——— no saint.

Jude was sprawled on the couch, falling into it completely, the haze he felt making him much more comfortable. He was wearing some old shorts that didn’t fit him as well as they used to, his thighs too large for them now, but they did the trick. He never dressed up when he got high at home, always going for whatever was easiest, and that meant a well fitted v neck that was haphazardly tucked into some old work out shorts. 

He took the blunt again, inhaling and laughing as he breathed out a puff of smoke. It was nice joking around like this with Nathaniel, he needed to see him more often. 

“Yea, yea, old man,” he answered, raising a brow, “It’s okay, you’re definitely a silver fox, or a daddy, as the twinks on grindr say.” He took another hit and passed it over. 

“Are you telling me you didn’t like that?” Jude asked, repeating the same move again, except he let his touch linger a bit, his hand feeling the impressive mass of muscle under his shirt. Maybe smoking did make him much more loose. 

“When is that guy coming, by the way? I feel like it’s been ages, I need my sausage,” Jude looked at the door longingly, his cat jumping down from one of its posts and going to scratch at the door as if to emphasize his point. 

“Pie that is. Sausage pie. A pizza pie.” Jude laughed, moving around to lean into Nathaniel, resting his head on the man’s shoulder, his thick neck supported by the man’s broadness. 

“Do you ever wonder why they call it a pie? I mean, it isn’t a pie, really. One of life’s many mysteries.” 

Twinks on Grindr. Now Nathan’s broad chest bounced for that snort as the warmth bloomed on more inside of him and pushing a couple more chuckles as it faded into a hum with how the other’s meaty paw began to just feel him up even more so. Jude was always quick to indulge, really—even more so with other things that twinks from Grindr couldn’t just give. All offense --------- and Nathaniel certainly liked that. That even when Jude just settled against him, his own heaving form cozying up to him that Nathan’s arm was practically around Jude’s shoulder with how the other’s brawn was just nuzzled up nice and cozy against the cold weather, Nathan just shrugged—chest bouncing once more as he turned to the clock. Anytime soon.

“Wasn’t it because of the bird? That one that keeps plucking on things and keeping it?” Nathan mused on, his fingers crawling down along the curve of Jude’s chest that slowly rose and fell with how slowly they breathed in the stuffy air. “Pie’s usually made of weird shit, that’s what—even bird feet… but yeah, a sausage pie down your throat is a better option. A pizza pie.” he chuckled on and without warning, plucked at Jude’s nipple that poked against his top, making his chuckle melt into a hum as he felt its pertness.

it was different, to say the very least - and maybe a little bit of a flashback - to have another man in the house taking care of things while griffin busied himslef about the kitchen. of course, there was also the greater part of him that wondered what sort of trouble nathaniel could get into unsupervised. brushing whatever intrusive thoughts that came unbidden away, griffin focused on the task at hand: entertaining his guest. and though it was true that the small living room had only grown cozier with added warmth of the fire, griffin found himself feeling somewhat at ease with the other. enjoying the company nathaniel brought with him. “thanks again.” he repeated, gaze fixated on the fire for a few brief minutes before his gaze fluttered back to nathaniel. 

now, with the busy tasks done, the two were left with just one another’s company, and griffin finally got a good look at nathaniel. he was handsome, well buiilt. he had broad shoulders and a pleasant face. greedily, griffin’s eyes continued to take in the form of nathaniel until he words broke him before he could get too far southward. “i wouldn’t say that.” he offered a smile. “on the contrary, i think you make fine company.” was he talking too much? overstepping his bounds? maybe. but his thoughts were genuine. 

griffin’s cheeks heated at the sudden attention. “yeah, usually. if i’m not downstairs working it’s just me up here.” he nodded. “i keep the fire going when i can remember to keep the wood on hand, and i always have pastries around. you know, since i’m always entertaining.” the last bit was an exaggeration by far. of course, there was the rare occasion that he had company, but it happened few and far between. “i used to keep things simple, but then i got more adventurous.” he said.

“but i’m yammering on. sorry. tell me about you? what are your interests?”

the baker was trying to change the subject, yes, and he hoped he wasn’t being too obvious about it. 

Wood on hand. Come on, it just writes itself, really. But while there was some naughty amusement to that thought as the vision of Griffin alone was more than enough to conjure the image, Nathaniel just took a bit from his cookie instead to hide what sheepish smile tempted to tug at the corner of his lips. Not too hard of a distraction, really—not when it’s the best damn cookie in town. Besides, there was a far better curiosity that wasn’t lost on Nathan; that with a soft grunt, he bent low towards the coffee table, pressed and pristine clothes stretching against the heave of his form, as he took a cup and ease back against one of the comfortable chairs where his settle came met with a swell of his chest. He had to give it to the other—his stuff is rather comfortable; either he knew how to pick for his damn size or that same brawn practically had broken into the couch enough to get it all nice and cozy.

“oh!” the question caught griffin off guard. he was accustomed to playing the host, seeing to the needs of his guests that the prospect of nathaniel doing anything left him feeling rather funny. “actually, that’d be great.” relinquishing a little bit of the control to the other, griffin instead busied himself with getting the coffee part prepared to brew. humming softly under his breath, he cast a glance over his shoulder, back towards the den and living areas. “everything you’d need should be by the fireplace.” he called, ever the doting individual, even if it was for a man that he had met only on a handful of occasions. if griffin remembered correctly, it had been at a catered birthday party that he had first seen the other individual, standing there with the imposing demeanor of a man that knew what he was doing and what he wanted out of life. griffin could recognize the determined tenacity, something that he shared with his ex-husband. 

soon the small, yet somehow spacious, apartment filled with the strong aroma of brewed coffee and pastries that griffin had decided to warm in the over. feeling antsy over leaving nathaniel to his own devices for so long, the baker was eager to get back into the other room. once everything was ready, griffin plated everything on an antique wooden tray, but only after arranging everything in a unique pattern for optimal choices to be displayed. picking up the tray, he made his way back into the living room and placed the tray carefully on the table. “my apologies for keeping you waiting.” he offered, a faint blush of embarrassment growing on his face. he walked over to the fire and stood, gazing at the crackling fire. “thank you for preparing this.” he smiled. “it makes it far more cozy in here, don’t you think?”

griffin warmed his hands briefly before turning his attention back to the tray. “i wasn’t sure what you would want, so i got a little of everything that i had.”

Fire’s easy—easier when he already had what he needed right there by the fireplace just like how it usually is. That with the prompt from the other, Nathan finally rolled his shoulders to slip his coat from himself and hung it over the coat rack where Griffin had put up his—and with a resolved sigh, he took those couple of strides to move back to the mantle while his arm flexed against his shirt with how he tugged at the edge of his sleeves up until where his forearms were the thickest. He eased down onto his haunches then, opening the damper all the way up before stacking the pieces of wood just close by in the basket. It’s almost second nature to him—some easy chore that he was still very much willing to do since it was one of those little things that he just liked to do. It wasn’t like he had a fireplace growing up. It was something that stuck with him in simple dreams. Like a tub. And his own bedroom.

That by the time it was beginning to catch fire with the match that Nathan struck and tossed along with the rest of the kindle, Griffin was just in time with how he entered the scene; tray in hand—strong sturdy man with all the softest things right there with him. Well, for the moment—of course, Nathan wouldn’t miss the part where the other leaned on over to place the tray on the table, ripe curves swelling against his clothes; all that which made the sight all the sweeter… and even better too with how the growing orange glow was dancing along his handsome features. Nathan couldn’t help but shrug then, nod at the fire as it began to crackle just very gently. It’s all good. It was enough for Nathan to finally grunt and ease up to his height once more. 

“—well, it’s only thing I know. I had to make myself useful or else I’m just the guy who just yaps about business laws…” Nathaniel teased, as he turned to the tray. “—that and being the guy who always gets the fancy stuff… and I’d say this right here looks fancy…” he continued on as he took a cookie from the tray. Iced sugar cookie—perfectly made too. How Griffin did that with his big arms and hands was beyond Nathaniel. “--------- you always live like this; fire and nice pastries?”

Jude’s place was…interesting. It was almost like a bachelor pad, if the bachelor were a forty year old gay man whose life was run by a cat. Not many cats. One cat. Singular. New York was the light of his life, the big ball of fur demanded nice things, and those things were sprawled around his apartment. 

Not to mention the things she knocked over that he, at times, didn’t bother to pick up. So, yes, his apartment was a little messy. He just didn’t have the energy to clean it on his few day off, and he kept forgetting to pay a cleaning service. So, there were items strewn about the floor, multiple cat toys forgotten, never to be played with again. 

His couch was good though, it was large, and comfortable, and clean, for the most part, save for a stain or two he couldn’t quite explain. 

Jude didn’t have people over too often though, so it didn’t matter, and those he did, usually knew what to expect. 

Like Nathaniel, his longtime friend who he knew wouldn’t judge him too harshly. At least he hoped not. 

He watched as said man inhaled some of his prime weed, glad to have a smoking buddy. If his eyes lingered on his chest for a few seconds, no one had to know. 

Jude laughed, reaching for the joint and inhaling, before answering, letting a stream of smoke out, “You’re seriously asking me that? Nate, you know as much I do that I don’t search out hook ups that often. Sometimes I just get what’s easiest. And that means fucking some frat bro delivery guy on my couch.” Maybe that explains the stains. He pauses and takes another hit, swatting at Nathaniel’s chest playfully. “Is that why you wanted to get high together? Hmm? Wanted to get in my pants?”

Jude handed the blunt over, and laid back, resting his head on his couch cushion, reveling in the warm fuzzy feeling overtaking him. “And, you’re telling me smoking a doobie doesn’t make you hot and ready? It makes me feel all good and relaxed. That’s, like, optimal sexy time feelings right there. You still feel those, right?”

Nate. God. He hated that name so much. But Jude certainly made up for it with how he slowly inhaled and took in that drag in him, beefy pecs just swelling against his clothes before he breathed out with that adorable smile of his that goaded this giddy inside him just the same and just scoffed instead—only to grunt low at how the other just took a feel of his chest, meaty paw stealing a squeeze and all. Fucker. Nathan just breathed a hum through his smile as he took the blunt again for a smaller a smaller hit as he let the tease just be a prompt for him to get back at the other sooner or later—especially with how he was really pushing with his words.

“I’m old, not numb—” Nathan finally chuckled, as the fuzzy sensations just echoed the other’s words and Nathan’s own thoughts. Warm and good—especially against a chilly day like this one. “—definitely felt you feeling me up too… if anything you’re the one trying to get in my fucking pants… you can’t even fucking wait til our guys comes...” he teased on, and turned to the other with a little more deviousness in his smile. And with Jude’s head hanging back, chest out and arms wide stretched, the man was practically open --------- it was almost tempting to do a payback just then, but Nathan just smiled to himself.

griffin wasted little time leading the way around the bakery and to a metal staircase affixed to the building so that it remained sturdy. casting a precursor glance over his shoulder to ensure that nathaniel was behind him, he made his way up the stairs. “i think i might have a cake or too here. whatever you’d like, you’re welcome to.” he said flippantly, thinking on what he did keep in the apartment. shrugging smally, he jingled his keys until he found the one he was looking for, unlocking the door and filing in, ensuring the door was closed completely before he moved on into the apartment. “you’ll have to pardon the mess.” he said, sheepishly, though there was no overly discernible mess to be seen, save for a few books laying about. 

“sorry the weather is so crummy.” he said, stripping himself of the sweater that had been clinging the confines of his body, hanging it on a peg beside the door, he made way for the kitchen. “i’ll get the kettle going for tea - unless you prefer coffee?” he cast a glance over to nathaniel. some might say griffin was being neurotic, but this was just how his anxiety manifested. in terms of being a good host, he had an implicit need to be liked. sometimes that could lead to him coming off a bit overbearing, but really griffin simply wanted to make sure everyone was taken care of.

“please, take a seat. make yourself comfortable.”

Fleeting as it was, Nathaniel would at least admit to himself that he liked that moment of them being too close by the door—closer as Griffin fumbled with the keys that every single squirm was a swell that ate up space even more that Nathaniel felt himself backing off against the wall. But sure enough, with the door yielding, he followed through—though not after he let himself indulge in that moment where Griffin walked forward and had his jeans just screaming against the strain of the fat globes that bunched and flexed. And the fact that Griffin didn’t even seem aware of it—just as his breasts bunched and bounced against his shirt when he squirmed against the pull his did with his sweater—was just as sweet; it’s like Griffin doesn’t even know how good he looks. How ripe. For a moment, with that one thought that crossed his mind, Nathaniel turned away to focus himself on other things—like the actual offering.

“Whatever you’ll have. With pastries that good, I’d trust your taste…” Nathan replied as he moved to the window and looked down onto the still rainy street before letting his feet lead him on. Look. Snoop. Take it in --------- come to think of it, he had never been to Griffin’s place. And for someone gentle and sweet, it wasn’t at all surprising of a place. Cozy. Could be cozier though. “—want me to start the fire?” he then asked, talking about the quaint fireplace.

At the very least, Jude’s place was one of the things that Nathaniel got used to; sure, it wasn’t a luxury apartment downtown like he has, but it was home in a way --------- and by home it meant it felt like just walking back into New York because it literally just look like Jude got his dump there and relocated. Still, just like the old times, it was just as much of a good place to get high. After all, having Jude to provide him with the best kind saves him all the trouble of finding one for himself—among other things, really. If he was honest, Jude made settling into Providence a little easier. So, for everything else that the guy needed, Nathaniel was there --------- except for the notion of being part of his show… or at least being in front of the camera. He’s not at all opposed to getting the production company as a client for his firm after all. But for the moment, he hummed… his broad chest swelling on for a breath—a puff of fine smoke that came with the warm and cozy ease that had him settle deeper into the corner of the couch.

“—ever fucked a Postmates guy?” he began with a snort, his head tilting aside to meet the other’s gaze as his mind held onto the topic that came about since they were waiting for the food to come after all. “Or a pizza guy? You’ve always been the horny when high kind of person…”

if there was one thing that would keep the citizens of providence in their homes, it was the rain. even griffin would admit that lounging on the couch with a blanket, good book and mug of hot tea sounded invitable. verily, griffin had been in the bakery since the very wee hours of the morning, ensuring that every pastry was primed to perfection, every bun toasted to the optimal cinnamon brown. despite these efforts, however, one couldn’t account for the rain. and thusly, standing behind the counter and staring at the brightly coloured fixtures in his empty bakery, he elected to close up shop early, at the very least, until the rain disipated the people were hankering for a snack. 

griffin had just stepped out of the shop, lights cut behind him as his keys jingled in the lock when the other’s precense nearly starteled him from his own train of thought, glancing over his shoulder, he offered a warm smile at the other man. “afraid so -” he affirmed with a small nod. “no business when it rains.” his words almost carried the sigh for him, pulling the keys from the lock, he turned, chest swelling as he breathed carefully. despite his better judgment, he took a moment to size nathaniel up, noting his height and the way all of his clothes seemed to be tailored to his body. 

there was something inherently wrong with leaving nathaniel on his stoop however. though he couldn’t be certain that this was his destination in the first place, griffin grimaced at the though of sending him on his way in this weather. “i was about to go upstairs and put the kettle on, if you wanted to come with?” he asked, harmless enough. “i probably have some extra muffins and stuff, too, if that’s what you were hoping for.” not allowing for any awkward pauses, griffin instead took the few shorts steps down the porch and walked around the building, climbing the steps that lead to his apartment nestled upstairs of the bakery in which he normally presided.unlocking the door and pushing the door open with a flourish.

“after you.” 

It was the point after all; sure, Nathaniel knew that he could be bound to take rejection—and he has enough humility to take his tail between his leg and try his luck some other time—but with the notion of still having Griffin all to himself being offered as an actual option, Nathaniel’s jaw clenched into a smaller smile to hide that grin that he could have had. Shark like him being given a bargain? Of course, he’ll bite. Not that he might be able to help himself either—not when even in the cozy layers that Griffin got on him, even his sweater can’t keep all of him. To see him breathe and sigh—to watch him heave—it was simply too foolish to decline.

“I like the cakes better but I’d gladly take your muffin…” Nathaniel finally replied, his lips quirked a little bit for that playful smirk as he took step to let the other know that he was inclined to follow on—or lead as the other preferred. He was an easy man to talk to—especially when it’s about getting what he wants… and most especially when the sky weighed onto them with the sudden steady hum of heavier rain. It seems like it’s going to be a long one too. And so with a hum he moved up to the stairs, carefully treading on to get to the landing and take a spot to let the other open the doors.

Rain. It’s as certain as coffee milk. And being from New York, the sullen weather during the season was something that Nathaniel had already grown way accustomed to. Though as the passersby began to keep up with their errant strides and the shuffle through their bags for their umbrellas, he walked along under the familiar awnings with a little less rush and a little more focus in terms of destination. Not home. Most especially not work. That as Nathaniel finally saw the familiar color of the sign, his strides turned a little wider—and even more so at the discovery that the place was rather empty. Luck? Well, everyone was bound to scramble first before thinking that maybe staying in some warm café would be a better option. And while he slowed down to stick his landing, it was still all the more reason to stake claim, really --------- except Griffin was right outside his place.

“Closed?” Nathaniel greeted, the soft curl of his smile readied to meet the other’s gaze whlle his eyes stole the swell and curve that even Griffin wouldn’t keep for himself... like how the stark wool coat painted Nathaniel’s towering brawn just the same.