Page 14 of Gratification in Gluttony (Passing Through Cafe #2)

Chapter fourteen

Cockblocked

The second they were inside Toni’s flat, he grabbed Jude under his ass and hoisted him into his arms. With a yelp, the human grappled for purchase, circling his limbs around Toni until he was stable. Toni barely made it into the main room before he was slamming Jude—gently—against the wall and bringing their mouths mere centimeters apart.

“Can I kiss you now?” Toni asked, lips tracing over Jude’s with the question.

“Yes,” Jude said, and Toni groaned.

“Fucking finally.”

The moment before their mouths connected, someone delicately cleared their throat. “I feel it’s very important that you know I’m here right now,” Gem said, making both Toni and Jude jump.

“Holy shit!” Jude cried.

“I’m so sorry,” Gem said.

“What the fuck are you doing here?” Toni roared.

Gem held up several hands placatingly. “I came over to help you get ready for game night. I didn’t know Jude was coming early!” He winced. “Ooh, poor choice of words. Jude, honey, you come whenever you’re ready to come. I do not believe in nor support judgmental concepts like coming too early or too fast, or even too late. Everyone’s body is different.

“Take me for example,” Gem pressed two hands to his chest as Toni and Jude gaped at him. “I tend to take a while, and I was really self-conscious about it for a long time. Because stupid, immature guys were all, ‘Oh my gods, my jaw’s getting tired. Are you coming or not?’ Which made me feel bad, so it took even longer, so half the time, I’d just fake it.

“Which is, honestly, unacceptable. I have every right to have good orgasms, regardless of how long it takes. So now, when bitches give me attitude, I’m like, ‘Babe, calm down. Keep doing what you’re doing, and I’ll get there, when I get there.’

“And then I get there, and sometimes, that lasts a while too. Which should also be okay. I mean, it’s an Araknis thing, but maybe also a me thing. I don’t know for sure; I’ve never really researched it. Maybe I should ask my dad?”

Gem finally took a breath, and Toni barked, “What the fuck are you even talking about right now?”

“I don’t know! I’m uncomfortable,” Gem wailed, stamping a foot childishly. “And you know I ramble when I’m uncomfortable.”

“Shut up, Gem!” Toni snarled.

“Okay,” Gem whimpered, pressing two fists to his mouth as his other hands fidgeted.

All three of them were panting, and Toni, not for the first time, wanted to strangle his best friend. Instead, he settled for glaring at him. Gem looked properly contrite. Jude’s expression was a mix between amusement and confusion.

“I think you should put me down,” Jude said, and Toni shook his head in horror.

“What? No! I definitely should not put you down. Gem needs to leave!”

Gem had the audacity to be offended. “What about game night? This place is a mess!”

“It is not. I cleaned it before I went to the station.”

“Really?” Gem looked around, face screwed up in disapproval. “It smells.”

“Like air freshener,” Toni defended.

“What scent? Because I’m picking up stale ass,” Gem said. “When was the last time you opened a window?”

“The windows are open!” Toni gestured violently at all the open windows.

“Oh,” Gem said, drawing out the word. “It’s the outside that smells. It’s trash day, and your neighborhood is always last for pick-up. And in this heat… Yeah, we should shut those windows right now.”

As Gem started doing just that, Toni morosely let Jude slide down his body until he was standing on his own two feet. Jude straightened his clothes, double-checking that his shorts were still closed. Like a child deprived of his birthday presents, Toni pouted.

“Toni,” Jude said.

“What?” Toni said miserably.

Smiling, Jude framed Toni’s face in his hands and pulled him down, pressing a sweet, chaste kiss to his mouth. Toni’s mood improved instantly, and he kissed Jude back, following Jude’s lead and keeping it gentle. Jude’s lips were soft, softer than Toni’s, and full. Toni wanted to suck on his lower lip like a lollipop.

Instead, he simply licked across the seam of Jude’s mouth, only once, just for a taste. Jude disconnected them, eyes narrowed chidingly, though the smile curling his mouth softened the reprimand. Toni smirked and winked.

“Point me to your bathroom,” Jude instructed, and Toni motioned to the hall.

“End of the hall.”

Toni watched Jude until he was out of sight, and only then, turned to face his best friend. Gem was simpering at Toni, top hands clasped together in front of his chest, all eight eyes watery.

“That was beautiful,” Gem said.

“You’re the universe’s biggest cockblock,” Toni said.

With a nod, Gem sniffled. “Hurtful, but fair.”

“Would you get out of here? I can probably still salvage this.”

“But game night starts in, like, an hour and a half, and you know Zef is gonna be on time,” Gem said, pointing at the clock on the wall.

“I can be fast,” Toni said.

Gem frowned. “Um, selfish. Are you sure you want your first time with Jude to be rushed? You want your skills to shine, babe, and a time limit is never good for anyone.”

In Toni’s mind, an hour and a half was more than sufficient, but maybe he was doing sex all wrong? Shit, was he a selfish lover? He prided himself on his partners always having a good time, and he’d never gotten any complaints.

“Wait, how long do you have sex for?” Toni asked, and Gem shrugged.

“Depends on who’s doing it with me. When I’m alone? If I’m in a time crunch, a solid thirty will do me, though I prefer forty-five.”

“Forty-five minutes to masturbate?” Toni cried. “What the fuck are you even doing for that long?”

Gem’s jaw dropped. “Don’t cum-shame me, Tonus! I just said I get self-conscious.”

“Don’t call me Tonus. Only my mother calls me that.”

“Is that your name?” Jude asked from behind him, and Toni startled. Damn, the human could be quiet when he wanted to be. Or maybe Toni was just too distracted right now to have heard him approach.

Toni turned around. “Uh, technically. But again, only my mother calls me that.”

“And me,” Gem chimed in, “but only when I’m feeling bitchy.”

Jude nodded, cocking his head as he studied Toni head to toe. “Tonus. It’s cute.”

“Oh, well, thank you,” Toni said.

“Aw.” Gem wriggled in place. “You two are so adorable. Ollie’s gonna be so excited when he hears you kissed!”

“Actually,” Jude interjected, casting a dubious look at Toni, “I haven’t talked to Oliver yet. So, if we could just be chill about this.”

“Oh,” Gem said, sounding much less enthused. “Okay.”

He met Toni’s eyes and lifted his brows as if to ask how he felt about that. To be honest, it did not feel good, but what was Toni to do about it? Oliver was Jude’s friend first, and he had a right to decide when to tell him.

“That gonna be a problem, Gem?” Toni asked.

Gem shook his head. “No, not at all! I’m a vault.”

“Uh-huh,” Jude said doubtfully.

“If the vault was made of paper,” Toni said dryly. “But just remember, Gem. I have all the dirt on you, and my revenge will be swift.”

“You don’t need to blackmail me. Honestly, I’m offended. I’m good at secrets,” Gem insisted.

“Sure,” Toni said, shaking his head at Jude to communicate how not good at keeping secrets Gem actually was.

“You douchebag!” Gem marched over and punched him in the shoulder. “There is, like, so much stuff you don’t even know. Because I’m a good secret-keeper.”

“I believe you,” Toni said seriously, again giving Jude a tiny head shake.

Glowering at Toni, Gem stalked to the couch and sat down, crossing all his arms over his torso. “You know what, I’m not sorry for cockblocking you anymore. I was going to leave to give you some time alone, but now I’m not. How do you like them cucumbers?”

“Apples,” Jude corrected.

“Whatever,” Gem hissed, staring Toni down with all eight eyes. “What’re you gonna do now, Toni? Fuck right in front me? Do it. See if I break first. I’ll even give unsolicited advice the whole time.”

“We’ll go to the bedroom,” Toni said nonchalantly.

“Then I’ll sing!” Gem threatened.

Toni gasped. “You bitch!”

“We’re not fucking,” Jude said.

“Aw, man, we’re not?” Toni slumped in disappointment, before scowling at the Araknis. “Are you happy now?”

Gem nodded. “Her name is Justice, and she tastes so sweet!”

“I hate you so much right now,” Toni seethed.

“Oh, boo-hoo! Cry me a fucking lake,” Gem sneered.

“River,” Jude said.

“Oh my gods, Jude, that’s not even the point!” Slapping his hands on his thighs and the couch, Gem stood. “And now I have to angry-pee, which is my least favorite kind of pee! You know, after a sad-pee.”

“You said pee way too many times,” Toni said.

With a wordless shriek of frustration, Gem stalked out of the room, slamming the bathroom door a moment later.

“So,” Jude said.

“I’m so sorry. I didn’t know he was here, I swear,” Toni said in a rush. “I would never have put you in this position—”

“Hey, it’s fine.” Taking his hand, Jude gave it a squeeze. “It’s not a big deal, okay? The only reason I haven’t talked to Oliver is, well, because he hasn’t been around much, honestly. I mean, I’ve been busy too, but Oliver’s been with Liel a lot. And I don’t want to make a big deal about something that’s so new. And we’re not even…”

Jude drifted off, and what was left unsaid hurt more than Toni expected. “Right, we’re not—yeah. I mean, I haven’t even taken you on a date yet, so it doesn’t make sense to go around telling people.”

“I don’t mean we should be a secret, it just—”

“I get it.” Toni circled the back of Jude’s neck and rubbed his thumb into the tendons there. “And Oliver’s your—well, he’s your Gem, right? So, you tell him whatever you want, whenever you want. Okay?”

“Thanks,” Jude said, leaning in to give Toni a hug. It soothed the ache in Toni’s chest enough he could forget about it for a while, and he nuzzled the top of Jude’s head, kissing his scalp.

“How about you give me a tour?” Jude suggested when they parted.

“Okay, I can do that.” Toni waved at the open concept flat. “This is the living area.” He led Jude to the small hall closet. “This is where you can get a towel if you need one. Or the vacuum.”

Jude chuckled. “Good to know.”

“And this is my room.” Toni stood by the open door as Jude took a few steps inside and studied the space.

It wasn’t anything special, minimalist decor, some framed photos of Toni and Gem and the others on his side tables. The bed was big, covered with gray sheets. Toni’s slippers lay next to the side of the bed he used most often.

This place was smaller and cheaper than the penthouse his dad bought for him. But the penthouse had never felt like home. This one did.

“Very you,” Jude said, sending Toni a smile over his shoulder.

“Lastly,” Toni said a moment later as he opened the door to the spare bedroom. “Technically the second bedroom, but I went another way with it.”

“Whoa,” Jude said as he took in all the musical instruments. “I didn’t know you played.”

Toni followed Jude around the room as the human ran his fingers along the guitars hanging on the wall. “I don’t actually play. I’ve always wanted to learn, but never got around to it. I kinda taught myself drums and piano, but nothing technical.”

“What do you mean?” Jude asked as he plucked a string of the bass.

“Uh, like, I listen to a song, then copy what it sounds like.”

At that, Jude gave him his full attention. “You can play by ear?”

“Maybe?” Toni’s eyes widened. “Why, is that weird?”

“No, not weird. Just impressive.” Jude pulled out his phone and typed on it furiously. “Turn on the piano.”

Unsure what they were doing, Toni obeyed, starting up the keyboard. Jude set his phone on the edge, then hit play. It was one of the bands Jude had introduced Toni to, and Toni grinned.

“Yeah, this band slaps! What song is this?”

“From their new album. Now, shush. Just listen.”

The song had a piano intro, pretty simple and slow, and Toni closed his eyes, focusing when the piano picked up to something more complicated after the first chorus. Already his fingers itched to play, but he wanted to hear the whole song first.

“Oh damn,” he said when the drums came in, changing the vibe. Then the second chorus hit, drums and electric guitar shifting it again, and Toni’s eyes flew open. “Whoa, this song fucks!”

Jude was smiling, head moving with the beat. “This band is one of my favorites.”

“I know. I remember. I didn’t know they came out with a new album.”

The song ended, and Jude paused it before it could repeat. “Okay, let’s hear it.”

Toni shrugged. “Okay.”

He closed his eyes, pressing down on a few keys to find the right starting note. Then he played. It wasn’t perfect, especially when the song changed to the more complicated piano melody, but it was close.

When he played the final note, he opened his eyes and found Jude staring at him, jaw ajar. “That bad, huh?” Toni shrugged, face warming. “Like I said, I never actually learned.”

“Dude, that was good!” Jude said, rushing toward the wall, pointing at one of the electric guitars. “Can I use this?”

“Uh, yeah?” Toni watched Jude take it from the wall and position it hanging over one shoulder. He plucked at the strings, one by one, then adjusted the knobs on the end of the stick-part. “What are you doing?”

“Tuning it,” Jude said. “Play a C , will you?”

“What?” Toni asked.

“Play a C ,” he repeated, pointing at the keyboard.

Toni splayed his hands. “What do you mean?”

“Right.” Jude shooed him away and studied the white keys. “Piano was never my strength. Let me just…”

Jude proceeded to play certain notes, then adjusted the strings on his guitar until he was satisfied. Then he arranged his fingers to make a chord—Toni didn’t know which one—and strummed with the other hand. It sounded awesome.

“You play guitar? And you’re only now telling me?” Toni crossed his arms over his chest and shook his head. “I feel betrayed.”

“I haven’t played in a hot minute,” Jude said, like that even mattered. “Okay, listen to this song. It’s a bit easier, I think.”

Jude played another song on his phone, this one with a strong piano part. It was beautiful, the music, the lyrics. It made Toni’s chest tight.

“Fuck, this is… whoa.”

“It’s my favorite from their new album,” Jude admitted when the last notes faded. “Ready?”

“I can try, but don’t you need an amp for that guitar?”

As the song played through a second time, they dragged a small amp close to the keyboard and got everything plugged in and connected. When Jude was satisfied with whatever configuration he was making with the knobs and buttons, he paused his phone.

“Okay, let’s do it,” Jude said, excitement burning in his eyes.

It was contagious, and Toni felt almost giddy as he said, “Okay.”

He played around on the keys until he found the correct starting note, then he started playing. A few beats in, Jude started to sing, and Toni tripped over the notes. Jude could sing too? He was like a wet dream come to life.

“You are so sexy right now,” Toni said, and Jude snorted.

“Shh, keep playing,” Jude said.

So, Toni did. And Jude sang, tapping the beat out on the broad side of the electric guitar. Then they hit the chorus, and Jude brought in the guitar, keeping perfect pitch with his voice as he did. Toni messed up the piano sometimes, but Jude didn’t seem to care.

When Toni hit the last piano note, Jude’s chest was heaving, and Toni was fucking flying. He’d never played for anyone but Gem before, and that had never felt like this. He and Jude had… created something.

“That was amazing,” Jude said, echoing Toni’s thoughts. “Toni, you’re incredible.”

“I am?” Toni asked, genuinely surprised.

Like Toni’s response was crazy, Jude scoffed. “Uh, yes! It took me three days to be able to play the guitar part from memory, and this song is almost all piano. And you got it after listening to the song twice? That’s incredible.”

“I made a lot of mistakes,” Toni said, but Jude shut him up by fisting Toni’s shirt and yanking him across the keyboard to kiss him. Hard.

“You have a real ear for music. It’s insane that you never learned.”

“Pops never let me,” Toni confessed before he could stop himself, and Jude frowned. “It was one of those girly things he said I shouldn’t do.”

That made Jude frown deeper. “Then fuck your dad. He sounds like an asshole.”

“He is,” Toni agreed.

“You’re really, really good, Toni. With training, you’d be amazing.”

For some reason, the way Jude was looking at him made Toni’s throat tighten. “Thanks, Jude,” he croaked, and Jude beamed at him.

Releasing his death grip on Toni’s shirt, Jude leaned back and cleared his throat. “I could teach you, if you want. I mean, not piano. I was never that good, and you’re better at it already than I ever was. But I could teach you how to play guitar.”

“You would do that?” The tightness in Toni’s throat moved south, clenching his chest until he almost couldn’t breathe.

Jude nodded. “Yeah. I’m a bit rusty, but I took guitar lessons for most of my life. I could totally teach you. I bet you’d pick it up really fast.”

It was Toni’s turn to grab Jude by his shirt and haul him into a kiss. The keyboard bit into Toni’s stomach, but he ignored it as he dug his fingers into Jude’s hair and kissed the shit out of him. They were both breathless when they parted.

“I would really like that,” Toni said thickly. “I just… That really means a lot, Jude.”

The smile Jude gave him this time was soft and lovely. “It would be a crime for me not to.”

“Can we play it again?” Toni pointed to Jude’s phone. “And pull up the lyrics. There was the part at the end, where they sing different things. I could do that.”

“Okay. I’ll take the bridge lyrics, if you take the—”

“The autumn leaves part,” Toni finished. “I know.”

They played it again, and at the vocal split, Jude repeated the bridge as Toni continued the chorus, reading the lyrics off Jude’s phone. At the end, when the song got soft again, Toni gentled his fingers on the keys as Jude sang the last few phrases. Because he could, Toni harmonized. His voice was rougher than Jude’s, but it didn’t sound half bad, not to Toni’s ears.

When the final note faded, Toni and Jude just stood and grinned at each other. Then they started to laugh.

Someone clapped, and they turned to find Gem in the doorway, beaming at them both. “That was beautiful,” he said, blinking moisture from his two largest eyes. “Like, really. I’ve never heard you play like that, Toni.”

“Thanks. Jude’s gonna teach me guitar,” Toni said, and Gem turned several eyes to Jude while keeping the others on Toni.

“That’s really great, Jude. He’s always wanted to learn,” he said.

“He’s gonna be great at it,” Jude said confidently.

“Yeah,” Gem agreed, voice cracking. “Yeah, he will be.”

When Gem’s expression crumpled, Toni furrowed his brow and took a half-step toward him. “Gem?”

“You two should kiss or something,” Gem said, laughing wetly. “Don’t worry, I’ll leave so you can do it in private.”

With one last, almost broken smile, Gem left, leaving the door ajar but mostly closed. Toni thought he heard a muffled sob drift quietly from the living room, but then Jude was rounding the piano until he stood right in front of him. He angled his head, and who was Toni to refuse such an opportunity? He leaned down and kissed him, and it was good. So fucking good. Toni never wanted that moment to end.