Page 54 of Gratification in Gluttony

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 guitarshifting 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.”

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