Archive of Our Own

You know, no one really tells you what to do if the father of the girl you are supposedly seeing doesn’t want you to date his daughter. Now, you can’t really blame Jacob, but—well, you can blame him a bit for his inability to socially connect with the people (most of all, women) around him before he met Hannah. It’s not entirely his fault, kind of. Not fully his fault, then. He loves Hannah, really, really loves her. But he seriously needs to learn how to find friends.

Because how on earth did he even make friends with Hannah’s dad?! Out of all people, it had to be Cal.

Hannah’s dad, who has done nothing but moan and groan while drinking at the bar, talking about his cheating wife and whatever-not that everyone just decided to let his words go in one ear and out the other, including Jacob, who can’t even hit on women in peace and is just wholly bothered by Cal moaning on and about his divorce and acting like a  depressed dad in his 40s at the goddamn bar.

“I tell you, it won’t work between us with Dad doing all of this and that,” Hannah sighs as Jacob copies her, shrugging. “So we stay as friends,” he says—it’s sad… really sad, but Hannah may have been the first woman he’s connected with; he’s not going to let this stop them—dating or not dating, he likes Hannah. So what if he can’t kiss her? He’s fine with being friends with her. Promise!

“Seriously?” Hannah asks, one hand over her chest, leaning back in her chair with a shocked expression as if Jacob just decided to slap her across the table. Jacob just nods, taking a sip from his glass as Hannah leans closer again, elbow propped on the table. “We can always keep it a secret, you know that,” she says.

Jacob lets out a ‘Hm’ and shakes his head, swallowing the alcohol as he waves a hand. “No way, Cal will kill me. I can’t betray a friend—besides, you’re at the peak of your job; you don’t need a man around your life… yet.” He winks, and Hannah rolls her eyes. “Look, we have something between us; I like it. It doesn’t always have to be romantic. I like talking to you, and you like talking to me. We hang out a lot… Cal hates me kissing you, and I’m A-okay with not kissing you. I’ll be happy if we stay as friends,” Jacob shrugs, and Hannah makes that pouting face—mostly in thoughtful contemplation—as she nods, also liking the idea.

“I can’t believe I’m saying this, but you’re right. But—if Dad eventually thinks we’re fine… do you think we should…?” She trails off in thought. “You decide… I mean, this is enough for me. It’s not romantic; it’s not quite friendship…” Jacob shrugs. “It’s strictly platonic—right? Like friends, but more than friends,” Hannah adds, and Jacob nods. “Yeah, that—platonic relationships. They have a term for that, right? I don’t know what they call it, but it’s whatever. It’s that.” He points a finger.

Hannah snorts, bending over slightly to hide a smile behind her hand as she grabs her glass, taking small sips. “Alright, that’s that—and…” she says. “And you get to keep coming back to my house, as my friend.” She winks, and Jacob grins. He’s already told her that he liked staying with them more than in his penthouse. It’s… embarrassing to admit, but Hannah just became his person, you know? And when you have a person, everything just spills out of your mouth before you can even think about those words you’re saying. “Right—right, don’t tell Cal that,” Jacob clears his throat, a bit embarrassed, but Hannah just laughs, tilting her head to the side, seeing the stage, her attention is now diverted, as always. Her eyes widen.

“Oh hell, the renovation, right—I’ve been wanting to talk and ask about that. What’s all this?” She points as Jacob looks and shrugs. The bar had been closed for a few months before it eventually reopened with a stage. Julian—er, the new bartender since the last one left—said that the owner wanted to try something new—well, old, actually. They want to try something old, like getting musicians in the bar to keep things lively. Jacob didn’t really care much for it, so it’s been at least a few weeks, maybe three going on four, and the stage is still empty. It’s possible the owner is still trying to find musicians to play on stage.

“I think they want people to play music in the bar; it’s like a live small concert. They said it would be fun,” Jacob says as Hannah hums, nodding in faint interest. “You know, I had a cousin who used to frequent bars like that. But they aren’t so popular anymore, you know? Jazz bars and all that. Hell, she didn’t even like jazz, but all of a sudden she’d call and tell me about jazz,” she says, and Jacob hums. “What’s so nice about jazz, anyways?” Jacob takes a sip of his drink as Hannah shrugs.

“Jazz.” She makes jazz hands, and Jacob snorts, rolling his eyes. “Jazz is okay, I guess, but I understand why that crap isn’t so famous around here anymore; only people with ears and a taste for music would probably understand,” Hannah says. “That isn’t us.” Jacob motions for both of them, and Hannah laughs, her shoulders shaking.

“Nope, that isn’t us.” She shakes her head. They drank and laughed a bit more, just talking about random stuff. Hannah talks about her work, and Jacob talks about whatever Cal has done all day, mostly dragging him around shopping for groceries before they eventually decide to leave. Hannah gets out first, almost tripping on a chair as Jacob pays for their drinks and follows after her.

He opens the door and collides with someone on the way out, both of them bumping into each other. Jacob, a bit tipsy, teeters to the side, but a hand grabs the side of his coat. Jacob lets out an embarrassing noise as he rights himself on the ground and uses the wall behind him to steady himself. “Sorry—you okay?” He hears a low voice and tilts his head to see a man with ruffled hair swept sideways, as if he’s been running his hand through it.

He’s a foot shorter than Jacob and leaner too, wearing a white button-up shirt, a tie, and some black slacks. He has light blonde hair and light blue eyes, brows furrowed and squinted as if he’s trying to see Jacob’s face in the dim light. “You alright?” the guy asks again as Jacob pats his coat, swiping a hand. 

“Yeah—yeah, fine. You? Sorry about that; I wasn’t looking, it’s dark out here.” He tries not to look at the guy's eyes, but he does anyway—he has that strange, almost adorable squint and a small pouty look.

The guy laughs, smiling. Jacob holds onto the wall behind him; he’s drunk—yep, he’s drunk if he finds a guy adorable. Not that he’s a raging homophobe; he’s met plenty of guys and thought some were cute, but usually they were jerks. Then again, Jacob’s an idiot too. It’s an asshole-on-asshole crime, or whatever they say on the internet. “I’m fine; I think it was mostly you who stumbled,” the guy laughs. Jacob squints at him; the guy is still smiling, though the grin lessens, turning to a small smile as he looks up at him under his lashes. “I’m Sebastian, by the way. You can just call me Seb.” He offers his hand.

Jacob raises his brows at that, tilting his head—surprised. “Oh! I’m Jacob. Nice to meet you, Seb. You look new here, a fresh face.” He shakes Sebastian’s hand as he grins, shrugging a single shoulder. “I’ll be playing here.” 

“Oh, the renovation… You’re the musician that’s going to be playing here.” Jacob’s brows might as well fly away at the new information this guy is telling him. Sebastian laughs, shoulders shaking. “Yeah—one of them. I play the piano, you know.” He mimics playing the piano in the air, and Jacob can’t help but look at his hands. His sleeve cuffs are unbuttoned, and his fingers are long and deft—fast as he pretends to play the keys in the air, grinning at Jacob. 

“Oh, that’s great.” Jacob wheezes out as he looks back at Sebastian’s face, seeing a small crooked smile directed at him. 

For a moment, they stare at each other until Jacob hears a honk. “Jacob, what are you taking so long for?” It’s Hannah, peeking out from the passenger side of the car, the windows rolled down, her hair now tied up. It’s probably pretty hot inside—oops.

The moment is broken, and Sebastian’s smile fades as he looks over Jacob’s shoulder and sees Hannah, giving Jacob a small, unsure smile. “Alright, gotta head inside. Be safe on your way. It was nice meeting the bar’s regular,” he says and opens the door as Jacob steps back. “Ah yeah—see you whenever I see you.” He stumbles as he steps down the stairs; Sebastian gives him a small smile and enters the bar.

“Who was that?” Hannah asks, still looking out the window. “He said he’s one of the guys who’s going to be playing in the bar.” Jacob rounds the car and gets into the driver’s seat. “You look friendly,” Hannah says slyly as she sits down. Jacob turns the key in the ignition and gives her a look. “What makes you think that?” he asks as Hannah shrugs, smiling at him. 

“I don’t know—he looks good, though. The rugged, messy-haired look? Chef’s kiss.” Hannah mimics the motion, her fingers together as she kisses them and raises them above her head as Jacob snorts, shaking his head.

“Don’t—it’s not like that,” he says.

“Didn’t say anything,” Hannah whistles as she finally rolls the window up, and Jacob drives away, groaning. Maybe he drank more than he should have.

* * *

You know, Jacob can’t get that guy out of his head. It's been a few weeks now since he’s been back at the bar. He’s been busy babysitting for Cal and Emily, and he’s mostly just around, taking Hannah wherever she wants to go. He bothers her, and she bothers him back. It’s how life goes. And see—he doesn’t really have a job, so what can he do to help around? 

Emily somehow pays him when he babysits their children, even though Cal has mentioned a lot of times that Jacob’s well-off. Still, Emily secretly slips him a few bills as a thank you, which he just uses to buy Robbie some chips or Molly some candies or whatever catches her eye in the store.

“You know, there’s this guy I saw at the bar,” Jacob finally said, standing at the front of the stove, making popcorn for Molly while Cal cleaned the counter, sighing. “What? Did you get in a fight again?” Cal asked, raising a brow. Jacob let go of the handle of the pan and turned to Cal. “Actually, be surprised, but I think I really like this guy,” he said, a little proud as Cal regarded him. “You like him? Like, like-like him?” Jacob scoffed. “Don’t tell me you’re homophobic,” he said.

“Jesus no! How can I be homophobic when all Molly talks about is wanting to kiss her best friend on the mouth? Come on, Jacob—it’s just… I never thought you’d be that way.” Cal made some weird gestures that Jacob desperately took offense to. “You make it sound like I’m committing a crime. I just like the guy; I didn’t say I want to suck his dick,” Jacob argued, looking disgusted at Cal, who shrugged.

“You date women every day before you decided Hannah was the last one, Jacob. What am I supposed to think? You just like men for their faces and nothing else?” he asked. Jacob shrugged. “Popcorn’s burning,” Molly said from the corner, and they both screamed—Cal yelling and Jacob unnecessarily shrieking like a banshee while holding onto the cabinet behind him. Molly gave them a glare. 

“Jesus, Molly! Make your presence known next time!” Cal said, hand on his chest, as Jacob looked back at the popcorn, taking out the lid and shaking it furiously to unstick the burning popcorn underneath. A few kernels popped out, and Cal easily picked them up and threw them in the trash.

“So what? You don’t like Hannah anymore?” Cal asked, eyebrows raised as Jacob turned off the stove. “What makes you think that?” he asked. “Well, you know—are you cheating on her?” Cal pressed. “We’re not together anymore, Cal. We’re in a—well, you know—a very platonic relationship. Besides, she’s married to her work,” Jacob said. “And that doesn’t hurt you a little bit?” Cal asked as he grabbed a bowl from the cupboard and handed it to Jacob, who easily tipped the pot over to drop the popcorn in. Some were crazily burnt, so he picked them off, throwing them in the trash.

Cal took some for himself, popping it in his mouth. “I am—but you know what? There’s a hierarchy: her family plus me, her job, and her friends. She has no time for romance; you know that. And I like being there for her,” Jacob shrugged. Cal eyed him, popping another piece of popcorn into his mouth, but Molly pushed him back, grabbed the bowl between them, and ran back to the living room.

“You’ve got to teach her some manners sometimes,” Jacob pointed out without looking.

“She’s just comfortable with you; you know that,” Cal shrugged.

“This popcorn is burnt!” Molly screamed from the living room as Jacob sighed, slumping over. “You never approved of our relationship,” Jacob pointed out, sighing as Cal did the same thing, leaning on the counter with a wet rag still in his hand. “It’s hard to, when I know what you’ve been doing before Hannah,” he said, and Jacob just shrugged a single shoulder. Well, he couldn’t blame him now; maybe it really was high time to put the blame on himself.

“Okay.” Jacob looked at the pot, shaking it a bit. The burnt popcorn was sticking to the bottom. He shook it again, and some popcorn dislodged as Cal hummed. “I guess in a few months I wouldn’t mind,” he said again, and Jacob just shrugged. Well, he didn’t know about that. He and Hannah had already talked about their relationship anyway; there was no turning back, and it’s not like he hated this setup. He had a best friend, and he had a family to go to. 

“We like you here, Jacob; I promise you that. Even if we sometimes argue more than we talk,” Cal placed a hand on his shoulder as Jacob shot him a small lazy smile. “I know,” he said.

Cal just nodded.

Jacob pulls the pot over the sink, letting warm water pour in as he opens the faucet. “So you’re going to ask out that guy now, huh?” Cal asks. Jacob turns to him. “I might try,” he says, averting his gaze and looking out the window as Cal laughs. 

“Might? Where's the guy who taught me how to pick up women? Come on.” Jacob groans. “I’m not like that anymore, I promise you that. Besides, he seems like a decent guy; he probably isn’t even interested in me at all. He did tell me his name. I was going to ask, but he went and introduced himself first.” Jacob rubs his chin in thought as he looks over the backyard.

He’s gotta stop tooting his own horn, maybe the guy might like him. Jacob knows he looks good. No one can really deny that, who wouldn't like this face anyways?

“Maybe he likes you, then,” Cal says. “I mean, who would introduce themselves first if they didn’t like you? That was definitely flirting.” Jacob scoffs, rolling his eyes as he looks at Cal. He turns off the faucet. “You don’t know anything about flirting; come on.” Cal takes offense to that, looking annoyed. “Hey, just so you know, Emily wouldn't have liked me if I was so bad at it.” 

Jacob mutters, “You mean so bad at being an idiot. Sure, Cal—you brought your lady to a bowling alley as your first date.” 

“It’s romantic! Don’t you know romance at all?” Cal argues, waving his hands in the air. Jacob just makes a face, shrugs, and grabs a brush, focusing on the pot. “Look, come on, it’s whatever. In case you do get the guy, don’t have sex here, okay? I’ve got kids around,” Cal says. “Jesus, Cal. Why would I even do that?” Jacob looks at him, horrified. 

“You basically live here, kid. And you know you’ve got your own room now. I might as well remind you not to bring anyone here just in case.” He pauses. “If you do get him, you’re not moving back to your penthouse, are you?” 

“Why’d you ask that?” Jacob raises a brow as Cal lets out a questionable hum and a single shoulder shrug. “So you do really like me here?” Jacob grins, poking Cal in the cheek as Cal slaps his finger away. “I already said that earlier,” he grouches. “You said everyone; it wasn’t very specific, but now you outed yourself. You do want me here, aw Cal. I love you too; you’re like my Daddy now.” Jacob flutters his lashes as Cal makes a disgusted face. 

Then he points a finger right at Jacob’s face. “Don’t ever call me that,” he whispers, horrified, as Jacob bursts out laughing. Later, he’s inside his car, arms crossed over his chest, rearview mirror tilted so he can look at his reflection—checking his eyes, hair, lips. 

“Okay, Jacob, stop.” He has no Hannah around, which is probably a change; he’s only been coming here with her to wind down and talk about nonsense. Now Hannah isn’t anywhere around, mostly because he’ll probably embarrass himself by accident if she’s present. 

He checks his coat, patting it down—his sleeve, his loose collar, and his watch—then he leaves the car. “Jacob.” It was Sebastian, sitting on the trunk of a red Buick Riviera Convertible. 

Of course, he’d have this car. He looks classy; he plays the piano, he’s blonde, and he’s got really blue eyes. 

Jacob almost drops his keys and looks over to Sebastian; he’s wearing a crisp blue coat and a white button-up, as well as a darker shade of blue waistcoat underneath—it looks hot, literally. Like steaming hot from the heat, but he looks amazing. He wears blue slacks and brown leather loafers.

“Seb—you’re here,” Jacob says, trying not to stammer as he walks up to the car. Sebastian offers him a nod and a small sly smile. “I am—I play and work here now,” he says, pointing at the door of the bar. Jacob is a bit thankful that it’s nighttime now, so Sebastian won’t be seeing him flush with embarrassment. “I—yeah, but the bar’s open 24 hours; you can’t be playing continuously, you know that.” Jacob clears his throat. 

“Yeah, that’s why I’m here now; I’m on my well-deserved break. Are you going for a drink now?” he asks. “Yeah—yeah, I am. Would you mind having a drink with me?” Jacob adjusts his collar lightly trying to wash away the fluster he’s feeling as Sebastian eyes him, looking up at him, hands on both sides. 

He looks good—a classy guy, who plays piano, who has a really nice kind of hot and charming crooked smile. Jacob is pretty sold; he’ll be happy if by the end of the night he can get this guy in his bed. 

“Sure,” Sebastian says after a few seconds of thinking, and he smiles. Jacob smiles in his head. Score! “I hope it’s on you,” Sebastian comments as he jumps off the trunk of his car, and Jacob follows him up the stairs. “It should be; I did ask you,” Jacob replies as he opens the door for Sebastian, who mutters a small thank you and enters first.

The bar was loud—there was music, loud jazz music. Wow, the last time Jacob heard jazz was in his dad’s car; it’s been a while. There were a lot more people here than the last time Jacob visited. 

The stage was full, with three men playing, and an empty spot at the piano where Jacob assumed Sebastian would be. He spotted an empty table for two and pulled out a chair for Sebastian, who gave him a surprised look, raising an eyebrow, but then sat down, smiling as he crossed one leg over the other. Jacob took a seat right in front of him.

“Thank you, very… gentlemanly of you,” Sebastian joked.

“It’s what I do,” Jacob shrugged, smiling as Sebastian continued to eye him. “Yeah?”

Jacob nodded, feeling a bead of sweat at the back of his neck from Sebastian’s gaze, his eyes drifting from the top of Jacob’s head to his chest, as if he were trying to understand him. “So, uh, that’s a cello, right?” Jacob pointed at the guy on stage sitting on a comfy stool, playing his instrument.

“Double bass, actually. But nice try, though,” Sebastian replied as Jacob hummed, glancing at Julian by the bar, who just nodded and gave him a thumbs-up before looking back at Sebastian. “Aren’t they the same?” he asked.

Sebastian shook his head. “No, not really. For one, their sizes are very different. But they do come from the same family, so…” He shrugged a single shoulder.

“So you know a lot about that,” Jacob said, and Sebastian shot him an amused smile before dropping his feet down and moving his chair closer. Jacob did the same.

“It comes with the job and passion,” he explained. 

“So you’re really into this, huh? This is jazz, right?” Jacob asked, leaning on his elbows as Sebastian did the same. He smiled a bit wider, propping his head up with two hands—completely adorable. Okay, that’s it; Jacob was set. He was going to get this guy into his bed; he wouldn’t back off unless Sebastian told him to.

“Yeah, you like it? Jazz?” Sebastian asks, there is a tone in his voice that Jacob can’t help but like—now he wonders, can Sebastian sing as well?

Jacob shrugged a single shoulder. “My dad likes that stuff.”

“Forced you to listen to it, huh?” Sebastian replied, startled when a server placed two glasses in front of them.

“Whiskey?” Jacob asked, and Sebastian shrugged.

“I don’t usually drink on the job,” he said as Jacob grabbed his glass and took a sip.

“Come on,” Jacob smiled, and Sebastian snorted, shaking his head, though he lowered a hand to hold the glass.

“I can’t.” He said, “I have to go back to the stage soon, and look, everyone’s liking the music—which is a surprise, by the way.”

“Jazz is awesome,” Jacob said, acting surprised as Sebastian cracked a small chuckle.

“Okay, just because you said jazz is awesome, one sip,” Sebastian said as he took a small sip. Jacob watched as his lips met the corner of the glass, gently placing it upon his lips, then lowering the glass and licking his lower lip a little. Jacob copied him.

“Come on, that’s too little,” he said, unable to help himself as Sebastian laughed over the music.

“That isn’t too little. Whiskey’s strong,” he replied.

“You can’t handle your liquor?” Jacob teased.

Sebastian gave him a pointed look. “I can… I can—but you know, I need my hands to work,” he said. Jacob grinned but leaned back in his seat, raising a hand. 

“Alright, alright, I can’t distract a man from his job; that would be an asshole move,” he said as Sebastian snorted.

“It isn’t an asshole move if the man distracting me wants something from me.” Sebastian leaned back as well, smiling slyly at Jacob, who responded with a ‘I don’t know what you mean’ shrug.

“I did buy you a drink. I’m taking the right steps, aren’t I?” Jacob said.

Sebastian laughed. “You don’t even know my number yet.”

Jacob raised his brows, and a smile crept up. “Would you give me your number?” he asked. Sebastian looked into his eyes, grinning, his eyes crinkling as he nodded slowly, then a bit faster.

“Sure, maybe if I need some drinks, I’ll call you so you can buy them for me,” he said.

“I wouldn’t mind,” Jacob shrugged, and Sebastian pulled out his phone, opening it—

A man approached, the double bass player, placing a hand on Sebastian’s shoulder. “Seb—hey man, you’re up. Come on, you’ve been sitting on your ass for too long,” he said, and Jacob swallowed a sigh, taken aback by the surprised look on Sebastian’s face as he looked up.

“Is it?” He glanced at his wristwatch and groaned. “Okay… Hold on, I’ll follow. Can you repeat this part of the setlist? I swear I’ll catch up.” The man nodded, patting Sebastian’s shoulder as he walked away, disappearing into the crowd and back to the stage.

Sebastian looks back at Jacob, wincing as he opens his phone again. “Ah—sorry—shit, wait, I don’t remember my number.” Panic sets in as he tries to swipe quickly on his phone. 

Jacob leans close and places a hand on his elbow. “It’s fine, I’ll be here until later—when’s your next break?” he asks. Sebastian stops and looks up at him. “Around 11,” he replies. Jacob shrugs. “I can wait until 11; I’m usually around here until 2 AM anyways,” he says, and Sebastian lowers his phone. “I can believe that,” he responds, and Jacob snorts, grinning.

“Are you going to play until morning or something?” Jacob asks. “No, just until 11,” Sebastian shakes his head. “We’re still human, you know.” Jacob nods, biting his lower lip as he looks around. “What? Are you thinking of something?” Sebastian offers as Jacob looks back at him, surprised that Sebastian is the one initiating—maybe the guy likes him too. Great!

“Yeah?” Jacob tilts his head.

Sebastian copies him. “What are you thinking?”

“Want to come back to my penthouse with me?” Jacob asks, smiling slyly at Sebastian, who raises an eyebrow in surprise, his head tilted down. “Jeez, you have a penthouse too?” Sebastian asks, surprise coloring his tone as Jacob shrugs. 

“Of course, you would, huh?” Sebastian says again, his eyes lighting up with humor. “Hey, what’s that supposed to mean?” Jacob grabs his glass, taking a drink. “Nothing—but yes, sure, that sounds fun. Are you going to tour me around your house or just your bed?” Sebastian asks, leaning close. Jacob can’t help but let out a chuckle that almost sounds like a giggle as he presses the back of his hand over his lips.

“What?” Sebastian asks as Jacob shakes his head. “Sorry—whatever you want, Seb. My bed or the whole house,” he says, adding a wink for good measure. Sebastian must have found it funny because he laughs, rolling his eyes. “That’s a pretty dorky move—but okay, the whole house then. I’ll be back; stay there.” Sebastian stands. “I got you a drink, you give me your number, and I take you home. I followed the right steps, yeah?” Jacob jokes as Sebastian laughs, waving a hand over his face. 

“Whatever, Jacob.” He steps into the crowd and towards the stage.

Jacob leans back in his chair and laughs to himself, his heart beating in his chest and his face flushing—Jesus Christ, it feels like he’s 15 all over again, seeing a cute boy playing soccer, all sweaty and smiling at him. It’s as if he’s not used to this kind of thing; he’s met women and men before who flirted back, often bolder than him—those who see him as eye candy. 

It’s not like he does the same; he’s pursuing Sebastian after all. He wants a good hookup; it’s been a few months since then. He’s been taking a break from picking people up and sleeping around; this might be his first since he’d gone cold turkey.

And he misses it a bit—but not too much, mostly because he has Hannah and her family now. He doesn’t feel the need to touch and be touched by strangers whose names he wouldn’t even remember, or strangers who wouldn’t even remember his name. He’s a good hookup for them, and they’re good hook-ups for him.

But Sebastian feels different—at least, Jacob hopes he’s different. Though he wouldn’t mind if it turns out to be just a one-night stand. It wouldn’t really matter; the guy works here, and it would be nice if they could go back and forth with it. It’s not like Jacob’s the type of guy to stay in one relationship, anyway, so whatever…

Totally whatever…

Sebastian plays the piano beautifully. Jacob, for once, is thankful that the crowd is thinning. More people are choosing to sit down and talk over the music, which allows him to watch Sebastian play. His upper body moves along with his hands as if he’s dancing while sitting down. 

His hands are fast, but Jacob can see how Sebastian's fingers glide lightly over the keys. 

Jacob never really cared for people who played the piano; he’s met a few girls who were sheltered when they were younger and were forced to learn it, but he’s never really seen any passion from them. Most were coerced into it to appear like “good girls.” He’s met a lot of guys who played in bands; most of them were drummers or guitarists—nothing too crazy. It’s sometimes obvious if they play an instrument; they always have that air about them and the way they dress.

He never found anything interesting about it—until now, with Sebastian. Maybe Jacob should have noticed sooner. But Sebastian wears clothes that seem almost vintage—like they’re from the ‘50s. It’s as if he’s stuck in the past, and adding to that is the fact that he’s playing jazz…he truly loves jazz—passionate at that, given the way he plays. He’s an interesting guy.

Jazz sounds much nicer live than it does on the radio of an old car.

“You stayed,” Sebastian says—the band is now packing up, and there are fewer people than there were earlier. Jacob is still in his seat, glass now empty, hand fiddling with it as he watches Sebastian with eager eyes. “You did say to wait for you,” Jacob replies, and Sebastian snorts. 

“Yeah… Do you want to… Who’s going to drive? I can probably let John take my car home,” Sebastian adds. “I can drive; I didn’t drink much anyway,” Jacob says, and Sebastian meets his eyes, smiling a little. “Alright,” he shrugs.

Jacob tries to stamp down the excitement in his chest as he places his glass back down on the table and stands up. He probably looks a bit too eager right now, but what the hell.

“Nice place,” Sebastian says. Jacob shuts the door as he watches the other man walk toward the glass doors leading to the pool, looking out over it. He has now loosened his tie, and his waistcoat is unbuttoned.  

“Hey, want to take that off?” Jacob asks as Sebastian turns. Jacob motions toward his coat and waistcoat, and Sebastian raises his brows before nodding, slipping them off as Jacob offers his arm. Sebastian hesitantly places the coat over his arm, followed by the waistcoat, leaving him in his button-up shirt and tie—he has loosened that too but hasn’t taken it off. Jacob folds Sebastian’s clothes and places it by the couch.  

“So, do you do this with everyone you bring here?” Sebastian asks, finding a singular chair and sitting down, smiling up at Jacob, his elbow propped over the armrest and his cheek resting on his hand as Jacob turns to him, slipping off his own coat.  

“What’s that?” he asks as Sebastian just grins at him.  

“I asked about you around the bar; everyone knows you. You’re not just a regular in the bar for drinks, huh? For the people too,” he says. Jacob snorts, walking toward his bar. He loses sight of Sebastian but knows he is still sitting there.  

Sebastian has heels in his loafers—it’s loud and clicks, very classy.  

Jacob prepares some drinks, taking two glasses out of his cabinet before setting a vinyl on the record player. It’s jazz—he knows mostly because his vinyls are categorized by genre. He doesn’t know who this is, but he knows it’s jazz, and Sebastian might know.  

“Monk, huh?” he hears Sebastian say from the living room, along with the tapping of his shoes. Jacob closes his eyes and snorts—of course, Sebastian knows—and grabs their glasses before walking back to the living room.  

But Sebastian’s gone.  

Jacob pauses, confused. “You got a piano here?” he hears Sebastian say excitedly from the other side of the house, and Jacob sighs, turning—how did Sebastian pass by him? He enters the kitchen, passing by it and sees Sebastian sitting on the bench stool, smiling softly. Jacob walks up to him, placing the glasses on the rack.  

“A grand piano… just for decor?” Sebastian asks, not sparing him a glance as Jacob takes a sip from his glass and shrugs, smiling guiltily.  

It’s just a grand piano he got from a bidding; it wasn’t really that important to him aside from the fact that it’s white and has gold—real gold—on it. He watches as Sebastian trails a finger along the edges, touching the cold gold.  

“Play me something,” Jacob says before he can think about it, and Sebastian then places his hands on the piano. He doesn’t move right away, listening to the music Jacob played—his head bobbing softly as if he’s trying to think which part he’s going to follow in, before he moves and follows it, his hands moving deftly.  

And like earlier, it isn’t a performance now—Sebastian plays like he’s dancing, leaning close to the keys. Jacob can barely follow Sebastian’s hands as they dance around. He drinks from his glass, leaning against the wall. Well, he doesn’t usually listen to jazz, but he might listen to this one.  

Sebastian seems to snap out of whatever he was lost in and stops, strands of hair falling over his eyes as he pushes them back. “Sorry,” he smiles apologetically, as Jacob waves a hand.  

“It’s amazing… where do you go?” he can’t help but ask, and Sebastian carefully closes the lid over the keys, grabbing his drink on top of the piano before standing up and pushing back the bench.  

“What?” he asks as he walks up to Jacob, taking a small sip and making a face as Jacob snorts. “Not your type?” he asks.  

“Strong,” Sebastian coughs. “But to answer your question—I don’t really go anywhere. I’m just… I don’t know…” He hums, shrugging as Jacob meets his eyes.  

“It’s good—you’re good…” he says, and Sebastian flashes him a smile.  

“So is this where you take me to bed and forget my name tomorrow?” Sebastian takes another swig, this time longer, drinking down the remaining liquid and smacking his lips, his eyes squinting in disgust as Jacob laughs.  

Well, he wouldn’t say he’d forget Sebastian’s name—Jacob doesn’t think he’ll forget his name after doing all that. Besides, before he even got to buy him a drink, he was already thinking about him. “I don’t know. I have been thinking about you ever since I met you. I don’t think the bed would make me forget that,” Jacob says, and Sebastian grins.  

“So you like the drink?” Jacob motions at the empty glass as Sebastian shrugs.  

“It’s okay,” he says.

“So,” Sebastian says as Jacob shakes his drink lightly, the ice clinking in the glass. “Bed,” he adds, and Jacob grins, his drink half finished. “Bed,” Jacob echoes, and they both stumble toward the bed, giggling and laughing. 

Sebastian even spots a boat inside a glass in the hallway, getting distracted and asking how they got the boat in there before Jacob has to pull him inside his room. “Do you think they pieced it together one bit at a time with little claws?” Sebastian asks as he sits on the bed, pushing himself up as he lays down, allowing Jacob to crawl over him. 

“I don’t know—I didn’t ask. Want me to ask the guy I bought it from?” he murmurs, trailing a hand over Sebastian's chest. He’s got a soft chest and soft stomach. “No need. I can just imagine it,” Sebastian whispers, letting out a soft noise when Jacob continues to touch him all over, his face a little flushed, maybe from the drink or the whole situation.

Sebastian shivers. “You have a nice bed,” he says, holding onto the pillow under his head before he decides to do the same, his palm resting on Jacob’s chest. His hand hesitates when he feels the hard muscle underneath the loose button-up shirt. 

“What the hell? You’re ripped too?” Sebastian exclaims, confused as Jacob laughs, taking Sebastian’s tie off and throwing it over the bed. “There’s a lot of things to be surprised about, huh?” Jacob asks, and Sebastian laughs. “Okay—okay, let me—” He says as he flips them over, catching Jacob off guard. Now Sebastian is looming over him, his legs on either side of Jacob’s torso, not pressing hard, but present. He’s warm.

Sebastian’s hands flutter around, unsure of where to place them. He hovers over Jacob’s chest, playing with the buttons, then lightly touches his neck before hesitating and pulling back, huffing a breath of air and pouting slightly. 

“Have you done this before?” Jacob asks, noting Sebastian’s nervous expression. “Not really,” Sebastian admits, sitting on his haunches, now perched on Jacob’s waist. Jacob places a hand gently on Sebastian’s waist, a little surprised as he gives Sebastian a look. “You’re very focused about the bed and sleeping together though,” he points out as Sebastian groans. “I’m a bit drunk; I say a lot of stupid things—not that this is stupid. But I have no idea what I’m doing,” he confesses, pressing a palm over his face as Jacob laughs.

“Are you tired?” Jacob asks. If Sebastian’s drunk and unsure, they really don’t have to do anything he doesn’t want to. Besides, Jacob did manage to get Sebastian on his bed, so that’s something. Sebastian lowers a hand to his lap, then moves it toward Jacob’s hand, pressing it against his skin a little. Jacob takes his hand, intertwining their fingers as he watches Sebastian look at them. “A bit—yeah, I’ve been playing since 9 actually,” he admits softly.

“Jesus?” Jacob exclaims as he grabs Sebastian’s waist—oh wow, he’s got a nice waist, slim—and sets him beside him. Sebastian yelps with surprise before flopping onto the pillow next to Jacob. Jacob pulls the duvet from underneath them and flips it over their waists as he lies on his side.

“That’s a full 15-hour workday, Seb. That’s crazy,” he adds as Sebastian wiggles a bit before turning on his side to face Jacob. “I know—granted, we only play in the bar Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday,” Sebastian says.

“So I somehow managed to find the right time to meet you, huh?” Jacob grins. “You did; I thought you might have known, but I guess not,” Sebastian replies, mimicking Jacob and blinking slowly for a moment before getting comfortable. “Now I know,” Jacob says proudly, and Sebastian huffs a laugh, running a hand through his hair and messing it up. 

“I didn’t get to have a bath yet,” he mentions. “Eh—sometimes I sleep here with my shoes on,” Jacob admits.

“Oh, that’s disgusting,” Sebastian says, grimacing. “Do you at least change the sheets?” 

“Hey! That doesn’t mean I don’t clean; come on,” Jacob whines as Sebastian grins, rolling his eyes before smiling, his eyes crinkling a bit. “I didn’t actually expect this—are you a bit disappointed that we didn’t do the devil’s tango?” he jokes as Jacob snickers. “Just say sex, Seb. And no—I don’t mind. Well, I did manage to get you on the bed, so… in a way, it worked. Don’t you think? Also, my bed is good for the back,” Jacob rambles as Sebastian hums, his eyes half-lidded now, his hand resting between them. “Mhm—it is,” he agrees.

Jacob moves, placing one hand close to Sebastian’s, and he can see Sebastian’s eyes open a little, tracking his movements before he meets Jacob’s gaze. “Any chance I get to ask you out?” Sebastian asks, and Jacob grins, making a so-so gesture as Sebastian gives him a squinty-eyed look. “So?” he asks.

“Sure.” Jacob winks, and Sebastian rolls his eyes but smiles anyway. “Okay, great. So you’ll remember my name, and I get to sleep on your bed and take you out. Got it.” Sebastian says, and Jacob snorts a bit louder at that statement. 

Then he falls quiet, his eyes blinking slowly as he looks at Jacob’s face, tracing it with his gaze. Jacob must have fallen asleep in between because he wakes up, the room still dark—well, darker—and his arm thrown over Sebastian’s waist, his back now turned toward Jacob—he’s basically spooning him.

Oh, he also smells like cherry—what the hell? 

Jacob falls back to sleep.

* * *

“And then we both fell asleep, literally—the guy was tired. I can’t get into someone’s pants who can’t even stay awake for a hot minute; I could tell he wasn’t even into it. Granted, he did say the bed felt nice,” Jacob says as Hannah lets out a small, pensive ‘hmmm’ under her breath while Cal takes a deep breath, elbow-deep in soil, wearing an atrocious green hat to protect himself from the sun above, along with knee-short shorts and big boots.

Meanwhile, Hannah and Jacob sit at a metal table underneath a large tree, drinking some lemon juice Emily made for them earlier.

Cal’s glass is half-drunk, condensation building up on the glass, water spreading on the table as Jacob plays with it. “I think he’s onto you,” Hannah says. “You think?” Cal asks, kneeling, gasping for air, flapping a hand over his face and sweating. Hannah turns to her dad and nods. “Yeah,” she confirms before turning back to Jacob. “He gave you his number before leaving, and even before that, he asked if he could take you out. That’s love, hun—” she says.

“You’re too quick to say love, Nana,” Cal interjects. “Please don’t spoil the fun; you’re not included in the conversation right now, Cal.” Jacob sighs, pressing a hand over his forehead—god, this heat. “I’m in the yard the same as you two; I’m included in the conversation. I have a right to share my input,” Cal argues, glancing at Jacob with a weak glare.

“Dad, come on, don’t ruin the fun. Is the guy at least cute, I couldn’t see him properly that night. Wait, don’t answer that—you brought him back to your penthouse; of course he’s cute,” Hannah says.

Jacob leans over the table. “He’s plenty cute, Hannah. He’s good with the piano and all, really nice hands—his fingers and everything, his hair is nice, and god—he smells good,” he says as Hannah leans in closer. “I vote for a threesome,” she says with a grin. “Nana!” Cal exclaims, furious, as he glances at them again, dropping his hand shovel on the ground. 

“You think he’s that open-minded?” Jacob asks, neither of them paying any attention to Cal. “I mean—he likes jazz,” Hannah shrugs.

Cal just sighs in the background. “Did he at least message you or call? You did mention it’s been a week now,” he says. Jacob shrugs, shaking his head. “I messaged him, and it’s still marked as delivered; he might be busy,” he says. 

He doesn’t really mind the lack of communication… kind of, but it’s new, and the door is open. If Jacob thinks it’s not going to work, he won’t hesitate to leave. So far, he thinks it’s kind of okay, but if he anticipates heartbreak as the end, he won’t stick around.

Cal hums at that. “Do you think a visit to the bar would be great?” Hannah asks, and Jacob drops his chin into the palm of his hand. “I’ve been putting it off, actually; I’m waiting for a message, but… I wouldn’t mind. We three can all go. I mean—it’s been a while since I’ve seen Cal relax. I mean, look at those shorts. Cal, can you please go change?” Jacob groans as he and Hannah turn to look at Cal, whose butt is up in the air, arched as he cleans the soil in front of him.

“Oh Jesus, Dad!” Hannah cries out.

“No one comes to a bar at 11 in the morning,” Cal grumbles beside them. “You used to,” Jacob mutters under his breath as he looks in the side mirror while parking on the side of the road. He spots Sebastian’s convertible and sees a leg thrown over the back of the car—someone is lying back there, and by the looks of it, it’s Sebastian. 

Jacob can recognize those heeled loafers anywhere.

“You guys go inside first,” Jacob says as Cal and Hannah step out of the car, with Cal helping Hannah fix her blouse at the back, which somehow got hiked up because of her belt. “What? Why?” Cal asks. “Oh, let him. He needs a touch-up. Gotta look good for the piano guy,” Hannah wiggles her eyebrows as Jacob rolls his eyes. 

“It’s Sebastian; remember his name,” he says, motioning for them to leave. He watches them walk toward the bar, pushing the door open as he leaves his car and approaches Sebastian’s convertible, finding him there, lying in the back, his coat flipped over his head, blocking the light from the sky above, his hand draped over the back seat—he's sleeping.

Jesus. Out of all places? Isn’t there a back room for staff in the bar? Why is he sleeping here?

Jacob looks around uncertainly before placing a finger on Sebastian’s knee and tapping it. Sebastian sits up, eyes wide, hair a mess and startled, but he calms down when he sees Jacob. “Oh Jesus… You scared me—Jacob… You’re here,” he says as he pulls his leg in, and Jacob leans over the door to get a better look at his face.

He looks tired. One eye closed, sensitive to the light—scratch that; he looks absolutely exhausted. “What happened to you?” Jacob asks as Sebastian leans back on the seats, lazily slipping on his coat somewhat clumsily. “I don’t think I told you I have other gigs aside from this,” Sebastian yawns. “Hence the delivered,” Jacob says, mostly for himself as Sebastian's eyes that had been closing now open again.

“You messaged me?” he asks as he pulls out his phone, trying to turn it on. It’s dead.

“Jesus, man. How long has it been since your last sleep?” Jacob asks, worried, as Sebastian growls, throwing his phone over the front seat. “How long has it been since I’ve gotten to sleep in your bed?” he smiles up at Jacob, who sighs. “It’s been six days,” he replies.

“You counted—ugh, sorry, I should’ve… warned you about this. I’ve been doing a lot of gigs. I mean—I gotta keep my head above water and all.” He says as he unlocks the door. Jacob moves back as Sebastian stumbles out, almost falling if it weren’t for Jacob grabbing his arm. “Thanks—sorry again,” Sebastian sighs, pressing a hand over his face. 

“Hey, it’s okay. Are you sure you should be working right now?” Jacob asks, his brows furrowed as he watches Sebastian press his palm over his eyes, trying to rub away the tiredness. Sebastian shrugs, closes the door behind him, and leans heavily on it, causing the car to shake.

“I have to— I mean, I really have to,” Sebastian says, and Jacob breathes lightly, looking at Sebastian properly. He looks so tired that it hurts Jacob to even look at him—it almost reminds him of his dad, who always came home tired, too hardworking. Even when his business was successful, he was still working so hard instead of enjoying the money he had earned through his own hard work.

“I gotta head in—jeez, I’m so sorry about the lack of response. I was saving—I mean, the electricity bill just came a week ago, and I’ve been on energy-saving mode for the past few days. Hell, I’m using a goddamn candle just to save,” Sebastian groans, looking extremely embarrassed, giving Jacob a small, unsure smile.

“Hey— it’s fine,” Jacob says. “Well—I mean, I still want to take you out to dinner, though,” Sebastian says. “Like I said, it’s fine. Seb,” Jacob raises a hand. “And, Christ, you need sleep. Also, let me get your phone; you don’t want that to get stolen,” he adds as he moves past Sebastian, reaching inside the car to grab Sebastian’s phone that’s fallen on the passenger seat. 

“Want me to charge it? I think I have a power bank in there, let me check.” He moves past Sebastian, who then grabs his elbow. Jacob looks back. “Thanks,” Sebastian says, wearing a wincing smile. “Anytime,” Jacob replies, smiling back, and Sebastian nods at him.

It doesn’t take long for Jacob to plug Sebastian’s phone in and watch it open by itself as he leaves it in the seat and looks over at Sebastian, who is still leaning against the side of his car, eyes closed—Jesus, is he micro-napping?

“Hey,” Jacob walks back, and Sebastian stands up, bleary. “Hey,” he replies. “Are you going up, or should I bring you back to my penthouse to sleep?” Jacob asks. “Up, work,” Sebastian yawns. “You can get a drink and put it on my tab, though,” he adds. 

“No, thanks, it’s fine. I’m here with my friends,” Jacob waves a hand as Sebastian smiles. “You have friends?” he teases as they run up the stairs to the doors. “What? Do I look like I have no friends?” Jacob asks, grinning as he opens the door for Sebastian to enter.

“A bit,” Sebastian said. Jacob spotted Hannah and Cal by the bar top, already nursing their own drinks and talking amongst themselves. “Oh, wait—” Jacob said, grabbing Sebastian’s wrist just as he was about to head toward the stage. There weren’t many people around, and it was calm. 

Huh—maybe Sebastian was on a break for a reason after all. “What’s up?” Sebastian turned back to him. “Can I—uh, introduce you to my friends?” Jacob asked.

Sebastian’s brows shot up, and he blinked a few times before he nodded. “Sure,” he said, and Jacob practically pulled him toward Cal and Hannah. “Hey, guys.” Jacob cleared his throat as Cal, who looked like he was ranting about something—Jacob could only assume it was about work, hands moving around and brow furrowed—turned to look at them. Hannah did the same, and they both let out a loud, simultaneous ‘oh!’ My God, they really are father and daughter, aren’t they?

“Guys, meet Sebastian. Sebastian, this is Hannah, and this is Cal. They’re related.” Jacob whispered the last part to Sebastian, who smiled and offered his hand to Cal, shaking it. “Nice to meet you.” Then he turned to Hannah, squinting slightly as he offered her his hand. “Nice to meet you…. You look familiar.” 

“Oh?” Hannah laughed. “I do?” she asked, and Sebastian shrugged, nodding. “You just look like someone I know,” he said.

“California is a really large place,” Cal said. “You play the piano, right?” he asked. Sebastian nodded. “I do—I’m on a break now since there aren’t many people around,” he added. “Oh! Well, you should join us,” Hannah said, grinning at Jacob, who gave her a thumbs-up and a grin behind Sebastian. “Uh—well…” Sebastian turned to Jacob for help, but Jacob was just looking away, swaying from side to side with his hands clasped in front of him. 

Sebastian sighed and turned back to Hannah, nodding. “Okay,” he said.

They found a better table after that, just in the corner of the bar so they could have their own privacy. When Hannah and Cal were together, they talked about the most random things, like getting their pipes fixed or Cal discussing his kids. 

Hannah pulled out some legal jargon by reciting the Constitution over whatever bullshit Jacob would say—that’s how it usually goes. Sebastian mostly just listened to them, nodding. He wasn’t drinking his drink; he was staring at Hannah most of the time, and Jacob tried to ignore that, but it was hard when Sebastian was ogling his best friend the entire time and not even sparing Jacob a glance.

He’s not jealous of course—that would be pretty crazy, he's just met this guy. And also, he cares for Hannah a lot, no matter how cute you are. He’s karate chopping whoever oggles at his best friend.

“Oh,” Sebastian perked up when the music changed, and some of the people at nearby tables stood up to dance. “Have you guys tried dancing to jazz yet?” he asked. Cal took a swig from his drink. “Not really; I did used to waltz with my wife,” he said. “You should try,” Sebastian said, and Hannah’s eyes widened, excited at the idea (she’s tipsy, and any idea would be a good idea for her at this point). 

“Dad… Dad, come on,” she said, shaking Cal as he groaned. Hannah stood up and pulled Cal to the middle of the bar, where everyone was dancing and laughing. “Wow, this might be the first time I’ve seen this bar look lively,” Jacob couldn’t help but say. “It's the magic of jazz, I guess—it’s nice. Some people still do appreciate jazz,” Sebastian said as Jacob hummed, taking a small sip from his drink.

“Uh.” Sebastian started, turning to him and scratching his cheek lightly. “Sorry for going MIA and all. I know I already explained myself and everything, but… still—I did promise that night, and I still will ask you out…” Sebastian sighed. “Hey, it’s no big deal. What you need today is a good night’s sleep. It’s 12 in the morning, and you look like a bus ran you over,” Jacob pointed out as Sebastian sighed, rubbing his eyes and nodding. “Yeah—yeah, the others told me the same thing. Sometimes passion can only get you halfway, huh?” he said.

Jacob fell silent, looking at Sebastian—who just leaned on his palm, elbow on the table, watching Hannah and Cal dance. It wasn’t even a dance; the two were already halfway tipsy, both of them stumbling and hitting people by accident. 

“Do you like her?” Jacob asked. The question made him feel like his stomach was in knots, but maybe he was just a bit too overprotective of Hannah or maybe he’s too far gone on this stranger he shared his bed with. “Huh?” Sebastian translated for him. “Oh, no, no, it’s just… she looks like someone I know very well,” he waved a hand, giving Jacob a lazy smile.

“So… a friend?” Jacob asked.

Sebastian shrugged. “You could say that.”

“Where is she now?” Jacob asked.

“Somewhere—following her own dreams. Who knows? I’m proud of her nonetheless,” Sebastian shrugged. They both fell silent at that, Jacob slowly drinking from his glass while Sebastian focused on his own still-full glass, spinning it around slowly. “Do you want another night in my bed?” Jacob asked, and Sebastian raised his head to meet his eyes. For a moment, they looked at each other, and then Sebastian smiled. 

“Sure.”

“You changed the sheets, huh?” Sebastian said. He wasn’t in his work suit anymore; in fact, Jacob had gotten some of his satin nightwear for Sebastian to use, which didn’t take much convincing for him to change into. Now he was fresh from the bath, wearing Jacob’s night clothes—it was a perfect fit, though the pants were a bit loose, but that was intentional. Jacob usually preferred his pants loose for sleeping; sometimes he even slept in just his boxers.

“Only for the King Sebastian, of course.” Jacob lay on the bed, propping his cheek on his palm as Sebastian sat on the opposite side, his hair fluffed from drying it with a towel. He looked good—his slicked-back hairstyle was still handsome, but now that Jacob could see the actual length, he looked amazing—total eye candy. 

“You look good,” Jacob said as Sebastian leaned back against the headboard and looked over at him, smiling.

“Really now?” he asked. 

Jacob patted the space between them, and Sebastian easily slid up next to him, resting his head on the pillow as he faced Jacob. “Yeah, why don’t you ever wear your hair like that? It’s longer than I expected it to be.” He reached over to run his fingers through Sebastian’s hair, watching as the other closed his eyes and breathed out softly. “It wouldn’t look good with the get-up,” Sebastian murmured.

“No, I think it does.” Jacob countered, and Sebastian opened his eyes once more. “You think?” he grinned. 

“I know,” Jacob corrected himself, and Sebastian snorted. 

Sebastian fell silent, his eyes tracing Jacob's face. “Is this what you had in mind when you spoke to me last time?” he asked. Jacob smiled, shaking his head. “Not really, but I don’t mind. They do say sleep is better with someone else.”

“Yeah, I know about that,” Sebastian nodded, chuckling at that.

“So, we’re sleep buddies now,” Jacob said as Sebastian laughed again, swiping a hand over his face in mock exasperation. “Just because you have a nice bed,” he replied. 

“And a nice and handsome face. You get to sleep on this nice, soft, plush bed with a pretty and handsome face to wake up to,” Jacob finished for him, earning an exasperated laugh from Sebastian, his brows furrowed in amusement. “Okay, Jacob,” he said, his eyes crinkling with mirth.

“So, since the last time we both slept, we didn’t establish any rules. Are we allowed to touch each other at least? Cuddle… spooning… you know, all that stuff?” Jacob asked, shifting a bit so he was lying higher on his pillow. Sebastian did the same, his toes tickling Jacob’s calves slightly. 

“Yeah, we can do that,” he replied, allowing Jacob to place a hand over his waist as he smiled at him, his eyes half-lidded.

He looked good—really good.

* * *

“He slept in your bed? Again? Did something happen, at least?” Hannah asks, grabbing a handful of chips with one hand, trying to fit them all in her mouth. They both sit on the couch, while Cal sits on the other side, reading a magazine and flipping through it quietly. “Well—we did talk for a few minutes, then we slept,” Jacob shrugs. “Romantic,” Cal says, peering up from his magazine.

“You’re losing your touch, hun. Where’s the sex? The foreplay? Why are you two just sleeping? This is the second time! Also, he looks really cute—like, really cute.” Hannah sighs dreamily. “Daisy says she uses a strap-on with her boyfriend from time to time. Maybe if you don’t want him, I can take him,” she adds, and Jacob pushes her away.

“Nana,” Cal warns, and Hannah just makes a ‘what’ gesture at her dad, while Cal glares at both of them. “But that is kind of cute, though. You let him sleep in your bed. I mean, he looks tired. It beats sex, really. Did you at least cuddle?” Hannah asks. “Oh, we did. He likes being the little spoon. And you know what? I love it—I love it. It doesn’t matter that I don’t have his dick in my throat right now,” Jacob snaps his fingers.

“Jesus Christ, Jacob, can we have some class here? My kids are in this house!” Cal interjects. “Oh, come on, Cal. Your kids are going to learn about this sooner or later anyway,” Jacob says, exasperated. “Well, when I took a good look at him, I don’t think he’s the type of guy to invest in one-night stands. I mean, look at him; he likes jazz. Jacob, maybe he likes you,” Hannah whispers, lowering her voice as she grabs a chip, shoving it inside Jacob’s mouth and staring into his eyes.

“Or he likes the bed,” Cal adds.

“Dad,” Hannah sighs as Jacob chews the chip. “I have a date with him later, actually. I asked him out earlier before I drove him to the bar,” he says.

“Really? That’s great! Wait—no, okay, you can’t look like a fuckboy, Jacob. You’ll lose your chance. You gotta look like a nice boy,” Hannah says, pinching his cheek as Jacob winces. “A nice boy? What are we even talking about?” he asks.

“No, no, you’ve got to look good. Don’t focus on the sex appeal,” Hannah says, gesturing at Jacob’s face. “What? Why not? I look good doing that,” Jacob makes a face. “Sometimes,” Hannah replies, and Jacob gives her a look. “Well, all the time—but the point is, the guy has class. He plays the piano and wears a waistcoat. You don’t show up to a date with him in a half-buttoned shirt with your man tits on the way. Come on, Jacob, he’s not there to fuck,” Hannah insists.

“Alright, point taken,” Jacob sighs. “What time is the date?” Hannah asks as she grabs his shoulder, shaking him. 

“Later, around 5? He did say he had a different gig today, so…” Jacob replies.

“Okay, more time to prepare. Get up. Up, up, up!” Hannah jumps to her feet, dragging Jacob, who grins.

“Ladies, please don’t make a mess on the floor; I just cleaned,” Cal says, not looking up from his magazine.

And that’s how Jacob ended up wearing a black turtleneck underneath a burgundy drop-shoulder button-down shirt, the top being unbuttoned and showing the black turtleneck underneath. 

His cuffs are folded up to his forearms, and he has his watch strapped on his left wrist. He paired it with some high-waisted, pleated black trousers that make Jacob’s legs look a bit longer than usual—he's used to wearing his pants down to his calves, held up with a leather belt. And some Doc Martens.

His hair is loosely slicked back, leaving it a bit messy and soft.

“You look good. Like, really good. I can’t believe this. This whole thing fits you—I’m almost mad because you really look good,” Hannah says as Jacob looks at himself in the bathroom mirror, running his hand through his hair and messing it up further. Damn, he does look good. Red really suits him, he nods to himself and looks over at Hannah.

“Regret that platonic relationship now?” he jokes, but Hannah rolls her eyes.

“I’m now married to my work, sadly,” she responds with a fake sad sigh, making Jacob snort. “So, it turns out I can dig this style,” he says, spinning around as Hannah nods approvingly.

“Chef’s kiss! Pay up, honey.” She says. “What time is it?” 

“4:30, I told him to meet me by the bar,” Jacob replies, checking his phone.

“So, where are you taking him?” Hannah asks as Jacob makes his last touch-ups, spraying perfume on his neck and collar—might be too much, but whatever, he wants to smell good. He can’t have the guy smelling like cherries and him sweat.

“I’m taking him to Rosemary's. They have good steak there; I already made a reservation,” he answers.

“Rosemary’s? Oh, the steak’s amazing there,” Hannah agrees, looking like a proud mother.

“Well, I’m glad you like my good decision; I know my stuff,” Jacob winks at her. He lets Hannah lie on his bed for a moment while he walks around, making sure he looks good and smells nice. 

“So just checking, do you really like this guy or…?” Hannah asks when he comes back to his room, hand on his cuff, checking to make sure it's clean and properly folded. He trusts Hannah, but just to be sure. “What?” he asks.

Hannah lies on her side. “You like Sebastian? I mean, you let him sleep on your bed, and now you’ve asked him out on a date,” she points out. “He looks nice to the eye.” Jacob shrugs. “So… is that a yes?” Hannah tilts her head down the bed, staring at him. 

Jacob lets out a long ‘uhm’ as he looks at himself in the bathroom mirror, mostly at his hair—oh boy, he’s not really used to having his hair like this; he’s always gelled it down after all. “So?” He turns and sees Hannah hanging off the bed now, upside down, as Jacob leans on the doorframe. “Well… he’s nice—but we don’t know much about each other yet,” he says. “Hence the date…” Hannah finishes for him as he snaps a finger at her with a grin.

“You know, I don’t even know what to call your relationship with him—sharing a bed twice now, then a date,” Hannah says as she sits up, groaning a bit and feeling dizzy. “That just means I have a good feeling about this,” Jacob says, closing the bathroom lights, shutting the door, and grinning at Hannah.

“So if he doesn’t like me yet, I’ll make him like me,” Jacob grins. Hannah stands up, stretches her arms over her head, and then pinches his cheeks. “Who doesn’t like that stupid face? Come on, get moving,” she smiles, and Jacob grins.

“You look nice,” Sebastian says, looking surprised as he takes in Jacob’s hair, face, clothing, and shoes, before his gaze lands back on Jacob’s face. 

“What do you mean? I always look nice,” Jacob grins. Sebastian is dressed in his typical work attire: a white button-up shirt with the cuffs rolled up to his elbows, a black tie, and a black waistcoat, while his overcoat is nowhere to be seen. His hair is neat and pushed back, although Jacob can see it’s a bit loose; he’s probably been running his hand through it again and again.

In his black slacks and loafers, he looks good. “Is that so? It’s hard to say,” Sebastian replies, humming as he shrugs. Jacob rolls his eyes. 

“Get in?” he asks, opening the door to the passenger seat. Sebastian meets his eyes and grins. Jacob helps him inside before walking around to the driver’s seat. 

“So, how was the gig today? You never told me where your other job is aside from the bar,” Jacob starts as he drives down the road. 

“Just parties here and there,” Sebastian says. 

“You do parties? I thought you only played jazz,” Jacob asks, raising his brows as Sebastian waves a hand dismissively. 

“I mean, it’s a gig. I mostly do it for… additional cash,” Sebastian shrugs a single shoulder as Jacob glances at him for a moment before returning his focus to the road. 

Sebastian leans against the door, his lips turned into a frown, with his elbow resting on the window as he leans his cheek against it. 

“You okay?” Jacob asks, and Sebastian turns to him quickly, nodding. 

“Yeah—just tired and all… So where are we going?” he finally asks, adjusting in his seat. 

“Oh—Rosemary’s, that steakhouse just up ahead. They have great food; you might like it,” Jacob says, pointing at the nice-looking restaurant, the name “Rosemary’s” glowing in bold red neon light against the setting sun as he drives into the parking lot and finds a good spot. 

Sebastian gets out first, leaning against the hood of Jacob’s car with a small smile on his face. 

“So, do you bring most people you pick up here? Or am I special?” Sebastian asks, teasingly grinning as Jacob raises his brows at him. 

“Why? Jealous? Just so you know, you’re the only one who liked the bed; I think you’re at least a bit special,” Jacob replies, offering his elbow to Sebastian, who doesn’t hesitate to take it as they walk toward the entrance. 

“Eh. You’re right; I’m more in it for the bed than for you, so.” Sebastian shrugs. 

“Reservation for two, Jacob Palmer,” Jacob says to the man at the front, who nods and leads them inside the restaurant to an open window where they can watch the sun set slowly. 

“Oh wow—this is… this is a nice spot. Was this on purpose?” Sebastian laughs as he sits down. Jacob sits opposite him as the waiter places the menus in front of them. 

“Maybe. You look like a guy who enjoys watching the sunset. Rosemary has a really nice spot where you can watch it rise and set—anyway, we should order first.” Jacob picks up the menu, and Sebastian does the same. 

“That’s oddly… thoughtful of you,” Sebastian says, not looking at the menu, but observing Jacob's face over it. 

“So… do you?” Jacob asks, looking up as well. “Like watching the sunset, I mean,” he adds. 

Sebastian cracks a grin. “I like both. How about you?” He looks back down at his menu, tapping his shoes on the floor. The clacking noises Jacob finds annoying have a rhythm; he realizes Sebastian is following the beat of the restaurant’s background music.

Jesus, a music nerd—Jacob can’t help but snicker under his breath. 

“I’m fine with any.” Jacob says softly and Sebastian just shoots him a small adoring smile that makes Jacob’s heart beat faster than normal and face to warm, he looks back on the menu in his hands.

“I’ll take a filet mignon,” Jacob finally says to the waiter beside him, who exchanges a nod with the man at the front of the restaurant. Sebastian looks back down at the menu, wincing as Jacob glances over at him. 

“Uh, can I just get the same thing as you? I honestly don’t know any of this,” Sebastian sighs. 

“Alright, two filet mignons… Any drinks?” the waiter asks, jotting something down on his notepad. 

“Just red wine is fine, thanks,” Jacob waves a hand as the waiter nods, jotting it down and walking off. 

Jacob turns to Sebastian, who is now looking out the window, the setting sun casting a warm light over them before he turns back to Jacob, smirking. 

“Your hair isn’t gelled today; I’m a bit surprised. Surprised it’s for little old me?” he jokes, leaning his elbow on the table as Jacob grins. 

“If it is?” he asks. 

Sebastian shrugs. “Well, consider me flustered; it looks good on you. Also, the get-up—I assume it’s new for you,” Sebastian motions at Jacob’s clothing, and Jacob can’t help but flush and preen, knowing he looks smug right now.

“You like it?” Jacob asks, leaning close to the table. 

“I do, but you didn’t have to.” Sebastian laughs softly, placing a hand over his mouth for a moment before he looks serious. “You really didn’t have to," he says.

“I know—I know, but I want to look good,” Jacob shrugs.

“You already do, so…” Sebastian replies with a small smile and a shy shrug, while Jacob bites his lower lip.

“So… your shoes, mind telling me why they’re so loud?” Jacob asks, and Sebastian laughs.

“You don’t do this, huh?” he says.

“Do what?” Jacob asks, trying to look as innocent as possible, enjoying the warm yellow light on Sebastian’s face and in his relaxed eyes.

“Dates and all,” Sebastian gestures toward Jacob.

“Well… it’s not always—” Jacob shrugs.

“So I’m not the only one right now? Or…” Sebastian tries again.

“You are—you’re the only one, I swear. I’m not looking for another person,” Jacob says quickly, and Sebastian smiles at him. 

“Okay…” he says, leaning back, looking like a cat that got the mouse.

“Two filet mignons and red wine,” the waiter says as he comes by, and Jacob leans back as their table is set and their food is served.

“That was nice—thank you, I mean, the bill was…” Sebastian trails off, groaning as he presses a hand over his face while they walk out of the restaurant, full and happy. The whole time, Sebastian talks about well-known figures in jazz—Jacob understands nothing at all, but it’s nice to listen to Sebastian talk. 

He’s never thought the other would be so talkative, but it’s probably because of the lack of sleep and rest he’s been getting for the past few days. 

“So, my house again?” Jacob opens the door for Sebastian, who climbs in. 

“Well—if you don’t mind. But—it’s fine,” Sebastian says.

“No, I insist now. I doubt you’ll get the sleep you need. Where do you even live?” Jacob asks as he hops into the driver’s seat.

“So you can stalk me?” Sebastian quips.

“No, no—but it’s better if I get you home than to the bar, am I right?” Jacob grins as he glances at Sebastian, who has a hand over his mouth, smiling a little and looking out the window. 

“So?” Jacob asks as they pull out of the parking lot.

“Actually, my apartment building is pretty close to the bar—just a few blocks down,” Sebastian says. “I just moved in a month ago,” he adds.

“Wait, the yellowing apartment building? What’s its name again? Willow Cove? Hah—Cal used to live there when he and his wife almost divorced.” He accidentally lets that slip, and Sebastian turns to him, surprised. 

“Oh—shit, sorry about that,” he says, and Jacob waves a hand, flushing. 

God, his mouth sometimes runs. 

“Sorry, yeah—no, they’re fine now. They just experienced some problems after being together for so long, you know?” he explains. 

Sebastian shakes his head. “No, I don’t actually. What happened, if it’s alright to ask? Cal seems like a swell guy, as well as Hannah,” he says.

Jacob shrugs a shoulder. “Well—Cal and his wife—Emily, her name’s Emily. They’ve been together for so long, actually, very young. They had Hannah early too. I think Emily was around 17 or 18? Or maybe younger. She got pregnant before they got married. I think that must have put some strain on their marriage because they’ve been together for so long and all,” Jacob explains, while Sebastian falls silent and goes quiet.

“Huh…” Sebastian says. “They lost the spark, huh?” 

“But they’re alright now,” Jacob says, glancing at Sebastian, who looks deep in thought, pensive. “Something wrong?” Jacob can’t help but ask, but Sebastian shakes his head.

“No—no, nothing’s wrong. It’s just… I can’t help but find that kind of… beautiful, I guess. So I suppose Cal and his wife are really meant to be then? Like soulmates?” he asks.

Jacob snorts, letting out a huff of laughter. “You believe in those?” he asks.

“Should I not?” Sebastian asks.

Jacob shakes his head. “No, no, it’s fine. I think that’s cute,” he grins.

“Is it? I mean—soulmates, the idea of it is just… nice, you know? You find a person that you’re meant to be with forever, even if life wants to mess you both over,” Sebastian says, and like how he talks about music and jazz, he sounds passionate. It makes Jacob all tingly in the chest, and the tips of his fingers feel alight. 

There’s just something about this guy that makes him want to grab him and hold him—he isn’t sure yet if it’s to kiss or to have sex, honestly. And not going to lie? That’s okay. It’s probably the first time he isn’t lusting after or whoring out on someone.

“That’s cute,” Jacob says.

“Is it?” Sebastian looks over, brows furrowed in confusion, his nose scrunched up as Jacob grins and nods. “Very—hey, do you want to go somewhere nice?” Jacob asks.

“Like where?” Sebastian replies.

“Somewhere. We gotta walk there, though,” Jacob says.

He turned the wheel onto another street along the riverbank he knew, stopping where the road ended. Parking the car at the side, he saw a few couples, families, and children walking on the grass by the riverbank, picnic blankets spread out here and there, while the lamp posts began to light up as it got darker. 

“Oh,” Sebastian stood beside him as Jacob offered a hand, which Sebastian took as they both walked down the grass, dodging a few people until they reached the wooden fence overlooking the river. 

“Sometimes it gets really loud out there. The river here is nice and peaceful. Even when people are almost always around, it beats the car honking and people screaming in the streets from time to time,” Jacob said as Sebastian leaned on the fence, humming. 

A breeze came by, and Jacob watched Sebastian’s hair flutter around, looking amazing—he caught a few girls and some guys stealing glances at them, but Sebastian didn’t seem to mind. 

Sebastian took a deep breath and sighed. “It’s nice here; I agree,” he said. 

Jacob mirrored him, leaning against the fence with their shoulders now touching. “So, you said you moved here. Where did you used to live?” Jacob asked. 

“Oh, not really that far—just L.A.,” Sebastian’s brows furrowed. “Oh, L.A.—why move?” Jacob tilted his head, resting his cheek on the palm of his hand as he watched Sebastian stare at the water. 

“Uh, probably money,” Sebastian said wryly. Jacob winced; he should have thought that one question through. 

“Also, I applied for a lot of gigs. I wanted a permanent one that would allow me to stay in one place. Uh… I got this one; it pays decently, and I managed to get an apartment at Willow Cove. But I’m still trying to get more gigs,” Sebastian continued. 

“For the apartment? Are you saving for something?” Jacob asked as he leaned back to stretch his back a bit. 

“Something like that—just a dream I’ve had ever since I was a kid,” Sebastian shrugged a single shoulder. 

“And what’s that?” Jacob asked. 

Sebastian turned to him. “My own bar,” he said with a soft smile. 

Jacob looked into his eyes and saw passion and determination, just like his father—the live burning passion in their eyes, just like the person Jacob wanted to be but couldn’t be because of his own lack of it. 

“Can I kiss you right now?” Jacob asked, and Sebastian’s brows shot up in surprise. “Now?” he asked, shocked. Jacob nodded and reached a hand to cup Sebastian’s chin gently. “Tell me if you don’t want to; I’ll back off. I’m not forcing you or anything; I just want to kiss you right now because you look so good, and I’d rather not miss the chance.” 

Sebastian blinked furiously before laughing, which made Jacob feel a bit embarrassed. “Sorry—I yes, yes, go ahead. Kiss me, lover boy,” he laughed. Jacob wrapped an arm around his waist and pulled him close, their chests flushed together as he kissed Sebastian softly on the lips. Sebastian let out a hum, placing a hand on Jacob’s shoulder as he stood on his tiptoes so Jacob didn’t have to tilt his head down. 

Their lips moved together, unintentionally swapping some spit. Jacob could taste the red wine on Sebastian’s lips. When they finally parted, both were breathing hard, a single trail of saliva snapping between them as Sebastian laughed—his hair a mess. 

Jacob hadn’t even noticed he’d been running his hand through Sebastian’s hair. “That was good—you know how to kiss. Jesus. Uhm,” Sebastian stammered, his face red as he laughed again, and Jacob grinned. 

“Two times,” Jacob said. “You’ve slept in my bed two times, we’ve had a date, and this is our first kiss. How is it? Are you still here for the bed or for me?” he asked slyly. Sebastian’s eyes lit up with amusement. “I’m thinking about it.” 

“So, will you stay the night with me?” Jacob asked. 

Sebastian nodded, grinning.

* * *

They both return to Jacob's penthouse, flushed and breathless. Their hands roam, lips pressed together in a heated kiss as they practically fall through the doorway. Jacob, with hungry impatience, pushes Sebastian onto the bed and starts peeling away layers—his shirt, then his turtleneck. Sebastian mirrors him, fumbling with his waistcoat and yanking off his tie. His hands, trembling, struggle with the buttons of his shirt.

“I don’t know how to do this,” Sebastian pants, hair sticking to his flushed forehead.

Jacob crawls over him, voice low, brushing Sebastian's lips with his own. “It’s alright. We don’t have to rush—just touching, if you want.” He kisses him gently, and Sebastian’s only answer is a breathy moan and a frantic nod, the undone shirt forgotten as he scoots up the bed and flops onto the pillows.

Sebastian lets his hand wander over Jacob’s bare chest, fingers tracing the lines of muscle. “Jesus,” he laughs, half in disbelief.

Jacob hums in amusement, capturing Sebastian’s chin to pull him in for another hard, searching kiss. Sebastian makes a sweet, desperate noise against his mouth; Jacob smiles, licking gently at his lips. Sebastian’s hands are suddenly everywhere—waist, chest, belt—before he starts unbuckling Jacob’s belt with nervous eagerness.

“Hey,” Jacob’s voice is barely a whisper, teasing. “I said we could just stick to touching.”

Sebastian laughs under his breath. “Yeah—touching. Like, touching our dicks together maybe?” He grins, mischievous.

Jacob laughs too, letting him finish with the belt and start on his slacks. “Frotting, huh? Into that?”

“Mhm.” Sebastian ducks his head, focused, pulling Jacob’s zipper down. “You’re hard,” he murmurs.

“Well, hard not to be—with you under me. How about you?” Jacob grazes Sebastian’s lips with a soft kiss.

“Getting there,” Sebastian breathes out. “Just a bit nervous. That's why it’s slow.”

“That's fine,” Jacob whispers, pressing another gentle kiss to his cheek. “Let me take care of you, alright?”

Sebastian giggles with nerves but nods, and Jacob sits back, straddling him, carefully undoing the rest of Sebastian’s shirt and pulling it off his shoulders.

“It’s not ending here, right? Or is it?” Sebastian whispers, now down to his undershirt, eyes heavy as he gazes up at Jacob. His pout draws a visceral response; Jacob can barely suppress a shiver.

“I don’t want it to. Do you?” Jacob replies quietly.

“No, not really. You’re interesting, Jacob. What made you like me?” Sebastian asks, then squeaks in surprise as Jacob yanks his shirt off and moves in, nuzzling at Sebastian’s neck. The scent hits Jacob—the sweet tang of cherry, stronger behind his ears. The perfume, whatever it is, nearly makes him dizzy.

“You have something I don’t,” Jacob murmurs, lips brushing Sebastian's ear before he nips at the lobe. Sebastian shudders, letting out a breathless moan.

“And what’s that?” he manages.

“Passion.” Jacob sits back, grinning wolfishly. Sebastian mirrors his grin, teasing.

“Passion, huh? You’re poetic, Jacob Palmer.”

Jacob shrugs. “Used to write poems when I was younger.”

Sebastian beams, undoes his own belt, kicks off his shoes, and lets everything pool on the bed. “C’mon, get naked. You just said this isn’t a one-time thing.”

Smiling, Jacob slips out of his remaining clothes and falls onto the mattress beside Sebastian, both of them stripped to boxers. Then Sebastian clambers onto his knees and slowly crawls between Jacob's legs, hands gentle on Jacob’s inner thighs. Jacob freezes, breath caught, as Sebastian settles, looking up at him—waiting.

“I can do it,” Sebastian says, his gaze dropping to the bulge straining against Jacob’s black boxers before flicking back up with those puppy-dog eyes that make Jacob want to bend him over and fuck him until he's crying and writhing.

“Are you sure? You did say you don’t know much about this,” Jacob replies, reaching out to pet Sebastian’s hair. His other hand closes into a fist momentarily, as if steadying himself, before he exhales and looks at Sebastian again.

“Teach me, then,” Sebastian grins, his hand sliding to the waistband of Jacob’s boxers. Jacob feels his stomach churn, tightening with nerves or excitement—he can’t tell which. It’s like a wild flutter of butterflies, leaving him dizzy and, frankly, a little unhinged.

Jesus, it’s been a while since he’s felt like this.

The last time was when he was fifteen, losing his virginity to some jock with a slick smile and arms too big for his letterman jacket. He’d been dumped and mocked the very next day, called all the typical slurs for a queer kid at school. It was textbook homophobia, but it still stings when he remembers.

“You’re long.”

Sebastian’s voice pulls him back. Jacob shivers as Sebastian’s warm breath skims the sensitive skin between his thighs. His cock, thick and flushed, falls back over his stomach, a bead of pre-cum glistening at the tip. Sebastian grabs the waistband of his boxers and effortlessly tosses them to the side.

“So, how do I do it, boss? Tell me,” Sebastian murmurs, his voice velvety and sweet in a way that makes Jacob’s cock twitch. Sebastian notices it too, and a sly grin spreads across his face. Damn him for being so cocky already.

“Jesus, Seb—alright.” Jacob half-laughs, half-groans, trying to ground himself. “How do you touch yourself? Just start like that. Step one—a handjob. You can spit on your hand, or we can use lube. There’s some in that drawer.” He gestures lazily toward the bedside cabinet, suppressing the urge to squirm at the weight of Sebastian’s gaze.

Sebastian glances at the cabinet but shakes his head. “Just spit for now. I’m going to use my mouth anyway.”

The bluntness of the statement has Jacob swallowing hard. But before he has time to process it, Sebastian’s hand wraps gently around the base of his cock, and Jacob exhales a shaky breath he didn’t realize he was holding.

“Okay—okay, I’ve got this. I’m good with my hands,” Sebastian mutters, mostly to himself, as though he’s gearing up for some great challenge. Jacob can’t help but chuckle at the sight.

“Is that supposed to be a joke, since you can play the piano—ohhh.” His teasing is cut short as Sebastian begins to move his hand, slowly, experimentally, the dry stroke rough but surprisingly deliberate.

He’s taking this seriously, Jacob realizes. Watching Sebastian concentrate on him—on his dick of all things—somehow makes the entire situation almost funny. But when Sebastian tentatively pulls the skin up over the head, Jacob’s laugh morphs into a low groan, his head falling back against the pillows.

“Sorry,” Jacob mumbles, breath hitching. “It’s been a while... And, uh, it’s going to hurt if it’s dry. Spit on it, please.”

Sebastian chuckles, leaning over, and Jacob flinches slightly when he feels the warm wetness of spit dripping over his head. Sebastian’s hand moves again, slicking up the skin as he pumps slowly. The wet glide makes a soft, obscene sound, and Jacob lets out a noise so embarrassing it makes his ears burn.

God—it really has been a while. It’s not like his libido is dead, far from it, but before Hannah and Cal, sex was just... casual. A pastime, indifferent and unremarkable. He’s never really had sex that felt like it meant something—something for both of them to savor.

“Is this okay?” Sebastian asks, leaning back on his knees. Jacob groans, raising his head just enough to catch sight of Sebastian’s hand—the way it looks so damn good curling around him.

“Jesus,” Jacob breathes. “That’s—that’s good.” His voice breaks on the last word as Sebastian plays with the head of his cock, running his thumb over the slit. Jacob’s hips shift instinctively, fists clenching the sheets.

“Good?” Sebastian echoes, blue eyes sharp and searching.

“So good,” Jacob whimpers, biting his lip to stifle another sound. His chest rises and falls unevenly. “You—you want to try with your mouth now?”

Sebastian nods, a little excited, a little hesitant. “Yeah—hold on. Let me figure out the angle.”

He lets go of Jacob’s cock, which is almost a relief; the break gives Jacob a chance to breathe. Sebastian settles lower on his chest, positioning himself between Jacob’s legs.

“You okay down there?” Jacob asks, his voice shaky from both nerves and arousal. He’s grateful for the brief pause; he doesn’t think he’ll last much longer with Sebastian’s hands, let alone his mouth, involved.

“Yeah,” Sebastian replies, glancing up with flushed cheeks. “Can you, uh... I don’t know, put your hand on my head? Like... guide me?”

Jacob feels his face heat further but nods. He adjusts his posture, sitting up slightly before threading his fingers through Sebastian’s soft blond hair. The strands slide like silk between his fingers, and he fights the urge to tug.

Sebastian leans forward, his hand already gripping the base of Jacob’s cock as he takes a deep breath. Warm breath fans over Jacob’s skin, and his body buzzes in anticipation.

Jacob shivers.

“It’s okay if you can’t do it,” he murmurs, voice trembling. Sebastian just shakes his head, determined.

“No, it’s fine—” Sebastian interrupts, and then, without warning, presses a kiss to Jacob’s head. He traces the sensitive slit with delicate, kittenish licks, making Jacob’s eyes flutter closed. Jacob’s grip loosens in Sebastian’s hair, surrendering to sensation—until Sebastian parts his lips wider and suddenly swallows Jacob down, sinking until his nose brushes skin. He groans around Jacob’s cock and gags, forcing Jacob to tug him back up, Sebastian coughing at the side.

Jacob blinks, breathless, and asks shakily, “Are you okay?”

Sebastian nods, wiping his lips. “Yeah, shit—god. Okay, I get it now. I got it.” He licks his lips, nodding to himself, more determined than ever.

“You sure?” Jacob asks.

“Yeah,” Sebastian says quietly, then leans in again. His mouth finds Jacob’s length, lips wrapping around him as he breathes through his nose, slowly bobbing down. He pauses, sucks softly, then glides back up.

To say Jacob sees white feels like an understatement—his whole mind blanks out, pleasure blazing so intensely he can’t quite process it. It’s been so long, and he so rarely gets blown. And Sebastian—somehow—gives as if he was born for this, even as he fumbles his way through.

“Oh, fuck—” Jacob groans, clutching fistfuls of Sebastian’s hair, stopping him. Sebastian freezes.

“Wait, wait… I’m—gonna come quick if you do that. Jesus, Seb. Don’t suck just the head,” Jacob pants, barely holding himself back.

Sebastian just grins, a glimmer of mischievous look in his eyes, and the laugh rumbling in his throat vibrates through Jacob, making him groan raggedly.

“Slowly. Or I’ll genuinely bust a nut in your mouth,” Jacob half-jokes, voice so broken he barely recognizes it. Sebastian just gives him a look that dares him to do it.

Jacob swallows hard. “Okay—you said so.” He nods, letting Sebastian go. Sebastian resumes, mouth sliding down, head bobbing, taking Jacob deeper and deeper as he moves, steady and slow. Jacob shivers, the sensations making it impossible to stay still, hand tugging the other’s hair as he lets Sebastian find his rhythm.

Jesus—Jesus. Sebastian’s mouth is warm, slick, and so incredibly wet that Jacob might just ascend to heaven on the spot. His tongue teases at the base, curling and licking with every bob—a move too perfect for someone supposedly inexperienced.

This man is definitely lying—no way in hell. “Oh shit.” Jacob lets out another moan, broken from his thoughts as he feels Sebastian rake his teeth gently over the sensitive skin of his head.

The sounds—wet, obscene, needy—fill the room alongside the heat building in Jacob’s gut. Sweat beads on his skin; his thighs tremble on either side of Sebastian’s head as he fights not to lose it, determined not to blow in under five minutes.

Embarrassing—he’s been with plenty of people, but now he’s coming apart like he’s never done this before.

“Oh fuck,” he moans, nearly helpless now as Sebastian pulls off just enough to suck and lick beneath the crown, looking up at Jacob through messy hair, eyes heavy-lidded and shining with wicked amusement. “Oh baby—you look so good, and you suck even better—” Jacob whispers, laughing weakly, trembling as Sebastian’s eyes crinkle at the praise before he speeds up, mouth working him harder.

Jacob can’t last—his hand finds Sebastian’s shoulder now, unsure whether to pull him away or anchor him closer, jaw clenched as his body shakes. “Shit, oh fuck—I’m gonna—”

He can barely warn him; he’s falling apart, moans spilling from his lips uncontrollably. “I’m gonna come—Seb—fuck, I can’t—” His legs tense, threatening to kick, so he finally tries to push Sebastian off, desperate not to lose control entirely in his mouth.

But Sebastian holds firm, hand stroking steady at Jacob’s base, mouth sucking harder—edging him mercilessly, keeping him teetering right at the edge. The pleasure and the ache blur together, so intense he can hardly form words. “Fuck—oh shit, are you doing that on purpose? You fucker,” Jacob laughs, unable to help himself, breath hissing between his teeth.

Sebastian just chuckles again, mouth vibrating with a laugh as he sucks even harder, tongue relentless—

And Jacob, utterly undone, knows he’s being overstimulated on purpose. No way in the nine circles of hell Sebastian doesn’t know that teasing the head would force you to be stuck in a pretty much ruined and edged orgasm.

This fucker.

“Seb—Seb, stop—fuck—you’re doing this on purpose. I can’t cum! Asshole!”

Jacob can’t help but laugh, giggling uncontrollably as Sebastian keeps tormenting him, tongue merciless on his slit. Jacob tries to push him away, but Sebastian just grins up at him, lips flushed and red, his tongue flicking across his lower lip—slow, deliberate, filthy. It sends sparks dancing through Jacob’s body. 

He groans, dragging Sebastian up for a desperate kiss; their mouths collide, Jacob biting hard at Sebastian’s bottom lip. Sebastian moans raggedly, grinding down against him, still somehow half dressed. Double unbelievable, Jacob’s here butt naked and Sebastian’s still wearing his pants.

“Your turn. Unbelievable. You’re a menace—you’re ruining my night,” Jacob mutters, short of breath. Sebastian just laughs wickedly.

“Take your pants off. C’mon, c’mon. I seriously can’t believe what an asshole you are,” Jacob whines, already working at Sebastian’s belt, impatience in every movement.

“Guess you’re getting to know me,” Sebastian grins, pushing himself up and slipping out of his jeans. He’s hard too—there’s a wet patch at the front of his boxers, the head of his cock obvious beneath the fabric. Jacob wastes no time, fingers hooking under the waistband to tug it down, helping Sebastian shimmy out.

Sebastian’s cock curves up, thick and flushed—while Jacob’s is a bit longer and slimmer, Sebastian’s is just heavier, girthier, the kind of cock that fills a palm. Jacob can’t help but tease him, “A little untrimmed, huh? Guess you only keep the parts people see neat,” he says, smirking as he pulls Sebastian closer, kisses stealing the air from between them.

He drags Sebastian over his lap, rough hands gripping his thighs and hauling him in. Their chests press together, cocks bumping—skin on skin, both shivering at the sensation. Sebastian clings to Jacob’s neck, drawing him into another hungry kiss, tongues tangling.

“Jacob... Jacob—” Sebastian pants, pulling back so Jacob can find his neck, sucking a reddened mark onto skin that’s already flushed and glowing. He can’t help himself—he wants to leave proof, wants Sebastian wearing him for days.

“What? You have to tell me. What do you want?” Jacob murmurs against his skin, out of breath, more gone with each second.

“Wait—lube. Maybe. I want—let’s do it, now,” Sebastian stammers, suddenly shy, both their cocks caught in his fist. The shiver that runs through them is immediate, electric.

“Oh—I’m not going to last, but yeah—okay.” Jacob’s voice is shaky as he reaches over, rifling in his nightstand for the bottle. He fumbles through the drawer, finally pulling it free and uncapping it.

“Just... above? How much?” he asks, hand trembling.

“Your call,” Sebastian laughs softly, breath hitching as Jacob drizzles lube over their cocks. Sebastian rubs it in, their bodies slick and hypersensitive—just the briefest contact has both of them gasping. Jacob tosses the bottle aside.

“How about I do it?” Jacob offers, voice rough.

“You sure?” Sebastian replies, wiping his hand on the sheet, not caring in the slightest.

“Yeah. Hold on—let me.” Jacob grabs Sebastian’s thighs again, hauling him up higher in his lap. Sebastian’s startled squeak makes Jacob smirk, but he holds him there, their cocks pressed flush—no space left, just heat and aching need. Sebastian leans into him, chin on Jacob’s shoulder as Jacob wraps a hand firmly around both of them.

Sebastian moans, the sound right by Jacob’s ear, oh god he’s so out of it and wrecked. “Oh fuck—” he breathes.

Jacob starts moving, sliding his hand up and down, the slick motion maddening. His other hand clenches Sebastian’s waist, anchoring him in place as Sebastian claws at his shoulders, nails leaving crescents in skin.

“Oh—ah—ngh, Jacob, that feels so—fuck—so good,” Sebastian whimpers, voice breaking. Jacob bites down on his own groans, heat licking at the base of his spine, body already tight and desperate. Sebastian writhes, rutting into Jacob’s fist, chasing friction, but Jacob holds him firmly, controlling the pace.

The slide of skin and lube is obscene, addictive. Jacob watches as Sebastian starts to fall apart, flushed cheeks, damp hair stuck to his forehead, mouth open as he struggles to keep quiet, biting his lip.

“Let me see you. Come on, baby, let me see you,” Jacob whispers, breathless.

Sebastian leans back, trembling, eyes shining as he tries to keep himself together. He’s gorgeous—utterly ruined, the kind of pretty that makes Jacob never want to look away.

“You look so beautiful,” Jacob murmurs, peppering kisses to Sebastian’s lips, then deeper, more desperate as Sebastian grabs his face and pulls him in.

“Yeah?” Sebastian gasps, dizzy with want.

“Yes. God, yes.” And Jacob says it again, over and over, buried between kisses and the rush of heat, just as breathless as Sebastian, both of them teetering on the edge together.

Jacob’s hand moves faster, his fingers aching, but he’s close—really, fucking close. “I’m close—so close,” he gasps.

Sebastian draws back, lips parted, his body trembling; his thighs flex with every breath as Jacob hums, breathless, nodding. “Me too—come on, come on, come on,” Jacob murmurs, repeating it like a mantra while he watches Sebastian duck his head, panting open-mouthed, need written across his face.

Suddenly, Sebastian comes first—thick white cum spurting out, turning the clear lube cloudy, painting Jacob’s hand as Sebastian lets out a broken moan, gasping, clutching Jacob’s shoulder. Jacob doesn’t stop; his hand keeps working, relentless, too close to even think of letting up just because Sebastian finished first.

“Jacob—Jacob—oh fuck. Mhmmm,” Sebastian whimpers, shuddering. Jacob just holds him in place, still stroking both of them together. “I just came—oh god—I’m gonna come again, oh fuck—”

Before Sebastian can finish, both their cocks twitch, and then they’re coming together, groaning, breathless. Jacob grabs Sebastian’s face with his free hand, pulling him into a hungry, desperate kiss, still moving his other hand until gradually he slows, and Sebastian shudders, whimpering, completely spent.

Jacob wipes his hand on the sheets before cupping Sebastian’s face, kissing his cheeks, his nose, then pressing his lips to Sebastian’s neck, sucking gently. Sebastian arches weakly into him, already soft, but Jacob stays hard—used to more than one round.

“Oh god,” Sebastian whispers, exhausted, eyes half-closed as a shaky laugh escapes him. He looks at Jacob, then glances down, wide-eyed.

“Jesus, you’re still hard?” he asks, incredulous.

Jacob grins. “I’m used to a lot of rounds. You okay? You came twice. You look kinda pale,” he murmurs, brushing his thumb along Sebastian’s cheek.

Sebastian nods shakily. “Yeah—that was so good. Mind-blowing, actually. I never thought being jerked off could feel that amazing,” he whispers, finding Jacob’s lips for another kiss. This time, it’s just featherlight pecks across his face.

“Yeah?” Jacob murmurs softly, kissing him back.

“Mhm—so good,” Sebastian whispers, smiling against his skin.

“Thanks,” Sebastian whispers. Clean now, he’s wearing Jacob’s nightwear again, his hair still wet from a bath they just finished together. The bath mostly ended with Sebastian sitting on the toilet bowl, letting Jacob clean him up because he could barely stand. Afterward, Jacob let Sebastian rest on the living room couch, giving him much-needed electrolytes while tidying the room.

“Is it up to your expectations?” Jacob grins, watching Sebastian drop onto the now-cleaned bed, a small smile on his face.

“It’s beyond that—come here,” Sebastian says, motioning for Jacob to move closer. He holds Jacob, their legs tangling as Jacob hums softly. His chest feels warm, something Sebastian has never really experienced with anyone he’s been with.

It’s funny because they didn’t even do penetration—just rubbing their cocks together—but somehow, it feels so good. Now Sebastian’s arms are wrapped around Jacob. “That was nice,” Sebastian says, running his hand through Jacob’s hair.

“I’m glad King Sebastian likes it a lot,” Jacob replies, making Sebastian laugh.

They fall silent. The low lights remain on, casting a soft glow—not too bright, just comfortable.

“This isn’t the end, right? I’m not just a body for you to fuck?” Sebastian whispers, unsure.

Jacob leans back, meeting Sebastian’s gaze with a frown, biting his lower lip. “Hey—of course not, baby. This is real. I’m not fucking with you,” he says, placing a hand over Sebastian’s cheek. Sebastian nods.

“I believe you,” he says.

Jacob grins. “Why shouldn’t you?”

“Besides the fact you’ve probably brought a lot of people into this bed? I don’t know,” Sebastian shrugs lightly.

“Touche—but I swear, I’m serious about this. You already know Cal and Hannah—they’re like family. I’ve never done that for anyone,” Jacob says.

Sebastian bites his lip, smiling a bit, then nods. “Okay—I trust you. I like pretty faces anyway,” he says.

“And what does that say about me? You’re more than just pretty, baby,” Jacob replies, earning a lip-bite grin from Sebastian.

“Alright—alright,” Sebastian says, shrugging, giving up the fight.

“What? You giving up on the fight just like that? Come on, don’t you have anything good to say about me?” Jacob whines.

“I’ll think about it,” Sebastian says smugly, as Jacob groans.

* * *

Sebastian’s place looks like it’s one step away from a mental breakdown. He has a simple mattress on the floor, a thin bedsheet and blanket, and a single pillow with no case. His whole interior consists of boxes. He does have a very small kitchen table filled with papers, a pen, and a small bin underneath.

“It’s a mess, I know,” Sebastian sighs from behind him, holding a large box filled with trash, his lips pulled into an annoyed frown and brows furrowed. Jacob waves a hand. “No, no—I understand. Also, I think your cactus is dead. I don’t know how that’s possible, Seb.” Jacob walks by the windowsill and sees the crumbling cactus.

Behind him, Sebastian groans in annoyance, and Jacob bites his lip, trying to suppress a laugh—this might not be the right time to laugh anyway. He looks around once more and then at Sebastian, who is trying to clean up. He notices a hamper full of unwashed clothing pushed into the corner of the room. 

Jacob walks around and enters the bathroom, where he sees a bunch of items—which he assumes Sebastian uses to prepare himself and look good for the day. The porcelain of the toilet bowl looks like it’s one step away from crumbling.

Overall, Sebastian has been living in a crumbling and dilapidated apartment—probably for months. It’s been a few months since they met. Most of the time, Sebastian sleeps over at Jacob’s penthouse—actually, not just most of the time; he’s always there to the point that he has his own spare key if he wants to come and rest or eat. 

Just because the other barely cares for himself, he rarely sleeps and lives on scraps given to him by the bar owner. So, of course, Jacob wants to take care of him; it’s in his nature to want to care for someone who needs caring for. It’s just lucky that the one he’s caring for is someone he really likes. 

He’s also lucky (or perhaps unlucky) that Sebastian is a stubborn man who refuses to be taken care of, thinking he’s taking advantage of Jacob, which is far from the truth.

Sebastian barely asks for anything he wants; he’s just fine with whatever. And Jacob seriously hates it—Sebastian definitely deserves a lot more than this crumbling apartment. 

God damn. How did Cal even live in this place? My god.

“Ever thought of just moving in with me?” Jacob asks as he walks into Sebastian’s room, watching him put his clothes on a hanger and place it inside the wardrobe. 

“Uh—I don’t… I don’t know about that. I can’t do that to you,” Sebastian says, averting his gaze. Jacob leans against the doorframe, arms crossed over his chest, and smiles. “It’s fine—I like having you close anyway.”

“You can’t handle being far away from me.” Sebastian raises an eyebrow this time, glancing at him. 

“Exactly! So?” Jacob grins.

Sebastian bites his lower lip. “Can I think about it first? I don’t want to—I mean, our relationship is very…” Sebastian shrugs, making gestures. 

“What? What’s wrong?” Jacob enters the room, watching as Sebastian sighs, looking down at his mattress before flopping down, causing his single pillow to tumble off. Jacob reaches down to pick it up, adjusting his pants to bend down without accidentally ripping them—curse his decision with his tight little pants for making his ass more pronounced.

At least he gets a lot of looks from Sebastian.

He sits down beside Sebastian. “Are you serious about me? I mean…” Sebastian asks slowly, eyeing Jacob. 

“I am,” Jacob replies, and Sebastian just lies there, licking his lower lip. 

“I really like you, Jacob, I do.” He looks over at him again, brows furrowed. “So? What’s the problem?” Jacob asks as he leans on his palm, looming over Sebastian for the perfect angle.

Sebastian shrugs. “I don’t know—I… I mean, I like you a lot, Jacob. I really do. I don’t want you for your body; you’re funny, you’re kind, you understand me, and you take care of me so well, you know that? It’s just… what if you get tired of me? I mean—I don’t really have anything to offer,” Sebastian shrugs, displaying a face of acceptance of that fact. Jacob leans back. 

“What are you even talking about, Seb? Get tired of you? What’s—are you okay?” Jacob asks as Sebastian sits up, rubbing his face as he sighs and shrugs. 

“I don’t know… Sorry, that wasn’t meant to offend you or anything. I’m not making a jab about the fact that you used to pick up people at the bar and all… I guess just a bit, but whatever.” He shrugs again.

“Hey, look at me right now. I told you I really like you; I really do. And Seb, it’s been so long since I felt this way. I stopped before I even met you, but I liked you the moment I collided with you outside the bar. Come on, it had to be obvious—I couldn’t stop staring at your face.” Jacob pouts as Sebastian glances at him, snorting a bit as he pushes Jacob lightly. 

“It was obvious, you ass. You were checking me out, you weirdo—but… are you sure? I mean, shouldn’t you ask that question before we’re together for at least a year? Most people regret living with their partners pretty quickly,” he says.

“Seb, baby, you’re basically living with me now, minus your stuff. You sleep in my bed, you eat breakfast with me, you come home from work to my house, and you come with me when I visit Hannah and the others. Are you seriously doubting me about that?” Jacob replies.

Sebastian falls silent at that. “You hate the smell of lavender, so I had to change the deodorizer in my bathroom. And it turns out you hate satin, so I got you cotton pajamas for you to sleep in. You love having music in the background instead of watching TV. You like to keep the piano clean… Seb—I think I’ve been prepared long enough,” Jacob adds, squinting at Sebastian, who laughs before leaning over to kiss him hard on the lips.

“What the hell—why are you so obsessed with me?” Sebastian bemoans, and Jacob just grins. “Boy, I wanna know,” Jacob sings. Sebastian groans, “Don’t sing Mariah Carey to me,” he says as Jacob kisses him back. Sebastian laughs when Jacob moves his hand around his waist, holding him tightly—not to hurt, but playfully—as Sebastian falls back on the mattress, laughing, breathless, while Jacob kisses his neck, peppering kisses all over his skin. 

“Live with me, or I’ll make sure you aren’t getting out of here without a limp,” Jacob says.

“Like you can,” Sebastian challenges him, but just then, Jacob sits up, unbuttoning his own shirt. Sebastian laughs, waving his hands. “Okay, okay! Fine! I will! I’ll live with you, baby. Don’t, please. I don’t need a limp today; I have a gig! Baby—” Sebastian shrieks loudly with laughter when Jacob leans over again—shirt thrown at the side, sucking on his neck and roaming his hands all over his body.

Hands now unbuckling Sebastian’s belt. It was safe to say Sebastian didn’t get to go to his gig that day.