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Chapter Text

When Miss Fraser had been hired as the new drama teacher most of the students had not been particularly impressed. Alex on the other hand absolutely adored the Australian woman and all her quirkiness. She was a breath of fresh air after stale old Mr Barker and to top it all off, she was queer. An out and proud bisexual who had a photo of her girlfriend on her desk for everyone to see. That alone made her Alex's favourite teacher.

As the only out gay kid in the school, he felt an instant kinship with her and it was nice having somewhere he could go when Lisa was busy at cheer practice or the bullying was getting too much for him to handle.

When she'd announced that they would be putting a "modern and more inclusive" twist on the Christmas play this year Alex had never been more excited. This year they would be performing the not so classic Romeo and Julian.

"I can't believe you're gonna be a lead role." Lisa enthused as they walked towards the canteen, they were due to be posting the cast list up later today and Alex was nervous. "We don't know that," Alex argued, not wanting to get his hopes up.
"Alex, I saw most of the other auditions. I wouldn't be surprised if she cast you as Romeo and Julian." Alex blushed.

The room was buzzing with excitement as they joined the lunch line and Alex couldn't help his annoyance at it.

Normally it was only the members of the drama department that cared about the productions but today everyone was talking about it. Why? Because Jack Barakat, the captain of the soccer team, had decided to audition for the role of Romeo. Alex still hadn't figured out why but he knew it couldn't be good.

Jack was not only known for his soccer skill but also for his pranks. They were always large scale and intricate and involved the utmost humiliation for those involved. Alex often wondered if he'd been a master criminal or an evil genius in a past life.

If Jack was auditioning for the play it had to be for a reason, be it a bet or a prank or something even worse. He had never shown any interest in the arts before and there was no way he'd decided to start now. Especially not with this particular adaptation of the play.

Maybe one of the less open-minded teachers had put him up to it with the promise of boosting his grades if he managed to ruin it.

"So when are they due to post it?" Lisa asked as they headed towards their table.

Despite being on the cheerleading squad Lisa wasn't a stuck up bitch or a bully like the rest of the team. She'd much rather hang out with the "drama losers" than hang around the jocks hoping for a scrap of attention.

"After classes today." He said as he sat down. He'd barely been able to concentrate all day from the nervous excitement.

"How's everyone feeling about this afternoon then?" Lisa asked cheerily as they joined their small band of friends. Ashley gave a shrug.
"Pretty chill actually. Not too stressed about what part I get which makes a nice change."

"Of course you're not," Taylor said with a huff. "There aren't any good ones for us girls." Ashley rolled her eyes.
"That's not true, lot's of the characters have been switched. Mercutio's now Martia and Paris is female now too." Taylor snorted, shaking her head. "Just because they're not lead characters doesn't mean they're not good." Alex pointed out, trying to soothe the girl who'd been the lead woman in every production since freshman year.

"That's easy for you to say. We all know you're going to be Julian." She didn't bother to hide the bitterness in her tone.
"We don't know anything. Nothing's ever certain." He offered, not wanting everyone to get ahead of themselves.
"Yes, we do. You and Josh will be Romeo and Julian and the rest of us will be crammed into whichever roles she can make fit."

Alex glanced over at Josh who was blushing. Neither of them were especially good with praise and compliments, even Taylor's mildly insulting, barely-there ones.

He did his best to steer the conversation away from the play for the rest of lunch and then to keep his mind off of it as much as possible for the rest of the day.

He'd just gotten dressed after surviving gym when he finally allowed himself to start freaking out about the casting.

He didn't know why he was so nervous, it wasn't like it mattered. But being able to say he was playing a lead role in what was easily one of the most important plays the school had ever done would be a big deal, a big fat fuck you to everyone who'd called him a fag whilst shoving him against the lockers. He wasn't ashamed to admit he wanted that.

A group of students had already gathered around the bulletin board and were chattering excitedly. Alex's stomach twisted violently as he slowly approached.

He took a deep breath as he stepped up so he could see the list, eyes immediately scanning for his name. It wasn't too hard to find since Miss Fraser had typed it up in alphabetical order of surnames.

Gaskarth, Alex- Julian Capulet

Holy shit. He'd done it. He'd actually done it. He'd been cast as a lead role in the schools first play about queer characters.

His eyes were immediately scanning the list to see who he'd be acting with. He skimmed the character names, frowning slightly as his eyes drew higher and higher up the list.

Finally, he found the name and his heart stopped. No, no that couldn't be right. Surely Miss Fraser wouldn't be that stupid. The list was wrong, it had to be.

"Oh look out Barakat, you're gonna be playing the fag's love interest. Don't wanna risk him crushing on you, you never know what you might catch." Alex gritted his teeth at Matt's comment.

Flyzik was on the soccer team with Jack and he was a colossal douche to anyone and everyone but Alex was his favourite target. He was skinny and unathletic which made him easy to push around and physically attack and he was gay which gave him an easy excuse for the torture. It was pathetic really.

"Dude, it's literally a play about two gay guys." Jack pointed out with a roll of his eyes.
"Well duh, why else would they give him a lead role?"

Alex wasn't going to listen to any more of this. He spun on his heels and began heading in the direction of Miss Fraser classroom. He had to get to the bottom of this.

"What's the matter Gayskarth?" Matt called after him. "Did I hurt your feelings?" Alex just ignored him, resisting his urge to turn around and tell him to go fuck himself. He had more important things to do than goading the jocks and ending up inside his locker.

"You cast Jack Barakat as Romeo?" He fumed as he burst through the classroom door. Miss Fraser startled slightly, looking up from her laptop. "Good to see you too Alex." She replied sarcastically. He just rolled his eyes.

"Miss, you can't let Jack play Romeo." She gave a small sigh, turning to face him properly.
"Alex I know it can be hard letting new people in with how close you all are but I have to give everyone a fair chance and Jack's audition was really good. I think you two will work well together."

"Miss it's not like that." He instantly defended. He was most definitely not trying to be a gatekeeper here. "Jack can't be trusted. He'll ruin everything." She frowned in confusion.
"What do you mean?"
"He's up to something. He's always playing pranks and causing trouble, he doesn't care about the play he's just doing it as part of some elaborate scheme. I know it."

She stayed quiet for a long moment, carefully choosing her words. "I appreciate your concern." She said finally, making Alex's stomach sink. "But unless you can prove he's up to something then my decision stands." Alex released a groan and she sent him a small smile.

"Look, just give him a chance. He might just surprise you. And if he is up to something then we'll find out with time and he'll be cut straight away. Josh is his understudy and we both know he'll be able to step up if need be so I really don't see what the problem is."

Alex blew out a frustrated exhale, causing his golden fringe to move with the sudden breeze. "Trust me, Alex, everything will be okay. "

"Right guys, here are the scripts. Now I know some of you are still getting used to the changes that have been made but I promise this is gonna be worth it."

Alex's eyes widened in surprise as he began to look over the script. It had been completely re-written in modern English. Now Alex had never been a particularly huge fan of Shakespeare but he'd always found it very elegant and exciting to perform. Whilst it made more sense, modern-day English didn't have the same charm.

The story itself hadn't changed too much, except the families were now rival mobster-esc criminals - which seemed a little extreme in Alex's opinion - and the final death scene was no longer going to be in the church but in an abandoned warehouse owned by the Capulet's. Alex supposed that kept in line with the modern gangster aspects.

"We'll read through the script all together for today, I want you guys to get as comfortable with each other and your lines as fast as possible."

The script wasn't too difficult and everyone seemed more relaxed knowing they weren't going to get immediately tongue-tied by the odd wording. Even Alex had to admit his lines would be a lot easier to remember now that he could fully understand them.

He could feel Jack's eyes on him every time he spoke one of his lines but he ignored him. He just wanted to focus on the script and get out of there without incident.

He felt his eyes widen in shock as one of the stage directions caught his eye.

They kiss.

They kiss. He was going to have to kiss Jack. Holy fucking shit no, this could not be happening.

It was bad enough he was having to act with the asshole now he was going to have to kiss him too? How could something that was supposed to be so good have gone so wrong so fast?

He finally glanced at Jack who was no longer looking at him but at the script, his cheeks tinged pink. He must have seen it too. This was going to be a disaster.

Seeming to sense eyes on him Jack glanced over, swallowing hard. Their eyes met for the briefest of moments before Alex was looking away. This would not end well.

"And now I'm going to have to kiss him and it's going to be a disaster."

Alex had been ranting to Lisa about everything that had been happening as they headed over to the art block.

He'd tried talking to Miss Fraser again but had gotten nowhere. It was safe to say he was not in a good mood.

"You know, Jack's not actually that bad when you get to know him." Alex rolled his eyes at that.

Lisa had always been the kind of person who saw the good in everyone, who was willing to give anyone the benefit of the doubt no matter what they'd done in the past.

She also had a lot of first-hand experience with all the jocks with being on the cheer squad and had gotten to know some of them quite well. Usually, she just bitched about how terrible they were but not today it seemed.

"I'm serious. I know he's a bit of a jokester and I understand you worrying about his intentions but I really don't think he's playing games here. Sure auditioning for a joke is maybe something he'd do, especially if he was dared to do it, but he wouldn't go through with actually participating. I think he's genuinely serious about this."

Alex gave a huff and shook his head. "You're way too nice for your own good. I hope you know that." She laughed.

"I don't know what you're complaining about anyway. He's not a bad looking guy and he's the one who's gonna be teased for it afterwards, not you." Alex could only imagine the number of jokes his friends would have about him kissing the fag. "I suppose." He said reluctantly, not willing to let this go so easily.

"Alex!" They both jumped at the call of his name, spinning on the spot to find Jack jogging over to them.
"Yeah?" Alex was instantly weary as Jack slowed to a stop in front of him. He held a folded slip of paper out to him with a small nervous smile.

"What's this?" He asked confused, not daring to reach for the paper.
"It's my number. I figured we'll need to like run lines together and stuff." He seemed genuinely nervous and Alex couldn't help but take the paper from him. "Right, sure." Jack nodded again, seeming surprisingly unsure of himself.
"Okay, right, well I guess I'll see you at rehearsal later."

Jack was gone before Alex could even respond leaving him slightly dazed by the whole exchange. Lisa smirked at him causing him to roll his eyes. "What?" She gave a shrug.
"I didn't say a word."
"You didn't have to."

They headed into the art studio as Lisa gave another shrug, a small smile playing at her lips. "It's just funny that you managed to get the soccer captain's number without even trying when half the cheer squad have been failing at it for years with maximum effort." Alex snorted, unable to hold back a smile at the absurdity of the situation.

Today's rehearsal wasn't much of a rehearsal. They spent most of their time listening to Miss Fraser talk about her vision for the play and asking if any of them had any ideas to contribute. Alex was a little bored by it all if he was honest. He'd much rather be running lines or something.

He was planning on making a swift exit, heading straight towards his car and getting the hell out of there for the weekend, but he was stopped before he got the chance.

"So I was thinking, if you're free, you could come over this weekend and we could practice?" Jack mumbled as he fell into step beside Alex as they headed out to the parking lot. "Uh..."

Alex couldn't think of a reason to say no. He could literally say any excuse and Jack wouldn't know, but something in the way he was looking at him made him hesitate.

"I could come over to yours if that's easier?" Jack offered, mistaking the meaning behind his hesitation.

Alex considered the idea a moment, maybe by spending time with Jack he could figure out what he was up to.

"Okay." He said finally. "I'll text you and we can figure something out." Jack instantly broke out in a large grin.
"Sounds great."

Alex waited until after he'd finished his dinner and homework to text Jack. If this was some elaborate scheme he didn't want to make himself seem like some eager loser with a crush.

Sure Jack was hot but he wasn't interested in him like that. He certainly wasn't about to give the jock's any more ammunition to bully him.

Hi, it's Alex.

He decided to keep it simple, not overthinking the message and trying to play it cool. They weren't friends after all so he wasn't going to pretend like they were.

Hey! I thought you were never gonna text!

Jack's response was near-instantaneous which unnerved Alex a little. What was his game?

I'm free tomorrow from eleven or Sunday from two.

He decided to get straight to the point. He wasn't going to apologise or justify himself because he had no need to. He didn't owe Jack anything and he hadn't specified when he'd text him so it wasn't his fault if Jack was hanging around waiting. Though quite why he'd be doing that Alex wasn't sure.

Tomorrow works. My parents are at work all day so we won't be disturbed if you want to come to mine? Or I can come to yours. Like I said earlier I don't mind.

Alex frowned at the almost nervous tone to the message. He had to be imagining it, reading too much into the simple set of characters. There was no way Jack could be nervous about this, there was nothing to be nervous about after all. Two dudes hanging out to run lines. Unless Matt's comment about Alex crushing on him had made him uncomfortable.

Alex hated when straight guys just assumed he was interested in them because he liked guys. He didn't like every guy any more than they liked every girl. That wasn't how it worked damn it.

Yours is good. Text me your address and I'll be there at like 12

He hadn't expected much of a response.

Sure. My parents will be gone by 10 so any time after that works for me :) I've never done this acting stuff before so you'll have to be patient with me.

Alex didn't really know what to say to that.

Okay. I'll do my best.

Alex took a deep breath as he paused outside Jack's door. He was not looking forward to this.

He'd spent most of his evening trying to think of a way to get out of it but hadn't managed to think of anything that didn't sound like total bullshit. Lisa had been of no help, telling him that he should give Jack a chance instead of just blowing him off.

So here he was, standing awkwardly outside of Jack's door trying to gather the nerve to knock. This is ridiculous.

He quickly pressed the doorbell instead, stepping back slightly as he shoved his hand in his pockets. It was done. There was no turning back now.

There was a beat of silence and then a loud thump followed by a muffled curse and then the door was flying open and there stood Jack, grinning nervously.

He wore tight black skinny jeans and a blink-182 t-shirt. Alex was a little surprised to find he at least had a decent taste in music.

"Hey. Come in." He was practically vibrating with nervous excitement which confused Alex a little. They were only running lines after all.

Alex wordlessly stepped through the door toeing off his Vans as Jack awkwardly hovered around him. "Do you want a drink or anything?" He asked, wringing his hands. Alex shook his head, raising an eyebrow at the younger boy. "No thanks."

Jack led him up to his bedroom and Alex was surprised by the fact he recognised and actually listened to a lot of the bands on the posters plastered over the walls. You couldn't see the paint for posters there were so many.

"You listen to some good bands." Alex offered after a beat of awkward silence.
"Thanks." Jack smiled shyly. "Most people have never heard of them." Alex could relate to that.

His eyes landed on a fender telecaster that was sitting in a stand in the corner of the room and he didn't know what to do with that information. Never had he imagined Jack, the soccer superstar, playing guitar. Alex himself played guitar and, despite musicians apparently being super cool and popular, had gained zero recognition for it. Not that he played for other people's approval but it was a little frustrating to know that it was another thing that was important to him that he had in common with the other boy, yet they were still treated so differently because of one little thing that Alex couldn't even control.

"So how do you wanna do this?" Alex asked, pulling his copy of the script from his bag and sitting down on the desk chair. Jack gave a small shrug, blushing a little. "Run through all of our joined scenes in order I guess. Unless there's a better way." Alex couldn't think of one.

They began running through their scenes, neither bothering to interact outside of the written lines. Alex could deal with this. Just run the lines, get them engrained in both of their brains and leave. Alex wouldn't have to keep coming back here once they both knew their scenes by heart.

Jack hesitated as they reached the stage direction Alex had been dreading. "Should we, uh, practise that too?" Jack asked, cheeks turning pink. Alex barely managed not to roll his eyes. "Let's just stick with learning the words for now." He had no interest in kissing Jack any more than was required. Jack nodded though he didn't relax any which Alex couldn't help but find weird.

"Alright what is your problem?" Alex sighed, dropping his script on the desk. They were a third of the way through their third run through and Jack still hadn't relaxed any.

"What?" The younger lad squeaked, eyes widening with confusion and embarrassment.
"You're practically shitting yourself over there with nerves. What is going on here? I'm not gonna fucking molest you if that's what you're worried about."

Jack startled, clearly not having expected Alex's direct approach. "I just... I just wanna be good." He said with a light huff. "I'm nervous because you're really good at acting and you've done this loads and I have literally no experience. I wanna be a worthy acting partner for you and show everyone what I can do, but you kind of intimidate the fuck out of me."

Alex wanted to laugh. If there was one thing he wasn't it was intimidating.

"Why are you doing this?" He asked quietly after a moment of silence. Jack frowned.
"The play?" He clarified and Alex nodded. "I thought it would be fun." He shrugged and Alex rolled his eyes.
"Bullshit. People don't just wake up one morning and decide they're gonna audition for the school play, especially when it's a play about two gay guys and their friends are homophobic as fuck. What are you really up to?"

Jack raised an eyebrow, taken aback. "I'm not 'up to' anything and I didn't just 'wake up one morning and decide'. I've wanted to do it for a while now but I never saw the point. Barker hated me so he was never going to cast me as anything, probably wouldn't even let me audition. I figured; new teacher, clean slate, let's just have a go and see what happens. I never thought she'd give me a lead role. Plus, like you said, both the main characters are gay. That's a big deal and an important milestone for this school. Hopefully, it'll make some of these morons reevaluate a bit."

They both fell silent and Alex couldn't help but feel a little guilty. Jack seemed genuine, either that or he truly was an incredible actor. His mind was still reeling a little about his surprising positive attitude towards the queer aspect and the deeply needed attitude adjustment of their peers.

"How long have you wanted to do this?" Alex asked quietly, wanting to patch over the awkwardness. Jack gave a shrug.
"Couple of years. I saw the performance of Alice In Wonderland and thought it looked like a lot of fun. You made an excellent Cheshire Cat by the way." Alex blushed, smiling a little.
"Thanks."

They just sat smiling softly at each other for a long moment before Jack broke the eye contact, clearing his throat as he got to his feet. "I'm gonna get a drink, do you want anything? We have tea, coffee, water, coke and I think some orange juice." Alex blinked, trying to clear his mind after the weird moment. "Coke sounds good."

"So how was your date with Jack?" Alex rolled his eyes at Lisa's teasing tone.
"Don't say shit like that! People might hear you and get the wrong idea." She rolled her eyes in response, waiting for an actual answer.

He sighed, shaking his head. "We ran lines. I really don't know what you want me to say."
"Well, was he any good? Did you discover any dastardly schemes? Was there chemistry?"
"What? No! It wasn't like that!"
"Hmm, the lady doth protest too much methinks."

Alex rolled his eyes as she grinned at him. "Shut up you loser. We ran lines, there was no chemistry, no schemes and he did fine, okay?" She just nodded, still smiling like she knew something he didn't.

"Shut up!" He said again, shoving at her shoulder playfully.
"I didn't say anything!" She argued.
"You didn't have to! You stupid smile said enough." She laughed, eyes sparkling.
"I can't help it if my smile annoys you. If you wanna read things into it that's up to you."

He gave a heavy sigh, officially giving up. "I hate you." He informed her, making her snort.
"Love you too Gaskarth."

"I told you he was good, didn't I?" Miss Fraser smirked knowingly at Alex as the pair watched Jack, Ashley and Rian running lines together. She was playing Marcia whilst Rian was playing Benvolio. "We ran lines together over the weekend," Alex admitted, feeling a little like he was confessing to a crime. "He did okay. If he can get over the nerves he'll be fine."

She seemed surprised by that. "He didn't seem nervous at the audition." Alex gave a shrug.
"He said I intimidate him and he wants to be a good acting partner for me or something." She chuckled, a knowing smile gracing her lips, not unlike the one Lisa had worn earlier. "Well if the two of you keep practising together I'm sure you'll find your groove soon enough." Alex just nodded, eyebrows furrowing in confusion.

With nothing else to do, he found Taylor who was playing the role of Julian's sister Nina, whose character had replaced "The Nurse". They had a few scenes together and he could do with practising something that didn't involve Jack.

"They seem to be awfully chummy." She indicated towards Ashley and Jack who had apparently finished their lines and were now just sitting around laughing. Alex shrugged. "It's good they're getting along I guess." She gave a non-committal hum.

"They're screwing." Alex choked on his breath.
"What?" She grinned like she was a genius who'd made some world-changing discovery.
"Look at them. They're all close and giggly, there's obvious chemistry there. They're totally screwing, or they want to be and no doubt will be by the time the play is done."

Alex couldn't help the uncomfortable churning sensation in his gut at the thought. "How about instead of speculating about people's sex lives we just run lines and let whatever may or may not be happening run its natural course." Taylor rolled her eyes and grudgingly opened her script to the right page.

"So what's going on with you and Ashley?"

Somehow Alex had found himself once again spending his Saturday at Jack's running lines. Jack had relaxed somewhat since last time and was more confident with his lines. He was even beginning to actually put some emotion into them which was already making a big difference to the overall performance.

"What do you mean?" Jack asked, obviously confused. They were sitting across from each other on the bed as Jack sipped on a glass of water. "Taylor thinks you're fucking." He choked on his drink.
"What? No! Why would she think that?" He pulled a face and Alex didn't know whether he should laugh or be offended on Ashley's behalf. "Apparently, you guys have chemistry." He gave a shrug. He was far from an expert on these things.

Jack rolled his eyes. "Don't get me wrong, Ashley's nice and all but we are just friends. If that, I mean we barely know each other really." Alex just nodded with a shrug. "I'll let her know if she brings it up again." Jack sent him a grateful look.
"I'd really appreciate that."

"You've already improved loads from last week." Alex offered, mainly to change the subject and dispel the rapidly growing awkwardness.
"Thanks." Jack beamed. "It's been really useful having everyone to bounce off, I'm starting to feel like I know what I'm doing." Alex smiled at that. "It's really not as hard as you're making it out to be."
"It is if you want to do it well." He argued.

Alex didn't comment. Acting had always come naturally to him, he'd always just enjoyed himself and let whatever happened happen. If people liked it then great, if not then it was their loss. Alex didn't care what they thought. He wasn't sure if mentioning as much would seem arrogant or not.

"The sooner you stop overthinking it and worrying about everyone else and just enjoy yourself, the better you'll be." He said instead, making Jack sigh softly. "That's easier said than done." Alex shrugged.
"Doesn't have to be. It's all up to you."

"So how's it going acting with Barakat?"

They had a substitute in English today so no one was bothering to do any work. The teacher was sat at the front with his feet on the desk reading a magazine whilst everyone had split off into small pockets of conversation.

"It's not so bad." Alex offered with a shrug. "He's so in his head though, it's kind of frustrating, to be honest." Josh hummed, leaning back in his seat. "You think Fraser made the right call?"

Alex pursed his lips. He wasn't sure it was fair to judge Jack's acting skill before he'd really seen what he could do but he knew that wasn't what Josh was really asking.

"I don't know what she saw in him, I guess if it's there he hasn't shown me it yet. I do know you would have done an amazing job and I'm kinda hoping you have to step up and take over." Josh gave a single nod, relaxing a little.

"It's so fucking shitty being the understudy." He groaned, rubbing a hand over his face. "I have to do all of the work of a leading man plus I have to learn the stupid narrator bit just in case and I get literally zero payouts." Alex shook his head, smiling softly.
"You don't know that. I mean, it's Jack Barakat, there are thousands of reasons why he could end up being pulled." Josh sighed and nodded, shaking his head as though clearing it. "You're right. I just gotta stay focused and be ready."

Alex couldn't ignore the nagging guilt pulling at the edge of his conscience. Jack seemed genuine in his desires and he was really trying to improve. It really wasn't fair of them to talk about him like this. He deserved a chance and the benefit of the doubt.

Alex frowned at his thoughts. When had he become so pro Jack? A few one on one encounters where he wasn't a total asshat did not make him a good person. He'd pulled plenty of shit over the years and he hung around with terrible people who were no doubt bad influences on him. They had every right to be sceptical and wary of him.

Despite knowing he was right he couldn't shake the thoughts that said otherwise. That Jack wasn't as bad as everyone made out and deserved the chance to prove himself. He was starting to sound like Lisa.

"Hey, Alex! A bunch of us are going to the diner to run lines and eat. You wanna come?" Ashley called over from across the stage, Jack stood at her elbow waiting.

The pair had spent most of the rehearsal joking together again and despite Jack claiming otherwise, he was starting to understand what Taylor was talking about.

"Uh, yeah sure." Diner sessions were always fun and he could do with some practise on scenes outside of the ones he shared with Jack and Taylor. He grabbed his bag and headed to his car.

"Hey, do you think I could get a ride? Ash's car is full." He turned to find Jack smiling shyly at him. He gave a single nod as he threw his backpack in the back seat. He couldn't exactly leave him to walk.

Jack grinned throwing his own bag in before making his way around to the passenger side.

Alex turned on the engine and the radio came to life, Enema Of The State instantly beginning to blast out of the speakers. "Ooh, nice." Jack grinned, buckling in. "Their second best album." Alex stared at him in disbelief.
"'Second'?" He repeated. He couldn't possibly have heard that right.
"Take Off Your Pants is the best. Obviously." Alex couldn't believe what he was hearing.

"You're wrong." He said flatly, pulling out of the parking lot.
"Except I'm not. Granted Enima has got some of their biggest hits on it but the rest of the album doesn't compare to Take Off Your Pants." Alex didn't even know where to start correcting that.

They bickered back and forth for the rest of the drive over to the diner and Jack was still very passionately ranting as they joined the others at their table. They'd pushed two together to make one large one that they could all sit at.

"What took you two so long?" Rian asked as they took the two empty seats.
"I was just educating Alex on why his taste in blink albums is wrong," Jack explained, causing Alex to roll his eyes.
"All you have done is disappoint me with yours." He shot back causing several smirks around the table.

It was a fun evening. They ordered food and ran over the script, bantering back and forth between them as they went. Jack fit in well with everyone, joining in with the teasing and taking as good as he gave. Everyone seemed more than happy for him to be there despite him having never been involved before. Alex should probably stop being so defensive.

As he left the bathroom stall a few hours later he heard a snicker and glanced up to find Matt waiting by the hand dryer. "Hey, Gayskarth. Funny seeing you here." Alex rolled his eyes, washing his hands.

"What do you want, Flyzik?" He muttered, refusing to bite. He'd had a good evening and he'd really like to be able to finish it off by getting home in one piece. "Who says I want anything?" Despite his desire not to have his ass kicked Alex couldn't seem to keep his mouth shut.
"Oh, were you hanging around for the view?" Matt's face instantly dropped into a scowl.

He opened his mouth to retaliate but was interrupted by the opening door. They both turned to see Jack walking in, his eyebrows raised as his eyes darted between the pair.

"Jack? What are you doing here?" Matt seemed genuinely surprised to see him. Jack just gave a small shrug.
"We're doing a script run through." He said, indicating vaguely towards the door. Matt's eyebrows shot into his hairline.
"Well, look at you taking this all seriously." It was clear from his expression that he'd assumed Jack had been doing all this for a joke.
"Gotta learn my lines somehow." Jack shrugged nonchalantly.

A heavy silence fell and Alex couldn't help but wonder if he'd missed his opportunity to escape unnoticed.

"Everything okay here?" Jack asked when it became apparent no one was going to say anything. Matt's face fell into a wicked grin.
"Oh yeah, just chatting with Gayskarth here." Jack rolled his eyes.
"Don't call him that."

Both Alex and Matt's jaws dropped in shock. Neither had been expecting that. "What did you just say?" Matt asked, anger creeping into his tone. Jack just rolled his eyes once more. "I said to stop calling him that. We get it, he's gay. It's not like he can help it, he didn't choose to be gay. Jeez come up with something original why don't you."

Matt clearly didn't know what to say and whilst Alex appreciated Jack making an effort to stand up for him he didn't appreciate the way he made it sound like it was some sort of disease he couldn't get rid of.

No Alex didn't choose to be gay but he wouldn't change it either. He was proud of who he was and there was absolutely nothing wrong with it.

He took that as his opportunity to leave, wiping his damp hands on his jeans as he slipped out past Jack, not wanting to hear the rest of the conversation.

"You took your time," Ashley noted. Everyone had started packing up their things ready to head home.
"Ran into Flyzik." He muttered. Her eyes widened, instantly raking over him.
"You okay?" Alex nodded.
"Yeah, he got distracted talking to Jack."

He grabbed his things and headed towards his car. He hesitated with his key in the lock, did he just leave or wait for Jack?

On the one hand, he had given Jack a ride here and it wasn't fair to leave him stranded, especially after he'd just stood up for him with Matt. On the other hand, he could very easily get a ride from Matt if he needed one. It wasn't like they were friends. Not really.

With a sigh, he leant back against his car.

Why was Jack such a point of contention for him? He'd never mattered before and now all of a sudden he had Alex in a tizzy trying to figure him out.

None of it even mattered, after the play he'd have nothing to do with him again anyway so why did he even care what kind of person Jack was? They were only acting partners.

"Alex!" He startled slightly, turning to see Jack jogging over. "Thought you'd left without me." Alex ran a hand through his hair with frustration.
"I thought about it." He muttered, unlocking the vehicle and climbing in.

A heavy silence sat between them as Alex began to drive. It was obvious Jack wanted to break it but he clearly didn't know what to say. Alex knew that if he opened his mouth he'd only snap at him and that wasn't very productive.

He pulled up outside Jack's house and sighed heavily, cutting the engine and sitting back in his seat. He could feel Jack's questioning gaze on him but he didn't have it in him to meet it.

"Look." He said finally. "I appreciate you trying to stick up for me with Matt, but the way you said what you did made it sound like there's something wrong with me." He finally turned to face the obviously startled boy. "I'm not sick Jack. There is nothing wrong with me. No, I didn't choose to be gay but I wouldn't choose to change it even if I could. I'm proud of who I am."

Jack jaw dropped open in obvious surprise. "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean it like that at all! I just meant that it's dumb to bully someone over something they have no control over." Alex just nodded once and they fell back into silence. It was obvious Jack wanted to say more but was searching for words.

"Why did you think I thought you wanted to molest me?" He asked finally, startling and confusing the older boy.
"What?"
"The first time you came around to mine when you asked me why I was nervous. You said 'I'm not gonna fucking molest you if that's what you're worried about'. Why would you think I would think that?" Alex had to admit this was the last thing he'd expected Jack to ask him.

"I know the kinds of things people say about me behind my back." He sighed. "Hell, I can't even walk into the locker room for gym without people cracking jokes about how they've gotta hide themselves so I don't come onto them. Like I want to see their tiny shrivelled dicks." He rolled his eyes and Jack snorted softly. "I guess I figured someone had gotten in your head and it was making you uncomfortable."

The silence hung between them as Alex did his best not to let his frustration show. He was so tired of everyone's attitude but he'd be fucking damned if he was gonna let them get the better of him.

He inhaled sharply with surprise when Jack reached across and hugged him. "I would never think anything like that. I swear." Alex didn't know what to say, too shocked to do anything more than give a stiff nod.

Jack pulled back and grabbed his bag from the footwell, shooting Alex a small smile. "I'll see you at rehearsals." Alex nodded, returning the smile before watching Jack make the small walk up to his porch.

The second Jack was out of sight Alex released a low groan, allowing his head to fall forward against his steering wheel. God damn you, Jack Barakat.

Chapter Text

"Oh Julian, how are you still so handsome? Is death in love with you too? Is that loathsome monster keeping you in this tomb to be his lover? I'm afraid he might be, so I'll stay here with you, and I'll never leave this place of darkness again. Right here beside you, I'll sleep my permanent sleep, freeing myself of the torture of a life without you."

Alex was laid out on the stage floor with Jack kneeling over his supine form. He was delivering his final monologue and Alex was biting on his inner cheeks trying not to laugh.

Whilst Jack's acting had improved immensely since he'd first been cast some weeks prior he was still finding his feet.

As Alex lay there pretending to be fake dead he couldn't help but feel that if this was all the emotion the actual love of his life could muster over finding him dead, he would be infinitely disappointed. He would most probably haunt his ass.

"Now let death take me. Free me from the sorrow that consumes me. Here's to you, my love!" He pretended to drink from a bottle before gasping and dramatically grabbing his chest. "Damn he wasn't kidding, this poison works quickly. I will join you soon, my sweet Julian."

He held himself a moment as though in pain, one hand caressing Alex's cheek, before collapsing forward across his lap, his arms bent at awkward angles and his tongue sticking out.

There was a beat of silence before Alex could no longer contain himself and started to laugh.

Jack gave a huff before sitting up. "You're not supposed to be laughing at me! You're supposed to be devastated about waking up to find me dead!"

"Right." Alex agreed as he sat up, just managing to curb his giggles. "And you're supposed to be so damn heartbroken that the love of your life is dead that you're about to kill yourself because you'd rather be dead too than even comprehend living in a world without them in it. Right now you sound like your hungover."

Jack's jaw dropped in mild offence and shock at the comment. "I do not!" Alex rolled his eyes.
"Yeah, you do."
"Clearly, you have never seen me hungover." Jack countered, a small smile playing at his lips.
"Clearly, you've never been in love." Alex shot back.

Jack's eyes narrowed at the challenge, lips pursing. "Alright Gaskarth, I'll show you devastated lover. Go back to being dead."

Alex lay back down as Jack once again began to recite his lines.

This time, he could feel it. This time, Alex could hear the passion, the heartache, the sorrow in his voice. This time, he could believe that Jack was grieving for him. For the briefest of seconds, Alex could even believe that Jack loved him.

He mentally slapped himself. Julien! Romeo is in love with Julian. Jack is not in love with you. This is acting! It's a play dummy.

Once again Jack collapsed across him, arms splayed and tongue poking out. Alex wanted to tell him how much better that was, how he had a tingling up his spine and a shortness in his breath at the thought of someone genuinely loving him as wholeheartedly as Jack had portrayed.

But Alex said none of those things. Instead, he opened his mouth and said the first thing that surfaced from the mush of his scattered thoughts. "Again with the tongue?"

Jack released another huff, opening his mouth and shooting Alex a playful glare. "Suck my dick." Alex snorted, shaking his head.
"No thanks. I've heard where it's been."

Jack's brow furrowed. "What is that supposed to mean?"
"Everyone knows you've worked your way through almost the entire cheer squad." Jack looked genuinely offended.
"I have not! Half at most." Alex rolled his eyes. Of course, that would be his justification. "I mean have you seen some of those girls? Gross!" Alex laughed as he pulled a face. "Dude, it's me you're talking to. All girls are gross."

"Hey! We're not all bad."

Alex sat up, turning to see Lisa heading over to them. Her eyebrows were raised quickly at their position. "Do I ask?" She said when she stopped beside them. "I'm dead." Jack shrugged as Alex shook his head, expression fond. Lisa sent him an amused expression that had him rolling his eyes.

"Can I help you?" She nodded, still smiling at him.
"Have you got a phone charger? I left mine at home and my battery's low." Alex gave a nod.
"I think there should be one in my car." She nodded, heading over to his backpack to retrieve his keys.

"Can you, like, hurry up and die. Your knees are digging into my ribs." Alex rolled his eyes at the younger lad.
"No one said you had to lay all over me." It was Jack's turn to roll his eyes.
"I was being dramatic. It's called acting!" Alex shook his head but deigned to lay back in order to wake up and say his final lines.

"Hey, Alex!"

Alex jolted at the sound of his name. It was always strange to hear someone other than Lisa shouting it in the halls. Usually, anyone else went with 'Gaskarth' or 'Gayskarth' depending on their intentions.

He closed his locker as Jack came to a stop beside him. "I wanted to talk to you about the kiss." Alex immediately blushed. He had actively been avoiding thinking about kissing Jack. He knew he'd have to eventually but thinking about it made his stomach squirm in an unpleasant and unfamiliar way.

It wasn't that he had a problem with kissing Jack. Jack was hot and it wasn't like it meant anything. It was just that Alex didn't really have much experience with kissing people and this wasn't going to be just a regular kiss. They would be kissing in front of an auditorium full of people and they had to sell it, it had to seem real. They had to make people believe they were in love. It was a lot of pressure and Alex felt profoundly overwhelmed.

"What about it?" He mumbled, avoiding Jack's gaze.
"Well, I mean, how do we go about it? Is there a specific technique we need to use or do we just go for it and see what happens?"

Alex scratched awkwardly at the back of his neck. He wasn't sure he'd ever felt this uncomfortable before.

"I don't know."
Jack frowned. "What do you mean?"
"We've never had a kiss in a script before so I really don't know how we're supposed to handle it."

Jack looked genuinely surprised by that. "Seriously? How come?" Alex gave a shrug.
"Mr Barker didn't even like us standing too close together let alone having anything physical in the script. He'd have a heart attack if he saw this performance." Jack chuckled.
"Alright. Well, I guess we'll have to talk to Miss Fraser later and see what she says." Alex simply nodded his agreement, nerves closing up his throat and preventing any words from getting through.

At Alex's insistence, they waited until the end of the rehearsal to approach Miss Fraser with their query. Alex didn't want the whole cast hearing them discussing it, they'd only end up teasing them about it and Alex's nerves were already frayed when it came to the subject.

"Hey Miss, we wanted to talk to you about this kiss," Jack said it so casually, he almost seemed excited about it.
"What about it?" Miss Fraser asked; her eyebrow raised as she glanced between them.
"Well, we were wondering if there was a specific way you wanted it done. I mean do you want us to just have at it and just start groping each other in the middle of the stage or what?"

Alex couldn't help but feel mildly mortified at the suggestion. There was no way in hell he was letting Jack grope him on stage. His mom was gonna be watching this for god's sake.

Miss Fraser just laughed. "I don't think we'll need you to go quite that far." She chuckled. "Just keep it simple. We want it sweet and romantic. It's supposed to be an expression of true love, not a way of relieving excess teenage hormones." She had an amused and knowing look.

Jack just grinned. "I think we can manage that." He glanced over at Alex who just nodded, swallowing hard as his cheeks flamed.

"I would suggest practising this a little on your own first if you feel you can, that way you'll feel more comfortable when it comes to doing it in front of other people." She advised, sensing Alex's nerves. "Just don't put too much pressure on yourselves. It doesn't have to be some huge fan fair, it's just a quick simple kiss. It doesn't mean anything and it doesn't have to be a big deal, okay?" They both nodded.
"Thanks, Miss."

"I think it would be worth us practising this kiss today."

It was Saturday and once again Alex was at Jack's. They didn't really need the extra rehearsal time together, they both knew their parts by heart now and they'd fallen into a good rhythm as far as their performance went, but it had become a routine and if Alex was honest, he liked hanging out with Jack. A lot more than he was willing to admit.

"I dunno..." Alex hesitated, he really didn't think he was ready for this.
"Come on. We've got to do it eventually, and like Miss Fraser said; the more we practice the more comfortable we'll feel." He knew Jack had a point but that didn't ease the knot in his stomach.

The fact that kissing meant so little to Jack that he could just do it on a whim with anyone like this was a little unnerving to Alex. He'd always been taught that intimacy of any form should be with someone who mattered.

While he knew it was only acting and had on more than one drunken occasion found himself lip locked with some random he could barely remember the morning after, it was a hard lesson to shake after having it ingrained into his brain from birth.

"What's got you so nervous?" Jack asked, joining him on the bed. It always surprised Alex how well Jack had learned to read him.
"I just... I don't really have much experience with this and I want it to be good. I mean, we've got to be convincing." Jack nodded in understanding. "Right, so the more we practise the better at it we'll be." Alex stayed quiet.

"When you say you don't have much experience... this isn't your first kiss is it?" Jack asked hesitantly.
"No. No, nothing like that." Alex assured him. "I just mean I haven't kissed many people. I guess it's part and parcel of being the only gay kid in a small town full of homophobes." He shrugged awkwardly.

"Okay, well how about, for now, we just forget about lines and people and performance and just kiss. We can worry about the rest of it later." Alex supposed he could do that. He was just kissing a hot guy, there was nothing to be scared of in that right? He gave a single nod and Jack smiled.

He shifted himself a little closer on the bed, their knees knocking a little as he leant in, minimising the space. He paused with a few inches between them and gently cupped Alex's cheek. "Just relax okay? Enjoy it." Alex gave a single nod, not trusting himself to speak.

Jack closed the distance and carefully and gently pressed his lips to Alex's. It was sweet, innocent, comfortable. Alex could handle that.

Jack pulled back, just a lips distance away. "See, that wasn't so bad was it?" Alex released a breathy laugh.
"I think I could get used to that."

After a few more measured innocent caresses their lips began to move together. It was slow and lingering at first, a more exciting extension of the original embrace, but soon enough things started to heat up.

Before Alex really knew what was happening he was on his back with Jack hovering above him whilst their lips moved in a fiery dance.

It was all heat, passion, and bruising intensity. It had Alex's head spinning as he struggled to stay in control of the rest of his body. The last thing he wanted was to make this awkward by getting a boner.

Jack pulled back, chest heaving as they stared at each other with wide eyes. "Is this okay?" Jack asked, surprising Alex by the fact he wasn't freaking out about making out with the gay kid. He just nodded in response, unable to find words for how unbelievably good this was.

Jack was a good kisser and Alex very much liked kissing him. He could definitely get used to this.

Jack leaned back down reconnecting their lips as the fire blazed up once more between them, the play and script completely forgotten as they pressed close together, the perfect image of the lovers they were pretending to be.

"We literally got nothing done all afternoon."

Alex was spending his Sunday with Lisa. The previous day's unexpected turn had left him feeling confused and all over the place and he just needed someone to rant to so he could figure out what the hell was going on in his head.

"You say that like it's a bad thing." Alex sighed, running a hand through his messy hair.
"It's not bad, it's just... well I mean it's weird right? Why would a straight dude want to spend all afternoon making out? It's not like we'll be kissing like that during the play."
"Maybe he's just trying to be nice and make you feel comfortable." Lisa offered with a shrug. Alex hummed in response.
"Maybe. It just seems a bit... off."

Lisa rolled her eyes. "You're overthinking it. The whole point of yesterday was to get comfortable kissing each other and you did that. Yes, things got a little carried away but that's a good thing, it's a sign of good chemistry which is what you want when you're supposed to be playing lovers, and it shows that you guys are comfortable enough with each other to be in that situation without it being an issue. Just be grateful he's comfortable enough in his own sexuality that he can go there without freaking out about it after." Alex remained silent.

Lisa stared at him for a long moment, eyes narrow and calculating. "Oh my god." She cried, her whole face lighting up. "You like him don't you?" Alex's eyes widened in shock. "What? No!" He instantly argued.
"You do! That's why you're reading so much into this, you like him and you're trying to find even the slightest hint that he likes you back."

Alex released a heavy groan, shaking his head. He wished he'd never said anything to her.

"You never know. He could just be in the closet." Alex rolled his eyes, exhaling heavily.
"Lis, stop. You sound crazy." She sent him a sympathetic look.
"I'm just saying, you never can be one hundred per cent sure."

"He likes girls Lisa." He'd have thought that much was pretty damn obvious given his antics.
"You can like more than one gender." She argued.

"It doesn't matter either way because I don't like him like that." She just snorted.
"You so like him."

There was a long pause of silence as Alex actually allowed himself to think about it all. Did he like Jack?

"I don't know how I feel okay?" He sighed, confusion and frustration clear in his tone. Lisa chuckled, grinning wickedly.
"Don't worry Lex, everything will work itself out."

"Right guy, I want to do a full run-through today of the full play. Now don't worry if you're still using your script or you don't feel fully rehearsed yet, I just want to see it all as one cohesive piece so I can see where we are and what still needs work. There's no pressure, so just have fun, okay?" There was a low rumble of agreement among the cast as everyone got to their feet.

Alex felt a pang of nervous excitement at the thought of acting the full thing through with everyone watching. That meant he'd have to kiss Jack in front of everyone. Was he ready for that? Kissing him in the privacy of Jack's bedroom was one thing, kissing him in the middle of the stage with all eyes on them was another entirely.

"Oh, don't worry boys. I won't make you kiss in front of everyone just yet, but be prepared it will have to happen sooner or later." They both nodded wordlessly. Alex didn't know how to feel about that.

"At least we've got more time to practise," Jack smirked with a wink as he made his way to the opposite wing to wait for his cue. Alex felt his cheeks heat up. What the hell was that supposed to mean?

For a first run-through, it went surprisingly smoothly. No one fucked up their lines too badly and everyone made an effort with their acting.

When the time came Alex was forced to remind himself not to go in for the kiss.

There was a tense moment where their eyes locked and he thought Jack might lean in any way, but their lips never met and they brushed past it quickly enough that it didn't get the chance to get awkward and no one else seemed to notice.

They ended with everyone in high spirits and a generally positive outlook. As they all headed towards the diner, Alex couldn't help but smile at his car full of friends who were all chatting excitedly.

When they reached the diner they all placed their orders before settling in for the next few hours of rehearsal and general fun and teasing.

They ran through their lines as they ate, no one taking it all too seriously. Goofing around more than anything else. Then they came to the kiss.

"Alright, you two pucker up." Ashley grinned wickedly.
"Seriously?" Jack laughed as Alex groaned around his mouthful of burger. Now was neither the time nor the place.

"Yes seriously. Miss Fraser may be letting you off the hook but we're not going to." Rian informed them with a grin. "We've got to make sure you guys get it right, it's a very important scene after all." Alex rolled his eyes.

"We're literally in the middle of the diner." Jack pointed out as Alex washed his mouth out with coke.
"And? You're gonna be doing it in a packed auditorium before long, you might as well get used to having an audience."

Jack opened his mouth to argue some more but Alex just rolled his eyes, knowing full well they weren't going to just let this go. "Oh, come here." He muttered, grabbing Jack by his t-shirt collar and pulling him into a quick peck.

Their lips barely brushed for a second but it was enough to send a shudder down his spine and cause a cheer from all around them. He quickly let Jack go, leaning back in his chair as a small smile played at the younger's lips.

"See that wasn't so hard, was it?" Ashley chuckled. Alex just rolled his eyes once more and flipped her off.

"You and Barakat seem pretty close." Alex frowned at the Brit beside him.
"How do you mean?" Josh sent him a grin.
"Don't pretend you don't know what I'm talking about. I see you guys every night at rehearsal, there's a lot of chemistry there." Alex rolled his eyes. "That's just acting."

"It's not though, is it? You're constantly flirting and when you're not doing that you're bickering like an old married couple." Alex felt his jaw drop as his cheeks flamed red. "We do not flirt! And we do not bicker. I just tell him when he's wrong." Josh snorted.
"Sure." Alex could not believe what he was hearing.

"There is nothing going on with me and Jack." He insisted.
"Yet."
"Ever."

It seemed everyone had forgotten the other lad was in fact straight, despite him playing a queer character. Not that Alex was interested in him anyway.

"Whatever you say, Alex."

"We're just friends... sort of." Josh raised an eyebrow.
"'Sort of'?" Alex flushed even darker, releasing how that must have sounded.
"I just mean that he's not as much of a dick as I thought he was and we actually have stuff in common. Okay?"

Josh laughed, holding up his hands in surrender but Alex couldn't help but feel like this was far from the end of it.

Alex was on his back with Jack flush against him as they kissed dirty, and needy, and oh so hot. Alex's hands were knotted in the younger's hair and t-shirt whilst Jack's were squeezing his ass. With the rate things were going it was about to get real awkward, real fast as Alex struggled to keep control over his hormone riddled body.

Their lips broke apart as Alex gasped for air and Jack began kissing down his neck. Now that was taking things too far, but God did it feel good.

"We... we should really do some, like, rehearsing or something." Alex panted, eyes screwed shut as a tingling ran through him at the feeling of Jack's lips on his skin. "We are rehearsing," Jack murmured, his voice husky as his lips ghosted over the spot just below Alex's ear that instantly turned him to jelly. "We're rehearsing the kiss." Alex was struggling to remember why he was trying to put a stop to this.

"We both know this is not what Miss Fraser had in mind." Jack chuckled softly, his warm breath causing Alex's neck hairs to stand up on end. "What? Don't you think this is romantic enough?"

He pulled back so he was facing Alex properly. His pupils were dilated, his cheeks flushed and his raven hair was sticking out all over the place where Alex had had his hands in it. Fucking hell he looked hot, it made Alex want to do dirty things to him.

His dick twitched in his boxers and yeah, it was definitely time to put a stop to this.

He gently shoved at Jack's chest so he grudgingly sat up. "We really should get on with something productive," Jack smirked.
"I think this is pretty productive, she did tell us to get comfortable kissing each other." Alex rolled his eyes.
"I'd say we're pretty comfortable. Besides, there is nothing sweet and romantic about that. That's a prelude to clothes being torn off."

Jack smirked, leaning in close once more. "What's so wrong with that?" He murmured.
"We're supposed to be keeping it innocent and if you keep kissing me like that I'm not going to be able to control myself and things will get really fucking awkward." He mentally facepalmed for admitting that out loud.

It took Jack a moment to realise what Alex was saying but once he did a large smirk crept onto his face. "Is someone getting turned on?" He teased. Alex just rolled his eyes. "I've got a hot guy kissing me like he wants to fuck me through the mattress, of course, I'm getting turned on."

He expected Jack to pull a face, to back off and crack a joke to dispel the tension but he didn't seem even remotely put off as his breath continued to caress Alex's sensitive skin. "It's completely natural Alex, it happens to the best of us." He murmured, pressing a feather-light kiss to Alex's neck that had him shuddering. "It won't happen if we do this properly." Alex insisted despite how much his body was beginning him to shut up and let Jack have his way.

Jack just chuckled, pulling back with a smirk. "You want it sweet and romantic? Alright, I can do that. Easy." Alex didn't doubt he was right.

Jack pressed their lips together firmly, keeping it innocent but not without an intensity and passion that left Alex breathless and dizzy. How was he so damn good at this?

"How was that?" Jack smirked, voice just above a whisper as he pulled back, barely a lips distance away. Alex nodded slowly, his brain struggling to find words. "Yeah. Better. Definitely in the right ballpark." He sounded a lot more put together than he felt. Jack just chuckled in response.

"With a little more practise I think we'll be ready to go," Alex mumbled making Jack smirk wickedly. He lent back in and pressed their lips back together and once more.

It wasn't long before things started to heat up again between them and Alex was being shoved back against the mattress with their bodies pressed tight together from head to toe.

And thus began yet another wasted Saturday afternoon in Jack's bedroom. And if Alex ended up spending most of it shirtless then no one else needed to know.

Before they knew it, it was a week before the first performance. Nervous excitement hung heavy in the air as everyone prepared themselves for the ever-nearing D day.

"Alright people. I want a full run through. No holding back, I wanna see what you can really do. Start to finish, no stopping. Just like opening night, okay?" Just like opening night. But does that mean? "And yes, that means we're gonna be getting some lip on lip action going on in here so please people, let's keep it professional." Fuck.

Alex wasn't sure if he was more nervous or excited. He'd lost track of the number of times he and Jack had kissed at this point but this was going to be very different to the heated make-out sessions they'd shared in the privacy of Jack's bedroom.

He tried his best not to think about it as Josh stepped forward to deliver the introductory monologue and set the scene. He needed to focus on the rest of the play first.

When the time finally came Alex didn't even think about it, the tension was high and they were both so fully immersed in the scene that it just happened. It felt organic, natural.

A spark shot through Alex's body as he melted into Jack. This was like nothing he'd ever experienced before. His body was alive in a whole new way and it was all so pure, so innocent, so loving. Oh fuck.

Jack was the one to pull away this time, they both just stared at each other for a long tense moment before Jack opened his mouth and spoke his line, sharply pulling Alex back to reality. Oh fuck. Alex was in trouble.

"I am such a fucking cliche." Alex groaned into his pillow.

The second he'd gotten home he'd called Lisa about his unwanted realisation.

She just laughed. "Seriously Lis it's like the plot of every fucking movie and novel involving a gay character ever. They have a thing for the hot straight guy." He fucking hated himself for it.
"Oh, it's not so bad. He's not a bad person and it's only a little crush, if that. It's probably just all this kissing you've been doing getting to your head."

He rolled onto his back with a sigh. "I hope you're right." He really didn't want to have feelings for Jack. That would make things so unnecessarily complicated, he didn't need some straight boy messing with his heart.

"Would it really be such a bad thing if you did like him?" Lisa asked after a quiet moment.
"Yes, Lisa it would. I do not need to be developing feelings for someone who's never gonna be interested in me like that. It never ends well." Alex hated the way his chest tightened at the thought of being rejected by Jack.

"But what if he did?" She asked.
"But he doesn't." He said firmly, not wanting to put any thought into the impossible.
"You don't know that." She argued, making Alex roll his eyes.
"He's straight Lisa."

"What straight guy spends consecutive weekends with his tongue down another guy's throat?"

Alex pursed his lips as he took in Lisa's words. "You've changed your tune. what happened to 'just be grateful he's comfortable enough in his own sexuality that he can go there without freaking out about it'?" He commented after a brief silence.
"All I'm saying is you shouldn't assume. I mean, you assumed he was an asshole who was up to something and you were wrong."
"That's not the same thing." He argued. Sexualities and opinions were completely different things.
"Maybe not but unless you've outright asked him if he's straight, you don't know for sure and shouldn't just assume." Yeah, there was no way in hell Alex was doing that.

"Okay people, we have twenty minutes until the curtain goes up, I need everyone in their places!" Miss Fraser shouted at all the students milling around the dressing rooms. She was practically vibrating with first night excitement and if Alex wasn't so nervous he'd laugh.

Alex wasn't nervous about the performance, he was pretty confident he could get that done just fine, no Alex was nervous about the kiss.

Tonight was the beginning of the week of shows and after that, he'd probably never speak to Jack again. He'd certainly never get to kiss him again. It was the beginning of the end, each kiss a countdown that Alex never wanted to come. Maybe this whole crush thing would get easier the less time they spent together.

"Has anyone seen Barakat?" Rian shouted as he glanced around, obviously searching for the aforementioned boy. "He's not in his place and we're starting soon." Well shit.

He hadn't seen Jack since they'd arrived and he had a sudden sense of panic that maybe he hadn't shown up. Surely he wouldn't bail on them this late in the game? With his stomach in knots, Alex began to search.

He was just starting to really panic when he reached the stage door which led straight onto the teachers parking lot, it was open wide and as he peeked out he found Jack sitting on the stairs.

His eyes were screwed up and his knee was bouncing with nervous energy. Something wasn't right.

"Jack?" He called as gently as he could but the younger still flinched. He glanced up at Alex sending him an almost guilty expression.

"Alex I can't do this." He whispered, eyes wide and full of panic. Wordlessly Alex sat down beside him.
"Talk to me."
"I'm gonna fuck it up, I know I am. Josh should go on in my place, we all know he's better than me anyway."

Alex pursed his lips, unsure of the best way to handle this. Everyone dealt with nerves differently and it was always difficult to help with.

"It's okay to be nervous Jack." He said finally. "It's natural, but you can't let it get in the way." Jack just shook his head vigorously as he took a shaky breath. "You don't get it, I'm gonna be a disaster." Alex tried for a reassuring smile.
"Believe me, I do get it and I know you'll be amazing out there. Just ignore the audience because they don't matter. What matters is you going out there and having fun doing something you're really good at."

Jack looked genuinely surprised as he turned to face Alex fully. "You really think I'm good?" Alex nodded, taking a hold of his hands and squeezing gently. "You're an amazing actor Jack. Miss Fraser saw something in you when no one else did and you've proven to all of us that you can do this and do it well. You've shown that you're more than the popular soccer dude who pulls stupid pranks and acts like a dick, now go show everyone else how good you can be. You're gonna go out there and you're gonna kick ass and I'm gonna be right there with you. Okay?"

Jack hesitated a moment before nodding, a small smile playing at his lips. "Well, I suppose if you're gonna be out there with me I can't look too bad." Alex released a small huff, shoving playfully at Jack's shoulder.
"Ass."

Jack grinned properly this time as he got to his feet. "Come on. We've got a show to do." As Alex joined him he was surprised to be pulled into a tight hug. "Thank you," Jack mumbled quietly, face buried in Alex's hair.
"Any time Jack."

"Now come on. It's freezing cold out here and the curtain will be up any minute now." Jack chuckled but deigned to let Alex go.
"Come on then Loverboy, let's go knock 'em dead with our hella gay romance."

The second Alex got offstage he was enveloped in congratulations and compliments on his performance. He felt a little disoriented as he reminded himself that it was all just an act.

As he'd immersed himself in the world of the play there had been moments where he really believed that Jack felt something. That this was more than rehearsed words and actions. He was delusional and he knew it but it all just felt so real.

"Oh my god guys, that was incredible!" Josh exclaimed, practically jumping all over Jack and Alex as everyone congregated by the dressing rooms. "You guys killed it! If I didn't know any better I'd say you really were in love with each other!"

Alex felt his cheeks heat up as Josh continued his praise.

"The tension, the way you looked at each other, and that kiss. I couldn't have done a better job." He aimed at Jack. Alex didn't think he'd seen him this happy since the cast list was posted.

"Ah, I dunno about that." Jack grinned. "I'm sure with a little practise you can learn to kiss just as good as me." Josh laughed heartily and Alex's stomach twisted at the thought of it all just being 'practise'. Stupid feelings.

"Well if you're sticking around I'm gonna have to if I ever want a shot at being the leading man again." He chuckled.

Alex was a little surprised by that. Jack was planning on staying a part of the drama club?

"Well, it's good to have a bit of healthy competition." Jack grinned.

Alex couldn't believe what he was hearing. This was going to make this whole feelings thing a lot more complicated.

"You're sticking around?" He asked quietly once Josh had disappeared to talk to Taylor. Jack gave a shrug.
"I haven't decided yet. Is that a problem?" Yes.
"Of course not, I'm just a little surprised is all. I thought you'd be too cool for that."

Jack laughed, shaking his head. "I dunno about that, but I've had a lot of fun doing this and it would be cool to do it again." Alex nodded in understanding, smiling softly. "Well, let's focus on getting through this week first. Then you can make a decision."

"Are you sure you don't want a ride tonight?" Alex forced a smile at his mother across the dining room table.
"I'm positive, Mom. I appreciate the offer but you know we always have the final night party for the cast and crew and I have no idea how late I'm gonna be. I don't want you waiting around for hours or coming out late to get me. It's easier for me to just drive." She sighed but nodded.
"Alright, alright. I was just trying to be nice." Alex smiled warmly, reaching across the table and squeezing her hand.
"I know."

"I'm proud of you, you know." She said after a moment, her eye sparkling with unshed tears. Alex was a little taken aback. She'd never actually said that out loud before. "Yeah?" She nodded, swallowing against the lump in her throat.

"I know I don't say it enough, but it's true. You're out there doing the things you love and being true to who you are no matter what. You're happy and I couldn't ask for more than that."

Unsure of what to say Alex got to his feet and walked around the table, pulling her into a tight hug. "Thank you." He whispered. He really did love his mom.

"Oh now." She said, pulling away slightly flustered as she tried to keep her emotions in check. "You better get going or you're going to be late." Alex nodded, grabbing his bag up off the floor.

"I'll see you tonight." He called to her.
"Break a leg sweetheart."

It was over. The play was over. Alex felt slightly dazed at the thought.

He leant back against the wall, holding his plastic cup of non-alcoholic punch to his chest as he watched the others chatting excitedly. A few people had started doing some pretty cheesy dancing to the Christmas songs that were playing quietly and whilst it looked like fun Alex wasn't really in the mood to socialise.

He'd thought he would feel relieved that the play was over. No more pressure to perform well in one of the most important roles in his life to date, no more late nights trying to balance rehearsals and homework and most importantly, no more having to be fake romantically involved with Jack.

He now had the time to get his head straight, to figure out what he was actually feeling and what was just a result of living and breathing Julian for so long. He could finally take a breath and just not think about Jack, or kissing Jack, or potentially feeling things he didn't want to feel for Jack.

He heard a loud giggle and turned to see Jack and Ashley stood huddled together in the corner, away from everyone. He was whispering something to her and she had a hand over her mouth to hide her face and stifle her giggles.

Alex felt a stab of jealousy in his gut and he quickly looked away as his cheeks heated up and tears pricked in the corner of his eyes.

Oh, who was he kidding? He had feelings for Jack, it was obvious. It didn't matter how much he tried to deny them or play them off as a side effect of the play. He had actual real feelings for the boy he'd spent the best part of the last few months kissing and he very clearly did not return the interest. At least he had the Christmas break to figure out how to manage this.

Deciding that there was no point in him being there if all he was going to do was mope and not talk to anyone, he put his cup down on the nearest table and headed towards the door.

"Hey, Gaskarth, where you headed?" He turned to find Taylor approaching.
"Home. I'm not feeling too good." He lied. Thankfully she just nodded.
"I'll let everyone know you said goodbye." He sent her a small, grateful smile.
"Thanks."

He felt like he was slowly breaking apart on the inside as the weight of everything he'd been denying for so long crashed down on him. He was barely holding back the tears as he reached his car, unlocking the door with shaky hands. Keep it together, Alex, no boy is worth this.

"Hey Alex, wait up!" He felt his whole body stiffen at the sound of Jack's voice. The universe had to be intentionally screwing with him.

"Taylor said you were leaving." Jack began as he stopped beside Alex.
"I am." He said, surprised by how even his voice sounded as he turned to face the taller boy.

"You okay?" He looked genuinely concerned and it made Alex's heart ache.
"Just really drained." Jack nodded in understanding.
"Well, at least tomorrow's the last day before the Christmas break." Alex just hummed in response.

"So I was thinking we could maybe hang out sometime during the break if you're free? It'd be cool to do something not play related." Of course, he'd want to be friends after all this. "I don't think that's a good idea." Alex hated the way his face dropped at the response.
"Right, yeah. Okay." He said awkwardly, trying hard not to let his obvious disappointment show.

"I'm sure Ashely will hang out with you." God, he sounded so bitter. Jack's eyebrows furrowed at that.
"I guess... maybe." Jack offered, clearly, a little confused by the suggestion like all the flirting and teasing and giggling wasn't completely obvious.

Alex went to open his car door when Jack spoke again. "Are you sure you're okay? You seem very... guarded." Alex was a little surprised that Jack had noticed. "I'm fine. I just need a break from everyone for a while. This play has been very taxing."

Jack frowned. "Wow am I really that hard to work with?" Alex sighed, he didn't want to knock the boy's confidence. He had done an excellent job, after all. "It's not you. It's just all this kissing and faking romance, it's draining on the emotions."
"So it's not me, it's just pretending to be in a relationship with me that's stressing you out."

"It's not personal!" Alex huffed in frustration. "It's just that embodying a character for so long, immersing yourself in their world, feeling their feelings, living their truths. It's exhausting. Sometimes the lines blur and things get... complicated." I can't believe I just said that.

The corners of Jack's mouth twitched up in a smirk as he slid a little closer. "So you're saying all your feelings have gotten confused with Julian's?" Alex felt his cheeks heat up but he remained silent. He was not about to admit out loud to Jack that he liked him.

"Well, I guess this is only gonna confuse things further."

Before Alex had a chance to process what that was supposed to mean, Jack was leaning in and connecting their lips. He gasped in surprise as a tingling sensation shot through him like a static electric shock.

He melted just a little before sharply reminding himself that the play was over and this shouldn't be happening anymore. He was not about to let Jack start messing with him.

"What are you doing?" He yelped as he pulled back from the embrace.
"Kissing you." Jack's voice was low and husky and made Alex's knees weak.
"Why?"
"Because I want to."

Alex stared at him with confusion and disbelief. "Look, Alex, I may have lied to you a little about my intentions for auditioning for this play." Alex's eyes narrowed but Jack held up a hand to silence him before he could say anything. "I meant everything I said, it's just that I also had a second motive. I wanted the chance to get closer to you."

Alex's eyebrows furrowed as he tried to process his words. "What?" Jack sent him a small, nervous smile.
"I really like you, Alex. As in like like. I just... I figured by joining the play I'd have a chance to hang out with you and get to know you a bit better and you'd have the chance to see I'm not just some dickhead jock. I never imagined I'd get a lead role." He was blushing furiously and Alex didn't know what to say. "You don't have to like me back, but we've gotten pretty close over the past few months and it would be pretty cool if we could be friends." Alex was barely listening at this point, mind reeling.

"But... but you're straight." Jack sent him a confused look.
"Actually I'm bi."

Alex felt his jaw drop in disbelief. "You could have told me!" He cried.

Seriously, they've spent all this time hanging out and kissing and getting to know each other and he didn't think to mention to the school's only gay kid that he was bi?

"I'm sorry, I didn't realise you were the authority on all the queer kids in school."
"Up until thirty seconds ago, I thought I was the only queer kid in school!"

Jack blushed. "Sorry. I just never told anyone because I didn't want all the hassle and bullying. I figured it didn't matter because I wasn't with anyone so no one needed to know my preferences. It was none of their business. Then I started developing feelings for you and I just don't care anymore."

Alex was at a loss for words. Jack liked him. Jack was bisexual and he liked him. Jack liked him the way he liked Jack. Holy fucking shit this is actually happening.

With no hope of vocalising any of his emotions Alex did the only thing he could think of and launched himself at Jack, pinning him back against his car as he kissed him hard. Jack made a small appreciative noise in the back of his throat as he kissed back eagerly, his hands coming up to rest on Alex's hips.

They stood there for what felt like both an eternity and no time at all. Time was irrelevant as the pair pressed together, leaning against Alex's car as their lips expressed all the things their words could never say. It was exciting and magical and Alex never wanted to stop.

"Fuck." Jack mumbled as he pulled back, eyes screwed shut as he tried to catch his breath. When he finally opened them they were dark and hungry and sent a shudder down Alex's spine.

"You seriously thought I was straight?" He asked after a moment, making Alex blush.
"I had no reason to think otherwise." He defended making Jack laugh.

"What straight guy spends his Saturday afternoons making out with another dude on his bed?" Alex's blush only deepened.
"We were rehearsing!"

"Oh don't tell me you actually bought into that bullshit. I just wanted an excuse to kiss you." He laughed. "I mean seriously, you were shirtless. How could that possibly have had anything to do with the play?" It seemed so fucking obvious when he actually allowed himself to think about it.
"Well excuse me for being too busy focusing on not getting a boner to think logically." Jack smirked wickedly.
"Can't have been focusing that hard."

Alex groaned in embarrassment, hiding his cherry red face in Jack's neck. He's been hoping Jack hadn't noticed his inevitable slip in control.

"I mean really Alex." He murmured seductively against his ear. "You said it yourself. A 'hot guy' kissing you like he wants to fuck you through the mattress. No one's that good at acting."

Unable to handle the teasing and implications any longer, Alex pulled away from his neck and reconnected their lips in a heated embrace.

They kissed dirty as Alex pressed firm against him, his hands knotting in the younger boy's hair. He wasn't so sure he could get them to a mattress with both their parents being home but Jack could definitely fuck him through his back seat if he liked.

They broke apart breathless once more and Jack gently pressed their foreheads together. He hadn't expected his confession to be so well received.

"I'm free Saturday," Alex mumbled after a long moment of comfortable silence. Jack chuckled, eyes sparkling with excitement and joy.
"It's a date."