Page 20 of Break the Rule
The silence is staggering, and it takes all of Charlie’s self-control not to say anything. It’s only Andrew’s hand squeezing the back of his neck that keeps him silent, the physical reminder that running his mouth is maybe not what their brother needs right now.
“He seems sweet,” Andrew says after a prolonged silence.
“He is sweet,” Jason answers, still staring at his hands. “He’s amazing. He’s smart and kind and funny when he doesn’t realize it, and he’s so pretty. Oh my god, he’s so pretty.”
“That’s not a straight thing to say about another man,” Charlie blurts.
Andrew pinches his neck.
“What, Annie? I’m trying here.”
“Try to shut your mouth,” Andrew deadpans.
“I have a crush on a man,” Jason whispers.
“Welcome to the Queer Club,” Charlie grins, throwing himself onto the couch beside Jason. “There are no membership dues, but we get little flags and one month a year where a capitalist-driven economy pretends they don’t spend the other eleven months donating money to political campaigns to oppress us.”
Andrew groans. “Not exactly the time, Charlie.”
“On the contrary, it is always the correct time to call out performative allyship.”
“I mean yes,” Andrew sighs, “but also maybe not right now. I think Jason could use a little support before he gets a seminar on Queer history.”
“Affirming our communityissupportive.”
“You’re not wrong,” Andrew says, clearly trying to mollify him. Fucking Andrew. “But it’s not what Jason needs right now.”
“What Jason needs right now is for you two to go away,” Jason groans. “You two are too—you.”
“I am deeply offended,” Charlie gasps.
“No, he’s not,” Andrew placates, always far more concerned about other people’s feelings than Charlie ever could be. Not that Charlie is an asshole, at least not on purpose. He just spends a lot less time worrying about how other people feel than Andrew does.
“Fine, I’m not offended,” Charlie says with a laugh despite Andrew flicking his arm. “Seriously though, if you want to talk Queer theory or how pretty Emerson is, I’m here any time baby bro.”
Jason digs his thumbs into his temples and groans. “Just go…anywhere that is not here.Please.”
“Make sure to tell Emerson we said goodbye,” Charlie demands, ignoring the way Andrew is now pulling on his arm.
“I’ll tell Emerson you’re a fucking pain in the ass,” Jason snaps.
“At least make sure to point out I have a nice ass.”
Jason grabs one of the decorative cushions off the couch and chucks it at Charlie. His aim is unfortunately better than Charlie’s reflexes, and the pillow hits him square in the face, bouncing to the floor with a soft thud while Charlie groans at the unexpected hit.
“That’s our cue to leave,” Andrew says, curling his fingers tighter around Charlie’s elbow and tugging. “Come on, Charlie.”
“What if I don’t want to leave?” Charlie protests, despite agreeing with Andrew. There’s like a little flaw in his brain where even when he agrees with someone, he needs to argue about it first. “I wanted to see Emerson in a suit.”
“I’ll throw the entire couch at you if you don’t leave,” Jason says in a tone that Charlie probably shouldn’t test.
He tests it anyway.
“You’re kind of testy when you’re in love.”
“I’m not…just…get the fuck out of here.” Jason turns pleading eyes on Andrew. “Please.”
Long fingers wrap around Charlie’s wrist. When Andrew tugs, he lets himself be pulled away and guided out of the tailor shop. He waits until they’re in Andrew’s car before finally speaking.
