jacob looked relieved that Julian had accepted his apology and kept eating. They'd— mostly Jacob— finished the pizza and Jacob tossed away the empty box. "You're looking for clothes, right?"

Julian nodded with a blink and Jacob started listing stores he liked going to. When he finished, he waited for Julian to pick a place to go to, and then pulled Julian in the direction of the store he'd picked.

Julian looked down at the hand wrapped around his forearm, wondering why Jacob was pretending to know or care about him when he was really a stranger.

Jacob helped his shop and pick out clothes, entire outfits, too, and paid for everything despite Julian's vocal protests. "I have more than enough money," He said to Julian each time he tensed or looked concerned when Jacob took his wallet out.

Julian carried his bags out of the mall, Jacob walking with him, but Jacob laid a hand on his shoulder. It was a light touch, hesitant. "You got a car?" He asked Julian.

Damn, Jacob and his observational skills. No, Julian did not have a car… yet.

Julian shook his head, looking sheepish. "Come on, then," Jacob told Julian and started walking through the parking lot towards his car. "I'll drive you home."

Julian felt overwhelmed by his generosity but said nothing as he clambered into the car. His bags of clothing were in the trunk and Jacob turned to make sure Julian had his seatbelt on before pulling out of the parking lot.

Julian told Jacob his address and fidgeted with the armrest of the door. "How'd you know it was me?" He finally asked.

Jacob glanced over at him. "Could just tell," He shrugged. "Got the same slit through your eyebrow and you stand the same way."

Julian touched his eyebrow as he looked at the side of Jacob's face. "…How have you been?" Julian asked timidly. Jacob deserved to have Julian put effort into this conversation, even if it felt painful to speak… It was the least Julian could do in return for Jacob's kindness.

"Been okay," Jacob nodded with a soft smile. "Met some good people… they showed me that there was more to life than just existing."

Julian's eyes widened. "Oh. Nice," He whispered. He didn't want to pry, but Jacob seemed so calm and friendly— not that he hadn't expected that, it was just… different— just like when they were kids.

Jacob talked about the Weavers for a bit, telling Julian story after story about them— especially the kids. Julian watched Jacob's smile turn bright and truly happy as he kept talking about the Weavers, and felt himself relax with the attention off him.

They pulled up in front of Julian's apartment building and Jacob parked. Julian turned to him, bouncing his leg as he debated with himself.

"Wanna come in?" Julian asked. Jacob had already done so much for him, Julian just wanted to repay him in some way.

Jacob tapped the steering wheel before nodding. "Sure, lemme just park the car."

Jacob pulled the car into a spot near the building and they both got out, making sure to grab Julian's clothes, and walked to the entrance of the building. Jacob opened the door for Julian because his hands were full and then followed him inside, letting Julian take the lead saying that this was his home.

They took the elevator up and Julian set down his bags in front of the door and unlocked it. Jacob followed him inside and slipped off his shoes when he saw Julian take off his.

Julian set the bags down on the kitchen counter, off to the side, and wondered what the hell he was supposed to do with Jacob in his home. Jacob was going to ask questions, it was inevitable. Everyone asked questions or looked at Julian like he was dirt— He understood why.

Jacob walked into the kitchen and looked around. The apartment was pretty bare, almost exactly the way Julian had brought it. Julian had always been a minimalistic person, but this felt different. He caught Julian's eye and sat down on the stool in front of the counter. Julian was standing on the other side, running over the countertop, nervous.

Jacob debated on what to say for a long time, letting their breathing be the only sound in the room for at least a minute straight. "When did you move here?" Jacob realized that might actually be the only question he could ask his former friend without causing him to shut down, so he was taking his chance.

"A week or so ago," Julian responded, glancing around his apartment and realizing how awful his home seemed to an outsider.

Jacob took that minuscule piece of information and pretended he didn't want to know more. Julian's been gone for years and now he comes back miserable and closed off like this? There's a story there Jacob might never learn about.

It was quiet for a time before Julian pushed off the counter and got Jacob a glass of water. So much for being a good host. He placed the water down in front of Jacob and the man thanked him quietly as he took a small sip. "You know anyone around here?" Jacob asked after placing the cup down on the counter.

Julian shook his head and said, "No. I…" He trailed off and Jacob looked away from Julian's face as the man fought to get the words out. "I didn't want to be known."

Jacob's face turned sad as he watched Julian duck his head, refusing to look at Jacob. Julian was good with eye contact when they were younger… wonder if something happened to change that?

"Well, you know me," Jacob replied softly. "Unless I'm so boring you have to get rid of me." He added afterwards, his voice more playful.

Julian hummed at his words and shook his head. "You're not boring," He whispered back. "You're good."

Jacob felt his chest tighten. He was glad Julian approved of him, but, damn, did his tone sound melancholy. Jacob is 'good'… which means other people weren't. That's what that meant, right?

"Julian?" Jacob finally got the courage to ask. Julian froze and looked up at Jacob, eyes full of fear and worry. "What happened?"

Julian didn't answer. He stared at the countertop with a lost look on his face, and Jacob waited for him to get back to the present. Julian finally blinked and shrugged.

Jacob bit his lip and stood from his seat, walking slowly around the counter to stand near Julian. "Julian…" He murmured sadly. "What happened?" He asked again, voice softer than before.

Julian's eyebrows pulled together as his eyes glistened with tears. He shook his head furiously, more so at himself than Jacob, and cleared his throat like that would stop his anguish. "Nothing," He croaked out.

Jacob took another step closer to him and put a hand gently on his shoulder. He left it there and felt Julian's shoulders start to shake before he sniffled. "C'mere," Jacob opened his other arm and motioned for Julian to lean into him.

Julian hesitated but when he let out a silent sob, he ducked his face down to Jacob's shoulder and wept. Jacob wrapped his arms around his friend and rubbed small, soothing circles into his back.

Julian finally brought his hands up and lightly wrapped his arms around Jacob's middle. He was hesitant to touch the man but Jacob squeezed him closer to his chest, encouraging Julian to return the hug and cry.

Julian cried softly into the fabric of Jacob's shirt and shook in Jacob's arms. Jacob was beyond worried about the man now. Julian cried when they were younger, sure, but this kind of crying? This was difficult. This felt more loaded and pained.

Jacob let him cry until he couldn't anymore, and then slowly ran a hand through the man's hair. It was short like it had been when they were kids— soft, too— and he felt Julian turn his head to be more in Jacob's hand.

Jacob finally pulled away from Julian and handed him the glass of whatever the man had gotten for him earlier. Julian took it and sipped out of it, hands shaking and eyes red.

Julian went to say something but Jacob cut him off. "Don't you dare apologize," Jacob scolded.

Julian looked down, ashamed that he'd been read so easily, and nodded. Jacob grabbed him a few tissues and Julian wiped his eyes and blew his nose, his face turning red out of embarrassment for having done this in front of someone.

Jacob pulled the man into the living room and had him sit down on the couch. He sat beside Julian and tossed the blanket Julian had thrown over the back of the couch onto the man's lap. Julian grabbed the blanket quickly and splayed it over his lap, running a hand over the soft material to calm down.

Guess Julian's love for soft things remained after all these years.

Jacob let Julian decompress after such a tiring bout of crying, and wondered who the hell had hurt his friend so badly. "Better?" Jacob asked, hand on the back of the couch.

Julian nodded faintly once as he rolled the edges of the blanket between his fingers. "Thanks," He said, voice faint.

Jacob found the TV remote and threw a nature documentary on, leaving the volume low, but loud enough that Julian could hear the words. The man next to him relaxed the longer he watched the screen, and his eyes started to droop after about half an hour.

Jacob smiled to himself, thankful that his plan to help Julian relax was working. "Get some sleep, Julian," He whispered to the man. "Want me to stay?"

Julian readjusted himself so he'd be lying down on the couch facing the TV, and pulled the blanket over him more. "Please," He replied faintly, curling up his legs and closing his eyes.

"I'll be here when you wake up," Jacob promised him.

Julian relaxed at his words and held the blanket tightly as he began falling asleep.

"I'm glad I saw you earlier," Jacob said boldly. He hoped Julian felt the same, this was going to be strange and awkward if not.

It was silent and Jacob thought Julian had fallen asleep, but then:

"Me too," Julian said into the blanket. "Thank you."

Jacob reached over and put a hand on Julian's ankle. "Don't mention it," He said and rubbed the man's ankle through the blanket.

Julian didn't move away from him, so Jacob kept his hand on him and watched the man fall asleep.