Two of a Kind {JJ Maybank}

18

A/N Hello my lovelies!! SURPRISE!!!!!

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"Well, I think I'm going to get in the hot tub now," JJ says, beginning to make his way through the water to the closest latter. I turn back to the doorway Tony and Pope had just left through, then back to JJ.

"That's a good idea," I say. I'm not sure how this will do with my constant thoughts of wanting to kiss JJ, but it will be less awkward than having all that distance between us. I press the button for jets and follow JJ into the hottub.

The water is warm and welcoming as I ease myself in. JJ had taken the seat directly across from the steps. I try to ignore the water droplets falling from his hair and onto his face. I look down at my hands, bushing the bubbles around to keep myself busy. We are both quiet before JJ breaks the silence.

"Tony has been good to Pope, she's a sweet girl for a sweet guy," JJ says, I look up and nod in agreement.

"They do complement each other very well," I say, "I think we do too," I freeze once the words are out of my mouth, my cheeks are for sure blushing. "I mean," I start in attempts to speak as JJ moves to sit closer to me. "I mean, we get along really well," my voice trails off at the end, not sounding confident in the slightest.

"We do get a long pretty well," JJ's voice is soft, "I also think we complement each other too," My head snaps towards JJ, who is now looking into my eyes. I am unable to stop my eyes from finding his lips. I see JJ lean closer to me, his eyes are on my lips too.

"JJ," I nearly whisper.

"Mae, I am usually really good at sensing if this is wanted or not." JJ says, his eyes lifting to mine. "But you have pulled away from me before. If you want me to kiss you, please understand that I really, really want to kiss you." JJ's voice is low and chuckles a little at the end of his sentence. "I will let you make the next move so I can know where you stand," JJ adds, no pressure behind his words.

We sit in silence looking between each other's eyes, JJ keeping to his word of not making a move until I do. The alcohol from earlier is screaming for me to lean into him, to invite the kiss I have been wanting for a while now. Everything in me wants to kiss him, but for some reason I can't stop thinking about how I will be leaving here at the end of the summer, and leaving Tony will be hard enough. What if I fall harder after this kiss? What would become of this after I leave? I've already shown JJ my art, am I willing to put more feelings on the line?

The jets turn off and I pull away guilt consuming me, blinking rapidly and looking anywhere but JJ. "I'm sorry," I begin to sputter, feeling tears enter my eyes. Damn alcohol, damn emotions. I feel JJ place a hand on my cheek and turn my face back to him. Concern strong in his expression.

"Don't be sorry," JJ whispers, rubbing his thumb across my cheek, "Let's go join the party again," JJ keeps his tone light, with small genuine smile I have not seen on him before. I nod, returning the smile.

~~

JJ knocks on the door in a fun rhythm, and soon enough Pope is there letting us in. He moves aside and I see Kei curled up on the pull-out bed with the bucket meant for ice near her head, John B and Sarah making their claim on one of the queen beds, and Tony hanging out on the rolling chair. Tony looks me over and can tell something is up.

"I'm going to change out of my wet clothes," JJ comments, grabbing his backpack. Once he is in the bathroom Tony is on her feet walking towards me. I give a small shake of my head to let her know not now. Tony nods her head in small understanding, she looks around to help find something for her hands. She spots my duffle bag and grabs it.

"Here," Tony offers, "Once you change after JJ, mind meeting me on the balcony?" She asks quietly to not pull any attention to us.

"Yeah, I can meet you there," I respond. JJ exits the bathroom in some dry shorts and tshirt, I make my way around him. In the bathroom i place my hands on the sink and take a couple deep breaths, trying to relax. I look at myself in the mirror and whisper, "You are not allowed to drink until you can get your shit together, why are we almost crying?" I let out one more deep breath then begin changing. I hear a knock at the door, then Tony's voice.

"Hey, can I use the toilet?" Tonys asks through the door.

"Yeah, it's unlocked," I answer. Tony lets herself and sits on the closed toilet seat. She examines my face for a moment.

"What's going on?" She asks quietly. I shrug, sitting on the floor in front of her.

"I really like JJ," I start, "And I'm leaving in a month." I sigh. We both sit there for a couple minutes before Tony begins speaking again.

"You like JJ, forget about the leaving part." I begin to object when Tony holds up her hand to stop me. "Mae you like JJ and you are here now. Don't over think, he likes you too. I know you are not big on acting on your emotions, but I think you should." Tony ends with giving me a pat on the head, then leaving the bathroom. I soon follow after to join the party.

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Sarah and John B have a couple more drinks but end up passing out in their own bed. JJ says he needs some air and takes to the balcony while I tell Pope embarrassing stories of Tony when she was little. Pope is laughing on his back, and I am looking towards the balcony doors hoping to get a glimpse of JJ.

Tony catches my eye and motions for me to follow after him without Pope noticing. I shake my head, not thinking it would be a great idea. Tony gives me an annoyed look, causing me to roll my eyes. Once Pope is sitting up right again his eyes are squinty.

"I think it might be time for me to sleep," Pope announces.

"Me too, " Tony says, then glances my way. I stand up knowing she is giving me the perfect chance. Tony is helping Pope get under the blankets as I walk across the room.

I open the balcony door and see JJ leaning against the bar looking down to the street. "Hey" I say to let him know it's me. JJ looks over his shoulder to throw a smile my way then back to the street. There is a set of chairs and I sit in one. The plastic is a little chilly but warms up quickly.

We can hear the bugs and some frogs off in the grassy area, the stars are bright even with the lights from the hotel. JJ pushes himself away from the bar he was leaning against and takes the chair near me. We stare at each other, as my eyes adjust to dark, and I can see his eyes looking over me.

"JJ, about the hottub" I begin, but JJ cuts me off.

"If you are going to say you're sorry again, please don't, there's nothing wrong with not wanting to kiss me."

"It's not that."

"I thought we were thinking the same thing but maybe I was projecting, it's okay that you are not interested in me the same way."

"JJ, it's not that," I want to say it was me who was too nervous to act on my own feelings, but I am cut off by JJ again.

"You are just so awesome, and we get along well for only knowing each other for a short time," JJ says, I try to say something to stop him, but he keeps going, "You are talented, have a good sense of humor, absolutely gorgeous," JJ is raising a finger after each compliment.

"JJ," I say, but he doesn't hear me.

"I could look at you all day and not get bored, in fact I would get annoyed with the sun for setting and taking the light with it." I stand up and step in front of JJ, and he still doesn't stop. "I can't even deny that I've enjoy those couple of morning waking up next to you and you being one of the first things I see," JJ stutters trying to figure out what to say next and I see my opening. I grab his face between my hands and lower my face down to his. Before JJ can say anything else I follow what my emotions have been wanting to do all day and I bring my lips to his to finally kiss JJ.

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A/N I hope you enjoyed this chapter as much as I did, I fell away from writing for a while but then had an itch to come back for my girl Mae. Vote to show the love!