Chapter Text
Jude and Connor sat on Jude's bed with textbooks open. Occasionally, Connor would bump his foot into Judes', and he would return the gesture. They were so deep into their science homework that they didn't even hear the front door slam shut.
"Oka-I'll see what I can do. I'll see you later!" Callie sighed and headed upstairs to grab some sheets and a blanket to put on Jesus' old bed. Now that AJ was living with Mike, the family frequently used Jude's room as a spare for when someone came over. Callie grabbed the linens and took the bundle to the room. She pulled the door open and saw Jude and Connor with their textbooks open.
"Oh! Hey, guys," Callie's eyes got wide and her expression was unreadable.
"Hey, Callie," Jude looked up and gave her a smile. "What's with the linens?"
Callie began putting the sheets patterned with baseballs and bats on the bed. "I just got a call from Sophia, and things are really crazy at her house right now. She asked if she could stay the night, and I said yes. Is that okay?"
Jude looked at the ground and quickly replied. "Yeah, sure."
"Are you sure?" Callie sat on the beanbag adjacent to her brother. "I know that this hasn't been easy for you-"
"Yeah, I mean, Connor was going to sleep over, but I guess he can sleep on the couch."
Connor took his boyfriend's hand. "I don't mind going h-"
"No, you should stay, Connor," Callie nodded.
Connor caught Jude's eye and smiled. Jude gave a small one in return, and Callie patted her brother on the back. "Mariana should be back from dance practice soon, and Brandon is going to spend the night at Mike's. Mom is coming home soon with Mama, and they're making lasagna for dinner. I'm going to clean up a bit for Sophia. You guys can keep studying, just leave the door open, you know," Callie walked out of the room, leaving Jude and Connor alone.
Connor lifted Jude's chin up. "Are you really okay with Sophia spending the night?"
Jude scoffed. "No, not really. I mean, I'm not really thrilled with the idea of Callie having a separate family, but I just really don't like her. She's pretty obnoxious, and she comes off as kind of prissy. And why does she have to come here, of all places?"
"Well, right after I told my dad that I was gay, he would make me feel so miserable. Your house and your family was the only thing that made me feel normal. And maybe she needs that, in between the mental illness and her parents separating. That can be really stressful."
Jude sighed. "And what do you want to tell her about us?"
Connor put his head on Jude's shoulder. "Only what you want her to know." He leaned into Jude's face and placed his lips onto his boyfriends'.
"Hey guys- oh, sorry. Did I interrupt something?" Mariana stood at the doorway with an awkward expression on her face.
"Not really," Jude leaned back on his bed and closed his textbook. "Did Callie tell you that Sophia's coming over?"
"No! When did this happen?" Mariana sat on the bed and leaned in as if she was gossiping with her friends.
"A few minutes ago. Apparently, things aren't going too well at home, and she's coming over here for the night. In my room."
"So, I'm guessing you don't feel too well about this?"
"Not really, no."
"Well, I know what would cheer you up!" Mariana sat up and smiled.
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"So, what do you think? Throwback, or what?"
Jude admired the blue polish on his fingers. "I love them! Thanks, Mariana. Really."
"Oh, it was the least I could do. I was about to do mine, anyways!"
Jude posed with his fingers in front of his face. "What do you think, Con?" He turned to Connor, who was sitting on the edge of the bathtub.
"Beautiful, as always," he walked over to Jude and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
"Aw, you two are so cute together!" Mariana gushed.
Amidst the excitement, the sound of the doorbell echoed throughout the house. Callie's voice called out "Sophia's here, everyone!"