Julien had just put Valeska to bed, set some water and aspirin on the bedside table for her, as well as placed a trashcan nearby—just in case. He headed into the kitchen to look for a drink, paused, and noticed the coffee pot. Hoping no one would get too upset, he made a pot, figuring he needed to stay up so he could check on Valeska periodically. He inhaled deeply as it brewed, before searching for a mug, and other things needed to make his coffee the way he liked it.
Not long after, he was making his way into the living room with a full mug, which he carefully set on a coaster resting on the coffee table. The remote lay nearby, so he picked it up and clicked the TV on, flipping through the channels until he settled on something, though he kept the volume low.
Gradually, he found himself focusing less on the movie currently playing, so he got up and checked on Valeska before refilling his mug. After setting the mug down, he pulled his phone out of his pocket and scrolled aimlessly on the internet while his mind wandered. He hit a video that showed a guy and his girl being happy together, and quickly scrolled past it. Due to this, however, his mind turned to his own relationships.
His experience with Ninko had overwhelmed him to a degree, primarily her not seeming to get the hint he was gay. He’d been uncomfortable showing her his tattoo, but more so when she’d commented about his dry spell. Truthfully, he hadn’t had much luck in dating at all, let alone anyone long-term. But how do you tell someone that? He was nineteen, and didn’t figure out he was gay until two years ago.
Grumbling slightly at the memory of his near success earlier that evening while at the bar, he pulled up his text messages for the guys from the mall that he’d been casually texting. It was a definite get-to-know-you phase, so he was still getting a feel for them, but it was nice to talk to a guy that was interested in him.
One of them asked for a picture so he could add it to his contacts, and Julian pulled up his photos, scrolling through them for a good one. Smiling at some of the memories he came across, he ultimately selected one and sent it—something of him in casual wear, taken at the Inkworks, selfie-style.
After sending the image, he went back to scrolling through pics, remembering the gap year he’d spent before starting at Ashford. He’d spent half of it interning at Ashcroft Financial at the behest of his grandfather, before spending the remaining half in Europe. He’d never cared for wearing suits—and that included h is current school uniform—so he quickly went through his work pics until he got to Europe. Mixed in with those, was one of Caleb, and he paused.
It was from a time they had been hanging out together at Caleb’s place. They had been in his room, just sketching. Julian had happened to look up, catching Caleb looking off in the middle-distance, lost in thought, and he’d snapped a picture. He smiled as he remembered that day, and then sighed. He hadn’t heard form Caleb since he left for Ashford. He’d tried reaching out once or twice, but he never got a response.
Was Caleb upset that he and Julian ended up going to different schools? He knew they’d talked together about going to an art school, but since Julian’s parents threatened to cut him off financially if he didn’t go to Dunridge, Caleb had told him now to worry about it. They’d been best friends; in fact, Caleb was one of the few friends Julian had had. It was also because of Caleb that Julian figured out he was gay. Maybe that’s why Caleb hadn’t been answering? Had he figured out that Julian had had a crush on him?
You’re overthinking it he told himself. Just try sending a message. What’s the worst that could have happened? Moreover, the worst that could happen is he doesn’t respond again.
He picked up his coffee and took a sip, setting the mug back down before he crafted a text to send to Caleb.
Hey Caleb,
It’s been a while, man. How’re thing’s going? I hope things haven’t been too rough. Things are okay here—I’ve made a couple of new friends, and I have a job at a tattoo place where I’m apprenticing. I’ve missed ya, man. Miss hanging out on the roof of your garage, sketching, and just…being, you know? Text me back, man. Would love to hear from you.
– J
His thumb hovered over the send button, and he pushed send before pocketing his phone. He got yet another cup of coffee, and brought it back out, finishing up the movie before checking on Valeska again.