Me without You
When you live with someone for a while, whether you’re dating or just roommates, you get into a bit of a routine. Even if you don’t get up at the same time, there’s still a set way that you both go through the day. That’s how Jackson and Evgeni are.
On practice days, whoever gets up first starts the coffee maker and then that person would shower. The next person up would get breakfast ready while waiting for their turn in the shower. Once showers were done, they’d eat together before getting their bags together and heading to practice. Different days had different routines, but they always just knew how to perfectly move around each other. Honestly, Jackson didn’t know how to go about his mornings without tripping over Zhenya’s towel that he left on the bathroom floor or coming to the kitchen to his coffee already made exactly how he liked it. But apparently, he was going to have to learn.
“Do you have to go?” Jackson asked from his spot on the bed, where he was currently sprawled on the open part of a suitcase. He was supposed to be helping Zhenya pack, as his flight was that afternoon, but was being more of a nuisance than anything.
Zhenya chuckled softly, leaning over to press a kiss to his boyfriend’s forehead, “Only for two weeks, Nado. I be back.” The season had just ended and Zhenya was going home to visit his family for a bit. He still hadn’t told his parents about his relationship with Jackson, nervous for their reaction but planned to do so while home.
“I could come with you? We could tell them together, baby..” Jackson said, his fingers coming to run through Zhenya’s soft hair. This had been a very frequent suggestion since the trip was added to the calendar. Zhenya’s parents had met Jackson before, they knew they lived together, that they were best friends but that’s as far as their knowledge went.
Leaning into the gentle touch, Zhenya gave Jackson a smile, “Thank you, котенок, but I have to do this. I got this. I come back to you. No matter what.” He said, giving the other man a kiss before going to finish up his packing.
As every article of clothing was packed, Jackson felt himself get more and more nervous. Zhenya had told him how homosexuality was not looked upon well in Russia. He was so scared just to support Cap and Loops when they first came out because of the potential blowback from his home. Now it was him that was coming out. Jackson could tell Zhenya was anxious, the slight tremor in his hands as he zipped up his suitcase giving him away.
“All packed. You still drive me to airport?” Zhenya asked, pulling his suitcase off the bed before he crawled next to Jackson.
Jackson rolled on top of him, his head resting on his boyfriend’s chest, “You’ll call me, right? And facetime? Every day?” He said quietly, listening to the steady pounding of Zhenya’s heart.
“Of course, котенок. Every day. And you! Don’t mope! Go outside, see people” Zhenya insisted, his hand rubbing in slow circles over Jackson’s back. He knows him too well.
His eyes falling shut, Jackson enjoyed the gentle touch and warmth while he could, “Love you.” He mumbled, fingers gripping at the other man’s shirt.
“Love you always, котенок. I’ll be back.” Zhenya whispered, pressing a kiss to the top of Jackson’s head.
Two weeks. They could do this.