Call it Fate, Call it Karma

Only Exception

The atmosphere and overall vibe of the apartment when we got back was very awkward, to say the least. So much so, that Fab and Nick thought it would be a good idea for them to go home and maybe check in with us later.

Albert suggested Julian and I go into the bedroom to sort our stuff out, so we did.

"Julian, after every fucking show you play, I have to watch multiple girls trying to get your dick and I never complain or avidly express any jealousy...which is really fucking hard." I explained, taking a seat on the bed. "But you see me accidentally get a little too close to Nick, one of your best friends, one time and you lose your shit. How the fuck is that fair?"

Julian shrugged.

"You're going to talk to me." I sternly pointed a finger at him. "Be mature and fucking talk to me! Why are you being like this?!"

"I...I don't know." he muttered. "Things are...weird right now."

"How so?"

He shrugged again.

I turned to him, my face softening as I took his hands in mine. I figured taking a soft approach might help this time. "We can't work this out if you don't talk to me."

Julian took a deep breath in and looked off to the side as he spoke. "My dad called the other day," he said in a shaky voice. "...he doesn't want me at his wedding."

I paused for a second, taking in what he'd told me. "That's messed up, but why would you wanna go anyways?"

"I don't...it's just...the fact that my own father doesn't want anything to do with me anymore. He said I'm a disappointment and he doesn't need that embarrassment." his lips trembled. I could tell he was trying not to cry. "I'm sorry I've been taking it out on you. When you said that thing about him, it just reminded me and I-"

I squeezed his hands, smiling at him reassuringly. "It's okay, Jules. I just wish you would've told me earlier so I wouldn't have been such a bitch."

"I didn't wanna let my dad get to me, so I've just been blaming and forcing my anger on other things."

"I understand." I said, softly running my thumbs over his knuckles. "Your dad's a fucking asshole and he doesn't deserve you, so be glad you aren't going. It's good he's out of your life. You don't need that negativity." I explained. "Your music career is almost in full swing and you did it without any of his help. Be proud of that, Jules."

Julian took a few seconds to process what I'd said and he smiled softly, nodding his head as he looked down at his hands in mine. "You're right. I'm sorry for being so dramatic...I just didn't know how to deal with it all without fuckin' drinking...or something worse."

"You can stop apologising." I laughed, pulling him into a hug. "We good now?"

"Yes, please." he mumbled into my shoulder. "I missed you too, by the way."

I felt like kissing him as I watched his lips curve up into a smile and the forlornness in his eyes be replaced with warmth, but everything was still a little weird and I didn't wanna make that worse, so I refrained and just smiled back instead. "So...about your job-"

"I thought about it," he interrupted. "I have been doing a lot of unnecessary overtime." he said sheepishly.

"So..?"

"So I think I might quit." he continued. "You were right about us being all good with money right now...you're kinda always right. I dunno why I don't listen to you sometimes. I was just in denial."

"Aww, Jules!" I looked away to hide my red cheeks.

"And we're about to start recording an album, so I guess all my time is gonna need to be invested in that." he continued. "I just hope this all works out in the long run."

"It will."

There was a minute silence before he spoke again. "So...about Nick-"

"Don't," I cut him off. "...I meant what I said before. Seriously, man, I'm not getting involved like that with anyone else in our group, ever again."

Was I telling the complete truth, though? I'd be lying if I said I didn't have a strange feeling in the pit of my stomach when I was hanging out with Nick. I didn't know what it was, and I think it's for the best that I wouldn't bother to find out.

"Then I'm the only exception...right?"

"As much as I hate to say it...apparently so." I said in a hushed tone. "No offence—and even you know this...but we aren't good for each other like that."

Julian sighed. "I know. But what can we do?"

"Let's not get into that right now."