Birthdaypresent(s) [Broshler]

Good talk, good talk

It was silent for a bit, nothing too uncomfortable, but the standard well-meant first greetings and how-are-you's had been spoken. Brendon listened to Jordans directions to get him to Aaron's place, picking him up too to drop the two off at the airport. Apparently Aaron lived on the complete other side of the city, so it would be at least a good 15 to 20 minute drive to get there.

"So, you two. How's that going", Brendon asked, unable to hold his curiosity, but also wanting to open the conversation for Jordan if he wanted to. To Brendon, Jordan always seemed so cautious, nervous and uncomfortable. Like Josh could be awkward at times, but Jordan was on a whole different level. "Yeah, doing good", Jordan answered monotonous, nodding.

"Wow. The enthusiasm", Brendon chuckled, trying to get Jordan out of this discomfort. Looking at the latter, he looked like he was bursting to talk, but at the same time wished he could go up in smoke.

Brendon toned himself down a little bit, knowing he had to be careful to have Jordan open up. "Come on buddy. You two are a new couple, you should be all hearteyes and excited whenever we mention the boyfriend."

"Just that it's a boyfriend doesn't mean i have to skip around and tell about it", Jordan huffed, almost snappy.
"Hey", Brendon cut him short with a semi-insulted frown. "It's not about that. Boyfriend, girlfriend, whatever. What i meant is that you should be radiating a certain smitten energy, because it's new and supposed to be fun. But instead you only seem worried and miserable."

Jordan sighed and apologized as he leaned his head against the window. Brendon squeezed his shoulder. "We can tell you like him a lot Jordan, we can also tell you're struggling and bottling things up." Brendon smiled softly. "I think you should talk about it. You're keeping things inside too much. Talk with Josh. Or me. Or a therapist. All is good, just talk."

Jordan didn't respond, but Brendon knew he had him listening now. "It's not strange you're having issues dealing with this, bud.. I mean for me it has never been an issue whether i liked guys, girls, theys. It has never mattered. But for you and Josh thats different. And just the fact that Josh handles it differently than you do, doesn't mean you don't have a good reason to be struggling with your mind. With that upbringing and all the shit they put you guys through... this is a huge thing. So deal with it. Talk."

Jordan sighed again, as he looked at Brendon. Not a sign of his regular mischievous smirk showed, just a genuine interest and concern.

"It's not that easy for everyone."
"I know, bud. I know. But was I getting it right?"
"Yeah", Jordan admitted. "You're right."
"Then please just try and talk to us okay? You don't have to spill all the tea but just, speak up. Maybe that itself already helps."
"I'll try", Jordan agreed with a little nod.

"So now, holidays. LA. Are you excited?"
"I guess so, yeah"
"You guess?" Brendon shook his head in disbelieve.
"Do you like spending time with Aaron?"
"Yes!" It was the first convincing answer Brendon had heard that ride, but still filled with worry.
"Okay so what's worrying you so much? Being out in public? I mean like.. possibly people seeing you two are together?"

"That too yeah", Jordan mumbled and Brendon narrowed his eyes, let the answer sit for a bit.
"Makes sense. Sex?"

Jordans faced immediatly flushed fully red, Brendon chuckling because it reminded him of that other Dun brother. Only thing was Josh had always been a lot whittier and bolder still than Jordan.

"That too", Jordan nearly whined in a soft awkward whisper.
"You need to stop overthinking so much buddy. Experiment. If you're feeling good around him and trust him with it, you'll be fine."