Hooked By You

Chapter 4: A Meet-Up

Writing this so I don't have a complete mental breakdown again.

(^u^)

Jedediah decided to go to a café before going home. He knew Kahmunrah wouldn't be happy with this choice, but he wasn't ready to go home. Plus, it gave him more time to chat with his new friend, Octavius.

Jed got along quite well with Oct. 

{From Octopus}

[This may be strange to ask, but I was wondering if you would like to meet up today? I understand if you're busy. I want to see your face as I don't remember it.] sent at 4:34 pm, 31 March

{From Jeddy Jed}

[I would love to! Got anywhere in mind?] sent at 4:34 pm, 31 March

{From Octopus}

[I was thinking the Smithsonian Café?] sent at 4:36 pm, 31 March

{From Jeddy Jed}

[I was already on my way there, so that words just fine] sent at 4:37 pm, 31 March

[works*] sent at 4:37 pm, 31 March

{From Octopus}

[Wonderful. Meet there at 4:45-4:50?] sent at 4:37 pm, 31 March

{From Jeddy Jed}

{Can't wait. Here's what I look like so you aren't wondering around] sent at 4:38 pm, 31 March

[(Selfie of Jed and Kah with Kah's face blacked out)] sent at 4:38 pm, 31 March

Jed put his phone away, grinning stupidly. He was very excited about this meet-up.

++POV Change++

Octavius grabbed his keys, staring at the picture Jedediah had sent. He assumed the other person's face was blocked out so he wouldn't be confused, but he couldn't tear his eyes away from Jed.

Jed had a grin, showcasing straight, white teeth. His hair was long and blond, and he had a cowboy hat on top of his head. He had a stumble of a beard.

This is the man that he hooked up with?

No wonder Octavius had gone for it. Jedediah was more attractive than he had been picturing in his head. He saved the photo, setting it as Jed's contact photo. If Jed asked why he saved it, he could tell him half the truth: he wanted to set it as his contact photo.

Octavius lived four blocks away from the Smithsonian Café. He went there often, as it was where he was currently employed. He didn't mind the job that much. He loved making lattes. Octavius was the person for latte art.

For years, Octavius had wanted to be a painter. He wanted to paint Roman myths. He still painted, but no one wanted to buy his art, so he wasn't making any money. Sadly, art wasn't going to pay rent.

Before he knew it, he was at the café. The line was short, which was good. He got in line, unknowingly arriving seconds before Jedediah did. The blond man stood behind Octavius, texting Kah. 

Soon, it was Octavius' turn. He looked over the menu and then at the cashier. "Good evening, Lulu. I think I will go with my usual."

"Of course. One latte coming up. Do you want anything to eat?"

"A raspberry scone."

Lulu nodded and rang it up. "Do you want me to give you an employee discount?"

"I don't work today."

"Do you want a discount or not, Octavius?"

Octavius huffed and nodded. "That would be deeply appreciated."

Lulu smiled. "That's what I thought. That'll be 10.23."

Octavius nodded, handing her a ten-dollar bill and a quarter. "Keep the change."

"We'll get that out soon."

"Thank you."

Octavius went to take his seat. 

Jedediah shook his head and stepped forward. He ordered, looking around for the man that had stood in front of him. He didn't get a good look at him, so he texted him.

{From Jeddy Jed}

[Where are you?] sent at 4:52 pm, 31 March

{From Octopus}

[Small round table by the windows. I'm sitting alone.] sent at 4:53 pm, 31 March

Jedediah looked around, soon finding the man he was looking for. He went over and sat down. "Howdy."

"What?"

"Yer Octavius, right?"

Octavius looked up. "I am. I'm assuming you're Jedediah?"

"The one an' only."

"You sound different than what I thought you would."

Jedediah rolled his eyes. "It's nice to meet ya, Oct."

"As to you, Jed."

The two sat in silence until their orders were called out. They went and got their drinks before resuming their spots. 

"So, Jedediah, what is it that you do?"

"I'm tryin' to be an actor."

"You are?"

Jedediah nodded. "I got a big role in a movie 'bout cars. It ain't gunna be out for a few more years. It's fully animated."

"Congratulations."

"How 'bout ya? What do ya do for a livin'?"

"I work here. I typically make the lattes when I'm on the clock."

Jedediah smiled. "That's cool! I ain't no good at makin' thin's look pretty."

Octavius chuckled, his heart pounding in his ears. He was already falling hard for Jedediah. "That's alright. As long as you enjoy yourself, that's all that matters in the end. Art is subjective."

"Do ya make other kinds of art?"

"I enjoy painting. Roman mythology, to be exact. It's so fascinating, and I feel a deep connection to it. I was born in Rome."

"Ya were?"

"I was. We moved here when I was ten after my father was given a better job opportunity."

"I was born in Texas. Moved here for actin' school."

"I'm sure you're a wonderful actor."

"I like to think so." Jed sighed and mumbled, "but Kah don't think I can do it."

"What was that?"

"Nothin'."

Octavius raised an eyebrow but didn't push. "So," he stopped before taking a deep breath. "I'm assuming we'll be friends?"

"I like to think so."

Octavius smiled sadly. "I think we'll be good friends."