remember not our faulty pieces, remember not our rusted parts,

"Jude does have a soft spot for Nate," Alex agreed, forcing a chuckle. Maybe that made him want to be something special to Jude but tried to stay casual and not show any of that. Demetri would be the most furious if he ever found out his affair with the blonde boy and that with right. Sticking his handsin his pockets as they waited, he tried to find a topic to talk abput aside from who liked whom how much. There was a reason Jude had left for the back of the rv after all and he assumed it was the Lauren talk. "One thing I'm not gonna miss is doing chores around the house, " he mentioned randomly, which yeah, was absolutely lame but better. It was nothing that caused his stomach to twist and eyes to cloud. "I mean, there are four of us and one rv. That's nothing. All you gotta do is make sure there aren't clothes all over the place abd the rest is fine," he shrugged. He leaned against the wall of the rv next to the door as they waited and watched Demetri geting his unglass. Clicking his tongue, he couldn't help a small smirk. "You know, I've always wondered. How many sunglasses do you even have?" He asked curiously. Demetri without sunglasses in public was a strange thought but every now and then things do break and with sunglasses always in use, he was sure that the older teen went through them probably like socks and he probably always had like 2 or 3 spare ones lying around just in case.

Nate groaned as Jude went for his cheek and his hands found their way to the other boy to push him away gently as he pulled back. Scrambling off the bunk bed, he scowled playfully. "I don't know what the fuck you all want with my cheeks. They are a part of my body like anything else and I need them. If you guys keep abusing them, we're gonna have to start making rules about what's allowed and what's taboo when it comes to touching... and biting," he rambles as he waits for Jude to get up. He thinks it's quite clear he'll have his revenge, which won't be anything. It'll be a fond gesture more than anything, like this in truth was as well. "You can go ahead and shove me, no problem," he hummed, "Just remember that you're going doen with me then. I'm good at latching onto people and never letting go."

"I think everyone does" Demetri mumbled lightly, the words just slipping out though he didn't bother to take them back. Pretty much everyone likes Nate, he's friendly and kind and his a personality that shines, he's a good friend and is quite easy to approach. It'd be quite hard for anyone to hate or hold anything against Nate, he's radiating and the definition of warmth. If someone was to talk bad of Nate Demetri would beat their face in and make sure the boys name would never be spoken by tasteless lips. Not to say that Demetri has always adored his best friend, of course there was that horrible six months they hadn't spoken to each other and weren't present in each others lives though that had been ninety eight percent Demetri's fault, and two percent Nate's, because who the hell drops a bomb like liking your best friend like that? And both being boys? Demetri definitely didn't know how to deal with that when he was younger. It was long ago though and Demetri preferred to pretend it never happened. Turning to Alex Demitri shrugged,"I brought along like seven because all three of you are the worst" Demetri lowered his head to the side to glare at Alex. "I know at least one of your bums are going to break my sunglasses"

"I'm good with you never letting go of me" Jude said flirtatious, sending Nate a wink before he slipped out of his bunk, his blond hair mussed and messed up all over his head giving him a ridiculous look. Jude's hair was messy more often than not, always settling for a beanie as a quick fix. Grabbing his vans he quickly slipped them on and combed his fingers through his hair to soothe it as he couldn't remember where he had packed his beanies as he had brought more than one bag filled of clothes, his pullovers chunky and taking up far too much space. His dad had teased him for bringing pullovers when it was summer, but Jude always did well in the heat and if he didn't cover up he would turn red from the sun and look like a lobster for the entire trip, completely unattractive and would probably not get laid by Alex anytime soon or get any action. "Alright, are we gonna go right now or what?" He asked taking his 'Avengers' wallet from his book bag, trying his best to not look at Alex though he knew there was no use, he would end up staring at the other hopelessly later on.

@ Ashes of Scarlett

"Nate is one of a kind," Alex mentioned with a small smile because it was true that everyone liked Nate. The friendship between Nate and Demetri was just as special though. The boys would do anything for each other and the drastic fall out about two years only proved they could get through anything. Alex admired them and he would admit that to anyone if they asked him in the morning hours and he happened to be drunk. He wasn't often sentimental and open about his feelings unless he was really close to a person and the situation was serious. His friends knew that he loved them and cared about them, he didn't have to go around shouting it all the time. It was the small things that mattered if you asked him, actions spoke louder than words and he hoped that people would understand that his interest, when he gave someone his full attention when they talked, eyes never wandering, or small gestures of being there and doing favors without asking for anything in return, were enough to show his affection. When he held Jude close and kissed him, he put all his emotoons into those touches rather than telling the boy he loved him. Putting up an innocent smile as he pushed all thoughts away, he shrugged at Demetri. "It's usually Nate's fault though!" He protested. "You would think he's at war with all your sunglasses."

Nate grinned widely at Jude, beaming. "That's it, no going back now," he told the younger boy seriously, "You are mine forever and always." Stepping to him again after the male had sorted himself, he grabbed his hand, threading his finger through the other's and walking out with him. He was a touchy person, sue him, and Demetri was not an option but Jude was really the best to be all cuddly with because he'd get back as much as he gave. His boyfriend wasn't anywhere near his thoughts but that was no surprise. There was nothing long-term thete for Nate to grasp. It upset him sometimes but he tried not to think about, just like he refused to think about Demetri as anything more than his best friend. How successful his tactics were, was another question entirely, which he wouldn't ever answer. This was completely platonic hand holding anyway. It girls could do it, why shouldn't guys be able to? Neither of them cared about stranger's opinions anyway, at least Nate didn't give a rat's ass so there was no reason why he shouldn't hold Jude's hand if he wanted to. He took Alex' glare at their connected hands as an expression of him judging their foolishness, since the boy looked away immediately anyway. The one thing missing was a trademark eyeroll but the thought was quickly discarded in Nate's quick working mind as he grinned at the other boys. "Off we go!" He said cheerfully as he marched out of the rv, tugging Jude along lightly behind him.

My one of a kind Demetri thought to himself, his features turning soft and so unbearably fond. He was king of Nate, he knew everything about the boy, right down to his least favorite m&m. Ask him anything about Nate and he would be able to answer it without trouble, he even remembered days and years and months if the information was prominent enough in his mind like the day he [i[actually meet Nate. If anything it should be a little weird, but after so many years and breakthroughs, fights and make ups, it was hard to not know everything about Nate and pay attention so intently. He knew loads about Alex and Jude too, but not the same extent as Nate."Nate is at war with literally everything" Demetri scoffed as he shook his head, he knew Nate would prefer him to stop wearing his sunglasses but at this point in his life it was automatic of him, the same way he ate every morning is the same he put on his sunglasses.

"I wouldn't mind that, as long as you're mines as well" Jude chuckled, comfortably holding onto Nate's hand tightly. They weren't too different from each, both on the small side for 'males' and they fit nicely, their hands, their bodies, everything. Trying to hold Demetri's hand was ridiculous, the man had hands nearly twice as big as Jude's which wasn't too fun to hold onto. Alex's hands were his favorites, they were bigger and always warm, not too big like Demetri's, but just perfect that they fit. He especially loved Alex's hands when they were on his thighs, just perfect enough to wrap half way around his thighs, just the thought really riled him up.

"Look at our tiny kings holding hands" Demetri pretended to fawn over the two, ruffling Nate's hair as the other passed by with Jude in toe. He didn't think nothing of the two holding hands, he found it a bit normal to be honest. Nate was very comfortable with the boys, very comfortable in himself and didn't give a damn on what others thought, and Jude was always on board for hand holding, cuddling, and everything else Nate had in mind. Looking over to Alex Demetri smiled,"Our tiny monsters more like it" he said quietly to the other in a joking voice, keeping the door open till they were all out and locking it, the mall was large so far out and big that if you looked at the glass panels you could see a Ferris wheel inside taking up three floors."Let's not stray far apart guys, it's a big mall and I don't want to call anyone's mom telling them we lost their son"

Jude rolled his eyes fondly at Demetri, of course the other would say that to all of them. Leaning close into Nate Jude whispered,"I bet we can lose them once we're inside, Demetri worries too much"

@ Ashes of Scarlett

Nate grinned at Demetri and nodded. "That's right. Kings," he stated, straightened out his back to push out his chest, making himself seem quarter of an inch bigger. He nudged Jude at his side with a cheeky grin at him. "Which means you two," he continued, turning sharply to Demetri and Alex, have to listen to what we say and THAT includes no touching my hair!" Nate smacked at Demetri playfully. "It's like I could say it a thousand times, you would never care," he huffed and brushed his free hand through his hair to fix the styling as best as he could. "You're gonna be carrying my bags for that," he told Demetri, striding forward into the the mall in front of the taller boys. Looking around, he was already scanning the visible shops to decide where they could duck into first. "First shop we go into, we go crazy with the clothes and wear them out, then lose them at the changing rooms," Nate whispered as he smirked, huddled close to Jude. "I like that shirt over there but the rest of the clothes look mediocre at best... oh wwe're definitely getting a box of donuts for the road before we leave. A big one," he added as they passed a dunkin donuts near the main entrance.

Jude looked over his shoulder to see Demetri's face scrunch up, the taller man reaching forward and messing the back of Nate's hair just to spite him. This group was a bit of a mess, but they worked well together at the very least. Leaning in close to Nate Jude nodded, going along with the others plan so they could escape from the other two. It was always fun when Jude could be alone with Nate, they tended to cause a bit of trouble together, giving Demetri the biggest headaches and heart attacks as if it were to never go out of style. "Sounds good to me, think we can-" Jude stopped as he heard someone clear their throat, looking over his shoulder he gave Demetri a gleeful look who was practically glaring at the both of them, a gaze Jude could see even through the others sunglasses.

"What are the both of you up too?" Demetri asks.

Stepping up close to the two short boys Demetri towered over them, glancing from one boy to the other and then back. He knew something was going on, that the two were scheming, he wasn't sure what but he knew it would more than likely cause him a headache. Looking over to Alex Demetri knocked his shoulder against the other lightly,"We'll have to keep a close eye on these two, can't really lose them on the very first day can we?" He knows he can't always be on everyone's ass all the time but he worries, and he worries easily and in vast amounts over each of the boys. If that was so bad of him then someone could put him in jail but for now he's going to fret over them like a mother would.

"We're not doing anything! Right Nate?" Jude grumbles.

@ Ashes of Scarlett

Nate let out a sound of pure frustration when Demetri's hand found its way back to his head. He didn't get what about his hair made it a magnet for the older boy. One day, he'd figure out and find a way to keep him away. "You're impossible," he huffed quietly, though he was actually pretty fond of the gesture - though only when Demetri did it. If anyone else did the same thing to him more then 3 times, he would hold a grudge. Demetri was special. As always. That was something he would never deny, even if he said he meant it in a platonic way, which was a total lie. His shoulder was against Jude's and his head hung close when he turned back at the same time as the other. There was a smirk on his face and a playful glint in his eyes.

One that Alex knew couldn't be trusted . He stepped forward next to Demetri, not exactly as high and intimidating but still taller than the other two boys, and backed up the eldest boy. He wasn't as much of a worrier as the other but if they didn't give the rest of their group any obstacles, there was nothing slowing their craziness down. Letting that happen was a grave mistake. Neither extreme was good but they managed to find a good middle. Things sometimes ended up a bit too crazy but it never did any real harm. Glancing at Jude, he tried to tell how into this idea he was. Alex liked to claim that he knew his best friend well and even though he was sometimes more passive in response to Nate, he had a feeling Demetri and him would end up searching through the mall to find the two trouble makers. Depending on how hard they tried, they would probably take hours to find them or they would return themselves. As far as they could expect, they would have shopping bags on them. Though Alex was looking forward to souvenirs from the trip - things that would remind him of this summer for the rest of his life, no matter what happened. If that was a matching sweater, he would totally go with it.

"Exactly, we're not doing anything," Nate nodded decisively. "Stop looking at like we stole your cookies and enjoy this friggin mall. Just look at it!" He gestured at it. "Marvel at the size and beauty. You might never see a mall like this again."

"And you both think that we can't tell when you're lying?" Alex snorted.

"Oh, you have no idea," Nate laughed lightly with a grin, pulling Jude in closer as he turned back to the front. "Why don't you trust me this once. We're gonna be nice and good."

@ buck

Jude could see the look on Demetri's face, read it like an open book and Demetri did not fucking trust Nate for shit out in public. He could tell that the oldest was going to keep a extremely close eye on them which would make their escape a bit harder than it normally would be, but Jude was up for a challenge. It would still be rather easy, it was rare that he and Nate ever failed at their little escapes or were ever caught when they did escape, often than not they would go looking for Demetri and Alex themselves once they grew bored or wanted to go home. "Shut up Alex, we're not going to cause trouble okay, we're not scoundrels who are set on setting the place on fire"

Demetri scoffs at that, giving Jude a dirty look because he knows what sort of trouble the two do cause even though some people would just call it 'having a bit of fun'.

"Shut it Demetri, what could go wrong? Listen to Nate, enjoy the damn mall, maybe go get a massage of something" Jude turns back to Nate, making sure that their hands were laced comfortably before he gives the others palm a squeeze,"They ought to trust us a bit more sheesh" he murmurs, leaning in and giving Nate's cheek a kiss,"We're the fucking best yeah? We make their days fun and exciting"

Demetri sighs as he watches the two in front of them, Jude having tugged Nate further up so their voices were out of earshot. "Why are we friends with either of them? They're like little trolls, cute little troll, it's disgusting" His eyes flicker between the boys and the stores, just catching the swift movement of a kiss on the cheek and raising a brow to himself. It wasn't very weird, well some could consider it so but Jude' always kissed Nate, sometimes even Alex and Demetri when the taller male was sitting down low enough that he could reach. But seeing it happen felt the slightest bit weird now, a feeling he didn't really recognize or could even describe besides unpleasant. Averting his eyes elsewhere Demetri pushed the feeling away having no idea what else to do with it."You ever found it a bit strange how close we all are? Like last week I slept over Jude's and he didn't care when I slept in his bed with him, or when we all sleepover and are in a sort of dog pile? Kissing each others face, holding hands in public, I don't know, it's normal for us but I know people give us faces, we're like one big giant love group"

@ Ashes of Scarlett

"Exactly. Who would they be without us? Boring old grampas. They should consider themselves lucky to have us," Nate agreed proudly, beaming when he got the kiss. Jude should be his favorite. That would make everything so much easier. Things were simpler with Jude. He didn't have to worry about doing something wrong, he didn't have to hold back. If he needed any kind of contact, hugs, kisses, or he had problems with his boyfriend and wanted to talk about it - not that he talked about him much at all - he could. But it was Demetri who he'd met in kindergarten, who had taken him to the nurse when he fell and busted his knee at recess on the first day and shared his juice box, sandwich and cookies with him when he forgot his lunch on the bus. It was him who made sure he caught up on school work when he had broken his leg and kept him entertained so that he didn't go crazy and he had always tolerated him when he got too loud or invited himself over for a sleep over. That being said, he had tried to return the favor always, making crayon drawings of their friendship, declaring them best friends immediately or giving Demetri various awards. He even tried to treat the older boy when he fell off his bike once but unable to find any first aid items, he'd grabbed some chocolate and a banana to make him feel better. Sure, Demetri had his flaws - like anyone - but there was no one more perfect to Nate. No one who cared as much as he did and actually went to such lengths to make sure he was taken care of.

Alex watched Jude and Nate with jealousy, a part of him wishing he could take Nate's place carelessly despite his usual hesitance with displays of affection in public. He would casually cuddle with the others during movie night but he wasn't like the two youngest boys who liked to hold hands or such. It was nice though, not to be judged for wanting contact and closeness. They had never really talked about it and he was wondering why Demetri had suddenly brought it up. Looking over to him, he shrugged. "It's kinda always been like that... I mean, we're friends. Really close friends, like family. That's what family does, isn't it?" He reasoned. Not only did he want to defend it, but he had to if he wanted to justify being close to Jude every then and again. "Don't tell me you're starting to hate on us, dude," he added, looking at him expectantly. He didn't want to ever lose any of them as friends, didn't want them to grow distant, especially not right now, when they were supposed to be having the time of their lives.

Nate looked through shop windows, scanning the merchandise and searching for something good. "All we have to do is get /them/ into the changing rooms and then we can dash," he hummed. "So, I don't know, we have to find something we can persuade them to try on. Should we pretend to get matching shirts? We have a good arguement there," he mentioned, stopping in front of one shop as he stared at the outfit.

Alex followed Nate's gaze when he saw that the other two boys had stopped a bit further ahead. As Demetri and him caught he got a look into the store, his eyes soon falling on a sweater that he automatically pictured on Jude. He knew how much the boy loved them and he soon decided he wanted to get this for the teen, simply because he could, maybe because he liked the thought of Jude having something that reminded him of him or maybe because he could be proud of Jude wearing something he had chosen for him.

Jude nodded, knowing their little schemes were what brought a bit of extra fun to the friendship and as much as Demetri worries and they have the boys looking after them, chasing and grumbling because they're causing a bit of trouble they love them all the more and wouldn't have it any other way. Jude's gaze didn't stray very far, he wasn't the biggest fans of malls or clothes shopping, he preferred to just go online and mount things onto an online shopping cart and have them mailed to him. He just didn't like the crowded experience and having workers breathing down his neck giving opinions that he didn't care about like 'oh that's a size too big' or 'you should wear this, it's blah blah blah'.

"Wait I kinda want matching shirts, that'd be really cool! If we lose anyone while we're wearing them then we can ask people" The idea of having all of them in matching tops was not only funny but really cute at that, and he knew a few years from now or really even a few months or weeks after this trips ends he'll look back at the top and smile because it's special.

Demetri quickly shook his head. He in no such way didn't like the physical attention. hell sometimes he was crawling to Nate in a pout just curling up around the boy and encompassing him in a big hug because he's feeling lonely and wants to hold onto someone. Often times he'll even cuddle with Jude if he can't find Nate because he knows Jude's always willing to do whatever big or small for his friends and is cool with the physicality, more often than not he'll go trailing after Nate though. Demetri assumes it's because he has known the other the longest, knows every crevice about him and nothing went undetectable. "I'm not complaining and I don't hate any of you though I have reason too, I've just been thinking about it as of recent, don't know. Kinda feel like we're all each others boyfriend" He says with a laugh, nudging the others arm.

Catching up to the two in front of them Demetri looked over to where Nate's eyes were and glanced at the name of the store,"We could go in if you'd like? We've got a lot of time to kill" He tells the group, eyeing up a black shirt in the front that had a grey gradient effect. He liked very simple clothing, nothing flashy or with many words, just smooth colors. Could say he's rather boring but he makes it work.

@ Ashes of Scarlett

Nate turned his head to look at Jude with a small smile. "Like those 'I belong with stupid' shirts?" he asked with a smile. "It has to be something bright and eye-catching though, something that will burn itself into everyone's brains the moment they see us!" He started getting excited about the idea, his smile stretching into a grin. "Or we could all dye our hair bright red, I think that would work as well. You know, we could do both! Get matching tops and dye our hair. It doesn't even have to be the same color, we can all have a different one! We could each spy each other from across the giant parking lot outside."

Alex let out an amused snort as Demetri said he had reason to hate all of them. He did have a point in some way, seeing as they were always teasing and challenging each other. But he doubted any of them could hate each other easily. It seemed rather impossible for the dynamics to shift so far. Although, it was his biggest fear. He knew he was on risky territory with Jude and the affair. It was more than 'kinda being like each other's boyfriend' between them than Demetri mentioned. Shrugging helplessly, he looked at the Nate and Jude. "Honestly if we told people that I don't think they'd be surprised at all, they'd totally believe it."

"We're getting matching shirts for all of us!" Nate declared loudly when the other two boys joined Jude and him in front of the store. "And also we're all dying out hair!" He didn't give anyone time to protest or even agree before he was tugging Jude into the store to check out the clothes, his first mission to find a flashy or funny thin but sweater-like shirt.

Alex' eyebrows rose up, his gaze trailing after Nate. "I shouldn't be surprised," he mumbled although the exclamation had caught him off guard. "Next thing we know we'll all be getting matching tattoos," he mused as he followed.

@ buck

Jude scrunched his nose at the thought of dying his hair bright red, he surely couldn't pull it off a d he wasn't a fan of overly bright and in your face sort of colors. If he was to dye his hair it would be a tame light color, a dusty blue that wouldn't take months to wash out of his hair, something like a pink even, perhaps a silver. It would be insanely fun if they did all dye their hair some funky fun color that could distinguish them in case they ever did lose each other in the trip, and Jude was assuming it would be often if he was honest. "I'm gamed but only if you do your hair two, I think it'll most likely be us getting lost" he laughs, turning his head back to glance at the two taller males.

They could all pull of a vibrant, unnatural hair color.

Demetri frowned as he looked from the back of Nate and Jude's head to Alex. "Did I just hear that right? " he asks, walking after the two so he couldn't lose sight of them knowing better than to let them lose in this enormous mall. "Matching tats would be amusing, don't think we could all agree on one though," he tells the other, catching up to the other two rather quickly with big strides of his long legs. "I'm not sure if we're all suppose to be quadruplets or what,"

Demetri wasn't very opposed to the idea of matching shirts or even dying his hair. He's a rather carefree person and likes to try out new things, he hasn't even done his hair a different color but it would be fun to see. He wasn't sure if he'd even look right with a head of hair besides black. "Alex said matching tattoos, what do you guys think? A hyena would be cool" he tells the group cheekily, of course his favorite animal would come up. He has a handful of tats himself but none of yet that were hyena related, he's been planning something amazing and really true to him so he hasn't just gone out and got a random tattoo of the animal.

"Shut up, none of us but you will get a damn hyena" Jude chuckles, very much opposed to matching hyena tattoos.

Demetri gives an over exaggerating sigh, his shoulders slumping as he frowns, "Hyenas are cool though, cooler than you nerd"

"Oi, watch your mouth or I'll get Nate to attack you"
@ Ashes of Scarlett

@ buck

"Yeah," Alex sighed, nodding at Demetri. "You heard that completely right. I don't think I heard you right though. A hyena tattoo sounds really lame for people who aren't unhealthily obsessed with the animal." He didn't hesitate to tease the taller male about his love but he would not make the same mistake twice to ask what about it was actually so appealing. Last time he had, he hadn't been able to stop Demetri from telling him random facts all day long. He now knew more about hyenas than possibly any other animal. Except dogs, seeing as he had grown up with one and would claim that he knew literally everything there was to know about them. "Something more reasonable would be getting like element tattoos, each of us getting a different element. I think that would work out quite well."

"I pick fire!" Nate called immediately, having listened in to the conversation going on behind them, even though his eyes were out on the clothes, looking for garments that were worth his time. He stopped every now and then to take a closer look at a certain piece. His main goal was to find that matching shirt. "Hey, look at this, this is perfect for you," he interjected as he nudged Jude lightly, pointing at a white shirt with 'DO. NOT. WAKE. ME. UP.' written on it. "And Demi, you should go with Earth," he then continued, unfazed. The eldest boy was the base of their group, their rock, if you asked Nate. He was the one who made sure they were all okay and everything worked well. And he was tough. Really tough. "So that leaves wind for Jude and water for Alex, because Jude is so quiet and calm and soft but when he wants to he can become a total hurricane," he said fondly, leaning over to nuzzle him.

He totally ignored the comment about the hyenas. He couldn't exactly say anything when he had one right on his hip, about an inch under the seam of his jeans. He didn't regret it, never did for even a second and he would've tattooed it on his arm for everyone to see if it weren't for the problem that Demetri wasn't allowed to see. The one and only tattoo he had, and had planned on, was the thing that the boy loved most. It was way too obvious. "I'd fight anyone for Jude, so watch your tongue," he said playfully, grinning back at him.

"Sorry, Demetri but I'm with them on this one. Jude is so much cooler than a hyena," Alex threw in, sticking his hands into his pockets. "You lose, so you keep an eye on the two, I'm going to take a look around," he smoothly added and turned to his right to go find the sweater he had spotted earlier. "Have fun!" he called back.

"This is why we keep Alex around, because he has good ideas and a nice butt" Jude grinned not bothering to look for a shirt as he wasn't very picky and if he wasn't wearing a pullover or a hoodie then he was wearing a shirt that belonged to one of the other boys or a plain color one like grey or black. Of course he would wear the matching tee shirt no matter the design or color, he loved the guys too much not to! And he didn't want to see Nate pout or upset, it always broke his heart since Nate was probably his favorite, even above his aching love for Alex because at least Nate didn't have the ability to break Jude into tiny pieces. "Nate is definitely fire" Jude sighed, Nate is just like a wild fire, abrupt and spreads quickly, something that can overwhelm you, and yet he's like a small campfire, keeps you warm and cozy.

Each of the elements given out were rather on point, even the one he was given although he would argue that he wasn't a hurricane. It would be a lie though, he could go from quiet, calm and laid back to an angry, hell breaking, nightmare.

Demetri scoffed at Alex, offended that the other objected to the hyena tattoo as well. "I've been betrayed" he groans, picking up a shirt that had fallen and hanging it back on the rack."Yeah, Alex is like water too, either he'll save your life or drown you, and he picked to drown me today" Looking at the shirt Nate was referring to Jude Demetri laughed, lightly hitting his thigh,"That's a perfect shirt for Jude, he's like a gremlin when someone wakes him up," Jude snorts, batting Demetri in the arm before he waved the shirt off,"Jude is so much cooler than a hyena" He mimics, his heart pounding faster in his chest even though he knew it didn't mean anything.

"What? Wait what?" Demetri asks stunted, shocked that the other was actually leaving the group, it would only make it harder for Demetri to keep the younger two in check and from escaping. He couldn't help but worry about losing Alex in the mall as well even though he knew if he called Alex would pick up unlike the two brats here. Huffing Demetri turned to look at the two he had to take care of alone now, towering over the both of them like a beast, easily intimidating to others but just a over sized teddy bear to them.

"So are you guys gonna let me join this hand holding thing?" he asks.

Jude laughs,"Not me! Your hands are too big I feel inferior, you can hold Nate's hand though, mines are getting kinda clammy" Jude pouts,"You can have Nate for today but don't think I'm going to always let you hold his hand" He scowls.

Demetri doesn't waste time, slipping Nate's hand into his much larger one, palm warm and fingers laced securely."I think I understand why you guys do this, feels nice, your hand is really soft Nate"

@ buck

Alex smiled sheepishly to himself when he heard Jude's comment and he ducked his head, fighting the blush that was threatening to creep onto his cheeks. It's not that he didn't get compliments often enough but this was Jude complimenting him and that always made him giddy for some reason. Here the boy was complimenting both his physical as well as mental abilities. He was hoping that meant that he had forgiven him at least to some degree. Smiling over at the blond fondly, he then turned away to continue with his plan and grab the sweater and a smoothie for Jude that would hopefully contribute to being forgiven. He threw Demetri a playful peace sign before disappearing.

"I don't think Alex understood that this trip was supposed to be us spending time together and not wandering off to hell knows where," Nate mentioned, watching the boy leave out of the corner of his and huffing. "He better not be running off to talk to Lauren. I will steal his phone and lock it away for the next 2 months," he added in a murmur before looking up at Demetri in surprise at his question. His heart lurched at just the thought of holding the male's hand. He had literally dreamed of it before. Having it actually happening was so surreal though. It was almost scary.

Nate almost whined at Jude to not leave him hanging here, giving him a fleeting desperate look. If Demetri kept up with all this close contact and the comments, he was a goner. He was already head over heels but it was easier to fight when Demetri brushed him off a bit. But there they were, holding hands. His heart was beating frantically in his chest, warmth spreading up his arm from where he delicately wrapped his fingers around his best friend's.

"Of course it is," He stated, trying to go for false bravado, forcing a smirk onto his face. "I've been telling you you've been missing out but you had to play mr. macho and pretend you have no soft spots for babies of all kinds or something as simple and- and friendly, as handholding," he rambled, letting his gaze browse through the store, rather than looking at Demetri. Even then he couldn't focus on his surroundings though, his mind stuck on a loop of thinking about the simple touch, and he bumped into a table only moments later, cursing loudly as the pain blossomed in his shin. Way to remain casual. Nate scowled at himself.

[THIS SUCKS I'M SORRY BUT I JUST MISSED OUR BOYS SO MUCH]