Smokin' Ain't Allowed In School

Jack picked up his English book, took a long hard look at it, and then put it back in his locker, slamming it shut. "I'm so not in the mood to read more about girls trying to get rich husbands," he told Racetrack, who had the locker next to him. "I'm going to ditch class, you coming?"

Race shook his head. "If I skip Denton's class again, I'm going to have to repeat it." He smirked. "Besides, Conlon and I have a poker game going on."

Jack nodded. "Suit yourself," he said. "I'll catch you later." He headed off to the bathroom, stopping when he saw Blink. "Hey Kid, can I bum a couple of cigarettes?"

Blink nodded, and passed him a pack. "You owe me, Cowboy," he said. Jack nodded, and went into the bathroom.

~*~

David grabbed his copy of Pride & Prejudice and walked into Denton's class, taking his customary seat in the front row. He had his notes out, ready for the discussion. He was hoping that maybe some sort of intelligent discussion might occur, but he was doubting it. It would probably just be him talking to Denton, while those other boys played poker and made snide comments from the back row. He wished that Jack would participate more. He knew that his boyfriend understood the material, but Jack usually just sat in the back playing poker with the other guys.

He glanced behind him, wondering where Jack was. But while he saw Spot and Race, already dealing out cards, Jack was missing. He shrugged. He would talk to Jack about cutting class again later.

Twenty minutes later, David glanced over at the clock. He really needed to use the restroom, but there were still twenty minutes left of class. He had lunch next, and by preference he would rather wait until lunch. But he really wouldn't be missing very much - he had already completed the worksheet that Mr. Denton had handed out. Taking the pass, because it wouldn't do to be caught in the hall without one, he went to the restroom. When he was done relieving himself, he thought that he smelled something.

"Is someone else in here?" he asked. "I know I smell smoke. You shouldn't be smoking," he told whoever was in the other stall. "You'll get us into trouble."

He quieted down as Jack stepped out of the other stall, a cigarette dangling from his lips. "Why would I get into trouble, Davey?" he asked. "You going to go run to Principal Snyder on me?"

"Of course not," David said, surprised to see Jack, although not that surprised by the cigarette. "But why aren't you in class anyway?"

Jack shrugged, and put out the cigarette. "Didn't think I could put up with another day of those books."

David rolled his eyes. "Fine. Well, I'm going back. You should really come too."

Jack grabbed his arm, preventing him from leaving.

"Jack!" David protested, but he was silenced as Jack kissed him. David was caught up in the kiss, and for a moment there was only him and Jack. When they broke apart, he frowned. Jack tasted like cigarettes.

"You still want to go back to class?" Jack asked him, reaching for another cigarette. "Because you could stay here with me instead."

"Nah," David said, grabbing the cigarette out of Jack's hand. "But if I'm going to stay, you're going to get rid of those."

Jack grinned, and dropped the pack.

Who needed to read about eligible bachelors anyway, David thought, when he had Jack right here?

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