Sorry this took me a little longer to get out than usual.

I've just upped the rating of this story to T. In this chapter there will be some boy kisses, it's not particularly explicit but it's about as explicit as I get. It also won't be the last of the T rated stuff in this story.

I hope this chapter isn't too weird. I wanted there to be a bit of diva behaviour in this chapter. But I also borrowed another character's storyline from the episode. Hope you enjoy! Let me know what you think.

Ryder is curled up against Jake, arms wrapped around his middle and chin resting on his shoulder. They're lying on Jake's bed, enjoying the peace and quiet of his house while his mom is working the dinner shift.

'I've missed you,' Ryder whispers as he noses along Jake's jaw.

Jake tilts his head down, a confused look on his face. 'What do you mean? We've been together all day.'

'I know,' Ryder sighs, licking at Jake's adams apple. It's true, they spent most of the school day in each other's company and then spent the afternoon working on homework. 'But this is the first chance we've had to act like we're together.'

'You're right,' Jake agrees around a soft moan. Ryder pulls away to let him speak. 'We need more us time. Like, a date, this weekend.'

Ryder places soft kisses to Jake's neck, just enjoying the softness of his skin. 'What did you have in mind?'

'There's a-a football game this Saturday.' Ryder notices the way Jake's breath hitches as he places a kiss against his collarbone. He starts to suck there as he thinks over Jake's offer. He pulls back abruptly, to a whine of protest from Jake, and sits up.

'What about a date weekend? We could go for dinner, watch some movies, play Xbox.'

Jake reaches a hand up to card it through Ryder's hair. 'Playing Xbox isn't very romantic, dude.'

'What if it was just an excuse to hide away?' Ryder leans down at this, placing a kiss on Jake's lips. A preview, he thinks. The hand that isn't tangled in Ryder's hair reaches up, pressure on his lower back causing him to collapse onto Jake.

'Sounds good,' Jake mumbles against his lips. His hand finds its way up the back of Ryder's shirt, palm hot against his spine. Ryder gasps into the kiss, pulling away slightly as he fumbles with the hem of Jake's shirt. He slips his hands underneath, allowing them to roam across the muscled chest. Jake has now attached his lips to Ryder's neck, and he can feel him sucking a hickey there. He dimly thinks he should stop it, but he's lost the ability to speak, only able to gasp wordlessly.

Eventually, Jake pulls away, head turned to the side as he glances at his alarm clock. 'Mom will probably be home soon.' Ryder glances across as well, sees she's not expected for at least another half hour. But, as he turns back, he places a kiss to Jake's temple, rolling off to lie beside him. It's for the best, he thinks as he tangles his hand with Jake's. He was so close to crossing boundaries they had unspokenly agreed not to cross, especially when there was a very real risk of them being discovered.

Jake reaches his spare hand across, using it to stroke at the mark on Ryder's neck. 'Shit, sorry about that. You're gonna have to wear a scarf.' Ryder just hums in agreement, too happy to really care.

Xxx

'So, dinner at Breadstix after the game?' Jake asks. They're discussing their plans for the weekend while they wait for glee club to start.

'Yup,' Ryder agrees, 'and then we could maybe go to the movies. There's that new action flick that just came out.'

Jake nods his approval, but doesn't speak for a few moments. 'Are people gonna get suspicious if they see us spending so much time together?'

'I don't think so. We can just say we're having a bro day. And then on Sunday, we can hang out at mine, so it's not like anyone will see us then.'

Jake's about to speak when Marley arrives, marching directly over to them. 'So, I've got awesome plans for the three of us this weekend.'

Ryder clears his throat awkwardly. 'Um, we've actually already got plans, sorry Marles.'

'I don't care,' she tells him. 'This is gonna be so much better. We're gonna have an absolutely amazing Saturday.'

'Saturday?' Ryder asks, glancing quickly over at Jake. 'Can't we do Sunday? We were gonna go to a game.'

'No, it's not open Sunday. So pick me up at midday, ok?' She walks away to go sit with Unique.

Ryder isn't very happy with the outcome and, when he speaks, it seems Jake isn't either. 'How did we not manage to get out of that?'

'Well, you didn't actually say anything, babe. That could have made a difference.'

'No, I would've just agreed with her from the get go. Kinda feel like I owe it to her.' Ryder nods in agreement, that's kinda how he feels too.

Xxx

'Marley, will you please tell us why we're outside an op shop,' Jake asks as they climb out of the car.

'Well,' she replies, 'I need some new clothes, and who better to help me than my two favourite boys.'

Ryder can think of a lot of people who would be better for this. And at the top of the list is Unique. He goes to say this, but instead he's overtaken by a coughing fit.

Jake's by his side in an instant. 'Shit, Ryder, are you ok?'

'I think I'm getting sick,' he replies between coughs.

Jake seems worried, hand hovering by his elbow. 'Do you wanna go home?' he asks.

'No,' Marley interjects, 'he'll be fine. Now come on, it's time to shop up a storm.'

Xxx

Marley's on her fourth round of trying on clothes. The shop is absolutely massive, and she's looking through every single item. Ryder can tell that Jake isn't enjoying himself, and he really isn't either. The fact that he's starting to feel really unwell isn't helping either. He'd woken up with a sore throat this morning, and he'd been coughing for a while as well. But now his whole head feels like it's congested, and it's making it really hard to focus on anything.

As the two of them hover awkwardly by the changing rooms, Marley emerges in a skirt and blouse. She does a little twirl, as she does every time, holding her arms out questioningly.

'Yea, it's nice,' Jake mumbles without enthusiasm. Ryder just nods his agreement.

'That's what you've said about every outfit,' Marley complains. 'Can't you give me better feedback?'

'Not really,' Jake admits with a shrug of his shoulders. 'I'm not sure if you've noticed, but we don't actually know anything about fashion.' Ryder feels like he should probably say something as well, but it feels like too much effort.

Marley seems confused. 'But – but, this is meant to be the best part of having two gay best friends. Doing all this fun stuff together.'

'Whoa, whoa, hold up,' Jake barely even lets her finished. 'Firstly, we're still the same guys we always were. We still like sports, and action movies, and Xbox. The fact that we like guys doesn't magically change our entire identities.'

'Oh,' Marley seems contrite.

'And secondly, we're not actually gay. I'm bi, and Ryder he's, well he's – ' They've never discussed this before, and Ryder figures he'll have to explain himself.

'I don't know what I am. I like girls, and I like Jake. So I don't know if I'm bi, or pansexual, or what.'

'Oh, right.' For a moment it seems like that's all she can say. But then she continues. 'Shit, I've really messed this up.'

'No, no it's fine Marley,' Jake tells her, but she doesn't seem to believe him.

She stands there for a moment, just taking them in. 'Why don't you go back to the car? I'll just finish here, and then I'll meet you there.'

Ryder doesn't need any more encouragement, and he's out the door with Jake on his heels. When they're safely in the car, Jake strokes a hand over Ryder's leg.

'Are you ok? You've barely talked all day.'

When Ryder talks, even he can hear how sick he sounds. 'I'm not feeling well. I think this flu is getting worse.'

Jake squeezes his leg soothingly, waiting several moments before he continues to speak. 'We could probably make it for the second half of the game if you want.'

'I think I'd rather just go home,' Ryder tells him, smiling gently. 'Have a quiet afternoon.'

Marley arrives at that moment, bag in hand and clambers into the backseat. 'I'm so sorry, guys. I totally ruined your plans. That was so selfish of me, making you do what I wanted.'

'Yea,' Ryder agrees absentmindedly. He's glad that Jake volunteered to drive; he can barely concentrate on anything.

Marley leans forward, a worried look on her face, and thrusts a hand against Ryder's forehead. 'Oh, Ryder, you're burning up. I can't believe I made you stay. You should be tucked up in bed.'

Xxx

When the two of them make it to Ryder's house, Jake supports him up to his room, helping him to settle down on his bed. 'Where are your parents?' he can't help but ask.

'They're away,' Ryder explains as he leans back against his headboard.

Jake sits at the end of the bed, and starts taking off Ryder's shoes. 'Why didn't you tell me?'

'Wanna surprise you.' Ryder lets his eyes slip closed. Moments later he feels a kiss pressed to his forehead. He hums out his appreciation.

'I'm gonna put a movie on for you. And then I'll find you some medication. Ok baby?'

Ryder battles to open his eyes, blearily looks up at where Jake is hovering over him. 'Nah. Wanna play Xbox.'

Jake cups a hand over Ryder's cheek, calloused thumb running over it. 'Not a good idea, baby. You need to rest.' He places a final kiss to Ryder's cheek. A few minutes later the opening music for Spiderman 3 blares out. Ryder thinks he remembers leaving it out on his desk.

It seems like no time has passed when he feels the bed dip next to him. Jake has a handful of medications, which he gradually works his way through, helping Ryder to take them. Finally, he places a small container in Ryder's hand, closing his fingers over it. Ryder tilts his wrist up, recognises the VapoRub container, before letting his hand drop back down. It's too much effort.

'Come on, Ryder. You need to put some on. Help you breathe easier.'

Ryder just thrusts his hand out, crashing it against Jake's leg. 'You do it.'

Jake takes the container, looking concerned. 'Are you sure?' Ryder just nods. He feels Jake lean towards him, carefully undoing the buttons on his shirt. He gasps a little as he feels how cold the VapoRub is against his chest. Jake rubs gentle little circles into his skin, and Ryder can't help but moan a little at the touch. Coupled with the immediate relief, it feels amazing.

Jake rests against the headboard next to him, shoulder pressed against Ryder's. Ryder lets himself turn into Jake, head resting against Jake's chest and arms wrapped around his waist. Jake winds an arm around Ryder in return, pulling him closer, and dragging a blanket up over them. He nestles his cheek in Ryder's hair, whispering a final few words.

'Sleep well, baby.'