Private Finished Time After Time

It made Eve feel nice that Jake was so excited to spend time with him. Many people had called Eve boring or plain on every level except looks. But Jake didn't seem bored when he was with Eve. It was a relief.
Eve noticed the change in Jake's demeanor and expression and felt slight fear. Was he really bothered by it? Eve often forgot that even on this island people were uncomfortable about liking the same gender. But all the openness made Eve be open too. But it was way too late to claim it was a joke. So Eve just waited, mentally preparing himself for rejection just in case.
Fear changed into relief as Jake said it didn't bother him. But he still seemed uncomfortable, and Eve wanted to change the subject since this obviously made Jake feel uncomfortable. Maybe he had a friend or relative who was gay and had experienced bad things because of it. Eve smiled a bit at Jake and was about to lift his arm to pat his shoulder a bit. But he stopped. Now it would probabky be a bit awkward.
"I'm relieved to hear that. I'm glad to have you as a friend Jake. If I can call you that."
Eve looked to the ground a bit, little embarrassed. But thank goodness he didn't blush.

Eve couldn't stop a small laugh from escaping his mouth at Jake's words. Eve rarely laughed outloud and even now he felt slightly embarrassed that he did. Thankfully he didn't blush. Or at least he didn't blush at first. But then Eve made the mistake of really thinking about Jake's words and the way he put them. That made Eve blush a bit, but only a bit. The gentle push to his shoulder made Eve snap out of it and he smiled a bit at Jake.
"Then what does that make you, since you saw me fly to the ground with a flip?"
Eve chuckled a bit and walked alongside Jake.

Eve appreciated Jake changing the subject, partly because he still felt bit ashamed he had brought up sexuality. But from now on Eve would not talk about it, for Jake's sake.
Eve listened to Jake talk and tell him about his interests. Eve was slightly surprised that Jake was actually kind of a geek. But it merely reminded Eve he shouldn't judge people based on looks alone. But now that Eve knew Jake wasn't just a jock it made Eve feel a bit more comfortable around him.
"Please don't compare me to Picasso. We are many genres apart. And I'm afraid I don't know much about comic books."
Eve smiled a little and looked forward, contemplating.
"I also enjoy music, and I read many historical novels. And I-"
Eve stopped right before he admitted to watching anime and romantic sitcoms. And he even read manga. But Jake had told him about his geeky ways. Eve should share his.
"I watch anime and sitcoms. And I read manga."
Eve looked away briefly, embarrassed. He was not going to share the genres if Jake didn't ask. Of please, don't ask.

Eve was painfully aware not many people shared his love of history. Eve was interested in history because he didn't have one. Or not one he was aware of. Eve was nameless, homeless and didn't have roots aside from the lab from his nightmares. And Eve had brought that place down with his own hands. So Eve studied history, or more accurately mythology, to fill that strange void inside himself.
Eve looked at Jake when he asked Eve what kind of music he liked. Eve shrugged a bit and pondered for a bit.
"I like acoustic music, especially drums, piano or guitar. When I listen to it I feel like I can hear the music as it's created, hear the sticks hit the drum, the key go down and fingers pluck the strings. It reminds me of painting. Because even when the painting is ready you can see every single brush stroke. You can see how the painting came to be."
Eve turned to look at Jake a bit embarrassed.
"But I'm sure you're not interested in hearing my reasons. Sorry."

Eve frowned just a bit when he realized Jake had said music was the only thing he thought he was decent at. But the frown disappeared soon and was replaced by a small, little sad smile.
"I don't think music is the only thing. You are attentive, loyal and kind. And those things are really fleeting in this world. Without them I wouldn't be here with you. Wouldn't be your friend."
Eve blushed a bit, he was being really soppy now. He hadn't wanted to turn this into a lecture.
"Sorry for nagging, or something like that. I just felt like it needed to be said."

Eve was a bit relieved when Jake said he had never watched anime or read manga. It meant he wouldn't know what kind of genre shoujo was. But Eve had a feeling Jake would enjoy shounen manga, if he liked comics. There were vast differences in art styles but the idea was the same.
Eve chuckled when Jake said American comedy lost to British one and Eve shook his head dismissively.
"No worries, I don't watch either. I prefer european comedy besides British one. The french are pretty good at making a decent sitcom. But I got to admit to watching Friends from time to time."

Eve looked at Jake curiously and gathered courage to ask.
"Would it be possible to hear you play some day? Of course only if you want to, I'm not pressuring. I just...really want to hear it. I can recommend some good manga in return, some that are not that weird. I think you would like them."
Eve looked away briefly again, flustered. And a bit proud of himself for having the courage to ask.

Eve had to stop apologizing all the time. Natasha had said the same thing to him. And hearing Jake say he was interested in what Eve said reminded him of those words. He smiled a bit at Jake.
"Thanks. For listening to me. Few people do that, really listen."
Eve looked up at the sky briefly and sighed a little. It was easier to breathe now.

Eve averted his gaze for a second when Jake smiled at him, long enough to miss the blush that crept on Jake's cheeks. Same kind of blush reddened Eve's. He wasn't used to people thanking him.

Eve tilted his head slightly, when Jake said he hadn't performed in front of people for a while, and smiled gently.
"Please don't push yourself. But maybe it is wise to start small and slowly get used to performing. I can at least say I am non-judgemental audience."
Eve chuckled a little. He remembered one of his boyfriends few years ago. He had been a crappy musician with an even crappier band. After listening to their performances any music sounded like the voices of the angels. Except the main vocalist had been half angel. Scratch that.

When Jake turned to Eve and asked him whether he wanted to hear the playing Eve tilted his head a it and a small playful smile played on his lips.
"It's up to you. If you think you can gather enough courage to let me hear it."
Eve chuckled and was able to unwrap his hands from around the sketchbook he had been gripping.
"I guess it would be best to do it quickly. Before you hurl. You look like you will do so any minute."
Now Eve outright laughed a little.
"Do not worry, I was serious when I said I won't judge. You wouldn't believe the worst playing I have heard."