the anatomy of love [BxB] COMPLETED

6

Caleb gives him a once over. "Where are you going?"

"Out." Jackson recalls a night when Caleb insisted on dressing flamboyantly and going out to a gay club to see if any guys would hit on him. In the end, Caleb got so trashed he actually kissed a guy, but passed out almost immediately after, red lipstick smeared across his lips. Jackson tries not to taint the fond memory with the coldness between them now.

"I'll be going to sleep soon," Caleb says, with a disapproving look. Jackson hears the unsaid words: So don't bring anyone home. Fortunately for Caleb, Jackson isn't planning to.

"Good for you," Jackson says icily.

Caleb's mouth tightens in barely contained anger. "You've changed. You've really changed. And not for the better."

"Oh I've changed?" Jackson asks with a laugh of disbelief. "Who are you, my mom?"

"No, I'm your friend! Your best friend. And I'm worried about you," Caleb says, running a hand over his face.

"If you think I've changed, take a look in the mirror some time," Jackson replies, but deep down he knows Caleb has a point. Even so, it's not his place to call him out on it, right?

Caleb shakes his head. "You go through guys like they mean nothing. Maybe they all mean nothing to you. But it's not good to use people so you don't feel any pain. I know that's why you need them, don't deny it. Because without them, you're hurt. You're so scared of falling in love that you don't let yourself get too close to anyone."

"Well that's easy for you to say!" Jackson says, his voice unintentionally raising. "You have Lauren!"

Caleb looks as shocked as Jackson feels. He hadn't meant to say that.

"Oh. So that's what this is about," Caleb says in quiet, sudden understanding. "You're jealous." His tone is matter-of-fact, and that pisses Jackson off even more.

"Fuck you," Jackson says roughly, his voice spent. He storms out the door before Caleb can reply or he says anything more regrettable.

As he's walking down the street, his cheeks wet, he tries to remember the last time he cried, and for a few minutes he can't think of it. Then it comes to him as the tears blur his vision and the street lamps shine like bright stars.

His parents' divorce. The last time he cried was when his parents got divorced. When Jackson attempts to figure out what this means, he only cries harder.

☆★☆

By the time Jackson reaches Azure, his tears have dried and the faint beat of the music coming from inside brings back a welcome rush of the restless energy he usually has before a night of clubbing. A bouncer stands outside the rainbow painted door, giving Jackson a nod when he flashes his ID. He texts Hunter that he's here and walks inside.

"Wow, is that Jackson Cooper?"

Jackson turns around with a smirk. Hunter looks him up and down appreciatively, while Jackson does the same to Hunter, noticing the significant heel on his shiny black boots, skinny jeans with rips at the thighs, a mesh shirt tucked in a diamond studded belt, the classic leather jacket, feathered earrings barely brushing his shoulders, and sparkles shining on his eyelids and in his hair, which sticks up in gelled spikes.

"You look hot," Jackson says. He doesn't know anyone who can pull off this outfit like Hunter can. Jackson tells him this.

"Aw, honey, thank you, but you really do need to get out more. There's more where I came from," Hunter says, then drags Jackson to the bar, where he orders them shots of tequila.