So sometimes I feel like running {Romeo}

[Craven Grimley]

"... and so Adrianna swipped out her hand and nearly hi-"
The phone rang and completely interupted Craven's random mass of words just as he was getting into the story of Jett and Adrianna and both Grimley men glanced down at Cooper's phone. How Craven prayed for his dad not to pick up that phone. He hadn't seen his father in months and they'd decided to meet for dinner. Just this one time he wished that work wasn't going to interupt their father son time together.

His father eyed the called ID and sighed giving Craven a regretful look before picking the phone up.
"I have to take this. "
Cooper got to his feet and leaned in to kiss his son's forehead before backing away and answering.
"Mr. Jameson. Good evening. Though I suppose it's morning your side of the planet."
'I'll only be a minute.' Cooper mouthed before turning his back on his son and moving further away.

Craven watched his father with a frown before turning his head to the window where Jet sat in a pot plant waiting for him. He placed his hand against the glass and smiled softly as she inclined her head at him, puffing up her feathers against the cold wind. Craven's eyes flicked back to his father and down at the food on his plate, half eaten, like his own. His fingers dug in his pocket and he pulled out a napkin scribbling a note before getting up to leave.

Then he turned, grabbed the napkin again and ran...

~~~

Craven found himself in the rowdy little student lounge, seated on the edge of the sofa, staring at the note in his hands.
'You're supposed to me by father.'
The note read and he couldn't even leave the note as he intended. On the coffee table before him, his HTC started to buzz. A call from his father. He picked it up and put it face down again, killing the call instantly. A movement out of the corner of his eye made him groan slightly. Romeo. The last person he wanted to see.

When he felt strong enough to take Romeo's teasing, it was fine but tonight, strength just didn't come bursting out of every pore like it normally did. Tonight he was down trodden and tonight he'd been once again abandoned for the sake of business. Despite the fact that he really didn't wanna see Romeo... he actually really did wanna see him. Romeo ... was well... Romeo. He could just imagine the Shakespearian character he'd been named after, looking just the same.

Dashing good looks. Boyish smile. Twinkling eyes. Craven didn't realize he was staring till it was too late and their eyes had already met at that point causing Craven to blush and lower his own eyes swiftly.

[Romeo Buckland]

Romeo was spent.

As it was, the Irish kid spent his entire afternoon procrastinatingstudying for his Biology exam the next day. He doesn’t normally cram, but for some reason the said test slipped his mind and he would not have opened his book nor would he have checked his notes had a classmate not asked him about the coverage of their exam. The topic itself wasn’t that hard (DNA composition, central dogma, inheritance), but it was the supposed easiness of the topic that led to the boy not taking too much notes, something he regrets when he saw how much information the book has the he didn’t really need.

Three hours later, he was all but ready to retire, when another friend called him, reminding him this time that it’s time for their routine exercise/workout. Now Romeo wasn’t really much of a health buff, but he was rather concerned for the lack of exercise he’s getting (he’s rather sessile compared to when he was with his family in Ireland – hunting and foraging versus him now sitting the majority of the day) so he happily joined his friend when he suggested it. But since the boy was tired and all that, he went off a little early this day, staying for just half an hour compared to their usual hour.

It was just sheer luck that he was a little thirsty and decided that a vending machine drink would be perfect that he stumbled upon the student lounge and saw what seems like a troubled Craven. Which bugged him rather greatly, considering how the boy was usually cheery and ready for a round of playful teasing.

He waved at the boy when he met his gaze, slowly approaching as he drank from the chocolate milk carton he got from the vending machine. “What’s up Cravee?” said the boy, throwing his gym bag as he sat down beside his friend, “You look constipated with that face. Butt plugged again?” He let out a laugh, wiping the sweat off his forehead with his arm. Unaware of the struggle happening with the boy beside him, he gave Craven a playful punch in the arm before taking his shirt off, using it to wipe the rest of his body. Something tells him he should’ve taken a shower in the gym instead of putting it off for his room.

“You ok dude? Stressing about the History test again? Didn’t I tell you you did good on that one ‘cause I was the one who tutored you?” he added, pinching the boy on his nose bridge.

ooc:
A little long. Sorry. D;
- Jam

[Craven Grimley]

Craven twitched and jerked at the wave but he did manage to keep his hand from falling into place and waving back at Romeo like some kind of teen fangirl with a crush. He was getting good around Romeo and Romeo was totally helping by being an ass most of the time. He'd hate it if Romeo showed him any sort of sympathy cause it would totally make him be a dead give away which he couldn't afford to do right now because he'd finally told Gia he'd give them a chance to grow and now look... But as usual, Romeo was far from being Romeo and was more into playful punching.

Craven's fingers wrapped around the note he had written for his father making sure to hide it from Romeo's view in his arms and he kept his eyes on his phone which still remained face down on the coffee table. He gave a groan at Romeo's first hit.
"I'm really not in the mood for this Rome..."
He muttered before eventually turning himself to look at Romeo who was now totally topless. Oh Great. His muscles were catching the light just right and shimmering like fairy dust had been sprinkled all over them.

Craven didn't have time to turn away before his nose was pinched and he was forced to meet Romeo's eyes. He allowed himself one moment of staring before he jerked his head back and rubbed at his nose.
"You stink. You should take a shower. Phew!"
Craven dramatically waved his hand in front of his nose before staring back at his phone.
"And that's exactly what I am stressing about as well as why. You tutored me... Oh God... every time I think about it...."

Craven faked a horrified look at Romeo but he had to look away just as quickly. Romeo could not comfort him. That was a terrible, terrible idea. For a moment he thought of just blurting out that he and Gia were dating but then he imagined the things that Romeo would have to say about that one.

[Romeo Buckland]

Despite what most of his friends are saying (most here meaning about 90% of them), Romeo insists that he’s not being an ass. His snide comments and bluntness are just him being honest about himself. And that his teasing is harmless. He adds that if they want to see someone being a total dick, they should come with him to Ireland and meet his big brother Othello.

And while Othello is a big pain in the butt, what the Irish boy doesn’t realize is that his brother might’ve affected him far more than he expected. That without the bigger ass suppressing his subconscious, he might’ve been growing into one himself, if that even makes sense.

Romeo says it doesn’t.

“Dude, if I wait for you to be in the mood for anything, I doubt we’d ever accomplish something at all,” he teased, leaning back on the couch they’re in and casually putting his arms over the back of the chair. Muscles aching, he went on and stretched for a bit, arching his back and tilting his head as he rotated his neck for a bit.

A groan escaped him in the middle of all this, and when he realized how weird he must’ve looked, he sent Craven a mockingly seductive grin. “What? Don’t look at me like that. My muscles are sore, I need to stretch,” added the boy in a playfully defensive tone, as if Craven’s stares were sending daggers at him, “I don’t want to grow into some fatso like you after all.” And he gave the boy a playful pat on the stomach. For the record, he doesn’t think Craven’s fat. At all.

A warm laugh escaped Romeo when Craven told him that he stank, and instead of giving him his usual offended look, he slowly wrapped his arms around the boy. “Oh really? Maybe I should hug you and rub some off you? Friends share everything, right?” he threatened as his arms were mere inches from Craven.

And then he saw the boy look at his phone again. Weird. Usually he can keep the boy’s attention to himself when they’re talking. It could only mean something’s going on in his mind. And while Romeo’s not really the sympathetic type, he feels like as a friend, he should at least ask.

It would make him less of an asshole too, he thinks.

“What’s happening dude? And don’t tell me it’s nothing because I know something’s up.” His tone just got a little bit serious at that. “Unless of course you want me to drag you outside and dump you in the pond at this cold weather. I’m impervious to the cold when I’m all metallic. I don’t know how Jet can help you with that though.”

Nope. Not a big douche at all.

ooc:
Sorry this took so long Angel. >.<
- Jam

[Craven Grimley]

Craven surpressed another shudder when the whole stretching started and he forced his eyes away from Romeo. Did he had to come walking in here like the irish God he was to shove it in Craven's face. The little playful pat made Craven yerk and groan with the unexpectedness of it. Why the hell was he trembling? Was it due to anger or was it due to ... well Romeo and his smug annoyance or maybe because Romeo was still half naked. Craven scanned the room and sure as hell, a few girls had their eyes glued on the male seated beside him.

Couldn't Romeo go off to go and have a girl stare at him rather then achieve the annoyance factor with poor Cravie? He felt guilty about even looking at Romeo after promising Gia that they could give it a shot. He felt guilty for liking and admiring Romeo beside him and then that seductive look? What was that all about? Did Romeo know? Oh God! What if Romeo caught on? No, impossible. After nearly two years of staring at Romeo like he did, there was no way that Romeo would catch on now, like some lightning bolt had hit the other male.

Romeo thought Craven glared daggers when he stared in awe. This was the way Craven liked it to be honest. It was sooo much safer this way. He could just imagine Romeo laughing his ass off when the truth came out that Craven actually crushed on him. Craven's eyes snapped shut when Romeo leaned in close, his arm actually wrapping around him for like half a minute and Craven wanted to just lean into Romeo. He didn't really care that Romeo was all sweaty. But Romeo was not Robbie and if Craven did the same thing to Robbie, he was almost Certain that Robbie would be comforting.

Romeo would tease though. Craven couldn't deal with teasing right then? Romeo had, however noticed that Craven wasn't being all devoted to the other boy and was enquiring as to what the matter was. Craven rolled his eyes at the threat and flashed his eyes to Romeo.
"Oh God. You're ill. You actually give a damn about something?"
Craven flinched at the harsh comment watching Romeo's face when he'd said that. It was just a little too harsh and Craven instantly regretted it.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean that and I'm not gonna bore you with my sad story either. This is something, as a friend, I should NOT be sharing with YOU at all. Maybe with Robbie or one of the girls but not with you."
Craven shook his head. That sounded wrong too. It sounded insulting and Craven was not aiming to be insulting.
"You should... get under a shower, get clean and warm before you actually do get ill. You're a balloon Rome. You're not a bear."

That didn't make sense to anyone but Craven himself. It was true though. Romeo was all high, happy and fairly carefree. It would be a shame if Craven came with his sharp emotional stuff and popped Romeo's high. If he was to stab his teddy bear friends though, they'd survive because they had fluff instead of air. Craven stared into Romeo's eyes, wondering what it would be like to just be like Romeo for a day. To not care. To do whatever the hell he wanted when he wanted and how he wanted. The first thing he'd do is taste as many pairs of lips as he could, starting with balloon friend, Romeo.

[Romeo Buckland]

Craven should know that Romeo knows nothing of his apparent crush for his friend. Even without his metallic skin armour the Irish boy’s rather dense, and the thickness of his skull doesn’t really change much despite the extra layer. (All metaphorically, of course).

As for the whole, should he know thing, well, Romeo himself hasn’t decided about it. Mostly because he really hasn’t seen Craven other than his perpetual and beloved punching bag for when he needs someone to tease and annoy. The imagery is definitely not pretty, but despite that, the Irish boy insists that it means Craven’s much more than just a normal friend to him. Apparently that’s the most touchy-feely-sentimental he can get.

But then Craven told him off. Twice. He may be (slowly as it may) turning into an asshole, but he’s pretty sure he’s not one at the moment. Which means the comments actually pierced through his dense skin and punctured his (surprisingly) existent heart.

“Hey. That actually hurt dude,” he said sullenly, retracting his arms and going back to his seat, pouting. Normally he’d point out the fact that Craven’s currently the envy of the girls around them now (he apparently saw how they looked at him, he just wasn’t saying it yet) but since he’s currently feeling like such an ass, he didn’t. Or more like he couldn’t.

Somehow Craven saying that he’d rather not tell/share made Romeo felt like he’s really not been a friend to the boy. He actually thought he’s rather close to the boy already, but the way he’s acting right now is telling him otherwise.

“That doesn’t even make sense Cravee,” he muttered, smiling in an effort to hide his disappointment, “Why am I a balloon? Are you telling me I’m fat?” He grabbed the boy’s hand and happily pressed it against his sweaty stomach. “Isn’t that more of a bear? ROAR!”

Lame and totally unentertaining. But it’s not like Romeo really knew how to handle stuff like these.

“I won’t get sick, trust me,” chuckled Romeo, hoping to wave his friend’s concerns off. “Now are you going to tell me what’s bothering you or would you rather I pull you close like this-” –he grabbed Craven close, putting his head on his chest as he gently brushed Craven’s hair– “-and force you to talk? You know all those girls are staring at you right now.”

Romeo said no homo. No homo at all.

[Craven Grimley]

Craven's eyes became saucers the moment his hand was taken and pressed to the abs of what should have belonged to a greek god rather then a young teenager. He stared at his hand pressed to the warm skin of Romeo's abdomen, missing like half of what had been said after the touch had happened as he continued to stare. Though he'd heard the sadness that came from, what he thought was actually a compliment, he did feel slightly bad but the need to explain what he meant by the whole balloon thing was so over when he was touching those abs.

"God, Romeo..."
He muttered half heartedly and he was sure it sounded more disgusted in his head then how it really sounded when it actually left his lips. Now by this time, during his and Romeo's interaction, he'd normally separated himself from the boy or the boy had given him a brotherly punch but things were just so different tonight. Especially since Romeo was weakly attempting to be a good friend after sensing the sadness in Craven...

Which was so not there anymore.
"...ewwww...."
Now that sounded more like a moan then disgust. Snap out of it Craven! Craven was about to pull away abruptly and at least attempt to get himself in order so he could get up and put distance between the two of them when Romeo's hand snapped to the back of his head and pulled him to his chest. There was very little sweat left on Romeo's body at this point.

The warmth was still glowing from his skin but entirely, the most comforting thing about this possition was the fact that he heard Romeo's racing heart in his ear. Instinctively his arms wrapped around Romeo's waste and finally the boy's words made it to Craven's head. He slowly moved his head to Romeo's shoulder and briefly glanced at the girls with a slightly more smug smile on his face. Oh if he was only confident enough to tease. His head nuzzled into Romeo's neck to keep himself from doing too much and he muttered against Rome's skin.

"Let them look..."
Yes, let them look. The clown and the crow. How amusing.
"This still isn't a bear. It's a panther. Sleek, sexy.."
Whoa! Craven yerked back... Please let that have been too soft for Romeo to hear. Please. Craven snatched up his phone and got to his feet in one smooth movement. Too much. Way too much. That was stupid. Never again.

He could not have Romeo, of all people, spreading rumors about him being a homo. That would hurt Gia. He had to get a hold of himself. Craven headed for the door, feeling eyes on him. Just to the hallway. Dark Empty hallway. Then the bathroom... he could take a cold shower or something... Sounded good right about now.

[Romeo Buckland]

It was probably best that Romeo was no telepath; heaven knows the school doesn’t need a second arrogant and egotistic douche running along its halls. (At least not when the current one’s still alive and kicking anyway). While the Irish boy is no narcissist and certainly does not live on people’s compliments (not much anyway), a big one like that from a close friend is sure to bump his ego up a few points.

Because friends, harsh as they may be, never lie, don’t they? (Yes, let’s completely ignore the fact that when one has a crush on another, good things tend to be magnified and the bad happily pushed aside).

A smug grin crept on the boy’s face as he continued to press his friend’s palm against his abdomen, Craven’s little comment actually encouraging the Irish boy to slightly move his hand around even more. For the record, the Irish boy isn’t at all turned on by the whole thing; he was glad yes, but it was more of an ‘I told you so’ grin than an ‘oh yes, oh yes, faster faster’ one. He claims he’s capable of the latter, but the whole thing just isn’t doing it to him.

Craven’s a bro and being turned on with a bro’s touch is totally inappropriate, right?

When Craven finally stopped talking, Romeo made a little ‘Finally!’ in his head, thinking he might’ve just convinced his friend that he is, in fact, worthy enough to be told his with his secrets and problems. The hands around his waist felt a little awkward though, and he’s fairly sure nuzzling shouldn’t happen that close, but he figures it goes differently for different people.

Going with the flow and all that, Romeo promptly responded by pulling the boy even closer, even sending a teasing wink when he accidentally locked eyes with one of the aforementioned peeping lady toms. “Ok, so now are you ready to tell me what your problem is dude?” he cooed softly, brushing the boy’s hair back.

He felt Craven’s breath against his skin so he could’ve sworn the boy said something, but the boy was speaking far too close to his chest and far too softly that he couldn’t even make out even a single word. (He felt a little tingle go down from his spine throughout the whole thing though). He was just about to ask Craven to clarify whatever it was he’s saying when he suddenly ran away, leaving the Irish boy beyond confused.

Taking a split-second to compose himself, Romeo hastily pulled his (still wet) tank top over himself and ran out the hallway, quickly catching the boy by his shoulders and (unconsciously) pinning him to the wall. “Dude, you’re acting all weird. Did I do anything wrong? I didn’t tease you too much about the burrito incident two nights ago, right?” he asked, shaking Craven slightly with his face mere inches from his friends.

“Did someone pick on you? Because I think it’s been established that I’m the only one allowed to call you names,” added the boy with a light chuckle.

[Craven Grimley]

Craven gasped when he was followed and pinned to the wall. Nooooo! Nooooo! This wasn't supposed to be happening. Why could he not shake Romeo off? He normally easily did it. Tonight was not so easy. Their close proximity made Craven presse himself further into the wall as if Romeo was about to beat him up or something. How could he get Romeo off himself without hurting Romeo's feelings. Craven groaned and tried to slide out of Romeo's grip down the hall but the firm hold seemed a little unyeilding. Then the thought came to him.

The incident with Gia. Craven's lips pulled into a grin. Yes! Forget his own daddy problems! Craven would most definitely sort that one out by himself. This was way more important. Maybe saying this will allow him to be free of Romeo long enough for him to sort out his emotions and attitude toward Romeo. Maybe if Romeo got all afronted with him, it would hurt Craven and then ... Oh then Craven was basically free of this stupid little crush. There was just no doubt in his mind that Romeo would be all shocked and would totally release him.

Romeo would just NOT return his affections. Craven closed his eyes and thought about Romeo kissing him. Why hadn't he used the whole stiff thing to his advantage wayyyyy sooner? Why was he embarressed about something that could help him soooo much? Craven's eyes opened and his breathing became slightly uneven. There was no one to see here. He'd been embarressed in front of Romeo enough to not care that this was embarressing too. If Romeo spread Rumors or something he was sure he could get a few friends on side to keep Romeo from retracting it.

Craven slowly reached out and trailed his fingers down across the other boy's now wet chest again. His eyes met Romeo's. He wasn't gonna lie, was he? This was the truth but with Gia who would believe it? Craven's eyes stayed fixed on Romeo. God Damn it. He needed to be a bit braver. This wouldn't be a kiss but a peck and Romeo was so close....Craven took a deep breath, leaned forward and for a millisecond touched his lips to Romeo's cheek before the panic set in. He did it! He'd kissed Romeo.Well... Not properly kissed... kissed but close enough.

Craven pulled back and stared at his friend then glanced downward drawing attention to his lower regions.
"You are the problem Romeo. Do you see now? Let me go and don't follow me. I just wanna go take a shower okay? And don't ever tease me like that again if you don't plan on taking it further. "
He waited for the sudden rapid release. The shock to set in. The horror at what had just happened. Craven waited with his eyes downcast and his breathing coming out in rapid gasps.

Rome's reaction. That was what he was depending on, what his life basically depended on. Craven's cheeks reddened as he waited.

[Romeo Buckland]

To say that the kiss caught the Irish boy off guard would probably be one of the biggest understatements of the century.

Romeo says Craven should not blame himself for not being able to shake him off. Even without his powers, Romeo claims his friend didn’t stand a chance as his hands had been trained in the wild. He hunts, and thus knows how to clamp tight on his prey no matter how hard it struggles to break free. The boy would even go further and insist that those times that Craven actually escaped were due to the fact that he let him.

Whether that has any ring of truth in that remains to be seen.

He saw how Craven flinched and slunk back to the wall even more, and it made him feel just a bit guilty. Was he a little too harsh now? He continued to observe the tell-tale sign of his friend’s nervousness – that rhythmic rise and fall of Craven’s chest – and focused on his friend’s breathing that he actually missed the hand trailing down his chest. He was just about to say something when a pair of lips suddenly touched his cheeks, rendering him still for a good second or two.

Did Craven just kiss him? Why? It just doesn’t make any sense…right?

Wrong.

His emotions suddenly stirred like it has never been before, it was a miracle Romeo still managed to listen and actually understand what his friend beneath him had been saying. He saw how excited Craven was and actually snorted a bit. Had he been teasing him? On purpose? As far as he knows, he wasn’t, but subconsciously, was he?

Goodness. Why must life be so complicated?

Driven by such conflicting emotions (and possibly a good dose of adrenaline), the Irish boy gave Craven a haughty smirk before cupping his chin and giving him a kiss on the lips. Unlike Craven’s it was confident and sure, and with just the right amount of emotions in it. It was a bit sloppy, but Romeo says give him a break; this was his first kiss after all.

“And that is how you do it,” said the boy as he pulled out a few seconds (or has it been minutes?) after. He gave Craven a knowing wink before pinning him to the wall even further, his free hand cupping his friend’s crotch while he buried himself in Craven’s neck, planting light kisses before nuzzling into it.

“Think your shower can fit two?”

[Craven Grimley]

Craven smirked when he got the shocked look he was expecting. The blank face set him slightly at ease and it gave him time to look up and down the corridor to make sure no one had actually seen what had happened. Unfortunately for Craven, he had not been expecting the smile that followed soon afterward. The hand under his chin. His eyes widened as Romeo leaned in and not even pulling back slightly, could stop Romeo's lips from being planted on his own sending Craven into a dizzy high. The same one he'd felt when he'd been kissed by Gia.

Only this was different. The confidence in the kiss. The taste of Romeo's lips. The whole feel of the situation... What if they got caught? This was so wrong and so right. This was soooo bad and sooooo good. Craven trembled against Romeo's lips following them exactly, his eyes snapping shut when the world stood still. He couldn't breathe! His heart was racing! His stomach was flipping and in a last ditch effort to grab onto something real, his hand came out to grab onto a wet sweaty shirt covering Romeo's body. When it ended Craven fought hard to control his trembling but there was a slight twitch here and there.

Craven's eyes fluttered open and his eyebrow went from straight to wrinkled in confusion in a matter of minutes with the words that followed. Before he could utter a word, Romeo's body was against his and he gasped when Romeo's hand cupped at him. The other boy's lips began to assault his neck. His arm wrapped quickly around Romeo's neck and he clung to the other boy before nodding at the question. Right then, all he wanted was his crush to finally play out the way it was supposed to. Craven gave a whimpered sigh into Romeo's neck.

He'd be safe right? This was Romeo. Romeo would never hurt him. Not unless it could be avoided....

~~~

Craven groaned... his hand moving across the covers and in minutes he realized that he was not allone in the bed. His eyes snapped open and he froze when he saw on who's body his hand was lain. Craven slowly shifted himself then groaned in pain. Not good. Wait...Yes... God. Craven's smile spread across his face when he realized he was no longer a virgin. He slowly propped himself up so he could see his sleeping companion beside him and reached over a hand to touch a few of the curls that he'd so desired to touch for such a long time.

The back of his hand stroked across Romeo's cheek and he licked his lips. How many times had he wanted to be right here to watch Romeo sleep... was he a creeper for doing this? His eyes flicked to Romeo's open hand beside his face and he reached his own hand to slip into Romeo's intertwining their fingers.
"God, I'm in soo much trouble...."
Craven whispered under his breath before he leaned in to touch his lips to Romeo's.

[Craven Grimley]

The end?!