JAX BRACKNELL

Taking his seat next to the window, he immediately regretted it. “Maybe we should switch places. I don’t know if I want to be staring at the abyss if something happens...” He half joked, already buckled up, grip tight on each armrest. He was a little stiff, his head resting against the seat as he turned to look at Wyatt with a slightly nervous, slightly excited smile. Jax was sure he’d start to relax at some point. He wasn’t really scared of much. He was definitely not scared of heights. But this was a new high... quite literally. “You better start thinking of a PG13 distraction...”

@dr-nerdyedwards​​

Wyatt felt his heart pound against his chest, the words from Jackson lighting him up. He was such a good man, loved him completely. Wyatt was certain he could never find a person in the world suited to him like Jackson was. As corny as it sounded, they were soulmates, fate brought them together. “I’d be proud if she got your strength,” Wyatt said, meaning it. “Physically and mentally.” Jackson had been through so much, but he had the strength to stand up and keep going. He’d changed himself entirely since high school, he was a good man, that came from a less than ideal family home, he was strong. 

Exhausted and spent, Wyatt snuggled closer into Jackson’s chest, eyes closing as he listened. He smirked at Jackson’s words, damn it. “Aw damn, all that distracting was for nothing. Could have told me before I took my pants off,” Wyatt joked. He slapped a playful hand against Jackson’s chest. “I love you too, so I’m going to whisk you off somewhere fancy and have my way with you on the beach. Then come home and get a dog… a rescue one, from a broken home that just wants to be loved,” Wyatt decided. His parents had a dog when Wyatt was only little, it was a cute little mix breed that followed Wyatt everywhere. A dog was good for a home, it brought people together. “Where should we go? Italy, Rome… your pick. Somewhere with a beach.”

Wyatt felt a bit guilty over his words, he knew they were family already. Jax was the most important person in Wyatt’s life, they spent every day together. They didn’t need children or a dog to make that real, but he still wanted all that. Wyatt grew up with loving parents, in a happy home, he wanted Jax to see what that was like, to experience it. “I didn’t mean it like that, I promise. We are family, my mother doesn’t make a cake for just anyone you know,” Wyatt teased. It was nice having parents that just accepted Jackson, despite their past history, it wasn’t an issue for them. “Is that right?” Wyatt grinned at the image. “Whose to say I won’t influence her to a big nerd that loves comics and sings the periodic table? Then you’ll be the one in trouble.” 

It didn’t escape his notice that Jackson hadn’t agreed or denied a dog, which Wyatt took for total agreement. He’d sneak some things in, a dog bowl and then in a few weeks, a dog. Jackson wouldn’t realize until it was too late. Maybe. “Missed me?” Wyatt grinned, running his hand down Jackson’s front, teasing him through the material. It made him feel so powerful, so confident having this kind of reaction from a guy, someone he cared about. Wyatt moved his legs to either side of Jacksons so he was straddling him properly, his hand moving up to undo the zipper and button. “Did I leave the oven on?” Wyatt joked, pretending to sit up and go-to move. He smirked and leaned back down, his free hand going over Jackson’s bare chest. “Teenage Wyatt would never think your abs would be my easiest turn on,” Wyatt laughed. He always found Jackson attractive, even when he was an idiot at highschool. Attraction to him had never been a problem. Wyatt was biased, but he always thought of him as the best looking at school. 

“I’d be so lucky if she got your brains.” Jackson held Wyatt’s gaze as he spoke if only to make it clear he meant it. He liked this version of Wyatt. Not afraid to take control, to get his way. Playful. Teasing. He liked his confidence. He knew they had a lot to work on both of their ends when it came to their self esteem. Their past wasn’t easy but it was in the past. Their relationship had nothing to do with that. High School was a whole lifetime ago. This. This, Jackson would never give up. He was happy. Wholly and truly happy. And so in love. Stupidly and grossly in love in a way he never even thought possible. 

“Very. Much.” He spoke, voice raspy and heavy with desire, gripping Wyatt’s hips when he tried to leave with a glare. His hand moved to the back of the brunette’s head, kissing him roughly if only to make him shut up. He grinned at the words regardless but he wasn’t in the mood to have a conversation. He wanted more. Cupping Wyatt’s hand down his pants, he pressed it harder. He needed a release now and he wouldn’t let the man go without getting that, at least. He wanted him badly. Desperately. 

Wyatt thought for a moment, a smile on his lips. It was so easy to love this man. “Old and wrinkly, the words would still be true. By then your memory will be going so I’ll make sure to remind you as well.” He could imagine their lives together, he wanted it all. It was no secret Wyatt was a family man, wanted the American dream. He was more excited to discover it with Jackson, to see him as a father and husband, to see him get the family he never had growing up.  Wyatt smirked at Jackson’s words, he quite enjoyed possessive Jackson. “That’s what you think…” Wyatt teased, leaning in for another kiss. “Only boyfriend, better?”

“Honestly Jax, when do you ever win against me? I’m adorable, you can’t resist my charm,“ Wyatt joked. They were good together, they made each other better people. For Wyatt, he was more confident, he felt better about himself than ever before. Without Jackson, he would have still been the shy nerd that didn’t venture outside his lab. “I’m kind of horny and emotional right now, I’m not sure which way I’m leaning towards,“ Wyatt smiled, reaching up to ran a hand threw Jax’s hair. “I know its super cheesy and all couples say it, but I really do think we’ll be together forever. Be a family one day, have it all. Have the life we deserve. We’re going to be so damn boring and domesticated, you’ll love it,“ Wyatt smiled. It sounded perfect, together forever. At school, he thought of nothing but work and learning, but now, it was second in his life. Coming home was the best part of his day, Jackson gave his life meaning. “I think we should get a dog,“ Wyatt decided, trying to slip it into the conversation. He went in for a kiss to distract Jackson. If he said nothing, Wyatt was taking it as agreement and going shopping. He reached his hands down to Jackson’s pants, to distract him. 

Jackson hummed through a smile at his boyfriend’s vows and undying affection. He was lucky, he knew that much, to have found Wyatt again. In those brief and more and more sporadic moments now when memories from a life he wasn’t sure was even real anymore invaded him, he thought to himself just how lucky he was that he got to experience everything now. There were no gaps to fill. No blanks. They were taking every step together, slowly, Even if there was still a lot to learn, a lot to to grow, he wouldn’t change any of it. Not one thing. “Better.” Jax grinned, biting his lip.

Wyatt hummed, leaning into Jackson. “Don’t worry, I’ve spent the last few years lying to people to put them off. The Waitress at that cafe down the straight thinks you have smelly feet,” Wyatt teased. He wasn’t really insecure, not anymore. After years of spending their time together, Wyatt knew Jackson wanted him. Only him. “I think you should get that tattooed somewhere, just in case. Next birthday, that’s what I want,” Wyatt standing up as Jackson moved them to the stool. Once Jackson was seated, he moved closer, arms going around his neck. Wyatt wasn’t letting this go, money wasn’t an issue here. Jax wanted to go or he didn’t, nothing more. He ran his hands down Jax’s bare chest, proud of his sneaky work. Jax’s body was godlike, damn. Every time he saw it, Wyatt fell like a kid in a candy shop. 

“No ones fair in love and war,” Wyatt smiled, leaning his neck to the side to give Jackson better access. His eyes closed as he enjoyed the touch, hands moving up and down Jackson’s front. He laughed at Jackson’s words, Wyatt was a lot less innocent than people thought, it was funny, they always presumed Jackson was the trouble causer. “Guess you led me astray, you were my first real boyfriend,” Wyatt shrugged. He stood up, hands going against Jackson’s front to break the kissing and attention. They needed to be serious for a moment. “Jax I know… I know I had an easier life, some of the things just fell into my lap and some people aren’t as lucky. I want us to have nice things, to do what we want because we have the money for it. We both enjoy our jobs, I might earn more, but that will never be a factor, okay?” Wyatt said, moving a hand up to cup Jax’s cheek. “We work equally as hard, the works equally as important. I want forever with you. It’ll be our money one day, at least… thats what I want. Then, it’ll us getting what we want, equal.” He wouldn’t ever use the fact he could pay against Jackson, he didn’t want him to think it was an issue. 

“That’s not all that far from the truth!” Jackson laughed and shook his head at Wyatt, looking up at the brunette as his arms wrapped around his neck, lips pursed in consideration at his boyfriend’s words. “What will happen then when I’m old and wrinkly and you can’t make out what the tattoo said?” He teased, almost purring at the feeling of Wyatt’s hands against his chest, happy. So happy. He loved Wyatt. He knew Wyatt knew that, too, which made him content. A smirk appeared on his lips, biting softly at his boyfriend’s lower lip, kissing him. “And the last.” He deadpanned, his arms tightening around Wyatt’s waist until the brunette broke the kiss, a whine escaping him.

Wyatt rolled his eyes at Jackson’s suggestion. “We’re adults now with jobs, we can’t go naked in the backyard. We get arrested for that sort of stuff. Plus, that woman across the straight, Jackie, would love to see you in the buff. No chance.” Wyatt smirked and stroked a hand down Jackson’s front. Their working days were long and they didn’t spend as much time together now. It was hard with shifts, especially with Wyatt working strange hours and also studying for his doctorate. Wyatt wanted a break, some quality time. “Don’t be silly, you always look amazing. Even tired and sweaty,” Wyatt laughed. 

“Yeah? Well, glad I can be your first,“ Wyatt replied, not that surprised Jax hadn’t been away. He knew they came from different backgrounds. Wyatt’s parents had always saved up for them to have a nice holiday, Jax wasn’t so lucky. He kept unbuttoning the shirt, looking at Jackson’s chest and not meeting his eyes as he spoke. “I know you’re gonna complain and say no, but let me finish. Let me pay for it…“ Wyatt paused to look up, eyebrow raised for Jax to dare argue. “I have savings and I make a little more than you. Sort out your holidays and I’ll book it. Please? I want to do this for us, I don’t want you working yourself silly over something I can pay for. I’ll let you pay me back…sexually, in Italian.“ Wyatt pushed Jackson’s shirt off, stepping closer. He pouted, using his charm was the only way. They needed a holiday and Jackson needed to relax. 

“Pity.” The blonde lamented playfully, grinning at the thought of making a scene in their backyard. He shook his head at his boyfriend when he brought up their neighbor from across the street. “You think everyone wants to see me naked but I digress. I think you do, and thus think everyone else does.” He loved coming home to this. He loved the life he was building with Wyatt. Even with all the stress and struggles from work, both of them getting started in their careers. Leaning in. Jax bit at Wyatt’s lower lip softly, muttering into the kiss. “I’m only yours, Edwards.”

College was over and things were starting to get real. They were growing up, with a house and real jobs. Wyatt felt like an adult, and couldn’t wait to get started in the labs in a few weeks. He was working part-time on his doctorate, but that was just part-time. He would eventually become a doctor of science. Before all that started, Wyatt wanted a break, a real holiday with his boyfriend, time away from their crazy life. Dinner was cooked for Jackson getting in, pasta, an Italian dish. He was hinting, it was crazy if Jackson wasn’t getting the hints by now. 

He heard the door go and turned, putting the food back in the oven to keep it warm for later. “Hey, handsome,” Wyatt smiled, putting the towel down and walking over to his boyfriend. He blushed, obviously being caught out. “I just thought we could… look at some possibilities,” Wyatt shrugged, trying to be completely cool about it and failing. “I mean… you wouldn’t say no to spending some time, half-naked in the sun, right? Good food, new sights and places to have sex.” He looked at Jackson, an eyebrow raised. He reached a hand out to run down Jackson’s shirt. “I’ve cooked Italian for dinner,” Wyatt smirked, he couldn’t help it, he was so obvious. How Jackson put up with him… “How was your day?” Wyatt asked, smiling. He was so proud of Jackson, achieving his dream. “You look so rugged and handsome,” Wyatt flirted, sneakily undoing one of Jacksons buttons on his shirt. 

Jackson didn’t move from where he stood by the entrance to the kitchen, eyes following Wyatt as he came closer. Their lives had changed since graduation. Routine took over, responsibilities, bills. Their personalities complimented each other and they made it work. Jax had no doubt about it since the very beginning. He knew, from a distant memory, a sweet smiling blonde girl giggling with her arms around his neck, that they would be alright. “We could do that right outside in our backyard.” The blonde offered, smirking, because Wyatt was so obvious now he could only laugh and shake his head tenderly, wrapping his arms around the man. Touching their noses, he claimed the brunette’s lips in quick kiss. “I appreciate you liking me even when I know I look like complete and utter shit!” He stole another kiss. 

The hints began with the questions. They talked about plans for the break and they had not yet settled on any of the ideas thrown. Then there were the travel books scattered around the house one afternoon when he came from work. “Hey babe,” The blonde called, dropping his satchel by the door as he dropped the keys on his way in and picked up one of the books, flicking through it as he walked further in. The thought of travel was both exciting and nerve-wracking. He had never left the country or even made a long distance trip within the states. Somehow the thought of being on a plane made him feel nervous because he wasn’t used to it. It’s one of the reasons why he always drove home from Boston when he was in college despite the lengthy drive. Leaning against a doorway leading into the kitchen where Wyatt stood, he crossed his arms over his shoulders still holding the book. “You got a little carried away at the bookshop?” He asked, grinning, letting the book drop on the table nearby. “Or is this just a hint you want me to take you out to some nice Italian restaurant? Cause that can be arranged...”

Wyatt’s jealousy does have an undertone of worry, he still has niggling doubts that things will go wrong. Despite his worries, Wyatt’s heart tells him Jackson would never, he’s certain of that. “Lucky for you, no guy even looks at me. They see my hot boyfriend and don’t fancy fighting you. Those big muscles scare them all away. I’d have hundreds of suitors if not,” Wyatt teases. He leans in and kisses him, gentle and sweet, Wyatt’s eyes sweeping over, hoping they’ll be like this forever, fun, happy and teasing. 

“Oh, would you like that? I’m sure I can pinch a white coat from work to help you get into roleplay,“ Wyatt jokes. He was totally going to steal a lab coat and dress up, surprise Jackson one night. He’s asked for it now, its Jacksons fault. Wyatt feels himself being shifted and helps, moving his legs to go either side of Jackson’s waist. He leans into his warmth, arms going around his shoulders and fiddling with some strands of Jackson’s hair. “Not sure I can match your level of fitness, you might have to train me up a bit. I’ll be a hard job, but I have faith in you, Sir.“ He tilts his head, giving Jackson better access to his neck. He smiles, enjoying himself, then suddenly a thought occurs and he puts a hand on Jackson’s chest, “Oh god, your frat boyfriends aren’t going to use this place as a crash pad? Am I going to have to suffer through football games like some housewife?“ He’s teasing, but a little serious, Wyatt will totally be ‘busy’ on guys nights that involve sports games. 

“You’re wrong.” Jackson shrugged nonchalantly when Wyatt said no guy looked at him. He did. He had for a while, even before time played tricks on them and their lives intertwined in a future that was yet to be. He grabbed Wyatt’s glasses and put them on himself, looking at his boyfriend now sitting on his lap, smiling up at him. “I look at you. A lot. And I like what I see. A lot.” He speaks into the kiss, feeling heat taking over him as his boyfriend’s eyes travel over him. Jackson was not interested in anything or anyone else. All he wanted was staring right back at him in this very moment. His chest burned with desire where Wyatt touched. His breath caught. 

“You forget what you look like, my hot jock. I’ll be glaring at men and women for the rest of my life when they eye you up,“ Wyatt replied. He was joking, he knew Jackson wouldn’t do that to him. “It’s a good job I get you all to myself, I’m terrible at sharing, only child syndrome.“ He reached over and ran a hand down Jackson’s leg, giving it a squeeze as some sort of encouragement to show he wasn’t serious. “It’s not something I’m worried about, you’re mine. Simple as that.“

Wyatt grabbed another slice of pizza as he thought, listening to Jackson. He was glad his boyfriend was going to follow his dreams. That’s what they both needed to do. “It’ll be hard work and I can’t imagine myself being a doctor,” Wyatt admitted. Not the best money either, although, his income would be quite high once he finished his course. In the long run, things would be good. He finished the pizza, laughing at Jackson. “Sugar baby Jax huh? You look more of a sugar daddy type. Maybe I should force you into football and get my millions from you. I can’t run off with the pool boy if we don’t have a pool,” Wyatt complained. Wiping his hands, he sat back. “Want an early night?” Wyatt grinned. They had just moved in together, they needed to celebrate.

Jackson rolled his eyes, pulling his boyfriend closer as he shook his head. “I kinda love it when you get all jealous, I’m not going to lie.” He knew he had a track history that backed up Wyatt’s insecurities regarding him but their relationship was different. They were different now. They were able to joke in a way about the past though sensitive at it was. Jax had a lot to make up for but at the same time, he was still learning. Wyatt allowed him a chance to do both. “I’m yours only. Never forget that.”

Wyatt wasn’t worried about Jax and his family, they got along just fine and Wyatt would be at his side the entire time. If he needed a break, Wyatt would drag him away for some snogging in Wyatt’s old bedroom, perfect solution. Eating his pizza, Wyatt laughed at Jaxs comments. “I’ll have to ask for the blond next time, or a girl. I quite enjoy watching the girls hit on you and assume I’m some wingman,” Wyatt said. He didn’t try to hide he was with Jax, most people could tell or knew about it. Some people were just oblivious about it though and didn’t take any notice. Grabbing his drink, Wyatt sipped it and rested back on the couch, looking around the room. There was still a lot of work to do, but at least they had their own home now. 

“You’ll be amazing, just think of all the experience you have to pass along. Especially to the LGBT kids. It’s perfect, as long as your happy Jax, money only does so much.“ He was so proud of Jackson, following his dream and making something of himself. Wyatt thought he’d go the football root when they were in high school. “I’m going to qualify with a human Biology degree,“ Wyatt said, pausing, “That lab I work at wants me to do Virology and they’ll fund me to do my doctorate. It would be crazy not to do it, especially with all the money I’ll be saving.“ Wyatt had other passions, neurobiology was his true passion, but it was an expensive course. “Science is science, right?“ Wyatt shrugged. He loved science, either course he wouldn’t be unhappy, he just had one true passion over the rest. 

“I think you imagine things.” Jax shook his head, laughing at Wyatt’s accusation of people checking him out all the time. “It doesn’t make a difference, really. How many times must I say it? I only have eyes for you.” He didn’t hesitate to reassure his boyfriend about it. It wasn’t said in a cheesy romancing tone. It was spoken easily, almost like a verbal shrug, a fact. 

“Blow my what?“ Wyatt raised an eyebrow, and smiled. “You have some faults, tiny things I barely notice. You’re basically a god but I don’t like to stroke your ego too much. Your big head won’t get through the door.“ He poked at Jackson’s ribs in fun. No one was perfect, but Jackson learned by his mistakes and became a better person. Any mistakes were in the past and he was focusing on the future, together. “You’re not hiding with my dad, don’t worry, its nothing,“ Wyatt reassured him. He knew it was different for Jackson, he didn’t have the close family bond Wyatt had grown up with. “My mom loves you, there’s nothing you can say or do that will upset her now. Stop worrying. Tickets sound good, as long as its you going with him and not me.“ Wyatt avoided football at all costs, his father had made him watch the games when he was younger and he found them boring. 

Wyatt went into the kitchen and grabbed two beers, they needed to drink to their new home. Returning, he jokingly shouted out “Get off my boyfriend or I’ll come fight you.” He turned and smiled, seeing Jackson appearing with the pizza. “Hungry?” Wyatt laughed, placing a beer Jacksons way and taking a seat.  He took a seat on the couch and reached for a pizza slice, before Jackson ate it all. “I was worried you were going to bite my hand off,” Wyatt laughed, grabbing his beer with the other hand. “Thought about what you’re going to do for a job after school? You can do a lot with that qualification.”

“That’s for me to know and you to figure out, Edwards.” Wiggling his brows playfully, Jackson rolled his eyes and shrugged unapologetically when his boyfriend mercilessly pointed out his big head. He tried to avoid Wyatt’s poking but failed, caging him between his arms, uh-huh-ing as he tried to dismiss the brunette’s attacks before the conversation returned to his plan of hiding with Mr. Edwards, sighing. It was easy for Wyatt to say it was nothing and he tried not to shy away from the man’s family, but it could still be somewhat overwhelming. Family was a concept he was still trying to heal from but he still nodded. “I know. I know. It’ll be fine. I’m there. I promise. And if it gets too much, you’ll find a way to distract me. I’m counting on you for that.” The blonde smirked. “You’re missing out but I can do that. I’ll have a date with my father-in-law, it’ll be fun.” He didn’t really think much of using the in-law title, almost slipping through his lips as though he had used it too many times before. He had. In another life.

“I’ve got no idea what you’re talking about but you can show me tonight,“ Wyatt teased, rolling his eyes at Jacksons corny joke. “I’m glad you read the fine print, I would have hated to clue you into all these extras you agreed to.“ He leaned into Jackson, his eyes on his. It was so fun to tease each other, such easy banter that never got boring. Living together was going to be fun, it wasn’t as intimating as it was with others. “We’re going to be fine, I’m quite excited to do this journey with you. Us living together would have blown our teenage minds.“ He laughed, trying to imagine what their high school selves would have made of this, them living together and starting a life together. 

He grabbed the menu and pulled out his phone, dialing the number. “I’m just trying to find out the catch, perfect body, clever and not bad in bed, there’s something wrong with you,” Wyatt teased. “I prefer to be the brains and you’re the brawn in this relationship. If I had to fight, I’d do my best. You’ll have to start training me, if you expect me to win.” He made a quick call for the pizza, ordering it to be delivered. It had been a long day and neither could be bothered to do much more work today. Wyatt put a hand on Jackson’s chest, trying to calm him. “Jax, breathe. It’s my parents, a few cousins. Nothing exciting, very informal. My mom just wants to show you off more than anything. Maybe give my cousin Luke a heart attack when he realizes we’re not roommates.” Wyatt grinned, looking forward to seeing his old fashioned cousins face. “Its nothing, don’t worry over it.” He reached into the bedroom and grabbed a shirt, throwing it at Jackson’s face. “Put that on before you distract us both, or the pizza man.” He walked past, heading to the kitchen for some drinks. “In years to come you’re going to have a dad bod and I’m going to remind you of this, when you were too fit and sexy to wear shirts.” Wyatt grinned, Jackson was very good to look at, Wyatt couldn’t blame him. 

“Maybe.” The blonde grinned, shrugging. “If you’re nice.” Their interactions were fun. Easy. Teasing. They were also supportive of each other. Jax found inspiration in Wyatt. His boyfriend pushed him to be the better version of himself he could be both personally and professionally. Teenage him wouldn’t have even allowed himself to dream of a life like this. Wyatt had saved him in many ways. Jax owed him so much. He smiled, running his fingers through Wyatt’s curls, tilting his boyfriend’s face. “It blows my mind still... but I’m here for it.” He stole a kiss, stepping back with a smirk playing on his lips. “I’ll blow yours tonight. There’s no catch. There’s a lot of wrong things with me but you have no choice, pretty much. You’re just stuck with me for a long time.” 

“Your ego is far too big, I’m going to have to knock it down to size,“ Wyatt smiled, trying to stop himself laughing. Jax had a great body, Wyatt was more than happy to look at him. “Just as long as you remember the naked Tuesday agreement, if you didn’t read the contract for this place properly that’s on you.“ Wyatt shrugged like he was completely serious. “I won’t kill you yet, I’ll let you make a load of money, marry you then do the deed, I’ve got it all planned out.” He was teasing but made sure to watch Jackson’s reaction at his joke. They were a long way off marriage, he was just joking and didn’t want to scare the guy off. 

Wyatt gave him a ‘sure, I totally believe you’ expression regarding the bed. Putting together furniture was the ultimate test on a couple’s relationship, his dad used to throw things out the window when he couldn’t get it right. He leaned into Jackson, arms going to his waist. “As a scientist, I believe the only way to prove a theory is repeating the test multiple times. We can test your theory when the beds built,” Wyatt replied, smirking. He pulled away and went for his phone off the table, searching for a nearby pizza place. “If you’re good, I’ll massage you later for all your hard work, hows that for a deal?” He found a nearby delivery place and pulled the menu up, and passed the phone to Jackson to pick something out. “No pineapple or I’m moving out today,” Wyatt instructed. He wasn’t a fussy eater, but pineapple was just wrong. “You better wear a shirt when the delivery guy comes or I’ll have to fight him,” Wyatt joked, glancing down at his body, “I don’t fancy my chances in that fight.” He took a seat on the sofa, relaxing and letting his feet rest for a moment, it had been a busy day. “Also, my moms having a family dinner thing for my dads birthday, wants to make sure you can make it, next weekend,” Wyatt said, trying to brush off the invite as not a big deal, but it was. It was a family invite, Jackson was family. His mom was kind of falling for Jackson as a second son.

“You wanna know what’s bigger than my ego?” The blonde could barely even finish the line, cracking at his own very bad joke with a shrug. “IThat was in the fine print, yes, I remember, right next to all-night sex Fridays.” Rolling his eyes at his boyfriend’s teasing, Jax let his feet slowly drag him closer to Wyatt. “Uh-huh, and then what?” He asked, playing along. “You’re gonna stuff me and mount me on the wall? I’d made a cute buck head decor.” He scrunched his face, wrapping his arms around the brunette’s neck, holding his gaze. “We’re gonna be okay.” He knew this was a big step for both of them, but he knew it would be. He had seen it. Lived it before. It was a distant memory now. Fading. But there lingering in the curve of his smile, the glimmering of his eyes. 

Wyatt eyed his boyfriend, his gaze lingering on his bare chest for a moment before meeting his gaze. “I see you’ve forgotten to pack some shirts, want to borrow one of mine?” Wyatt grinned. He looked like a stereotypical jock in that moment and Wyatt grinned. He scoffed at the comment of him snoring,. Wyatt did not snore. “You snore, I’m the talker, this is how the relationship works. I suffocate you with my pillow and feel guilty in my sleep,” Wyatt explained with a roll of his eyes. He ignored the drool comment, Jackson was making that up. Hopefully, maybe. “Do you ever feel guilty how much you corrupted me?” Wyatt poked Jackson’s ribs, laughing. “I was an innocent wallflower until you got a hold of me.” They both knew that wasn’t true, but not many would believe it was Wyatt. “Oh the friends I mentioned before, the ones I met at my Saturday night bondage party… joking, that’s Thursdays.” He laughed and picked up his box again, kissing Jackson once again on his way past to the sitting room. He placed the box on the floor.

The books wouldn’t be a problem, Wyatt had already ordered a nice fancy bookshelf to keep all their books on but he was leaving that as a… surprise for Jackson. He couldn’t say no if it was already assembled before he got home, right? “It’s a good job you’re pretty,” Wyatt joked, walking to Jackson and patting him on the cheek. “Don’t tell me you’re one of those ‘I don’t need instructions’ kind of guys. That’s how my dad set fire to our kitchen and I don’t need a repeat of that.” He looked around at the boxes, there was a lot of putting away still to do. A lot of building and work they should be getting on with. “Want to set up the tv and order a pizza? Then I’ll happily watch you struggle with the bed. I’ll boss you around in the bedroom for a change.” 

“Are you complaining about me being shirtless, Edwards? I thought that was like, one of the rules for moving in together or something... I can go grab a shirt if you really want me to cover up, though.” Jax shrugged nonchalantly, grinning to himself as he returned Wyatt’s teasing, snorting quietly as he rolled his eyes at the accusation of him being the snorer. “Should I be afraid for my life, now?” He tried to avoid his boyfriend’s poke, laughing as he missed the attacked once but not the second time around. pulling lightly at the brunette’s hair to gain some advantage without triumph. “I would repent if I didn’t love this version of you so bloody much, to be honest. Bondage and whatnot.” 

The day had finally arrived, they were moving in together. After living in a small dorm for ages, they were finally going to be a real couple, living together, having their own space. Wyatt had been counting down the days, excited to start his life with Jackson. Things had been so easy for them, they got along so well, they fit perfectly together. They were different people, but it just seemed to work, they slotted in perfectly in each other’s lives. With a grin on his face, Wyatt carried one of his heavy boxes to the house, annoyed at how many books he owned. His room at the flat was tiny, so it was surprising how much stuff he’d squeezed into there. 

Dropping the box in the hall, Wyatt sighed and leaned against the wall, calling out to Jackson. “For the first time in my life, I hate books,” Wyatt complained. “Worst decision ever, I’m an idiot.“ His frown was fake, he was happy and excited, more so than ever before in his life. This was a life-changing moment, the start of a new life together. “You know I talk in my sleep, right?“ Wyatt said. “From now on that’s like… a forever thing. You can’t just go back to your place to get away from the sound of my voice. Or the fact I leave my socks everywhere or steal all the hot water. You’re signing up for this, full time. The whole Wyatt experience.“ They spent plenty of time together, but maybe they would get sick of living with each other? No chance of space or anywhere to escape to? “I also demand sex on every room and surface, my friends say its tradition and you’re a bad boyfriend if we don’t cover that. Don’t want you having that kind of title.“ He smirked, teasing to lighten the mood. 

There was no point of reference for this milestone in their lives, no memory fresh in his head. Moving in together was completely new and just as exciting as it was terrifying. Regardless of the insecurities, Jackson was eager to start this new stage of living together. They had been practically crashing at each other’s place more often than not anyways, so it really was just going to make their relationship that much easier--and he was so happy to leave the frat house! As fun as it was while it lasted, he was ready to move on.

Wyatt laughed, “I’ve always had a thing for bad boys so don’t be too good.”He liked one of the jocks at school, before Jackson, one of his friends, actually. He definitely had a type. He snorted at Jackson calling him a tease. They were on Wyatt’s bed but Jax was the one saying no, being good. Pulling back, Wyatt led the way downstairs and said his goodbyes, his parents weren’t surprised they were leaving, they knew Wyatt hated socially awkward situations. It would get easier next time, when they were all more relaxed in the presence of each other. It was an important step but Wyatt was glad it was over. 

In the car, Wyatt reached over and squeezed Jackson’s hand, returning the kiss. “Thanks, Jax, I know that took a lot of courage. Don’t try and play it off, you went in there knowing what they could have said to you, what they could have brought up. I’m proud of you.” It showed how much Jackson had changed, ready to face the consequences. “Moms never going to let you go now, you know. She’ll be dragging you over for every family holiday. You’re family now, Jackson Bracknell,” Wyatt teased. He pulled at the jacket, laughing. He’d forgotten all about it when they’d gone into his room. “I think you deserve a reward when we get home,”  Wyatt flirted. “I might even leave the jacket on for you, if you’re good.” He looked out the window, settling into the car as they pulled away. “You’re not seeing me as some crazy fanboy that’s been lusting after you for years, right? Because its totally true,” Wyatt joked.

“Oh do you, now?” Jackson grinned, following Wyatt out of the room and trying to be in his best behavior. Bad boy or not, he didn’t want to leave a bad impression on the boy’s parents. Especially not since he already had a reputation to work on. He did feel more relieved once they were back in the car and didn’t even act like Wyatt wasn’t right in calling him off. He didn’t see it as courageous but he knew he was basically walking into the lion’s den at Wyatt’s parents' house after all he had done in High School. To hear he had passed the boy’s mom’s test, though, made him chuckle with relief. “Good. If she won’t let me go then you have no choice. You’re stuck with me, Edwards. Now, about that reward... leave it on but lose all the rest.” The blonde smirked, driving away.