A/N: Sorry that there's no gay in this chapter, but there is talk of it. You'll see what I mean.

Anyways, I want to point out a few things. Please don't look at Jim as a total chick. Yes, he is in the 'uke' or bottom position here, but that doesn't mean he's really feminine! So don't be surprised if he does a few things that a typical guy would do for romance. In other words, being completely clueless, or being really cliche by... buying a bouquet of flowers or something. He's still a guy, and he doesn't even know if he's gay, so he's kind of the same as a straight guy, except he wants the D. I hope that makes sense xD

Also, side note- Dr. Doppler in this story is 100% human. I'll describe him later when necessary, but just imagine him without the dog-snout and ears, and white skin, I guess. Just kind of a middle-aged guy between 35-50 that looks like your typical nerd.

Chapter 6

"Jim? What's wrong, honey?"

Jim groaned into his pillow, his face flaming hot from everything that happened that night. He charged into the bakery, ran upstairs and threw his body onto his bed, not wanting anyone to see how red he was. His heart ceased to slow down, and it was making his head ache with confusion.

"Jim," his mother said more seriously, sitting down on the bed next to him. "Something's clearly wrong. You're worrying me, not even saying hello? That's unlike you..."

"I don't know, Mom..." Jim whined into his pillow. He squeezed the ends of it. "I just don't know anymore. I don't know what's wrong with me!" He sat up in a huff, facing her directly, flushed cheeks and all. His chest rose and fell with his breathing, which was a bit frantic due to his heavy heartbeat.

Sarah looked shocked for a moment, but slowly, her features changed to a soft smile and adoring eyes. "Jim, honey..."

"W-what?" He stammered, his hands shaking slightly. He didn't understand why she suddenly got all mushy.

"You're in love, aren't you?" She smiled even more, and Jim nearly choked on the air in his mouth.

"W-what!?" He gasped, feeling his face flame up more. "Love? What... mom!" He whined, much like a little kid. But really, in love? With... with Dimitri? Like hell!

"Is it Dimitri, dear?" Okay, this was getting so weird. She had telepathy, or else Jim had it written on his forehead. He stared at her with wide eyes, and his lack of response was enough of an answer for Sarah. She smiled and hugged her son, and Jim calmed down a little, hugging her back weakly.

"I... I don't know what's wrong with me," Jim explained, the defensive wall around him breaking down as he vented to her. "We met because he screwed up my motorcycle, and now he screwed up my heart, my head, everything. I'm screwed up. I keep... staring at him and thinking weird thoughts, like he's... a-attractive, or something..." He pulled away from his mom, looking to the sheets on the bed. "Whenever he pats my shoulder or touches me at all, it's warm. And my heart beats really fast. I can't even look him in the eyes sometimes without that feeling making me all uncomfortable."

Sarah smiled and let out an understanding chuckle, placing her hand on Jim's. He looked up at her with puppy-like eyes, biting his bottom lip softly. She was filled with warmth and joy for her son. "Honey, this is nothing to be afraid of."

"But it's so weird!" Jim exclaimed. "I know my heart's been there my entire life, but ever since Dimitri's been around, it's like I can hear it pounding all the time. Even when he's not here, I think about him. All the time. It's kind of annoying, I want to read my books but all that comes to mind his his stupid hair and his stupid eyes and his stupid smile..."

"You know, it's not stupid," Sarah rubbed his hand. "They're all things you love about him. It seems stupid, but when you think about them, you feel happy, and a bit fuzzy, right?"

Jim nodded slowly, the image of Dimitri's bright smile making him blush.

"Young love is a wonderful thing, Jim," She explained, giving his hand a squeeze. "Does he act the same way around you?"

Jim shrugged. "Kind of... I catch him staring at me sometimes, and he gets kind of red, too, and today-" he cut off, feeling his body flush warm from head to toe, especially his lips. He brought his hand up to his lip unconsciously, and Sarah lifted an eyebrow.

"He... kissed you?"

"N-no!" Jim sputtered, trying frantically to clear the suspicion. "He... it was an accident. He tripped and pushed me against the bookcase. Our lips were really close. But they didn't touch all the way..."

"Yet that's all you've been thinking about."

"Exact- wait, what?"

Sarah laughed, letting go of his hand and reaching up to push some hair from his eyes. "Jim, I've been in love before, I know what it's like."

"But have you ever been in love with someone of the same gender?" Jim blurted out, and sighed a bit. "I mean, it's confusing me. I never cared about girls, but guys never came to mind. I don't even know what I am."

"It doesn't matter," Sarah smiled, and Jim looked her in the eyes. Her eyes were the same shade as his were. "You'll always be my son, no matter who you love. I just want you to be happy, and the fact that you're in love with a charming man doesn't anger me at all. And it's an added bonus that he's very attractive."

"Mom!" Jim snapped, his cheeks tinting red all over again. "That's weird, come on!"

She only continued to laugh, then lowered her hand and pushed some hair behind her ear. "Jim, he clearly likes you back. You should tell him how you feel, or at least ask him to be your boyfriend."

Jim slumped his shoulders slightly. "But we've only known each other for 2 weeks..."

"Exactly!" She exclaimed. "Dating will give you guys a decent reason to get to know each other. Bring him over for dinner sometime so Dr. Doppler and I can get to know him better. I want to know the man that better be spoiling my son!"

Jim managed a small smile and a chuckle. "He's... really nice to me. And he's fun to hang out with. He's not a rich prick at all."

"You seem to really like him, Jim," Sarah sighed. "This is simply adorable. My little Jim, falling in love!" She stood up with a little twirl, and Jim pouted, blushing in embarrassment.

She was about to close the door behind her, and Jim looked up. "Hey, mom?"

Sarah paused, glancing over her shoulder with a smile.

"Thanks."