Never Been Kissed

Jane Winston. Twenty-five. married to Damon Winston. Journalism teacher @ Rosewood Academy.

[mrsjanewinston]

diego.

***

Diego listened to her words, knowing that she believed in him more than anyone but no matter how much work he did, he couldn’t help but be nervous about another leap. He had thought through so much, been so careful and now that he was ready, he was afraid that he wasn’t ready. His therapist had told him that if he waited until the perfect time, he’d be waiting forever. “You ever get tired of giving me pep talks?” He let out a soft laugh before he threw his arm around her shoulders and pressed a kiss to the side of her head. “I appreciate that. I feel like a failure a lot, if I’m being honest. But I’m…fuck I want to get past that. All this self pity is..exhausting,” he joked but he really was trying his best. He just knew he had to be okay even if he was the only one he saw it. He was trying hard to unwind himself and unlearn how to care so much about others perspectives. And he needed to do that before he put himself in the spotlight again. “It’s just…wild out there, you know? And everyone here plays dirty. Probably gonna be worse statewide too. I don’t know I’m,” he took in a deep breath and shrugged. “I guess I’m just scared of things changing. Things are good right now, you know? For me, I mean, personally. The world is shit but I got my place, Marina and I are good, you and Damon and Franco are safe. I just dont want to rock the boat.”

“No.” Jane shook her head, as she knew that everyone needed that one person who’d be rooting for them through thick and thin. Jane was lucky enough to have both Damon and Diego be those people for her, and she’d always be that person for them. “But you can make up for it with some of that Diego Cruz cooking.” She teased him, although she was very much a fan of what the man threw down in the kitchen. “But you’re not a failure, Diego. Do you not see what you’ve done for this town? Seriously? A “failure” wouldn’t have been able to accomplish half of the things you have.” Jane let him know. “I can imagine.” She told him, as he spoke on how his self pity was exhausting. She understood that Diego was hard on himself, but he was being hard on himself to the point that it was become a detriment to himself and all he could do. “But that’s why you’re needed. To help reign in some of that craziness, but—” Jane said, biting down on her lip. “I want you to throw yourself back into it all, if you can take it. If you can understand that not everyone’s going to adore you and that yes, people are going to let their criticisms be known. But those negatives can not rule out all the positives in what you do, okay.” Jane told her best friend, as this was something he needed to hear. Diego was so quick to hear the negatives, but there was so many positives all around him. She wanted to listen to that. “Yeah, they are pretty okay, right now. But they can be better, we both know they can be. So if making things better means rocking the boat, let’s rock it. Because we aren’t people who simply accept, we strive for more.”

[mrsjanewinston]

diego.

***

“Because I feel like there’s no way to be in politics without being a total sellout,” he admitted with a sigh, running his fingers back through his hair before smiling slowly. “I would never take up that space, you’re the top teacher here,” he added and nudged her lightly. “I just feel like politics can be so..restricting and I want to do more than just make speeches, you know? And maybe I’m just not ready to get all that attention again. I mean those months I was Mayor were…amazing and also terrifying. Am I really going to put myself through that again? My family?” He shrugged as he thought about it more. “Maybe I’m a behind the scenes kind of guy. Maybe I’m just not the face or voice of anything, you know? I just…I keep feeling like if I go for federal office or state office that I’m…I’m just going to set myself up to fail.”

“I don’t entirely believe that to be true, Diego. You, mi amor, want to please everyone— a trait I admire in you so much, but the truth is that you won’t be able to please everyone. People will critique you and some of those criticisms will be valid but will they overshadow all the great you’ll do in a position where you can make lasting good? No.” Jane told Diego as these were words that the man just needed to hear. “I understand, it’s very much a fools game sometimes, but sometimes, it might only happen once in four years, but sometimes, the stars align for something to actually happen. And I think with that opportunity, you’d do something that would truly cause great change for so many people who need it.” Jane nodded, as he spoke of the downfalls and she’d seen many during his stint as Mayor. “I can’t even fault you for feeling that way. I’d truly second guess throwing myself into that personally, especially now as a mother.” She told him, as he understood his all too valid concerns. “Maybe, but I truly think you shouldn’t count out taking charge and trying to find yourself in one of those positions yourself.” Jane scoffed. “You fail? Diego, you might stumble and fall but you have never once been a failure.” This was the man who’d made it his mission to feed those who SoWood was hitting the worst, allowing her to join him in that mission. This was a man who’s heart was in the right place, something the world needed. 

[mrsjanewinston]

diego.

“Maybe I should just go get a second degree. My masters..or a PhD program or like I don’t know, literally anything other than politics. Politics is starting to feel very fucking..early 2000s.” So maybe Diego was spending more time online, reading more and realizing just how much he had to unlearn from his earlier years. There had been valid critics of him over the years, some that weren’t, but he was trying to grow in the community work he did and he had started to become a bit more of a revolutionary than he had ever been in the past. “Maybe I should just be like…a professor, or a teacher or I don’t know, open a youth shelter?” @mrsjanewinston​

“I don’t see that being a negative thing.” Jane told Diego as she played with Franco, laughing as he knocked down his tower of blocks. “But why?” She asked Diego. Yes, she understood that politics was quite the thankless job but Diego threw himself into that because he understood that change starts from the top. If there’s no one on top supporting the grass root movements, it only makes things that much harder. “Woah, you’re not going to come into my space. There’s only enough room in this friendship for one teacher, okay.” Jane teased. “Honestly, you’d be an incredible teacher. You’d be incredible at whatever you chose to do, but I just want to understand why are you feeling that way? Diego, you’re incredible. And you actually want to change the system. Why suddenly do you want to course correct when I truly believe you’re on the right path.”

[mrsjanewinston]

perrie.

“Well to be fair, Two-bit could entertain just about anyone. It’s why he makes it look so easy.” Acting was probably the best field for Two-Bit to go into given that he was a natural entertainer. Perrie smiled as he watched his friend parade around in the giant yellow suit. With all that had been going on recently it was nice to have things slow down for once. Things weren’t back to the way they were before and truthfully perrie didn’t know if they’d ever be but for right now he’d live in this moment of bliss. “I’m glad that you guys are okay. Despite everything that’s happening. I wish…things were different you know.” Perrie said, leaving it at that because he didn’t want to be the downer at Franco’s first birthday party. “Is this your way of telling me I need to come around more? because I happily will. I miss it here sometimes, not gonna lie.”

“That’s also extremely true.” Jane couldn’t deny that Two-Bit just had that thing that made just about everyone’s favorite person. How could he not be? The man was not only a riot but he was truly one of the sweetest human beings she’d had the pleasure of meeting. “Don’t we all? But you know, we’re keeping up the good fight. But today, it’s not about that. It’s about actually having fun. Although just know, we are fighting, Perrie. It might not look the same way that the Greasers are use to, but we are doing our damndest to look out for the people of this community.” Jane let Perrie know with a small smile. “Well, I’m glad you picked up what I was putting down.” She told him, teasingly. “When was the last time I saw you?” She asked him, with a raise of an eyebrow. “I think that let’s you know how I feel on that front.”

[mrsjanewinston]

damon.

“I am changing out of it right now, that’s why I haven’t come out. I refuse. I should have been the man in the yellow suit.” He called out from their bathroom, entirely too amused. Years ago, Damon would have found this whole thing very annoying, but now he was mostly just having a fun day, enjoying his son’s very first birthday. It couldn’t get better than this. He walked out of the bathroom with only the bottom half suit on, his arms folded across his chest as if he were annoyed. “There’s no way in hell I’m walking down there wearing this. Two-Bit’s gonna enjoy it too much, Jane. I can’t let him have that.”

“You are not.” Jane said, with a gasp as she knocked on the door repeatedly, if only to force him out. “You know, I remember giving birth to one baby and he’s being adorable downstairs, so let’s get it together old man.” She told him, teasingly. Jane stood by the door for a second, knowing her husband well enough. The click of the door let her know that he’d decided to finally come out and join her on this side of their room. She couldn’t help but laugh at the sight of him, shaking her head. “Oh, c’mon. I’m sure it’s nowhere near as bad as you’re making out to be.” Jane scoffed with a playful roll of her eyes. “Two-Bit is dressed as what’s essentially a big banana. I don’t think he’s got that much room to tease and if he does, so what? Today isn’t about egos, it’s about having fun.” Jane told her husband. “Remember what that is, old man?”  She asked him, teasingly.

[mrsjanewinston]

melrose.

Melrose returned the other woman’s huge as a genuine smile fell on her face. She had been so caught up in her own things lately that she knew she had been neglecting a lot of her relationships with others. It was nice to fall back into it like no time had passed at all. “ Its  the soundtrack. Weirdly gets you in the mindset” She teased before looking around. “ Any single guys wearing Tarzan loincloths’ around here?” She asked joking a bit, bit she had to admit she was a little curious on the answer. The red head shook her head at the mention of Jane’s original idea. Why would anyone have such a negative opinion of a wholesome idea? “ That’s insane. Cause that would have been really cute. There could have been a man in the yellow hat and it would have been adorable”

“It’s definitely the soundtrack.” Jane nodded in agreement, a small laugh leaving her lips. “Given this is a party for a one year old, I sort of let it be known that lion clothes wouldn’t be allowed as a part of the dress code. But who knows, maybe my husband will go ahead and take this theme over to Katz.” Jane told her with a playful roll of her eyes, as she wasn’t so sure that Damon wouldn’t do such a thing. Sex sold after all. “That’s what I thought but you know, Damon sometimes gets off on opposing me. It’s that devious Greaser energy.” Jane let Melrose know.  “Oh, my love, there’s a man in a Yellow Hat here, here’s right there.” Jane directed Melrose’s attention over to where Two Bit currently stood, entertaining baby Franco and a bunch of the south side kids. “Would you believe all it took was for me to just ask to get Two Bit in that? He is truly heaven sent, that one.”

[mrsjanewinston]

perrie.

Perrie happily returned the hug, squeezing jane ever so slightly. There were a few plus sides to taking a year off school. one of those were moments like this that involved family. He now was able to be present and for the first time in a long time perrie felt present in more ways than one. “Thank you, Jane. you have no idea how much I appreciate that.” he replied with a sheepish grin. “Yeah, that sounds about right. TB’s gotta flex those acting chops somehow. Why not start with a baby birthday party?” he laughed. “So how are you? it’s been a while. Catch me up with what all’s going on in the Winston front.”

Jane smiled as Perrie spoke, just happy to have him in the fold once more. She’d been beyond happy to see Perrie go his own route, but having him back home just felt correct. A part of their family was back and at this moment of unrest, family was the most important thing in Jane’s eyes. “Oh, this is completely a masterclass in acting, if I’ve ever seen one. Entertaining a one year old is no easy task, yet he makes it seem like lightwork.” Jane laughed, as she watched Two Bit happily entertain the birthday boy. “I’m doing well. Yes, there’s moments where times are tougher around here, that goes without saying but I’m lucky enough to know that my livelihood nor my home is affected by what’s happening on this side of things. That’s not something many people can say.” Jane told Perrie with a soft sigh. “But that only means I have to do my part to help those who are affected. But us, the Winstons are doing well. We can’t complain, aside the fact we don’t see you nearly as much as we’d like to.” Jane let Perrie know with a small poke to his arm.

[mrsjanewinston]

two-bit​.

**

“You’re gonna let me…have my cake and eat it to?” Two-Bit grinned, the cheesy joke wasn’t his style but he was at a kid’s party so his usual humor was something that would probably slip out but he was trying to reel in. “Nah, he didn’t say it. I was worried for him. Yeah, sounds dumb sayin’ it out loud. My man is Mr. personality.” He chuckled, “I hear that, I mean most of us are former bangers so…” The greaser shrugged, “You’re right, sorry it’s harder than I thought it would be. I’m not even gonna say that’s what she said, that’s how committed to keeping it family friendly for my little man.” Two-Bit laughed, “Nah, I can believe it, little kid stuff is always weird one way or another. When I was a kid, my favorite thing to watch was this show with these crazy looking monsters. Like one of the dudes held his eye balls all the time, another one looked like a vampire rabbit and the chick looked like black and white candy cane with Angelina Jolie lips.” 

Jane narrowed her eyes at him, it wasn’t the best joke he’d ever delivered but she couldn’t help but laugh. “That was so bad, it was perfect.” She told him, as only Two Bit could deliver that and make it redeemable. “It’s not dumb. You were concerned and that’s never dumb. That just let’s me know that you really, really, really like Chuck and I really like that. It’s so cute.” Jane nodded, as Chuck was definitely a whole lot personality and that in itself would make him perfect for this family of theirs. “Yeah, there’s that.” Jane nodded, as he wasn’t wrong. That alone was enough to intimidate even the most confident of people. “But you know what, you’re doing a lot better than I know you could be doing right now. Like you didn’t even go for the ‘that’s what she said’, I’m so proud.” Jane snapped her fingers as she knew exactly what he was referring to. “I remember that one. It’s called, I know this...” Jane closed her eyes as she raked her brain. “Ah! Real Monsters, no? But nothing is weirder than Courage. Now that was some freaky-freaky surrealism stuff.”

[mrsjanewinston]

chuck.

“Oh no, we’re just naturally irritating,” Chuck joked, sweet as pie. It was true, but it was also something they’d both embraced long before they’d even met each other. There was a moment’s silence before the mental image fully formed itself in his head, upon which he brought his hand to his mouth to curb his amused grin. “I do love a man in a suit. Never considered the suit to be a monkey suit, but I’m open to all opportunities.” He didn’t really know Damon, just the tall tales that came from him being a big shot gang leader, but he figured if the guy was willing to put on a monkey suit for his kid’s birthday party he’d probably retired the scary bad man schtick anyway. “I must say, cheers to us for having untouchable taste, Miss Jane.” Again, Chuck’s attention briefly drifted to Two-Bit, visibly content with the scene before him. “Ah, famous last words for plenty of people before a night out with me,” he chuckled, thinking back on all the times he’d convinced even Tom to step out of his comfort zone in the name of fun. “Truly though, I’m pencilling you in. If we’re to be family, it’s only fair that we meet each other on the wrong side of a hangover.”

“Irritating, pfft.” Jane scoffed, as that wasn’t the word she’d ever associate with Chuck or Two Bit. Fun, charismatic, devious— maybe but never irritating. “Likewise, but I happen to know my husband and the man can truly make anything work. Now that’s irritating.” Jane told Chuck with a laugh, as she’d found herself wanting to kiss Damon more often than not. And sure, some would say that’s her problem and to those people, she’d say... so be it. “Now that’s a toast.” Jane grinned, as the two of them had certainly picked great men to have by their sides. “Is that so?” She asked Chuck with a raise of her eyebrow. Now that Chuck had presented her with the offer, she couldn’t deny she was intrigued. Yes, motherhood and what was happening in the South Side had been pressing issues in her life but maybe, for a night, she could just have fun. Maybe. “Well consider me interested in the offer.” She told him, a devious little smile on her face as she’d certainly have to get herself a baby sitter before she agreed to any such night out. “Thank you, that in itself means the world to me.” Jane laughed. “You’re not lying there. And luckily for us, I know the perfect cure for a horrible hangover. A hearty breakfast and Pedialyte. Both which I can provide.” Jane let Chuck know with a nod of her head.

[mrsjanewinston]

melrose.

While Melrose had been busy trying to figure out thing’s with her life lately, she still felt close to the people who had helped her get out from the situation she had been stuck in. She walked in with a gift in her bag and smiled as she saw Jane. “ Oh come on, a jungle would be a great place to make yourself at home. Those Tarzan movies should have some merit to them” She teased. “ It looks really cute. “

“Melrose,” Jane said, happily embracing the young woman as she’d always be a welcomed sight. “Hi. Thank you so much for coming.” She said, the two swaying from side to side for a moment before Jane let her go— only slightly so that she could look the woman in the face. “You’re not exactly wrong. Between the views and the Phil Collins soundtrack, who could say no to life in the wild?” She said with a small laugh. “Thank you, thank you. Can you believe some people were against my choice in a Curious George themed event.” Jane said with a roll of her eyes. “By some people, I mean Damon.”

[mrsjanewinston]

two-bit.

“I’m offended that it seems like you forgot exactly how much cake I can put away.” He told her while patting his stomach. “Ayyy get outta here, he’s only obsessed with me ‘cause he’s got good taste and knows how to have a good time.” The greaser chuckled, and at the mention of Chuck, his eyes moved to find his boyfriend in the crowd and did so easily. “Yeah, Chuck is a 10 outta 10. I don’t know why I was worried he wouldn’t feel comfortable since this is all my people, look at him. He fits, don’t he? And that ass…” He let out a long whistle. That ain’t a banana in my pocket…”  

“... I’m going. to let you have this one, I am.” Jane nodded, as he wasn’t exactly wrong. “I won’t get out of anywhere. You know I’m right so spare me the modesty.” She let Two Bit know with a wave of her hand, laughing lightly. “Aw, did he really feel that way?” She pouted lightly. “Well, you might not know this but from the outside looking in... it might seem like it’d be hard to find yourself a part of this family.” Jane told Two-Bit as she had insight on how Chuck might have been feeling as she’d felt it once upon a time. “But he’s going to be more than fine. I just know it.” Jane nodded, as Chuck fit in perfectly. “Okay, okay...” Jane slapped at Two Bit’s shoulder, lightly. “Let’s keep PG... Man in the Yellow Hat.” Jane told him. “Can you believe the man doesn’t have a name? Like what?”

[gvzel]

Diane Guerrero via Glen Coco’s Instagram.

[mrsjanewinston]

two-bit​.

“I knew you were a real one from the beginning Janey.” It was true, while he wasn’t out of the gate advocating for Damon to settle down when he and Jane first connected, he knew he liked the girl - she had an edge to her that you didn’t see unless you needed to. “Alright and I’m gonna try real hard not to eat that cake.” He chuckled, “Yeah, I hear ya. I just hope one day when I get some little rugrats, little Franco ain’t too cool for school to look after ‘em.”

“And you know, that’s always meant a lot to me.” Jane told Two Bit, as she knew that she was different to the Greasers. In about every way possible, but despite their differences, she’d found that some of them had quickly became some of her favorite people. People, that not only looked out for her well being time and time again, but had taken in her child as basically their very own. “Okay, but I’m offended you’re thinking you were about to leave this party without your own massive piece.” She told Two Bit with a playful roll of her eyes. “I can’t speak for Franco, again he’ll be his own being but c’mon... that kid is obsessed with you. I don’t see that stopping anytime soon.” She told Two-Bit with a rub of his shoulder. “Just like I’m obsessed with your boyfriend. He is so charming... and handsome.”

[mrsjanewinston]

chuck.

“And to think I’m just getting started. Where’s that hunky husband of yours? I’m always greeting you with a kiss, I don’t want him to feel left out.” Chuck had minimal filter at the best of times, and no shame ever, though he figured Jane was used to it considering Two-Bit was much the same. “Every colour is his colour, but nude takes the cake for me.” It took a moment for him to tear his eyes away from his boyfriend, but it wasn’t like Jane wasn’t used to it anyway. “He’d do anything for that kid,” Chuck agreed with a warm smile, “I’m not saying we can have a girls night if he does make use of that baby bag, but I’m so ready to get you up on the bar at Coyote Ugly.”

“Is that so? Am I a part of some game between you two? Because there’s only so much blushing I can do.” Jane said, cupping her face in her hands as she shook her head. “He’s—” Jane raised an eyebrow, looking around as she’d yet to catch sight of an adult man dressed as Curious George. “That’s a good question and I feel like I know the answer. He’s probably still upstairs in our bedroom, I told him that if our baby was dressing up as Curious George... it was only fair he followed suit.” Jane let Chuck know with a small laugh. “Oh, I believe it.” She told Chuck. What? She had eyes. Two Bit was a very attractive man, that was simply the truth. “Yeah, he’s made that abundant clear.” She pointed over at Two Bit. The ensemble he currently was wearing spoke to the love he had for the youngest member of their family. “I don’t think you want to see that. My dancing on bar days are long behind me.” Jane shook her head, laughing. “But I’d never say no to a girl’s night out with you.”

[mrsjanewinston]

two-bit​.

**

“Nah, see I’ve seen that show and it’s snitch propaganda. Stay woke, Janey. You’ve already got taste, girl.” He smiled, there wasn’t any way he could deny that, considering he was currently dressed in an oversized yellow suit with a matching pointy hat. He knew he liked kids since Sam came along, that never changed, but Franco was a whole new generation, it was his best friend’s kid. “You know it’s a party if you get my mom outta the house and Sam pries herself away from her friends. The little man is loved, that’s gotta feel good huh? Means you and Dammo are doin’ a whole lotta right.” 

“Okay, but like I totally felt the same way.” Jane whispered, a small laugh leaving her lips. “I did though. Franco can decide if he wants to be a Paw Patrol baby, but I’m not pushing it on him.” She let her best friend know. “Well, come on. I think I’ve exhibited that for quite some time now.” She told Two-Bit, her usual modesty out of the window as it usually was when she was in the company of the man. “Speaking of, I’ve always marked out the huge piece of cake she’ll be taking home with her.” Jane told Two-Bit, beyond honored that his mother and little sister were in attendance. It truly meant the world to her as Two-Bit and his family were family to her, through and through. “Yeah, he really is.” Jane nodded, looking over to where Javi and Perrie were entertaining the birthday boy. It was sweet to see the youngest members with the baby of the group, it warmed her heart truly.  “It does, but you know, there’s never a cap on how much good someone can do and I intend on doing a lot more.”

[mrsjanewinston]

chuck.

“You know me, Miss Jane, can’t say no to a party. Especially one as stunning as this.” Chuck kissed her on both cheeks in greeting. Sure, his kind of party usually involved more drugs and less babies, but the Winstons were as good as family to Two-Bit, so Chuck had no problems being kid friendly for a day. “Never thought a sight like that would make me ovulate, but here we are…” he sighed, watching Two-Bit with little Franco. “Don’t worry, I’ll check his pockets before we leave, make sure he hasn’t kidnapped Curious George.”

“As always, Chuck, your flattery means everything to me.” Jane told Chuck, happily giving him a hug. Now, if you knew Two-Bit, you knew that he was prone to saying things that’d make you blush and his boyfriend, he wasn’t that far off. They were kind of perfect for one another, if she did say so herself. “He does look really good in that suit, doesn’t he? I told him, yellow is his color to which I got back, every color is his color.” Jane told Chuck with a raise of an eyebrow. “Oh, I’m more than okay with him taking Curious George.” Jane joked, but truly if anyone could take Franco off of her hands and she’d be at total ease— it’d be Two-Bit. “Plus, I’m pretty sure he has baby bag all his own at the house.”

[mrsjanewinston]

perrie.

“It’s franco’s first birthday. I wouldn’t have missed it for anything in the world.” Perrie smiled, setting his present down for the birthday boy at the gifts table. “This used to be home so no problem with that.” he added with a smile. “How’d you convince Two-bit to wear that thing?”

“But the fact you’re here is still beyond appreciated.” Jane let Perrie know, pulling him in for yet another hug as it’d been quite sometime since she’d seen him. But the thing about family, distance and time didn’t take away from those bonds. “Not used to. It’s always home to you, if and whenever you need it to be.” Jane corrected Perrie as he was always welcomed back. “Okay, you want to know a secret. I didn’t have to do a thing to convince him to put it on. I offered and he instantly said yes. I think it’s the actor in him.” Jane told Perrie with a small laugh, as they watched Two Bit strut his stuff in his yellow suit.