Chapter Text
The next day, Dave seemed much more closed off. He still had his manic energy and terrifying tendency to yell, but… well, he didn’t offer to let Jack join him in skipping class. He didn’t bother Jack during study period.
Normally, Jack wouldn’t care, but… well, Dave was his only friend here. Maybe he should try to find someone else.
The study hall was silent when Jack walked in. Everyone was either doing work or texting or whatever. He walked over to his usual seat to find that someone was sitting next to it. He sat down silently, and thought this over. This was his chance to make another friend. Was he willing to take it?
Well, its now or never.
“Uh, hello?” Jack tried, waving at the boy awkwardly.
The boy looked over at Jack and gave an impressively creepy grin. “Hello! I’m Matt!”
“Eh… never mind.” Jack replied, grimacing. Maybe not.
This was the first time Jack actually showed up for gym class, it being the one he was always willing to skip with Dave. But this time, obviously, Dave didn’t offer. So, now, here he was, in the locker room, trying desperately not to stare at the other boys.
It’s not like he was gay or anything. Just… his straightness from when he was a girl leaking into his male self. He liked girls, even crushed on a few, but he was not gay. That he was sure of.
Damn, he might have some internalized homophobia to work through.
But now was not the time to deal with that. Now was the time to-
FUCK.
Was that-
Jack glanced to his left and- yep. There he was.
Dave grinned. “Hey there!”
Jack sighed, running his hand down his face. “Hello, Dave.”
Dave leaned closer to Jack. “Why ain’t ‘cha lookin’ at me? Scared?” He taunted, poking Jack in the shoulder.
“Its called respecting your boundaries and basic human decency.” Jack said through gritted teeth.
Dave laughed. “No need to respect my boundaries if I don’t give a shit.”
“It almost feels like you want me to look.”
“I- w- what?!” Dave spluttered. “Why would ya think that?!”
Jack chuckled. “Fine. If you’re so sure…” He turned to face Dave who, was in fact, shirtless. Jack had to force himself to not stare, telling himself over and over that he didn’t care. This was fine. This was normal. It was normal to be screaming internally over your friends shirtless chest.
Yep. This was fine.
“Like what ya see?” Dave grinned.
“Dave…” Jack hissed, “There are other people around.”
“Ugh, you’re no fun!”
Jack rolled his eyes, pulling his gym clothes out of his locker. “Fuck off. I thought you were, like, not talking to me or something.”
Dave rolled his eyes. “Whatever. Ya gonna change, or just stand there?”
Jack flipped Dave off as he walked into a empty shower, pulling the curtain closed. Colorado wasn’t known for being accepting of trans people, and he didn’t want to risk people seeing his binder. He changed quickly, shoving his normal clothes into the locker and slamming it shut.
He walked out into the gym, only slightly nervous that something would go wrong. The binder didn’t fit perfectly, and if it slipped… he didn’t want to be outed to the entirety of his gym class.
He just had to get lucky.
Gym went fine. He wasn’t outed to everyone, which was nice. And, if he snuck a few glances at Dave, nobody needed to know that!
When he got home, a text pinged on his phone.
From: Dave
Someone seemed a little heated in gym today ;)
DAVE I SWEAR TO GOD
What, embarrassed?
DAVE
DAVE MY SISTER IS RIGHT NEXT TO ME
And?
Dave I will punch you
What if I like it ;)
DAVE! NO! EW!
Dee elbowed Jack. “Hey, you’re looking really red there. Do you have, like, a fever or something?”
Jack chuckled. “No, I don’t think so…”
Dee stared at Jack for a long moment, before snapping her fingers. “Aha! You have a crush!”
“I do not!” Jack replied indignantly.
“Who is she? Whats her name?” Dee asked, a malicious grin spreading across her face.
Jack stuck his tongue out. “Even I did have a crush, I’m definitely not telling you! I would never hear the end of it.”
Dee laughed. “Your not fooling me! You definitely have a crush! I can see it on your face!” She reached for Jack’s phone. “Gimme! I wanna see who it is!”
“No!” Jack held his phone out of reach of his sister. “You can’t see my fucking texts!”
Dee let out an exaggerated gasp. “Language! I’m a child!”
Jack rolled his eyes. “Sure.”
Suddenly, Peter popped his head into the living room. “Oo! We teasing Jack? What did he do this time?”
“Jack has a crush!” Dee said, in a sing-song tone. “And he won’t let me know who it is!”
“Because I don’t have a crush!” Jack snapped.
“Gee,” Peter said, “so defensive!” He snatched Jack’s phone right out of his hand. “What do we have here?”
“Hey!” Jack stood up, reaching for his phone. “Give that back!”
“Uh-uh! I want to see who this person is you have a crush on.” Peter replied, holding the phone where Jack couldn’t grab it.
Jack glared at Peter as he read the messages. “Is this that boy you were hanging out with yesterday?”
“Yeah. And?” Jack scowled.
“Seems like someone did something a little… interesting today.”
“We didn’t do anything!” Jack snapped. “He’s just being weird!”
“Really?” Peter grinned, scrolling upwards to see the other messages.
“Yes, really! Dave’s just weird like that!”
“Oh!” Dee grinned. “So he’s a boy? Doesn’t that make you gay?” Dee said, dragging the last word out jokingly.
“It doesn’t! Because I don’t have a crush on him!” Jack glared at his sister.
“I don’t think I believe you!” Dee laughed.
Jack growled, irritated. “I don’t have to deal with this shit.” He snatched his phone from Peter’s hand and stomped to his room, closing the door. He walked over to his chair and slumped into it.
Did he really have a crush on Dave? Not a chance. No way. Nope. Though… fuck. If Dee could pick it out, and Peter as well… damnit.
Now came the big question. Did Dave also like him? Or was Dave just like that? He had no idea. Dave did give off the vibe of someone who flirted with all of his friends. But who knows, he could like Jack back. He doubted it. After all, the two had met maybe 3 weeks ago. Far too early for any real feelings to develop.
Right?