Tamba asked for the I Do part from Jake's POV. Hopefully I didn't leave out any parts you particularly wanted. Also, I've added in the morning after because I was wanting to do that anyway. Hopefully this chapter doesn't jump around too much.
In other news, I think I might be updating You're My Kryptonite in about a week's time. So long as life doesn't suddenly get crazy.
The moment that Mr Schue invites them all to the wedding, Jake's mind goes into overdrive. He doesn't really even pay much attention to the rest of the lesson. All he can think about is the fact that he and Ryder are gonna be at a hotel. On Valentine's night. It seems like the perfect opportunity, and he's determined not to miss out.
Because he's starting to feel a bit frustrated with the physical aspect of their relationship, and he's sure that Ryder feels the same way. It's hard, having to pretend that they're not together. Whenever anyone else is at home, they can't do anything, just in case someone forgets to knock. And when everyone's out, they can't get too carried away. Because it would be way too awkward if they didn't hear someone come home. In fact, Jake's not even sure if he can think of a worse way to come out.
So he's definitely frustrated, and he really wants the chance to have some fun with his boyfriend. He just hopes Ryder will agree. He'll make sure to ask him tomorrow.
Xxx
An hour ago, Jake received a text from Ryder, telling him to meet him in the auditorium after school. Jake was distracted the whole way through English, but finally the bell's gone. He rushes out of the class, heading directly for the auditorium. Why on earth would Ryder want him to meet there? A million different possibilities run through his mind, as they have been doing for the past hour.
By the time he makes it to the auditorium, he's pretty much convinced himself that Ryder's gonna dump him. He's not entirely sure why though. Maybe he pushed too hard about the hotel room.
Ryder doesn't spot Jake until he makes it up onto the edge of the stage. When he does, all he says is a whispered, 'Hey babe,' before he's guiding Jake into the wings. It seems promising, but even still, Jake can't help but worry.
'Hey, what's going on?' he tries to ask, but Ryder refuses to answer. Instead he just returns to the stage, pressing play on a stereo that Jake hadn't seen before. As he begins to sing, Jake feels an overwhelming sense of relief. He also feels pleased, and happy, and just can't get over how amazing Ryder is. He feels so hugely lucky, that someone like Ryder would be willing to sing for him, that he even has someone like Ryder in his life.
When the song ends, Ryder walks over to him slowly, a shy smile on his face. He reaches up a warm, rough palm to hold Jake's cheek. 'Happy Valentine's.'
'That was amazing,' Jake tells him with a kiss. However, now he's starting to worry. Because this was amazingly sweet, the sweetest thing that anyone has ever done for him, and now he's got to do something in return. He has to find a gift for Ryder. He's already given it a little bit of thought, and so far he's come up with nothing. But now he really needs to come up with the perfect gift, and fast.
Xxx
Jake's trying to do his maths homework, but it's kinda hard to focus. Out of the corner of his eye, he can see Ryder sitting on the edge of his bed, and he seems to be stressing about something. He's fidgeting, and agitated, and Jake doesn't think he's seen Ryder like this before. It makes him worry.
He forces himself up from the floor where he was lying, shuffling forwards until he's leaning against Ryder's knees, peering up into his anxious face. 'Ryder, baby, are you ok?'
Ryder tries to answer, but he doesn't really. Suddenly, he's leaning off to the side, nearly knocking Jake off-balance. When he straightens up, he has a small box in his hand, and he's holding it out to Jake. 'This is for you.'
Jake takes it gingerly, looking over it curiously, before looking back at Ryder. He only has one question on his mind. 'Why?'
'For Valentine's Day.'
Jake's confused by this, it doesn't make any sense. 'But you already got me that song.'
'I know,' Ryder explains, 'but I wanted to make this Valentine's Week. So you're getting more than one present.' He taps at the present that still hangs loosely in Jake's hand. 'Open it.'
Jake does, making quick work of it before stopping in his tracks. Inside the box, there is a silver bracelet, simple and masculine. It's been engraved, the words 'You're My Kryptonite' bright on the inner side. It's amazing, and Jake knows he'll always wear it. He can't help but run his finger across the engraving. 'Ryder. I love it.'
Suddenly though, a thought strikes him, and he starts to panic. Ryder must notice, because he's sliding off the bed so they're now sitting opposite each other, hand reaching out to grab his. 'Jake, what's wrong?'
'I just feel really bad,' Jake tells him, 'because I haven't gotten you anything. I'm not good at this romance thing. Not like you.' He can feel himself getting worked up, emotions threatening to bubble over.
Ryder pulls Jake close until he's almost in his lap. His arms are wrapped tightly around Jake, instantly making him feel safe. 'That's ok,' Ryder whispers earnestly. 'I have you. I don't need anything else. And besides, I like doing this for you.'
'Really?' Jake whispers in reply. He can't quite believe it. Ryder nods in response. 'You're amazing.'
He rests his head against Ryder's shoulder, feeling the way Ryder nuzzles at his ear. Sure, Ryder might say he doesn't need to get anything, but Jake really can't help but feel like he does. He wants to. Wants to be able to give him something. Something meaningful. But what?
A thought strikes him, and he lifts his head suddenly. Could he? Is it a good idea? He thinks it actually might be.
'Babe, what is it?' Apparently, Ryder noticed his sudden movement.
'Nothing. It doesn't matter.' Ryder doesn't seem convinced though, seems like he's about to argue. So Jake leans up, pressing a kiss to Ryder's lips, pressing him back against the edge of the bed. Ryder responds enthusiastically. For a moment, Jake almost feels guilty for distracting him like that, but then again he really does like kissing Ryder. He's also kinda grateful for an excuse to make out with him. So he does, letting all thoughts fall from his mind.
Xxx
Jake convinces Puck to give him a ride to the wedding, forcing him to stop off at the hotel on the way. He avoids Puck's questions, lets him theorise to his heart's content.
He ducks into the hotel, checking in quickly before heading up to the room. He unpacks his bag of all the supplies, leaving the condoms and lube beside the bed before heading to the bathroom. There, he lays out the soft toy, and the extra ribbon. Finally, he leaves his bag in the corner of the room, everything else he might need in there.
He's ready to do this now, prepared enough that it will all be perfect for Ryder. He feels proud of himself, the present he's come up with. He just hopes he'll appreciate it. Appreciate the fact that he's truly giving all of himself to Ryder.
He wonders how long the thick coil of nerves will sit in his stomach for.
Xxx
It takes an effort to open his eyes the next morning. It always takes an effort to wake up. But the moment that he catches sight of Ryder, he's fully awake. All of the memories from the night before come rushing back, and he has to resist the urge to fistpump.
In his sleep, Jake must have rolled onto his back, away from Ryder. He rolls forwards again, trying to see if Ryder's awake yet, but it doesn't seem like he is. He tucks himself in behind him, becoming the big spoon once again. Ryder stirs slightly, but he doesn't wake. Jake just snuggles closer, burying his face in the back of Ryder's neck, and wrapping an arm firmly around his waist.
He must doze of slightly, because the next thing he's aware of is Ryder turning in his arms. 'Morning, handsome,' he whispers, placing a gentle kiss to Jake's lips.
Jake just hums his agreement, too content to say anything more. He allows himself to stretch, the last traces of sleepiness disappearing. As he does so, he winces slightly.
Ryder immediately has a concerned hand at his side. 'Are you ok?'
'Yea,' he grins sheepishly. 'Just a bit sore.'
Ryder looks like he's going to apologise, so Jake kisses him before he can. He doesn't want to hear Ryder's apologies, he really doesn't have anything to apologise for. Jake knew this was coming when he'd gifted himself to Ryder, and, quite frankly, he relishes the discomfort. It's kind of a nice reminder.
Suddenly, an alarm blares out, and Ryder is pulling away from the kiss. 'We have to get up if we're gonna make it to school.'
Jake pouts in response. 'Do we really have to go? I'd much rather just spend the day with you.'
'Yea, we do.' And Ryder's already sitting up in bed, looking round for his clothes before giving up. He throws the sheets aside, getting up to search them out. Jake can't take his eyes off him, whole body moving around so he can continue to watch him. Sure, he may have just been pressed up against him, but there's something more about actually being able to see Ryder's naked body. Something about the aesthetics of it.
Suddenly, Jake's own body has plans that are much more interesting than going to school. But Ryder's throwing his underwear at him, his own already on. It seems like he won't have any choice.
'Hurry up babe. We don't wanna be late.'