Part 1
By Phai ([email protected])
Summary: Basically the fic is a romance between Jack and Tobey. The first couple of parts will focus on J&T, and what they did that night "after" the prom; however eventually, I'm hoping to continue the story -- and their budding relationship -- into their summer vacation where, unlike on the show, we'll actually see it gradually develop from mutually attraction, to love.
Authors Note: This is my first fic ever! Please be gentle with it. I've only written part 1, and depending on the type of feedback I get, will determine whether I write part 2. I'm not really comitted to this fic yet -- it's just kind of a hobby; but if you people like it, I hope to continue the fic. I'm not quite sure exactly where it will eventually end up yet. I have some ideas, but by no means have I got it completely outlined from beginning to end. I plan on taking it one step at a time, all depending on the feedback I get for part 1. So please, give feedback -- whether good or bad (but I hope it's good). In the end, you, the readers, determine whether this fic will continue. Okay, enough from me. Here is part 1 of "Take my Hand." I hope you enjoy it.
The purr of Andie's black Saab slowly abated as it pulled in front of Tobey's indigo house. It was midnight; the street on which the house resided was pleasantly subdued, where the only source of lighting was coming from a few tawny street lamps and the lucid full moon above. Coming to a stop, Jack put the car into park and turned off the ignition, now leaving him and Tobey in utter silence.
Both boys didn't say much on the drive back to Dawson's house; judging from the tense atmosphere in the limo, Jack assumed his friends didn't exactly have as much fun as he did that night at prom. With everyone that is, everyone except Tobey and himself looking completely miserable, Jack thought it best to dispense with the after-party pleasantries, for it was pretty clear that no one looked in the mood for much of anything. Tobey seemed to agree with him, for he said very little, though it didn't stop either boy from stealing glances and grinning at each other the whole drive back. Before taking Tobey home, however, Jack made sure Jen who he could tell was pretty wasted got home okay, as he walked with Drue, watching him carry her up the lawn toward Grams' house.
But now here they were sitting alone, in the dark, and in complete silence. Briefly, they just sat there in the car, both not exactly sure what to say, for fear they might shatter this tranquil moment. Despite the many thoughts running through Jack's head, he feltgood inside so good in fact that sitting in silence with Tobey didn't feel the least bit awkward. Quite the contrary, he felt completely at ease and comfortable, like the way you feel with someone you've known your entire life when words are not needed to communicate. Eventually, however, their silence was broken.
"So " Jack and Tobey spoke at the same time, causing them both to chuckle lightly.
"You first," prompted Jack.
"Well I was just going to say that tonight wasinteresting," Tobey noted with a smile. "From the looks on everyone's faces, you'd think we just came back from a funeral."
"Yeah, well I guess you kinda get used to that," Jack said offhandedly, smiling at Tobey's questioning expression. "It's a long story, but suffice to say, my friends don't exactly have the best track record when it comes to school dances."
An awkward pause followed.
"But I had a really good time," Jack added quickly.
"So did I," echoed Tobey. "I'm glad Jen came over and explained why you didn't ask me yourself, otherwise we might never have gone together."
Jack had difficulty stifling a laugh, for he knew the true story behind Jen's little matchmaking scheme. In hindsight, however, he supposed Jen was right all along, about his insecurities and the underlying feelings he had for Tobey feelings that Jen managed to recognize far before he did. Damn, when did she come to know me so well? he thought to himself.
With Jen still in his thoughts, and making a mental note to thank her in the morning, Jack gave Tobey a warm, broad smile and sighed, "Me too."
Silence crept up on them again, as Tobey and Jack eyed each other intently. Jack could feel himself tensing up, wondering whether he should kiss Tobey again; he wanted to kiss him again. Ever since they left the boat, Jack kept rehearsing in his head how he could make his move, without looking too clumsy or frantic. However this time as if Tobey could read what he was thinking it ended up being Tobey who took the initiative and leaned forward, pressing his lips to Jack's. Jack hesitated for only a second, then closed his eyes and relaxed into the kiss, relishing the soft touch of Tobey's parted lips, as he felt an intense warmth sweep from his own mouth all the way down to his fingertips. It was a gentle kiss, quite similar to the one they shared a couple of hours ago on the boat, with each boy delicately exploring the shape and texture of the other's mouth. Slowly, Tobey pulled away, leaving Jack with an undeniable hunger for more, but he resisted the impulse. He noticed that both their breathing had increased slightly.
"Whew," Tobey exhaled, then drawing in a long breath. "You're really quite a kisser Mr. McPhee."
Jack grinned, feeling his face flush a bit. "Why thank you," he said jokingly. "I must admit I rather enjoy it."
They both laughed, as Tobey looked out the passenger widow. His house was completely dark; not one window was lit not even the porch light. He sighed.
"I guess I should be going," Tobey said rather listlessly.
"Y-yeah ok then," Jack stammered reluctantly.
Tobey's right hand reached for the door handle, but Jack grasped Tobey's left hand suddenly.
"Tobey, wait," Jack said abruptly.
"Yeah, Jack?" Tobey said, looking surprisingly from Jack's eyes down at the hand now holding his own. He could feel Jack's firm hand trembling slightly.
"Would " Jack hesitated.
Tobey's eyes narrowed on Jack. "You're not asking me to marry you, are you Jack?" he said, a playful grin now spreading across his face.
This relaxed Jack, as both he and Tobey laughed some more.
"Yeah, right you wish!" Jack chuckled, but still holding onto Tobey's hand.
Tobey merely sat, looking at Jack, patiently waiting for him to continue his train of thought.
"What I was going to say is " Jack paused again, dropping his head slightly, then said in a timid murmur. "Would it sound crazy if I said I didn't want tonight to end and that I didn't want you to go?"
As soon as these words left his mouth, Jack could feel his stomach give a lurch as he felt his face go hot with embarrassment. He slowly raised his head to look at Tobey who, to his surprise and relief, looked deeply touched. Tobey smiled, which seemed to immediately sweep away any embarrassment still lingering on Jack's face. And without saying a word, Tobey impulsively kissed Jack for the second time this time more fiercely than their prior kisses then quickly pulled away. Jack, not expecting such a welcomed response, sat there, taken slightly aback, with eyes wide open and his lips still pressed into a pucker. Tobey beamed at him.
"I take it that means no," said Jack, blinking and with his lips still puckered. "What was that for?"
Tobey thought for a moment. "For being completely honest for the second time tonight."
Jack's smile widened.
"I don't want tonight to end either, Jack," Tobey admitted, now looking serious.
"It doesn't have to."
"What did you have in mind?"
Jack considered Tobey's question. Where could they go, just the two of them? No sooner had Jack asked this question of himself, did he have his answer.
"C'mon, I think I have an idea where we can go."
"Where?" Tobey asked, seeing Jack's smile, looking as if he'd just been struck by a sudden wave of inspiration.
"You'll see," Jack winked at him. "It's a surprise."
Jack started the ignition and the Saab suddenly came back to life again.
"Are your parents expecting you home soon?"
"Does it look like they're waiting up for me?" Tobey snorted, gesturing to the passenger side window, his house still dark on the other side.
Jack laughed too, but he could nevertheless hear a pinch of resentment in Tobey's voice. Jack sniffed, then cleared his throat.
"Okay then, lets go," he said boldly.
Placing the car into drive, the Saab sped on down the street, out of sight.
To be continued...