Twenty-Nine

Zack was overjoyed to sit in the living room with his boyfriend and his father. He cared about Jess a great deal and seeing the boy he liked so much sitting next to him talking to his dad with matching smiles was heartwarming. It also helped both of them relax knowing that the man had definitely seen the hickey but didn't spare it more than a second glance.

They talked about basic things. School was on the list, hobbies Jess had, Jess's family situation (which Jess only seemed a little uncomfortable talking about in the beginning before he realized Dave wouldn't prod when he avoided a question), and how the hell he put up with Isaac. That was actually the current topic.

"I must ask, how do you even put up with him?" His dad said it with such a teasing tone they all chuckled. When Jess smiled like he was going to answer Isaac's full attention was on him.

"It takes work, I'll admit." Jess said through a chuckle. Isaac feigned offense and the fondness in Jess's eyes as he looked over made his stomach flip. "He's cute though so that makes up for it."

"Yes, I have a very nice face." Isaac nodded along and Jess laughed.

"I meant your personality is cute. The looks are a bonus." Jess said without any shame in his voice.

Isaac grinned wider than he'd ever admit. Jess seemed to like that reaction because he was smiling too. Dave was staring between both of them, happy his son was happy.

Knocking made the conversation come to a pause. Isaac and Dave shared confused looks. Neither of them were expecting anyone.

With that knowledge Dave stood up and walked over to the door. He opened it and frown at the sight before him. "Can I help you?"

The teenager gave him a nervous smile. "Hey, Dad."

At the familiar voice Isaac and Jess both whipped around on the couch with wide eyes. Ki stood there in front of Dave, looking in at them. He gave Isaac a (very) weak, guilty smile before looking back at Dave. "Can I maybe talk to Zack?"

Dave looked unimpressed. "I don't know if he wants to see you."

The boy nodded in acceptance. "I understand that, I really do, but I'd appreciate it if you could ask."

Dave looked over his shoulder at his son. Jess looked at him too. Isaac hesitated but gave a slow nod. "We'll talk outside."

He put a hand on Jess's thigh before getting up, kissing his cheek and whislering to him. "I'll be right back. It'll be okay."

Jess nodded and Isaac got up to walk over there. His dad stepped back to let him walk past. He gave the older man a smile before shutting the door behind him.

Once alone he turned to Ki. The boy looked sick with nerves. He leaned against the door behind him and cleared his throat. "If you say anything disrespectful I'm going back in there and won't give you another glance again."

The words seemed to hurt him. Good. They hurt to say but Isaac knew he meant them. This was Ki's last chance.

"I know, you should." Ki nodded. "I was a complete asshole. I'm so sorry."

The words were everything Isaac had been hoping he would say.

"I should've told Jace to shut up. I should've stuck up for you." He shook his head. "I was just- it was crazy. I couldn't believe it. I mean, all my life that's never been a thing y'know? My parents never said anything about that type of thing and so I picked up things from other people, and with who I was around as a kid that wasn't good. Everyone else was homophonic so I just got that from them and then you came out and it was just- I didn't know what to do."

He let out a sigh and raked a hand through his blonde hair. It eased the tense in Isaac's shoulders to hear but he didn't let his face convey any emotion yet. That explained that day, that hour, it didn't explain Ki's behavior for the next nine days. It didn't explain why he let Isaac walk around with an ache in his chest at the prospect of losing his best friend.

"I know it's a shitty excuse but it's what I got. By the time I even came to my senses you had walked off and Jace had said a bunch of awful shit that I shouldn't have let him say. He didn't stop there either, he kept on going with those stuck up remarks all day. I should've punched him the jaw so hard he wasn't capable of saying all that shit. It pissed me off but I wasn't sure why. I mean, for all I knew I should've agreed with him but I couldn't bring myself to. Everything was pissing me off. It's all anyone could talk about and it kept just making me more and more mad. I didn't get why until this week."

Isaac sat and listened. He was intrigued greatly by this now.

"I was confused as fuck and just thought I was mad because you're gay- or well whatever it is you are. That's why everyone was saying I was mad and I didn't have a better reason so that's what I believed. But that's not it at all. I was mad because it's you, Isaac."

The use of his name was strange. No one ever called him that except for Jess and occasionally his dad. It put him on edge.

"You're my best fucking friend man." Ki's voice was different now, more raw. "My best friend in the whole fucking world and I was just sitting there and letting everyone say all that stuff about you. Well- not everyone but Jace and Dean, and 'em. That's so fucked up. I was pissed at myself and at them. The whole time I've been snappy because I've been so fucking mad at myself over not doing anything. I've just been sitting there letting them be assholes."

His facade was slowly breaking. Ki has been his best friend since childhood. When Isaac had thought he would lose him it had been hard. Now, he was getting that apology he wanted. He was getting the opportunity to maybe get his best friend back.

"I'm a shitty friend and I don't deserve your forgiveness. I know you'll give it to me anyway because you're such a fucking forgiving guy that it's bad for you but I'm telling you now I know I don't deserve it. I let everyone drag your name through the mud just because I couldn't get my head out of my ass." He shook his head. "It shouldn't have taken me so long to realize. You're the dude who helps my mom cook dinner. You're the one who is my backup when I inevitably have to kick some guy's ass for hurting my little sister. Our little sister. You're family, man, and I'm a horrible fucking person for not realizing all this sooner."

Isaac couldn't stop the stone cold face from falling. It had been slipping for awhile. He stood up off the door and reached out to hug Ki. The blond boy reciprocated the hug immediately and they stood there hugging for a few moments. When they pulled back Isaac punched him in the face.

"Ow! Fuck." Ki's hand flew up to his now bloody nose. He ended up laughing though. "I deserved that. Does this mean we're cool?"

"Of course it does you idiot." Zack rolled his eyes but was smiling. Ki's smile became one of relief and his eyes shined. The two smiled at each other like they used to when they were kids after getting into a fight because one lost a game of one-on-one of football.

"Does that mean I can come in and properly meet the boy boning my best friend now? I need to apologize to him too."

Isaac smiled softly at the thought of Jess. Jess and his best friend potentially getting along. "I'll have to ask him first. You can come in and get something for your nose though."

The blood rushing down his face was being ignored. Ki smiled, red seeping into his mouth from his top lip. "Okay."

Isaac opened the door and they both stepped in. Jess and Dave's eyes widened at the sight of blood.

"Ki's gonna grab a wash rag for his face real quick." He pointed at the boy who was slipping his shoes off.

Dave's eyes lit up as he smiled. Of course he knew that they were okay now. He knew his son and his honorary son very well by now. He stood up and went to the kitchen, no doubt to help Ki with his face. Jess however looked confused, and worried.

Isaac walked back over to the couch and sat down next to him. He placed his hand on his knee and leaned to rest his head on Jess's shoulder. He mumbled quietly so just Jess could hear him. "He apologized. We hugged and then I punched him to even the score. He wants to say sorry to you too but I told him I had to ask first."

Jess's hand picked up Isaac's off his thigh and intertwined their fingers. He nodded and Isaac sat his head back up to look at him. Jess gave him a small smile. "Okay, but I might not be so forgiving."

"That's okay, just let him get the apology off his chest." Isaac said, leaning over to kiss his boyfriend. "Thank you."

Jess hummed. "He's your friend. I should at least be civil with him."

Isaac smiled and kissed him again. He had to pull himself back after that one thiugh because he knew if he didn't stop they'd be making out on the couch. That'd probably be very awkward for Ki and Dave.

The two walked out of the kitchen then, Ki holding a damp wash rag up to his nose. When Zack gave him a nod, Ki walked over and stood in front of the couch, dropping his hand down to his side and taking the rag with it. He ducked his head in shame.

"I'm really sorry, Jess." He paused to clear his throat, still not meeting Jess's harsh gaze. "Not just for how I acted after Zack told us you guys were together but also for before. I know I said a lot of stuff to and around you that wasn't okay. At the time I didn't even think about it but I know it was wrong. You have every right to hate me but I really wanted you to know that I am sorry."

When he finally looked up to meet Jess's eyes the boy on the couch narrowed them to something that was close to a glare. It made Ki swallow, his adams apple bobbing, in anticipation to what he was going to say. Even Isaac was curious.

"You're a real annoying dick." Jess said. "Like extremely annoying, you got on my nerves so bad it wasn't even funny."

Ki seemed like he didn't know how to react. He just stood there. Isaac smiled though because he could hear it in Jess's voice that he had more to say. Jess was going to forgive him.

"However, I think I liked you more when you were a happy annoying prick than when you're an irritated annoying asshole. So, if you stop spitting slurs everywhere you go I'll try to ignore the fact that you're annoying and get along with you for Isaac's sake."

Ki grinned and nodded. "I can make that deal."

"Then I guess we have an agreement." Jess said and he leaned over onto Isaac. The brunette smiled while wrapping an arm around him.

Ki looked between them with a soft smile. He then held the wash rag back up to his face because blood was starting to come dripping out of his nose again.

"Well, I'm gonna leave you guys to give each other more hickeys or whatever it is you do in your spare time. I just came by to say that. I uh- I'll see you at school?"

They both nodded. Zack smiled and reached his hand out. They dabbed each other up and Ki gave Dave a side hug before leaving.

After the blonde boy walked out Zack felt much lighter. Dave looked over at him and smiled. He smiled back because how could he not?

"Alright, well I'm gonna head back and do sone work." Dave started on the way out. "Don't make a mess on the couch."

Jess tensed and turned red at the innuendo. Isaac chuckled and leaned over to rest his head in the crook of his neck. Jess relaxed more.

"He doesn't seriously think we're going to have sex on the couch, does he?" Jess's voice was an embarrassed mumbled.

Isaac let out a laugh. "No, Baby, I'm sure he doesn't actually think that."

Jess let out a sigh of relief. Isaac started sucking lightly under Jess's ear and the boy let out a shuttering breath of air. He pulled away from Zack and the brunette suppressed a frown of disappointment.

"We are not doing anything on your living room couch." Jess said with serious eyes.

Isaac burst out laughing. He smiled over at his boyfriend who was still looking at him dead serious. He shook his head. "Okay, we won't do anything on the couch."

"Good." Jess let out a sigh.

Isaac moved over and ran his hand up Jess's shirt. His skin was warm against Zack's cold hands. Jess shivered and glared over at him. Isaac laughed and leaned forward to kiss the side of Jess's jaw.

"Let's watch a movie." Jess said suddenly, grabbing the remote.

Isaac smiled at his red ears. He's so cute. They watched some sappy movie and every time a kissing scene came on Isaac tried to reenact it as a way to tease Jess. The boy grumbled about it but he always smiled afterwards.

The afternoon was spent with the two of them cuddling on the couch. By the second movie Jess told Isaac to actually cut it out with his constant trying to make out. Isaac listened and kissed Jess gently before apologizing. Then they went on a movie marathon where they did nothing more than cuddle.

At seven Dave came out and said he'd make dinner. They tossed around a few ideas before he went in the kitchen to make steak and mashed potatoes. Isaac offered to help but was waved off and ordered to stay on the couch since he was comfortable.

By that remark, Dave was referring to their current position. Isaac was leaning back on the corner of the couch and Jess was sitting in his lap, his legs stretched out in front of them and laying against Isaac's. Zack was rubbing his back and he was comfortably tucked under Isaac's chin.

Zack wouldn't admit it out loud but he was happy his dad turned down his offer. He was comfortable and he didn't want to leave Jess. The boy leaning against him and sleepily blinking at the TV was something he didn't want to end.

His stomach swirled at Jess. Everything about him. Isaac felt things for him that he's never felt for anyone before. His heart ached for him in a way he couldn't describe.

Ineffable.

He remembered the word. Jess had said it once. He said it meant something that was too great to be described. That was Jess to Isaac.

He was everything.

"Are you okay?" Jess had moved, leaning up now to look at Issac. "You look like you're zoning out."

Isaac smiled. He was amazing because he had Jess. Jess was here with him and they were both happy together. "I'm good."

"Okay." Jess looked slightly like he didn't believe him. "You're dad said dinner was almost ready."

"Oh." Isaac nodded. He had been busy thinking about Jess. "Okay."

"Are you sure you're okay?"

So Isaac kissed him to prove his point. He was great. Awesome. Jess was here, sitting on the couch with him, and kissing him back. His best friend apologized. He had friends that cared about him. Dad was home more.

Everything felt surreal. It was amazing. Isaac cupped Jess's face in his hands and Jess's hands laid on Isaac's chest beneath him.

When they pulled away Jess gave him a cheeky grin. "I told you to stop trying to make out with me on your couch."

Isaac laughed before Jess was kissing him again. They stopped after that kiss though. Zack promised they wouldn't do anything and he meant it. Especially not with his dad in the kitchen, that'd be weird.

"Let's go eat." Isaac said and Jess agreed. They stood up and walked over to the kitchen to get food. Dave was just finishing cooking so Isaac got down plates and set the table.

He sat next to Jess at the table and across from his dad. Jess cut his steak into a bunch of little pieces before pouring ranch on his plate. The three of them exchanged simple conversation as they ate and Isaac couldn't be any happier.

After dinner he washed the dishes. Jess offered to help but it was three plates and some silverware so that wasn't necessary. Instead, the pale boy leaned against Isaac's back and wrapped his arms around his waist.

When the dishes were done and in the drying rack Isaac spun around. He leaned down to hug Jess's waist and in return Jess moved his arms up to wrap around his neck. They stayed like that for a few minutes before pulling away.

"You want to watch another movie or go to bed?" Isaac asked, still holding Jess loosely in his arms.

"I need to shower and then can we go to sleep?"

"Of course." Isaac leaned down to kiss Jess's cheek. They pulled away and went back to Isaac's room.

Jess borrowed clothes again and went to shower. When he came back Isaac showered before they both crawled in bed. Zack got him a phone charger so they could charge his phone while he slept.

Jess fell asleep hugged Isaac's arm and the brunette boy smiled at his cuteness. He took a quick picture before playing on his phone for a few hours before getting tired.

He smiled while laying in the darkness of his room. He could hear Jess's slow breathing next to him and it helped lull him to sleep himself. He was so damn happy.

•○•○•○•○•○•○•○•○•○•

So Ki apologized. How do we all feel about that?

To be honest I wasn't always planning this but once I started adding to his character a little more I kinda liked him. And he's Isaac's childhood best friend, I like my characters to suffer but I couldn't do my boy Zack like that.

Anyways, I hope you enjoyed!

Love you ♡

- Z