Overnight

Jade-

After a week of not seeing Jake, Jade felt like he could finally function somewhat normally. His routine had fallen back into place, though he did take the time each day to text him or talk on the phone. He missed him, a whole lot, but he didn't want to keep repeating the mistakes he'd already made by rushing too quickly into whatever they were doing.

What are we doing? He wondered as he thumbed through his text messages to Jake's new one. He'd gone through all of his work messages and emails before finally sitting down in his recliner and pulling up the one he really wanted to read.

How was work? They're considering offering me full time already at the bowling alley. I'm excited but nervous.

Jade found himself grinning as he thought through a response, then began typing.

It went well. I've caught up on all of my work and meetings for earlier in the week. I'm glad you are doing well with your job,  and am proud of you. You work hard and deserve to get that full time position.

He sent the message, then stretched out in the chair as he put the footrest up and clicked the television on. He rarely watched the device, but glancing at the news or having it on as background noise was pleasant once in a while. He closed his eyes and allowed his mind to rest as he waited for Jake to respond. Jade was eager to get the message, but as time went on, he realized that Jake must be busy. He knew that he wasn't working, as he'd asked for his schedule earlier in the week, but that didn't mean that Adam wasn't doing something with him.

I made too good of a choice giving him to Adam. The guy has been spoiling the kid.

He knew that Jake wasn't a child, but he had a naivety to him that most adults lost quite early in life. The idea that he had ever been so happy-go-lucky made his lips quirk up slightly. He couldn't remember a time.

At least he guards him like a lion, though.

His phone chimed again, drawing Jade's attention down to the small screen. He expected Jake's number and part of the preview message, but it was actually Adam's name that came up.

Hello Jade, I need to go out of town for the evening, and most of tomorrow. Would you be willing to let Jake stay there until I can pick him up tomorrow night?

The message was a bit surprising, since they hadn't started off on the best foot, but Jade had been working hard to keep himself from causing Jake any further stress. They had both needed to take a step back, and it had worked quite well. Adam appreciated it as well, and he'd let him know with a quick phone call. Jade would think that Adam wasn't to the point where he was comfortable with them being together for a long period of time just yet, but if he couldn't find anyone else to look after him, Jade could understand.

Of course, he could just leave Jake by himself at his place, but just the thought of it made Jade uneasy. The guy could take care of himself, but Adam had practically read Jade's mind considering what he would want to happen if he had to leave for an extended period of time.

He is always welcome here. Please let him know before we decide on this arrangement, though. I don't want him to feel like he has to come here.

His attention went back to the television for a moment after he sent he message, noting that the weather for later that night, along with the coming morning. Severe thunderstorm warning. Great. He was off the next day, kind of. He was on call, but he'd warned his office to not ask him to come in unless it was absolutely necessary. He would Skype them if they just needed to have a quick meeting.

Another chime from his phone brought Jade's eyes back to the screen. I asked him before asking you. He won't say it, but he's eager to see you again. Jade could feel the eye roll in Adam's words. He couldn't lie to himself, either, he was eager to see Jake again, too.

Alright. I'll have the guestroom ready. Jade replied, then set his phone down on the armrest, figuring that their conversation was over. When the phone chimed again a moment later, he glanced sideways at it, raising his eyebrow.

He's been sleeping in my room most nights. He's not a fan of thunder.

The idea that Jake had been sleeping with Adam didn't sit well with Jade at all, but he knew that the man wouldn't do anything to Jake. He was extremely serious about the subs he took on, from what Jade had gathered about his personality and what Jake had been telling him over the phone. Taking a deep breath, Jade let it out slowly and picked up his phone to reply.

Alright. That will work. When are you dropping him off?

He figured since Adam was going out of town that he'd be able to just drop Jake off on his way, and when he got a response a moment later, that's exactly what it said. He replied that he would be ready, then got up and called Rose down from her room to start dinner. He'd planned on skipping it, as he'd eaten lunch a bit late, but he wouldn't have Jake not eating a full dinner.

Jade headed upstairs once that was taken care of and he'd cleaned up the living room a bit. He had a housekeeper, sure, but he could clean up after himself, too. Upstairs, he mainly had to dust a bit and grab some extra blankets to put on his bed. He had two comforters there already, but he wanted to make sure there were plenty for Jake in case he wanted to curl up in some. Once that was done, he set out an extra toothbrush in the guest bathroom and his own, then added extra towels and two large shirts for Jake to sleep in if he wanted to use it.

Is that a little too far? He did use your shirt before...

Before he could start to argue with himself, the doorbell rang. Jade had to fight himself not to run as he made his way downstairs, then down the hall to the front door. Even though he had just walked there, Jade had to take a moment to calm his oddly rapidly beating heart before he opened the door.

Adam stood before him, but just to his left and slightly behind him was Jake. He looked a little worried and was clutching a new-looking backpack to his chest like a shield. Not wanting to pressure him, Jade turned his attention to Adam and stepped back, gesturing for them to come inside.

"Good evening, you two." He added with a small smile.

Adam nodded and pressed a hand to Jake's back, gently ushering him inside. "He's got everything he'll need in his backpack, but he didn't eat lunch."

Jade held back a disapproving look, knowing that neither of the two men would appreciate it. He would just have to make sure that Jake at a lot at dinner, or at least got a snack beforehand. "That's fine. Rose is already working on dinner." He said instead, drawing an appreciative smile from Adam as he turned and offered his hand.

"Thank you, Jade."

Taking his hand, Jade nodded. "Anytime. Have a good trip and let me know when you plan to pick him up tomorrow, or I can drive him to work if needed."

"I'll text you tomorrow." Adam said before turning his attention to Jake. He rustled the guy's hair, drawing a chuckle from him as he swatted at his hands. "Behave."

Considering he was staying in Jade's home, he figured there was an obvious extra meaning behind that, but he shoved aside the slight jab at his strict rules. He could manage to bend a few for a single night. Hopefully.

When Adam finally took his leave, Jade turned around from locking the door with a careful smile on. "Alright. Let me show you to the guest room?" As soon as he said the words, he wanted to smack himself. Jake would already know where it was... though the memory that went along with it made Jade's heart twist uncomfortably.

Jake seemed to feel similar, because he made a slight face, but quickly covered it up with a grin. "Yes please, sir." Jake's eyes widened abruptly and he hurried to apologize, but Jade was confused as to why.

"You didn't do anything wrong?" He asked, running back over the few words they'd exchanged and finding nothing to be upset about.

Running a hand through his messy hair, Jake bit his lip for a moment, then looked down at his feet. "Adam doesn't like me calling him sir. It just slipped out." Jake shuffled his feet and wouldn't raise his eyes, making a newfound concern begin to well up in Jade's chest.

Gently, he reached out and ran the back of his fingers over Jake's cheek, then just as carefully, tilted his chin up so that their eyes could meet. "Did Adam get upset at you for that? Did he do anything?" He asked, keeping his voice near a whisper.

Jake immediately leaned into the touch and closed his eyes, sighing like a content cat. "No, he just dislikes me calling him that, but it's... I don't know. It's hard not to."

Relieved, Jade lifted his hand to rustle Jake's hair, then lowered it to take his hand. "Well, I love being called sir, so don't worry about that here, okay?"

The nervous look on Jake's face slowly disappeared as they began walking. He nodded, but then replied with a quick, "Yes sir." As they headed up the stairs, Jade noted the outfit Jake was wearing was new. It wasn't exactly what he would have bought for him; a maroon long sleeved shirt with a grey hood and black jeans, but it looked really good on him.

"I like your clothing." He said as they got to the top of the stairs and headed for the guest room.

That comment perked Jake up. His eyes rose, an excited light shining in their beautiful depths. "Thanks! Adam picked out most of my stuff, cause I'm no too into fashion, but when I saw this shirt I asked him if I could get it. He told me that I would need to match it with something, so I found these pants. They're all still a little big, but I'm gaining weight pretty fast, so hopefully they'll fit really well soon."

For someone who had been so cautious when they'd first met, Jade was surprised to hear so much from Jake in one go. He liked it, though. "I'm glad. It suites you."

They stopped when they got to the guest room. Jade nudged Jake inside and nodded in the direction of the dresser. "Would you like to put your things away, then head down for dinner? It smells like it's going to be ready soon."

"Yes sir," Jake replied as he hurried over to the dresser and carefully put away his clothing for the next day. He also took out a toothbrush and a large shirt and boxers, then brought them over to the bathroom connected to the room.

Jade couldn't see him when he stepped inside and had likely seen what he'd left out for him, but Jake returned a moment later with nothing in his hands. He doesn't have to use the things you put out. He has his own stuff now. The thought made him feel a bit uneasy, even though Jade rarely let any of his subs use his things, and required they bring most of the stuff they'd need when staying over.

"Mmm, I smell hamburgers."

Jake's statement brought Jade's attention back to the present. "Yeah, definitely smells like it. I'm putting cheese on mine, though." He had never been a huge burger fan, but Rose was an amazing cook and the cheese she somehow found at the little market down the street, that he could never seem to find, was out of this world.

Jake tilted his head like a curious cat. "Ketchup or mustard?" He asked as he unthinkingly reached and took hold of Jade's pinkie, then tugged a little to get Jade walking back toward the stairs.

"Mayo and ketchup." Jade replied, not even realizing that Jake had touched him without asking permission.

Jake made a face as they started down the stairs. "I've never had those two things together."

The look Jade shot back at him was evidently funny, because Jake burst out in a quick fit of laughter, drawing a laugh from Jade. "Well, guess what you're trying tonight."

Jake glanced over his should as he tugged Jade toward the kitchen, raising an eyebrow while a smirk formed on his lips. Jade raised his own eyebrow, realizing the innuendo Jake was suggesting.

"Ha ha. Go stuff yourself with meat, brat."

He'd never considered himself one to make childish perverted comments, or ever call one of his subs such a thing, but when Jake snorted a laugh and hurried over to where Rose was setting out the burger patties and several different toppings, he found that he didn't mind joking around a bit with Jake.

His personality is really starting to come through, too. He thought as he made his way toward the food. He looked forward to seeing a lot more of it during Jake's short visit.

(Gotta break this chapter up into two, sorry XD)