Jude trudged through the dark woodsy like area. The rain pouring more now than it was about four minutes ago. He shivered each time the cold rain hit him. His body shook with relief when he saw the run down flicking motel sign. He also felt relief when he saw Connor's car parked in the almost abandoned parking lot. He walked a little farther until he reached the room he assumed Connor was in.
Jude reached his hand to knock on the door, but something stopped him. Was he ready to know the truth? It can't be that bad. He lowered his hand slightly about to walk away.
"Jude you can do this. All you need is the truth then you can go home knowing that it wasn't your fault."
He huffed out a large breath then knocked loud, but quiet. A flash wave of nerves flushed across his body. Jude started to back out but the door swung open bringing him to a halt.
"W-what are you d-doing here?" Connor stuttered trying to find some courage inside of him.
"I need you to clarify something." Jude spoke truthfully. Connor and him locked eyes for a minute, both of them standing there in utter silence.
"D-Do you want t-to come i-inside?" Connor continued to stutter.
"No. I just need to know something. Then I'll leave." Jude spoke as the rain poured harder on his head. He took a deep breath through his nose then breathed out his mouth. "Did you kiss Daria because being with me was getting old or because you don't want me in your life anymore?"
Connor saw sad desperation in his Judicorn's eyes. He couldn't tell if there were tears streaming down his face or if it was only the rain. Connor reached for both of Jude's hands then drew him inside; closing the door behind them.
"I always want you to be apart of my life. I kissed Daria to protect you. She promised to stop bothering you if I did, but trust me if I knew how much this was going to break us I wouldn't have even talked to her. You know I can't control my boyfriend instincts when it comes to you." Connor's gaze fell to the floor.
Jude actually seem to pity the younger boy. His sad smile eventually turned to a big toothy grin. "Boyfriend instincts?" He questioned.
Connor glanced up from the mostly carpeted floor. He nodded shortly. "Yea, it's like a combination of jealousy and protection. All boyfriends have it."
"I don't... because it's not a thing." Jude said modest.
"It is too. I've had it ever since we started dating. It feels like a weird tingling sensation in the pit of my stomach."
"That's not "Boyfriend Instincts" you weirdo, that's love."
"Oh that's why I get the same feeling when I say "I love you." Connor sounded seriously oblivious. Jude rolled his eyes before...
*ACHOO!!!!* *ACHOO!!*
"And there he blows. You know only a crazy person would walk all the way to Mission Bay Park in the pouring rain let alone at night. Why didn't you just call me?"
"Because I wanted to tell you this in person. I think we should break up." Jude anticipated slowly.
"Screw that!" Connor exclaimed as he cupped Jude's cheeks and pulled him into a long beautiful lingering kiss. Connor leaned out of the kiss to lean his head against Jude's. "I've been waiting almost three weeks to do that."
"It's only been two."
"Whatever. The point is I shouldn't be away from you for more than a few hours. You're mine and don't forget that. I love you."
"Did you get your "Boyfriend Instincts?" Jude joked as he tickled Connor's stomach. He laughed before swatting Jude's hands away.
"Boyfriend Instinct" is a real thing. You're jealous that you don't have it."
"Yea because I'm jealous that I don't have something that doesn't exist."
"Ok Mr. Sarcastic Pants." Connor smirked then started to tickle Jude back. Connor smiled brightly at his boyfriend's vibrant laugh. He fell back on the lumpy bed while Connor crawled on top of him still tickling.
"Connor s-stop it." Jude laughed. Connor shook his head.
"I'm not going to stop until you admit that "Boyfriend Instincts" exist."
"Never."
"Then I guess I can never stop." Connor started tickling him harder and faster. Jude barked louder with laughter as he squirmed in his grip.
"Ready to admit it?"
"No."
"Fine have it your way." Connor pinned both of Jude's hands above his head while he tickled his armpits.
"Ok-k ok, I'll a-admit it. "Boyfriend Instinct" is a real t-thing." Jude stated between his laughs.
Connor stop tickling Jude then released him from his grip. He collapsed on the bed next to him. He smiled greatly at the ceiling, but the smile didn't last long when he heard faint sobs coming from the side of him.
"Judicorn what's wrong?"
"How much did that kiss mean to you?" Tears continued to drip down his cheeks. Connor pulled himself into a sitting position then pulled Jude up into a hug.
"Nothing. That kiss meant nothing. If anything it made me realize that I made the right decision and how much I truly love you. If it makes you feel better I promise never to talk to Daria again and if I ever have to make a stupid choice again I'll ask you first." Jude's sparkling wet brown eyes nodded to Connor. Connor gave a small sad smile then tightened the hug and rested his head on top of Jude's.
~~~
"They're most likely together." Stef tried her best to calm the other two freaking out parents.
"And what if they're not? They could be in two completely different places." Adam began to sound agitated.
"Stef you gotta do something."
"Like what love? It's nearly one in the morning. We can't legally file a missing person report for Jude because he's already eighteen and they most likely won't file one for Connor until late tomorrow morning. If they're not back tomorrow then I'll have someone down at the station track Connor's phone." Stef's normal voice faded into an exhausted one.
"And you're sure that's all you can do?" Adam's voice tired as well.
"Yes. As of right now my hands are officially tied."
"Then I guess I'll see you guys tomorrow." Adam rose from his seat then exited the Adams Foster house once again.
"You're definitely sure you can't do anything else?" Lena apprehensively spoke.
"I already told you I'm doing everything. Why are you freaking out so much?"
"Because I don't want Jude to end up making a stupid decision. He always ends up doing dumb things when him and Connor get in fights. God, I wish he would come to us instead of shutting us out."
"Lena, love we have to trust him. He's 18 so technically even if he were to do something stupid we wouldn't be able to help. We can't force him to come home and we can't force him to tell us anything about him and Connor."
"I know," Lena sighed. "But I wish that wasn't the case."
