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Being a counselor for college students was no easy job. Day to day, Jack had his hands complete with schedules and academic plans that needed to be filled out. First-year students are flustered about what classes to attend on such a big campus.
Some even broke down in his office because the college had become too much to handle. Students reduced their schedules to half credits or none at all. But he fully supported each student's decision that bounded or walked into his office.
He hadn't expected a drained third year shuffling their way into his office. Collapsing into his office chair and just taking a nap there. Sure, he understood that many kids took on loads of work, but the young man had been going to college for at least a while. "Excuse me..." A small groan was his response, and Jack sighed. "Well, you're lucky I have no one else to see today so you can rest here." The other muttered something and just put his head down and fell asleep.
Jack put on soothing music and closed his office door. Telling the office helped let other students know he wouldn't be free for the rest of the day. Jack slipped back into his office and eyed the student. His sandy blonde hair was sticking up in every which way, causing Jack to smile slightly. He looked at the other's face to see the already formed bags. He shook his head slightly before continuing with his work on the computer.
Jack wasn't keeping track of when the other woke up and began to panic. Jack sort of turned towards him. "Did you miss a class?" He asked, and it made the young man jump.
"U-UH... Bloody... Sorry, I didn't know you were in today, Mr. Pattillo." He said sheepishly, and Jack shrugged. "My name is Gavin Free. I normally come into your office to sleep whenever you're not here. The office staff lets me." Gavin sighed and rubbed the back of his neck.
Jack shook his head and put a hand up. "It's fine, Gavin. How long have you been doing this?" Jack noted the accent to Gavin's voice and gave the student eye contact, who couldn't seem to hold it. "Also, what class did you just miss?" He asked him.
Gavin took a breath before going to speak. "I've been doing it ever since Geoff threw me out..." He chewed on his lip. "It was a big fight, and he just said get out. I did as he said, and that was a few months ago. I haven't spoken to him since, so I'm not sure if he has forgiven me yet." He told Jack. He was rubbing his neck and then his upper arm. "I've been staying with friends like Michael and Ray, who work. They're surprised I'm going to school." Gavin told him.
Jack smiled only slightly as he listened to Gavin explain the whole situation. "Well, I'm sure if you give Geoff a call and speak it out with him, then things will get better." He told him. He put a hand on Gavin's knee in reassurance before pulling away. "So, what was that class you missed today?" He asked the other.
The color from Gavin's face seemed to drain. "Uh... I missed a lab." He sighed deeply. "But I didn't want to go in considering that I could pass out at any moment," Gavin told Jack, who nodded.
"Want me to call your professor?" Gavin shook his head to the offer.
"No, it's fine. I'll ask my professor tomorrow about it. And when I can make it up. I hafta speak to him about my grade anyway." He told Jack and went to gather his things before he stood. "But it was uh... It was nice speaking to you, Mr. Pattillo. Sorry to bother you. I'll get out of your way." Gavin slung his bag over his shoulder, waving to the man as he left.
"Come in anytime, Gavin!" Jack informed him before chuckling softly, and then he returned to work.
Talking to Gavin was refreshing. It had been a while since Jack had just spoken to a student about their lives. Well, not that long, but he enjoyed it. He heard the door close and looked up to see the place empty. But Jack was content for now.
Jack spoke with a colleague when Gavin stumbled into his office and took a nap.
"That kid, okay?" Jack heard his colleague, and he went over to Gavin.
"I won't be long. Sorry." Gavin muttered as he put his head down and fell to sleep. Jack nodded and smiled slightly, then put a blanket over the other.
"He's fine, Burnie. Supposedly the office workers let him nap in my office when I'm away from work." Jack informed Burnie, who chuckled.
"Seems you have a parasite stuck to ya," Burnie told him as he leaned against his desk. "Has he explained why he comes in here?" Burnie asked, and Jack nodded.
"He says he fought with his guardian, I presume. Or parental figure. Either way, he doesn't seem to get much sleep." Jack informed Burnie, who hummed.
"So, you'll keep letting him take naps in here?" Burnie asked, and Jack nodded. "Don't get too attached to him, Jack. You know he is graduating soon." Burnie warned him.
"I know. Don't worry." Jack told him, and Burnie went to leave. "I won't try anything with him, Burnie," Jack added.
"Oh, I know that, but Gavin could try something. Be careful." Burnie then walked out as his statement hung in the air.
Jack frowned some and looked at Gavin. He was glad the other was getting sleep, but maybe letting him sleep in the office was going too far? Jack sighed as he went to sit down at his desk. He just didn't know what to do or what to think.
Jack began to get ready to leave his office when Gavin woke up. "Mr. Pattillo? Are you leavin'?" Gavin's voice was soft, and he was rubbing his face.
"Yeah, it's time for me to go home." Jack had paused at the door, but he turned to face Gavin. "Have you spoken to Geoff?" Jack asked, and he saw the other wince to the name. Well, that was never a good sign.
"I did. Geoff is still royally pissed off. I asked Michael if I could stay with him, but he said no. Michael had his girlfriend over tonight and didn't want me to kill the mood. And Ray has a girlfriend too, so he doesn't want me over, but I met a new friend named Jeremy. He's nice, but I didn't ask him because it's rude." Gavin sighed. "So, I was planning to get a hotel room, but I can't afford it anywhere. Not with my college money." Gavin sat up properly now and began to fold the blanket.
Jack listened to him, and he observed Gavin for a while. "So, you have nowhere to stay?" He asked him.
"Nope. Nowhere at all." Gavin sighed and set the folded blanket down. "But thanks for letting me sleep here, Mr. Pattillo! It helps me out a lot." Gavin smiled at him.
Jack stared at him for a while and processed what the other said. "You can come to stay with me. I wouldn't mind." Jack told him. He regretted extending the invitation but hated seeing a student on the streets.
Gavin blinked at him as he was taken aback by the statement. He was used to always asking for what he wanted and NEVER getting it. "I, uh, if it's okay, then I'd be happy to accept the invitation. I don't have classes tomorrow, though." Gavin warned.
"I have a day off. It works out, Gavin." Jack told him, and Gavin nodded.
Jack soon led him out of the offices, and he wondered why the other even told him he had no classes tomorrow? That was so weird. And why did he say something about not working tomorrow? Jack shook his head as he led the other to his car.
They slid into the car, and Jack noticed Gavin's beat-up backpack and winced. He wanted to do more things for the others but knew better. He had to heed Burnie's words, or else he'd be in deep shit.
Jack watched Gavin wander his house and look at his pictures. They were of him and his late wife. He put his briefcase down at the door as he slid his coat off. Then he saw Gavin pick up a frame but didn't demand he put it down; instead, he observed the younger man see his reaction.
"You look handsome in this picture, Mr. Pattillo." Gavin gave him an award-winning smile, and Jack ignored the butterflies in his stomach. He had to stay a respectable distance from the others though he knew inviting a student to your house always calls for trouble.
Jack was snapped out of his thoughts when an obnoxious bird squawk came from somewhere. Jack glanced around and saw Gavin get his phone out to answer it. Jack sighed deeply and went to the kitchen to give Gavin privacy.
"Hello, Professor Burns!" Gavin chirped, and Jack frowned.
He looked back at Gavin and saw his facial expressions change from happiness to hopelessness. "Oh, bugger... I thought..." Gavin jumped, and Jack heard the professor yelling from where he was standing. "No, I understand. I'm sorry for presuming that. So sorry. Yes, that grade will be fine. Thank you, sir. You have a good night too." Gavin was gripping his phone so tight that his knuckles turned white.
Jack knew the voice erupting from the phone, but he also knew that Gavin didn't want him speaking to his professors. He was sure he'd be able to convince Burnie too. He tried not to eavesdrop on Gavin's conversation anymore, but it had seemed to end.
"Sir, I have to leave. I need to go redo a paper at the library." Gavin told Jack though he had been rubbing his arm. He was nervous, and Jack could tell, but he didn't know why.
"You sure? I have a computer where you can work on." Jack offered, and he saw Gavin's eyes go wide.
"No, that's fine! I have to meet up with my professor." Gavin bit his lip. "Bye," Gavin added, then went to slip out of the house.
Jack watched and frowned. Burnie couldn't be doing what he thought, right? That would push the school into another scandal, and they didn't need that.
Jack groaned as he scratched his beard. He didn't know what to do for the student. He could confront Burnie about everything, but he knew that wouldn't be wise at school.
He sent his colleague a quick text about meeting up after work one of these days. Then he went to eat some dinner. He had worked up quite an appetite during the day.
It wasn't until morning that Jack got a reply back. He looked over the message and nodded.
-Today after work is acceptable. We can go to your place.-
Great! Jack had succeeded in setting the bait. Now he hoped he'd be able to see Gavin today. To tell him his ordeals would be over soon.
Jack got himself ready and left his home to go to the office. He walked in and had no sign of Gavin. He was sure he'd come later, though.
Hours passed by, and Jack still saw no Gavin. It caused him to worry, so he asked around the office about him. They said he usually doesn't come on Thursdays because he has no class.
"Ah, that explains a lot," Jack mumbled and returned to his office to get back to work. He had forgotten that Gavin said he didn't have classes that day.
He went through a couple of set-up appointments with students and leaned back in his chair as he glanced at the time. It was nearly seven. Jack frowned and jumped when his door opened, but only Burnie stepped through.
"Expecting someone else?" Burnie teased him and sat in the chair across from Jack. "Did you fix your pesky sleeping student problem?" Burnie asked.
He was messing with a string coming off his black dress shirt. He then rolled up the sleeve to take his attention away, and Burnie's attention was on Jack.
"I don't know. Gavin didn't show up today. Kind of worried, honestly." Jack told Burnie, who rolled his eyes.
"You needn't worry. I'm sure Gavin is a busy student. I heard he is trying to become a doctor or something. I don't know." Burnie picked at his nails as he spoke, then waved the subject off. "So, you're treating me to dinner?" He asked Jack.
Jack had just been staring at Burnie when he heard him. "Yeah, I'll treat you to dinner. I'll make some steak that I have in the fridge." Jack told him. He would cook them tonight and use them for salads the rest of the week, but he could sacrifice them for dinner.
"Mm sounds delectable," Burnie commented, and he went to get up. "Well, shall we get going then? I'll follow you to your house in my car." Burnie informed him.
Jack nodded, and he stood also. He had wanted to stay longer just in case he got to see Gavin, but he knew Burnie was impatient. He'd have to leave now and ask the office people if he came tomorrow.
He gathered his things and smiled at Burnie. "You look good in just a dress shirt and jeans. It suits you better than those sweater vests you used to wear." Jack commented, and Burnie chuckled.
"I'm changing up my style from now on. Some students advised I change since my attitude changed." Burnie shrugged. "I'm glad you like it. Means my charms are working on you." Burnie winked at Jack, who just cleared his throat and went to walk ahead of Burnie to his car.
Falling for one person was bad enough, but two? That was going too far for Jack.
The drive wasn't long, and once they got out of their cars, they met up, and the conversation flowed between them. It was either about rowdy students or sucky colleagues. Either way, they both felt comfortable as they set things down around Jack's house, and Burnie settled into a chair in the kitchen while Jack began to cook.
"Didn't know you had a house. Impressive." Burnie smirked as he watched the other cook. He wouldn't deny that he was looking Jack over. He had always been fond of his colleague, hoping to make a move tonight.
"Yeah, I paid it off with my late wife," Jack explained. "So, I just stayed here." He shrugged.
"Didn't know you were married before. So, you're a widow?" Burnie asked, and Jack merely nodded. "Have any pictures?" Burnie asked as he stood.
"Yeah, they're on the top of the fireplace." Jack motioned towards the living room and set the skillets up to cook the steak. He heard Burnie walk away and sighed as he gripped the counter.
Talking about his late wife always upset him, but he couldn't help but mention her most of the time. They had been married, and she was his life. Once she had passed, then he didn't know what to do. They'd both been in professional jobs and saw each other almost daily. He always misses her but knows he can see her in his dreams.
He shifted once he heard footsteps come into the kitchen, and Jack wiped the tears away that he didn't know had fallen.
"She was beautiful. I'm sorry, Jack." Burnie's voice was closer than before, but Jack ignored it.
"It's fine." Jack forced a smile. "I know she's watching over me." He added and laid the steak in the skillet. The sizzling took over his hearing.
"Of course. I'm sorry for bringing up the sore subject." Burnie's voice held regret in it, but Jack waved it off.
"Not your fault. It's mine." Jack turned to give him eye contact. "She has been gone for a while, but it still hurts when I bring her up. It will always hurt, but I'm okay with that." Jack smiled through all the pain.
Burnie gave him a small smile back. "I'm glad you're keeping your head up." He wanted to change the subject but wasn't sure how. He wanted Jack to smile without pain, but he wasn't sure how he'd do that.
"Well, I'll make some mashed potatoes and greens as sides. That okay with you?" Jack asked Burnie as he made his way over to his fridge.
Burnie nodded to that as he thought he should hug the other. Give him a tight hug to squeeze the pain out of him, but Burnie knew that wasn't possible.
"That's fine with me," Burnie spoke up as he realized Jack couldn't see his nod.
"Good." Jack chirped, and he went to get everything ready.
A ringtone began to play a bird squawk, and Jack froze. He knew where he had heard that before, and he glanced back at Burnie to see him answering his phone.
"Ello?" Burnie answered, and he hummed. "Yeah, I'll be home after this dinner with Jack." Burnie stayed quiet for a while as he listened. He glanced up to see Jack staring, smiling widely at him. "Of course, I'll bring some food for ya. Yup, I'll see you later tonight." Burnie was about to hang up until he heard something else. "I'll tell you once I get back," Burnie stated, then hung up.
"So, you are with Gavin!" Jack accused Burnie, who blinked. "I felt you were, but I didn't think you were in a relationship with one of your students!! You know how bad that is, Burnie!" Jack snapped at him.
Burnie looked at him confused but chuckled some. "Gavin and I don't let our relationship get in the way of being a student and a professor. I promise." Burnie assured Jack, who shook his head.
"It's not that, Burnie! You're with a student when you're not supposed to be!" Jack pointed out to him as he turned the flame off on the stove. "You're a respected professor at the school. And if word got out that you're dating a student, then all hell would break loose!" Jack threw his hands up in the air.
Jack was upset, and Burnie wanted to tell him things would be alright, but it was apparent that Burnie wouldn't get through to him.
"Jack, Gavin doesn't plan to tell anyone or let it slip to anyone. Hell, I'm surprised he didn't let it slip to you. I'm sure you only presumed because of Gavin, right? I heard he came over because you invited him. Were you planning something with him?" Burnie couldn't help but tease Jack at the end as he saw the other go red.
"N-No, I wasn't planning to do anything to him... Sure, he's attractive, but I don't touch students or fall for them." Jack averted his gaze as Burnie stood up to walk over to him.
"Hey, I'd be okay with sharing as long as Gavin and I could share you," Burnie told Jack, who flinched away from Burnie before he could get embraced.
"Not happening. Get out." Jack hissed to Burnie, who frowned.
"Come on, Jack. Give us a chance. You need a partner. If not one, then take two!" Burnie tried to convince him, but Jack shook his head.
"No! I don't want that! Please leave my home!" Jack raised his voice, and Burnie stepped back. He saw that Jack was shaking and was almost beginning to cry.
"I'm sorry. I didn't want to make you upset. I just want you happy, Jack." Burnie assured him but didn't step closer. "But if you want me gone, then I'll go. I'm sorry again for making you upset." Burnie put his hands up, and Jack waved him away. He then smiled sadly but nodded and wanted to leave. Jack cursed to himself as he realized he fucked up his chance. He hadn't meant to.
Jack turned around to grip the counter behind him. Things we're going too fast. Why would Burnie and Gavin want a relationship with him? He wasn't anyone special. Hell, he was a widow. Why'd they tried to deal with his depression?
Jack groaned as he looked at the half-cooked meat. He couldn't leave it like that, so he finished cooking it and then cut it into strips with a sigh. He put it into a container and then flopped down on his couch.
How would he avoid the two now? One student took frequent naps in his office and worked with the other. He laid down on the couch and hugged a couch pillow close. Maybe he had to take a break from working. He closed his eyes with a soft frown as he decided to take a break from school.
Jack notified the office about being gone for two weeks and made his way out of the offices. He bumped into Gavin, who squealed.
"M-Mr. Pattillo!!! I'm so glad I caught you. I wanted to talk to you." Gavin's voice was wavering as he spoke, but Jack ignored it. Or tried to.
"I'm sorry I can't talk right now, Gavin. I'm in a hurry." Jack put a hand up to the other, but Gavin grabbed his other hand. "Please let me go." Jack's voice was desperate, and he hadn't meant it to.
Gavin released his hand, though, and Jack could walk away. "I'm sorry, Mr. Pattillo! We never meant you any harm!" Gavin yelled after him.
Jack kept walking as he squeezed his eyes shut. He pretended not to hear Gavin. He ignored the apology as he sped and walked to his car.
His barriers seemed to close as he plopped down in the driver's seat. His mind was whirling with thoughts, and he groaned as he leaned his head against the steering wheel. Why'd Gavin even speak to him about last night? Hell, why were Burnie and Gavin a great communicating couple? He shook his head and looked up. He just had to get away for a while. That's the solution. Then everything will go back to normal, and he can return to being his miserable single self.
It had been a week already, and Gavin stared at Jack's shut counselor door. They hadn't let him into the room to sleep since the man had taken leave. Gavin had tried to convince them, but nothing had been working. He can only sit in the hallway by the office or stare at the door.
He felt a hand rub his shoulder, and Gavin looked up in hope, but his smile faltered at seeing Burnie. "Oh..." He mumbled and stared back at the door.
"I know how you feel. I miss Jack too." Burnie whispered as he let his hand drop from his shoulder. "I'm worried about his well-being." Burnie sighed.
Gavin took a deep breath and faced Burnie. "Can't we confront him? Tell him that we both love him?" Gavin asked. His voice was wavering since he was getting so upset. Gavin had just wanted to show the other some love. Gavin didn't want to force Jack to take leave.
Burnie smiled some at Gavin. He felt sympathetic since he blamed himself for Jack taking leave. He was sure the dinner that night caused everything to happen. His forwardness had scared Jack, and he should have gone slow as planned, but he hadn't been thinking at the moment.
"C-Can't you do something, Burns?!" Gavin almost shouted, but he kept his voice down. He covered his mouth and looked down as he shut his eyes.
Burnie frowned but slowly nodded. "I can arrange a meet-up with him, but I can't guarantee he'll meet us. You know that." Burnie informed him.
"Better than nothing." Gavin regained his composure as he cleared his throat. "Send me a text if something happens. I have a class to get to." Gavin sighed, and he went to walk away.
Burnie grabbed his hand, though, and pulled him into a hug. "I'm sorry, Gavin..." His voice was soft as he spoke. "I'll try and make things better," Burnie said.
"You better...." Gavin mumbled and hugged him back as he buried his face in his chest. "Make everything better, Burnie," Gavin demanded, then he pulled away to leave his class.
Burnie stood by the office and looked at the plaque once Gavin disappeared around the corner. He nodded to himself, then slid his phone out to text Jack.
Jack sighed as he lay in bed. He felt lazy but didn't have the energy to leave bed to do something. Jack buried his face into his sweat-covered pillow, and then Jack moved away from it in disgust. He had to do something to get out of his depression. Jack sighed to himself again and glanced at the time. It was only three on his seventh day out of work, and he was incredibly bored.
Nothing he would do satisfied him, though, and he hated it. He slowly unwrapped himself from his blanket burrito, and he stood to stretch himself out. Maybe cleaning up and washing his bedding will make him feel better.
He had barely got things all started when he heard his phone. A slight frown replaced the smile there as he checked his phone.
We gotta talk, Jack. Please, Gavin and I want to make amends.
Jack stared at the message for a while and decided not to respond. He wanted to get everything done before he put himself through more turmoil.
Jack got himself busy cleaning, and he forgot about the message. He had remade his bed with a small smile when he heard his phone ding again. He arched a brow and looked at the message he had received. This time, it was from an unknown number, but Jack had deduced it to be Gavin.
Mr. Pattillo, please let us come to your place for an adult conversation. Burnie was inconsiderate of your feelings that night, and we are sorry.
Jack stared at the message and saved the number, then typed out his address to the student. He hovered over the send button and wondered if this was a good idea. Would he be happy with the two or still be miserable?
Jack shook his head and decided not to answer. He had no reason to butt into the lives of the others and ruin them with his depression. He'd be fine destroying himself little by little.
He deleted the message and then lay down as he stared at the ceiling. His thoughts whirled around each other until he just shut his eyes to sleep.
Gavin sighed as he put his phone down. He hoped that Jack would respond, but he hadn't got anything back. "Burnie, I'm worried." Gavin set the book that he had been studying. "He won't message back. Did we screw up that badly?" Gavin asked with a loud yawn.
"I guess so." Burnie sighed. He saw Gavin yawn, so he grabbed his textbook from him. "You need sleep, Gavin," Burnie muttered, and Gavin groaned.
"But Burnie! I have a test next week. I need to study for it!!!" Gavin tried to protest, but he yawned again and rubbed his eyes.
"You need to sleep, Gavin. You're too tired to be productive." Burnie informed him. He went over to pick him up when he went to toss him over his shoulder. "Time to sleep and cuddle." He told him as he threw Gavin onto the bed.
Gavin squawked as he bounced a bit on the bed when he was thrown down. "I need to study, though, Burnie." Gavin went to sit up, but Burnie tackled him down to the bed.
"Nope! We are sleeping, and that's final. Study tomorrow. You have no classes." Burnie suggested, and Gavin sighed.
"Fine," Gavin grumbled as he shifted to bury his face into Burnie's chest. "I hate when you're sensible," Gavin mumbled to him.
They stayed huddled close together for a while as Gavin had his eyes closed. He was trying to sleep, but thoughts of Jack kept invading his mind. Had they struck out with him? Gavin shifted against Burnie's broad chest and looked up at him. He saw the older man had his eyes closed, and his features were peaceful. Gavin wiggled his hand free and went to caress Burnie's face.
"Mmm... Can't sleep?" Burnie mumbled.
"It hadn't been that long since we laid down, and you're already half asleep." Gavin chuckled as he leaned up to kiss underneath Burnie's chin.
"Yeah, I know. 'M tired, though." Burnie confessed and yawned, but he smiled at the kiss. "You're too cute sometimes... Did ya want to talk?" Burnie asked, and he shifted to peek an eye open to him.
Gavin sighed, and his eyebrows knotted in confusion. "I do, but not if you're tired. Besides, I should try and sleep." Gavin grumbled. His mind was still in memorizing mode, though. Equations from the textbook interrupted almost every thought he had.
Burnie made a soft sound, and he pulled Gavin close to him. "Try and get some sleep." He yawned, and Gavin heard a snore erupt from him.
Gavin rolled his eyes, then sighed. Everything had been so chaotic lately for him. Classes, tests, labs, and assignments. It was all piling up, and Gavin wasn't sure he'd be able to pull through. He buried his face into Burnie's chest to get the barrage of negative emotions to leave. He couldn't be thinking like that. Not right now when he didn't have a whole support system. He'd just have to wait.
Gavin had rushed into the main office days later. It had been about a week, and Jack should have been back, but he saw the door shut. "Where's Mr. Pattillo?" Gavin's voice wavered as he turned and asked the lady.
"Oh? Mr. Pattillo came in this morning to extend his leave of absence. It seems he needs longer than he expected." The lady smiled. "Did you need something from him? He said to offer any of his students guided by him his number. Let me check. Name please?" She asked.
Gavin gave his name, but he knew the response. He wouldn't be on that list. His counselor was someone else. He bit his lip as the woman kept scrolling. His impatience was getting the better of him. "I'm not on there." He confessed to her.
The woman paused and looked at him. "You're not, Mr. Free. I can set up an appointment with your real counselor if you'd like." The woman spoke slowly for him to understand.
"D-Don't bother. I'm too busy to meet up with any counselor. Thanks, though..." Gavin muttered, then went and left the building. He took his phone out and saw the reminder to go to his lab. A small groan escaped him, and a water droplet landed on his phone.
He wiped his tears away, then wiped the screen. There was no time to be upset since he had to get going.
Jack sighed as he was still on campus. He didn't know why he was, but Jack knew he didn't feel right to extend his leave. Work distracted him, but Jack knew it was close to her death date. He rubbed his face and went to look over the notes that were left for him.
The woman at the desk had decided to give them all to him since his students were missing him. Sure, this made him hesitate in putting more leave time, but it didn't completely stop him. Jack thumbed at the frayed notebook pages, and he sighed deeply.
Guilt was slowly but surely eating at him. Bit by bit, he feels more guilty as he reads the notes. All done by the students he had helped the most. They had been hoping to help him in turn somehow, but the letters were just eating him away.
He pinched the bridge of his nose and then wiped the tears away that fell. It turns out coming back was just too much. He went to stand to leave, but a student yelled his name.
"Mr. Pattillo!" The voice was cheery, and Jack sighed as he turned to face the student.
"I'm so glad you're back!" The student beamed, but Jack forced a smile.
"I'm not back just yet, Trevor. I am taking more leave." Jack confessed, and he felt his stomach twist at Trevor's expression.
It went from giddy to downright depressed. Jack wanted to assure the boy that things were fine, but Trevor smiled. "I hope you feel better soon! Have a great day, Mr. Pattillo!" Trevor waved bye to him and then went to leave.
But Jack spotted the tears running down Trevor's face. He saw the turmoil there in the student, and he wanted to call out to him. Jack would try to counsel the boy, but Jack knew he wasn't in the right place. He'd be of no help, but he felt terrible. He swallowed down his instinct to go after him, and he turned to walk back to his car.
Everything seemed to be moving slowly around him. Groups of students were talking and laughing, but he was just there. It had taken a while, but Jack finally sat in his car and gripped the wheel in front of him.
He felt like shit.
He didn't want to put in more leave, but he wasn't okay. He hadn't been since that night with Burnie. He leaned his head against the steering wheel with another deep sigh and closed his eyes.
It seemed everything was going wrong lately, and Jack didn't know how to fix things. Hell, he barely knew how to heal himself.
Some time passed, and Burnie was starting to get worried. Gavin stopped answering his texts about getting together and only saw the boy in class. He'd try and catch him after, but his female students constantly bombarded him with questions about the lecture. It annoyed him, but he couldn't ignore his duties as a professor just because his lover was having some bad days.
He had found out about Jack through colleagues who then volunteered him to check up on the counselor.
"Oh no, you don't want me to do it. Jack kind of hates me..." Burnie laughed uneasily.
"But you gotta do it, Burns. Matt and I are hated by Jack too. Since most kids with problems usually take our classes." Burnie heard him say, and he frowned.
"Yeah, he's right. Jack hates us. Not sure if it's because of the students. But I do know he wouldn't talk to us. At least you two were close before you fought, right? Use that friendship." Matt suggested, and Burnie sighed.
"Do I have a choice?" Burnie asked, and he patted him on the back. Burnie winced at the hit and rubbed the spot the guy hit.
"Nope! Now get your butt going! We've got lectures to do." The man waved at him and then walked away with Matt.
Burnie sighed, and he set down his coffee. He might as well get going now, then. He took his phone out and saw the time. The following lecture he had to do wasn't until another two hours. That was the lecture he saw Gavin in too. He rubbed his face in thought, then nodded. He might as well try.
It hadn't taken Burnie too long to get to Jack's place. He remembered the way quickly to Jack's home, rolled up to it, and then killed his engine. Then he just sat there for a while, trying to plan what to say to the man. Maybe something along the lines of a sincere apology. Either way, he knew he had to try and fix Jack though he knew it wouldn't happen after just one apology or talk.
He pushed his nerves aside and climbed out of his car. He slammed his car door behind him as he went to Jack's front door. He was nervous. Everything seemed slower as he knocked on Jack's door and waited for the man in question to answer.
The door opened a bit, but not all the way, and Burnie frowned. "What do you want?" Jack's voice was a croak, and Burnie saw darkness surrounding the other.
"Our colleagues sent me to check up on you," Burnie stated, and Jack scoffed. "People are worried about you, Jack. You never take this much leave at once." Burnie explained, and Jack stayed quiet. "What can I say or do to get you to consider returning to work?" Burnie asked. He was acting desperate now, but it was necessary.
Jack stared at him for a while, then slammed the door in Burnie's face.
Burnie jumped, and he sighed. At least he tried, right? He went to turn but heard the door open all the way.
"You're leaving?" Jack's voice was soft.
Burnie turned around, and he saw how Jack looked wrecked. He was sure the other did want help but didn't know how to ask.
"I thought you didn't want me to help, is all. What did you want my help with?" Burnie asked, and he saw Jack struggle to get his phone out.
"I feel shitty. I want to leave the house at least once daily, but I never can." Jack sighed as he didn't hold eye contact. "I always want to try and text someone to come get me, but then I feel bad. But if you're offering to help me, I won't feel as bad because you're helping me out of your free will. Besides, I forgave you about the flub of liking me." Jack was muttering most of his words, but Burnie understood.
Burnie wanted to tell Jack he wasn't joking about liking him, but he knew it wouldn't help the situation. "I'll help. I can take you out to dinner tonight. Is that fine?" Burnie asked.
Jack's face reddened at the thought of having dinner with Burnie in a nice restaurant, but he nodded. "That's fine. I'll take a shower..." Jack croaked.
"Drink some water too, please. I'll text you to remind you," Burnie assured, and Jack nodded.
"A-Alright, thanks." Jack looked up and finally gave Burnie eye contact. "Just know this means a lot to me, Burnie. Thank you." Jack smiled near the end.
Burnie froze to the spot and felt his stomach turn, but it must've been the butterflies. He remembers feeling them for one other person and smiling back at Jack.
"You're welcome. I'll see you later." Burnie waved bye to him and left back to his car. To say he was excited was an understatement. He was delighted he'd get to help Jack out of his depression rut. Hell, he couldn't wait for dinner that night and forgot about talking to Gavin.
The rest of the day was fine for Burnie. He was happy and hadn't even noticed there was no Gavin in his lecture. He helped students and did his class with ease. He wasn't dreading after work for once since he always went home alone. Not this time. This time he was taking Jack to dinner, and he was going to make sure the man had a good time.
He texted Jack about picking him up and received a text back with a smiley face. Burnie bounced in his seat and went on his way. That night was going to be so much fun.
Burnie knocked on Jack's door once he got there, and the door opened to reveal Jack in a nice outfit. The dark blue dress shirt suited him and matched well with his black slacks. Burnie felt he had just gotten the wind knocked out by a dodge ball. Jack looked so handsome and wanted to tell him but kept quiet. He didn't want to scare the other off when he just got him back.
"You ready to go?" Burnie asked Jack, who hesitated.
"I... um... I just need a moment." Jack stumbled on his words and slammed the door in Burnie's face. Burnie stood there for a while before stepping up to the door.
He knocked again and waited, but the door didn't open. "Hey, I know this is hard for you," Burnie called out, hoping that Jack was listening. "You're used to staying to yourself and not asking for help, right? I know you're fighting with yourself about whether you should go out or not, but I think you should. It'll be a nice pace of change for you. And you'll be out with someone you know. So, don't worry, I won't let anything happen to you, promise." Burnie assured Jack, and the door opened slowly.
Jack peeked out to Burnie. They stared at each other for a while before Jack opened the door fully. "D-Do I look okay?" Jack asked with a stutter.
Burnie smiled widely. He wanted to laugh softly at the question, but he didn't. "You look amazing. Very handsome." Burnie assured him, and he felt like his heart was trying to hammer its way out of his chest when he saw Jack blush.
"We can get going now. Sorry," Jack mumbled, and Burnie shook his head.
"We are going at your own pace, Jack. No need to be sorry. Let's walk to the car together and enjoy our evening out." Burnie held his arm out for the other to take.
Jack smiled back, and he closed the door to his house. Finally, a step forward instead of a step back and with the right person.
Jack looped his arm around Burnie's arm and leaned into him slightly. It felt right to be with Burnie though Jack couldn't say why. It just did.
They both settled into the car, and Burnie began to talk about his recent lectures. Many students were confused and didn't know the truth behind some historical events. He began to rant about teaching history more thoroughly in high school.
Jack didn't chip in for the conversation since he wanted to listen. Hearing Burnie's voice again was lovely. Heck, hearing someone else's voice again was lovely. He didn't know how much he had missed human interaction until he had it again. He nodded to some things when he agreed and drifted once Burnie went quiet.
His head was empty of negative thoughts for once. In the company of Burnie, his head was filled with Burnie, which was a welcomed distraction. He didn't want to shrink back into his old shell. He wanted to be rid of it so he could interact easily as he used to when she was alive.
A soft sigh escaped Jack, and Burnie glanced at him and then back to the road. "Everything alright?" Burnie was concerned, and it showed in his voice.
Jack opened his mouth to answer, but nothing came out. He wanted to talk about it, but Burnie's worry was dumb overcame Jack. Jack didn't want to be rejected by the one person he felt okay with. He argued with himself momentarily, then looked at Burnie.
"I was just thinking about how comfortable I am with you. It's relaxing." Jack told the truth to the other.
He saw Burnie smile, and Jack felt the butterflies flutter.
Why does he have to be so handsome?
Jack wanted to deny his inner thoughts. He couldn't say Burnie was handsome when he DIDN'T want to be his. Not after that falling out they had.
"I'm glad, Jack. I wouldn't want you uncomfortable." Burnie soon pulled over and parked. "So, keep being relaxed. I assure you that I won't judge you for anything." Burnie assured him. He climbed out of his seat to the other side to let Jack out.
Jack stared at the spot Burnie had left and couldn't stop the smile from slipping onto his face. He was glad he chose Burnie for tonight. It meant that he could be himself.
They walked into the restaurant together, and Jack noted how nice it looked. He suddenly felt overwhelmed and that he was underdressed. Burnie guided him to the table once they were seated, and Jack felt his world slowly open up again, even if he was on edge. Sure, the restaurant may be a little bad now, but he was sure as the night went on, then it'd get better.
Jack was kind of correct. The night in the restaurant was fun and better with Burnie there. Burnie distracted Jack from everything wrong with his life and made him laugh. Burnie's laugh made him smile. His smile made Jack's stomach flutter. Burnie's stupidly handsome face made Jack's heart pound throughout the night. He tried to ignore the apparent feelings there, but Jack couldn't.
They had settled back into Burnie's car, and Jack watched the other tap his fingers against the steering wheel. "Where'd you like to go, Jack?" Burnie asked and turned his attention to the other man.
Jack blinked as he wasn't ready for the question. Hell, he hadn't been prepared for anything most of the day, but he was letting Burnie take him places because he needed to get out of the house.
"I, uh, didn't think of anything to do. I-I was letting you lead." Jack informed Burnie, who chuckled softly.
"That's fine. I have a place in mind. Would you be okay with going to my place? It'd be a nice change of pace, and it'd get you out of your house." Burnie suggested to him.
Jack pondered the idea and wondered if it was safe to go with Burnie. "I don't know if going into another house is a great idea, Burnie..." Jack trailed off.
Burnie opened his mouth and then nodded at that. "You're right. That was a dumb suggestion. How about I take us to the park?" He asked him.
"That seems like a better option." Jack laughed at the other. "Glad you're trying," Jack added, looking out the window to watch the passing scenery.
"You doing okay?" Burnie asked Jack, who pursed his lips.
"Yeah, for now, but I think I have to go home soon. Tonight was a lot, even if I am grateful for it." Jack said as he sighed.
Burnie nodded as he parked near the park he thought of going to. "I understand. No hard feelings here." Burnie assured him, and Jack smiled at that.
"How is Gavin doing?" Jack asked; then Burnie cursed, which caused Jack to jump.
"I-I don't know because I haven't spoken to him today," Burnie confessed, and Jack frowned.
"He was also worried about me, Burnie," Jack said, and Burnie nodded. "We should check up on him." He added.
"You're right, but I don't know where he'd be," Burnie admitted and leaned his head onto the steering wheel.
"I can call him. He has my number, doesn't he?" Jack asked.
Burnie nodded at that and also handed his phone to Jack. "You can also check my phone and see if he messaged," Burnie told him as he started the car up to go to his place. "I am heading to my place. Maybe he is there." He mumbled.
Jack checked Burnie's messages and saw several ones from Gavin.
-Did you hear anything?-
-Please answer.-
-I won't make it to class. I have to speak to Geoff.-
-I'm sorry.-
-Tell Jack that I'm sorry for everything we tried with him. It was selfish of us. Bye.-
Burnie hadn't responded to any of them, so Jack called the number, but it went to voice mail.
"He didn't answer," Jack told him, then proceeded to call Gavin on his phone but got the same results. "His phone is off." He added as Burnie cursed as they pulled up in front of his house.
Burnie parked the car and jumped out to hear a weak hey. Relief flooded him as he embraced a bloody Gavin, who coughed. Jack stepped out of the car once he saw the two embrace.
"I'm so glad we found you," Burnie said to Gavin, and he kissed his forehead, which caused the other to wince. "Let's get inside." He demanded.
"W-What about Jack?" Gavin asked, and Burnie froze, then looked at Jack.
"Let's get inside and tend to Gavin, then we can all talk. Come on." Jack ushered the two into the house.
Burnie sighed and thanked him as Jack watched the two go in, then smiled. Maybe he could love these two and let them love him.