“Exactly.” he agreed. “Small steps. Little things.” he grinned, cocking his head. “It’s hard when you’re, you know, not subtle about who you are. I always loved glittery eyeliner and being as big of a person as I can be. I’m not going to shrink myself to fit other people’s expectations. Never wanted to be that person. It meant I got my ass kicked a lot in high school but Carter was having none of it. Taught me how to fight.” he admitted. “Of course, Carter could still beat my ass even though I’m a lot bigger then her now.”
“It pays to have a badass older sister though.” he laughed, shaking his head. “She’s an actual FBI agent and not just a consultant like myself.” Jason leaned down to brush his lips across the kids knuckles. “My sister would kill me if I didn’t ‘kiss it better’ as you say. How about a good old fashioned american diner? I want bad meatloaf.”
“You shouldn’t. Remaining true to yourself is the only way you’re ever going to find people who truly appreciate who you are. I’m glad you decided that you wouldn’t bend for anyone. It takes a strong person to do that,” he stopped abruptly when Jason mentioned being beat up in high school. An air of those words hitting close to home thickened around him. A sympathy born of being there softened his eyes. An apology was on the tip of his tongue but he swallowed it down like a bitter pill rather than drudge through the ‘It’s okay, it made me stronger..so I guess there’s that.’ awkwardness that always followed after finding someone who’s been there.
“I’m glad you have someone to keep you in line then,” he joked having took the change of subject and running with it as fast as possible towards a lighter tone of conversation. “I think we all need one of those, hm? I think mine is my best friend. Poor guy is stuck reminding me to always strive to be a…,” his breath hitched when an unexpected brush of lips ran across his knuckles. The sensation tripled from the bruises caused his heart to skip a beat. “Thank you,” he whispered blinking to get rid of his dazed expression. “Meatloaf? I–yeah. You’re making it far too easy but if that’s your choice? Meatloaf it is. Oh! Right! They were leaving! “We can walk. I’m only a few blocks down the street and the market’s on the way.” One last smile and Blaine took the lead, more than ready to get out of there for the rest of the night.
pianokeysandbowties 