[Recollé] Telenovela Ep1: Tony y Jack

[flyguy]

It couldn't be said Tony had ever been Jack's biggest fan. No, not the fondest of the guy. Downright animosity came to mind as a good descriptor. But he'd made...not nice, he was bad at nice, but he'd kept the more choice words in his mind and his hands in his pockets instead of arranged into fists planted in Jack's smug face.

All for Sofia's sake. Every last bit of it. She loved the guy. What more could he do for a friend who'd gotten him through some of his darker times than be supportive? If his feelings for her strayed a little deeper all the more reason to shut up and stick it out for her.

That wasn't Sofia at his door now though. Jack wasn't looking too hot and something about that put Tony on edge. He didn't move aside to let the other man in. "Looking for something? Hooters is right around the corner. They've got a great brunch line up."

Hi Jack. Nice to see you. Or not.

Comments

[hjack69]

Jack takes a little while - by the time he's back, he looks like he's sobered up a little too, and something almost approaching bashful for it. He's got the keys in hand, rolling them back and forth in his palm, but his attention is on Tony.

He doesn't say anything at first, just heading over. Then he offers his hand.

"Thank you, Tony." Could be sarcastic, but it's not, so painfully genuine that it's probably kind of embarrassing for both of them. People like Jack and Tony don't do genuine too well, usually. "I mean it. I know it probably doesn't mean much coming from me, but Sofia appreciates it too, I'm sure. Everything."

It's not that the handshake is a trap - it's just that if Tony takes it, Jack changes his mind, leaning in to give him a one-armed hug instead.

[flyguy]

Tony studies Jack a moment before reaching out to take that offered hand. Instead of the stoic shake he's expecting though there's suddenly an impromptu hug going on. He bears with it. For exactly one second.

"Unhunh. Okay. We're all appreciative. Yeah." He'll just be trying to pull away and make some personal space. Yep. Rude, but he's not much of an hugger. Doubtless due to his parents lack of physical displays of affection growing up his therapist would probably say, but he pays her an whole lot of money to tell him what's wrong with him and listen to absolutely none of it. Also the sex isn't bad.

So. "Just take me home. It's nearly..." A look at his watch. "Jesus. 5 in the morning."

[hjack69]

"You really weren't kidding when you said you had issues. My grandma beat me with a chain and I'm still better at this affection thing than you." He gives Tony's arm a couple quick pats though, passing him by to slide into the driver's seat. "Sex doesn't count as affection, bee-tee-dubs. C'mon, I'll get you back to your place. If it's not some ritzy shindig, I'm gonna be disappointed in you, Tony."

Which is how Tony ends up dropped off at his place, Jack's car idling out front. Before he goes, though, Jack gives him another awkward pat on the shoulder.

"Y'know, I think I might stick around for a little while longer. Because of you. You remember that next time I piss you off, chief."

[flyguy]

"That's what Jim Beam's for." And he lets himself in on the passenger side. Not much of a talk back. Or any talk. Jack's a talker. Tony's a brooder. ...Crap, they really are a sitcom. Coming next fall on ABC. But it's nice. Not having to think. Engage. Fix. All he has to do is give directions and sit back.

The apartment building he lives in is a nicer affair than his last one. Not precisely Carnegie Hill, but there's a doorman. That's something. Tony starts getting out when Jack gives that parting pearl making him pause. "Gotta show up more than once every ten years for it to count, Jack."

He says it lightheartedly enough. He was never the one who told Jack to leave. "Night." Closing the door he points as he starts walking towards the apartment entrance. "You're banned from my after parties!"

Just FYI. He's going to get a drink. Sit around in his dark apartment. Be filthy rich and stiff upper lip it. You know. Bachelor things.