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Chase winced. “This probably isn't the moment,” he murmured, “but I wanted to tell you: I hooked up with some guy at a bar yesterday.”

Ouch.
Jackson swallowed hard but tried to reserve his judgment instead of leaping to conclusions like he always did. If he had one fault, it was hotheadedness, and he wasn't going to let it fuck up a promising relationship.

They weren't exclusive. Therefore, no fault.

“Okay.”

Chase breathed out a sigh, relaxing when Jackson didn't snap at him. “It... it didn't go too well. I realized I can't... I don't
want
to... just hook up anymore. I don't want just any guy around.”

Was he saying what Jackson hoped...?

Jackson swallowed hard, resisting the urge to cross his fingers. “So?” he asked, letting Chase tell him instead of assuming.

“So I want to... to date you. Just you.”

Oh my God.
Jackson grinned. He knew his face gave away his answer already, but he couldn't change
that
much of himself. Open book or not, Chase seemed to like that about him. “Really?”

Chase smiled sheepishly. “Yeah.”

“All it took was one douche? I hope he wasn't too much of a douche. I can go intimidate him.”

Chase laughed and shook his head. “I don't give a crap about him. It just helped me realize that I wanna try dating you. I haven't dated anyone in a while, so I might be really bad at being a boyfriend, but...”

“That's fine,” Jackson assured him. “I haven't, either. I don't think there's any rulebook.”

“Good. I'm bad at rules.”

Jackson smirked and kissed Chase. “Hi, then, boyfriend.”

He wished he could have photographed the look of joy that spread across Chase's face. “Hi.” Chase was clearly trying not to be too enthusiastic and it was utterly failing. It made Jackson laugh.

“Wha'?”

“Nothing,” Jackson chuckled, caressing Chase's cheek.

“I – I should head home for the night, though. I got work early tomorrow... and all week. And I should go to fencing, since I'm paying for classes, for some reason,” Chase laughed.

Jackson groaned. “Classes
and
more overtime?”

“Yeah,” Chase mumbled, sighing as he kissed Jackson once more. “But I can show off my hickey to everyone.”

Jackson smirked. “You can leave some for me, too, sometime.”

“I will,” Chase winked.

He has to get up and go now,
Jackson reminded himself. Of course, the logical thing to do was kiss him so well that he'd forget he had to leave.

Chase's lips caressed his own as Chase's lashes flickered closed and their noses bumped. Though Jackson was cooling off now, the warmth of Chase's slight body against his own was a treat.

This was his favorite part, and it looked like Chase wasn't opposed to it, either.

Minutes later, their hands in each other's hair and lips still brushing gently, Chase groaned. “Okay, I
really
gotta go.”

Jackson snickered. “Fine,” he murmured and kissed Chase just once more before letting go of him.

There was a companionable silence between them now. They cleaned up and dressed, still touching and kissing at every opportunity.

“I think you're trying to lure me into staying here,” Chase finally accused him. He was beaming as he leaned into Jackson while they stood in the middle of the bedroom.

Jackson wrapped his arms around Chase's waist to sway lightly with him. He was lovely to hug. “Maybe.”

“S'not gonna work this time. Maybe next time.”

“Okay.” Jackson kissed the back of Chase's neck and let go, then reached out to open the door for him. “I'll keep trying.”

Chase's laughs were lighthearted now, his smile bright. He sauntered downstairs, followed by Jackson, to collect his shoes at the door.

Then, Chase reached out to grab Jackson's t-shirt and pull him in for one more good, slow kiss. “I'll see you soon, hm? After this week.”

“God, that'll feel like forever,” Jackson lamented. He hugged Chase close and kissed him back. “Whenever you're free.”

“Soon as I
can
be free,” Chase promised, his voice so sincere. “And Jackson?”

“Yeah?”

“Thanks for being so patient with me.” Chase's gaze flickered between Jackson's eyes, some unguarded emotion on his face that Jackson couldn't place yet.

Jackson just wanted to pull him in for another rough hug. Whatever was on Chase's mind, he'd learn it someday and it would no doubt make him angry then. Instead, for now, he ran his hand back through Chase's hair affectionately. “No problem. That's what boyfriends are for, huh?”

The moment he heard the word, Chase grinned again. “Yeah,” he agreed. He leaned in for one more peck before he pulled open the door. “See you, Jackson.”

“Bye.” Jackson leaned in the door, watching Chase walk down the path to the sidewalk. He leaned his head against the edge of the open door, pleasure still thrumming through his body.

I have a boyfriend. And not just any boyfriend... Chase.

There were no words to describe the sense of rightness that had settled deep into his bones.

“You have a
boyfriend
now? Shit, Chase. Why didn't you tell me?”

Chase sprayed glass cleaner on the cloth, ducking his head as he blushed. He glanced at Floyd as he wiped in circles along the cabinet. His boss was about to leave for the day and had asked about his plans tonight. He'd subtly dropped the hint that he had
plans
.

“You were away at the Maritime tattoo show, and we were busy today...”

“Aw, man, that's awesome. Who is it? Do I know him?”

“I dunno. Jackson Riley. He's a blacksmith.”

“Yeah, I think I've heard the name... I don't know him though,” Floyd shook his head. “You're growing up now.”

“Growing up?”

“You know, it's not all about bars. Everyone's gotta settle down sooner or later, gay or straight.”

Chase frowned. He didn't especially like the implications.
Yeah, I hook up a lot, but not because I'm gay...
He let it go, though. “Yeah.”

Floyd winced. “And I just stacked all that overtime on you. Sorry.”

“Hey, the paycheck's nice,” Chase laughed. “But yeah, it's our first date since we got together. We've both been working overtime...”

Floyd shook his head as he patted down his pockets for his car keys. “Let me know how it goes, huh? I wanna meet this guy if you get serious.”

“I will.”

“Call me if you need anything.” Floyd raised a hand and waved.

“I'll be fine.”

Once he was alone in the shop, Chase put away the glass cleaner and pulled out his phone. He didn't make a habit of slacking off work – even when Floyd said it was okay – but he had some important tasks.

Like finding a new apartment.

Chase still didn't know how his family had found this address – or even figured out that he'd come to Fredericton. He'd only told a few friends back at home in Ontario where he was going. None of them would have leaked it.

As he scrolled through Kijiji on his phone, he opened a few places in new tabs to check them out. At least there was a lot on the market thanks to the students moving at the end of the summer.

He didn't even notice the door open until he heard it jingle and slipped his phone under the counter. “Hey...”

Oh, wow. This guy was gorgeous.

“Uh, hi. Can I help you?”

The stranger's soft brown eyes were already fixed on him as he strode up to the counter. He was perhaps in his mid-twenties or even early thirties, with dark stubble. “Hello. I'm Alex. You're Chase, aren't you?”

Chase was wary. This man already knew him. “I am.” His hand slipped to the baseball bat beneath the counter. “Why?”

“I'm here to... confess, I suppose.” The stranger's voice was soft, yet clear. He wore a troubled frown as he rested his hands on the counter, directly watching Chase. “I'm a private investigator here in Fredericton. Your parents hired me to look into your whereabouts.”

They did what?
Chase's jaw dropped.

“I'm normally never allowed to break the rules like this and... betray my client's confidentiality...” Alex trailed off. “But this case was a little different. I couldn't just not tell you.”

“That you were spying on me?”

What was his life? Who the hell had spies sent after them except... mafia guys and, like, gang members?

“Yes, if you want to put it like that. I haven't been watching your every movement, if that helps. I know it doesn't.”

Chase was pale. He let go of the bat and gripped the counter. Hard. “It doesn't.”

“I gave them your home address before I knew what was going on. They... let a hint slip about why they needed it... and I ended our working relationship. They don't know your workplace or new name.”

“Are they coming for me?”

Alex winced, his gaze flickering up to the camera and then back at Chase. Then, he squared his shoulders against the consequences of his answer. “Yes.”

“Wh-When? Who?”

“I don't know—”

“Fat lot of good you are, investigator.”

Alex sighed. He wasn't trying to argue this one. He knew he'd fucked up in whatever moral compass he had. “I suspect it will take a few more days to arrange a trip out here, especially if they're driving. They didn't say.”

“Are you here to help me go undercover or... what?” Chase snapped. “Just assuage your guilty conscience and feel better about yourself? Leave me to deal with it?” Chase's demands grew louder.

“I... I wish I'd known what I do now. When I asked their reasons, they lied, and I didn't question it. I'm truly sorry, for whatever that's worth.” Alex raised his hands and stepped back from the counter. “I'd suggest moving, though that's not always practical.”

“Already on it, genius.” Chase pulled his phone out from under the counter.

Alex sighed, then drew a card out of his pocket and slid it across the counter. “Look, if you need help, let me know anytime. I'm sorry for what's happened. I owe you a few.”

“In case
I
want to spy on people here,” Chase snorted. “Very helpful.”

Alex watched him for a few moments, and Chase
hated
the sympathy in his expression. It was all too familiar. When they found out, everyone just fucking felt sorry for him instead of doing anything helpful. “You can call me anytime. Good luck.”

As the door rattled shut behind him, Chase let out a slow breath and thumped his head on the counter. Much as he wanted to tear up the card, he didn't. He just slid it into his pocket for later.

Fuck. His parents knew where he lived, but at least no more than that.

Eventually, he straightened up again. He shouldn't have taken it all out on Alex, but finally, he'd met someone he could blame for his current situation. Moving was expensive and shitty and a hassle and now unavoidable.

Asshole.

“I haven't been watching your every movement,” Chase muttered sarcastically. “Wonderful. At least they can't find me when I'm not home. Fuck.”

Movement outside the shop window made him startle, his breath catching in his throat.

It was Jackson.

Chase enjoyed watching his boyfriend squint at the sign to make sure he had the right place before pulling open the tattoo shop door. “Hey, good-looking.”

Jackson laughed as the door swung shut and he crossed the shop floor in a few strides. “Hello yourself, gorgeous.”

“I still have half an hour left.” Chase leaned over the counter for a kiss. “Are you cool hanging out here?”

“Yeah, of course. I came early to watch you work, if that's okay.”

“It's not very interesting. I have one appointment to finish touching up a tattoo in a couple minutes.” Chase checked his phone for the time. “Other than that, nothing booked.”

Jackson smiled. “I'll just talk, then.” He dragged a chair from the waiting area over to the counter. He plopped himself down on it, stretching out his legs. “How was your day?”

I can't tell him about all this shit yet...
Chase glanced across the shop, then nodded. “It was all right. It was a day.”

“Been a long week.”

“Yeah? Your staircases are all done?”

“Thank
God
,” Jackson groaned emphatically. He rubbed his hands down his face, stretching out his cheeks. “Bleeergh.”

Chase laughed, propping his chin on his fist and his elbow on the counter. “Yeah? At least all that's done. I told Floyd I've got a boyfriend now...”

“Yeah?” Jackson's switch from melancholy to excitement was instant. He straightened up and folded his hands in his lap in a clear effort to calm down. “Cool.”

Seeing someone his size get excited about everything was so cute. Chase smirked. “Yeah, and he shouldn't give me as much overtime now. That was the last show of the season anyway.”

The door rattled and swung open as his client entered. She needed a few more details in her flower watercolor tattoo, and Chase was excited to finish it off. “Hey, Kate. How's it goin'?”

“Great. You? Sorry, am I early or late?”

“I'm good. No, that's just my boyfriend,” Chase grinned. “He wanted to hang out and watch me work.”

“You wanna watch Chase finish my tattoo?” Kate offered, already turning to show off the work in progress splashed across her upper arm. It was just about done, except for some light outlines they'd both agreed the flower's center needed and a few more splashes of color to even it out.

Jackson's eyebrows raised. “Oh, you don't mind? Yeah, I'd love that. I've never seen one.”

“Man, by your fourth or fifth it'll get old,” Kate laughed.

Chase led them both to the back room he'd already set up. He pulled up a chair for Jackson, then hummed and slipped on gloves. “So, just like we agreed on?”

“Yeah,” Kate nodded. “I can't wait to see it.”

“Me neither. I think it'll come out great with just a bit more detail.” Chase had already set up his needle, so he connected the gun to the machine and tested it to make sure it vibrated. He was using a shader rather than a liner for softer lines. Then he'd have to switch to color to blend in the final colors around the edge of the tattoo.

As soon as her skin was wiped down, his gloves changed, and the light on, Chase's focus was absolute.

His foot on the pedal, his pinky balanced his hand steadily on her skin. The needle vibrated and thrummed through his hand...

He carefully wiped away excess ink as he went. He was even more focused than usual from nervousness at being watched.

It wasn't like he'd never been watched before. It happened all the time. Bosses, apprentices, teachers, customers' partners...

But Jackson was different.

Chase drew a breath as he lifted his foot from the pedal and pulled the needle away. He smoothed a layer of Vaseline across her skin. “Now for the colors.”

“Oh, wow, that looks great already.” Kate knew to look past the reddened skin at the quality of the lines. Chase was thrilled with how smoothly they'd come out.

“Yeah, that's definitely what it needed.”

Jackson murmured, “Wow. I bet everyone asks, but doesn't it hurt? You're bleeding...”

“Only a bit,” Kate answered. “Somewhere fleshy, it's just a bit like getting pinched a lot. You sort of tune it out. My shoulder blade was the worst one – everything else was easy.”

“Everyone's different,” Chase added as he swapped machines. He showed her the color he'd already added. “Just like we said, yeah?”

“If you're sure it'll come out right.”

“I promise,” Chase chuckled. It didn't always look the same in the bottle as on skin, after all.

“All right, go for it.”

“You need a break first?”

“Nah, get 'er done.”

Jackson laughed and settled back again, and Chase leaned in to start coloring. This was much more fun. He enjoyed sketching and shading in black ink, but clients always appreciated color. The extra pinks shading the edges of the flowers would make them stand out. Making it look like a watercolor was a thrilling challenge.

“How 'bout... that?” he murmured a few minutes later.

Jackson murmured, “Dude, that was cool.”

Kate laughed at him, then turned to get a good look. “Ohhh, yeah. You were right. That
was
the right color.” She examined it carefully. “Yeah, that's perfect. I think that's just what it needed.”

“Great,” Chase concluded, then glanced at Jackson. “That was a really simple session. Usually there's more back-and-forth or Sharpies...”

Kate added, “Fighting over color choices...”

Chase laughed. “I was right, though, huh?” he teased, flicking her shoulder gently. “Okay, I'll get that cleaned up and covered and you're on your way.”

“Awesome. Thanks.”

As Chase bandaged the spot, he felt Jackson watching him with admiration. It was hard not to grin.