Not Strong Enough: Chapter Two

It was roughly 5:30 in the afternoon at the Flower’s household, and Jebediah stood in front of the mirror which hung on the back of their bedroom door, looking at his reflection. He wore a navy blue blazer jacket, levi blue jeans, a checkered blue tie, and a baby blue tucked in dress shirt.

“What do we think of the tie Mr. Flower?” he asked.

Sam sat on the bed across from Jebediah, he had been thoroughly enjoying the fashion show that lacked a particularly noticeable sense of fashion that Jebediah put on. Sam looked up from his phone and set it down next to him. His hands were clasped together, an expression between amusement and confusion was on his face.

“What do I think of the tie?” Repeated Sam who covered his mouth in an attempt to conceal a smile. “Forgive me for saying this darling. But I don't think your tie is the least of your problems.” commented Sam. Jebediah’s mouth hung open, genuinely surprised at this response. He honestly believed this to be one of his better outfits he had put together this evening, although it might have been, it wasn’t much of a testament to his other outfits.

Sam got up from his criss crossed position on the bed and walked over the loosened tie, undoing it. “It’s too much. You look like you're going to a very weird color themed estate dinner for a teletubby,” he explained.

“You did not just compare me to a teletubby?” asked Jebediah, an eyebrow cocked. Sam covered his mouth, laughing a little.

“Maybe. Besides, it is all the same color. Some of it is navy and some of it is light blue and it is not very good.” he explained.

“There isn’t even a blue Teletubby,” protested Jebediah.

“Is that really what you're choosing to focus on?” questioned Sam.

“You know what, you're right. You look more like the little blue pikmin. Because you're short,” said Sam who was mostly teasing.

“You're just being mean now. Did you get enough coffee this morning?” asked Jebediah. Sam laughed at this.

“No,” admitted Sam.

“I just realized that I don’t think I am wearing enough blue. As a matter of fact, my socks are white, I could go change them for you if you would…” Sam interrupted him.

“You're wearing enough blue. Your jacket is blue,” said Sam pointing at his blazer, “Your shirt is blue,” he said pointing at his dress shirt. “Even your jeans are blue,” he said pointing at the pants. Jebediah rolled his eyes and groaned.

“I’d like to say, I really tried with this one,” protested Jebediah. Sam titled his head to the side thinking of the nicest way to dissuade Jebediah that this was good.

“Well, you're entitled to your ‘opinion’,” said Sam pointedly. The word opinion was used in the special way. Jebediah crossed his arms.

“Aha” laughed Jebediah with no humor. “ And what's that supposed to mean?” he demanded. Sam laughed to himself.

“Nothing. It’s just, your sense of fashion is very…” Sam paused, unable to think of a word.

“Bad,” suggested Jebediah.

“Well, you said it wasn't me. And, you don’t spend as much time shopping for clothes and accessories," explained Sam gesturing to his more than full side of the closet as the proof he needed to justify his claim.

“Well I don’t have to when I have sweatpants and hoodies. Besides, what does it say about your ‘sense of fashion’ when you steal my shirts all the time to just wear them as crop tops?” asked Jebediah using air quotes to emphasize his point. Sam thought about this for a second.

“Well, I don’t see you complaining,” said Sam, taking a few steps so he was right in front of Jebediah, only a couple inches away.

“I don’t mind,” shrugged Jebediah with a slight smile on his face.

“Oh you ‘don’t mind’?” questioned Sam knowing this was a bit of an understatement, his nose scrunching slightly, which was his regular expression of accusation.

“Besides, all my clothes smell like you after you wear them, so that’s a perk,” said Jebediah.

“What do I smell like” asked Sam leaning in closer to Jebediah who looked up at him fully in the eyes.

“You smell nice like lavender and honey,” said Jebediah, his hands around Sam’s waist, the touch cold against Sam’s exposed skin that was a result of wearing one of Jebediah’s shirts.

“Are my hands cold?” asked Jebediah noticing Sam’s slight discomfort.

“I don’t mind,” insisted Sam as he closed the distance and gently kissed Jebediah who stood slightly up on his tiptoes. One hand was on his jaw pulling Jebediah deeper into the kiss, while the other ran his fingertips through Jebediah’s hair. They broke apart after a second, Jebediah looking up into Sam’s teddy bear brown eyes.

“Do you want me to make you an iced coffee?” asked Jebediah, his hands still on Sam’s waist.

“Yes please,” said Sam. “I’m kinda tired,” admitted Sam stifling a yawn.

“I can tell, not in a mean way or anything, I can just tell,” clarified Jebediah not want to be insensitive and rude.

“Ok Mr. Observant,” said Sam, stealing another quick kiss. Jebediah chuckled at this.

“It’s my job, I just try my best,” said Jebediah, before he let go of Sam and ventured into the kitchen to go about making the coffee. Not really sure how to make an iced coffee and mostly just knowledge from Sam's cafe orders, Jebediah did not have much to go off of other than an online recipe. After finding milk, honey, coffee, and some syrup in the fridge he attempted to put together the coffee. He figured a mason jar would best display the gradiance of the coffee and the milk, added some small circular ice cubes and a straw and brought it in to Sam along with a pack of cookies.

“A medium coffee for Sam, and a pack of 'biscuits'," said Jebediah. Sam looked up from his side of the closet that he was in, and appeared to be searching for some clothes. He walked over and took the coffee from Jebediah while he opened the pack of cookies.

“It’s pretty good. A little too sweet, but pretty good,” admitted Sam taking another sip, Jebediah took a sip as well, interested in sampling his own work, as coffee lover himself, he honestly thought it could use far more sugar, but didn't voice this thought.

“You know what I just realized. You're so wrong. My underwear are actually black. So I am not wearing all blue, Between the underware and socks I have a lot of color variety” said Jebediah, his arms crossed definitely. Sam burst out laughing, a wide mouthed grin spread across his face.

“Something would have to go horribly wrong for anyone to see that at the party,” commented Sam as he set the drink down on the dresser near the door, to which Jebediah removed the drink from the dresser to prevent a stain and set it on top of a magazine.

“Or right,” muttered Jebediah. Sam had a confused expression, his head tilted to the side.

“What the hell does that mean?” he asked, his nose scrunching in confusion.

“I don’t know,” shrugged Jebediah.

“You're going to have to behave tonight. I swear to god Jebediah. Don’t think for a second that causing some sort of scene will get you out of going to anymore of these. I promise you that if you mess this up, I will make sure you are invited to every single one of these in the future. Every party, every birthday, every single event,” warned Sam as he took a cookie from Jebediah and took a bite from one.

“Easy on the threats Samuel,” said Jebediah. “I will be on my best socially suitable introverted behavior,” said jebediah. Sam sighed, after taking another sip from the coffee, he set the glass down on the bedside table and went over to his dresser and grabbed a maroon red knitted sweater which he had picked out earlier.

“Why,” he whined, throwing his hands up in protest, who was not a big fan of the sweater, or sweaters in general.

“Jebediah, put the sweater on. It’s so cute,” said Sam, holding up to his chest. 

“Why don’t you wear it if you love it so much,” suggested Jebediah. Sam shot him a glare.

“It looks better on you,” insisted Sam who poked Jebediah in the stomach, “And you know what would look good, I think, keep the dress shirt on and have some of the collar peaking out from the baby blue shirt,” suggested Sam. Jebediah rolled his eyes but still put it on.

—

They arrived at the “Dinner party” 30 minutes late “unfashionably late”, which Sam blamed Jebediah for, and Jebediah blamed Sam due to his insistence in his multiple outfits. Once they arrived, they parked in front of a suburbia style home on the street. Sam seemed to be friends with every single person there, and the life of the party, the second they were inside a whole group of friends dragged him over to a circle of the latest gossip. Cocktails were already pre-made and set on a table, so jebediah grabbed a glass which he pretended to drink and went to a corner to settle in while Sam made his way around the party.

Jebediah was midway through his internet research on if “dumping an old fashioned plant into a potted plant would kill it”, and was also eating his sixth appetizer, After successfully avoiding multiple conversations with excuses to go to the bar or find another snack, Jebediah had found himself in a rather difficult situation between the conversation topic of politics, or religion, two groups going over to Jebediah’s corner to involve him in their conversation. Finding neither side rather favorable to pick, he excused himself to the bathroom. After about a minute of sitting on the floor with his back against the wall, it was confirmed that the plant would probably die, so he mindlessly scrolled on lowes hoping to find a near identical plant to replace it with when the other one inevitably died. He had also decided that unless someone needed to really use the bathroom, he might just stay in there. Jebediah still hadn’t found another plant so he continued to scroll until a rustle from the other side of the bathroom curtain sounded. He froze, but just assumed it to be a coincidence until he heard a hiccup.

“Oh, I am so sorry, I didn’t already know someone was in here,” said Jebediah who got up and headed for the door.

“It’s just me,” said Sam in a quiet voice that sounded like he had just been crying, along with the hiccups, which were a tell-tale sign of Sam crying, since every time he cried he often had a fit of them, Jebediah realized something must have been wrong.

“Samuel?" questioned Jebediah standing up.

“Yes obviously” said Sam passive aggressively. Now that Jebediah was a thousand percent sure this was Sam he moved over to the bathtub where Sam must have been hiding inside and stood in front of the curtain.

“Are you ok?” asked Jebediah.

“No,” said Sam, which was followed by a hiccup. “I didn’t even want to be here,” said Sam.

“Did something happen?” asked Jebediah.

"Did something happen? What the fuck is that supposed to mean." said Sam bitterly.

"Babe, if something happened you know you can just tell me right," Insisted Jebediah.

“Nothing. It's nothing. I just don’t want to be home,” cried Sam, his voice hitching.

“What’s wrong with home,” asked Jebediah who sat down on the other side of the curtain, his back against the wall next to it.

“It reminds me of her,” he said. Jebediah could tell he was clearly sobbing at this point. He grabbed out a pocket square from one of his number outfit changes that had been left in his jean pocket. He passed it to Sam who laughed.

“Is this a pocket square?” he asked hiccuping.

“Yes,” said Jebediah who laughed a little too. A few seconds passed.

“Do you ever feel hate being somewhere because she’s not there?” asked Sam.

“Every day at work. I can’t stand it sometimes,” admitted Jebediah who reached his hand through the curtain for him to hold, which he did. Sam sniffled.

“You know, you can be sad too sometimes,” said Jebediah.

“Like you,” said Sam.

“God no. I’m sad all the damn time,” corrected Jebediah. Sam laughed at this.

“I love you,” said Sam.

“I love you too,” said Jebediah.

“If we don’t want to stay at the party, and we don’t want to go home, why don’t we go out instead. Go to the city, get a hotel or something, and maybe some dinner,” suggested Jebediah.

“Really!” exclaimed Sam who sounded slightly more happy.

“Yeah,” said Jebediah.

“How do we get out to the party?” asked Sam.

“We walk, or perhaps I could carry if you…

“No, not that, It’s just, I know literally everyone here,” said Sam. Jebediah sighed.

“This is why I don't have friends.” Jebediah said standing up, he opened the shower curtain and pulled Sam up to his feet. After realizing the bathroom window was far too small for them both to crawl out of. They decided to try their best to just sneak out of the party.

Right as they nearly made it to the door none other than the hostess stopped them.

“Why hello Samuel, don’t tell me you're sneaking off right before headsup, you're the best at it” said Maxine who had black hair in a messy clawclip and an apron that said “kiss the cook” on it. She wore an almost orange red lipstick that did not compliment her pale skin. False lashes covered her sea blue eyes.

“We're just about to leave,” said Jebediah, knowing that if he did not say something now they would be there for the whole evening due to Sam feeling guilty about staying. Her gaze shifted from Sam and over to Jebediah who she looked over at him curiously.

“Who is the hot date? Is he your boyfriend or something?” asked Maxine the question directed at Sam, almost as if Jebediah were not standing next to him. This amused Jebediah.

“Something.” shrugged Sam looking at Jebediah smiling softly, the corners of his lips curved upward.

“Hi,” said Jebediah, reaching out his hand to shake Maxine's. “It’s very nice to meet you Maxine. I’m Jebediah,” he said.

“Ok, Jebediah,” she said shaking his hand weakly.

“So do you have a date?” she asked Sam, clearly confused.

“He does, actually,” said Jebediah.

“Oh, I don’t suppose it’s you,” she said laughing as if she had just told the funniest joke ever. Neither Sam nor Jebeiah laughed which made her stop instantly.

“What is this, a first date, one night stand?” she inquired.

“No, he’s my…uh…um…” Sam, who was so confidently prepared to say “husband” stopped. What was Jebediah to him publicly, they were never out together and suddenly bringing him along felt like the stupidest idea ever. Sam’s mouth was open like a guppy unsure what to say.

“Husband. I am his husband. I’m sorry we haven’t met. I have just been so busy with work, and I’m really introverted,” said Jebdiah who laughed it off as if this was a regular tuesday and it hadn’t been 3 fucking years since he had admitted to anyone that he was married to Sam.

Both Sam and Maxine looked at him surprised, although Sam regained composure much faster. His small smile turned into a full fledged grin.

Her eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Husband?” she said under her breath, confused, shaking his hand rather weakly.

“Wow, I would never guess,” she said looking at Sam in a way that was evident that they would be talking later.

“Well, we should head out,” said Jebediah, “So nice to meet you,” he said with a little wave.

Before the conversation could continue Jebediah took Sam’s hand and led him outside.

“Husband,” laughed Sam as soon as the door shut behind them. He looked at Jedediah in admiration.

“You happy?” asked Jebediah, unlocking the car as they walked towards it.

“Yes!” exclaimed Sam. Once they made it to the car, Jebediah opened Sam’s door and closed it behind him once he was inside. He then walked around the car and by the time he got there the door was already open, since Sam had leaned over and unlocked it from inside. Jebediah got into the driver's seat and turned on the car. He buckled up and closed the door. Sam still had a smile on his face.

“Does this mean you will wear the ring?” asked Sam. Jebediah chuckled.

“If it will make you happy, sure. One night only though,” he said, fishing the ring out of his pocket.

“Are you just being nice to me because I was crying?” asked Sam.

“No, I am being nice to you because I love you,” explained Jebediah.

“Really?” said Sam, who had this as a running joke for the last 10 years. Jebediah rolled his eyes.

“Where are we going love?” asked Jebediah who pulled out his phone for directions.

“Scones,” said Sam.

“Scones?” questioned Jebediah.

—

Sam sat across from Jebediah at a quaint little café, their table adorned with a delicate white tablecloth that contrasted beautifully with the warm, wooden surface underneath. In front of them sat an intricately designed porcelain teapot, its floral patterns gleaming in the soft light, accompanied by a set of matching cups that awaited their steaming brew. A silver tray, polished to a high shine, held an assortment of sugar cubes, creamy honey, and a small pitcher of milk.

Jebediah, whose taste did not align with Sam's enthusiasm for tea, had chosen to forgo the leaves entirely. Instead, he cradled a steaming cup of rich, dark coffee, served in an aesthetically pleasing tea cup that boasted an elegant design of swirling gold and deep blue. Though the café was filled with the aromatic scent of fresh tea, Sam couldn't help but smile at the sight of Jebediah's ring, catching the light with every movement.

With a contented sigh, Sam reached across the table, his fingers gently brushing against Jebediah’s hand, the warmth of his touch sending a thrill through him. “You’re truly okay with this?” Sam inquired softly, his fingertips lingering on Jebediah’s wedding band.

“Okay with what?” Jebediah replied, his eyes narrowing playfully, a teasing smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

“Us,” Sam answered, his heart racing, “being out together, wearing your ring, going on a date like this. It’s nice, don’t you think?” His eyes sparkled with a mixture of hope and anticipation, searching Jebediah’s expression for confirmation.

“Yes, it's fine,” shrugged Jebediah.

“Just to be clear, the part that’s fine is the date, and not just the fact that you are on a date with me? Right? Because I’m fucking awsome” clarified Sam, his eyes narrowing in indignation.

“No, it’s actually quite nice. I truly enjoy this moment. I love being here in this cozy scones and tea shop, sharing time together,” Jebediah mumbled not too sincerely, glancing around at the quaint decor filled with floral patterns all pastels and pink. Sam chuckled, the sound light and teasing.

“I’m just joking! I know you’re not a fan of going out; you’re more like a hermit,” Sam replied with a smirk, taking in the relaxed atmosphere buzzing with chatter from other patrons.

“I prefer to think of myself as introverted, not a hermit, Sam. There’s a significant difference,” Jebediah corrected, raising an eyebrow with a slight smile.

With a playful flourish, Sam grabbed two beautifully designed menus adorned with elegant illustrations and set one in front of Jebediah. Jebediah’s eyes widened in surprise as he took in the extensive list of delicious options.

“Alright, let’s delve into the delightful world of scones,” Sam suggested with a hint of enthusiasm. Jebediah, sitting across the table, couldn’t help but smirk, clearly finding the situation amusing.

“Yes, let's delve into the delightful world of scones!” said Jebediah with an exaggerated British accent like a nature documentary. “I can’t shake the feeling that you might call them ‘sconesies’ or something excessively British,” Jebediah said even more cartoonishly.

“I absolutely do not sound like that! Stop being a jerk,” Sam exclaimed slightly amused, his brow furrowing in annoyance as he tried to maintain a serious demeanor.

“Don’t you mean a wanker,” said Jebediah. Sam playfully kicked his shin under the table.

“Ow, Sorry,” said Jebediah. Who really did not look all too sorry and was still laughing a little.

“So there are 45 flavors of scones,” Sam began, eyes dancing across the menu.

“Fourty-five!?” Jebediah chuckled. “Whoever thought up that many must have been unemployed?” scoffed Jebediah.

“We could do a flight. Three, five, or eight,” Sam suggested.

“I just don’t like scones. They’re dry,” Jebediah confessed. Sam sighed.

“You don’t like anything.” muttered Sam.

“I like you,” said Jebdiah. Sam smiled a little. “Sometimes,” he added, the comment made the smile completely fade.

“You're so annoying,” said Sam.

“I know.” admitted Jebediah. “It’s my love language,” said Jebediah.

“You just need to have your scone with tea, It will be better that way” Sam explained, although it wasn’t really an explanation because he knew that Jebediah was just being difficult.

“Except I’m drinking coffee. Cursed to endure a dry scone,” Jebediah lamented. Sam groaned.

“Well, it looks like you’re going to have to drink some tea, then,” Sam retorted.

“Mmm... why can’t it be mint tea? I hate Earl Grey,” Jebediah whined.

“No one drinks mint tea with scones!” Sam exclaimed a little too loudly.

“Well, it looks like your world is about to be rocked, Samuel,” Jebediah shot back.

Laughter filled the air as Sam cracked up, Jebediah watched his husband with an amused curiosity.

“What?” asked Jebediah.

“You're funny,” he said, still laughing. Jebediah shook his head. Sam called the waiter over and ordered.

“So he wants mint tea, and can we have like 5 scones,” asked Sam.

“Five!” mouthed Jebediah, surprised.

“What flavors would you like?” he asked, writing down the order on a piece of paper.

“Earl Grey, honey, pear, peach, and pepper please,” said Sam.

“Ok, will that be all?” he asked. Sam nodded, handing him the menus.

“When you say pepper, do you mean black flakes or bell pepper?” asked Jebediah.

“Flakes Jebediah. Flakes,” said Sam, rolling his eyes. “You know Sinclair was not as whiny as you,” said Sam.

“ And you know my social battery has run out,” said Jebediah, resting his head on the table.

“From what? Standing in the corner by yourself next to the buffet?” asked Sam, his arms crossed. Jebediah shrugged.

“Want to go to the bookstore after this so you can steal all the books I read at work before I finish them?” asked Jebediah, taking a bit of a scone. His eyes widened, genuinely surprised at the pleasant taste.

“It’s good, right. Just wait until you try the pear one. And yes, I would love to go with you,” said Sam, taking a sip of Jebediah's tea.

“You know I never got to finish 'Funny Story' before you stole it from me,” said Jebediah, feigning a pout. Sam laughed at the true accusation.

“Want me to spoil the ending for you?” asked Sam, who took a sip of his own tea.

“Yes, please, I am dying to know the ending,” replied Jebedia, leaning in, his curiosity piqued, just at that moment his phone pinged alerting an incoming text. He checked it quickly.

-Sinclaire

We need to talk

“What is it?” asked Sam, interested. Jebediah put his phone back in his pocket.

“It’s nothing. Work,” he dismissed, shrugging casually.

“Is it classified?” asked Sam. Jebedaih nodded.

“The book. Tell me how the book ends!” he said, attempting to distract Sam. Although he was sure Sam still suspected something.