One of those mornings. {Open}

[jack]

No coffee in the house. Clean out. Dry. Nada, zilch, nothing. All the cupboards had been ripped apart, all the pots were opened, he even looked for his emergency stash in his room which seems to have been taken at some point, but nothing. Wearing a plain white t shirt and a black and red checkered shirt open over it, his purple chinos and a pair of 'Toms', he scattered around the house for his wallet and a pack of 20 cigarettes, which then disaster struck. He couldn't find his lighter. This morning was terrible so far, he felt almost as if he had lost his only child. "Fucking come on." He screamed through the house, at which point his mother shook her head and handed him a spare lighter she always kept, to which he thanked her for, explained he was heading out and asked if she wanted anything. Mistake number one, she handed him her card and a shopping list that could be taken up Everest and back without dragging.

He quickly left the house, upon doing so he shut the front door and made his way into town, coffee fix. "Yeah, hi, can I get a large cappuccino please," The woman working smiled and quickly pressed a few buttons, then bang, his coffee was being made after he had paid for it. "Thank you, you're a life saver" He beamed back to her as he threw a dollar in the 'tips' jar. Caffeine and nicotine fixes sorted. People watching time, there was nothing else for it, he still had hours until he needed to be home with his mum's shopping list and she had work until nine pm anyway, what was the rush? Medics for parents was great, the long hours they were away for, occasionally going away to other states for meetings or to perform life saving operations, the house parties he could throw sometimes were phenomenal. Beep beep beep Another message from someone he probably didn't care less about. Yep, his brother. Exception there, he cared a great deal about his brother, but sometimes the texts were too much to handle and he had often lost his temper with him due to the sheer amount of them within an hour.

Could I be real cheeky and get you to pick me up a pack of fags and I'll give you the cash when you get in? Thank you so much. There was this wonderful little local shop who Ryan knew the owners of and would often serve him his cigarettes as long as they weren't under the eye of the police or anything. Sure thing pal, I'll see what I can do. He quickly tapped back, then placed his phone on the table and took another sip of his coffee. The weather outside wasn't unpleasant, warm, sun was shining but not warm enough to whack the shorts out and go mad over it. He was bored; needed excitement. All he could do until then was to sit and smoke, which is exactly what he did. Sitting outside on one of the tables, he pulled out his cigarettes once more, sparking up, inhaling then exhaling. Perfection.

[/blockquote]

[jace]

Another weekend and nothing to do. Sure, there were parties and bars -my fake ID was sitting on the counter- but.. I was tired of pretending. Fighting off girl's advances; they all thought I was 'afraid of commitment'. Well, they were wrong. I wasn't afraid of a relationship.. I just wasn't attracted to them. I breathe a sigh, running a hand over my light brown hair as I stand from the couch.
"Mom, I'm going out. I call, stuffing my black ear buds into my ears as I strode down the paved walkway and onto the sidewalk. We didn't live far from the center of town, and could walk everywhere- including to school. It was usually pretty cool unless it was winter.. and snowing. Luckily for me, it rarely snowed here. Cheers.
My hazel eyes -electric green at the moment- looked down at my black converse as I walked, a poppy song playing in my ears. I soon near the Starbucks and decide I might as well get a latte- I had nothing but time on my hands.
Number three, extra milk. I say curtly, offering the cashier a smile as I handed her my money. She nodded, handing my cup to me and I turn. Outside or inside? Well, perfectly nice day, why the hell not sit outside? I start towards the door, leaning one arm against it, the bell ringing over my head, barely audible thanks to my music. I take a seat outside, making sure to get a table with an umbrella- didn't want sunburn. My phone vibrates and I pull it out, unlocking the screen, fingers deftly punching the password in before I looked at the message. One from Katie, something about a party tonight at her house. I shake my head,going back to the main screen before sitting back in my hard wrought iron chair, watching the cars rush by.

[jack]

Boring and dull, the day was showing no signs of improving, either. It may have been warm out but it was still looking to be boring, he hadn't seen anyone he knew out, so far, either. Chances are they all went to that huge party last night and got wasted while he was sitting at home writing essays out for History. Sober, no hangover and sitting in Starbucks before ten AM, what a life to live. He had finally finished his coffee but his nicotine addiction was kicking once more, it felt like he had only just stubbed one cigarette out and he was already pulling another one from the pack, he hadn't been so bad with his smoking before, there was no reason to. Entirely down to the weather, he always said. In the Winter he would smoke maybe a few a day due to having to go outside for them, who wants to go into the blistering cold to do something they enjoy for five minutes? Exactly.

Sitting outside didn't help, either. There were stupid amounts of people walking past giving him judging looks as he blew the blue tinted grey smoke out of his mouth, then began counting his money. He didn't have enough for another coffee, oh well, surely his parents could get just this one. When he was finished he flicked the cigarette away and went back into the shop, ordering the same again and it was on the counter within seconds for him. Caffeine overdose. He was going to be bouncing off the walls for an hour or so, then he would probably crash hard. He took his place once more, sitting in the same seat until he noticed someone he was sure he recognised from somewhere. School, maybe?

It took him a good minute to debate to himself whether or not to say hi, at school he was always the one guy who knew everyone's face, whether or not he had spoke to them before. Visual memory was pretty good, it was his memory when it came to names that let him down big time. "Er, hey, I know this sounds stupid but aren't you a senior around here? I swear I recognise you from a class or two," The way he put it made him seem like he was on day release from the local psychiatric unit. The internal face-palm he was giving himself was ridiculous, almost cringe worthy. He didn't exactly pull up a seat, but he did perch himself uncomfortably on one across the table, just in case it wasn't someone who he thought he knew and he could pretend to need to do the laces of his shoes up before disappearing, never returning.

[/blockquote]

[jace]

I lift my cup up to my full lips, taking a sip of my latte. I glance at my phone and decide to text Katie back, but with an excuse. I'd used 'family night' already, so I suppose now it was going to be that I was sick. 'Can't go, got some sort of damn bug -_- I type in, hitting send before the usual wave of guilt can wash over me.
My light hazel eyes glance up as a black haired boy sits down at the opposite side of my table. I absentmindedly think I'd seen him somewhere before he asks if I was a Senior. "Yeah. We might have English together?" I venture, shrugging my bony shoulder slightly before looking down at my drink.
I'd certainly seen him before, but I couldn't exactly remember him. I hated it when things like this happened, it was always so annoying and awkward. There was some else, something important, that I knew was escaping my mind, too, but -per usual- it didn't wish for me to know it at the moment. He'd probably leave with a nod and I'd go home, then remember. It always happened like that, probably always would.
"Jace." I add, glancing back up at him, taking another small, almost dainty sip of my latte. I never really was good with names, I always had to be reminded a couple times. My screen lights up and I bite the inside of my lip. Katie. Probably some sort of whining plea for me to come. Nope. I was tired of the endless parties, tired of.. pretending to be something I wasn't. I absentmindedly run a stray hand through my hair, messing it up- though always stylishly messy. Never just messy.

[jack]

Finally having something to do made Ryan feel slightly better about the day, even if it might only be for ten or fifteen minutes, he wouldn't feel like a social reject who had no friends. Almost simultaneously, he took another gulp of his coffee then pulled out everything from his pockets looking for his phone. He knew he had it on him, he had just felt it vibrate, but which pocket was it in. First world problems. Finally, he found it, but it was no other than his brother again asking for his cigarettes. Chill out. Finally this guy had replied to him, as well. "Yeah, I think you might be right actually," with that he stuck his hand out for a hand shake after they'd introduced themselves properly. "Yeah, Ryan." He finished off. The guy wasn't exactly bad looking either, probably straight. Unlike Ryan, he was sure no one had come out at school and if they had they were obviously not anyone that everyone spoke out, in the nicest way possible.

Time to get some conversation flowing, which was going to be harder than it sounded; he didn't even recognise this Jace guy. "So, excuse me for sounding like a complete prick, but are you new? I don't think we ever worked together on class assignments or anything.." He began, but trailed off when he realised he was coming off as someone who thought of themselves as the crem de crem. He couldn't stand them kind of guys, half the time he even argued with the jocks for being that way, some of his closest friends would fit into that group in school, but the way some of them acted sickened him. Bullying others simply because they aren't as high up on the social ladder is the lowest of the low in his opinion.

He noticed the screen on Jace's phone had lit up, finally, something to spark some form of conversation and to do a bit of digging. "Your girl texting you, huh?" He teased with a smile and a wink, then took another gulp of his coffee and pulled out yet another cigarette, then gestured towards Jace offering him one if he smoked. As he did he pushed himself backwards and placed his coffee on the table so he was more comfortable, then lit his cigarette. Knowing his luck this guy was going to be dead against smoking or had extremely brittle or bad asthma, which would not work out well for him.

[/blockquote]

[jace]

I take another slow sip of my coffee, nodding slightly, my dirty blonde bangs falling into my face as he agrees that we most likely have English together, I'd have to pay more attention next time. I don't know how I haven't noticed him before, he wasn't exactly someone who blended into the background, and -if I may say- was fairly attractive. I quickly turn my unique hazel eyes from Ryan's face to the table as this thought flits through my mind like a crimson cardinal. Why was I so delusional? He was probably straight, and had a girlfriend off waiting for him somewhere.
I unconsciously flick my head to the side, swishing my bangs out of my face like a pro- I did it all the time. I lean back in my wrought iron chair, shrugging slightly at his question. "I'm not new, and I don't think we've ever worked together on anything." I reply. "Though I did move here three years ago, three years ago." I add. I didn't think of that as 'new', but he might, so why not add it in as an afterthought? Maybe it'd make him remember me- the awkward new kid who suddenly turned into a social butterfly by hiding his true self.
I bite the inside of my lip at this thought before bringing my cup up to my lips as something to do to occupy my mind. I quickly type in my passcode on my phone, letting out a scoff before I could stop myself. "Uh, no." I correct myself, clearing my throat awkwardly. I open the message- I'd been right. Y cant u come? Im sure ur not 2 sick, it read. I shake my head slightly, clearing it back to the main page after I decide not to answer it.
One day, I'd come out. I'd be myself.. but today was probably not that day. Maybe in a few months.. or years. I look up as he offers me a cigarette and shake my head. I didn't really have anything against it, but I didn't want to pick up such a habit.

[jack]

As Jace began telling him it wasn't his girlfriend replying to him, Ryan smirked a little bit, giving him the 'I don't believe you' kind of look, then took another toke of his cigarette. "Well, I'm sure she's a potential, right?" He asked, being nosy and investigating was one of his strongest points. Somehow he usually managed to find out the details which he wanted, whether it was directly or from someone else. He felt like a dickhead when Jace explained that he had been there for three years and he hadn't recognised him, but things sometimes couldn't be helped. It wasn't his fault, he didn't usually take much notice of people who weren't in his 'social circle' or part of his 'family'. Self centred? Yes, but it meant he had built up a trustworthy set of friends over time.

As Jace had declined a cigarette, Ryan nodded, personal choice but he always felt as if he should offer one. "Fair shout man, not your thing or you quit?" He asked, forever asking questions. Something he could never put his finger on was why he was so inquisitive about others, but it only happened when he found himself interested in someone, either their appearance, personality or a certain quality or quirk about them; Jace had definitely caught his eye looks wise. Terribly shallow. Sometimes he knew he was being shallow, but there was no such thing as 'banging a personality', no matter how much someone said they go for personality, there had to be physical attraction in there, everyone knew that. Dragging on his cigarette, he turned around to face Jace a bit more, then turned his head slightly and blew the smoke out, began moving his hands around a bit as if he was about to say something, then stopped. What the hell, might as well come out with it. "I'm assuming you do like the ladies, right?" He blurted out, took another toke, then continued, "I mean, I'm just assuming here." He finished, then blew out once more, exhaling all the smoke from his lungs.

Beep beep beep Again, his phone was on the bleep. Never had he felt so popular, two texts in less than half an hour from different people; it was almost as if he was getting as popular as the football team. Dream on, kid. People seemed to be strolling past them nonchalantly, not even taking notice of the two getting coffee, dog walkers doing their business, until the dreadful moment his mother pulled up in her car. "OI, RYAN, I'VE BEEN CALLED IN FOR AN EMERGENCY TRAUMA" "But you work in geriatrics, mum, why have they called you in for that?" "May have possibly whacked myself in on ER bank staff on opposite shifts to dad for the extra cash and to get away from your father, hahahahahahahahahaha, bye! Love you!" Oh right. Nice and embarrassing. Did she really just pull that? They had been arguing a lot lately, but she seemed to be taking it in her stride, as usual, and just laughing it off with her very sarcastic sense of humour. One of the only ways you'd know that Ryan and his mother were related by their senses of humour, way too similar and they were forever throwing offensive jokes around the house at each other. "Love you too you curry lover! Have fun!" He called back, she chuckled, gave him the middle finger and drove off. "Sorry about that, my eccentric mother for you," He felt obliged to explain.

Checking his phone briefly, it was just a text from his father asking him where he was, to which he quickly replied in town running errands and grabbing a coffee, then subtly hinted he had met a cute guy and was trying to figure him out. Oblivious as his father is though, he'd probably have to spell it out for him, poor soul. How he ever put up with Ryan and his mother for more than an hour was beyond him, his brother got the brute force of it as well. "So, tell me about yourself, what sorta shit you into then?"

[/blockquote]

[jace]

I raise my eyebrows skeptically as he asks if Katie was 'potenial'. Hell no, but it wasn't like I could be all 'I like men, not women'- it wasn't like me. I was too shy and reserved and shit to just shout it out to the heavens- no one knew, and I most certainly wasn't going to tell a stranger I was gay. Just, no. I raise my latte to my full mouth and shrug my shoulders.
"Not really my thing." I answer, nodding slightly as that was one of Ryan's options. I watch the smoke blow from his mouth and curl up into the sky before it dissipated totally, and I start to take another sip as he asked if I 'liked the ladies'. I freeze and stop myself from spitting my coffee everywhere like in the movies- it would've been perfect. Instead I swallow it and stare at Ryan. Tell or not to tell, that was the question. But, I had to say something eventually, because it would be suspicious if I just sat here and didn't reply.
I'm attempting to think up some slick lie when his phone beeps and takes his attention off of me. I mentally wipe the imaginary sweat from my forehead and pretend to be interested in my own phone, though I was just sorta scrolling through random messages and typing up a message just to delete it. Where the hell had that come from? Did I really seem that gay? Everyone within my circle didn't think I was, so why should he? Maybe because he didn't know me? No, he would just assume I was straight that much heavier.
I start as a car pulls up beside the curb, a woman driving. Her and my tablemate have a sort of civil shouting match that ends up with a middle finger and Ryan laughing. I blink, having no clue what had just happened. I decide to go along with it and take another sip of my latte, happy to not have to go back to the unanswered question. "What sort of shit I'm into." I reply with a smirk playing across my face.
"I play tennis." I say, nodding slightly. "On the school team, too, one of the best." I add proudly, puffing out my chest happily. I was a damn beast at tennis. It may not have been the manliest game in the world, but since when did I apparently care about being manly? "You?"

[jack]

Fair enough really smoking isn't for Jace, he couldn't blame him, quitting is hard and probably one of the worst habits that Ryan had ever picked up, he admitted that himself. Since about a year ago he had said he needed to quit but he couldn't do it, his will power was at rock bottom. Ryan was one of those guys who had no will power when it came to things like that. Most people who knew Ryan would assume he had the easy life and he wouldn't have any troubles when it came to quitting things in the click of a finger, but those who really knew him would know that he lacks everything inside to quit. Having an addictive personality was the worst thing, the one thing that would keep kicking him down.

No reply about his sexuality was a sign of danger to Ryan, to him it meant he had hit a nerve, best not to bring it up again probably. He smiled, took a toke of his cigarette, then threw it away from them as if it was nothing, knowing full well if a police car pulled up he would end up being fined for it. Playing things cool, standard. When Jace mentioned he played tennis, Ryan became interested again, sports wasn't the top of things in his list of conversation but it wasn't a bad way to get to know someone either. "Oh right, tennis, eh? I guess if you're one of the best on the team you're whooping the other teams arses," Subtle but enough to get the conversation flowing a bit better. It had been awkward for him so far but he wasn't one to let it show.

A small smirk appeared on his face again when he was questioned about his sport, he was about to come off as a roughty-toughty type of guy, which is the complete opposite. "Well, I play rugby on the school team, aha" He replied with a small chuckle in his voice towards the end. He knew full well what the rugby stereotype was and he fitted anything but that. When he was trying out for the team a few of the other guys just gave him the once over up and down and quickly judged, but when they saw him on the field they saw a whole different person; he would be better off working in Hollister for his looks, but if he was to play a sport, he would definitely fit in well with rugby, or maybe even the wrestling team. The amount of times he had almost got in a punch up or two over fouls on the pitch was ridiculous; his short temper often got the better of him on the pitch and had put him close to being kicked off the team countless times. "I mean, I'm not the butch manly man who goes around picking up the ladies all the time, but rugby is my passion." He quickly added on.

The sun began beaming down a lot harder on the town, his hoodie found its way to the back of the chair and off of Ryan, revealing his tanned arms which had a tattoo covering his right forearm. His mother went absolutely ballistic when she found out he had got a tattoo and threatened to sue the tattoo shop that tattoo'd him underage until he explained that it was free and he had a fake ID, which he quickly showed her. She confiscated it and it was never spoke about again, but under his clothes he had a few more which she was unaware of, better that way until he was of age to be inked up properly, his plan was to be covered in them. How he planned on getting a job in medicine with them was something else, hopefully the fact both of his parents are doctors could possibly give him some sway, or even if he applied in the same hospital as his parents it might help him somewhat.

Suddenly his attention turned back to Jace, hoping to get some sort of conversation out of him; even if Jace was straight, more friends couldn't hurt, could they? Being very open about his sexuality was one of Ryan's strongest points; he didn't care if someone felt awkward about it, if they did it was their problem and not his. He'd end up just ditching them if they couldn't accept it, but he wouldn't bring it up until the moment called for it; quite often people found out when they caught him checking another guy out as they walked past, which Ryan had been doing all morning, not exactly subtly either. He was surprised Jace hadn't noticed it, or maybe he was the oblivious type who didn't really think of things in that sort of way.

[/blockquote]

[jace]

I take a sip of my latte, glad that Ryan didn't seem intent on bringing the previous subject back up. What would I say, anyway? There probably wouldn't be some crazy mom diversion to save me again, so I'd either have to tell the truth or lie- and I was sick of lying. But, he'd probably get up and walk away.. right? Yeah, definitely, who would stick by me if I did 'come out of the closet'?
My hazel eyes follow the cigarette's path to the ground and mentally raised my eyebrows. But, whatever, it wasn't like I'd report him or some shit- what sort of snitch loser did that? I let out a chuckle and shrug my shoulders. "Undeafeated this season." I say smugly, nodding. I pretty much carried the team- all the others sort of sucked, but at least they tried. Better have someone who wasn't any good but tried than someone who was good but didn't try in my book.
Soon the sun comes out from behind the clouds and quickly it becomes much hotter and soon Ryan peels off his hoodie and lays it over the back of his chair. I absentmindedly take another sip of my latte, eyes looking at the edge of a tattoo that was peeking out from under the sleeve of his shirt. I nod slightly as he goes on to say that he played rugby. "I'm not much for.. contact sports." I reply, shrugging my bony shoulders. I set my cup down to unzip my dark blue Aeropostale jacket and shrug it off and onto the back of my chair. I feel oddly exposed but decide to ignore the sensation; it was probably just me being insecure.

[jack]

Undefeated in a season was definitely something to be proud of; Ryan had made a cock up once or twice which had cost his team the game in his years of playing rugby, but he wasn't the only one and it definitely wouldnt be the last time, either. "Yeah fair man, I'd be lying if I said our team had won every game to be honest." He replied with a smile on his face. What he couldn't understand was how Jace was so skinny if he was undefeated; surely he would have had a bit more arm muscle going on if he had a good tennis arm. Then again, Ryan couldn't say much, he wasn't exactly the typical build for a rugby player himself. His parents disagreed with contact sports, but for him it was perfection; he couldn't find himself down for something along the lines of golf.

"Eh, for me, contact sports is like a release. There's no judgements in it and it just reminds me how I can get all roughed up with the straight guys and they don't care." He explained, his love for the sport wasn't simply because of the guys but it did help; some of them had cracking bodies and arses. Banter always came up in the changing rooms with him being gay, but that was all it was, banter. Nothing offensive in it. "Like, it's always a laugh in the shower, too, no one cares about anything really. Just the way it should be." He continued, then took a sip of his luke-warm coffee; definitely time to get rid of it. He gulped down what was left, then pushed the cup away from himself as if he was attempting to signal to someone that he had finished his drink. "So, how much did your hoodie cost you? I need to get some clothes shopping done to be honest and it's pretty decent looking if I'm honest." He finished off, then swivelled his seat around a bit.

[/blockquote]

[jace]

I nod as he goes on to say that being undefeated was a big thing- it really was; though if it were rugby it would be more.. recognized? Yeah, probably. Tennis didn't exactly have a huge following at school- only parents and occasionally boyfreinds/girlfriends would come to the matches. I take another sip of my latte, making a face at how cold it was. But, it was almost empty, so whatever.
I raise my eyebrows at his statement. "Straight guys?" I repeat, surprised. Did he mean that like it sounded, or was I jsut peering too deep into it? And I knew what happened when you assumed, so it was a perfectly reasonable question, right? I can feel my face redden and I stand and stride over to the trashcan to throw my coffee away and escape the situation, taking Ryan's cup as I did so. I sit back down and turn my attention to my phone, shrugging my shoulders at his question. "I know it sounds lame, but my mom got it for me- she pretty much does my shopping." I reply quietly, suddenly retreating back into myself again.

[jack]

People began to stroll on past in more masses now that the day was beginning to get a bit warmer and later, it seemed as if people were realising how much of a beautiful day it really was, but at the same time it almost seemed like Ryan was just sitting there on the side lines of life taking an outside view into it; no one had even looked in his direction. He felt almost invisible, if it wasn't for Jace being there, he'd probably panic a bit and wonder if he had suddenly died and he was a ghost. The look of disgust he gave a girl, no older than fifteen, pushing a pram with her seemingly same age boyfriend just showed how judgemental he could be; why bring a child into the world if you haven't got a job that can support a family? No doubt that it was funded by their parents while they were busy messing up their educations and claiming being a 'full time mother and a full time school student was hard', when the reality was that their parents had been spending time with the child more than they had.

His attention diverted back to Jace when he repeated the part about straight guys. "Yeah, they're all straight, I think," He began, then waved his hands around about a bit with his conversation, something he was known to do. Not in a camp way, but still waving, "You'd think there'd be an issue or two, but nah, no one cares," He finished with a shrug of his shoulders. There was something about Jace that made him feel comfortable, yet on edge at the same time. As if he'd say the wrong thing and the guy would just disappear and run a mile, not that it bothered him too much but he could do with the company today, being alone was boring. Not only that, but Jace wasn't exactly ugly, either. In fact, quite cute. "Coffee?" He asked, whacking out the card once more, he had a terrible habit of putting things on his mother's card then just paying her back when he got home, but he knew he could afford it.

When the conversation diverted back to Jace's clothing attire and how his mother bought it for him and did the shopping, Ryan couldn't help but chuckle. "Bro, I think we're going to have to set up a day out then, can't have you not getting your own clothes," He teased jokingly, but in a way he was being serious. From the age of thirteen he was hitting the shops by himself and buying his own clothes, it was almost like a rite of passage in his eyes, individuality and a sense of freedom, as well as responsibility. If his mother bought his own clothes, he'd be rolling around looking like the preppiest fucker on the planet. As much as he didn't mind the look, he preferred a bit of individuality; open shirts, t shirts or a vest, jeans, chinos, vans, fred perry, dc's, he had the lot in his wardrobe. Saying that, however, he wasn't the sort of 'I will wear only the top brands' kind of guys, hell, he'd happily walk into a store like Walmart and if they had a nice set of clothes in there, he'd buy them. Bargains, especially if he made them look good.

[jace]

More people were passing by on the street- girls in track suits and sport bras with dogs on leashes, couples, and more cars, too. I mentally riase my eyebrows as a young couple of no more than sixteen pass by with a stroller and avert my gaze, not wanting to openly stare or make some other social misstep- I had a problem with being subtle sometimes. I keep my hazel gaze on my phone as I finally decide to text Katie back. 'no, some sort of tmach bug- wouldnt want u to get it.' I type, hitting send as I think about what to say.
All the context clues were leaning towards that Ryan wasn't straight.. right? Maybe I was just assuming because I was gay? Oh God, I didn't know.. but, he didn't really know me. Wasn't some friend, so it's not lie I'd lose friends voer this or something.. right? Hopefully not. "So.. you're, like, gay? I mean, not, straight?" I stumble, wanting to shrink into nonexistence. I knew my face was probably the same crimson color of a cherry at the moment and shift unconfortably in my seat. What if he wasn't gay and got offended and left? Or hit me? He didn't seem like the type that would punch me.. but he played rugby, which wasn't the most gentle sport ever.
I shake my head as he whips out a credit card, asking if I wanted coffee. "I'll get my own." I reply quietly, shrugging my narrow shoulders limply. My screen lights up with another text from Katie and a look to annoyance passes over my face after I read it. 'look, im not going' I type, hitting send before shaking my head.
I look back up at Ryan and a smile crosses my face as he chuckles after I admit that my mom buys my clothes. "At least she has style." I say defensively, looking at my outfit. It didn't look like my mom had bought it, did it? Nah, I didn't think so. "Sure." I add as he asks if we should go shopping. Isn't that what girls did? Well, I wasn't really a 'manly man', so whatever.

[jack]

Chain smoking was one of Ryan's worst habits, but something he did oh too well, he realised that years ago when he would literally pull another cigarette out one after the other. As he pulled one out, he clocked at how red Jace had gone, a smile seemed to unfold across his face, nodded and opened house mouth, placed his cigarettes between his lips, then spoke. "Don't get all shy about it, men have sex with each other, it happens. No need to get embarrassed about it," He teased, then gave him a wink and sparked up once more. It was only once he had sparked up he remembered he was about to go grab a coffee. "Ah, shit. Mind holding onto this while I grab another drink? What was it you wanted?" He asked, even though Jace had declined being bought one, he was hoping the guy might subconsciously just reply and give in. Once Jace had replied, he scuttled off to grab the two coffees, came back and pretty much pushed Jace's across the table to him.

Too nice for his own good sometimes, he knew that. Forever buying other people things; if he saw a homeless man on the streets he'd always run into a shop and buy the homeless man a pack of cigarettes and something to eat, it was the kindest thing to do; what other pleasures were they getting from life? Absolutely none. Probably getting pissed on in street doorways most nights, attacked by drunkards in the streets and harassed by the police most nights to 'move on', but where would they move on to? It was ridiculous, fair enough the state couldn't afford to house every single homeless person, and there were soup kitchens around but those meals a day weren't usually enough to keep them alive and well. Then what about when they became down with an illness? They couldn't afford the treatment that was required so they'd usually just end up dying off. Then again, why keep it to yourself if you have enough to share around? It'd be just plain selfish to keep everything to yourself.

Ryan couldn't help but let another smile slip onto his face when Jace began getting defensive. "Hey man, I never said she didn't have style, but if you want to become all defensive on me, that's cool, I'm good at that game, too." He teased again. Winding people up was probably the best thing he could do, he never meant it in a hurtful or a horrible way, though, which he managed to portray in his tone of voice quite well. It was obvious to him that Jace was one of those guys who just need to be brought out of their shell and he was trying his best but it didn't seem to be working too well. They had been in the same classes for three years, Ryan was pretty rude when he first introduced himself, he admitted, but come on, he had now offered to buy him coffee.

The amount of times that Jace's phone had lit up was ridiculous and it was obvious he was beginning to get pretty annoyed by it, it was probably none of Ryan's business, but then again, it could be something he could have helped out with. "Right then, it's obvious someone's trying to get hold of you and you don't want them to bother you. What's going down then?" He asked firmly, taking another toke or two of his cigarette that Jace had been forced to look after, then took a good long gulp of his coffee.

{Sorry, I know I GM'd a bit at the beginning but it was the quickest and best way for me to get a bit more into the post, otherwise I was at a loss with what to write x.x My mind is blank tonight.}

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