Jack didn't want Julian to feel embarrassed. The feeling was strange in a way, seeing as the past version of the deputy would've savoured the other's flustered stare. He was a different person now. The older man was still rough around the edges, crass and blunt, but Julian made it harder for those edges to come out the same way they used to. Even being happy and content was something the man hadn't felt in a long time; he felt like a fish out of water, struggling simply to survive. Jack's grip was tight around the other's waist, his chin resting on his shoulder. Julian wasn't the only one feeling worried. It was new for the elder, and although his grip was firm, his hands trembled slightly with nervousness. "I ain't got nothin' against being called baby." Jack understood that this was a big step for both of them. He knew Julian sometimes had reservations about their relationship, or lack thereof. As soon as Jack noticed the other's trembling hands against the counter, he loosened his hold around his waist and placed his hands over them to reassure him he wasn't going anywhere. "I'm freakin' the hell out over it. Don't mean I ain't into it, though." Jack added. He not only wanted to express his own concerns, but also hoped to ease some of Julian's.
Well, at least Jack was honest. Julian was freaking out too, so he couldn't exactly be upset with the man for admitting it, but the difference was that while Julian was freaking out that he would chase away Jack, Jack was probably freaked out that he was pushing a boundary. Having a heart-to-heart did not boyfriends make, and Julian was over skirting around the topic. It wasn't like he had a ton of options in a rural town full of backwards thinking hicks, but there was more to Jack that lead to Julian having feelings for him other than him being available. Julian just had no idea how to express said thing without sending the man away forever. Still, he knew he had to say something. With a sigh, Julian pulled the steaks onto plates to rest. " It's… weird for me too. It's not like I ever… It just sorta slipped out. It felt natural to my brain, I guess." He shrugged his free shoulder as he spoke, trying to keep the air around them light and nonchalant. "Sometimes when it's like this… When it's just us… I just don't think about it. I don't have to think about it." Julian admitted. In any other instance, he would think that was a good thing, but with Jack… "But it's good to know I can call you that, if not anything else…" Julian added, testing the waters as he plated the rest of their food.













