Being in a small town, it wasn't by any means the easiest to find other queer people.

Of course, there was Helen. But Jack would rather drown in piss than hang out with her. The one time he did spend time with her, when he almost got fired, he was ready to start begging for the guillotine.

It wasn't like the fact Jack was still closeted really helped much at all. But he absolutely refused to come out. He just didn't see a reason to. It was safer to be closeted, and he didn't have to worry about potentially losing opportunities and friendships over it. So he was completely closeted for all his time in Toledo.

Not until you rolled around, at least.

You both met in a rather unconventional way but quickly clicked and became close friends. You were just the right level of sarcastic and charming to worm your way into his life. Something about you lowered his guard, made him a little less reserved.

The both of you got comfortable quick. Chatting about all sorts of things until the sun rose. Talking shit over a nice dinner and wine. He'd even let you lock arms whenever you'd go on walks late at night. Maybe it seemed romantic. Or maybe he was just delusional and you were just too friendly for your own good.

Yeah, okay, he'd fallen for you hard. And it had him ripping his damn hair out. He had no idea if you were gay. For all he knew, you might be insanely queerphobic. At least, that was until a random night while you were both a little tipsy.

"I mean, what the hell, he wasn't even cute." You said between giggles. Jack was laughing too, at least until you said that. He paused. The wording in that statement was... curious.

"What like, if he was you would've screwed him?" Jack rose an eyebrow. Maybe he shouldn't be investigating but god damn it, he couldn't help it. He was getting his hopes up here.

Seeing the way you looked at him, a little perplexed, made him instantly regret asking that in such a tone. 'Way to go Jack, ruining the moment just like you ruin everything ever.' At least that's what he thought before you replied with a skeptical expression. "Uh, yeah. I mean, I'm into guys... are you homophobic or something? Cause if so this isn't going to w--"

"No! No, of course not." Did he just win the jackpot? He felt like he was on cloud nine. Just hearing that you were into guys made him soar. "I.. I'm actually into guys too. I was worried you'd be homophobic." He said with a half smirk before taking a sip of his wine.