Fireworks: Part I (Jake/Amir Fanfiction)
Title: Fireworks: Part I
Author: rabbitjihad
Pairing: Jake/Amir (the characters)
Rating: T (but it'll go up when I write part II)
Warnings: Some swearing
Word count: 4,616
Author note: It's kinda lengthy since it consists of four different chapters. But, I hope you enjoy it regardless :) Feedback would be greatly appreciated!
Disclaimer: I (unfortunately) do not own Jake and Amir, or anything Collegehumor related
ONE
It was almost midnight and Jake Hurwitz had just climbed into bed when he heard the door of his small, one bedroom apartment open. His body froze in its task of gathering blankets about itself and he felt his heart begin to race as this surprise registered in his mind.
As the sound of footsteps padded across the floor, nearing his bedroom, he grabbed the nearest potential weapon -- a small lamp from his nightstand-- and clutched it tightly. He jumped onto the floor, lamp held high over head, prepared to strike whoever may be in his house. The padding stopped before the entry and he could see the shadow of two feet in the strip of light under the door. He watched as the knob began to turn and the door swung open into the room, revealing the dark outline of a man.
Without a moment's thought, Jake lunged forward, swinging the lamp furiously and giving a cry. The figure, in surprise, let out a yelp at the sight of the lunging body. The small lamp collided with some part of the person in the dark and Jake heard a familiar "OW!"
"Ami--?" Jake began, confused, but was cut short by the person who tackled him to the ground. His head hit the ground with a loud thud and the room became fuzzy.
"You can't scare me like that, man! I thought you were a robber or something!" The voice yelled, panicked.
"What...?" Jake said slowly, trying to clear his head. He felt a sudden pressure on his arms as the figure helped him to his feet. With a click and a sudden burst of white, the room was illuminated. Jake rubbed his eyes furiously and took a step back to sit on the bed. Then, opening them, he looked up at the figure that stood with his hand hovering next to the light switch on his wall. His hair was a deep brown, messy. His cheeks and chin had the beginnings of a scraggly beard and his chocolate eyes were framed with square, black glasses. His face was concerned, apologetic.
"Amir," Jake started, angrily. "What the hell are you doing in my apartment?" He stood. He instantly regretted it. His head suddenly felt light, and his skull throbbed. He brought his hand up to cradle to spot that hit the floor, squeezing his eyes shut. "Ow..."
He felt warm pressure on his arms again as Amir helped him to sit on the bed. Then he heard footsteps pad from the room, only to return a minute later. Jake kept his eyes shut, trying to ignore the pain that stretched across the back of his skull. Gently, Amir took the hand that Jake held to his head and moved it aside. Jake pushed Amir away roughly. “Don’t touch me,” He grumbled. He opened his eyes to glare at the man in front of him. Amir stood close to him, holding a bag of ice in one hand. Jake snatched it from him and pressed it to the back of his head, averting his eyes.
It was silent in the room, Amir stared at him expectantly. He was still standing too close.
“So,” Jake said uneasily, breaking the silence. He slid, as casually as he could manage, further away from Amir. “Why are you here?” He glared at Amir.
Apparently ignoring the cold look Jake gave him, Amir seemed to grow more relaxed by the break in silence. He plopped down onto the bed beside Jake, leaning back and propping himself up with his arms. “You know how we’re always talking about how fun it would be to have a slumber party?” Amir asked with a smile.
“No. You talk about it constantly. I keep telling you that it’s a horrible idea. And don’t use the phrase ‘slumber party,’ you sound like a teenage girl,” Jake snapped.
“Well, I figured, ‘why not just come over tonight?’” Amir said, grinning, ignoring Jake’s comment.
“And you didn’t think to ask me? Or even knock on the door? By the way, how the hell did you get in here?”
“I have a key. Duh,” Amir said as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.
“Why does this not surprise me?” Jake rubbed his temples in frustration.
“Maybe because we’re BBF’s?” Amir suggested.
Jake sighed. “I’m getting my locks changed tomorrow.”
“No matter, broseph, I’ll still get in,” Amir gave Jake a wide smile.
“I don’t doubt that, but I really wish you wouldn’t,” Jake told him angrily.
“Geez, it’s almost like you don’t want me to come over,” Amir said quietly, glancing up at Jake and fumbling with a button on his flannel shirt.
“I really don’t, and I really wish you wouldn’t attack me when you do,” Jake snapped, gesturing to his head which he still held the ice to.
“Psh, whatever, man,” Amir murmured, staring intently at the button on his shirt.
It was silent, Jake continued rubbing his temples. His head hurt like hell and all he wanted was to sleep. But he shouldn’t have snapped at Amir like that. He didn’t know any better, really. “I’m sorry,” He mumbled finally, looking everywhere but Amir. He really was.
Amir remained silent. Jake looked at him, he was still staring intently at the button. Amir shrugged his shoulders. “Whatever, broseph,” He glanced up at Jake without smiling.
“You ok?” Jake asked softly. He just needed him to be ok so he could get him off of his bed so he could finally sleep. Amir shrugged. Jake rubbed his temples, trying to think of a way to make him happy. “What can I do to cheer you up?” Jake asked, immediately regretting it when he realized Amir’s answer would most likely be ridiculous.
Amir gave a wide, almost crazed smile at that. He sat up, arms outstretched. “How about a hug?”
Jake held up his arms defensively. “No--” He began to say, but Amir had already wrapped his arms around Jake in a tight bear hug, squeezing him as tightly as possibly. Jake let out a small yelp as his breath was pushed out of him.
After a moment or two of struggling, Jake was finally able to push him away. He gave Amir a nervous smile, leaning back from the other man. “Alright, then, buddy,” Jake said with false enthusiasm. “Ready for bed now?”
Amir’s smiled widened, if that was even possible. “So you’re asking me to stay the night?”
Jake sighed inwardly. “Yep, I’m asking you to stay the night,” He told Amir reluctantly. “But only on the condition that you sleep on the couch.”
Amir pouted a little. “But I’ll be cold.”
Jake stood, pulling the blanket off his bed, and led Amir to the living room, handing him the blanket. “Alright then?”
Amir nodded happily, laying down on the couch with the blanket wrapped tightly around him and falling asleep almost instantly. Jake returned to his room, excited to finally get some sleep. He lay down and curled up under thin sheets, letting his thoughts wander idly as he drifted into darkness.
TWO
Jake awoke the next morning warm and comfortable. He almost hated his alarm clock for waking him up. He gently moved a tan arm that lay over top of him to free his own arm in order to feel his way to the snooze button. He hit it and there was silence. Except for the sound of snoring in his ear. He closed his eyes, ready to return to blissful sleep. Then he became conscious of his situation.
He sat up in his bed as quickly as he could; inspecting the sleeping man whose limbs hugged Jake’s body. Amir looked peaceful. He had one leg stretched over Jakes’ and an arm resting on his bare chest. His mouth was slightly agape, drooling on Jake’s pillow. The two men wore only their boxers. Jake’s bare skin was pressed against Amir’s… Jake shuddered and shoved Amir off of him, jumping to his feet.
Amir stirred into consciousness. “Hmmm?” He mumbled.
“Amir! I said you could sleep on the couch, not my bed.” Jake yelled.
Amir opened one eye to look at him. He smiled. “Morning, Jakey.”
Jake ran a hand through his hair, frustrated, as he always was with Amir. “Ok, don’t call me that, and don’t sneak into my bed in the middle of the night.”
“Don’t know what you’re complaining about. I slept like a babe,” He gave Jake a toothy grin and crossed his arms behind his head.
Jake glanced at the clock. He took in a deep breath and spoke as calmly as he could. “Ok, I need to just calm down. I don’t have time for this. We’re going to be late for work. I’m going to go take a shower; you’d better be out of my bed by the time I’m out.”
***********
When Jake stepped out of the bathroom, skin glimmering with water, dirty blond hair dripping wet, he almost tripped over Amir.
“What the fuck, man?” He yelled after he stumbled over Amir’s legs. Amir sat right outside of the bathroom door, legs sprawled across the doorway.
“Finally,” Amir sounded exasperated. “I was literally waiting for hours.”
“I was only in there for half an hour.”
“Yeah. Exactly,” Amir pushed his glasses further up on his nose and stood up. His eyes flickered to the other man’s chest for a brief, barely noticeable second.
“Ok, whatever, man,” Jake rolled his eyes and stalked to his bedroom, making sure he locked the door behind him before removing his towel. I am not going to get angry; he thought to himself, gritting his teeth. He could only take so much of Amir. He slipped on boxers and a pair of jeans, repeating that line in his head, trying to stay positive. He slipped on a T shirt and toweled his hair dry before moving into the living room. There he could hear the hiss of water from the bathroom and Amir singing a song loudly enough for Jake to clearly hear that he knew only ¼ of the words. Jake sighed; Amir was so clueless.
By the time he heard the stream of water from the bathroom die out, Jake’s hair was dry and he sat on his couch, full from breakfast, contemplating leaving Amir since the older man was making them both late for work. He looked up to see the perfectly dry man emerge from the bathroom, fully clothed, steam spilling out around him.
Jake groaned and rubbed his temples. “Did you even shower?”
“Who has time for that?” Amir replied.
“Do you even know what hygiene is--” He stopped himself. “You know what? It doesn’t matter. Let’s just go, we’re going to be late.”
“Now? But I haven’t ate anything,” Amir whined.
“Well we don’t have time,” Jake told him as Amir trudged towards the kitchen, ignoring him.
“Come on, man--” Jake started but stopped short when he eyed the box of McNuggets Amir held in his palm as he returned to him. “Where’d you get that?”
“I keep a stash in your fridge in case I ever have an urge for the D’s,” Amir answered with a shrug.
Jake bit back a reply and silently ran a hand through his hair in frustration, turning to the door. He stepped into the hall of his apartment building, followed by Amir who wordlessly chewed on his favorite food, although it could hardly be considered as such.
They made their way out of the building and to Jake’s car parked on the street. They climbed in, Amir finishing the last of his nuggets. “Make sure you don’t get crumbs everywhere,” Jake told him, although he doubted a simple reminder wouldn’t prevent it from happening.
Amir finished eating as they drove in surprising silence to the Collegehumor office. As Jake had suspected, crumbs were everywhere. Jake took in slow breaths, trying not to get to get too angry. Amir yawned and stretched, hitting Jake’s arm in the process. “Watch it,” Jake said, rubbing his barely injured limb.
Amir ignored his words and stared out the window for a few moments before nonchalantly slumping over to rest his head on Jake’s shoulder. Jake immediately shook him off. “Get off of me,” He exclaimed angrily.
Amir sat up reluctantly. “I’m so tired, though,” He whined.
“Oh, really? You seemed to sleep pretty comfortably in my bed last night,” Jake shot an accusing glance at him.
“Like a babe,” Amir responded in a high pitched voice, his smile dreamy, apparently unaffected by the other man’s glower.
“Then why would you be tired?”
“I kept waking up,” Amir responded.
“Ok, so then you didn’t sleep well. Do you even know what the phrase ‘slept like a baby’ means?” Jake questioned, irritated.
Amir let out a small snort of laughter, keeping his eyes focused on Jake. “Yeah.”
“Ok, then what does it mean?”
“To sleep like a baby, duh...”
Jake ran a hand through his hair. “I’m taking your vague description as you not understanding what the phrase means.”
“No, I don’t frickin’ know what the phrase means, happy?” Amir exclaimed in a rushed, angry tone.
“I just really wish you’d learn what you were saying before you said it,” God, Amir was clueless.
“Well, you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it,” Amir stated matter-of-factly.
“Can’t make it what? You need to complete your sentences, man.”
“Can’t make it,” Amir stated with a shrug.
“Ok, so you almost used a metaphor that would have made sense but you don’t even know the whole phrase?” Jake snapped, frustrated.
Amir gave him a blank look before stretching and attempting once again to rest his head on Jake’s shoulder. Jake shook him off. “I told you not to do that,” He snapped.
They pulled into the dimly lit parking garage of the office building and circled around for a space. When they finally found one they rushed to the elevator to take them to the Collegehumor floor, Jake hoping like hell that nobody would notice the two sneaking in late, let alone together.
***********
“So then why isn’t a group of humans a herd?” Amir was asking as the elevator doors opened to the correct floor.
“They just aren’t,” Jake replied, stepping out of the elevator. He froze. Standing before him was a small group of his co workers and a woman who he’d never seen before. She was gorgeous, the very definition. Platinum blonde hair that fell to the small of her back and large, wide-set eyes of a sky blue framed with thick, dark lashes. Her pink lips, plump and inviting, danced around the words that she spoke. Her torso was slender but curvy, and all of this was kept standing by two long, sun-tanned legs. There was no wonder why his co workers seemed so eager to talk to her.
“So then they’re a pack?” Amir asked, apparently oblivious of the scene before him. The words fell on deafened ears. Jake was mesmerized.
“Jake?” Amir asked when he received no reply. He waved a hand in front of Jake’s blue eyes in an attempt to receive a response. “Jaaaake. Jaaaaakeeeeyy?” He was close to whining at this point.
Jake brushed past him without a glance, eyes fixated on the woman before him. “Jake-” Amir started in a whiney tone, then stopped when he took in the scene before him. The gorgeous lady surrounded by a group of his co workers who Jake was, undoubtedly, approaching.
Jake came to the outskirts of the small group and tapped his co worker, Pat, on the shoulder. “Who is she?” Jake asked, unable to take his eyes off of the blonde.
“A new writer, she starts today,” Pat responded, glancing at Jake and noticing his amazed stare before him. He laughed. “Believe me, everybody’s thinking what you are.”
Jake brushed his way through the small crowd until he came face to face with the blonde. She was even more gorgeous up-close, Jake noted. He smiled and stretched out a hand. “Hello, I’m Jake.”
She took his hand and smiled warmly at him. “I’m Lily,” She responded. At this point the crowd dissolved as people made their way to their desks.
“If you ever need any assistance with anything I’d be glad to help you,” Jake told her.
“Yes, well, I think I might,” Lily responded in a voice that reminded Jake of honey, glancing over his body.
Neither noticed the figure that stood to the left of them, next to the elevators where Jake had left him, eyeing the two enviously.
Finally their conversation was abruptly interrupted when the figure crashed into Jake’s side, throwing his arm around his shoulders.
“What are you doing?” Jake hissed angrily at the brunette.
“Hello, I’m Jake’s best friend,” Amir told the blonde, his face angry.
“Oh, hello,” The blonde smiled at Amir, glancing nervously at Jake.
“We are not best friends--”
“Yes we are. Foreva,” Amir interrupted with a possessive glare directed Lily.
“Ok,” Lily looked back and forth between the two. “I have to go. I’ll see you later, Jake,” She turned and walked quickly away with a small wave.
“Yeah, I’ll see you--”
“Doubt it!” Amir called after her, drowning out Jake’s voice.
Once she was out of earshot Jake pushed Amir away, turning to face him. “Why the hell did you do that?” He hissed.
“Who was that?” Amir asked, ignoring Jake’s anger.
“Her name’s Lily--”
“Oh, wow, nice name. She was named after a spice. Maybe later she’ll introduce you to her brother, Apple,” Amir stated sarcastically.
“There are so many things wrong with what you just said. A lily is a flower, not a spice, and an apple is a fruit. Do you even think things through before you say them?” Upon a blank stare from Amir Jake continued. “Seriously, why the hell did you do that?”
“Oh, I don’t know, Jakey, maybe because you’re mine?” Amir snapped angrily, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.
Jake ran a frustrated hand through his hair. “I might be your best friend but that doesn’t make me yours. And it especially doesn’t mean you have to try and ruin my chances with a gorgeous girl. If you liked me you wouldn’t do that.”
“Well I love you so I would do that.”
“Yeah, yeah, ok I’m your best friend. Believe me, you’ve made that very clear.”
“You’re more than my best friend,” Amir told him, suddenly serious. “I love you,” He drew out his words in an attempt to make Jake understand.
Jake froze, studying Amir’s expression. In those dark eyes were more sincerity than he’d ever seen before. Suddenly, what Amir had meant dawned on him. His expression softened. He struggled to find the right words.
“Look, Amir, I’m sorry, but I don't like you like that,” Jake said gently, laying a hand lightly on the brunette's shoulder. “I'm not... gay.”
Amir studied his face for a few moments in silence, taking in Jake’s words. He nodded slowly, giving a small smile. “Yeah, well, whatever,” He said in a tone he meant to seem uncaring but came out slow and broken. He stepped aside, letting Jake’s hand fall off of his shoulder. “I’m gonna be back in a bit,” He said before turning and walking back to the elevators. Jake watched in stunned silence, trying to process what had just happened.
THREE
The rest of the morning was spent writing articles for the website and shooting looks at Lily, whose desk was in clear view of Jake’s. Amir returned around lunchtime, apparently happier. He held in his hands bags from McDonalds, probably entirely filled with chicken nuggets. Jake smiled at him, looking up from his computer. Amir took his seat across from the dirty blond and began what appeared to be work, something that was rare for Amir. All was silent until Lily appeared at Jake’s side.
“Hey, Amir,” She smiled at the man quickly before turning her attention to Jake. “Jake, I was wondering if you’d want to have lunch with me today?”
“Oh, uh,” Jake glanced at Amir, who appeared hard at work, either oblivious to or ignoring the two of them. “Yeah, I’d love that,” Jake replied with a grin, somewhat quietly in hopes that Amir was simply oblivious.
“Alright, cool,” Lily replied with a smile. She ran a hand lightly over his shoulder as she walked back towards her desk.
Jake went back to work, glancing up every so often at Amir to make sure he didn’t seem upset. Amir appeared to be unaffected by the conversation, quietly typing something out on his computer.
***********
Lunchtime came around and Jake found himself at a table with Lily while his co workers looked on enviously. All but a few. One of which was Amir. He sat at a table on the far side of the room, his back to them.
“So, what’s the deal with Amir?” Lily asked cautiously as she worked on a sandwich, eyeing the brunette.
“What do you mean?” Jake asked with a laugh.
“That whole thing this morning. What was that about?”
“Oh,” Jake was reluctant to tell her the entire truth of it to save Amir the embarrassment. “He’s just crazy sometimes,” Jake said with a laugh. “A lot of the time, truthfully. He gets jealous very easily.”
“Jealous?” Lily looked confused. “Oh, wait, are you two...?” She leaned away a bit.
“Noooo, no. Nothing like that,” Jake told her quickly, shaking his head profusely at the very thought. “We’re just friends. He just craves my attention.”
“Oh, alright, good,” She looked relieved. “Because I think you’re really cute,” She told him, plump lips curving to form a charming smile.
His heart-rate quickened with excitement. He returned her smile. Without thinking he blurted out; “Dinner tonight?”
She laughed at this, laying one hand on his knee. “Sure.”
The sound of a chair knocking over interrupted their conversation. They turned their attention to the brunette that had abruptly stood from his table across the room. He turned to face them, marching over to Jake’s side and grabbing his arm, pulling him up. “Jake, a word?” Amir sounded angry. Without giving Jake a chance to reply he pulled him from the break room and into the hall.
Amir pushed Jake roughly against the wall. “So almost every day at work for what, twenty years--”
“We’ve worked here for about six years,” Jake corrected.
“I’ve asked you; ‘dinner tonight?’ and you always reject me,” Amir continued, ignoring Jake’s comment. “Then, on the day I tell you I love you you use that same line-- my line-- on some blonde bitch who’s named after a spice?”
When Amir was finished Jake could only stare at him, unable to think of what he should say. Amir took a step back, pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose. When it became clear to him that Jake wasn’t going to respond he turned and walked away, towards the elevators of the building, without a glance back. Jake watched him leave, wanting to stop him but unsure how.
After a moment he felt a warm hand rest on his arm. He turned to see Lily standing beside him. “Everything alright?” She asked uncertainly.
He silently nodded his head and smiled, turning to walk with her back to the break room.
FOUR
After his dinner date with Lily, Jake felt so much better. He happily climbed the stairs of his apartment building, the thoughts of her dancing through his mind. He had no idea how he could’ve possibly caught the eye of somebody as gorgeous as herself.
He smiled to himself as he unlocked the door and stepped inside. From the start he realized something was wrong, his smile slid away. For one, the lights were on. Two, chicken nugget boxes littered the floor. He leaned against the door frame and sighed, taking in the scene. “Amir?” He called.
A moment later the messy-haired man appeared in the doorway to Jake’s bedroom wearing a shirt of Jake’s.
“Hey, man,” Jake started, taking a step forward. “I’m sorry about earlier.”
Amir stared at him for a moment as if trying to determine his sincerity.
“Would you make it up to me?” Amir asked finally.
“Yeah, man, I’ll bring you to dinner anytime.”
Amir’s eyes lit up a bit at the offer, but he shook his head, taking a step forward. “Not that.”
“Alright, what do you want?”
Amir blushed, suddenly nervous, something rare for him. He toyed with the end of the shirt he wore. “A kiss,” He replied, turning his gaze away from Jake.
Jake hadn’t expected this. “What?”
“Just one kiss and I’ll forgive you.”
“Look, I told you I’m not gay.”
Amir’s eyes snapped back to Jake. “All I want is one kiss, just to see if there are any fireworks, like the movies say.”
“There won’t be any fireworks,” Jake replied, raising his voice yet trying to keep the other man’s feelings in mind.
“I've liked you for years. Since you first started at Collegehumor. I need to know if I was right to,” Amir replied simply. He took a single step forward. Jake stepped back nervously.
They continued this dance until Jake’s back hit the wall across from the front door to his apartment and Amir stood only a couple of feet away.
“Listen, I’m sorry, but--” Jake started, ready to step further from the man. Amir stepped forward, pulling Jake’s chin forward gently until their lips met, cutting off Jake’s speech.
Jake brought his arms up to in a weak attempt to push Amir off, Amir took another step forward, deepening the kiss. Jake felt the other man’s warm, soft lips lock around his. His eyes slid closed and his arms fell limp at his sides. His mind, only a few moments ago filled to the brim with images of Lily was blank. He could only think of the lips that were pressed against his and the firm, warm hand cupping his jaw. The kiss was gentle but rough and filled with more passion than he ever thought possible. This wasn’t fireworks Jake felt, this was an atomic bomb.
Amir ended it, pulling back and letting his hand fall away from Jake. He took a step back, studying Jake’s face. Jake was speechless, his mind completely wiped blank. After a moment, Amir broke the silence.
“You were right,” He told the other man, simply.
“Wha--” Jake began but was silenced by Amir’s next words.
Simple, dispassionately, a whisper; “No fireworks.”
Jake was at a loss for words. He was frozen in his spot against the dirty wall of his apartment hallway. He could do nothing but watch as the older man disappeared down the stairs of his building, leaving Jake Hurwitz alone without even a second glance.
Author: rabbitjihad
Pairing: Jake/Amir (the characters)
Rating: T (but it'll go up when I write part II)
Warnings: Some swearing
Word count: 4,616
Author note: It's kinda lengthy since it consists of four different chapters. But, I hope you enjoy it regardless :) Feedback would be greatly appreciated!
Disclaimer: I (unfortunately) do not own Jake and Amir, or anything Collegehumor related
ONE
It was almost midnight and Jake Hurwitz had just climbed into bed when he heard the door of his small, one bedroom apartment open. His body froze in its task of gathering blankets about itself and he felt his heart begin to race as this surprise registered in his mind.
As the sound of footsteps padded across the floor, nearing his bedroom, he grabbed the nearest potential weapon -- a small lamp from his nightstand-- and clutched it tightly. He jumped onto the floor, lamp held high over head, prepared to strike whoever may be in his house. The padding stopped before the entry and he could see the shadow of two feet in the strip of light under the door. He watched as the knob began to turn and the door swung open into the room, revealing the dark outline of a man.
Without a moment's thought, Jake lunged forward, swinging the lamp furiously and giving a cry. The figure, in surprise, let out a yelp at the sight of the lunging body. The small lamp collided with some part of the person in the dark and Jake heard a familiar "OW!"
"Ami--?" Jake began, confused, but was cut short by the person who tackled him to the ground. His head hit the ground with a loud thud and the room became fuzzy.
"You can't scare me like that, man! I thought you were a robber or something!" The voice yelled, panicked.
"What...?" Jake said slowly, trying to clear his head. He felt a sudden pressure on his arms as the figure helped him to his feet. With a click and a sudden burst of white, the room was illuminated. Jake rubbed his eyes furiously and took a step back to sit on the bed. Then, opening them, he looked up at the figure that stood with his hand hovering next to the light switch on his wall. His hair was a deep brown, messy. His cheeks and chin had the beginnings of a scraggly beard and his chocolate eyes were framed with square, black glasses. His face was concerned, apologetic.
"Amir," Jake started, angrily. "What the hell are you doing in my apartment?" He stood. He instantly regretted it. His head suddenly felt light, and his skull throbbed. He brought his hand up to cradle to spot that hit the floor, squeezing his eyes shut. "Ow..."
He felt warm pressure on his arms again as Amir helped him to sit on the bed. Then he heard footsteps pad from the room, only to return a minute later. Jake kept his eyes shut, trying to ignore the pain that stretched across the back of his skull. Gently, Amir took the hand that Jake held to his head and moved it aside. Jake pushed Amir away roughly. “Don’t touch me,” He grumbled. He opened his eyes to glare at the man in front of him. Amir stood close to him, holding a bag of ice in one hand. Jake snatched it from him and pressed it to the back of his head, averting his eyes.
It was silent in the room, Amir stared at him expectantly. He was still standing too close.
“So,” Jake said uneasily, breaking the silence. He slid, as casually as he could manage, further away from Amir. “Why are you here?” He glared at Amir.
Apparently ignoring the cold look Jake gave him, Amir seemed to grow more relaxed by the break in silence. He plopped down onto the bed beside Jake, leaning back and propping himself up with his arms. “You know how we’re always talking about how fun it would be to have a slumber party?” Amir asked with a smile.
“No. You talk about it constantly. I keep telling you that it’s a horrible idea. And don’t use the phrase ‘slumber party,’ you sound like a teenage girl,” Jake snapped.
“Well, I figured, ‘why not just come over tonight?’” Amir said, grinning, ignoring Jake’s comment.
“And you didn’t think to ask me? Or even knock on the door? By the way, how the hell did you get in here?”
“I have a key. Duh,” Amir said as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.
“Why does this not surprise me?” Jake rubbed his temples in frustration.
“Maybe because we’re BBF’s?” Amir suggested.
Jake sighed. “I’m getting my locks changed tomorrow.”
“No matter, broseph, I’ll still get in,” Amir gave Jake a wide smile.
“I don’t doubt that, but I really wish you wouldn’t,” Jake told him angrily.
“Geez, it’s almost like you don’t want me to come over,” Amir said quietly, glancing up at Jake and fumbling with a button on his flannel shirt.
“I really don’t, and I really wish you wouldn’t attack me when you do,” Jake snapped, gesturing to his head which he still held the ice to.
“Psh, whatever, man,” Amir murmured, staring intently at the button on his shirt.
It was silent, Jake continued rubbing his temples. His head hurt like hell and all he wanted was to sleep. But he shouldn’t have snapped at Amir like that. He didn’t know any better, really. “I’m sorry,” He mumbled finally, looking everywhere but Amir. He really was.
Amir remained silent. Jake looked at him, he was still staring intently at the button. Amir shrugged his shoulders. “Whatever, broseph,” He glanced up at Jake without smiling.
“You ok?” Jake asked softly. He just needed him to be ok so he could get him off of his bed so he could finally sleep. Amir shrugged. Jake rubbed his temples, trying to think of a way to make him happy. “What can I do to cheer you up?” Jake asked, immediately regretting it when he realized Amir’s answer would most likely be ridiculous.
Amir gave a wide, almost crazed smile at that. He sat up, arms outstretched. “How about a hug?”
Jake held up his arms defensively. “No--” He began to say, but Amir had already wrapped his arms around Jake in a tight bear hug, squeezing him as tightly as possibly. Jake let out a small yelp as his breath was pushed out of him.
After a moment or two of struggling, Jake was finally able to push him away. He gave Amir a nervous smile, leaning back from the other man. “Alright, then, buddy,” Jake said with false enthusiasm. “Ready for bed now?”
Amir’s smiled widened, if that was even possible. “So you’re asking me to stay the night?”
Jake sighed inwardly. “Yep, I’m asking you to stay the night,” He told Amir reluctantly. “But only on the condition that you sleep on the couch.”
Amir pouted a little. “But I’ll be cold.”
Jake stood, pulling the blanket off his bed, and led Amir to the living room, handing him the blanket. “Alright then?”
Amir nodded happily, laying down on the couch with the blanket wrapped tightly around him and falling asleep almost instantly. Jake returned to his room, excited to finally get some sleep. He lay down and curled up under thin sheets, letting his thoughts wander idly as he drifted into darkness.
TWO
Jake awoke the next morning warm and comfortable. He almost hated his alarm clock for waking him up. He gently moved a tan arm that lay over top of him to free his own arm in order to feel his way to the snooze button. He hit it and there was silence. Except for the sound of snoring in his ear. He closed his eyes, ready to return to blissful sleep. Then he became conscious of his situation.
He sat up in his bed as quickly as he could; inspecting the sleeping man whose limbs hugged Jake’s body. Amir looked peaceful. He had one leg stretched over Jakes’ and an arm resting on his bare chest. His mouth was slightly agape, drooling on Jake’s pillow. The two men wore only their boxers. Jake’s bare skin was pressed against Amir’s… Jake shuddered and shoved Amir off of him, jumping to his feet.
Amir stirred into consciousness. “Hmmm?” He mumbled.
“Amir! I said you could sleep on the couch, not my bed.” Jake yelled.
Amir opened one eye to look at him. He smiled. “Morning, Jakey.”
Jake ran a hand through his hair, frustrated, as he always was with Amir. “Ok, don’t call me that, and don’t sneak into my bed in the middle of the night.”
“Don’t know what you’re complaining about. I slept like a babe,” He gave Jake a toothy grin and crossed his arms behind his head.
Jake glanced at the clock. He took in a deep breath and spoke as calmly as he could. “Ok, I need to just calm down. I don’t have time for this. We’re going to be late for work. I’m going to go take a shower; you’d better be out of my bed by the time I’m out.”
***********
When Jake stepped out of the bathroom, skin glimmering with water, dirty blond hair dripping wet, he almost tripped over Amir.
“What the fuck, man?” He yelled after he stumbled over Amir’s legs. Amir sat right outside of the bathroom door, legs sprawled across the doorway.
“Finally,” Amir sounded exasperated. “I was literally waiting for hours.”
“I was only in there for half an hour.”
“Yeah. Exactly,” Amir pushed his glasses further up on his nose and stood up. His eyes flickered to the other man’s chest for a brief, barely noticeable second.
“Ok, whatever, man,” Jake rolled his eyes and stalked to his bedroom, making sure he locked the door behind him before removing his towel. I am not going to get angry; he thought to himself, gritting his teeth. He could only take so much of Amir. He slipped on boxers and a pair of jeans, repeating that line in his head, trying to stay positive. He slipped on a T shirt and toweled his hair dry before moving into the living room. There he could hear the hiss of water from the bathroom and Amir singing a song loudly enough for Jake to clearly hear that he knew only ¼ of the words. Jake sighed; Amir was so clueless.
By the time he heard the stream of water from the bathroom die out, Jake’s hair was dry and he sat on his couch, full from breakfast, contemplating leaving Amir since the older man was making them both late for work. He looked up to see the perfectly dry man emerge from the bathroom, fully clothed, steam spilling out around him.
Jake groaned and rubbed his temples. “Did you even shower?”
“Who has time for that?” Amir replied.
“Do you even know what hygiene is--” He stopped himself. “You know what? It doesn’t matter. Let’s just go, we’re going to be late.”
“Now? But I haven’t ate anything,” Amir whined.
“Well we don’t have time,” Jake told him as Amir trudged towards the kitchen, ignoring him.
“Come on, man--” Jake started but stopped short when he eyed the box of McNuggets Amir held in his palm as he returned to him. “Where’d you get that?”
“I keep a stash in your fridge in case I ever have an urge for the D’s,” Amir answered with a shrug.
Jake bit back a reply and silently ran a hand through his hair in frustration, turning to the door. He stepped into the hall of his apartment building, followed by Amir who wordlessly chewed on his favorite food, although it could hardly be considered as such.
They made their way out of the building and to Jake’s car parked on the street. They climbed in, Amir finishing the last of his nuggets. “Make sure you don’t get crumbs everywhere,” Jake told him, although he doubted a simple reminder wouldn’t prevent it from happening.
Amir finished eating as they drove in surprising silence to the Collegehumor office. As Jake had suspected, crumbs were everywhere. Jake took in slow breaths, trying not to get to get too angry. Amir yawned and stretched, hitting Jake’s arm in the process. “Watch it,” Jake said, rubbing his barely injured limb.
Amir ignored his words and stared out the window for a few moments before nonchalantly slumping over to rest his head on Jake’s shoulder. Jake immediately shook him off. “Get off of me,” He exclaimed angrily.
Amir sat up reluctantly. “I’m so tired, though,” He whined.
“Oh, really? You seemed to sleep pretty comfortably in my bed last night,” Jake shot an accusing glance at him.
“Like a babe,” Amir responded in a high pitched voice, his smile dreamy, apparently unaffected by the other man’s glower.
“Then why would you be tired?”
“I kept waking up,” Amir responded.
“Ok, so then you didn’t sleep well. Do you even know what the phrase ‘slept like a baby’ means?” Jake questioned, irritated.
Amir let out a small snort of laughter, keeping his eyes focused on Jake. “Yeah.”
“Ok, then what does it mean?”
“To sleep like a baby, duh...”
Jake ran a hand through his hair. “I’m taking your vague description as you not understanding what the phrase means.”
“No, I don’t frickin’ know what the phrase means, happy?” Amir exclaimed in a rushed, angry tone.
“I just really wish you’d learn what you were saying before you said it,” God, Amir was clueless.
“Well, you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it,” Amir stated matter-of-factly.
“Can’t make it what? You need to complete your sentences, man.”
“Can’t make it,” Amir stated with a shrug.
“Ok, so you almost used a metaphor that would have made sense but you don’t even know the whole phrase?” Jake snapped, frustrated.
Amir gave him a blank look before stretching and attempting once again to rest his head on Jake’s shoulder. Jake shook him off. “I told you not to do that,” He snapped.
They pulled into the dimly lit parking garage of the office building and circled around for a space. When they finally found one they rushed to the elevator to take them to the Collegehumor floor, Jake hoping like hell that nobody would notice the two sneaking in late, let alone together.
***********
“So then why isn’t a group of humans a herd?” Amir was asking as the elevator doors opened to the correct floor.
“They just aren’t,” Jake replied, stepping out of the elevator. He froze. Standing before him was a small group of his co workers and a woman who he’d never seen before. She was gorgeous, the very definition. Platinum blonde hair that fell to the small of her back and large, wide-set eyes of a sky blue framed with thick, dark lashes. Her pink lips, plump and inviting, danced around the words that she spoke. Her torso was slender but curvy, and all of this was kept standing by two long, sun-tanned legs. There was no wonder why his co workers seemed so eager to talk to her.
“So then they’re a pack?” Amir asked, apparently oblivious of the scene before him. The words fell on deafened ears. Jake was mesmerized.
“Jake?” Amir asked when he received no reply. He waved a hand in front of Jake’s blue eyes in an attempt to receive a response. “Jaaaake. Jaaaaakeeeeyy?” He was close to whining at this point.
Jake brushed past him without a glance, eyes fixated on the woman before him. “Jake-” Amir started in a whiney tone, then stopped when he took in the scene before him. The gorgeous lady surrounded by a group of his co workers who Jake was, undoubtedly, approaching.
Jake came to the outskirts of the small group and tapped his co worker, Pat, on the shoulder. “Who is she?” Jake asked, unable to take his eyes off of the blonde.
“A new writer, she starts today,” Pat responded, glancing at Jake and noticing his amazed stare before him. He laughed. “Believe me, everybody’s thinking what you are.”
Jake brushed his way through the small crowd until he came face to face with the blonde. She was even more gorgeous up-close, Jake noted. He smiled and stretched out a hand. “Hello, I’m Jake.”
She took his hand and smiled warmly at him. “I’m Lily,” She responded. At this point the crowd dissolved as people made their way to their desks.
“If you ever need any assistance with anything I’d be glad to help you,” Jake told her.
“Yes, well, I think I might,” Lily responded in a voice that reminded Jake of honey, glancing over his body.
Neither noticed the figure that stood to the left of them, next to the elevators where Jake had left him, eyeing the two enviously.
Finally their conversation was abruptly interrupted when the figure crashed into Jake’s side, throwing his arm around his shoulders.
“What are you doing?” Jake hissed angrily at the brunette.
“Hello, I’m Jake’s best friend,” Amir told the blonde, his face angry.
“Oh, hello,” The blonde smiled at Amir, glancing nervously at Jake.
“We are not best friends--”
“Yes we are. Foreva,” Amir interrupted with a possessive glare directed Lily.
“Ok,” Lily looked back and forth between the two. “I have to go. I’ll see you later, Jake,” She turned and walked quickly away with a small wave.
“Yeah, I’ll see you--”
“Doubt it!” Amir called after her, drowning out Jake’s voice.
Once she was out of earshot Jake pushed Amir away, turning to face him. “Why the hell did you do that?” He hissed.
“Who was that?” Amir asked, ignoring Jake’s anger.
“Her name’s Lily--”
“Oh, wow, nice name. She was named after a spice. Maybe later she’ll introduce you to her brother, Apple,” Amir stated sarcastically.
“There are so many things wrong with what you just said. A lily is a flower, not a spice, and an apple is a fruit. Do you even think things through before you say them?” Upon a blank stare from Amir Jake continued. “Seriously, why the hell did you do that?”
“Oh, I don’t know, Jakey, maybe because you’re mine?” Amir snapped angrily, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.
Jake ran a frustrated hand through his hair. “I might be your best friend but that doesn’t make me yours. And it especially doesn’t mean you have to try and ruin my chances with a gorgeous girl. If you liked me you wouldn’t do that.”
“Well I love you so I would do that.”
“Yeah, yeah, ok I’m your best friend. Believe me, you’ve made that very clear.”
“You’re more than my best friend,” Amir told him, suddenly serious. “I love you,” He drew out his words in an attempt to make Jake understand.
Jake froze, studying Amir’s expression. In those dark eyes were more sincerity than he’d ever seen before. Suddenly, what Amir had meant dawned on him. His expression softened. He struggled to find the right words.
“Look, Amir, I’m sorry, but I don't like you like that,” Jake said gently, laying a hand lightly on the brunette's shoulder. “I'm not... gay.”
Amir studied his face for a few moments in silence, taking in Jake’s words. He nodded slowly, giving a small smile. “Yeah, well, whatever,” He said in a tone he meant to seem uncaring but came out slow and broken. He stepped aside, letting Jake’s hand fall off of his shoulder. “I’m gonna be back in a bit,” He said before turning and walking back to the elevators. Jake watched in stunned silence, trying to process what had just happened.
THREE
The rest of the morning was spent writing articles for the website and shooting looks at Lily, whose desk was in clear view of Jake’s. Amir returned around lunchtime, apparently happier. He held in his hands bags from McDonalds, probably entirely filled with chicken nuggets. Jake smiled at him, looking up from his computer. Amir took his seat across from the dirty blond and began what appeared to be work, something that was rare for Amir. All was silent until Lily appeared at Jake’s side.
“Hey, Amir,” She smiled at the man quickly before turning her attention to Jake. “Jake, I was wondering if you’d want to have lunch with me today?”
“Oh, uh,” Jake glanced at Amir, who appeared hard at work, either oblivious to or ignoring the two of them. “Yeah, I’d love that,” Jake replied with a grin, somewhat quietly in hopes that Amir was simply oblivious.
“Alright, cool,” Lily replied with a smile. She ran a hand lightly over his shoulder as she walked back towards her desk.
Jake went back to work, glancing up every so often at Amir to make sure he didn’t seem upset. Amir appeared to be unaffected by the conversation, quietly typing something out on his computer.
***********
Lunchtime came around and Jake found himself at a table with Lily while his co workers looked on enviously. All but a few. One of which was Amir. He sat at a table on the far side of the room, his back to them.
“So, what’s the deal with Amir?” Lily asked cautiously as she worked on a sandwich, eyeing the brunette.
“What do you mean?” Jake asked with a laugh.
“That whole thing this morning. What was that about?”
“Oh,” Jake was reluctant to tell her the entire truth of it to save Amir the embarrassment. “He’s just crazy sometimes,” Jake said with a laugh. “A lot of the time, truthfully. He gets jealous very easily.”
“Jealous?” Lily looked confused. “Oh, wait, are you two...?” She leaned away a bit.
“Noooo, no. Nothing like that,” Jake told her quickly, shaking his head profusely at the very thought. “We’re just friends. He just craves my attention.”
“Oh, alright, good,” She looked relieved. “Because I think you’re really cute,” She told him, plump lips curving to form a charming smile.
His heart-rate quickened with excitement. He returned her smile. Without thinking he blurted out; “Dinner tonight?”
She laughed at this, laying one hand on his knee. “Sure.”
The sound of a chair knocking over interrupted their conversation. They turned their attention to the brunette that had abruptly stood from his table across the room. He turned to face them, marching over to Jake’s side and grabbing his arm, pulling him up. “Jake, a word?” Amir sounded angry. Without giving Jake a chance to reply he pulled him from the break room and into the hall.
Amir pushed Jake roughly against the wall. “So almost every day at work for what, twenty years--”
“We’ve worked here for about six years,” Jake corrected.
“I’ve asked you; ‘dinner tonight?’ and you always reject me,” Amir continued, ignoring Jake’s comment. “Then, on the day I tell you I love you you use that same line-- my line-- on some blonde bitch who’s named after a spice?”
When Amir was finished Jake could only stare at him, unable to think of what he should say. Amir took a step back, pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose. When it became clear to him that Jake wasn’t going to respond he turned and walked away, towards the elevators of the building, without a glance back. Jake watched him leave, wanting to stop him but unsure how.
After a moment he felt a warm hand rest on his arm. He turned to see Lily standing beside him. “Everything alright?” She asked uncertainly.
He silently nodded his head and smiled, turning to walk with her back to the break room.
FOUR
After his dinner date with Lily, Jake felt so much better. He happily climbed the stairs of his apartment building, the thoughts of her dancing through his mind. He had no idea how he could’ve possibly caught the eye of somebody as gorgeous as herself.
He smiled to himself as he unlocked the door and stepped inside. From the start he realized something was wrong, his smile slid away. For one, the lights were on. Two, chicken nugget boxes littered the floor. He leaned against the door frame and sighed, taking in the scene. “Amir?” He called.
A moment later the messy-haired man appeared in the doorway to Jake’s bedroom wearing a shirt of Jake’s.
“Hey, man,” Jake started, taking a step forward. “I’m sorry about earlier.”
Amir stared at him for a moment as if trying to determine his sincerity.
“Would you make it up to me?” Amir asked finally.
“Yeah, man, I’ll bring you to dinner anytime.”
Amir’s eyes lit up a bit at the offer, but he shook his head, taking a step forward. “Not that.”
“Alright, what do you want?”
Amir blushed, suddenly nervous, something rare for him. He toyed with the end of the shirt he wore. “A kiss,” He replied, turning his gaze away from Jake.
Jake hadn’t expected this. “What?”
“Just one kiss and I’ll forgive you.”
“Look, I told you I’m not gay.”
Amir’s eyes snapped back to Jake. “All I want is one kiss, just to see if there are any fireworks, like the movies say.”
“There won’t be any fireworks,” Jake replied, raising his voice yet trying to keep the other man’s feelings in mind.
“I've liked you for years. Since you first started at Collegehumor. I need to know if I was right to,” Amir replied simply. He took a single step forward. Jake stepped back nervously.
They continued this dance until Jake’s back hit the wall across from the front door to his apartment and Amir stood only a couple of feet away.
“Listen, I’m sorry, but--” Jake started, ready to step further from the man. Amir stepped forward, pulling Jake’s chin forward gently until their lips met, cutting off Jake’s speech.
Jake brought his arms up to in a weak attempt to push Amir off, Amir took another step forward, deepening the kiss. Jake felt the other man’s warm, soft lips lock around his. His eyes slid closed and his arms fell limp at his sides. His mind, only a few moments ago filled to the brim with images of Lily was blank. He could only think of the lips that were pressed against his and the firm, warm hand cupping his jaw. The kiss was gentle but rough and filled with more passion than he ever thought possible. This wasn’t fireworks Jake felt, this was an atomic bomb.
Amir ended it, pulling back and letting his hand fall away from Jake. He took a step back, studying Jake’s face. Jake was speechless, his mind completely wiped blank. After a moment, Amir broke the silence.
“You were right,” He told the other man, simply.
“Wha--” Jake began but was silenced by Amir’s next words.
Simple, dispassionately, a whisper; “No fireworks.”
Jake was at a loss for words. He was frozen in his spot against the dirty wall of his apartment hallway. He could do nothing but watch as the older man disappeared down the stairs of his building, leaving Jake Hurwitz alone without even a second glance.