How would you describe your relationship with Jacques?
There is a lot to be said about how it feels to be pursued, desired, and loved but this is funnier:
“What relationship?” Funnier, and snappier. “I wouldn’t try to describe it at all.”
It would be like sitting down and trying to describe everything that ever existed. The more he saw, the more he spoke, the more he would have to explain. And where should he even begin?
They were at several points of time messy, complicated, full of contradictions (it was all very human of them). And yet, right now, Vincenzo would rather spend an evening loitering about with him, his place or Jacques’. It didn’t matter if they were drinking coffee made in a French press or a cuccumella, as long as they paired it with a chain of cigarettes and idle chatter. Honestly, they didn’t even have to talk; they could walk aimlessly through all of the alleyways of Naples twice without saying a word, and Vin would still insist on another walk around the block because the ‘weather is good.’ He doesn’t want him to leave, but he couldn’t ask him to stay. Vin has often been described as ‘too proud.’
Proud, but never perfect, or capable of staying away. Jacques’ absence would just worsen his addiction to the way he made his brain tingle, how he could make his entire body tense with anticipation without touching him. It was like being struck by lightning every time he walked into a room and their eyes met. He had a commanding presence, and experience, and charm. It was even worse when their eyes wouldn’t meet, and he would have to go further and further to grab his attention. And when he went too far…
Well, that was then. This is now. He had grown… he didn’t have to lash out anymore. (Most of the time.) He could send him a text, dropping hints here and there about where he wanted to go (with him), what he wanted to eat (together), when he would be there. He could also just tell him he was on his way, think of some excuse, and then fudge all the details. Like either one cared.
Or… that was it, wasn’t it? They did care. Vin cared so much.
But anyhow:
“It isn’t bad or anything.” Understatement of the century. “It’s better when he hasn’t shaved. His pointy chin scares me.”
