All the Little Things

Chapter Two: Jamie

Jamie Middleton was positive that his hook up from the night before was going to wake before he could sneak out, but the older bear managed to stay asleep. Even as Jamie tripped over the shoes littering the floor, cursing up a storm, the guy didn't stir. Alcohol must have the opposite effect on him than it does on Jamie. After he has had enough to make him tipsy, he couldn't sleep worth a damn until the alcohol was out of his system.

His mind wanders to his best friend, Luca Flowers, who always forced himself to stay awake after drinking, just so Jamie didn't have to be alone.

His heart pounds as he remembers the phone call he had with Luca just a few minutes ago. He had known something was up with the other man, and knew he couldn't wait until tomorrow's breakfast to talk to him about it. He had snuck into the bathroom of his hook-up's apartment to call his best friend, and he is happy he did.

Luca likes to worry about others, but never about himself. He is so oblivious when it comes to anything concerning himself, even as a child. Jamie still remembers when they entered the local kindergarten together, and one of the kids whose family had moved from somewhere deep in the South, had made fun of Luca for having two moms. Luca hadn't understood the big deal, and Jamie hadn't really either, having two dads himself, but he had been quick to kick the other boy in the shin, standing in front of his best friend as if to protect him from the harsh words.

So, it really shouldn't be so surprising that Luca didn't foresee Rebecca leaving him. Jamie had been wary of her ever since they started dating. Every step forward that Luca wanted to take, Rebecca put up a huge fight. But Luca had persisted in the relationship.

Now, she is gone, and Jamie can't help but feel lighter, even though his heart still hurts for his friend. Jamie would be at Maris and Veronica's bright and early tomorrow in order to greet Luca and his baby.

That thought brings a smile to his face, even as he steps outside into the pouring rain. The Lyft he had booked was waiting outside for him, and he quickly climbed inside. The driver gave him a brief nod before driving away.

Jamie opened his phone and opening his camera roll, clicking through the hundreds of photos he already has of Noelle. She looked so much like Luca, just with a feminine edge to it. It made him smile every time he looked at her, heart skipping a beat.

He knew logically why Rebecca left, but he still questioned how she could leave behind a great man like Luca and the adorable little girl whom she birthed.

"We're here," the Lyft driver says.

Jamie looks up from his phone and notices that they are stopped in front of his apartment building. "Thanks," he says, before slipping out of the car.

The walk to his apartment is quick, and he greets the night shift doorman. His hair is soaking wet, and he runs his fingers through the strands as he bypasses the elevator to take the stairs. His apartment is only on the third floor, so it is a short trip.

As soon and he steps into the apartment, he is bombarded with meows. His two cats, Arry and Dragon, are already winding themselves around his legs before he can even get his coat off.

"Hi, my loves," he whispers, bending down to pet them after hanging up his coat. "Dif you miss me?"

Arry rubs her face against his, purring loudly, while Dragon bumps his face repetitively against Jamie's legs, his purr a softer lull than his sister's.

Jamie had picked them both up at the local cat rescue, Arry about five years ago, and Dragon almost a year ago. They were his babies, and his parents often remarked that they would be their only grandkids at this rate.