So the song that Jake sings is called Role of a Lifetime. If you want to listen, here's a link: www. youtube watch?v=RKx88u2g5oo
It's from a musical called Bare: A Pop Opera. I watched it the other day (I saw it mentioned on this site) and it's pretty awesome.
The next day, Finn had barely entered the choir room when Jake was bursting from his seat to talk to him. Ryder hadn't said a word to him since lunch yesterday, but it was ok, because Jake had the perfect solution.
'Hey, um, Finn,' he called as he approached. 'Would it be ok if I shared a song?'
'Sure,' he agreed. He got everyone's attention, and soon Jake was standing alone in front of the group.
'Ok, so, um, I'm learning to be more honest with myself, and so I wanted to be honest with all of you too. Because I'm in love with someone, but I couldn't just tell them. So I thought I'd continue with the assignment from the other week, songs we'd never sing. I really identified with this song, both the person who sings it, and the person that it's about. So, um, yea.'
The music began then, and Jake fixed his eyes on Ryder. Throughout the whole song, he watched Ryder, and he could gradually see the realisation in his eyes. He could feel the love in his own chest, welling up, and bursting out.
Everything's an act, The role of a lifetime, it's living a fantasy. God I need your guidance So confused because I feel complete with him. You learn to play the straight man,
When you're pleasing everyone.
And he assumes that role
To such renown.
He plays a perfect part,
Straight from his heart
Knowing the risk he takes
And hoping that the house
Is not brought down.
A drama that you struggle to erase.
Thoughts battle words over deeds
A war with such casualties.
All played out behind a smiling face.
Tell me what it means
To live a life where nothings as it seems.
Spending days in silent fear,
And spending nights in lonely prayer.
Hoping that one day when you wake,
Those feelings won't be there.
When we're alone it all somehow makes sense
Look into his eyes for some compromise
Remember the word, forget
And try to bury something so intense.
Your lines become routine.
Never really saying what you mean.
But I know the scene will change,
White picket fences, and a dog,
A trophy bride, and children.
God I know that's what he wants
But Jason what role do I play,
Am I a savior or a phase?
Am I here to damn you?
Or to help you navigate this maze.
Where confusion is a crime,
So you fill your life with sound,
And if you dance like hell,
You hope you never touch the ground.
What happens when the music stops?
In the silence will he stay?
One day he'll realize that these feelings
aren't going away,
So we drive ourselves insane,
Spinning circles in our souls,
As we dance around and play pretend.
And once again,
Reprise our roles.
As the song finished, Jake could distantly hear the applause, but he couldn't take his eyes off of Ryder. It was a few moments before his legs started working. He took his seat in front of Ryder again, feeling a hand land gently on his shoulder. He wanted to turn around, but he couldn't. Not if he wanted to get through the practise. The hand stayed there though.
Finn was standing up the front again. Jake could feel him watching the two of them. Eventually, he spoke up. 'Ok, so I just realised that we really need to work on the girls' choreography. So guys, you're free to go.' He gave Jake a last smile.
Jake felt his elbow being grabbed. Ryder was already out of his chair, and he was now pulling Jake from the room. He didn't stop dragging him until they reached an empty classroom.
Ryder forced him back against a wall, hovering over him. 'So I take it you're in love with me?' It was said softly, full of hope.
Jake just nodded in response. Apparently, that was all Ryder needed, because suddenly, he was crashing their lips together. Kissing Ryder was everything that Jake had hoped it would be. The kiss was urgent and heated; messy almost. Ryder's tongue had quickly made its way into his mouth, and was now exploring every nook it could reach. Jake tried to kiss back, tried to battle Ryder's tongue with his own, but it was hard. Ryder was kinda dominating the kiss. And Jake had to admit that he really didn't mind at all. His head fell back against the wall with a thunk, but neither of them broke away. Both of Ryder's hands were gripping his hips. One of his own was in Ryder's hair, the other fisting Ryder's shirt.
Ryder pulled back abruptly. 'You're noisy.' Jake ducked his head in embarrassment, he hadn't even noticed. Ryder smiled gently. 'I actually liked it, Jake.'
Jake didn't reply, just pulled Ryder back towards him with the handful of shirt. Ryder nearly fell against him, hand coming up to catch himself on the wall. Jake kissed him this time, nipping at his bottom lip, pleased when Ryder let out a low groan. After a few more moments, Ryder pulled away again, standing upright.
'So I probably should have asked if you'd be my boyfriend.'
'Why?' Jake asked jokingly as he stood back up. 'You kinda have a history of randomly making out with guys.'
Ryder glared playfully at him. 'Will you be my boyfriend though?'
'Of course.' He leant forward to take both of Ryder's hands, squeezing them lightly.
'Great,' Ryder replied, leading them out of the classroom. 'I really do love you, y'know.'
Jake smiled across at him. 'I love you too. Serious question though. Am I a better kisser than Josh?'
Ryder laughed along with him. 'Yea. But then again, Josh was pretty terrible.'
'Hmm, at least there's one thing going against him then. I was starting to worry he might be perfect.'
'Should I be jealous?' There was laughter in his eyes. 'I thought you hated Josh, anyway?'
'Well, I'm not making any promises, but I might have been wrong about the guy.' Ryder was watching him questioningly. 'Well, he did play matchmaker after all.'
'I should have known you couldn't work this all out for yourself.' Jake just shoved him playfully.
They continued to walk silently, hand in hand. They were just reaching the front entrance to the school when Ryder tugged him to a stop. His eyes bore into Jake. 'I just – I want you to know – I really do trust you Jake.'
Jake smiled in response. 'I know.'
Ryder talking about trusting people, it just feels so much more significant now. Even if this was born more out of Jake's insecurities.
Anyway, just an epilogue to go. Some kind of cute boyfriend fluff.