Chapter Text
It wasn’t that you didn’t like him. He was funny and cute, and you often found yourself sitting near him, especially after a particularly unpleasant week. He seemed to sense your bad moods and tried his best to cheer you up, and it usually worked.
But you weren’t looking for a hookup, let alone the burden of a relationship, and the way he consistently flirted told you that he was looking for something from you. You weren’t sure exactly what, let alone why, but it made you wary.
And so, you began maintaining a little distance from him, opting instead to keep to yourself. Or at least, you thought that’s what you had been doing.
Tonight, you realize that you hadn’t come here to drink- you aren’t even in the mood to, so you order a virgin Mai Tai. You’d come by to see Jack, to check on him, to make sure he wasn’t drunk already. You wish that he and his brothers were on one of those big tours he always talked about- you wouldn’t have to worry about him so much if he was too far away to reach.
“That’s not what you usually order,” he comments as he sits by you.
“How would you know?”
“I pay attention, that’s all.”
You gaze into those big, soft, grayish-blue eyes. He is already tipsy, and it’s a cute look on him- his lopsided smile is a little wider, his mannerisms a little more exaggerated. “I’m sure you do,” you reply.
“So… no alcohol? Didja get knocked up?” His eyes sparkle mischievously. “Aww, I bet you’d make a great mom.”
You flush. “Stop it. I just don’t need to get drunk all the time.”
”That feels… pointed.” Jack looks a little embarrassed as he glances down at the drink in his hand. “It’s not all the time. Not on weeknights, usually. And not when we perform.”
Your voice softens. “Well, it’s often enough to make me worry about you.”
His expression shifts, and though he’s smiling, his eyes seem to study you. “See, that’s how I know you’d make a good mom. You care about everyone. Even idiots like me.”
“Thanks…” You glance down as your drink is slid toward you. “Well, that’s not happening any time soon. Maybe ever.”
He rests his scruffy chin in his hand, thinking. “It’s a shame.”
You bristle. “What does that mean?“
“Woah!” His posture straightens as his eyes widen in alarm, and he’s holding his hands up defensively. You notice that they’re on the big side, because everything about him is big, from his stature to his personality. “I didn’t mean it’s wrong if- if you don’t want kids. I was just thinking, y’know, it’s a shame so many people who do wanna be mo- parents- aren’t more like… you…” he trails off in embarrassment.
Your irritation fades as quickly as it flared up. “You’re not an idiot, but you’re good at making yourself seem like one, aren’t you?”
Jack nods without hesitation. “It’s why I’m the lead, I’m not scared to look dumb. And I’m the hottest, obviously.” He laughs sheepishly. “It really was a compliment, I swear.”
You lean in, so your words can only be heard by him. “You’re ridiculous. But least you’re sweet.”
That boosts his self-confidence a little too much. “I can be even sweeter to you, if you let me.” His grin is wider now, and all teeth- goofy, cute, and maybe a little sexy.
You roll your eyes. “Sure.”
“I mean it. You’d like me more at your place than here.”
“I’ll pass. From the way you were talking just now, I’d be afraid that you’d try to secretly impregnate me or something.”
“Shit, no, I wouldn’t do anything like that to you. Besides, I’m not into that.” His response is just a little too serious.
“What are you into?” You study his messy hair, his stubbly face. It’s difficult to imagine him even knowing about some of the kinks you’ve seen. He seems innocent, somehow, though you’ve no reason to assume he is.
“You’ll have to find out.”
“I regret asking.” You slide out of your stool, backhanding his arm affectionately, and wander off into the next room.
It’s a much smaller room, with an old pool table, some benches with ripped upholstery, and not much else. It’s usually empty, and slightly closed off from the rest of the bar, so it’s a spot you like sitting in when you need a few minutes to recharge your social battery.
As you scroll through your phone, you feel a presence near you. You sigh, and without looking up, you scoot to one side, giving Jack room to sit. “I’m just not in the mood to joke around tonight.”
When you glance over you see him nodding with his knees pressed together and his shoulders pushed forward. He looks childish, but it’s oddly endearing, and maybe he knows that. “I’ll shut up. Just let me sit with you, I’m bored.”
“Sure.”
He scoots close to you, resting his head on your shoulder. You have half a mind to shove him aside, but there is something about the way he relaxes on you, sleepy and trusting, that makes it impossible to push him away.
You ignore him for a few minutes, and when you both shift a little for comfort, you put an arm around him without thinking. Feeling him sink into you, you wonder how he hasn’t fallen asleep yet. “If you’re so tired, why don’t you head home?” You ask finally.
“Yeah, yeah, I know you wanna get rid of me…”
“It’s just late. I can call you a cab, if you need me to.”
“Nah. I’ll walk home later.” He downs the last of his drink.
“It’s cold, will you be okay?” You run your hand over the arm of his coat. “This isn’t very heavy.”
“Mmm, it’s fine. I can handle it.”
“Do you at least have gloves? A scarf? You really need to buy some.”
He laughs softly, and you can smell the whiskey on his breath.
“What?”
“You’re just so bossy… I like it.”
“So that’s what you’re into, huh?”
“Sort of. Mostly ‘cause you’re older, y’know?”
The realization hits you all at once. “Oh…”
“You’d be so good at playing mommy.” Jack presses his lips to your ear. “Do you want to play with me?”
You shiver with pleasure, and he notices. He takes your earlobe between his lips and sucks gently, moaning until you push him away. “Let’s not.”
“O-okay,” he stammers, his confidence faltering. “I’m not trying to make you uncomfortable.”
You wipe his saliva from your ear, scoffing at his earlier phrasing. “Play?”
Taking your question as a sign of interest, he offers, “I’ll show you what I mean if you take me home.”
“You’ll have to find someone else for your kink. Plenty of other older women here tonight. Ask one of them.”
“But I don’t want them, I want you,” he insists, pulling at the sleeve of your sweater.
“God, you act like a spoiled fuckin’ brat when you don’t get what you want.”
“You want to punish me?” He leans in far too close, cupping his hands around your cheeks and eyeing your lips. “You can-“
You silence him with a panicked slap, and he releases you, moving back and staring in shock. Tears well in his eyes. “I’m sorry…” he leans forward, holding his cheek as he blinks hard. “I won’t do it again. Please don’t be mad at me…”
You sigh in defeat. “If you cry, I’m going to feel sorry for you, and if I feel sorry for you, I might do something I regret.”
Jack looks away, but you tip his face toward you. Tears streak his cheeks, and you brush them away with the back of your hand. “Looks like you’re coming home with me.”
His eyes widen and his lips part, but you cover his mouth with your palm before he can speak.
“Don’t talk. Just follow me.”