You All Over Me [BxB]

Twenty-Two

Theodore deftly knots his necktie and meticulously rolls up his sleeves. He catches his reflection in the mirror, and he gives himself a once-over, making sure that he looks presentable.

He's finally breaking his party drought tonight, but just thinking about keeping up appearances is already wearing him out.

Theodore has been out of practice.

Just then, a knock resounds through the room. He swiftly snatches his coat and keys from the kitchen counter, and slips on his polished black leather shoes.

With his heart racing, Theodore turns the doorknob. Jacob appears in a striking white tuxedo, complete with a sleek black bowtie. Theodore can't help but feel a flush of warmth spread across his cheeks. While he's seen Jacob in formal attire before, this marks the first time they're attending a social event together.

Who would have imagined?

"Hey."

"Hey," Jacob says, his wavy hair elegantly combed to the side, one hand casually tucked into his pocket. "You look fantastic."

"I could say the same about you, but you're aware."

Jacob chortles. "I still wouldn't mind hearing it from you."

Theodore steps out of his place, locking the door. "You ready?"

"Yeah. Let's go."

******

Theodore navigates through the pouring rain while Jacob idles in the passenger seat. Traffic is at a standstill, with cars and public vehicles lined up in endless columns, their horns blaring pointlessly.

"Stella just texted. She's already there with Austin," Jacob remarks, flicking through radio stations.

Theodore taps his fingers on the steering wheel. "Sorry... We'll be a little late."

"It's fine. You can't control the rain, and I'm not exactly known for punctuality at these events anyway."

"Right. You do like making a grand entrance."

"Not my fault people think it's grand when I'm simply walking in."

"That's true. But you like coming late for attention."

Jacob glances his way, half-smiling. "An unfair accusation. I'm a headturner, whether I'm early or not."

Theodore doesn't argue because it is true. He wonders how guests would react once he walks in with Jacob.

"Will your parents be there?"

"My mom probably will."

And your dad?

Theodore knows better than to broach the subject of Dr. Emmanuel. It's been two years since they became part of each other's lives, but discussing Jacob's father is still off-limits. He'd tried once before, and it didn't end well. Jacob was aloof for the rest of the afternoon, though he later assured Theodore that he wasn't angry. It was just a topic he didn't want to discuss.

Ever.

"What about yours?"

"Yeah," Theodore answers. "They won't miss parties like this. Excuse my mom in advance."

Jacob smirks, his fang poking out a little. "I don't mind, Theo."

Theodore's mind drifts back to a dinner they had with his mother. She clearly liked Jacob—to the point of embarrassment for Theodore. After that, she frequently insisted on having Jacob over at their house. Theodore made excuses, even going as far as inviting Austin and Stella to join them. But that didn't go as planned either. Even his friends attempted sly remarks, hinting at Jacob's feelings for him.