Supernova||Book 1 [Wattys 2024]

Episode 13.3 - Other People's Mess

Jade pushed open the heavy wooden door of the dimly lit bar, the warm, amber glow inside contrasting sharply with the cool night air. He blinked to adjust to the change in light, feeling a familiar sting in his chest."

He made his way to a table at the back, sinking into the seat with a deep sigh. The weight of the evening's events bore down on his shoulders. When he ordered a drink, the bartender, recognizing him, nodded in acknowledgement.

He'd been there less than 5 minutes when Avalon approached. "What's wrong?"

Jade looked up. "Avalon. What are you doing here?"

Avalon furrowed his brow. "It's Wednesday night, where else would I be?"

As though noticing his surroundings for the first time, Jade looked around. He'd somehow made his way to Avalon's bar, Absinthe. "Right," he muttered, taking a swig of his drink. "I guess I wasn't thinking."

With a sigh, Avalon slid into the seat across from him. "What's the matter?" he probed.

"This is such a mess," Jade pouted "Why is he being so stubborn? Jorah did it for him. Is he dumb?"

Avalon leaned back slightly, studying Jade's face with a mix of concern and something more tender. "Sometimes people act out of hurt, not logic," he said softly. "Maybe Nine just needs time to understand Jorah's intentions." He paused. "Whatever the case, he must have his reasons for his actions."

"Reasons?" Jade snorted. "Don't you think Nine's just being irrational? Jorah loves him. You'd think that would count for something." He frowned. "I mean if he really thought about what that means he wouldn't be acting this way."

"Love can be complicated," Avalon said quietly, his gaze lingering on Jade's face. "It's not always easy to understand or to accept, especially when emotions are running high."

With a roll of his eyes, Jade clicked his tongue. "I guess. I wouldn't know." There was a trace of bitterness in his tone.

Jade looked up, meeting Avalon's gaze properly for the first time. "It's funny isn't it?"

"What is?"

"That he would be the first one to really fall in love."

A teasing smile was on Avalon's lips. "You thought it would be you?"

Jade let out a humorless laugh. "Please, you know better."

Avalon's gaze didn't waver. "Then what about that guy from the other day?" he pressed gently. "The one you introduced us to. Don't you like him? You've seen him a few times now, haven't you?"

"I have" Jade confirmed. "I guess I like him." His voice dipped even as he raised his eyes to look at Avalon "But you've been around me long enough to know how it always ends.

Jade wasn't sure if it was the melancholy of Jorah and Nine's situation that was making him feel this way, but his heart was feeling particularly tender, even as he ruminated on his failed attempts at love.

"But you can't just give up." Avalon's response was gentle yet firm. "You know, Jade, not everyone falls in love the same way."

"Pftt..but who would want to fall in love with me?"

When Avalon laughed, Jade's eyes shot up.

"Are you being serious?" Avalon asked. "What is there not to love about you?"

Jade didn't respond.

"You're handsome. You dress well. You're smart. You're fun to be around. You're caring, even when you try not to show it...you're witty..even that sassy mouth of yours is–"

When he realised Jade was looking at him strangely, Avalon's words trailed off. "What?" he adjusted his glasses

"Nothing." Jade cracked a smile. "It's just..nice to hear.."

Avalon's jaws tightened. "You just wanted me to compliment you didn't you? Surely this isn't new to you and you've heard these things before."

"Maybe." Jade replied. "But when you say it–"

"I'm just stating the facts, that's all." Avalon cleared his throat and changed his posture. "Now about your message earlier. Has Jorah figured out what he's going to do yet?"

"Not sure." Jade shook his head. "I think he has something in mind though."

Avalon frowned. "This has been going on for so many years." he sighed. "Neither he nor his father seem to want to give in and now Nine is caught up in this mess."

"Mn." Jade nodded. "I think Jorah is trying to protect him as best as he can but you know how his father can be."

"Right." Avalon agreed. "If he used Nine to get Jorah back into the company who knows what else he might do."

"Shit." Jade sighed. "Such a mess."

"It is." Avalon agreed. "But we've been doing this for years hmm?"

"Mn." Jade grunted a reply

"I'll look into the thing you asked me to." Avalon told Jade.

"Thank you 'Lon." Jade suddenly gave Avalon's hand a gentle squeeze.

Avalon blinked, masking his surprise. "It's not a problem. He's my friend too."

"Not that." Jade replied.

"Then what?"

Jade held his gaze for a moment. "Just thank you–" There was absolute sincerity in his voice "For being there."

A few beats of time passed between them before Avalon pulled his hand away. "Just how much have you had to drink?" He tried to lighten the moment. "Come on. I'll send you home."

"Mmm.." Jade waved him off. "I'm not drunk." he pouted. "And you're not taking my sincerity seriously."

Avalon's heart itched. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "Alright alright. Enough. Time to go home."

Avalon had just stood and was pulling Jade up when someone joined them.

"Found you." Matthew smiled.

"Matthew." Jade grinned giddily "You're here."

"How much did he have to drink?" Matthew asked Avalon.

"I don't know." he replied. "He had one here but I know he was at an event earlier."

"Matthew..you came.." Jade grinned.

"I came." Matthew confirmed. "You need to get some rest."

Jade pouted. "Now you sound like Avalon."

"Avalon is right. Let's get you home." He looked at Avalon. "I can take him home if you'd like."

Avalon looked around before reluctantly releasing Jade into Matthew's care. "You can take him. I still have a few things to finish up here."

When Jade was being supported by Avalon, he waved him off. "Get home safely."

"Ok.Bye 'Lon." Jade smiled at his friend. "I love you."

Avalon smiled wryly as he watched the pair take their leave.

Once alone, he sighed. What a mess.