#jen016

Grayson isn’t lying to Jen about the podcast. He’s just—avoiding the issue. Ignoring it. He’s good at that, even now, even after everything. He’s better at throwing himself into the celebration these days too, the music thrumming in the background and Leo’s lavish around house him. This time last year, Grayson would’ve stayed on the sidelines. He would’ve pretended that’s what he wanted: a life of isolation, his hands at his sides so they wouldn’t hurt anyone else.

The stark proof that he’s changed makes it all the more infuriating that some woman decided Grayson’s history is worth dragging into the light again. He still didn’t snap on the Exy court though. He isn’t walking around with a red card tonight. Despite everything, there’s a quiet, solid pride in his chest when he thinks of it that way. If this was the first test of his own self-imposed rules, then he’s passed. That alone makes him want to celebrate.

A new episode of First Degree is supposed to come out sometime this weekend. There won’t be any avoiding it then—once and he can pretend the host of First Degree will get bored, twice and he has to admit this is real, this will be a series on his family. On him. He’ll tell Jen before then, he’s promised himself that much. First though, they’re in Vegas. They’re in Leo’s home, and the drinks are free, the death match is conquered. Isn’t he allowed a victory lap?

Grayson manages to track Jen down again, both of their refills in hand. He holds Jen’s out towards them. “So, you gonna give me a tour?” Grayson says, even though this isn’t Jen’s home. It’s Leo’s. But Grayson can’t ask for a tour of Jen’s childhood home—even though they’ve been there too, if only to steal a gnome of all things, if only so Jen could say goodbye. He thinks Jen’s got fonder memories of Las Vegas than Georgia anyway. “At least the highlights reel. For example, did you dance on any of these tables?” He nods back towards the dining room. “Just trying to figure out how I should picture that.”