Tracob: Senior Year

13

"Hi Jacob," Jacob heard from the front of the car. Jacob sat with his head in Troye's lap. Troye tangled his fingers through his hair. "Shaun?" Jacob asked to confirm it was indeed Troye's dad driving.

"That's my name, don't ware it out," Shaun replied. Troye scoffed. Jacob sat up straight. "Thanks for doing this, it means so much to me. Also, it's nice to meet you."

"And you as well, Kid. But, hey, just need to throw this out there. Today is a bust, but I do expect that you two are going to be responsible enough to get to school each day and Troye you need to keep up on your work as well."

Troye and Jacob both nodded.

"Also, it's not always easy living with the person you care most about. If you ever feel overwhelmed, don't let it fester. Talk to us if you need to or talk to your friends. But most importantly, talk to each other."

Jacob grabbed Troye's hand tight. He felt so much love for the boy, of course he couldn't verbalize it though, at least not yet. Soon they were pulling up to Troye's house.

"Ok, so," a quiet and exhausted Troye finally spoke up. My brother is staying on the pullout in my loft, Shaun and Laurelle in one of the bedrooms, my other brother and sister in the other spare bedroom, so...you can either stay in my room or I can get my siblings to crash in the living room..."

"I'd like to stay with you, if that's ok with everyone..." Jacob said hesitantly looking at Shaun.

"Toky's house, Toky's rules," Shaun said.

"Toky?" Jacob asked.

"It's what my family calls me," Troye responded.

"O M G- it's so cute!" Jacob crooned.

"Good, you can be Jakey then," Shaun said, "Now come meet Mama Mellet."

"Then we are taking a nap," Troye announced.

"Sure you are..." Shaun answered walking into the house.

"Dad!" Troye scolded, "Don't make me kick you out."

Jacob laughed.

As soon as they walked in, Jacob was pulled into a hug presumably by Troye's mother. "Are you ok, precious?" Laurelle asked.

Jacob smiled widely, deciding he really liked Troye's family. "I'm good. Just exhausted," Jacob answered.

"Mmmhmm, sure," Shaun teased.

"Dad..." Troye whined.

Laurelle laughed. "Go lay down. I'm going to make us lunch in a bit. We will let you know when it's done." Laurelle grabbed Shaun by the arm and pulled him to the kitchen.

Jacob sighed and turned to Troye. "You remember where my room is?" Troye giggled. Jacob nodded and headed up the stairs with Troye following closely behind him. Once in Troye's room, the boys each stepped out of their shoes. Troye climbed into bed. "You don't need an invitation, Jacob. This is your room too, at least for now."

Jacob smiled and climbed in next to Troye. The boys rested their heads on the same pillow facing one another. They looked lovingly into each others' eyes and Troye leaned in to press a soft kiss to Jacob's lips. It was at that point that Jacob decided he made the right decision, despite what his parents and sister thought.

After a brief nap, the boys were woken up with a knock to the bedroom door. Troye groaned, "Come in."

Laurelle popped in and sat at the foot of the bed. "Lunch is ready." Noticing the way Troye's body was intertwined with his own, Jacob pushed away a bit not wanting to upset Troye's mom. Troye shot him a confused looked. Jacob looked from Troye, to Laurelle, and back to Troye. Laurelle laughed, "Jacob...really it's fine. I totally understand that my son is basically a human version of a koala and will constantly be attached to you in one way or another."