Defying Dominance (MxM) (18+)

29

BIG CW/TW: Mentions of trauma. Attempted Non-Consensual Discipline/Mentions of Assault. Allusion to Prior Assault. If these topics are something you're not in the headspace to read about, please don't hesitate to shoot me a message and I can sum it up as best I can in a way that isn't triggering.

Chapter 29: Jace

Jacque puts his phone away after nearly a minute of constant texting. He's glaring at me.

"What...what's going on, Jacque?"

Jacque just unlocks his phone and turns it towards me, and my blood runs cold. On his screen, it's a disturbingly clear yet zoomed in photo.

Of me. On Daniel's lap, cuddling him. At the picnic bench.

"What the fuck, Jace? I thought you were being careful or whatever?!"

"I was! Nobody was...nobody was around and I was still sad after today and I just wanted the affection and I...Where was it posted? Who saw?"

"It hasn't been posted. I took the photo."

I frown at him, searching his face for any clue. "Why...?"

"To make a point, dumbass. You're being reckless. If I can catch you on camera, anyone can. You're being a moron."

"I...But you and Max-"

"Don't act all lovey and shit in public. The only reason you found out was because you walked in on us fucking. In public, Max and I act like we always have. For multiple reasons, our relationship isn't public."

"...Reasons like?" I prompt.

Jacque rolls his eyes. "We're talking about you, Jace. Not me."

"...I want to know why so I have more reasons to be careful, Jacque."

Jacque sighs heavily and puts his phone away. "The media would eat Max alive for being with my fucked up ass. He's too good for me, and they'll never leave him alone about it. Similarly, they'll think I'm some pity project for him which will piss me off and make me make bad decisions. Dad would hate me because he wants grandchildren."

"Cameron is straight-" I start.

"Cameron has said more than once that Dad won't be allowed to see any kids he has. Aside from that, Dad doesn't want me to be...like you."

"Gay?"

Jacque nods. "But I'm not gay. He wouldn't care about the semantics, though. He barely tolerates you being gay, I can't be. I can't have Dad hate me. I really can't. And Dad would stop letting Max come over. Or spread rumors that Max has an STD or something. Max doesn't deserve that and I need him to come over because he gives me attention...and affection. You don't want Dad to completely bar Daniel from the house, do you?"

"Well...Daniel's mom doesn't want him coming over anyway. She'd prefer if I came to him-"

"Good on her," Jacque interjects.

"-But I don't want Dad to start rumors about Daniel...What do you think he would say?"

"Nothing good. Be more careful, Jace. Keep it behind closed doors."

"...I will. I'll be more careful, I promise."

Jacque nods and reaches over to pat my shoulder roughly, awkwardly. "Good."

"You really care about Max, huh?" I say slowly. I want him to keep talking to me. I want...Want him to feel comfortable talking to me.

"Obviously. He...He took me to his therapist," Jacque says quietly. "He says if we're going to...take this further and actually...be together, not just...fucking...I need to work on myself and be better. It's hard and frustrating so I've only gone once. But I want Max to know that...That I can put in the effort too. He deserves that much..."