Before Jake knew anything, he was being grabbed by the smaller girl and dragged out of the hospital room. “Ow, ow, ow, ow!!” He exclaimed, pulling his arm away from her tight grip as soon as they were out of Puck’s room. For a tiny little girl, he had to admit that he was slightly impressed by her strength. Not that he would ever admit that to her, of course. As soon as she threw an accusation at him like that, Jake tried not to shut completely down or freeze up enough to get something a little more specific in her eyes. Kicking at the ground, he rubbed he back of his neck before giving an attempted nonchalant shrug.
Narrowing his eyes, Jake kept his lips pressed in a tight line while he tried to think of a thorough explanation. Every little word he said was crucial if he wanted to keep his secret safe for a little while longer so he had to tread very carefully. “Oh, so because I’m new to your little gang I’m not allowed to know anyone’s last name. Do you know how freaking ridiculous that sounds? Cause it sounds insane. Calm down and don’t look into something that isn’t there, alright? Now can I go or are you gonna stick around and give me the third degree?”
It was a big enough to get herself to the hospital with enough courage to find her way to Puckerman’s room, but now Kitty had to deal with some sort of mystery that became more confusing with each second she tried to process it. The two were out in the hallway, but nervous green eyes kept flickering from the man in front of her and back to the one who laid on the bed as Jake tried to offer some sort of half-assed explanation. “I know exactly how ridiculous that sounds because it’s not at all what I said.” She moved her fingers to pinch at the bridge of her nose and tried again, “You haven’t even begun to see my third degree, Fuel Boy.”
Kitty fixed her eyes on him and zeroed in on every twitch that could come from any expression, her words sharp and short, “What I’m looking at right now is a kid who flew in from nowhere with some crazy girl and neither of them have really offered any sort of orientation as to what the Hell they’re doing in Ohio and a damn Piggly Wiggly when they could be at freakin’ Cedar Point, or something.” She didn’t paused as her words got a little quieter, “Two people who arrived just in time to see the PW go down in some sort of flames where the man in there saved my life by risking his own. So, you better own up to whatever the Hell you know about him that you’re trying to cover up or so help me, Lord, I will make sure there’s something -- or should I say someone -- that I have to cover up.”
Kitty had promised Puckerman that she was going to visit him soon, but it turned out that things at the Piggly Wiggly had turned a little crazier than she would have imagined. There wasn’t that one symbol of leadership in their “family” anymore and that meant that employees were half-assing a mutiny, of sorts. Some would turn up at random hours, some wouldn’t turn up at all. It seemed like those not involved in the ordeal that had transpired two weeks before had been affected more than the ones who stood right in front of the masked man. It irked Kitty through and through, for multiple reasons, but her losing her mind was the last thing that they all needed.
It was on her day off on a Wednesday (how fitting) that Kitty finally found time to head down to Lima Medical to see what was going on with her bagger soulmate. Was that even a thing? It gave her the chills as soon as she pulled into the parking lot, but there was no turning back. She had to see Puck and she had to make sure, with her own eyes, that he was going to be okay. The woman at the front desk was about as helpful as Tina in the first week after her break-up with Deli Bob, so she was forced to find her way on her own based on what Puck had told her during their conversations. Finally his room number was in sight and she mustered up whatever courage she could find before pushing open the door slightly, to make sure that he wasn’t sleeping. He was, but that wasn’t why Kitty found herself suddenly stopping all motions. It was because PW ‘Newbie #1′ -- Jake -- was standing there, next to the bed already. She furrowed her brow and thought about pushing in more and asking what the Hell he was doing there, but instead she just stayed quiet and pressed herself against the wall that was next to the doorframe. She was a curious cat, indeed.
GENERAL NOTES → Wiped after their "Friendaversary" Party, Ryder and Jake unwind and chat, revealing some concerns about their relationships.
Jake followed Ryder up to his bedroom and quickly collapsed on his bed, completely exhausted. With his face buried in a pillow, his next words were muffled. "I've never been so tired in my life." Jake wasn't exactly physically exhausted, but he felt like all the social activity over the past week had sapped a lot of energy from him. The trip and the party had been a lot of fun, but he wasn't really used to spending nearly every waking moment with other people and while they'd gotten back Friday night and he'd spent most of Saturday with just Ryder, their time was mostly spent getting ready for the party and then they had the party and now...everyone was gone and Jake could finally relax.
Ryder bellowed out a yawn, nudging his door closed as he began to toe off his shoes. “Tell me about it.” Even Ryder, who was normally as energetic as a puppy was tired. It had been a long day, and an even longer week, so it was nice to have the house to just Jake and himself again. “Scoot over.” He mumbled, nudging Jake until the was some room for him to lay down next to him. He let out a sigh, dropping his head against the pillow. “I am officially partied out. I can’t tell if that’s awesome or...really really sad.”
Jake rolled to his side and scooted over at Ryder's nudging, until he was facing his friend. "I'm pretty sure it's just really really sad. But if you don't tell anyone, then I won't." Jake could already imagine the ribbing he'd get from Santana if she ever heard that a such a tame party had tired him out. It wasn't even that late. He'd been up later most nights of their trip, talking to Ryder after they'd gone to bed and until they fell asleep. "It was fun though, right? Like...do you think you'll want to do it again next year? Or maybe in another five?" Jake asked, just a tad bit hopeful. He knew Ryder would likely say yes, but he still liked the little reassurances that their friendship would remain intact well into the future.
Ryder snorted, showing his best friend a quick thumbs up. “Ugh, I knew it. But deal.” He let his hand fall to his chest, taking a deep breath as he stared up at his ceiling. He’d missed his bed, and his room; after all the hostels weren’t exactly five star hotels or anything and Ryder was pretty sure the only reason he’d even been able to get comfortable was because Jake was there. The boy grinned, scrunching his eyebrows in thought. “No it was definitely fun! But maybe it should be an every five years thing, we wouldn’t want people to get sick of us.” He sighed happily, turning a bit to face Jake and raise his eyebrow. “You think my parents will let us come back from college and have the party here? Or should it be one of those dorm parties? Like the kind where there’s a slip n’ slide in the hall?”
Jake gave Ryder a half-smile. "Hey, no one's gonna get sick of us. We're way too cool....well, I am at least," he joked. At the mention of college though, Jake hesitated, wondering for a moment how that would work, if they'd even get into the same college or live in the same city. He quickly pushed those thoughts aside thought. It was years away and at the end of the day, Jake knew he'd likely go to wherever Ryder wanted to go. "I think...your parents would let us do whatever we wanted to do, but a dorm party would be more fun? Like backyard parties are cool when you're in high school, but we'll be in college or not in college, but adults. So we'll have a dorm...or even an apartment. Or, I mean, we might not live together, so we'll have apartments. You might even be with Marley still by then."
Ryder grew quiet for a moment, shrugging as he swept his hair out of his face. Maybe he did need a haircut. “Uh...yeah, maybe.” He said softly, chewing his lip. In all honesty he’d never really thought about where he and Marley would be five years from now, and that was okay right? It wasn’t like he was commitment-phobic or anything but she was his first girlfriend and they’d only been dating...eight months, but that wasn’t a marriage proposal or anything. On the other hand..he knew exactly where he and Jake would be. “But- no, dude of course we’ll live together!” He said quickly, shifting the subject back. “I mean that’s the dream right? We both go to college together, and then we get a super awesome bro-partment together, and then we live in the suburbs right next to each other, and eventually we have adjoining room in the little old man retirement home where we become those super funny old guys who hit on everyone but everyone thinks it cute because we look like raisins.”
Jake smiled at Ryder fondly as he went to his vision of their future, giving a little eye roll at the mention of them living in the burbs. "Okay, I'll agree to the bro-partment and the old folks home. But the burbs? If I'm still single though, who's to say I wouldn't want a nice apartment in the city? Single people don't settle down in the burbs. What would we do then?" The negative voice in Jake's head also reminded him that all of this could end up being a non-issue. "And, you know...all of this sounds good now, but what if the person you're with then doesn't want to share you with me? Like if we live together and next to each other forever...it's like Tina was saying. Some people already think that we're together." Jake was still trying to wrap his head around the reality of that rumor, but he knew it wasn't a good thing. "Maybe, whoever you're with wouldn't like that so much."
Ryder grinned, throwing his best friend a playful shrug. “I dunno, I mean maybe we could both live in the city? I mean the Suburbs are for when you have a really good job, and you’re married and you have a family and everything. So..it’s not like I have to do all of that stuff right away, right?” Ryder let out an exhausted sigh, courtesy of the billion times he’d heard something about them being together. “Well that’s stupid!” He groaned. “I mean it’s not our fault that we’re best friends okay? The only reason people started that rumor is because they’re...jealous or something, I don’t know!” He sighed again, letting his head slump against the pillow in frustration. “I mean we’ve been best friends since...forever Jake, is it so wrong that I want to keep that? I can’t want you in my life without it making me gay or something?” He shook his head, folding his arms tight around his chest. “I don’t care if it’s Marley or..whoever, if they can’t get that you’re my best friend and that I need you in my life then…” He turned to look at Jake, shaking his head. “ Then I don’t need them.”
Jake nodded. "Yeah, I mean you can do whatever you want. You don't need to settle in the burbs right away. So we have time to figure it out, I guess." Jake found himself relaxing at that thought. Too often he would worry about the future, about how things might turn out. Reminding himself that the future was still a long way away settled some of his nervousness about it. "You can want in your life and not be gay. I mean, I want you in my life and I'm not gay...even though Santana apparently thinks I might be. But it's like you said...she doesn't really get it and she's probably kind of jealous. I mean she doesn't really have any super close friends. And the few like kind of good friends she has, she sleeps with. So it's like a totally different thing. But, hey, relax," Jake reached over and gave Ryder's arm what he hoped was a comforting rub, noticing his tense position. "Marley gets it and if this paintball thing goes well, I might even start to like her."
Ryder scoffed, rolling his eyes. “Santana doesn’t know what she’s talking about. Besides, you’ve been with way too many girls to be gay. And exactly! See, she doesn’t know what it’s like to have a best friend which is...now that I think about it kind of sad, but she just doesn’t get it. Like why do people have to try and make a big deal and turn this into something that it’s not?” He let out another frustrated sigh, though the touch of Jake’s hand on his arm soothed some of his frustrations. Listening to Jake talk about Marley made a small pit of guilt form in his stomach, he really liked Marley, but was this a little backwards? I mean even if it hadn’t been a real situation, could he give up on Marley that easily? Shouldn’t he be fighting for her? Or at least fighting for both of them? “Yeah...maybe.” Ryder said quietly, chewing his lip. He was quiet for a moment, his eyes watching his fingers twist together on his chest before he finally nudge Jake with his elbow. “Hey...can I ask you a question?”
Jake let out a little chuckle. "I know, that's what I said. So many girls and now I'm with Tina and...the more alone time I spend with her, the more I like her, you know? Like I was worried about the trip, but it turned out alright. But I don't know, man. Most people just haven't had a friendship like ours. We spend a lot of time together and before Marley, it was kind of just the two of us, you know. I guess it could look like a relationship. Although if it did look like a relationship, people must have thought I as cheating on you like all the time. I'm surprised no one told you to dump me," Jake joked. He turned to look at Ryder when he fell quiet though. He'd expected Ryder to be a little more excited that he and Marley had finally found some common ground. It was obvious that Ryder had something on his mind and Jake was a few seconds from telling him to spit it out when Ryder finally nudged. "Of course you can."
Ryder sighed, flashing Jake an uncertain look. “Have you ever...with all of the girls you dated was there ever one that you felt like...I dunno, like you loved them? Like have you ever looked at a girl and just known that you could spend your life together? Like...seen a future together where you both get married and have kids and being one of those classic love stories that everyone’s always jealous of? I mean..if you did you probably would still be with them so maybe that’s a stupid question but...have you ever felt even something close to that?”
Jake looked at Ryder completely baffled as he spoke. "Uh...no. I don't even know if I believe in those love stories. And I don't like...fantasize about getting married and having kids." Jake realized how unhelpful that likely was and tried to rack his brain for anything that remotely felt like that. "Before Tina, I never really knew any of those girls well enough to want to spend forever with them. And now, with Tina...there were a couple of moments with her on the trip, when we were walking through the haunted house that I thought I could do this for a long time...you know, be the guy who gets to hold her hand and take her to new places and kiss her when no one is looking. But I don't know if that's love. I don't think it is. She doesn't know me like...well, like you do. And I'm not like...imagining a future with her. The idea of rings and marriage and babies freaks me out. And things are cool now because she's super chill and doesn't expect a lot from me, but eventually she will. I'll get stressed out and annoyed and we'll break up. That's the only future I'm imagining." Jake realized he was rambling and sighed. "So, no, I guess. I mean you're the only one I talk to about future stuff. Why're you asking though? Are you thinking about babies with Marley?"
Ryder listened quietly to Jake speak, feeling weirdly uneasy when Jake started talked about Tina. He didn’t know what he’d expected, Jake had made it very clear over the years that he wasn’t into anything serious but as the months with Tina continued Ryder couldn’t help but wonder. The weird feeling was the thing he talked about with Marley, it had to be, he just...wasn’t used to there being girls inbetween them, that’s all. Ryder tried to shrug off the feeling, at the fact that Jake was saying he was already imagining a future where they broke up helped for some reason. Was it so wrong he wanted to spend more time with his best friend? Tina was cool but It’s not like Jake couldn’t find another girl whenever he wanted. A smile lit his face when Jake admitted that he only talked to Ryder about the future, though the mention of babies with Marley quickly pulled it away. “No...I-I don’t know.” He sighed, ruffling his fingers through his hair. “But shouldn’t I? I mean I know it’s like..moving too fast or whatever to be thinking about that stuff but I should at least be giving it some thought right? I mean we’ve been dating for eight months and...I like her, and she’s really awesome and she’s a really cool person and I like hanging out with her, but...I just thought I would feel..more.” He scoffed, rubbing his hands down his face. “I just don’t know what’s wrong with me. I mean she’s the perfect girl for me, right?”
Jake hesitated at Ryder's questions. He knew this was an opportunity to push Marley out of their lives. Jake could lie or bend the truth to push Ryder to dump her. But Jake never lied, not to Ryder at least and he didn't think ten years into their friendship was the time to start. "To be honest...I don't know what you should be feeling for her. There's not a timeline we're all following." Jake could sympathize with the way Ryder was feeling though. It wasn't so long ago when Jake felt like he was missing some mile-marker by not having a serious girlfriend just because Ryder had started dating Marley. "Maybe you need more time to develop those feelings. Just because we decided we were going to be best friends forever on day one, doesn't mean it's gonna be like that with someone else, right?" Jake bit his lip as he considered how to answer Ryder's last question. "Is she the perfect girl for you? I mean, there are so many girls, man. How could you ever know? She's a lot like you which is good I guess. I always kind of imagined with you someone different, but if you like her and you fall in love with her eventually...that's enough, right?"
Ryder shrugged, hugging his arms over his chest. “Yeah...maybe. I just...don’t understand. Like I planned all of these super romantic dates and try to make everything really cool and special and I figure it would make me feel..more. Like if we had that super romantic dream date then it would make us fall in love or something...maybe Quinn was right, maybe I am trying too hard..” He listened as Jake continued, nodding along without much commitment. “I do like her..” He said quietly, frowning. “She’s really special, but...I sometimes I feel like she’s just my really good friend that I kiss instead of my girlfriend.” He sighed, raising an eyebrow at Jake as he turned on the bed to face him. “You said you imagined me with someone different? What do you mean?”
Jake tried imagining Ryder and Marley on these dates and he couldn't help the small smile that came across his face, knowing that on some level it was forced on Ryder's end. "I thought you were totally into her. This is kind of crazy, man. But yeah, maybe Quinn's right. Like...you should do the romantic stuff because you feel a certain way. You shouldn't do all the romantic stuff to force yourself to feel a certain way. And, wait...did you talk to Quinn about this before talking to me?" asked a little surprised that he was second on the list of people who knew. "Tina's kind of the opposite for me...she's the girl I kiss who I'm trying to turn into a friend...and I think that's what girlfriends are. Maybe this whole you and Marley thing is just a sex thing. Like...maybe you have more platonic feelings for her than holy-shit-I-wanna-get-you-naked feelings for her and that's why you're not feeling as much as you think you should." Jake shrugged his shoulders as Ryder called him out. "I just figured you'd be with someone...cooler. Like Marley is nice and she's always so happy and energetic...it's kind of weird when you think about it. I don't know man, I guess I just imagined you'd be with someone that I'd get along with more. But maybe I was wrong. Like if you want to live in the burbs and have kids and stuff...maybe that type of girl is perfect for you. She'd probably make a good wife and mother. I can totally see her driving a minivan. So that's cool."
Ryder sighed. “I am..” He said half-heartedly. “ Or..I think I am, I think I could be..” He shook his head. “I don’t know..” Ryder blinked, waving his hand dismissively. “No, no Quinn just..gave her opinion, as per usual, when she found out about that 7th anniversary date I planned, the one with the video projector? She thought I was trying to hard...guess she was right.” Ryder grumbled to himself. He frowned as Jake continued, was that really his problem? Sex? He didn’t want to sleep with Marley and that’s why things weren’t working out? “But..relationships are about more than just sex, or at least they should be..” He said uncertainly. “I mean it’s not like I don’t think she’s hot or anything- because I do! I mean Marley’s beautiful…” Ryder let out another frustrated sigh, ruffling his fingers through his hair. He wasn’t even sure what he was talking about anymore. Why did this have to feel so complicated? He arched an eyebrow at Jake. “Cooler? Why is that weird? I mean...I’m nice and happy and energetic, and you like me right?” He smiled softly at the idea of Marley driving around in a minivan, picking her kids up from school. “She would be...she’d be perfect, everything would be perfect.” He let out a groan, rolling onto his back and squeezing his eyes shut. “So why isn’t it?” He groaned in frustration. “I mean I haven’t even brought her into my room yet.” He peeked an eye open a light streak of crimson on his cheeks as he looked at Jake. “I mean- not to like..do anything but just like..hang out and stuff.”
Jake gave a chuckle at Ryder's description of Quinn butting in to provide her unwanted. It sounded about right. "Good, I'm glad I haven't been replaced. Yeah, relationships are about more than sex but sex has to be a part of them. Like...if you don't want to have sex with her then you you're just gonna have with her what you have with me. You're just gonna be...bros. You think she's hot and beautiful, which she is, but how do you feel when you kiss her? Do you want more?" Jake was suddenly way more interested in the conversation. He and Ryder never spent a lot of time talking about girls and they'd never really talked about his feelings for Marley. He was curious. "Yeah, cooler," he responded with a shrug of his shoulder. "Of course I like you. I just don't need two of you." Jake couldn't really explain it more than that, why he could be best friends with Ryder but only tolerate Marley in small doses. "When you two are together, it's kind of overwhelming." Jake wrinkled his nose in disgust as Ryder smiled happily at the thought of a minivan. "Why are you so attached to this suburban wife, minivan thing? Like...there are so many cooler cars. You could even have a motorcycle. And you could have any girl you wanted. You could have all the girls instead of just one." Jake knew that wasn't really Ryder's style, but he wondered why his friend was so set on having what sounded like the most boring of boring lives. "Hold up, wait, wait, wait," Jake sat up, to look at Ryder more directly. "You haven't brought her up here?" Jake asked slightly incredulous. "Why not? I mean...I know it's kind of a mess, but...why wouldn't you bring your girl up to your room?"
Ryder snorted, nudging Jake lightly with his elbow. “C’mon dude, I could never replace you.” He made a face. “Especially with Quinn, just..no way dude.” Ryder frowned, chewing his lip as he mulled over what Jake said. “I...I guess? I don’t know..” He couldn’t help but feel a little embarrassed, after all he’d only ever kissed Marley and talking about this kind of stuff wasn’t exactly his expertise. “I mean I like kissing her? It’s..y’know, it’s nice and stuff.” Ryder cracked a grin, shrugging. “Maybe you just can’t handle the awesome.” Ryder shrugged. “I don’t know, it’s just what my parents did. They fell in love, my dad became a doctor my mom got her teaching degree and they got their nice house in the Zone and everything’s been perfect...I want that.” He added. “Besides I’m kind of a one woman kind of guy...and I’ve seen too many Motorcycle injuries to ever want to ride one...the pictures are nasty dude.” Ryder’s eyes widened at Jake’s sudden urgency, sitting up himself. “Oh..uh..” Ryder turned his gaze away rubbing the back of his neck. “I don’t know? I mean when she comes over we usually just hang out in the living room and watch movies on the couch and stuff, I mean we don’t need my room for that.” He was quiet for a second before realizing what Jake would probably mention. “And...I know that taking a girl to your room is usually like...codeword for sex and stuff and- I just didn’t want to imply anything, y’know?”
ake could tell that Ryder was getting embarrassed but he couldn't help pushing. "You don't know if want more than kissing with her?" Jake had heard the Lynn love story before, but he let Ryder tell it again. "I guess that's okay..." Maybe it was because his parents didn't have their own love story like that to tell, but Jake couldn't imagine a life like that for himself. He wanted...more. He wasn't exactly sure what that more was, but he didn't think settling down was for him. For Ryder though he would...kind of. He'd at least visit Ryder's settled life frequently. Jake already imagined he'd be that friend who'd show up announced to crash on his friend's couch for a few days and annoy his wife. "So you don't want to imply anything? That's kind of the whole point of having a girlfriend...to imply stuff and get laid. Otherwise she's just a friend. And who needs more friends? You know...if I were the type to believe in romance and love and stuff, I think it'd be a combination of the way I feel about you and just wanting to kiss the other person all the time. If you don't want to kiss her all the time and do stuff with her, then maybe it's not love and you've friendzoned her without even knowing it."
Ryder shrugged. “I mean..I like kissing her if that’s what you mean. Her lips are soft and it’s nice and stuff. Am I supposed to want to swallow her face or something?” He sighed, laying back against his headboard. “I don’t know, I just didn’t want to pressure her or anything. I didn’t want her to think that’s all I wanted. I mean can’t I have a girlfriend who’s also a friend?” Ryder blinked when he heard Jake mention him, his face screwing up in confusion. “Wait..what do you mean? You want like.. a girl me that you can kiss?”
Jake let out a laugh at the mental image that came to him for face swallowing. "Yeah, you're supposed to want to swallow her face. I don't know though. Marley is a good girl. Maybe you're making all the right moves by not moving things along. I mean if you don't want it and she doesn't want it, then it's not a big deal that you're not, you know, doing it. I don't wanna give you bad advice." Jake grimaced at the image of a girl version of his friend. "You'd make such an ugly girl, dude. And I'm not saying I want anything. I don't want the love and romance stuff, remember? I'm just saying if I was gonna commit to a girl forever, I'd want to feel about them at least as much as I feel about you. Like...saying you love someone is a big deal, it's a promise of forever, right? Like...I wouldn't want to say that unless I knew for sure it was forever, like I know we're gonna be best friends forever.
Ryder snorted, flashing his best friend a smile, maybe he wasn’t screwing all of this up after all. “Yeah..maybe, I just don’t want her to feel like I’m pressuring her. I always figured that if we...did want it then it would be special and..later, when we’re ready and stuff.” Ryder’s mouth fell open, in mock offense...or mostly mock offense. “Wha- hey! I would be a super hot girl if I was a girl!” He grumbled, a slight grin on his lips as he continued to listen. “Oh, no dude I totally understand. I mean I love you, I can say it and it’s like the easiest thing in the world but like...if I tried to say that to Marley? The last time I even tried to say that around her I froze up. And I wasn’t even saying..y’know, it. I was just trying to say that I really liked her being my cheerleader.”
Jake gave a little shrug. "Eight months seems like a long time to get ready, but as long as you two are comfortable, that's all that matters. And, no..." Jake shook his head to emphasize his point. "You'd look horrible as a girl. Like I'm imagining you in drag and it's disturbing." Jake smiled as it seemed like once again, he and Ryder were on the same page. "I love you too and maybe we'll get to the point where we're able to say that to Tina and Marley. If not, we'll keep playing this dating game until we find the right people for us. We've got plenty of time to figure it out."
Ryder nodded quietly. It’s not that he didn’t find Marley attractive or that he didn’t ever want to have sex, but he just..didn’t feel ready for something like that right now. His virginity was important to him and if he was gonna lose it, he wanted it to be special and with someone he loved, that’s all. Ryder snorted, bouncing his eyebrows at the other boy. “Well I know what my Halloween costume is gonna be now.” His grin broadened, and he playfully punched his best friend in chest. “Yeah, you’re probably right. And hey? Until that happens you my best friend get to be the proud owner of my only *love you*. I mean, besides my family and stuff.” He chuckled.
Jake rolled his eyes but gave Ryder a half-smile. "Do what you want, but f you dress up as a girl, I'm not gonna let myself be seen with you. Just so you know." Jake rubbed the spot that Ryder punched in mock hurt. He didn't want to get sappy and admit that he actually was kind of proud to be the owner of that, so he played it off with a smile. "Yeah, yeah, whatever you say, man. Just...let me know if it ever does change. I kind of miss talking to you about this stuff. I like being in the loop."
Ryder choked out a laugh, covering his mouth to stifle the sound so he wouldn’t wake his parents. “Dude, if I dress up like that I’m following you all night telling everyone I’m your new girlfriend.” He said breathlessly, speaking through giggles before he let out a content sigh. Ryder flashed his friend a look of mock empathy, patting the spot on his chest before he returned Jake’s smile. “Yeah..me too.” He said softly, shrugging. “I guess it’s my fault, I mean with dating Marley and everything… I’m Sorry if I’ve been a little...I dunno, distant? I figured it would be like...like for once we could talk about girls and I could actually contribute? But...I dunno, I guess it was harder than I thought.” ]
Jake watched Ryder laugh with a smile on his face. "I just keep imagining you with like lipstick and a dress that doesn't fit, awkwardly stumbling around in high heels or something. It's horrific. I'd legit rather you dress like a guy and convince everyone the gay rumors are true than try to convince everyone I'm with such an ugly girl." Jake shook his head as Ryder apologized. "It's not your fault man. You haven't been distant. Like when we're alone together, things are fine. It's just when it's you, me and Marley or you, me, Marley, and Tina...it's not really the same, you know? I guess I just miss my alone time with you. And, I mean, I get that we have to make time for them and do our own thing every once in a while, but...I guess I just miss having you all to myself sometimes."
Ryder kept laughing, trying to contain his giggles as he spoke. “It’d be worth it. The Dress and the makeup and the breaking my feet trying to walk in heels? totally worth it.” He nudged Jake with his elbow, playfully. “Besides the gay thing wouldn’t work, because then I wouldn’t have a costume for Halloween, and that’s the whole point!” Ryder let out a sigh, nodding. “Yeah, yeah I get it, I miss having you to myself too. I was actually talking to Marley about something like that. How it’s weird sometimes because I’m so used to it being...us, y’know? And how it's kind of weird feeling like I'm sharing you with Tina and it's just..new and weird. I guess now it feels more like your and your girlfriend and then me and my girlfriend huh?" He snorted. "I guess I’m going through Jake withdrawals or something.”
Jake rolled his eyes. "If you say so, man. You're probably gonna forget about all of this by the time October rolls around anyway, so I'm not worried." Jake lifted his eyebrows in surprise at the fact that Ryder had brought it up with Marley. "Yeah...it kind of feels that way sometimes, but it doesn't have to, you know? Anytime you wanna hang out one-on-one, you know I'm game. I don't mind blowing people off to give you a fix. No withdrawals necessary."
Ryder scoffed. "You say that now, but two months from now don't be surprised when I show up on Halloween as your date!" He said, flashing his best friend a cheeky grin. "Hmm.."Ryder nodded, mulling over the idea for a minute before gently nudging Jake's arm with his knuckles. "Cool, I'll take you up on that dude." He snorted, shrugging his shoulders. "Maybe we can set up like... a brodate night or something?"
Jake shook his head. "I don't know...I have a lot of faith in your forgetfulness." Jake didn't hesitate to nod his head at Ryder's suggestion. "Yeah, I'd be up for that. Maybe we can make it a weekly thing so we don't get caught up with other stuff and forget to hang." For a brief moment, Jake thought of Tina and how he didn't even have a standing date night with her, but he quickly brushed the thought aside. This was entirely different. Everything with Ryder was a little bit different.
Ryder let his jaw drop, trying to look offended. "I'll remember that next time your birthday rolls around." A grin came over his face at Jake's suggestion, having a day devoted to hanging out with his best friend sounded pretty great. It might be some awkward scheduling with Marley but..she knew they were best friends, she'd understand, besides there were plenty of other days for him to hang out with her. He yawned lightly, ending it with a pleased hum. "That'd be awesome, I seriously don't have enough of you in my life lately." He snorted. "How about...Saturdays? I mean today was awesome so we can honor it's awesomeness by turning it into a weekly hangout day! Like...that way we have the whole day to hang out, and we don't have to worry about school or anything the next day." He added with a grin. "Sound good?"
Jake laughed. "You keep saying you'll remember, but I'm pretty sure you'll forget." Jake nodded. "The feeling is mutual. And, yeah, Saturdays are cool. It's not like I have anything else planned and if I ever do...it's not like I can't move things around." Jake hadn't been lying about being willing to make time for Ryder. Tina would understand and the stuff he did with the Uprising...well, he didn't have to go to every little meeting or event. "We should make a promise not to cancel on each other though, otherwise the whole thing is pointless, right?"
Ryder narrowed his eyes, his eyebrow popping playfully as he deepened his voice. "We shall see." He grinned back, nudging Jake with his elbow. "Better be, or I'd have to seriously rethink this Biff thing." He nodded, shrugging his shoulders. "Right exactly, I mean there's always plenty of time for other stuff." He didn't know why Tina was the first "stuff" that came to mind but..it's like they were seriously dating or anything right? They could hang out whenever. Ryder's eyes brightened and his lips curved into a warm smile. "Right, exactly!" He cleared his throat, quickly putting his hand on his chest as he tried to speak as gentlemanly as possible. "I, Ryder Lynn, hereby promise to never cancel on a brodate with you." He snorted, offering his hand back to Jake. "Your turn."
Jake nudged Ryder back. "You can't rethink it. Forever means forever. All your thinking about it is done." Jake nodded and felt his lips quirk in a half smile as Ryder got all formal with his promise. It was kind of...not cute, but...very Ryder. Instead of echoing Ryder's promise, he did his own variation. "I will never cancel on a brodate with you, Ryder Lynn. Cross my heart and hope to die, stick a needle in my eye," Jake went so far as to make the cross over his heart as he made the childhood pledge. "Now do you think we can sleep? It's getting late."
Ryder grinned and rolled his eyes, letting out a dramatic sigh. "Okay okay, fine, Biffles for life." Ryder eyed Jake, trying his best not to laugh as he watched his best friend stroke his finger over his chest. "Deal." He quirked a lazy eyebrow at the question, but nodded, he was dangerously close to going into the sleepy high zone and Jake always made fun of him when he got to that point. "Alright alright Mr. Adult, we can go to sleep. Just-" He laid back, his sentence interrupted by a yawn as he began to toe off his socks and kick them off the edge of the bed. "-try not to be a blanket hog for once, alright?" He cracked a smile as he nestled back against his pillow. "Don't know how Tina puts up with you."
Jake got under the covers and reached over to Ryder's nightstand to turn off the lamp, placing the room in complete darkness with the exception of moonlight coming through the window and night lights plugged into the outlets. At the mention of Tina, Jake opened his mouth to tell Ryder that while he'd slept with Tina, he'd never actually slept with her...which was kind of weird considering how many times they'd shared a bed. But he thought better of it. He didn't want to overthink it or start another conversation that'd keep them up into the wee hours. "I'm kind of awesome, that's how. Now shuddup. We're going to sleep." Jake settled down in the bed, facing Ryder and gave him a smile. "Night, Ryder," he whispered before closing his eyes, knowing it wouldn't take him long to fall asleep.
GENERAL NOTES → Marley and Ryder are practicing for dueling league when things take a unfortunate turn after Jake comes to say hi.
Ryder flicked his wand, muttering the deflect charm as clearly in his mind as he could and dispersed Marley's hex, a proud grin appearing on his face. "Thanks. I mean I am a professional now." He quipped, shrugging as he relaxed for a moment. He peered at Marley, looking her over. This is that part he hated. He turned his wand over in his hand, trying not to look nervous as he took a more offensive stance. Marley had...she'd hurt someone with dark magic, with a spell he didn't even know she knew but then again it was silly to think she wouldn't, Marley would learn every dark secret she could, just for the sake of knowing. He took a deep breath and aimed his wand towards her, doing his best to appear as his goofy carefree self, they both needed him like this. "Alrighty...you ready?"
Nodding, Marley took the defensive stance, preparing herself for the hex that was about to be thrown her way. They'd placed some targets around the area, some barriers as well, just to give it that feeling as if they were in a real life battle. Yes, they were dorks like that, others should have known they'd come up with something such as this. Ryder's eyebrow twitched, his tell that Marley had always caught right before he was about to perform a spell/hex/curse. Quickly she rolled out of the way as the hex went hurtling past and hit a barrier. Her heart raced and she calmed herself down quickly, not needing to alarm her best friend before popping up and smiling. "Professional, eh? I'm wondering if you know the meaning of that word."
Ryder rolled his eyes, hiding his grin with a cough. More than anything, this whole dueling club just made him glad he could see that Marley could take care of herself. Not that he was surprised, she had a way of being great at just about everything, but it still felt better, seeing it for himself. "Totally not fair." He scoffed, pointedly swishing the air with his wand towards her "You dodged, I thought we were supposed to be practicing deflections."
Jake walked into the training arena, twirling his wand between his fingers. He and Kitty were supposed to be meeting up soon for their first duo practice, but Jake decided to come a bit early and practice on some dummies. He wasn't anywhere near Kitty's level of skill, so he wanted to try what he could to catch up so he wouldn't be the weak link in there duo. As he was heading over to the dummies, he spotted Ryder and Marley practicing. An idea coming into his head, Jake took a detour, heading over to where his boyfriend and best friend were. As quickly as he could, Jake snuck up behind Marley, his arms wrapping around her in a tight hug. "Pretty Face!" He cheered, before tossing a nod and wink to his boyfriend.
Marley shrugged, a small grin on her face. "I never said we couldn't dodge." Wit a roll of her neck, Marley began to move out from behind where she had been crouching, standing to her full height. "So anyway, I was thinking that maybe after tonight, we should all go out to ice cream or something. You, me, Jake and Kitty." Marley's blue eyes beamed, giving that look that had been lately very much dimmed. Just as she was about to step forward to get back into the chalk circle, arms encircled her and she froze. The color drained from her face as the world around her swirled, black spots dotting her vision. She needed to get out, she needed to escape. Jake's words didn't even register to her ears as she began to wrench herself out of Jake's arms.
Once she successfully did that, she quickly backed herself up till she was against the wall of the room, her wand shaking in her hand. "Don't... Don't touch me!" She finally opened her eyes to find herself back in the very same woods that Dominic had taken her from. Marley staggered forward, her wand gripped tightly in her palm. A twig snapped and that's when she saw him. "No... Stay away. You're supposed to be locked up." Dominic just smirked at her before advancing. "I'll always be there inside your head, little witch." Marley's fingers twitched around her wand, her brain locking into a spell, a very dark, unforgivable spell. She'd never said it, never wanted to say it, but she wanted Dominic gone. She wanted Dominic dead.
Ryder folded his arms, throwing a light hearted glare Marley's way. He quickly moved into a smile and nodded, his eye catching Jake and making him break into a laugh as he spoke. "Yeah that sounds awesome!" His smile quickly faded the moment he saw Marley's face drain of color. Ryder's eyes snapped wide as he tried to wave his boyfriend off. "Jake! Let her go!" Suddenly Marley was staggering back and Ryder's heart pounded as he watched in horror as she drew her wand at Jake. "NO! MARLEY STOP!" He screamed, racing forward to try and stop before he raised his wand and threw the spell, striking her hand and making the wand fly from her grasp and land uselessly off to the side.
Jake barely had a moment to react before Ryder was screaming at him and he felt Marley thrashing in his hug. When she broke free, he stumbled backwards. He avoided falling backwards and straightened himself out just in time to watch Ryder aim a spell at Marley. Her wand flew away from her, hitting the ground with a thud. Raising his wand, Jake ran up besides Ryder, aiming his wand at Marley. "What the hell, dude?" He screamed, watching as Marley began to unravel before his eyes. "What the hell is wrong with her?"
Marley had no idea what was happening in the real world, the world inside her head was slowly consuming her reality. Just as she was lifting her wand to yell out the curse, a spell was thrown her way and her wand was knocked out of her hand, sliding across the ground across the room. Suddenly two Dominics' were in front of her, screaming at her. The slowly began to move towards her and Marley couldn't help but cower in fear, sliding down the wall as she brought up her arms to protect her head. "Don't touch me! Please, don't--Don't hurt me!"
Ryder had his eyes trained on Marley, wand readied towards her. Marley had almost hurt Jake, she'd nearly done god knows what to him and the moment he heard Jake's voice beside him he let out a shaky breath, instantly grasping for Jake's hand with his own, needing the concrete reminder that he was okay. "She's...we need to snap her out of it." His voice shook as he watched Marley cower before them, she looked so tiny and fragile and he could hear the fear in her voice and it made his heart break. He stepped forward, slowly, keeping his wand trained on her loosely and doing all he could to soften his voice. "M-Marls....we're not gonna hurt you. It's..it's Ry- It's shy guy and handsome, remember? No one's gonna hurt you."
Jake felt Ryder grab his hand, and Jake held on back, but he barely sensed it after a moment or two. He could only watch with wide eyes as Marley continued to shout, covering her head as if they were going to hurt her. Swallowing thickly, he watched as Ryder moved forward, attempting to comfort the distressed girl. But Jake stayed in his spot, wand still pointed at the girl just in case she went to hurt Ryder. He knew something was right, but Marley had just nearly knocked him down, he wasn't going to take any chances. "Ryder, tell me what the fuck is going on now!"
Marley looked up just to see the two Dominic figures get closer to her. Her breathing began to pick up, just like her heart rate had increased. Everything was swirling around her, the girl lifting her hand to find it shaking before looking up as the two vampires morphed into one. Swallowing thickly, Marley's hand lowered to her side as she began to speak. "What do you want from me?" Dominic just stared down at her, a grin on his face as he neared her, repeating the the words he'd said to her in his cell in Azkaban. "I'll kill them all, Little Witch. You'll have to live with me, live with this till you've rotted from the inside, out!" And with that Marley's eyes that had been clamped shut throughout the whole episode shot open, screaming loudly in utter terror as she came back to the real world. Her arms flailing as she scanned the room, Marley noticed Jake and Ryder looking at her in disbelief but she couldn't focus, the screaming still reaching her ears until she realized they belonged to her. She was screaming.
Ryder winced as Marley screamed in front of him, tentatively reaching out his hand. He heard Jake yell from behind and he shook his head, turning to face him, his eyes blown wide with fear. "I don't know! She's...she's having a panic attack or something! It's like..it's like some of PTSD..." He trailed off, turning back to Marley and flinching when he saw her eyes snap open. "Marley! Stop! Please! It's us! We're not gonna hurt you!" His hand reached out softly, resting on her arm. "Marls please, you're okay."
Jake felt an ache in his chest as he watched and heard Marley scream at what seemed like at the top of her lungs. He felt his wand shake slightly in his hand at it, but readjusting his grip, he felt it out none the less. Watching as Marley suddenly seemed to snap back to reality, Jake breathed deeply. PTSD? He wasn't no healer, so he didn't exactly know all the details of what it could do to you...but he knew one thing was that none of this was normal. The boy didn't know what to say, so he slowly lowered his wand to his side, making sure to keep a tight grip on it just in case.
Marley looked up as she screamed out in panic, finding her wild eyes settling on Ryder and Jake. Ryder was crouching down beside her and Jake was holding his wand towards her, slowly bringing it to his side before moving next to Ryder. The brunette boy placed his hand on her arm and Marley flinched, letting out a cry before hearing his soothing voice filter into her head. "R-Ryder. I don't... I'm sorry. I'm so... I'm so sorry." Marley fell forward, her body shaking as beads of sweat rolled down her forehead, tears stinging at her eyes as her hands gripped tightly onto the fabric of Ryder's shirt, her lungs taking in air rapidly.
Ryder sucked in an uneasy breath, flinching slightly as she fell towards him. He let her sink against him, his arms carefully working around her, gliding soothingly along her back. "it's...it's okay." He tried to calm himself and her at the same time, and as he relaxed the horrible thoughts of what could have happened began to chip at him. The girl he was holding could have killed him, could have killed Jake, almost killed someone else and the fact that he was holding her so close now made a chill go up his spine. He turned to Jake, flashing him a worried look as he forced himself to hold her tighter. "Everything's...everythings gonna be okay."
Jake knelt next to Marley and Ryder on the floor, unsure of what to do. Marley...he had never seen her like that, anyone light that. He was afraid to touch her again, as it had been his touch that had set her off. Listening as Marley began to cry, Jake took to placing a gentle hand on the girl's arch back, able to feel her move with her cries. Looking up, Jake made eye contact with Ryder, both silently acknowledging that this wasn't okay at all. Looking away from his boyfriend, Jake settled himself more on the floor, wrapping his arms around Marley and giving her a kiss atop the head.
Marley focused on the sound of Ryder's heartbeat, feeling hers slow to meet the steady rhythm of his. Jake's arms were soon wrapped around her as well and a kiss was being placed on the top of her head. After what felt like hours but was only a good ten minutes, Marley slowly disentangled herself from the hug that the boys were giving her. "I need... I need to go. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." Before either boy could make a move to stop her, Marley was gone, apparating back to her flat and quickly putting up wards so no one but the two people that lived there could apparate inside. She'd bring them down later but for now, now she needed them up. For now she needed to be alone to process. She needed to fix what was happening to her and she knew just the person to owl.
Marley wasn't exactly sure why things haven't been going the way they should have been lately. She's been feeling totally out of it ever since things went down hill. Not only for her, but for Jake and even Ryder. But Marley couldn't stay mad at someone, it just wasn't how she was. She liked to see the best in people, and Ryder was no exception. But it seemed that of course things weren't going to remain smooth. Why would they remain smooth? There was this sudden thing where Jake felt like he wasn't good enough for her, but of course he was. Jake was very much the best thing to ever happen to her, and for him to think otherwise absolutely destroyed her. But at least the argument that started to form ended just as quick and he was on his way over so they could make up properly in person.
She didn't want Jake to think she loved him any less. She was dating him for a reason, and if she wasn't happy with him, she wouldn't be with him. That was how it worked in Marley's mind and maybe that wasn't the way it was supposed to be, but it was a way that worked for her. But all she knew was right now she wanted to see him, and to hug him and to tell him all the things he needed to hear. So the knock of the door that signaled he was there, made her jump up and go rush to the door, opening it up, immediately tugging him into her house. She stared up at him for a moment, her eyebrow raised. "I'm ready to make up now." she stated, taking his hands, intertwining their fingers together as a smile played on her lips.
Notes: Marley and Jake share a very special and intimate moment before they go their separate ways for prom. (Warning: a little smut, mostly lots of fluff)
Marley wasn't sure what made her decide at this very moment in time that she was ready for this moment. All she knew was, it was the only thing that made sense to her right now. Everything was falling to place, or so she was believing so. Things were still a little shaky on her end because of -A, but she wasn’t going to let it bother her. Sure, she had to go to prom with Ryder, but she knew it was going to be fun no matter what. But right now, the only thing on her mind was Jake, and she was happy he was coming over. She was happy to see him before they had to go their separate ways and act like they weren’t together tonight at prom. It was killing her to pretend they weren’t together. This was her boyfriend, and to act like that, it just wasn’t something she liked. But Ryder knew the truth now. It was all that mattered. With her mom out for a while, she stripped herself of her clothes, leaving just her bra and panties on before she grabbed one of Jake’s shirts that she stole from him, tugging it on and wearing just that. At the knock to the door, she moved to answer it. “Hi, you.” she whispered to him, a shy smile on her face as she stepped aside to let him in. It was clear she was nervous, but she was ready. That she was so sure of.
Jake didn’t see that coming at all, and what surprised him the most was that Marley was spot on with what she wanted. Tonight wasn’t going to be the ideal prom for him, the ideal prom with him was that he could actually go with his girlfriend, hold her hand, kiss her and hug her tightly in his arms. But he couldn’t, and that killed him. What killed him more was that she was going to prom with Ryder of all people, he knew why but he couldn’t shake the feeling of jealousy. He wanted to go with her so bad, but there he was, going alone to prom, which would totally suck. But at least he got to see her before, and maybe even after prom, she wanted her to come over right now on the spot which made him uncertain if she wanted him to come afterwards as well. Though he tried not to think too much at the moment, his own mind failed him because he was indeed thinking too much about everything. Making sure that he had everything he needed before leaving, he quickly went out the door and drove over to Marley’s. Finally arriving he could feel how nervous he got, his legs almost failed him at the way to her door, but just almost. He knocked lightly on the door waiting for her to answer it. Hell, he wasn’t prepared for that. Marley stood there in his damn shirt, and she looked amazing, she always did. This was it, finally the moment he had waited so long for at finally arrived. “Hi,” he said, walking in to her house when she stepped aside to let him in. He didn’t waist a second of thinking after that, he just simply made his way over to her, grabbed her by the waist and kissed her lips hungrily.
Marley wasn't all surprised when he grabbed her by the waist and his lips were pressed immediately to hers, and she felt her breath slowly fade. In fact, it was the most amazing feeling in the world to have him kiss her like that again. Nothing else mattered in this moment. Not anything. Just him and her. She wasn't worried about prom, she wasn't worried about not being able to go with him. Marley was with him now, and that was all she cared about. Her arms snaked around his neck, her body immediately pressing up into his as her lips worked against his as well. She knew he was waiting for his moment, she knew how much he wanted this moment to happen. They’ve almost gotten to that point a bunch of times, but she chickened out last minute. She was so insecure about herself sometimes, but right now she wasn’t. Right now she was ready for this moment with him. And so she made sure he was aware of that with the way she kissed him. She wasn’t even sure what to do though. She didn’t know how to do this. But all she knew was she trusted Jake, and that was all that mattered. Her fingers gripped at his shirt, more hunger passing into the kiss they were sharing at this moment, it was all she could think to do before taking his hands and leading him back into her bedroom where she knew they would be more comfortable. Once she was inside, she swallowed roughly as she tugged up the shirt she was wearing, biting her lower lip as she gazed at him. This was the first time he saw her like this. Her hands then reached out for him so he could come closer again.
Jake wasn’t sure what had gotten in to her, but he was certain that he loved whatever what was going on with her at the moment. He couldn’t focus at what he was doing at all though, not when she was kissing him back like she did. All he wanted was to feel good and secure in her own skin, and he didn’t want to go through with something she didn’t want, but this she seemed sure of, and so was he, he had never been more sure about anything in his entire life. This was the girl that he cherished and loved the most, and finally making love to her would be just one of the many amazing things they’d do together. As their bodies pressed against each other’s, he almost lost his breath, but he’d rather die than letting go of her, of disconnecting their lips. He sure as hell didn’t need air now, not when they were this close. Jake knew this would be her first time, it was his first time too. Maybe not sex in particular, but making love wasn’t sex at all, it was a whole different thing, at least according to Jake. With Marley kissing him even harder as before, he inhaled with his nose, kissing her just as passionately and hungrily as before. He was tired of holding back, all he did was holding back. Finally he didn’t have to, he kissed her like there was no tomorrow, like they’d never get a chance to be this close to each other again. His heart was pounding out of his chest when she started leading her against her bedroom, there they were, and they were actually doing this. He licked his lips as he watched her taking her shirt off, well technically it was his shirt. His hands grabbing hers, he crashed his lips against hers once again.
Marley wasn’t sure what had gotten into her, either. But she was tired of being so naive, so scared all the time. This was the boy she loved more than anything on this earth, this was the boy she could see herself with beyond high school, beyond college. Maybe it was too soon to tell to some, but to her she had all the time in the world for Jake. And he had all the time in the world for her. Right now there was no holding back, there was no changing what was happening. This was it. This was now and she knew that they couldn’t stop. There was no stopping and neither of them wanted to. Now that their lips were connected, she was not going to disconnect them again until he had to take off his shirt. She never learned how experienced Jake was, but she had a feeling he did more than she ever did. All Marley had ever done was kiss, that was it. She was so inexperienced and that made her even more worried. But with Jake, there were no fears. Marley trusted him entirely. She tugged him down on top of her so they could lay on the bed, lips molding, bodies pressing against one another, hugging him to her like he would slip away, like she’d die if he she let him go. That was the extent of her love for him. No other guy would ever steal his place. He was everything and everything was him. Her fingers tugged up at his shirt, itching to remove it, though keeping the pace slow. He was eager, she could feel and he was too, but she had to keep the pace the way it was.
Jake was lost, it was somewhere between kissing her and holding her this close that he didn’t care about anything other than her anymore, not in this moment. His lips explored hers like they knew its way around, and they did indeed. He wasn’t worried that he would go too far because all he did was following her lead, leaving her in charge of the moment. He still hadn’t processed this, it felt like more of a dream. But it wasn’t. It wasn’t a dream and he knew it, it was real, he could feel her, touch her, and hold her close. His body was aching for hers, desperate to get her closer. But it was pretty much impossible since they were as close as they could get. Getting tugged over her, not leaving her lips for a second. Having Marley this close to him drove him completely insane, not in the bad way, in the most incredible way ever. When Marley removed his shirt he landed a helping hand, pulling it over his head to toss it aside and not caring where it landed at all. Kissing her harder once more, he finally found balance, but just in the bed. His mind and he was absolutely losing control. He couldn’t do anything to stop it by now, he kept on kissing her like it was the last time they’d ever get the chance to do this.
Marley could barely contain her emotions as they just kissed and kissed, expressing their love for each other through the simple action of lips working and molding together. Of bodies pressing against one another. His bare skin against her bare stomach caused her to gasp out into his mouth. She was thankful that Jake let he in charge of the moment, but she knew he was eager. She could feel it, and so she took a risk and slipped her legs around his middle so they were touching even more so then before. Her hips rolled into his so she was rubbing against him, taking in the slight friction from his jeans as they rubbed against her panties in a shock of pleasure she’s never experienced yet. No matter what, this was special. He was special. He was the guy she would love for a long time to come. Though she didn’t want to, Marley took a moment to break her lips from his, trailing her lips along his jawline and down to his neck. Marley was a virgin, yes, but instinct was coming in, in certain areas. She knew where to touch, where to kiss. It made sense though. They were made for each other. They knew each other inside and out. As her lips worked on his neck, she reached to start undoing his pants, willing to move them forward even more, even if she really didn’t want to stop the sensation she got from rubbing against him. Her heart was pounding, her stomach was flipping and yet the nerves were subsiding and all she felt was complete and total love.
Jake almost didn’t breathe anymore, who needed air when there was love? His feelings just exploding as they kept on kissing, touching and becoming even closer, like that was even possible. He was eager indeed, and somehow he let it show in his movements. But he was completely unaware of it. The feeling he got when Marley somehow by moving her legs brought them closer was completely indescribable, a feeling he never quite experienced before at all. It didn’t matter what she did, she always succeeded in driving him completely of the edge to insanity. It was the way she made him feel, right from the start he knew there was something about her, and he could see himself and Marley in the future together. But they were only 16, and he didn’t want to seem creepy, so he never brought it up. With their bodies working up a slow rhythm they both tried to keep, and Jake thought it couldn’t get better than this. But oh how he was wrong. When Marley started working her lips down to his neck, he lost it. He thought he had lost it before, and maybe he had, but this just opened the door to a whole new world of insanity for him. With Marley working on undoing his pants, he pulls them off when she’s done, tossing them aside. His lips aching for hers, and his body just wanting more of her, he brings her head up so he can kiss her again. Rocking their hips together in a slow but comfortable rhythm.
Marley felt herself growing more and more lost in the moment. There were no thoughts about prom, about -A, about the blue prom dress that lay rested in her mom’s room. The only thing on Marley’s mind was Jake and the way he was making her feel. How he made her heart pound in her chest like she was having a heart attack. A good heart attack. The kind a person had from loving someone so much. It was hard to believe that Jake Puckerman saw something special in her. He was an artist, he was special. He made her feel alive. He made her feel things that she never thought her sixteen year old heart could ever feel. As their hips continued moving together, rubbing against once another, Marley couldn’t help but moan. It felt good, it felt amazing and she could feel the heat radiating between her legs, aching for more. Aching for him. So to give him the clarification that she was ready to move forward, she took his hand, moving it in between them, so she could lead him to touch her. The more they rubbed, the wetter she became, and she knew that it wasn’t just a want for him. “I need you,” she finally voiced out, words muffled because of touching lips. She needed him like air to breathe. Love knew no bounds in her heart.
Jake was aching for more, he wanted to give her all of him. And in the way things were going, he was more convinced it was actually going to happen this time. With his heart pounding out of his chest, he just wanted to rip of the remaining fabric that kept them apart. How could this have happened, he was amazed that out of all the people in the world, she had let him love her, and give her everything he was able to give. Getting just what he needed he felt himself harden, amazed because it was faster than ever before. He wasn’t surprised though, like he explained many times before she drove him beyond insanity that it couldn’t even be called insanity anymore. Shivering as he heard her moan, he kept her close, still working together to keep the steady rhythm that their hips created by moving. He needed her like never before, he had always needed her, but this gave it a whole new meaning. Touching her on demand as she led him to, a groan got stuck in his throat and made its way out. There was nothing else they shared but love in that moment, two bodies connecting for the first time. That was what it was all about, how love should feel like. At her words he replied, “I love you,” no need to speak it out, he just whispered it against her lips, kissing her again.
Marley felt her heart quicken as she heard Jake’s words, and she smiled against his lips. “I love you back.” she whispered, her own special way of saying it. She remembered the first time he said he loved her. Written on the Men of McKinley calendar. She kept it still, in her desk. It was something she’d never throw out, something she’d cherish. Her first love, her only love. Marley could feel his erection through the fabric of his boxers and she knew it was time. There was no more holding back what they both wanted so much. “Do you have protection?” she asked him softly, knowing they had to be safe. Marley was obviously not on birth control, she wasn’t sexually active and the last thing she needed was to give her a mom a new set of fears by saying she wanted to get birth control. And while she waited for her boyfriend to answer, Marley slowly removed his boxers so he was restrained by the fabric anymore. Biting down on her lower lip she wrapped her fingers around the shaft, testing herself. Testing her limitations of what she could do by stroking him slowly. Knowing he’d have to pull away to get the condom, but once he did they could finally make love for the first time. She knew this was the moment for it. And as scared as she was, she knew it was meant to be with Jake. He was her heart. Her lips pressed to his shoulders, keeping it light and affectionate. It was all she knew, and while she was taking bolder moves, she was still her shy self. This was a big moment, but they were both prepared for it.
Jake knew this was it, and there was no way of pulling out now. Her words just made it for him, it was her own way of saying it, and she had ever since the first time they shared those words, the same week as they shared their very first kiss. He remembered it like it was yesterday, it was electrifying, and he just wanted more. But she wasn’t there yet at the time, but she was now. He loved her more than anything and he’d never get tired of mentioning it or showing it to her, it was just the way things were. Jake believed that you can’t choose the one you love, but he wasn’t complaining at all. Marley was all he ever wanted in a girl, she was sweet, kind, caring, everything he wished to be someday. And somehow she had managed to turn him in to a much better person, and helped him change his ways. The truth was that he was pretty much lost before he met her, and now he couldn’t imagine life without her. He didn’t know what he would do without her, it was impossible to even think that he ever would be. The head was radiating through the room, and at her question he just nodded, unsure if he should pull out to get it. But he didn’t get a chance to though, because the next thing he knows, Marley somehow managed to pull his boxers off, getting bold and started stroking him. This doubled his pleasure, it was almost like she teased him in a way. But after a while he made his way over the bed, reaching out for his pants to grab the condom pack that way safely lying in his pocket. Tearing up the pack he quickly rolls the condom on before turning back to her, and safely rolling on top of her again. With her lips pressed against her shoulders, he could feel this was the time, there was no doubt nor was there no fear. They were both ready, and it felt completely right.
Marley took that moment while he went to get the condom to brace herself. She was filled with so much emotion, filled with so much love. Her heart was pounding in her chest, her head was spinning and she was just captivated by him. She just couldn’t even put into words how much she loved Jake Puckerman. He came into her life by surprise. He came in and took her heart with him, and he was still here. And he didn’t think she wasn’t good enough. Marley was still battling her body issues, her eating disorder was a battle every day. She was still skipping days of not eating. But she’d never tell him that. Marley could never let Jake down again. Not him or anyone. If she let him down, she would never forgive himself. Once he was back on top of her, Marley leaned up, connecting their lips once more. “I love you,” she whispered to him again, moving her legs to spread them a bit so he was situated between them now. It was now or never. This was the moment they were waiting for, the moments she’s stopped because she was scared, because she wasn’t ready. But now, looking up at him, gazing up at his face, into his eyes. Marley knew, she just knew that she was ready. So she nodded her head before her face buried into his shoulder because she knew it was going to hurt, she knew it was, but he was there, and so she braced herself.
Jake didn’t know how this happened, he never thought he could ever deserve someone like Marley Rose. Yet there she was, right in front of him. But how could someone like Marley settle with someone like him? He wasn’t sure what it was, but he really did love her, and it was more than that, he was in love with her. He had his heart broken so many times before and after that he wasn’t sure letting his guard down and love again was worth the risk anymore. But then she came along and changed everything. He didn’t have to hide who he was anymore because she accepted him, and she loved him back. Everything was worth the risk with Marley, and he didn’t care if his heart would end up broken like the last several times he had been stupid enough to trust somebody, because no matter how bad it hurt him, he could always turn to her. Her words made him grin, and he quickly responded the same. “Just breathe, and tell me if it hurts too much and I’ll stop,” he prepared her. Guiding his cock through her folds he entered her, taking it easy to check that she was okay.
Marley bit down on his shoulder as he began to enter her, and she whimpered out in pain for a moment. Tears filled her eyes. Not because she wanted him to stop, but because the pain was heavy for a moment. But she soon relaxed, her muscles relaxing and she just focused on his body, his voice, his words. Relax. Breathe. Love. That was what she knew how to do, and so she did. Marley breathed him in, and her lips moved to his, connecting a loving kiss for a moment as she allowed him to continue to guide his cock into her. One hand clutched at the sheets below her, a noise strangled in her throat coming out. She quickly wiped at the tears the rolled down her cheeks. “I’m okay.” she confirmed to him. The pain was beginning to subside until he actually broke through that barrier, and she winced again, biting down on her lower lip roughly for a moment. It was painful, she anticipated it, but he was gentle so it wasn’t as bad. This was how it was meant to be. It was perfect. After a few more deep breaths, the pain began to vanish. “It’s okay.” she whispered, leaning up to peck his lips with a smile.
Jake didn’t suffer through any pain, but he knew Marley was, and he knew that the first time was always a bit painful, or so he had heard. So he continued on taking it slow and not going too fast. He kept a steady rhythm just to make her feel comfortable and so that she finally could relax. There was something special about making love with Marley, it was different from any other girl he had been with, and it was like they never even existed. All he could see and think about was her, it was all he focused on. Love had never really made sense to him before, but suddenly it did, this was what love was supposed to feel like. Even as they were as close as they ever could get, and he felt safe with her, he could feel his heart pounding and the heat radiating. There was no way to name the feeling, maybe because it was a nonexistent one that nobody else had ever felt but him. Slowly making his way out of her, he rolls to lie next to her. “I’m glad you’re okay, it didn’t hurt too much did it?” he asked.
Marley got used to the sensation of having him inside her within a few minutes of his slow and steady movements, and it was perfect. The whole thing. Marley knew that making love was magical, but she never thought she would feel that with someone until she was married. And yet here she was in high school with her boyfriend and she knew that nothing was ever going to beat this feeling. A feeling of pleasure that was combined with love. And as they finished, Marley was completely blown away by the whole thing, her breathing uneven and she was just gazing up at the ceiling for a moment, trying to come to the realization that they did it. They made love for the first time. Once he was beside her, she shifted to curl into his side, head resting on his shoulder. “Just a little bit at first, but the pain went away...and then it felt amazing.” she giggled a little bit, reaching her hand up to wipe at some of the sweat on her boyfriend’s forehead. “I love you.” she whispered to him, smiling at her boyfriend as she reached for his hand, pressing their palms together. This moment connected them forever. “My future is going to be bright because of you,” she finally voiced out the thoughts she has had for months. Thoughts she was scared to say, but after this moment that brought them closer, she knew it was okay.
Jake never knew he would be able to feel like this, to love like this. But he did, and that amazed him very much. Now lying next to her, he took a piece of hair and placed it behind her ear. He brought his hand to her cheek to stroke it along her jaw. Looking straight in to her eyes, he could feel the heat still left between them. But he was glad that she was okay, though he wasn’t sure he was, but in a good way. Making love to Marley wasn’t like anything else, it was special. It set his skin on fire, and he shivered whenever they’d touch. It was the effect she had on him, and he liked- no he loved it. He breathed heavily as she rested his forehead against his. “I love you so much,” he answered her with a grin, closing his eyes for a second and breathing her in. He quickly leans in to kiss the top of her nose. “It was amazing, you’re amazing, I’m so lucky to have you, you know that right?” he said, “and with you my future doesn’t look as dark anymore.”
Marley knew that this was going to be a moment that she would remember for the rest of her life, and she couldn’t have been more right. She could have had this moment with anyone, but it happened with Jake for a reason. After the countless of times where they stopped because she wasn’t ready, because she couldn’t do it. He never pressured her, he was understanding and now that they finally made love for the first time, she knew it was worth the wait. Everything with Jake was always going to be worth the wait. Her arms wrapped around his middle and she cuddled in close to him, kissing his shoulder. “I hope you still come over tonight. My mom is going to be gone all night, so, you can sleep over.” she whispered to him, a smile crossing her lips. After tonight, they could go back to the way they once were in public. In love and happy, smiling all the time. Touching and hugging, and now they had this to add to the memories they would wake. “Our future will never be dark again,” she promised him, leaning up to kiss the side of his head. Marley knew now more than ever that Jake was her future, and even at the age of sixteen, she was very okay with knowing that.
Jake had just been able to process it all, he couldn’t do that at the moment it all happened, but now he could, and he experienced the greatest feeling in the world. He was actually genuinely and undeniably happy, and that was all thanks to Marley. He couldn’t help but smiling like a fool, and he didn’t care how silly he looked. It was the way she drove him crazy, he may have denied it the first time they really hung out singing together on the bleachers, but he couldn’t anymore, it was just too hard and not worth it at all. “Our own little secret sleepover? I like the sound of that, I’ll definitely come over. I’d never pass on an opportunity to see you,” he chuckled. “Our future, that’s something I could get used to hearing,” he said as he intertwined his fingers with hers.
Marley knew that even if they had to leave and get ready for prom, she knew that the night would not be able to compete with what just happened between the two of them. Nothing would ever top this moment. Except anything that their future would have for them. “It sounds amazing.” she agreed with him, bringing his hand to her lips, kissing his knuckles gently. She glanced at the clock on her night table and saw that it was almost time to get ready. Which meant her mom would be home soon, which meant that Ryder would be arriving to come getting. “As much as I want to lay around in bed with you for the rest of the night, my mom is going to be here soon.” she whispered to him, sitting up hesitantly as she gazed down at her boyfriend. “I’ll meet you here after prom?” she whispered to him, leaning down to kiss his lips gently once more. She felt like she was glowing, she was so happy. Everything was literally so perfect right now.
Jake was still surprised how perfect it had been, in fact he was stunned. And he couldn’t wait to see how beautiful she’d look in her prom dress tonight, even though she was going with Ryder. None of that mattered to him anymore, because what they just had shared was the most beautiful moment in his life, something he’d never be able to forget. “As much as I’d like to keep you hostage here in bed with me for the rest of the night, I have to get home and get ready, so I’ll come here after prom as you wish,” he said carefully sitting up to pull on his boxers and the rest of his clothes. “I’ll see you later, and I love you Marls.” He said when he quickly jumped on the bed to kiss her one final time. It had all been perfect, and nothing else could ever beat this, what they had shared. He knew that he’d remember this day for the rest of his life.
Marley couldn't keep the smile off her face as she tugged Jake's shirt back on over her body, before she stood up to lead him to the door once he was dressed. "I'll see you tonight, handsome." she whispered to him, her hands resting against his chest as she leaned on her toes to kiss his lips gently. "I love you more than anything," she murmured to him, opening up the door for him and giving him one final wave and a 'goodbye' before she closed the door, leaning against it, hands covering her face to hide her smile. She would be like this the whole night all because of him. Nothing would ruin this, nothing would compete with this moment.
Marley knew that telling Jake was a mistake, even if he guessed she didn't deny the fact. She let it go on that it was exactly what was going on and now she put her mom in danger. She didn't mean to let it get to this point, where she had to stay home from school today because she just couldn't bear to leave her house in fear of what was going to happen. At first Marley thought this was some sick joke, some joke that she couldn't really believe was happening. But now she was actually starting to be scared, starting to think that maybe it wasn't a joke after all. And she knew that she put a lot on the line to protect her mom. But it was her mom. If Marley lost her mom, she would have absolutely nobody, and she couldn't be alone. She didn't know why Jake was still even talking to her. He should have been furious. She was going to prom with Ryder, and sure, her and Jake would have more proms to go together, but this wasn't something she expected. Marley knew her and Ryder would have fun, but everything with -A was just making her feel so uneasy. As she waited for Jake, she began to pace back and forth, wiping at the tears that rolled down her cheeks. She hoped he was careful on his way there. At the sound of the door knocking, she rushed forward to open it up, her eyes widening as she saw Jake standing there and she immediately tugged him in as if someone could be outside looking at them.
