@endlessfebrvary didn't ask for this

It’s Friday, the one day of the week where Jeremiah only has a morning class and the rest of the day to himself. He’s staring at the clock for the duration of the lesson, knee jerking up and down viciously as he waits for the hour and a half to tick by. It’s the longest ninety minutes of his life, he thinks, but he’s finally free and has to dislodge himself from a few students who want Adderall or Xanax or some snow.

Yeah, yeah, I got you, later, we’ll link up. He says, and dismisses them with the wave of his hand before he’s off and out, heading on public transit to the nearest Best Buy so he can make good on a promise he’s made to a boy he likes more than he’s liked anyone in… well, ever, probably.

The realization of that makes Jeremiah blush, and he dips his head, like anyone’s going to notice.

He rushes into the store and asks for help immediately, knows what he wants. When he’s done with the purchase, he heads back to his apartment and looks through the closet for some wrapping paper he knows is there. He finds it at the back, waiting for him, colorful and bright, he pulls the roll of it out and locates tape, ribbon, and goes about wrapping the paper. He pulls up a YouTube tutorial just to make sure it’s perfect. And it is with it’s frilly ribbons that he made curly with the edge of his scissors.

Now, just to deliver it.

He changes, first, into something cuter and less smelly (he’d been sweaty from anxiety and the quick trip across the city, the wrapping of the present), then grabs his wrapped gift and orders an Uber. No buses or subway with this in tow, no, that’d just be asking for trouble. He’s nervous, leg jerking, the whole way over to Luke’s apartment.

When he arrives, he texts Luke from the back of the Uber, then thanks the driver, heads out. He takes the steps up to Luke’s door slowly, carefully carrying his package. When he gets there, he sets the thing down at his feet to knock then quickly picks it back up again, waiting for the other young man to answer the door. When he does, Jer’s all smiles.

“Surprise!” He says, thrusting the large box into the other’s hands. “Happy Friday.”

They were doing what they normally did - now that things were somewhat back to normal between the duo. Sitting and writing music together on one of Kellin's days off while eating Chinese takeout. Feeling her shift next to him, he turned to look at her, not expecting her to kiss him. That was really the last thing he expected her to do, to be honest. Once she pulled back, he just stared at her, shock on his face before he dropped the notebook and pen that was in his hands and he grabbed her face, kissing her this time.

I’ve always got time for you--- Sometimes, Ajax left words unsaid. To show affection, he would let his actions speak for themselves rather than become a bumbling idiot with a trail of incoherent sentences. This way, everything came from the heart rather than let the situation become embarrassing and he couldn’t take that. Most women he had dated had flaunted over expensive, materialistic things that meant no value to him, while he’d rather carve something with value or simply use his time to help someone. His taste was clearly awful as they didn’t think the same way nor liked that he was adamant on not changing his ways. In conclusion, things often ended on the wrong foot and had him currently sit single. The last girlfriend he had only stayed for two years, and two years he would never back. However, he was still lucky. He didn’t necessarily need a romantic partner, he had a friendship that he cherished more. Athena had always been there and she was incredibly special to him. Deep down, he had always liked her but there was never a right time to say anything. It was not in his nature to overstep anyone’s boundaries, even a woman you know quite well. Regardless, as along as he could still continue being a reliable and comforting safe space for Athena and her family, he was content as to where they stood. He chuckled a little bit to her words, “You’re welcome,” Ajax shoved his hands in the pockets of his shorts and followed Athena through the yard. “But water will do just fine.” ---And your company.

As she finally noticed the handmade picnic table, he watched her expressions shift. Was it an excuse to see her smile? Yes, because it was always worth it, but it evidently meant more beneath the surface. It made him happy knowing that they’d get good use out if it, but it was for the entire family. Words didn’t need to be exchanged to still being hopeful over her daughter Roxy’s return, it was a grey area. But it wasn’t like they couldn’t try to enjoy their days and lives with even a glimmer of hope on the horizon. Ajax just wanted what was best for all of them and it spruced up the rather large yard surrounded by her flowers and the treehouse in the distance. He knew that Athena wouldn’t mind. A beat passed as he kept watching her and he responded with a nod. “I am glad you like it. I’ve been meaning to dedicate myself to a new project and so, here it is.” He too, ran his fingers over the smooth wood to proudly admire the finished product one last time before the other walked by him and before his mind could keep up, Ajax’s feet followed.

@endlessfebrvary said -> He was my best friend.

Miri frowns when she hears her brother speaking. They’ve been over this before, will likely go over it again, and she’s okay with that, really, she is, but she’d like to meet Barrett Ripley again, kick him right in his stupid cunt. Maybe then he’d think twice about ruining her precious brother’s life?

“I know, baby, I know.” She says, and she reaches out to stroke his curls and let her fingers cascade down the side of his face, pad of her thumb swiping up the solo tear that’s escaped from his usually warm eyes. Every now and again, it gets to him, and she gets it. They spent a lot of time together, Bear building Sol up and Sol doing the same. They had so much in common and those things they didn’t share? They perfectly complemented each other. When Miri had seen them together for the first time, her heart did something strange in her chest, and she couldn’t stop smiling. It was like they were meant to be together, but then the dick went and dumped her precious, sweet, perfect brother, and for what?

“It’s hard when, in one fell swoop, you lose your lover and your best friend, but he didn’t deserve you, you know? If he was just going to take you for granted. I mean… god, look at you! Spend two seconds with you! You’re the best. I’m sorry he hurt you, baby, but…” She shifts down closer so they’re almost nose-to-nose, “You can’t let this eat you up forever.”

@endlessfebrvary also didn't ask for this

Bear doesn’t get to see Brando nearly as often as he’d like, but that’s just part of the territory. Plus, he figures, it helps keep them from getting too attached. He’d hate to have to tell his big brother’s best buddy to cool out on catching feelings for him. It’s not beyond the realm of possibility, Bear thinks, as plenty of people have fallen in love with him in the past. He’s charismatic, fun to be around, an excellent lay. He’s attentive and handsome and has a good job. The only thing not to love are his commitment issues.

He just nods when Travi tells him that Brando will be in town for his niece’s graduation party, but he’s already secretly making plans, secretly wondering how long the older man will be in D.C. for, how much of his time can Bear soak up? How many times can they get off without Daddy and Travi and the rest finding out?

It’s exhilarating.

He greets the man like normal, no one can make any inferences here, and allows the party to continue without a hitch, but his eyes wander, and he catches Brando’s gaze a few times. He’s planting seeds, making sure that Brando is thinking what he’s thinking, that the older man wants to slip away sooner rather than later.

It’s getting dark and everyone’s some degree of wasted when Bear gestures with his head for Brando to follow him. He circles around the side of his brother’s house and enters through a less used door, waiting for the other man to walk through. When he does a few minutes later, Bear grabs him in the darkness and pulls him close – he’s had a few drinks himself, is feeling a little adventurous.

Never mind Travis and the others are outside, his dad, too, mere feet away. This could be disaster, but Barrett desperately wants a taste.

He tugs Brando down those few inches that separate them and crashes their mouths together, holding onto the other man’s shirt like clinging for dear life. Even in the darkness, he can see the glimmer of something in Brando’s eyes and it’s truly delightful. “You’ve been teasing me all evening. Decided I wanted a bite. Think we can make something happen quick?” He asks, already pawing at the man.

closed jonathan starter for @endlessfebrvary based on (x)

God it was infuriating. So absolutely maddening that Jonathan was watching him being him and still knowing in his heart of hearts he was in love. It was ridiculous. Absolutely stupid. It wouldn't work. He knew it wouldn't work. And still. Here he was entirely enamoured. Fuck.