I'm a big fan of the outtakes.

[shhh-chase-blog]

“Chase - I don’t know what you expect me to do. This isn’t going to seem fair. I’ve got to say goodbye to someone every week, and this week…” Jude sighed. Chase only made Jude feel guiltier, sadder about the whole thing. He hated hurting people. “What do you mean, I already made up my mind?”

“You’re going to propose to Cam. We all know it.” Chase was grateful that Cam had his back when Andrew was being an ass but now he was angry that he was probably the reason he was being sent home. “You didn’t even give me a chance.”

[shhh-chase-blog]

“Chase - it’s a lot more than that. We have different endgames. Children are hard work - do you really realize all the time, money, and energy that goes into raising one? Six is a lot… I’m not really up for that and you deserve someone who is. And honestly… our personalities just don’t mix.” Jude frowned. He hated hurting people and he wasn’t used to contestants asking for explanations. “I’m so sorry, Chase.”

“This isn’t fair. You didn’t even give us a chance.” Chase frowned. “You already made up your mind, anyway. Obviously.”

[shhh-chase-blog]

…pretty sure ‘fair dating show’ is an oxymoron. I’m sorry you didn’t get a rose though. Did you guys have a disagreement?

No, we didn’t. I thought it went really well. We talked about the future and what we wanted and I don’t get it. I was the most excited and accepting person when Jude told us about his daughter. Why am I being sent home first?

[tyysonj-blog]

See? I flew all the way to Paris for no one on one. Another week in Paris with nothing to do. There’s got to be a concert or something out here, right? I want to do something.

[shhh-chase-blog]

Stop complaining. You’re so lucky to still be here. Unless you want to give up your spot here for me.

[shhh-chase-blog]

“Um… sorry man. Sucks, but. We all came into this knowing it would probably happen to us.” Tyson was shocked that Chase got sent home before him. “We just have to trust Jude.”

“But it’s so early. No offense but you and Carmen go clubbing together. I’m more faithful than you two so I shouldn’t have gone home first. You should have. Or her.”

[shhh-chase-blog]

Chase, I’m sorry. It’s nothing personal, it’s just that… I’m not sure we’re right for each other. We have different passions and different visions for our future.

I don’t get it. You have a kid, I like kids. You want to get further away from your mom and I want to live in Portland. How are we not right for each other? I even protected you from Andrew.

[shhh-chase-blog]

Sorry. Was your date bad or something?

No, it wasn’t. It was really great! We talked about our families, our hopes for the future... there was nothing bad about it.

[shhh-chase-blog]

I don’t understand... no rose? We had a one on one. What is going on? This isn’t fair.

[judevisaria-blog]

secrets of paris // juse

[shhh-chase-blog]

Hearing Chase tell his family’s story was an interesting experience for Jude. He’d never heard a family story quite like that one, and he really thought it added extra depth and interest to Chase. Knowing that he’d been through so much, had to see the oppression of his mother’s and the criticism of their lifestyle throughout his entire life - it was a bit jarring for Jude to imagine. And yet Chase came out on the other end, fiercely protective and the perfect gentleman.

“Wow, congratulations to them,” he said, happy to hear that after so many years, Chase’s moms had finally been able to tie the knot. It’s a right that he had, to marry a man if he chose, and he took it for granted even so soon after it was allowed. Jude raised an eyebrow and asked Chase, “You want a lot of kids? How many?” When he’d said a ton, Jude pictured that show with the family who had nineteen kids, and he was sure that’s not what Chase meant. It was a good thing to know though, how Chase pictured his future.

Chase smiled. “Thanks. I’ll tell them you said that.” He loved when people accepted his parents so easily. He’d expected Jude to though since he wasn’t straight and there seemed to be no risk of homophobia. “Ideally I’d like about five or six. And I know that’s a lot, but I just really love kids, and I know I want a whole litter of them. They deserve to grow up with playmates and people to share experiences with. I didn’t get that as a kid and I wish I had.” Chase looked at Jude and asked, “I’m assuming since you have one child already that more are in the cards for you?”

[judevisaria-blog]

secrets of paris // juse

[shhh-chase-blog]

Jude grinned widely and said, “I’m glad I’m not alone on that. Honestly. I was starting to think it was all some conspiracy.” He shook his head and looked bemused as he said, “No, that’s not true. Every chef I’ve met has something they don’t like. The funny thing about it is that when we don’t like something, we really don’t like it. Most chefs I know are incredibly opinionated about food. Always makes it interesting in the kitchen, though. The head chef and I, at our restaurant, we both hate cilantro so we have this unofficial ban. No cilantro allowed in the building.

Jude knew it was a bit closed-minded for him to think such a thing, but he was honestly a bit surprised, hearing that Chase had two mothers. He thought that was a very twenty-first century thing and kicked himself for it, a bit. “Wow, that’s so cool,” he said with a smile. Hesitantly he asked, “So, are you adopted, or…?” He wasn’t sure what people did especially back before rights and equality about this issue were really a thing. Not that he knew much or heard about much. He’d been focused on a lot of things in the last few years, and the news was not one of them.

Chase laughed and shook his head. “You’re not alone. But I used to like it,” he admitted. “I just got too drunk on it and can’t stand it anymore.” Chase laughed at Jude’s story about cilantro before he said, “It’s so good though. My mom makes the best tomatillo salsa with cilantro in it.” He could tell Jude was trying to be polite and he really appreciated it. “Thanks. Yeah, and hey don’t worry about offending okay? I’ve heard the worst of it and I doubt you’ll get anywhere close to it. Ma adopted me so they could both be my legal guardian, but my mom was the one who had me. See, my mom’s bi, and she took one for the team and went out to a club and got pregnant - she says it was by the hottest guy she could find but I don’t know if I believe that - just so they could have me and it wouldn’t cost them a fortune. And ma’s black so we still get a lot of questions about whether she’s my legal mom but we’re used to those by now.” Chase smiled. “They finally got married a few months ago. It was beautiful.” He sighed. “I always wish I would have had siblings but I get why I don’t. It’s why I can’t wait to have a ton of kids myself.”

[judevisaria-blog]

secrets of paris // juse

[shhh-chase-blog]

Jude was instantly excited to hear what they had in common, because most people he knewloved wine, or at least had the acquired taste to be able to drink more than a couple of sips. “Oh my god, thank you! I’m so glad I’m not the only one. I know I should like it, or at least be able to tolerate it since I’m a French chef, but god… it’s just awful,” he laughed. “I really can’t stand it.” He was so glad they’d found at least a little common ground.

After setting their helmets down on the scooter, Jude took hold of Chase’s hand and walked with him through the front gates of the vineyard. The day wasn’t too warm, and the sun bet down on them with just the right intensity, and Jude looked up at Chase while they walked. There was so much he wanted to know about this man. “Tell me more about yourself. I know what you do, but what’s your family like? Your siblings?”

“Wine is so gross. I’m completely on your side about that,” Chase said. He laughed and said, “It is a bit weird that you don’t like it considering you’re a chef though. I thought chefs just loved everything.” He smiled when their hands met and they walked into the vineyard together. It was bright and beautiful and smelled amazing. The perfect setting to fall in love. “Well, there’s not much to know. I grew up in Portland, and I only ever left once, to go to library school in Seattle. Now I work in Portland and if I had my way, I’d never leave. I love it there.” He paused. “I don’t have any siblings. I just have my moms. They’re really great, though. The best women you’ll ever meet.”

[judevisaria-blog]

secrets of paris // juse

[shhh-chase-blog]

Jude steered them around, following the van that was filming them and would lead him to their destination, since he was awful with directions and didn’t know the streets of Paris all that well. He smiled, feeling Chase holding on steadily to him. This date was their first, but Jude wondered how many more would be in store for the two of them. He really just had to get to know Chase, to see what kind of a guy he was, behind all of the Andrew drama.

They finally pulled into the drive of a little vineyard - the last of three in Paris proper - and he stopped the scooter and cut the engine. He pulled off the helmet and turned to Chase to explain, “Now, I came here because it’s a really beautiful place, and there’s a lot of space to walk and talk and get to know each other. I’m actually not really a fan of wine, believe it or not. But there’s a tasting at the end and I thought it’d be fun to try anyway.” He offered his hand to Chase, ready to begin.

They zipped around on a scooter and Chase tried to catch all the sights of Paris. It was a beautiful city. He was caught up in Jude though too. Jude smelled nice, and he was so handsome, and Chase really wanted his chance with him. At the vineyard, Chase climbed off the scooter and took his helmet off. He shook out his curls and combed them out of his face. “Sounds great,” Chase said with a smile. “I’ve never really liked wine either so we’ve got that in common.” In fact after getting drunk on it once in library school he hadn’t had wine again. He’d break that rule for Jude though.

[kennedyxrose]

“Paris is exactly how it’s made out to be, isn’t it? So romantic and cute and chic? I’m obsessed with all the little cafes and pastries. These are going to be two amazing weeks.”

[shhh-chase-blog]

It is. I have to try not to eat too much. Everything here looks amazing.”

[judevisaria-blog]

secrets of paris // juse

[shhh-chase-blog]

Although there was a bit of negativity surrounding Chase after the first few weeks in the house, Jude was convinced that he was a good man. He liked children, he was strong, and he seemed funny, from the bits of him that Jude had gotten to see. He was excited to be able to learn more about Chase outside of the drama and see if they had potential, as a couple. Seeing him walk out of the building, Jude grinned, though his helmet was still on.

Chase recognized him right away so Jude took off the helmet, beaming at Chase as he approached. “Hey,” he smiled when Chase was close enough. “Welcome to our date.” He gestured to the bike, to himself, to the helmets he was holding. Jude offered one to Chase and said, “Climb on. We’re going for a ride.” He was sure they’d look ridiculous since Chase was tall and gangly - taller than Jude, even - but it would be fun to cruise around Paris like this.

Chase felt like he was in a dream, being in Paris with Jude. He smiled and took a helmet, sliding it on over his curls. He felt silly sitting on the scooter behind Jude all gangly and awkward. But he liked putting his arms around Jude’s waist and holding on to him as they rode away. Paris was beautiful and Chase still felt like he was dreaming. Jude was so handsome and somehow Chase made it into the top nine. It felt like a miracle. He wanted to know where they were going and hoped he’d find out soon.

[judevisaria-blog]

secrets of paris // juse

Over the first couple of weeks in the process, Jude had heard a lot about Chase. There seemed to be a lot of drama surrounding him, and even when they got time in the house, there were others who interrupted meaning Jude still didn’t know much about Chase. He hoped now that Andrew was gone, he and Chase would have more opportunities to get to know each other and see if there was a future there between them. Being in Paris, Jude couldn’t think of a better place to start their journey as a couple.

He’d worked hard to put together a date for Chase, given he knew very little about this man so far. He’d gotten help from the producers and hoped that in the end, they’d have a good time and Jude would get a better idea of what was in store for the two of them in their future. He sat on a red scooter at the curb outside their hotel, helmet on his head, waiting to surprise Chase when he took it off upon seeing the man exit the building. 

[shhh-chase-blog]

Chase was nervous about his first date with Jude. They didn’t know each other very well yet and he thought it was a fluke that he made it this far. He knew Jude was closer with most of the other contestants instead of him so he hoped today could make up for that. Paris was amazing and beautiful and it was the city of love so he really had romance on his side.

After dressing in his usual skinny jeans and patterned button down, Chase walked out of the hotel and looked around. He didn’t see Jude at first. But then there was someone on a red scooter and he looked young, and he had long hair like Jude, and he smiled knowingly. Still unsure of who it was, Chase didn’t say anything but approached the man on the scooter.

[shhh-chase-blog]

Chase, Let's scoot our love along. Join me for a one on one this week? xoxo Jude

I can’t wait! See you soon!

[shhh-chase-blog]

Chase,

      Our relationship is just beginning but I’m excited to see where it goes. Will you accept this rose?

               xoxo Jude