Daddy Issues (TW) - A TMF Fanfiction

Chapter 4 - Friend(ish)

GUYS I AM SO SORRY FOR THE LONG WAIT ON THIS CHAPTER, I HAD REALLY BAD WRITER'S BLOCK AND I FORGOT ABOUT THIS STORY FOR A WHILE!!! HOPE YOU ENJOY THOUGH ☺️

(No one's POV)

Although Zander refused to admit it, Jake's words meant a lot to him. He wasn't used to having that kind of welcoming or trust in anyone — his dad had ruined that for him. Just the thought made him sick. He tried not to think about it and he left the questionably hygienic bathroom stall. He walked out, and Jake looked back to see Zander shortly behind him. Jake slowed down to stay at the same pace as Zander.

(Zander's POV)

Jake caught up with me as we walked down back to the cafeteria. He asked, "So, uh... friends?" He held out a hand for a handshake. We stopped walking and I stood in complete silence for a moment. I thought, Are we friends? Sometimes, answers are more complicated than they seem on the surface. It's not a simple yes, no, or maybe so. You have to think about what that person knows about you, what you know about them, and your interactions with them. I had come to a conclusion. I shook his hand shyly and replied in a soft voice, "Friends." A small smile was slowly placed on my face.

The handshake lasted for over ten seconds of awkward silence. "Uh, I think we've concluded friendship, Jake," I inquired awkwardly. "Uh right," Jake stuttered, pulling his hand away, "Sorry!" "It's fine," I insisted, "No harm done. Just... never mind." I was about to say "tension," but that could add even more tension between the two of us. I could barely even notice the fury from before swimming away from me. I felt calm; safe. Something about Jake made me calm... and annoyed at his weird flirting that was... maybe working?? I don't know, just wanted to put it out there.

(Jake's POV)

"What? What were you gonna say," I asked. Zander replied nervously, "Nothing, it's nothing! Didn't wanna make things weird." I said, "What?" He blurted out, "I was going to point out the tension between us, but— aw, shit." Zander immediately looked away from me, but his expression screamed, "I MESSED UP, DIDN'T I?" I could feel the skin of my cheeks growing hot. I gently put a hand on his shoulder and chuckled, "Hey hey, don't worry. It's fine. No biggee. Don't sweat it." Zander sighed softly, "Thanks... I guess."

Zander smiled at me. Like, genuinely smiling at me. It was a small, shy smile, but a smile nonetheless. We walked back into the cafeteria, and everyone looked at us as we did. Oh no. We walked back to the table, and Zander just couldn't get that smile off of his face as I kept my hand on his shoulder. Though, as soon as the others could see us clearly, Zander immediately stopped smiling and crossed his arms in annoyance.

Hailey perked up awkwardly, "Sooooo... uh... yeahhhhhh..." Zander sighed at her, "Don't make this awkward." He slyly pointed at me as he continued, "It's awkward enough"