Hooked By You

Chapter 10: Taking a Break

Kahmunrah was out, spending the next few days trying to be put back into his parents' will. This gave Jedediah the time to go to the Smithsonian Café. He spent the day there, sipping drinks.

Octavius worked there the entire time he was there. Jedediah spent much time staring at him, er, zoning out in Octavius' general area. 

A large part of Jedediah wanted to tell Octavius that he and his boyfriend had broken up. He wanted to be with Octavius but knew that Kahmunrah would eventually find out.

It was amazing that Kah hadn't found out about the hook-up. 

Jedediah looked away from Octavius, taking a long sip of his drink. He felt horrible.

He shouldn't feel like this about Octavius when he has a boyfriend. It was hard not to. 

Octavius was kind, gentle, patient, and respectful of Jed's boundaries. 

Kahmunrah, on the other hand, was mean, rough, impatient, and had zero respect for anyone's boundaries.

What did Jedediah even see in Kah?

Yes, there were moments when he was loving and kind. Kah was manipulative. He was good at lying. 

Kah spent a lot of time praising Jedediah. The praise made it hard for Jedediah to see the bad in this relationship.

Jedediah coughed on his drink, a harsh realization hitting him.

==Time Skippy Skip==

Jedediah got home and packed a bag. He wrote a note to Kah, telling him they needed a break before leaving the flat. It was his place, he had nowhere to go, but it was best for Jedediah to leave than try to kick Kahmunrah out.

Jedediah took a deep breath. He pulled out the new phone he had bought after Kah wrecked his last one. 

{From Jeddy Jed}

[Hey, it's Jedediah. I was wondering if I could stay with you for a night or two] sent at 6:53 pm, 5 April

{From Octopus}

[Of course. Here's my address _______________. I won't be at home as I'm visiting my parents for dinner. There's a key under the doormat.] sent at 6:55 pm, 5 April

Jedediah put the address into his phone and walked there. He took the key out and unlocked the door. 

He went inside, flicking on a light. Jed took a shaky breath, kicking off his shoes. He was glad that Octavius let him stay.

Jed sat on the couch, pulling his knees close to his chest. 

==Time Skippy Skip==

Octavius arrived home, forgetting that he had let Jedediah stay with him until he saw the man asleep on the couch. He set the tub of food his mother sent him home with into the fridge.

Octavius sighed softly, pulling a blanket over him. Without thinking about it, Octavius kissed Jedediah's forehead. 

After that, Octavius went to his room. His cheeks were red.

"Why did I do that?"

==Time Skippy Skip==

Jedediah woke up, rubbing his eyes. He couldn't remember where he was, but he knew it wasn't his and Kah's place.

He soon remembered what had happened. He remembered the note he had written to Kah.

"I think we need to take a break. I'm not breaking up with you, but I need a day or two to get back into the right headspace."

Jedediah sighed. It was probably for the best that the couple was taking a break.