Core strength

10. Not in the mood

JJ went to bring food to Jeff to the studios every day of the week. He's now being recognised by the security guards at the door, and the makeup artist, Lawan, Bin and some other Jeff's colleagues say hi to him when he arrives.

Today the set is a little bit more quiet than usual, Lawan comes to  him as soon as she sees JJ and whispers:

- We're just filming the NC scenes today, so there's minimal staff here - she says while looking left and right - it's a shame you're already here... I should have told you not to come today.

Lawan looks at her watch and then brings JJ with her to a corner behind the makeup stations.

- Okay, I guess you can stay with me here - she says while gesturing JJ to be quiet.

JJ looks at the stage, they have a skewed view of a bed. There's a chill travelling on JJ's spine when he realises what it means.

Jeff is wearing a black tank top and sweatpants, doing some pushups on the side, JJ guesses it must be to showcase his muscles and veins.

The other actor, Mark, is wearing a loose t-shirt over his slim limbs and short pyjama pants. He looks really pretty and ethereal, JJ has to admit.

JJ is getting a sore stomach, but he can't stop himself from watching.

When it's time to start filming and the director shouts "action", Jeff and Mark are standing by the bed.

JJ sees them talking for a little bit, then Mark turns his head, only for Jeff to grab his neck and start kissing him passionately. The kiss lasts an eternity in JJ's eyes, and Mark is also grabbing Jeff's t-shirt.

JJ casts a look at the director. Is he not going to shout "cut"? When he turns his head back to the stage, they have both taken out their t-shirts and are now rolling on the bed, their torsos touching.

Finally, the take is over. The grip on JJ's heart releases a bit only to tighten again because, unsurprisingly, it needs repeating.

***

JJ has been watching intently all this time, twelve times they've been filming the same take. JJ releases his fist which was holding a paper bag, now all scrunched.

But it's not finished. Before letting Jeff go to have lunch, they need to film closeups of their mouths kissing. That's another dozen or so of kisses for JJ to watch.

His stomach is churning. Lawan senses something it's not right, so when JJ notices her asking him, he  makes an effort and pushes his jealousy aside.

- I'm fine, thank you. I think I have a bit of heartburn, I'll go get some medicine when I leave - says JJ with a watered down smile.

***

Finally Jeff is free, he comes to where Lawan and him are, a bit surprised of seeing JJ there.

- Have you been here for long? - says Jeff, biting his own lips after the words come out of his mouth.

JJ just nods and hands him his food, without making eye contact.

They eat in silence, the atmosphere so awkward, even Lawan leaves to talk to the makeup artist.

- JJ... Today I'll finish earlier, I think, there's only one or two more takes. Can we meet at my house? Lawan can drop me there so you don't need to come back here - says Jeff in the softest of voices, as if he was sensing how prickly is JJ at this moment.

- Mmm, that's fine - says JJ.

JJ leaves the studio quickly afterwards. He really needs the heartburn medication, so he passes by the pharmacy, and then he heads to the gym to punch something, to do some exercise until it hurts.

***

It isn't early at all when Jeff finishes, thinks JJ. He has showered and changed to street clothes, a black opened shirt and grey trousers, he doesn't want to look shabby today.

Jeff opens the door to his house. He, too, seems to have had a shower, his hair slightly damp and a faint scent of shampoo still in the air.

Jeff smiles warmly ready to charm JJ who he guess has had a bad experience at the set.

JJ is emanating cold vibes, cool as a stone, but it doesn't deter Jeff who hangs of his neck and starts kissing him as soon as he closes the door.

JJ is not responsive today, he's even putting a hand on Jeff's chest to break the kiss. Jeff is insistent, though, he doesn't want to talk and explain and end up fighting with JJ,  he just wants him to see how much he likes him. Can he just make him feel it?

He pushes JJ to sit on the sofa and climbs on top of his lap. He's appreciating JJ's clothes on his perfect body, his gaze burning on his unbuttoned shirt and exposed chest.

He kisses JJ's mouth, but his lover doesn't open his mouth, just moves his head instead, so Jeff bites and lick his earlobe and neck. JJ's scent is so arousing.

Jeff's crotch is pressing and sliding over JJ's. He uses an utterly sultry voice to say into JJ's ear:

- I want to feel you inside me, baby, please give it to me...

JJ grabs Jeff's arms for a moment, to stop his wandering hands, looks him in the eyes and says:

- Today I'm not in the mood.

Jeff is undeterred, with his arms held he's still kissing JJ's face.

JJ can't take it anymore and makes a movement to lift Jeff and stand up, Jeff is not having it:

- You'll give it to me and you know it - says Jeff, grabbing JJ's hair on the back of his head with enough force to turn his head upwards.

With a mocking smile and sad, cold eyes, JJ says to Jeff:

- Sure, just take it, then.