You All Over Me [BxB]

Twenty-Five

Theodore lies on his side, facing away from Jacob, who walks out of the bathroom in borrowed clothes. Regardless of his efforts, he can't help but listen to Jacob's movements—catching the sound of his shirt being put on and the soft steps on the hardwood floor as he saunters to the bed. The scent of his own soap and shampoo on Jacob somehow is more calming, more alluring, than usual.

Theodore squirms uncomfortably at his own thoughts. What is he doing? Did he really put on the shirt Jacob gave him when he rescued him? For what? And why is he lying so close to where Jacob's futon is?

He shouldn't have drunk that bottle all by himself.

"Are you awake?"

He squeezes his eyes shut. Tomorrow, all these bizarre feelings inside him will be gone. A decent sleep will fix him.

"Theo?" Jacob prompts, waiting for a response.

Without looking back, Theodore mutters, "Yep?"

"Nothing. Just wanna talk," Jacob replies. "How have you been? How's the internship? Is it too much?"

"I'm alright. This is what I've always wanted to do from the start."

"That's good to know."

Silence.

"How about you? You seem to be doing pretty well," Theodore asks, staring at the wall.

"Hm? I am. Litigation is intriguing. I'm not much of a talker, but in court... I think I'll do okay."

Theodore chews on his tongue for a moment, then adds, "How's the work environment? Is my mom giving you a hard time?"

"Oh, no. She mostly feeds me. It's dangerous. I think I've gained a few pounds. And I'm... a little worried people might think she favors me."

"I mean, she does."

Jacob chuckles. "I guess so. But I'm trying my best. Don't want them to think I can't pull my own weight."

A small smile spreads across Theodore's lips. It feels like it was only yesterday when he got discouraged by their Crim Law professor.

He's proud of the progress he's made.

"And... and Betty? You seem to get along."

"She's my mentor."

Theodore doesn't answer. He exhales, closing his eyes.

Mentor, mentor, mentor...

"Theo?"

Theodore feels the mattress dip behind him.

"Are you sleeping?"

"What?"

"Let's chat for a bit. We haven't really talked lately. Unless you're really drunk..."

Theodore is unable to stop himself. "Yeah. We've been busy. Too busy..."

"Huh?"

"Nothing. Go to bed, Jake. I'm tired. And probably wasted."

"I was focused on the internship. And I thought you were, too. I know how much this experience means to you, so I figured you didn't want any distraction," Jacob says, sounding indignant.

Theodore rolls onto his other side, meeting Jacob's eyes. Jacob has his chin propped on his fist. Although a frown is etched on Jacob's face, the dim light isn't enough to conceal his flawless features. A tremor runs along his spine.

He backs off. "You still could have called..."

Jacob's lashes flutter. "Were you... were you waiting?"