Imagine

They still had a whole store to explore but in the aisle they were in, Ash was nowhere to be seen. “You might have to get creative and throw some other things together to make Ash’s costume.” Robbie made a mental note to keep an eye out for anything close to that idea. Robbie wasn’t too big on the ‘deciding’ part. He had ideas. Plenty of them. And they changed by the minute. There was no 'picking one costume’ it was how many costumes he could hoard until the day finally arrived. “My head… is a library of ideas and I don’t know what I’ll be when Halloween gets here.” He sighed. “For example.” He grabbed a Phantom of the Opera costume. He had a suit at home somewhere so he didn’t have to drop sixty bucks on this. “And I’ll be adding this to the list.”

.

Jude told himself he’d not go out with anyone until he gets his head figured out. And spending a few days with his work after recovering from a terrible hangover, Jude found himself in a weird place. He didn’t want to spend time away from people but can’t stop thinking of how things came to a head last month. It overwhelmed him to the point of drinking to push that panic down. 

Which was well and good until it made he think he’s slowly turning into his mother. The drinking’s steadily picked up over the months and turning to excessive drinks than his thoughts? That’s highly concerning. 

Jude looked away from his laptop at the buzzing phone. When he realized Val texted him it caused initial guilt since he never texted them after the party. He did miss them, even when it’s only been a few days. Jude worried that it’ll be a matter of time until Val wants nothing to do with him. But that needs to stop or he’ll never go out with anyone again. 

A couple hours later Jude’s outside Val’s door and he gives it a couple, firm knocks. Will he fill Val in with what’s been going on? Or will he just keep things light and happy. Guess it depends how the night goes. 

~

This was so, so stupid. Ale knew it was stupid. But he’d woken up in Liam’s bed and realized what an ass he’d made of himself and the first thought he’d had to redeem himself was, of course, bring some hangover cures to Jude. A large part of it was not wanting to make eye contact with Liam until he’d gone home and changed into regular clothes, but he was trying his best not to think about that.

He raised an eyebrow at Jude and nodded once. “Yeah well, I figured you’d need my help,” he replied, holding up the grocery bags in one hand and the hot, black coffee in the other. “I brought some shit to make you feel half-human again,” Ale explained, finally grinning.

.

He felt like he spent the night at the bottom of a dumpster. His body hurt. His head hurt. Hell, if he touched his hair he’s pretty sure that’d hurt, too. It’s much too bright in this hallway and Jude recoiled back into the apartment, as if a vampire in danger of being touched by the sun.’Hey...” he said, trying to muster a smile but that proved tough. Jesus, he’s a mess. “How did you know?” he asked as he opened the door wider to let Ale in. He remembers running into them last night but not too much about what they talked about. Guess it didn’t go sideways if Ale’s here and wants to help him. “That smells like coffee.” God, he really needs that right now. “I don’t think I’m ever drinking that much again.” Jude dropped onto his couch, practically face planting on it. “Did you have a good time at the party?” Muffled words spoke into the couch cushion before Jude turned his head to look towards Ale. Hopefully better than his night.

“I u…used to have a j….j…” Eva pushed her hair back to show off the earrings she was wearing. “I make stuff.” She finally said. “I did it… by myself mostly…” The cashier rang up her jars and Eva handed over the cash. “It’s… t…too st…stressful. Buying t…things is way more fun.” Eva looked down at the bag she had basically filled up. “I can’t wait to bake with these!”

.

Talking to someone at a booth could sometimes lead to interesting conversations, or just a few shared words before they move on to something else. Jude’s worked to open himself up to meeting new people. A means to break out of his shell. “Oh hey...” he said as he ducked enough to peer at the earrings. “Those are cool. Do you make them for yourself or to sell?” If she has her own shop he can get some for his sisters. Holding a couple jars he looked down at them and wondered what you can make with them. He figured you just add it to toast. “What are you baking with them?” He’s curious about this since he clearly doesn’t know all the things you can do with jam.

In all fairness, Nic had completely forgotten he’d invited Jude over. He couldn’t even remember why. But after running into Leo from school, seeing all the success he’d had, Nic had just snapped. Portraits he’d taken were strewn about and he was pacing his apartment back and forth with the dogs watching from the couch, anxiously hoping he would take notice to their concern. When the door opened, he paused and took a couple of deep breaths. “I…. Sorry, I just…. Did we have something planned? I can’t remember, I’m sorry, Jude.” He was talking so fast, he could’ve talked himself into a circle as he rubbed his forehead. “I just saw someone, and I… I don’t… I’m so-” Eyes clenched shut as arms folded in front of him, holding himself together. “I feel like such a failure right now.” He hadn’t meant to say it out loud. And the other probably felt like he’d just stepped on a land mine, instead of coming to see his friend. 

@judexwilson​

.

With how things were between Alex and Nic Jude wants to get to know better. On their own. They’ve talked and hung out some in the past but that was years ago. When he was dating Ale years ago. So, after his train wreck of a hangover dissipated, thanks to Ale’s remedies, Jude reached out to Nic and made plans to get a bite. They decided to meet up at Nic’s first and then head out, which is what brought Jude over. As he knocked on the door it glided open and he poked his head in confused. Was there a break in? Taking a step forward he saw what appeared to be pictures scattered across the floor. With a hand in his pocket, on the ready to pull out his cell, he saw Nic. Something wrong... Approaching him slowly Jude’s hand went to Nic’s arm and he spoke in a calm voice, as calm as he could muster since he doesn’t know what’s going on. “Hey, man. You’re not a failure.” If anything he sees Nic as one of those guys who has everything figured out. Something he admires. 

Cooking Lessons

Location: Jamie’s Place People:  @judexwilson​ 

   Cooking was something Jamie liked to do and was his favorite thing in the whole world. It was the one moment when he felt free and he was out of his head. His mind and attention was focused on the ingredients, the scent of the food and the temperature. He did not have to worry about anyone else, the feeling of being trapped of feeling caged and a disappointment. Jamie had spent the whole day getting things ready, he knew that thanksgiving was coming up and that will leave him busy especially with this year his grandfather would not be at the table. 

He sighed and thought for a moment, taking a mental note  of everything he had and what else he was missing. He was trying his best to make everything easy for Jude who he had offer cooking lesson. Now all he had to do was wait for the other. 

When Jude decided this is the year he’ll host Thanksgiving at his apartment he knew that he’ll need to learn how to cook and not rely on ready made meals or paying someone else to do it. He hadn’t mentioned a thing to Alex or Harlow about the plans since he wanted to see just how hard it is to cook a few dishes on his own. That’s where Jamie comes into the picture, someone Jude wasn’t sure would want to see him if Kacie shared what took place between them. 

She giggled softly at him, she would never tell him this but she was enjoying the fact that she was taking care of him for once. For once the tables had turned and she loved seeing him let loose. Knowing he probably hated it, after all these years seeing him drunk she knew it was probably overwhelming for him.  “I mean it’s not that you were loud, I just happened to be listening closely. When someone is laying in a bush singing you tend to pay more attention to them than if they were just singing. “Come on, let’s get you home.” She looped his arm around her own and began walking the two of them towards his apartment. “I bet I could’ve gotten someone to dress up, but alas it was just me this time around. Maybe next year you could go as my puppy, you wouldn’t have to dress up. Just stand next to me and people will know what you’re supposed to be.” She cracked the joke and jabbed him in the side a bit before looking forward trying to keep them both upright.

.

~

Myra hadn’t kept in touch with Jude much when she’d left. It wasn’t a conscious effort to do something like that but she’d had so much on her mind that it just wasn’t something she gave priority. But as they both danced, she was glad he’d been so sweet about her question. “that’s okay,” she murmured before giving him another smile. After all, she wasn’t supposed to be asking about the past when she’d so strongly moved past it. “That makes sense, I mean–as long as you’re doing good and happy?” She said over the music, aware that the unspoken words she was saying were about Asher. She wanted to know if Jude knew about him, and how he was doing and yet–she didn’t feel comfortable coming right out and saying it. “So um–how about people from high school, you still in touch with everyone or it faded away?”

.

Thankfully, there’s many people around them so Jude didn’t think too much about his dancing. The current song full of fast beats that required nothing more than having a good time on the dance floor. Leaning in at times whenever he noticed Myra speaking Jude said, “Doing good, yeah.” He said loud enough for her to hear. He understood why music’s supposed to be loud at events but it makes it difficult to have any sort of conversation. The next song transitioned in, the start softer and low so he could actually speak with her. “There’s a few that are still here. Elaine, Ben, Georgie, Alyssa... just to name a few.” he doesn’t know how close Myra was to them back in high school. “So,” he started, “are you here for awhile or this more of a short stay?”

She threw her head back and laughed “Sometimes I forget that you’re an old man, need me to go get your walker from the car? Maybe a wheelchair? I can push you around the bar for the rest of the night, then it’d really be wheeling you out!” Once again she was rolling her eyes at him and she couldn’t get herself to stop, and as the music picked up and they walked away from the jukebox she felt her hips beginning to sway, “I’m not getting out on that dance floor without you, not with all the creeps in this town!” She took a sip of her drink and looked at the guy once more, waving this time. She was unapologetically flirty and she knew Jude wouldn’t care. “I mean it’s either fuck some random or fuck you, so you make the decision here.” She gave him the ultimatum before blushing once again, “I wouldn’t call it sneaking out anymore if i’m just coming to your place right after.” She jabbed him in the side, “And anyway if we’re keeping up with this new adventure we’ve got going who knows if we’ll even be using his apartment anymore.” Leaning over to put her hand on his arm, “Well i’m glad you got out safe. And anyway, I wasn’t aware you had friends so i’m glad you’re making headway in that area of your life as well!” She teased him, a smirk forming on her face almost immediately. 

.

“Thanks.” Aksel said and shook his hand with a soft smile. “ Have you lived here long?” He asked as he watched the queue vanish from the morning rush hour. “ My job takes me all over the place. I just came from New York and now here I am. I am originally from Russia, St Petersburg, but I trained all over, London, Paris then New York, then I was given the job in Boston and I didn’t want to live in Boston and I had heard so much about Salem so I came here.”

.

After the handshake Jude looked to his right and waited for the man ahead of them to walk forward before occupying the now-empty spot in the line. “Practically my entire life. Spent a couple years away but this city has a hold on me, I guess.” Even living in DC was great and all but it never felt like home to him. More of an escape from difficult situations surrounding his mom and Ale. “Well damn. You’ve been to a lot of places. What did you train in?” Curiosity always wins out, something he hopes isn’t seen as rude to ask. “Did you happen to catch any of the harvest festival when you arrived? This city goes all out for that and Halloween.”

-

“I don’t think they ran the sprinklers, the grass is just dewey already.” At this point the damp grass didn’t bother Ben anymore. “What you up to out here?” Ben was happy to see Jude. He always thought of the other man in a high regard. “I’ve been out here for a while I think.” His phone was dead so he had no way of telling the time, but even if his phone was charged Ben probably would’ve had a hard time reading his screen anyways. 

.

What time is it even? Jude pat around his shirt and one of his pockets before remembering his phone is tucked inside his other pocket. Tugging it out proved a chore but once freed Jude pressed the side button. Nothing. Pressed it again. Nothing. Pressing down the charging screen popped up. Well...that’s not good. Looks like he and Ben have something in common tonight. “Going for a walk?” he asked unsure of himself. “I think?” He’s had way too much to drink by this point in the night and honestly should be home in bed instead of sitting on dewy grass. “I’ve been all over this building tonight. There’s some ghost lady in there. I think. Felt like I was watched a couple times. Not out here though. Maybe she doesn’t like the outside?” he’s rambling about some ghost, laughing about it towards the end. “Did you come to this thing with anyone?”

x

The embarrassment as more people turned to look at her was only making Kacie more upset and she nodded at Jude’s question, taking the napkin to press to her cheek. With her other hand she put it on his shoulder to steady herself and got to her feet, brushing glass off her skirt. “I’m okay.” The blonde insisted, walking a few steps away from the chaos to sit on a chair at the empty table nearby. Not only did she feel stupid about everything with Jude but now she’d embarrassed herself in front of him too and cut her face open in the process. “I’m accident prone tonight. Fell and twisted my ankle earlier too.” Maybe that was why she’d fallen now, the pain in her ankle still there from earlier. “You don’t have to stay with me, I’ll be fine and I’m sure you have someone else you’d rather be with anyway, right?”

.

With another napkin on the ready since he doesn’t know how much blood they’ll be, Jude followed Kacie to a nearby today and stood next to it. She act okay. Shaken but okay. But was she? A hand pulled a chair back and Jude sat next to her, but not too close as he doesn’t want to crowd Kacie. “Shit..” This is her 2nd fall of the night? “Is your ankle okay?” Things might be awkward between them but Jude still wants to make sure she’s not in pain because of her ankle or the cut on her cheek. A hand, the one holding the clean napkin, went to the table and Jude shook his head. Since he turned down her date offer he can see why she’d say that. “I want to stay with you. I mean, if that’s okay with you.” He wanted to add a lot more to that but kept it short as it feels like his words been getting him into trouble lately.

“When in Rome.” She shrugged. A mask would work but it would make her stand out too much. Unless she did it specifically for Halloween. It wouldn’t work after October ended. “I would love to do a routine in a masquerade mask though. No they weren’t a creep but it was still strange to be called out. They left without incident.” Paige had lied her face off to get out of that situation. It was one hundred percent a patron of El Mirage. They absolutely knew who she was wigs and heavy makeup be damned. As long as they never found out her real name… “I was just trying to buy groceries and they hit me with a ‘you gave me a lap dance the other week,’” paige rolled her eyes. “I don’t think I could have lied any harder than I did that day. Can’t shop there anymore though.”

.

“You mean the band that sings The Promise song?” he asked, full knowing what Paige meant by the expression. Still, he wanted to add a touch of humor to the conversation. “If you decide to wear one of those masks I might come by El Mirage and check out the performance or would that be too weird to have your ex there?” Jude never knows what’s awkward or crossing the line when it comes to his exes. “Okay, now that’s a creepy thing for him to do. At the grocery store?” He added, “Actually. It doesn’t matter where you’re at. He shouldn’t have brought that up at all. Not unless he’s at the club talking to you.” The club makes most sense. At least to Jude. “That sucks, Paige. I hate you don’t feel you’re able to go to your usual store anymore.”

….

Rolling their eyes, Val gave Jude a teasing little push. “Alluring, attractive? Like I wasn’t already enjoying someone like that’s company.” But they did want to go exploring, maybe find out if any other friends were around. They could always reconvene to Jude later… check in. 

The kiss took him by surprise. Val was almost frozen in place for a moment, face flushed as they felt the soft press of Jude’s lips on his. It wasn’t like they hadn’t kissed before. But it was usually after a warm meal- some late-night hookup after a few cocktails and murmuring in each others’ ears. Hotel bars and freshly laundered sheets. Val wasn’t used to being kissed like that. He swallowed thickly, fixing his hair and grinning almost shyly. “Any time, love. I’ll check in on you later, yeah? Don’t have too much fun without me.”  

.

Chuckling at the push Jude’s hand went to Val’s chest and said, “Were you now?” he asked through a big, goofy smile. “With who?” Jude knew Val meant him but that didn’t mean he sees himself that way. There’s so many interesting people at this event that he wouldn’t want to deny Val a chance to meet them since he’s taking up all of their attention. 

After the kiss, one Jude didn’t think he’d ever do in such a public setting, he found himself slightly surprised by his own actions. By this point in the night alcohol isn’t want lured him to do such a bold thing. Bold for him. This was all him. “I’ll send a text if it’s not too late.” his hand dropped slowly from Val’s chest as he started to walk away. Grinning at Val’s words he said, “I doubt that’ll happen. Talk to you later.” he kissed their cheek and went in the direction of the bar to get a fresh drink before checking to see what all is taking place at this event.

Aksel had see the other man around and after hearing about the people who were linked to him, Aksel politely kept his distance, the last thing he wanted was to crush on someone who was already taken. Now here they were in a close proximity and Aksel blushed as he spoke. “No  I usually have a coffee first thing in the morning to wake me, but only the pumpkin spice latte when its fall. I like the feel of fall and winter. Its my favourite time of year.” He said softly  and looked at the menu. “What about you? What do you have here?” He asked and looked at the other man briefly and then back at the menu on the wall. “ Is this your usual coffee shop?” He asked and watched as the line got smaller. “ I’m Aksel. New In town. I live in Salem but work in Boston.” He said and then smiled. “ What’s your name?”

.

Nodding along while listening to the coffee drinks explanation Jude said, “There’s such a limited window when it comes to pumpkin spice season. Ever considered asking if you can get a bottle of the syrup to have after everything turns into peppermint?” Jude took a step forward but remained partway turned to keep conversation flowing smoothly. “It’s my usual. I’m walking distance from here. And I usually go with iced coffee or black coffee. Depending on my mood. Tonight I’m switching it up and going with cider. It’s too late in the day for caffeine.” The nice thing about Salem is it’s a big city but has that small-city charm, something Jude likes. “Great to meet you, Aksel. I’m Jude.” he said as he brought his hand out to offer an introductory shake. “Welcome to Salem.”