Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

This evening was calm. It was quite unlikely for there to be calm at any point in this town. Local hooligans and bandits liked to play tricks on the sherif, so it was a pleasant change. Of course, universe liked to play tricks on him instead, for, just as he was about to drown his sorrows in alcohol, a new face walked through the door.

Through the buzz of the tavern, he heard the stranger say "Whiskey, neat" to the bartender, who did not fail to comply. After a moment the bartender showed up before him.

"And anything for you, sheriff?" he asked, already knowing the answer.

"Find out what you can about that man, CG. We don't need any hooligans here," Trevor replied with a low voice, swirling the liquid in his glass slowly.

"And get him a drink on my tab while you’re at it," he added, eliciting a smirk from CG.

"I'll get that done, then," he said and went away.

Trevor is once again left to his own thoughts.

Another drink was slid across the counter to him some time later. Another stolen glance he sent to the strange man.

Trevor studied him. His shoulders broad and body lean. Hat graciously casting a shadow on his face, but his eyes glowed through the darkness. They were sharp with intent and mission. Beard rugged and shoulders tense. Without even realising, the eyes were staring back. Trevor adverted his gaze. The mysterious man smirked and moved closer to him.

‘’How you doin this fine evening, sheriff?’’ he asked. Trevor turned to look at him. Now that he was closer, he could admire his attire. The stranger’s hat was toped of with a single wildflower, jacket adorned with multiple colourful patches. Trevor smiled at the sight.

‘’Just fine. But tell me, what are you doing here, stranger,’’ he asked, ‘’this is not a place for the light-hearted.’’

The stranger chuckled. ‘’It ain’t indeed. For now, I’m making my way east. Trying to find somewhere to belong.’’

‘’Who’s to say this ain’t the place?’’ Trevor tried to coax more out of the guest.

The man shook his head with a smile. ‘’No no, this ain’t it. I’ll know when the time comes.’’

The sheriff nodded and the discussion turned to silence. Both men stared at the beverages before them. Somewhere in a corner of the tavern a faint roar of laughter emerged. Talks bubbled behind them. Trevor mustered up some courage to resume the conversation.

‘’So, what’s your name?’’ he asked. The man beside him kept staring down the glass.

‘’Where I come from, they call me Zag,’’ he responded, not giving any other information. Zag looked up at him suddenly, with a hint of urgency. ‘’Say, would you know a place to stay for the night?

Trevor raised his eyebrow. ‘’It’s quite late, but I suppose the tavern could have some free rooms upstairs. Might cost ya a bit. Better talk to the bartender,’’ he said.

‘’I’ll be right back then,’’ Zag smiled slightly and went closer to where the bartender was working.

Meanwhile the sheriff continued to study the strange man. There was something very captivating about him. Maybe it was the way he walked or talked, perhaps it was how he talked about himself, but that man was irresistible. With curiosity Trevor noted a navy-blue handkerchief in his back pocket. And his beautiful backside.

When Zag was done conversing with CG, he returned to his seat next to the sheriff. He raised an eyebrow at the funny expression Trevor had.

‘’Turns out they have one free room for tonight. Luck is on my side,’’ he said. Trevor hummed.

‘’I uhm… noticed you have a handkerchief in your back pocket. It’s… stylish,’’ the sheriff tried to find the right way to approach the subject. Zag’s eyes shifted to him in an instant.

‘’Yeah…really stylish. Real silk too,’’ the man’s eyes curiously studied him. Trevor hummed again.

‘’Maybe we can go try to find your room for tonight. Might need my help, the numbers on the doors are quite faded,’’ he clapped a hand on the stranger’s shoulder. The man looked up and narrowed his eyes.

‘’Oh really? Well, we better get going, I’d hate to intrude in the wrong room. Mine’s number seven,’’ he stood up with far too much ardour and theatrical movement. Trevor cringed a bit.

‘’Tone it down,’’ he whispered and lead the way upstairs. Talking from downstairs became quieter as they climbed up the stairs. Some singing could still be heard faintly in the hallway, but it was soon replaced with snores coming through closed doors.

‘’Here’s number seven,’’ the sheriff said, waiting for the other man’s lead.

‘’Well, thank you kind sir. Maybe you’d like to come inside for a quick drink?’’ Zag asked, the lie obvious, but instead of pointing it out, Trevor just smiled.

‘’I’d like that,’’ he said and walked in the room. Zag followed. As soon as the door closed, Trevor found himself pinned to the door.

‘’You do know I’ll be out of here as soon as sun rises, right?’’ the stranger asked. Trevor just nodded and captured their lips in a hungry kiss.

Faint sunrays danced on the floor as Trevor opened his eyes. The covers did little to cover his naked body, the morning cold seeping into his bones. The space beside him on the bed was empty, but still warm. With great effort the sheriff sat up and looked out the window. The world around was beginning to wake up. The sun casted its golden shine on the mountains and roofs, but the only thing he noticed was a small figure on horseback, riding into the sunrise.

The sheriff was distracted that day, his thoughts straying to a certain man. He had discovered a lone wildflower stuffed in his jacket’s pocket. It had stayed there, not visible to anyone, but Trevor was still painfully aware of it as the nature’s beauty laid there.

After a hard day he was sat at the tavern again, aimlessly looking around and hyperaware of the object in his pocket. The bartender noticed his strange demeanour.

‘’Ya alright, sheriff? Need a drink?’’ he leaned on the counter, ‘’Might it be related to the man who was here yesterday?’’

Trevor scoffed. ‘’No, had a hard day. Now pour one of your finest, will ya.’’ He nudged a glass towards the bartender. CG followed the request. When he got the glass back to the waiting customer, he suddenly spoke up.

‘’You know, there is a bandit going round’ these days. A traveller let me know. Apparently, he’s heading east. They know him as Zag,’’ CG said, carefully eyeing the sheriff.

Everything in Trevor’s body broke like glass shards, yet his face stayed rock solid. The wilted flower burning a hole in his pocket. Still staring at his drink, he mumbled. ‘’Oh. Is that so?’’

‘’Yeah,’’ the bartender nodded, ‘’better watch out these next days. He might start a fuss and steal something.’’

The sheriff hummed, deep in thought. It was already too late. The bandit had stolen something far more important than livestock or gold. He had stolen the sheriff’s heart.

Chapter Text

Kodiaks heart was thumping in his chest. He couldn’t breathe for a moment. Lenn won against Consus.

‘’OH MY GOD! THAT’S CRAZY,’’ he screamed, completely overwhelmed. With disbelief he watched as Lennli reached inside the bag to put on his sunglasses.

‘’Oh my god,’’ he repeated, still not being able to believe it, ‘’Dude!’’

A pair of arms ingulfed him in a hug and he clung on. He had completely forgot that his friend was with him streaming the event.

‘’But he did it,’’ Orion pointed out, afterwards inhaling sharply, ‘’Again! He won two-‘’

‘’Two times against Consus!’’ Kodiak cried out, putting his head in his arms. His eyes were still transfixed on things happening on screen.

‘’And people want to say that he had a master’s thesis, and he was busy, but he doesn’t give a shit! He is the goat,’’ his co-host provided some information to the stream, but Kodiak was barely listening. It was hard to stay in his seat.

‘’Dude!’’ he exclaimed; the reality of the situation still slow to hit him. Or more like beating him up at this point – he felt like he was dying from happiness. Kodiak wanted to say something, but his voice cracked unintentionally.

‘’Guys, I can’t speak!’’ mouth still agape, he thought of the rounds and the smiling crowd. Orion started to talk to chat. Kodiak slid down in his chair from exhaustion.

‘’Guys, the Cheergis in the chat, guys…’’ he shook his head, ‘’I can’t even talk, I’m so tired! But claps for Consus of course.’’

Orion shushed him. ‘’The interview!’’

Kodiak immediately scooted closer to the screen and stopped talking. All looks concentrated to the winner of the match. Orion sipped on a glass of water while they listened to Pala and Lennli talking. At some point Kodiak clapped.

‘’What’s going through your mind?’’ Pala asked, and Kodiak was keen to know the answer.

‘’I was… a little disappointed that Debre didn’t bring the leopard hat…’’ Lenn went on to tell their shenanigans with the NMPZ hat and Kodiak smiled involuntarily. How could the only thing going through his mind right now was the cap? As if hearing his thoughts, Orion began to speak.

‘’He’s really awesome, this man is built differently. It’s the only way to put it,’’ he said and then the situation really sank in for Kodiak. He won. His friend won. With hands clasped together he tried his best to blink back the tears, still staring at the man at the other side of the screen, who looked as content as ever. After a brief pause Orion continued to praise Lenn. Kodiak listened to him as if through cotton – the sound didn’t quite reach his ears. Noticing how unresponsive his friend was, Orion suddenly stopped his word flow with a short ‘’sorry, I was excited’’.

Kodiak cracked up and dismissed him – yes, he wanted to pay attention to what Lenn was saying, but it didn’t mean that Orion couldn’t talk. They continued to listen in silence, Orion giving him some looks at the things Lennli said, but Kodiak hardly noticed. He was more concerned about his breathing. He took in some deep breaths, trying to calm his racing heartbeat.

Then he remembered that he was at the venue where this was happening. This interview was happening behind him. Not able to ignore the fact, he turned to look.

‘’Ņo thoughts, just vibes. I think it sums up pretty well,’’ Orion repeated what Lennli said in the interview and Kodiak turned back swiftly to face the camera and let out a stream of words with no sense. Just out of pure anguish.

He turned to look again. An arena full of people who saw it happening and the man on stage. He was so chill about it, that it infuriated him a bit. But then again, who could be angry at the man representing Germany? Lenn was his friend, and he was very proud of him. So yeah, he was grinning widely, high on happiness. Kodiak turned back, exhaling violently. The stress was finally over. Lennli had done the improbable.

‘’That guy is about to get the biggest high five from me,’’ Orion chuckled, eyeing how Kodiak was dealing with this explosion of happiness. Kodiak had resumed listening to Lennli speak. They continued to sit in silence, sitting still as statues, fascination taking over them, as Lenn continued to shout out people. They clapped and cheered when Lennli went off stage. Then all hell broke loose.

‘’Oh my god,’’ Kodiak loudly bawled, probably for the nth time that day, ‘’ guys- I’m empty.’’

‘’I have a feeling I’ve not spoken in minutes,’’ Orion interjected, their words overlapping with each other’s.

‘’Really? It’s the same from me,’’ Kodiak started shouting. Even if he felt empty and completely exhausted, yet another burst of disbelief and ecstasy found its way of appearing, ‘’first of all, how he qualified for this – a game with Consus. Now he’s doing the same thing in the World Cup, I can’t anymore!’’ it sounded like Kodiak might burst into tears at any point. The amount of proudness and emotion he had about this – against all odds Lenn had made it.

Meanwhile Orion sat quietly, fighting his own grin, listening to Kodiak’s crash out. ‘’I’m in love with this man,’’ he said, and well, that was enough said. Kodiak looked at him for a moment while continuing talking.

‘’Really, like. If you are a Geoguessr fan, if you are German, that’s why you got to love him. It’s like-‘’ Kodiak let out another confused scream. His body could not contain the adrenaline. ‘’I can’t cope anymore!’’

‘’Cinema does not even describe it, it was so clutch,’’ Orion said agreeing with his friend. That did not stop him from ranting though.

‘’It was such a close game. It was so well played, the-‘’ Kodiak went on, and Orion join in as they went over the intricacies of the rounds. They laughed at a particular message in chat and then Kodiak went on to talk about how surprising this outcome was.

‘’Maybe Lennli should come on stream?’’ Kodiak read out a message from chat and looked at Orion. That certainly was a good idea.

‘’Oh, yeah. Where is he?’’ Orion asked and Kodiak could feel his heart once again trying to escape its place – he hadn’t congratulated him yet!

‘’I’ll do that,’’ he said as he made the webcam full screen, ‘’and now I’ll try to find him.’’

He hastily took off his headphones and took off, while Orion stayed, entertaining and talking to chat.

Meanwhile, Kodiak ran down the staircase, trying to find the winner of everyone’s hearts this evening. He sent a quick message to him to come on his stream and debated his options. He supposed that Lenn might be in the backroom that was reserved for the players, so he quickly rounded the corner. He ignored the steps echoing in the staircase behind him, as he went down the corridor. Upon arriving in the room, he immediately noted the lack of his friend, but just in case, he asked anyway.

‘’Has Lennli been here?’’ he asked, but all the people shrugged.

‘’Maybe he went to find you?’’ somebody suggested, and Kodiak was out of the room in an instant, clutching his phone in his hand, while phoning Orion.

‘’Is he with you?’’ he asked, walking fast (because running was strictly banned) down the corridor.

‘’Lenn is here. Lenn is here. We’re waiting for you,’’ Orion calmly said, but that did little to calm Kodiaks nerves. He ran up the stairs two steps at a time. He burst into the room and went straight to the man of the hour.

‘’Let’s go!’’ he yelled, hugging his friend tightly and laughing. Orion said something about a microphone, but Kodiak just suggested they keep the headset between them. It was thrilling to see him here, in the flesh. He had to restrain himself from hugging him again.

‘’I’ve just been looking everywhere, oh my god,’’ Kodiak sighed as he kneeled on the floor. Maybe they should have gotten another chair.

‘’Yeah, I read it and came up without replying,’’ Lennli put a hand over his face, chuckling about the situation. Kodiak was still grinning widely. He thought to himself that this was what life is about – friends, victories and unforgettable pride.

Chapter Text

‘’Where did Oscar go?’’ Jack was loudly wondering, looking around the hall. The quarterfinals had ended and now everyone was waiting in suspense for the semis. Though Jack had more stuff to worry about – they had agreed to meet up during the break and watch the Sidemen segment together, but Oscar was nowhere to be seen.

‘’Maybe he is busy? You’ll talk to him later,’’ Becky tried to stop his wondering thoughts, for what felt like the tenth time that day.

‘’Maybe. But I was looking forward to it. He was supposed to help me win against them!’’ he muttered. Albeit it would be cheating, and he clearly said it as a joke, Jack couldn’t shake of the thought how funny it would have been. But alas, that all stays a dream.

‘’Let’s bring out our mystery opponent!’’ Jack heard as Pala exclaimed. The lights started flashing and he could see how people around him were turning their heads to find them. After some long, tormenting seconds, the light focused on a bald man. Then the light shifted up. Somewhere far away Jack heard the host ramble on.

There he was. The GX Man. Jack looked at the screen, drinking in the way he (or she. They? Well… I suppose it is GX Man and not GX Woman or GX Person, so…) sat unmoving. Jack was a bit spooked, but then a hand tapped the GX Man on his knee to get his attention and the mystery opponent snapped out of his stillness. His moves were a bit awkward as he looked around.

‘’Honestly, I thought it was the man in front and I wasn’t scared. Now I am a little bit,’’ Simon spoke into the microphone and Becky spurted into giggles.

‘’They really should have done the lighting better,’’ she hummed, and Jack nodded. As always, she was right. They continued to watch as the GX Man struggled to walk down the stairs and walk to the stage. Jack couldn’t help but laugh, he was walking like a newborn deer. The GX Man stood next to Simon and even from the weird angle, where Jack was looking from the top, he could see how the mystery man was slightly taller. Jesus, who is this guy?

The jacket was a bit too big, and the sneakers slightly ruined the illusion, but even then, the unreadable person looked intimidating.

‘’Yeah, you’re going down, mate,’’ Harry said and the couple sitting at the very top in the audience snickered.

‘’Wait, I need to film something for the vlog,’’ Jack realised and turned on his camera, just as the final words were said. He smiled at the faint sarcasm of the host and how the GX Man himself didn’t know he wasn’t supposed to talk. Right, this is just for the show. This part. Only this part.

As the players were settling down, Jack took his chance to talk to the vlog.

‘’Ooooo, the mysterious opponent. Who do you think he is Becky?’’ he asked, panning the camera towards his girlfriend, and most importantly, editor.

‘’Well, I’ve got no idea!’’ she responded with a smirk.

‘’I don’t know either! I suppose it must be someone quite influential and famous,’’ Jack continued to talk. Becky looked at him with a knowing smile.

‘’Actually, I think I know who it is,’’ she began as Jack whipped his head around to look at her, ‘’but I won’t tell you. I’m sure you’ll figure it out yourself.’’

‘’Well, that’s rude,’’ he murmured to the camera and panned it towards the stage.

Jack observed as the GX Man promptly ignored Joshes waves and stared straight at the screen. He supposed a part of it was the persona, mysterious and intimidating, but maybe the visibility through the mask wasn’t the greatest either. He watched as the ominous person clutched the mouse with his hand and through the screen above, Jack could see how tight those gloves were.

Actually, all of his clothes were nice. Maybe the jacket was a bit wrinkly, but to admit, the effect was there. A threat. A villain. In fact, a very good villain. The crowd shuddered as the GX Man immediately locked in Johannesburg.

‘’Woah, he got it!’’ Jack gasped and Becky besides him smiled, ‘’they are a very good player for sure. Damn, Oscar is missing all the action right now!’’

The watched in silence for a bit, Jack turning off the camera, deciding that was enough footage. The game ended two rounds later, the Sidemen going wrong continent. Not really listening to the banter on stage, Jack turned to Becky.

‘’Honestly, I think I figured it out,’’ Jack let it be known and Becky shook her head.

‘’Good, for a moment I thought you were oblivious,’’ she said, and Jack looked at her, offended at such blasphemy.

‘’How dare you! I keep up with the news! It’s Rainbolt! Who else would they invite, if not him?’’ Jack sat up in his seat, ‘’Google released Costa Rica with Rainbolt covering it like, this week. It all makes sense. What?’’ he questioned the sour face Becky made.

‘’No, I just… well, I thought it was somebody else,’’ she uttered, bewildering Jack. Who else was there?

‘’Well, either way. You must admit, they look nice. The clothes I mean. Just imagine showing up to a wedding in that suit,’’ Jack rambled, half of his mind still trying to figure out who Becky was talking about and the other observing the mannerisms of the mysterious man. Becky chuckled.

‘’Well, it is quite nice. But I think the mystery effect makes it seem nicer than it is,’’ she speculated, sending Jack on another spiral.

‘’Perhaps you’re right. I mean, he looks quite strong and, well, he is tall and good at the game. But through the ominousness and mystery some cracks appear and, well, the person behind the mask probably isn’t used to it. Did you see how he gave that thumbs up? He was radiating with golden retriever energy-What the fuck???!!!!’’ Jack exclaimed as GX Man went wrong country and the Sidemen got closer. Becky snickered at his sudden outburst.

‘’Good at the game you say?’’ she teased him while her partner stared that the scene happening before him.

‘’Maybe he has his bad days,’’ Jack murmured, suddenly very invested that the fascinating, erm, I mean, mysterious person wins. He gasped when GX Man guessed Laos.

‘’What is this guy doing?’’ he hissed, trying not to draw attention to himself. A person in front had turned around at his last outburst and given him a disproving look.

‘’I think he is doing the wrong country challenge,’’ Becky said and suddenly the last two guesses made sense.

‘’He has watched one too many of mine and Oscar’s collaboration videos,’’ Jack shook his head. Becky rolled her eyes at the irony.

Their suspicion was confirmed when he went Lesotho on South Africa.

‘’No,’’ Jack murmured at himself, ‘’this can’t be Rainbolt. He wouldn’t play with wrong country challenge. Can’t be one of the players either. Lennli wouldn’t be caught dead in that suit, I’m sure.’’ His girlfriend sat next to him, patiently waiting until he realised. If that day would even come.

Yet another small win for the Sidemen on the next round. Jack sighed as he watched the people on stage. Well, who will he fool? He was watching just one.

How he leaned in closer to the monitor at the start of the round. How he sat calmly, probably watching out of the corner of his eye how Josh was panicking.

The mask obstructing his face. Soulless.

Shoulders wide, but a hidden golden retriever just waiting to break through and lick you all over the face with love and affection and DID HE JUST GO SOUTH AFRICA ON IRELAND?

The noise in the hall was deafening, but Jack was stuck in his thoughts, which were louder than anything.

Was that a blunder? An honest mistake? Was that a part of the script?

The GX Man was sat still, seemingly unbothered by the loss. The crowd went outraged when the host requested the GX Man remove his mask. Or maybe that was just Jack’s heart.

How was that fair? They both won a game, so why are they pretending the man in red lost and was supposed to reveal himself?

‘’I don’t know, love’’ Becky brushed his shoulder with the palm of her hand. Had he said that out loud? How much had he said out loud? Whatever. He fished out his camera once again, this time with slightly shaky hands.

His heart went to the villain, who turned in the spinning chair towards the crowd. Why was he on his side? Well, maybe because he’s charismatic. And the suit was nice.

‘’GX Man, if you would be so kind, remove the mask,’’ the host said, and the mystery opponent complied. Jack watched as he removed his mask and took of his balaclava and shook his beautiful stunning wild hair. He could just about imagine the hundreds of edits that would be made with that clip.

The crowd went wild, and Jack found himself saying to the vlog: ‘’It’s my dear friend Oscar!’’

Only afterwards did he realised what had happened. The GX Man was Oscar. His dearest friend. Dearest friend who was Oscar. And now Josh was hugging that said friend with far too much vigour. Becky and the crowd roared with excitement. Jack had a sickened look on his face. He put down the camera and turned to his partner.

‘’Did you know about this?’’ he asked, utterly baffled. Becky sympathetically squeezed his hand.

‘’It takes anyone with a single braincell,’’ she responded, ‘’he is influential and well known and liked. Tall, strong, good at the game. Radiates with golden retriever energy and is a walking green flag. Oh, don’t look at me like that, those were your words not mine’’

Jack realised with a terrified expression that she was right. Perhaps he should stop thinking out loud and stop…whatever he was and is doing now. Which is to analyse every move of the man and possibly ogle at him.

…Although Jack won’t lie, Oscar does look good in red.

When they later met up, Jack was quieter than usual, meekly smiling when Oscar asked if everything’s ok. And if Becky or Oscar noticed anything, they turned a blind eye, excitedly going over the rounds. Jack watched as his dearest friend and girlfriend conversed. A supressed sickened feeling returned.

Chapter Text

He had too much on his mind.

"Don't forget to wash the dishes later" a voice in the back of his mind whispered, just waiting for him to break. Lennli shook his head.

No.

He had to finish this project first.

School is an interesting thing. It is a big, even huge, part of your life for so long, that when you no longer go there, it feels like you've been stranded. All those cried tears over tests and exams, late night of doing homework. All for nothing. Wiped from memory as soon as you walk through the door. Or that's at least what he thought it would be like.

With a grumble, Lennli tried to focus on the task. Well, one of the many tasks at hand. Honestly, why would the teacher even give them something so... Ambiguous? He didn't even know that mathematics could be ambiguous. As the days passed, every time he looked at the tasks, even more questions arose. Should he count that data in or not? Is this what the graph is supposed to look? WHY DOES IT NOT LOOK RIGHT?

Lenn slammed his head face first on his desk. His forehead hit the space bar of his laptop and the soft music that was playing softly beforehand, stopped.

He had done everything to get things done - put of soft music, specifically to relax him, he had made chamomile tea, he even shook the stress off Taylor Swift style. Quite literally. He just hoped that his neighbours across the yard hadn't seen anything and didn’t think he had a stroke.

But nothing had helped.

He once again rose his head from the laptop, feeling indents being left on his skin. The graph stared at him through the screen, as if mocking him for his incompetence to write a conclusion. And to do that some bajillion times over.

Feeling as though his soul had left his body, Lennli continued to scroll through the Word document. Words were beginning to blur together. A yawn escaped his mouth.

He was about to bang his head once again, not caring whether even more braincells would be lost in the process, when the doorbell rang.

The boy ignored it for the first time, thinking that surely somebody else in the house would get it. When the doorbell rang another time, it clicked. His whole family was away in a trip, so there was no one to get the door except himself.

Cursing the entity that rang the bell a THIRD time, Lennli made his way towards the door. He expected the mailman or a middle-aged woman talking about a charity to be behind the door, but not his friend Oscar, who's smile instantly dropped as Lennli opened the door.

"Oh! Are... you alright?" Oscar asked, unsure whether to run away. Lennli’s murderous gaze was replaced by a raised eyebrow.

"Hi? What are you on about?" he rested his forehead against the door, leaning on it. Oscar kept standing outside, awkwardly shuffling his feet.

"Yeah, hi sorry, it's just that it looks like you are about to murder somebody. I can come back later if it's bad timing?" Oscar winced slightly.

"The only person I'm killing is myself. School's a bitch." Lenn grumbled, and something in Oscar's expression softened.

"Hey, I get that. Maybe I can help?" he offered, coming closer to the door, as if to let himself in.

"And before you say anything, no, I do not have anything to do. Don't worry your pretty head." Oscar mentioned while effortlessly sliding through the door, ignoring Lennli's faint disagreement noises.

"Look, it's not really a job you can help at. It's not a thing you've been taught at school yet," Trevor tried to fight, yet locked the door as they both made their way towards Lennli’s room.

Oscar sat down in a chair, immediately unlocking the laptop and inspecting the work his friend had done.

"Yeah, sadly you're right," he said after taking a glance at the document, "but our schools do the topics in different times. Maybe there's something else?"

"Nope. Just have to finish this project." Lenn said without missing a beat. Meanwhile Oscars eyes caught the dirty dishes stacked on his windowsill.

"Hmm, and how long has it been since you've taken a break?" he asked, and Lennli stilled for a second. How long had it been?

"I've been working since 11am." he said in the end. Oscar continued to look at him with an ironclad look.

"You haven't taken a break for 5 hours? Love, I don't care about the deadline, you are taking a nap right now. Have you eaten anything today?" he shimmied Lennli to bed, who, though reluctantly, complied. His silence to the question gave Oscar all the answers he needed.

"Right. I have a banana in my bag, you can eat that. And when you wake up, I'll get you something more" the Australian boy said.

"But I have so much work to do!" Lennli whined, almost falling asleep as his head hit the pillow.

"Now, now, I'll have none of that. You will finish it later. Now you need rest. Maybe you can tell me more about the things you need to do?" the man prodded, sitting next to his tired friend. Lenn wanted to fight, but then he felt soft fingers running through his blond hair. The touch was unfamiliar, but not unwelcome. The argument died on his lips. Instead, he started to talk.

"I have to do the math project until Thursday and my economics thingy too. Then there's the English test coming up and I must do the physics homework, you know I'm not good at that. I was sick diese Woche, so I missed some lessons and I... I do things last minute. There's also the Geschirr waschen und," Lennli yawned, as the monotone hair ruffling flipped the" turn off" switch in his brain. Half of his speech turned German, “der... Der... Kleidung...presentation...store."

His speech grew incoherent, but his friend didn't stop the soothing motion. As Lennli fell asleep, Oscars eyes wandered around the room, noting the messiness. His eyes stopped at Lenn's face.

The hair ruffling stilled.

It was dark when Lennli unwillingly opened his eyes. His lamp on the writing desk was still on, offering a soft glow. As he sat up, the boy suddenly remembered the hair petting and blushed. Had he imagined it? Was anything real? He felt much better than earlier, so that was good at least.

His stomach grumbled, so the German boy made his way towards the kitchen, where a domestic sight welcomed him.

Oscar's phone was resting on the kitchen island, playing upbeat music. The man himself had his back turned towards the door, swaying with the rhythm of the song, cooking food. The food smelled so good; he could die for it.

"Smells good," Lenn voiced his thoughts as he went further into the room. His sudden appearance gave Oscar a slight heart attack.

"Oh, you're awake! Did I wake you up, love?" Oscar asked, slightly smirking at Lennlis surprised face.

"No, you didn't. What are you cooking?" he decided to not talk about the pet name. His stomach demanded attention.

"Just some eggs and baked potatoes. I guess it's like a comfort food for me. It just needs a few minutes," Oscar said and stirred the potato wedges around in the pan, "D’ya sleep well?" he added after a moment of silence coated the room.

"I don't think I've slept that well in a few weeks. Mainly because of school," Lennli talked while searching for plates and froze after saying that, "Oh god, the math project, I have to get back to-"

"No, you don't," Oscar went over to him and hugged him from behind, stopping Lennli from walking back to his room, ‘’I checked, you have 5 days to finish it and you're almost done, it can wait for tomorrow. "

"Yeah, but then I have the physics assignment and-" Lennli started to list the things he had to do. Oscar cut him off by spinning him around, so they were faced in towards each other.

"I emailed your teacher, and he agreed to push back the date for the economics presentation. He said it is only fair because you missed a few lessons," Oscar said calmly. Lenn stood with his mouth open, in shock.

"How have you managed that? We don't even go to the same school!" he exclaimed, earning a belly laugh from Oscar.

"Your laptop was on. And I can be very persuasive when needed," Oscar winked. Suddenly Lenn realised their proximity and he gulped. If he really wanted to, he could count the hair follicles in the beard Oscar was growing out.

Oscar didn’t notice his slight freakout.

"I also washed your dishes. And reread your English essay. It's good, but it needs a few more facts. I also looked over the physics homework and solved some of the problems, but you'll need to finish them all yourse-" Lennli pecked his lips before Oscar could finish his sentence. Both of them pulled away in shock. Lenn didn't even know how his hands had made their way to cup Oscar's face.

"Thank you. So much," Lennli breathed out after realising what he’d done," for everything you do for me. Let’s eat before the meal goes cold." Oscar nodded without a sound.

They were eating when Lennli spoke up again.

"Actually... There is one more thing you could help me with." he said, and Oscar immediately looked up from his plate.

"Sure, what exactly?" his eyes slightly wide from fear and the bubbling tension.

"I am a bit cold at night. Y’know, sleeping alone in a big bed. Also, I think we don't have any spare blankets." Lennli pursed his lips and batted his eyelashes. Oscar looked deep in thought, completely missing his expression.

"Well, I suppose we have some. They are a bit old, but if your heating is not working, we could lend you some." Lennli sighed and shook his head.

"Oh, for God’s sake Oscar, I want to sleep with you!" he said loudly. The sound of a fork dropping on the ground filled the room, followed by Oscar choking on his food.

"Oh God, not that way! I mean, I-if you want to, but NO, IT WASN'T WHAT I MEANT!" Lenn tried to save himself but failed miserably. Oscar laughed through tears at his attempts.

The next time Lenn saw his economics teacher was in the hallway before the class. Mr. Tree looked him with a faint smile.

"I'm happy you've got such a loving boyfriend, Lennli. If you need help with the presentation, feel free to ask any questions." with that Mr. Tree walked inside his classroom, missing Lennli’s wide eyes.

Later he found out that in the email Oscar had sent, he signed it off with "Sincerely, Lennli's boyfriend"

Chapter Text

Oscar was exhausted. It was already past five on a Friday evening, but he was still in school.

“Perks of being in the student council,” he chuckled dryly. All his mates had already left, leaving Oscar to fend for himself. There was still a mountain of emails to read from students, the ones who had responded to their inquiries. Sometimes he wished less people read their emails.

He opened a new email and groaned – that particular student had written a whole essay on cafeteria food and why it wasn’t palatable.

‘’Tryhard,’’ Oscar sneered. He lightly skimmed over the block of text, but the buzzing of the overhead lights made it hard to concentrate. His eyes fell on the clock at the bottom of his screen. 5:48 PM.

‘’Oh, schieße!’’ he whispered and closed his laptop with haste. The school doors typically closed at 6 PM. And considering it was Friday, people would have left the building no later than at four.

The halls were blissfully quiet, but for once in his life he couldn’t appreciate it, as he bolted down the hallway. The lights were out, only source of light came down from the story below – he had already made it to the staircase.

As he was descending the stairs, a bright blue rectangle on the floor caught his eye. Upon further inspection it proved to be a notebook. Without a second thought, he bent down and grabbed it, running down the stairs. Instead of the exit, he made his way to the Lost & Found room. He tried the door, but, just as he had expected, it was locked. A lone security guard was scrolling on his phone, promptly ignoring him. Oscar rolled his eyes; the night staff was always oh so pleasant. Nevertheless, he put the notebook in his bag, besides his laptop. He would return the notebook next week.

The air outside was chilly. It was the middle of October, so that was to be expected. Some streetlights flickered as Oscar passed them, he shuddered.

“Those creepy ass lights,” he whispered to himself. The street was busy with cars, but there were no people on the sidewalk. The sound of cars lulled Oscar to a state of dissociation, as he waited for his bus. Constant roars of engines, sharp beeps as someone failed to comply with new imaginary traffic rules. Faint beats of music that bled through windows. Without even realising, Oscar was now on the bus.

The drive and walk home passed in a blur. The boy regained consciousness as he stepped inside his home. Warmth welcomed itself into his bones, as an old friend, it hugged him with a gentle hold. A soft smell of spices and satiate dinner burst inside his nostrils. For the first time in an hour, he could finally breathe again.

As he slipped out of his coat and sneakers, quiet footsteps paused at the door.

‘’How are you, dear?’’ his mother asked, her voice calm, but still laced with worry. As he turned to look at her, she came forward, engulfing them in a hug. Oscar sighed and melted in her arms.

‘’A bit tired, the student council is falling behind on schedule,’’ he murmured in her hair. It had already been 6 years since he grew taller than his mother. He wouldn’t admit it, but he missed curling up in his mothers’ waiting arms, laying his head against the nook of her neck. It made it all seem so easy, back then when he was just a boy whose biggest responsibility was getting a good mark at a spelling test. But now… Now he had grown up.

“Oh! The soup!” his mother suddenly sprang away and hurried to the kitchen. Oscar was left standing in the hallway.

The dinner covered him in even more warmth. Crunchy bread with garlic spread and the tomato soup delightfully danced on his tastebuds, performing an especially difficult dance routine with multiple pirouettes and leaps. He could imagine a lady dressed in a warm vermilion cocktail dress and a gentleman in a cream-coloured suit and an emerald green bowtie spinning on the dancefloor. The dancehall was rich, filled with crowds of spectacular dancers. But under the crystal chandeliers, the two only had eyes for each other.

Oscar was sent to bed by his mother after he spent almost half of dinnertime staring at the wall and mouthing words to himself. At first Oscar protested – it is Friday night! How could you expect him to go to sleep before 10 PM? After a second thought though, he agreed. His brain had turned to mashed potatoes long before it was appropriate. His mother admonished him to go straight to sleep and gave him some chamomile tea with honey, in case he needed further convincing.

Before getting into bed, Oscar searched through his bag, to find his phone. His fingertips instead found an unfamiliar smooth texture. Intrigued, he took out the item and was surprised to see the same blue notebook from earlier. It had been in his best interest to find its owner as soon as possible, but he has forgotten about its existence right until now.

With his interest now piqued, Oscar bought the notebook into bed and got comfortable in his sheets. It might take all night to find the owner of this notebook. It was all thrown out the window, when he flipped it open. Right on the first page, with a black pen was written ‘’Jack Massey Welsh’’.

‘’Huh. Well, that sorts it,’’ he whispered quietly to himself. Oscar did mean to close it and put it down, but some kind of sudden curiosity begged him to look further. Generally, he tried to not snoop in other people’s business, but for some reason he couldn’t resist the urge this time.

As he flipped the page, he was met with the most adorable doodles ever. There was a cat, skilfully sketched on a windowsill. A few dogs made an appearance on the page too. Oscar hummed. Perhaps Jack likes animals.

The next page was still the same technique – black ballpoint pen. However, this time some beautiful roses adorned the page. The bottom one was the most beautiful of all. It seemed to be drawn as an afterthought, not quite finished, but in the grand scheme of the drawing, it coexisted with the other roses perfectly.

As Oscar continued to flip through the pages, he saw breathtaking drawings, most of them of dogs or some kind of wildlife. His mouth was opened in awe, and it turned in a smile when he saw a portrait. The man in the watercolour painting seemed young. His eyes were sparkling with juicy acrylic paint highlights. The unusual use of colours made Oscar’s spine shiver.

‘’Wow,’’ he breathed. He turned the page and on the other side of the painting he saw some text. It said: ‘’August of 28th. First self portrait ever :)’’. Corners of his mouth lifted upwards.

‘’So that’s what you look like, Jack?’’ he turned back the page and asked the painting who was staring right back at him, ‘’you are kind of cute, I won’t lie.’’

Next few pages were also dogs. “Huh, not big on the portraits then, are you, Jack?” his words died on his lips when he turned a new page. There, in horrifying detail, was his face. Oscars face.

The man shook his head and closed the notebook. Surely his eyes were playing tricks on him. There was just no way, right? But still, when he opened it back open, his own face was staring right back at him. Or rather, he was staring at a drawing of himself, looking somewhere in the abyss. It was unmistakable – the style of hair, his sharp nose and beard he was trying to tame – it was him.

Oscar didn’t know how to feel. Should he be elated? Distraught? Concerned? Honoured? With many questions, he continued to look through the notebook, only now feeling guilt of looking at it without permission. He saw more sketches with him and some of them had hearts besides them. Feeling a sudden burst of tiredness and even more guilt, Oscar threw the book on his bedside table. He laid in bed for what it felt like an eternity, lights out. Some snoring and a loud clock ticking in the living room echoed in his head. At some point he fell asleep.

His dreams were scattered that night. Some dogs ran across the lawn, a cat made a brief appearance, then disintegrated into a bush of roses. Finally, a person appeared next to him, a familiar shade of red draped over them. Somewhere in the back of his mind Oscar concluded – she was the woman he had thought of earlier. But looking around, the man in the dapper cream suit was nowhere to be seen.

“You lost something, dear?” a voice called. Oscar turned to face the lady in vermilion but was surprised to see the woman’s face replaced by Jack’s the vermilion turned out to be a suit now, rather than a dress.

“Jack?” Oscar questioned. A sly smile appeared on Jack’s face.

“What’s wrong, my dear garlic clove?” Oscar blinked at the odd pet name. The world crumbled.

With a sharp gasp, Oscar woke up. A violent headache attacked all his senses. He laid in bed, in agony.

Chapter Text

Jack was freaking out a bit. His super-duper-trooper secret art notebook had been missing for over half a week. It wasn’t that he had anything specific to hide, but maybe it would be better if people didn’t know what he drew in his spare time.

“A light blue notebook? Can’t say I’ve seen anything yet” the sympathetic woman at the Lost & Found said. Jack had gone there on Monday. And Tuesday. It was Wednesday already, and Jack was frightened.

It didn’t help that his crush wasn’t in school. Not that Jack was exclusively always looking for him, no, no. That would be insanity. He just happened to walk past his class a few times a day and see he wasn’t there. His friend group – Kai and Becky - sensed his restlessness.

‘’Mate, I’m certain it will show up. You left it here at school, right?’’ Kai asked. Jack nodded uncertainly. ‘’Well, then it should be here! Or someone took it or threw it out.’’

“Oh, come on Jack, don’t listen to him.” Becky interrupted, when she saw how Jack’s face fell at Kai’s words. ‘’Maybe someone did take it and wanted to return it but can’t find you! Or perhaps they liked your drawings so much, they decided to keep it!’’

Jack grimaced. He was positive nobody would want to keep his half-arsed drawings. Or his portraits. Oh, if somebody found out about the portraits, he would without a second thought jump out the nearest window.

His, dare he say, obsession with the guy started unexpectedly. One day he was walking down the corridor and saw him leaning against the wall, nose deep into a textbook. He was beautiful. Even after two months of seeing him and drawing him, Jack didn’t know his muse’s name. Nevertheless, his fixation didn’t cease, it grew stronger. Jack did realise it was horribly weird for him to draw him without consent, but drawing was a secret hobby of Jack’s. And there was no way he would ever come up to him and ask with uttermost sincerity ‘’Hi, I really love your face. Mind if you don’t move for 5 minutes?’’. Jack did get to know some things about his muse – he was in the year below him and worked in the student council. He knew a lot of people but preferred to stay alone during the breaks.

Jack, Kai and Becky were standing in the hallway, chatter surrounded them three in a suffocating way. Jack was starring somewhere at background, meanwhile Becky and Kai talked about a band they like. A group of girls from eight grade stood near the lockers, giggling obnoxiously. Jack scoffed, thank the lords he only had to get through this year and then he could graduate.

Out of the corner of his eye, Jack noticed a familiar shade of red moving down the hallway. And yes, it was worn by the same guy he had extensively drawn in his notebook. The notebook was currently resting in his hands. Their eyes met.

Jack’s eyes widened as his crush came closer. Becky and Kai stopped talking, sensing that they were witnessing something. The boy stopped and took a deep breath.

“My name is Oscar. I found this notebook last Friday, is it yours?” he asked, and Jack was ready to pass away right at that moment. Jack nodded in response, unable to speak. Oscar smiled.

‘’Great!’’ he handed it over. ‘’I got sick last Friday, so I couldn’t return it earlier than today. By the way, you draw very well!’’

Jack looked up at Oscar with fear in his eyes. He had seen his art?

‘’You…looked at my drawings?’’ he asked slowly. Jack observed as Oscar developed a pinkish hue on his face.

‘’Uh. Yes.’’ Oscar said. They stood in silence for a bit, during which Jacks mind was reeling.

Jack was temporarily teleported to a meeting room, where multiple Jacks sat at a long table.

“So, folks, as you know this is a time of a great crisis,” Jack One stated. All the other Jacks nodded affirmative. “Oscar, Jack Six, write this down, has looked through our drawing notebook. The one that features him in great detail. Jack Two, do you think he has seen the drawings featuring him?”

Jack Two rose from his chair. “I, unfortunately, am 90% sure, that Oscar has seen the drawings. I base my words on his stammering and sheepish look he gave us when he confirmed his actions.”

Jack One stood up again. “Thank you Jack Two. Jack Three, what is your report on possible responses from Oscar?”

Jack Three on his left stood up, fixing his glasses, before opening his document folder. “My agents have reported that the most likely response to the drawing will be disgust or hatred.” Jack Three sat back down in his seat.

Jack One sighed. “Alright, Jack Four, what should be our next move?” Jack Four was about to stand up, but a hand rose in the crowd.

“Yes, Jack Five?” Jack One asked, irritated by the interruption.

“I’m sorry, but there has been a response from Oscar.” The fifth Jack exclaimed.

Jack One rose his eyebrows. “Alright, thank you Jack Five. Meeting dismissed.”

“Jack. JACK!” Jack woke up from his thoughts, Becky was shaking him violently.

“What?” he asked, confused why he was suddenly assaulted.

Oscar chuckled. “I asked whether you’d like to go grab a coffee some time. It’s fine if you don’t want-”

“YES! I mean. Yes, I would love to!” Jack said loudly, accidentally grabbing everyone’s attention in the hallway. Jack’s face reddened.

“Great! I wrote my number in the notebook,” Oscar told, “I should probably go now, see you later!”

Jack could only wave his hand in a pathetic goodbye as Oscar (Oh God, his name is Oscar), rounded the corner.

“So…” Jack winced as Kai started his sentence. He had completely forgot his friends had seen everything. “Anything you want to say to us?”

Chapter Text

When Oscar had said he'd wanted to meet Josh at nine in the morning, it should have been the first red flag. Yet, he did it anyway, glad he didn't have to wait until noon to get a sign of life from his friend. Josh would need a dozen of extra hands to count all the times Oscar woke up late or hungover. Sometimes both. The air felt fresh as Josh stood outside of a café, a slightly weird meetup place, but he paid no mind to it. Food’s food, right?

The second red flag he should have questioned, was the van. Honestly, why on earth would he hop into a white van he knew didn't belong to Oscar? As with puppies or candy for small kids, he was bribed with a good hangout. Sure, he didn’t know the specifics, but hanging out with Oscar and his friends sounded fun. With a sad look, he bid the café a goodbye, regretting not buying something earlier.

Somewhere in the back of his mind Josh concluded - they should bring back those traumatic films they show at school. The ones that show what happens if kids don’t look both ways when crossing a road or do stupid, dangerous stuff. But instead, show them at workplaces. Josh knew a few people who could benefit from that, himself included.

The last piece missing were the vests. Bright orange and yellow, not begging, but demanding for attention. Honestly, Josh didn't know what to think, maybe they had an interesting sense of style. Wouldn't be the first time Josh saw questionable fashion on the streets of Paris.

The bubble burst way too late for his liking.

Josh had climbed into the van, and before he could blink, they were already driving.

"So, Josh! Meet Lenn, a childhood friend of mine, and Jack, a colleague from work," Oscar, sitting in the passenger seat, quickly introduced Josh to his companions.

Lenn, the driver, looked in the rear-view mirror, made eye contact with him and gave a small nod. In return, Josh waved nervously.

Jack was sat next to Josh in the back of the van, but his joyful face was replaced with a frown after Oscar's comment.

"A colleague? Just yesterday you called me your dearest friend! Rude." he pouted, and Josh had to stifle a laugh. Oscar turned to look at Jack. Lenn cursed at a cyclist who cut him off in an intersection.

"Jack, it was just a joke, of course you are my dearest friend," he smiled, visibly sorry.

"You better be, otherwise, I'm not a part of the mission." Jack sat, still with his arms crossed, looking out of the window, still annoyed. But in the corner of his mouth, Josh could see a small smile forming.

"Oh yeah, you never told me where we are going!" Josh suddenly remembered that Oscar had only written a time and a pickup place. Now they had been driving around Paris for a few minutes, but he still had no idea of any plans.

"We're robbing the Louvre." a deep voice said from the driver's seat. Josh’s and Lenn's eyes locked in the mirror. Josh immediately cracked with laughter.

"Hahaha, that's such a good one! Oh man, I might steal that for a different time." he chuckled, but quieted when nobody joined him in on the fun. He felt his cheeks burn at the awkwardness.

"Josh," Oscar looked as serious as a heart attack, "we are completely honest. We are stealing from the Louvre today. And you are joining us."

The newcomer sat in silence for a moment. He once again took in his surroundings. The bright screaming vests. A blowtorch and some power tools caught his attention on the floor besides him. Josh suddenly noticed pairs of gloves shoved in the car door pockets. The nail in the coffin were the balaclavas he had somehow failed to notice earlier. Josh turned as white as a sheet. Oh. They were not fucking kidding.

"I think he's gone into shock. Hang on, I’ll give him a blanket." Josh heard Jack talk besides him.

No way he was about to be a part of this.

As the van stopped at the red light, he gripped the door and tried to open it, but it didn't budge. Josh’s eyes once again sprang up to meet Lenn's in the mirror. Seriously, it was getting ridiculous. The man in the driver’s seat simply smiled.

Those fuckers had locked the door.

Knowing he couldn't get out of the van, Josh tried a different approach. He had to change their minds.

"Y'all are fucking crazy. It's nine in the morning! The museum is probably buzzing with tourists, you'll be caught faster than you can blink!" he said loudly. Jack scrambled to shut up the man, but his seat belt got in the way.

"Shh! The van isn't completely soundproof, now, is it?" Jack asked and when Josh was about to answer, slapped a hand over his mouth.

"Eww, get your grubby hands off me!" Josh screamed louder. Their banter was interrupted by Oscar.

"Stop it you two! Josh, we get to the drop off spot at 9:20. We get to the Louvre at about 9:30. There me and Lenn will break in through the balcony and steal the jewels. You and Jack will stay outside, keeping watch and informing us with walkie talkies. When we-" Oscar started to explain the plan. Josh interrupted.

"You planned all this?" he asked, with utter disbelief.

Oscar sighed. "Yes? We can’t just storm in without a plan! Anyways, this part is important-"

"What? You are supposed to be the sensible one!" Josh once again argued loudly. He was silenced by multiple "shh's".

"What the fuck???" his face was still scandalized, yet he complied and was now whisper-yelling. "And you think it is a good idea?"

"Well, my gut says that this is a good idea." Oscar said. Josh was still shaken. Was there a way out of this?

“And… do I have a say in this? You kind of forced me to participate in this, frankly, insane mess.” Josh asked uncertainly. He knew Oscar wouldn’t hurt him or, God forbid, kill him, but knowing him, there was a sliver of chance.

“No. I knew you wouldn’t agree, so I didn’t ask you.” Oscar answered from the front. Lenn nodded his head with a hum. “We needed a fourth person, so that Jack doesn’t have to get the motor scooters himself. I knew you would just go with the flow once you were here.”

Besides him, Jack grinned. “You would know that if you didn’t cut him off earlier.”

Josh shifted uncomfortably in his seat. So, he would need to be a part of the getaway team? That wouldn’t be so bad, except for the fact he was about to be INVOLVED WITH CRIME.

Still considering his forced role in this scenario, Josh still had plenty of questions. “And your motive is… money?”

“Money.” Lenn agreed. “Five minutes until show time.”

“Lenn said he needed money, so I’m helping him. Not to even mention, this could be an interesting experience.” Oscar mused, staring at the Seine River outside the window. “That might end with a visit to prison.” Josh completed the sentence in his thoughts.

“They just kind of invited me. I thought it would be thrilling but turns out I’m just the getaway driver.” Jack pouted again. Then his pout turned to a grin as he turned to look at Josh. “Oh, but I’ll have company now!”

Josh mentally cursed himself. How did he manage to get himself into these stupid situations? Although, this one had to take the cake. Josh did not find the drive pleasant - the silence until they stopped was deafening.

They stopped in a shady side street, just a few blocks south of the museum. The small street was filled with vans and trucks, so they fit in perfectly. “In theory, at least.” Josh thought to himself.

He felt silly putting on the construction vest, like he was a part of a seven-year-olds dress up party, but he did it because… did he have a choice?

“Don’t even try to run,” as if sensing Josh’s unease, Oscar muttered, “If you try something, Jack will not hesitate to beat you up.”

At that Jack smiled shyly. “I mean I would hesitate, but I must admit I have been working out a lot lately.”

Josh rolled his eyes. Fucking seven-year-olds.

They climbed out of their vehicle, securing the items needed – the balaclavas, walkie talkies, a box of instruments and a- wait a blanket?

“Why are you bringing a blanket?” Josh asked Jack who defensively turned away.

“It is a bit chilly outside,” he simply said. Josh didn’t have the heart to tell him that it was a bad idea – that thing could contain DNA and other stupidly tiny things they could be identified by. God forbid one of them had a rare dog breed that shed its fur on the blanket, and they were found out by a that.

They already had their gloves on and their vests, so they had less to carry. After Lenn locked his van, they rounded the corner and were met with the beautiful Seine River. Josh suddenly got cold feet (not that he was pro-theft beforehand).

“When do we, y’know… put on our masks?” he asked Oscar, while they were going down the promenade. Cars drove past them, people walked past them, but life on the promenade was befuddled. It was Sunday morning after all.

“’When we get to the Louvre. We don’t want any suspicion on us already.” was Oscar’s response.

“But don’t the buildings here have cameras?” Josh didn’t let the questions drop.

“They do, so I would advise you to not turn your head towards them.” Oscar exhaled. Sensing that Oscar was not in the mood to talk, Josh stopped the questions.

They made their way towards the Louvre. Some people turned their heads at the four brightly clothed men but thought nothing of it. Just four construction workers, nothing special. When the group reached the ‘’Jardin de l'Infante’’, as Jack said in a very questionable accent, Josh noticed a basket lift.

“Oh, you’re gonna use that, I assume.” Josh pointed it out. The basket lift was in a place where it could perfectly serve as the climbing steps into the balcony.

“That’s the plan,” Lenn murmured. Oscar checked his watch and turned to his three partners in crime.

“So, we go together over this street. Me and Lenn climb up, saw out way through the glass, break in. Then we get the jewellery and go back the same way. Here you will be waiting for us with motor scooters. Is everything clear?’’ he finalised the small speech. Everyone apart from Josh nodded affirmatively. Oscar turned to him, “If you have questions, ask Jack.”

Jack’s face lit up and he gave a side-eye to Josh. “God, do they even take this seriously?” he thought to himself as they crossed the road and approached the basket lift. Lenn and Oscar immediately put on their balaclavas and started fiddling with the machinery. Josh also wanted to put on his balaclava, but Jack stopped him.

“Why would a construction worker need a balaclava?” he asked. Instead of answering, Josh jumped at a sound of a disc cutter cutting glass. The sound was horrifying.

“Cameras” he said through the horrible noise. Josh saw multiple people peeking their heads at the noise, so he turned away from them.

“Silly, there are no cameras outside the Louvre. They wanted to put some, of course, but it was deemed too dangerous for the historic building. And they don’t have the funding.” Jack explained. Only now Josh could appreciate the study that went into this. “And the buildings across the Seine will show pixels at best.”

The cutting noise had ceased. Instead, a sound of glass breaking filled the air and some nearby civilians turned their heads. Josh awkwardly waved as to rid the air of suspicion. He wasn’t sure it worked, but the few people on the promenade, walked past them. A walkie talkie began talking.

“We’re in.” Oscar’s voice, though distorted, sounded through the device.

“Alpha Oscar, this is Tango Foxtrot. You’re loud and clear. Over” Jack said in the walkie talkie and Josh scrunched his face in confusion. They had codenames?

“Jack, for the last time, we don’t need codenames. And I would be glad if you stopped calling me that” Oscar sighed at the mischief.

“This is Bravo Lima and I approve of this message. Stop it Alpha Romeo and Delta Juliet.” Lenn’s voice rang through the walkie talkie. Josh cackled at the mess. Then he was forced to lock in, when he remembered where they were.

“Jack, where are the motor scooters? We should get them ready.” he said, just as Jack was about to send another message.

“Oh, just over there.” Jack gestured to the end of the road, and indeed, there were three motor scooters waiting there.

“You own motor scooters? And why there are only three” Josh questioned. Jack smiled.

“Partly. We borrowed them and they only had three available.” He responded. Josh shook his head. More planning had gone into this than he had thought. He wouldn’t asked from whom they were borrowed, though.

“We should probably get them closer to here.” Josh continued. Jack thought for a second, then agreed. The two of them made their way to the scooters, Josh on the way removed his vest.

“I think we shouldn’t bring much attention to us. Also, you look very suspicious with that blanket.” He explained. Jack shrugged and clutched the blanket closer. They moved the scooters in silence, which was broken halfway by Jack humming the Mission Impossible theme song. This was a tense and an “impossible” mission after all.

“I feel like Moriarty in the Sherlock BBC series when he steals the crown jewels.” Jack randomly started speaking. Josh turned his head at him. “Walking into the museum without a suspicion. Slowly, so sure of yourself. Such sass and power. Classical music blasting in earbuds. And honey, you should see me in a crown.”

Josh stood, even more certain, that he was stood next to a psychopath. He knew in general what Jack was talking about, but this was way too weird for his liking. They were just the getaway helpers. Jack continued talking. Josh groaned internally; this heist was taking way too long.

“The Galerie d'Apollon”, Josh cringed at the accent, Jack was talking in, “housing the French Crown jewels from 1887. Decorated by Charles Le Brun, the same man who adorned the Hall of Mirrors in Versailles-” Jack started to talk about the history of the museum. Josh was surprised by the amount of knowledge his companion presented, but it was cut short by the walkie talkie.

“We got the goods. Moving towards the exit right now,” Oscar spoke through the walkie talkie. The two men standing outside squared their shoulders. Out of the corner of his eye, Josh saw a policeman fast approaching. Without a moment of thinking, he pulled the balaclava over his head and gestured for Jack to do the same. Jack shook his head – no, he wouldn’t put his on. The police officer came closer and started speaking.

“Hello, folks, have you-” Jack didn’t let him continue, as he threw the blanket over him. Josh watched in horror as the blanket seemed to stick to the man. His movements were disturbed by the once soft material. Josh turned to Jack with a questioning look.

“It’s a weighted blanket. And a bucket of glue.” Jack smiled. Then he pushed the policeman to the ground, further burdening him. Then, their attention was turned to their two partners in crime, hurrying down the basket lift.

“Everything ok?” Oscar yelled, while the lift brought them down. Jack and Josh, who were standing at the other side of the small street gave a thumbs up. The police officer was still wiggling on the floor. Some police sirens blared in the distance, and the thieves took it as their cue to leave.

“Josh, do you know how to drive?” Oscar asked, jumping on a vehicle. Josh looked at him bewildered.

“And you’re asking me this now?” he shouted. So, there was something they had missed. Lenn exhaled, climbed on his motor scooter and turned.

“Get on.”

That was a demand. And Josh followed it. The hectic sounds of cars and people of the police grew closer, but the team of criminals escaped, finally rearranging the seating problems. The bag of jewels rested in Jack’s lap. The three motor scooters darted south, heading towards the nearest highway. After the first sharp turn, a loud yelp came from Jack – one of the crowns had slipped out of the bag.

Sitting on the motor scooter was uncomfortable as it wasn’t generally meant to be used by two people. Yet, Josh clang to Lenn, scared from falling off. He was also terrified of the driver’s reaction, but to his surprise, Lenn only commented to hang on tighter.

The sirens were still following them through the city. Josh felt adrenaline and some kind of excitement he could only dream of before. They had driven down alleyways, ran multiple red lights and gone over the speed limit. Josh added these things to the ‘’Crimes done’’ list in his head.

“Head south” Oscar yelled, so that the other ones could hear him. They signalled with thumbs up.

Finally, the suburbs came into view. The four partners in crime saw the city waking up from their Saturday hangovers. The three vehicles made their way towards the highway, where they drove for some time, but ultimately turned right on a dirt road.

They drove on the outskirts of Paris, through a sparse forest, when a cottage came into view. Josh took in the small pond and old machinery, undoubtedly from a nearby farm. They stopped and stepped off their scooters. Josh was the first one to break the silence.

“That was awesome! High fives all around!” he exclaimed excitedly. The other three chuckled and gave a group high five.

“So, Josh. Now that you’ve gotten a taste of the criminal life, will you give a visit to any more museums anytime soon?” Lenn asked. Josh smiled awkwardly, still remembering clutching on to him for dear life not too long ago.

“I think better not.” he finally said. Meanwhile Oscar was rolling the scooters away.

“Hey man, do you not want to celebrate?” Jack called over the patch of grass. Oscar stuck his head out of the shed/garage and shook it.

“Now starts the hardest part, hiding everything. Out tracks, our motives, the jewellery. Everything. We need to solidify our alibi if things turn to the worst.’’ was his response and a faint sense of unease rested in their guts.

“Did you plan that part out too?” Josh called him. Lenn turned towards him and pointed to the door of the cottage, which swung open.

“You’re back!” a young man exclaimed with excitement. Josh watched as the four friends hugged. Jack looked over at him.

“You’re not coming?” his voice rang in the small clearing. Josh stepped closer. He was yanked in the group of bodies. “So, this is the mysterious fourth member?” the man Josh didn’t know smirked.

“Not a willing one,” Josh responded, stepping back in his personal zone, “But I haven’t heard anything about you.”

The man huffed. “Well, that’s a bit rude. How about we go inside, and I explain everything?”

Just two minutes later they were standing in the living room, the ancient looking TV playing the news. The jewellery sat on the table, taunting the police officers and Louvre presidents and executors through the screen. Debre, Josh really doubted it was his real name, but that was the least of his worries now, shut off the TV.

“So, you lost one of the jewels? Hmm” he hummed. “Well, that’s not pleasant. Eight minutes is impressive though. Either way, your debt is now paid” he said to Lenn.

“Wait, wait, wait. What exactly did you do for the sake of this mission?” Josh interjected. Debre smirked.

“Where do you think the motor scooters came from? Who owns the van? Who got the van out of the city?” he asked.

“Actually, the van was stolen from your neighbour.” Lenn coughed in his hand. Debre glared at him.

“And was safely returned before anybody noticed anything. You are ruining my image in front of a guest.” He snapped back. Their banter continued, but Josh paid no mind.

Meanwhile Jack was admiring the jewels, the weight of the rocks perfect in his hands. The shape fit nicely and was addicting to fidget with. Josh thought he was probably experiencing on of his Moriarty-like desires. It was both unsettling and interesting to watch. Oscar sat down next to him.

“Make sure to admire them while you can. The jewellery will be destroyed, the rocks sold on.” He spoke silently. After the comment, a moment of silence swept the room. A joint sound of despair suddenly filled the room.

“WHAT?!” Jack and Josh exclaimed. Oscar would need to go to the ear doctor later, from them screaming right in his ear.

“I mean, what did you expect? Everyone knows about the jewels missing. Rocks will be easier to sell” Lenn shrugged, immune to the silent cries. Jack looked at the priceless jewels again.

“Hey, don’t be hard on him. The princess needs some time to say goodbye to her friends.” Debre teased. Jack sputtered.

“Princess? I’m literally older than you, taller than you-” Jack sprang up from his seat, nearly knocking the table over.

“Oh no, does your Highness need a break? Somebody, bring the princess a blankeeeet” Josh began, but was brutally assaulted by a dusty pillow from the sofa. He coughed violently, while others laughed.

“Alright, alright, that’s enough.” Oscar finally said. “I suppose nobody here has had breakfast his morning. How about we move in the kitchen and eat something?”

The living room roared with agreement and soon Josh found himself stuck at a small table, sipping on some peppermint tea. The smell of bacon and eggs filled the room, but he observed how Oscar brought out a different pan to heat up some filled vegetarian pancakes. The dishes were passed around, and Josh nearly got an elbow in his stomach from the crowded space.

“So…” Lenn broke the silence. “Is nobody gonna talk about the special treatment Jack’s getting from Oscar?”

The men in question turned pink. Josh thought to himself that Jack’s face resembled a perfectly ripe German Pink tomato he had seen in the store some time ago.

“I’M VEGETARIAN, YOU DIMWIT!”

A pancake flew through the warm kitchen air and elegantly landed on Lenn’s blond head.

Chapter Text

The air in the bar was thick. Oscar was already a few drinks in, watching the people come and go in various costumes. It was Halloween after all. He observed as Jack went up on the stage when his name was called out. Such was their luck that the bar had a karaoke stage open tonight. Jack’s steps were a bit wobbly, Oscar observed. Somewhere in the back of his mind he noted the time and concluded they must go home soon. They did have stuff to do tomorrow, and Jack was hammered.

Jack was still scrolling through all the song choices, so Oscar took a moment to appreciate the atmosphere. A dimly lit room, purples and oranges casting shadows of passing zombies and vampires on the wall. The bar was a bit crowded, but Oscar sat comfortably in his Scooby Doo onesie, sipping on a margarita. He would’ve preferred beer, but it was a drink he would rather drink at home, lounging on the sofa. Jack was rocking, this time quite literally, an outfit inspired by Metallica. It had come as a surprise to Oscar too, but he couldn’t deny that Jack looked delicious. Earlier that night Jack had headbanged to all the metal songs played at the bar and fit right in. Now though, he was helplessly drunk. And about to sing karaoke. God help them all.

A soft and captivating beat filled the stale bar air. A simple glimpse at the screen showed – Out On A Limb by Teena Marie. If Oscar had to guess the song was from the 80s. He watched as Jack swayed at the music and was absorbed in a trance. The melody had a slightly haunting motive to it. Jack began to sing, eyes drifting to the lyrics only once.

“Tender was the kiss when you held me captive in your sweet embrace,” Oscar looked as Jack sang his heart out. Though he was quite drunk, the words were perfectly on beat and filled with feelings.

“My lips begin to burn and my heart beats faster than the normal pace,” Jack opened his eyes and stared right at Oscar. The latter gulped.

“I try to resist that familiar smile, it melts me just like wax.
But what's the use, I'm yours and that means forever, there's no turning back,” a shiver went down Oscar’s spine as Jack reached out his hand towards him and hit the high note.
“Baby, baby, baby, it's a mystery, ooh you got me spinning around,” Jack belted out the multiple “babies” and Oscar was about to cry. Was this a song dedicated to…him?

“What have you done to me?
Suspended animation, I'm lost inside of you,
I feel so insecure and yet I've never been so sure, what am I gonna do?” Jack continued, lost in the music. The people around were quite impressed, though multiple left at the style of music. They probably wanted to listen to “Spooky Scary Skeletons” or “Sexyback” all night long. Oscar scoffed, his attention turning back to Jack who was still swaying with the beat.

“I'm out on a limb, I'm giving in to you again,
Baby, baby, I'm out on a limb, I'm giving in to you again” Jack sang the chorus with a tang of metal rasp. Oscar watched, completely fascinated. The next verse started.

“Sweeter than the taste of a midnight rendevous, so sensual,” Jack stepped off the stage, first making sure that the microphone actually was detachable from the stand.

“The look upon your face when you love me tender and my cup was full,” he made his way towards Oscar, whose face was laced with worry and utter devotion. A few people besides them rolled their eyes, but the pair didn’t notice them.

“Softer than the sigh when it all was over and I slumbered deep
Lost inside your love like there's no tomorrow as I fall back to sleep,” Jack once again belted the last word, all the while caressing Oscar’s face. Oscar, quite flustered, tried to pry him off, but his boyfriend didn’t budge. The sound technician stood against the wall observing their antics. As long as the equipment wasn’t broken, he didn’t care what happened.

“Baby, baby, it's a mystery, ooh you got me spinning around.
What have you done to me?
Suspended animation, I'm lost inside of you,
I feel so insecure and yet I've never felt so sure,
What am I gonna do?” Jack caried on, but the words became more off beat the longer he sang. Oscar finally got him to stop touching his face, but instead he was pulled up in an awkward three-way waltz between him, Jack and the microphone, which tightly rested in Jack’s hand. Jack’s hips were still swaying and he headbanged while singing “baby, baby”.

“I'm out on a limb, I'm giving in to you again.
Baby, baby, I'm out on a limb, I'm giving in to you again” noticing the prying eyes of others, Oscar got Jack to walk back to the stage and held his hand as to say, “Don’t come searching for me again, I’m right here”. Jack meanwhile was still singing and staring at Oscar, his eyes hazy with love and alcohol. From the stage Oscar could see that most of the people had left, those who had stayed were either sleeping or filming them. Great.

“Hold me, keep me warm inside you and love me,
Love me right away.
This one thing is true, I would die for you” Jack leaned on his chest, which must have been a weird sight considering they were almost the same height. Not to even mention their costumes. At the last line Jack put a hand on his chest and looked, really looked, in Oscar’s eyes. The latter understood. Even if Jack was drunk, he meant it. Jack’s voice was quieter now, as if he was only singing to him now.

“Baby, I'm out on a limb, I'm giving in to you again
Baby, baby I'm out on a limb, I'm giving in to you again,” in the loud noise that was a lively bar, these words were whispered, not sung. Chills scattered Oscar’s body as they faced each other, and the song ended.

Multiple whoops and whistles sounded from the audience, but Oscar heard none of them. He cupped Jack’s face and gently kissed him.

The fresh night air on their way back home sobered them up. Jack no longer had a wobble in his speech or walk, but just to be sure, he clung on to his boyfriend who was no longer Scooby Doo, but a guard dog to his hungover lover. The streets were littered with children in various costumes. There were plentiful of blood or cloth covered children. Oscar was quite sure that a knight in period accurate armour made of cardboard went past them at some point, accompanied by a demon and a shaman. A weird, he mused, but dedicated group of friends.

When they got home, Oscar made ginger tea, which Jack drank rather unwillingly. Jack hated the taste, but Oscar insisted it helped with hangovers. Then they moved to the couch, where Oscar proceeded to kiss Jack silly in the privacy of their own home.

Chapter Text

“Take me out tonight
Where there's music and there's people
And they're young and alive”

Oscar smiled at the song that came up, as he made his way back home. The soft music continued to play on the aux, as he drove down streetlight lit roads. They were empty, casting a mystical feel, the world turning a mix of yellow and black. After all, Oscar worked late, though he had tried to get out as soon as possible specifically for this night. His wedding ring glistened in a passing car’s red brake light.

“Driving in your car
I never, never want to go home
Because I haven't got one
Anymore”

Every so often he glanced at his side, where Jack usually sat. Now the seat was occupied by a bouquet of red chrysanthemums, wrapped in a nice shade of baby blue, Jack’s favourite colour. The worker in the flower shop had told, that these flowers meant passion and love. Oscar immediately bought them. He was hurrying to get home. Only a few minutes away.

“Take me out tonight
Because I want to see people
And I want to see life”

He thought back to their wedding day – same day two years ago. It had been a rainy day, Oscar still remembered the way Jack cursed the sky, shaking his fist at it despair. Oscar had calmed him, reminding him of the large gazebo they had rented at a side of a lake.
The reception was incredible, Oscar still got butterflies thinking about that day. The rain had added a fresh gasp of air in the suffocating whirl of emotions. It’s rhythmic pouring sounded like a love bounding symphony.

“Driving in your car
Oh please, don't drop me home
Because it's not my home, it's their home
And I'm welcome no more”

Just now, Oscar drove past the park they proposed on that one faithful day. He chuckled at the memory, through a stream of happy tears. It was in May – sun was shining, air crisp, and Oscar got the memo. It was then or never.

The ring acquiring was a bit difficult, Jack was a light sleeper, so Oscar couldn’t get any measurements without being found out or at least not without getting a suspicious glance. His prayers were heard when Jack came home one day, drunk after a night out with his friends, and fell asleep in the doorway. Oscar had to carry him to the bedroom and Jack didn’t stir a bit. It was the perfect opportunity.

“And if a double-decker bus
Crashes into us”

It was hilarious to see Jack’s stupefied face when he got on his knee. For a second the whole world stopped, and then, finally, Jack let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding. He fumbled with his pockets and soon enough, mirrored on the little bridge over a small stream, where they definitely got in the way of other people, Jack kneeled. In his hands he held a box, quite like his own.

“Will you be my husband?” Jack had asked breathlessly, and Oscar couldn’t stop it, as he threw himself on his partner, peppering Jack’s face with kisses.

“To die by your side
Is such a heavenly way to die”

The car slid into the driveway and Oscar sat in the car in silence. He could see the kitchen window, illuminated by the big overhead light. Jack was making dinner.

Drying his eyes of the tears accumulated in his eyes, Oscar got out of the car and went to the other side of the car, to get the flowers. He felt a bit silly, with only a bouquet of flowers that will wilt soon, but he didn’t have time to go into a shop. Still, Oscar felt underappreciating, as he pressed the buzzer. A sound of footsteps neared the door, and there he stood – eyes full of love, hair mused and knife in his hand. Oscar narrowed his eyes at it.

“Oops, I was checking the vegetables in the oven, they still need to cook for a bit.” Jack explained and Oscar nodded silently, still standing outside. Jack, who was already going back into the kitchen held back.

“Oscar-”

“Happy anniversary, love.” Oscar blurted out, his voice trembling and eyes watering. The flowers were outstretched in his hands. Jack sighed and guided him into the warmth of their home and laid a hand on his chest.

“Thank you, babe. Why are you crying?”

“And if a ten-tonne truck
Kills the both of us”

Oscar sniffled and leaned into his touch. “I love you so much.” He said stroking Jack hair. Oscar closed his eyes for a bit, then opened them, making eye contact with his partner.

“Our song come on while I was driving… And I started replaying all the memories I have of you in my head. Of us. And my heart became larger than me. It felt as if it inflated like a balloon. I love you so much it hurts.” Oscar sobbed. “I realised I would do anything for you and that scares me. Love is like a rose - it’s beautiful and thorny. And yet we feel drawn to it because we’re just mortal beings craving something beautiful. Even if we touch the thorns. Even if we let the rose bush consume us whole, with its intoxicating aroma leading us, leaving ourselves scratched and dripping blood.”

Oscar’s voice broke, he choked on his words. Jack held him in his arms, his eyes also watery.

“Oscar, I love you too.” Jack started. “Yes, love is a drug, and yes, it scares me too, but we shouldn’t let it become larger than us. Come, I’ll show you something.”

Their eyes were still adorned by pearls made of tears as they moved closer to the window overlooking their neighbourhood. The streetlamp lights polluted the sky, but weirdly enough, soon Oscar saw the first star appearing in the dark sky. The red chrysanthemums were now laying in Jack’s hands. Jack picked up a bouquet of his own – red asters - and handed it to Oscar.

“Happy anniversary.” He whispered as they both observed the stars.

“To die by your side
Well, the pleasure, the privilege is mine”

Chapter Text

The hallways were empty, and Bloom sighed as he walked through them for the fifth time this night. His seat at the camera room had grown too uncomfortable, so he, the good security guard he was, decided to do rounds. Cause why not? It was his job after all.

The fluorescent lights made the normally white walls sickly green, Bloom recoiled at the colour. His shoulders sagged as he observed a light at the end of the tunnel flicker. Although the place was silent, he could still hear faint whispers in the air, though, considering multiple reasons, they were only his imagination. The cryopreservation laboratory was empty without any sign of life, except him and-

His walky-talky started talking.

“Nothing on the east side,” the other security guard said over the walkie talkie. Bloom grumbled.

“Nothing for me either, Radu.” He said and leaned against a wall. It was 3 AM and Bloom was running purely on 3 coffees he had drunk in the past 5 hours. His vision was blurring a bit, as he remembered the soft pillow and bed that was awaiting him at home. His shoulder was suddenly punched lightly.

“Bloom, we agreed not to fall asleep on the job.” Somehow Radu had walked to him in less than two minutes. Bloom frowned as the man shook him awake.

“But Radu, I’m soooooooo fucking tired.” Bloom’s eyes drooped closed and Radu let out a frustrated groan. Bloom was then shortly dragged to the camera room.

“Dude. This is the most important time of the year. If we let her get out, I don’t even want to know the consequences what will happen to us.” Radu was getting some ice from the freezer in the corner of the room. He praised the people who thought of security guard wellbeing. Then he poured the ice cubes down Bloom’s slightly opened shirt.

“OHHHOHOOHOO” Bloom yelped as soon as the ice contacted his skin. His eyes shot open; rage visible as he glared at Radu. His colleague smiled innocently.

“YOU!” Bloom pointed a finger at him. “You’ll pay for it, you bastard.”

Radu didn’t flinch as Bloom tried to slap him, instead he grabbed his arm and twisted them both, so that Bloom was pinned to the fridge. Bloom let out a confused noise.

“At least you’re awake now.” Radu’s voice sent shivers down Bloom’s spine, they were standing so close, Bloom could feel his breath on his left ear. As if suddenly realising the scandalous position, Radu pulled away and awkwardly scratched his head. Bloom nearly whimpered.

“Uh, sorry.” He said and Bloom’s heart was about to burst out of its place. He opened his mouth to say something, but a loud alert and red lights filled the room. Both security guards looked at each other in panic. This could only mean one thing.

“RED ALERT, RED ALERT.” Radu yelled in the walkie talkie, connected to the local police station. Bloom meanwhile bolted outside the room, Radu hot on his trail, heading to the room 401. A cold shiver ran down Radu spine and he gasped at the unfamiliar feeling.

“Oh no, we’re too late!” he called out and Bloom grinded his teeth. This was bad. His ears caught the whispers once again, this time they were much clearer.

“I don’t want…” a whisper grew closer, and Bloom looked at Radu who had caught up with Bloom, fear stricken on both their faces.

“Did you hear that?” he whisper yelled and Radu nodded frantically. They turned a corner, and a horrifying scene presented itself to them. The 401’s door was wide open, a large puddle of water adorning the floor. The wet tracks continued down the hall.

“…a lot for Christmas…” the whisper persisted, getting further away. Mariah Carey had defrosted and managed to escape.

Radu and Bloom locked eyes and nodded.

“She’s heading to the north exit; we need multiple groups there. Station some people at west and east too, in case she changes course. We will be following her trail from behind.” Radu directed the police while moving forward. Bloom followed, cocking his gun.

“..there is just one thing I need…” the pair followed the voice, still tracking the water trail, that was running out. They neared a branch in the corridor – one led left, the other right. One look to the floor and they were doomed – no more trail.

“I’ll take right, you take left.” In a sudden wave of bravery (or stupidness), Bloom ran down the right corridor, leaving Radu on his own.

“Be careful!” he yelled after him and headed his way, also cocking his gun. As he went further into the corridor, his hopes faltered. He no longer could hear the whispers, but he couldn’t turn back. What if she was right in front of him somewhere?

Radu checked every nook and cranny, every room, that had its doors unlocked, but she was nowhere to be seen. He approached the north exit, a large group of people greeting him. A bad feeling settled in his gut.

“Hello, no sign of her?” he asked, and the commander shook his head. Radu grinded his teeth. So, Bloom was with her…

He turned to the commander. “Send in a group, we need to check the corridor heading northeast and its surroundings. Don’t let her get out.”

He himself ran to the corridor, not watching if the group was following him or not. For now, the only thing that mattered was Bloom.

The whispers indeed got louder as he neared the place, he suspected Bloom had gotten to.

“...I don't care about the presents underneath the Christmas tree…” the whispers sang and Radu scoffed. What good was Christmas anyway with that song blaring in every supermarket since October? People had finally come to their senses, and she was arrested for disorderly conduct, but later frozen here, in a cryopreservation laboratory, which was considered safer. Apparently not safe enough. The song was banned, of course, and the world became better. But with her breaking free? It would turn to anarchy.

“…I just want you for my own…” the voice became louder and Radu turned the corner. He gasped. Bloom was struggling as Mariah swatted him with icicles. His gun laid discarded on the floor, far out of reach. Radu pointed his gun on her.

“Stop what you’re doing. Hands up!” he shouted, and she turned, her eyes hauntingly hollow. Her mouth formed a creepy smile and Radu trembled a bit.

“Radu, she’s completely lost her mind. She is not answering anything and won’t stop singing!” Bloom said loudly, gaining Radu’s and Mariah’s attention. Unfortunately, she continued her attack. Bloom jumped out of the way.

“…MORE than you could ever know…” she cried as she threw a chunk of ice at Bloom, who just nearly ducked out of the way. Radu looked back at the group of policemen he was sure were following him earlier, but there was no one. He turned back and gripped his weapon.

“Bloom what do we do?” Radu shouted to his colleague. “I don’t want to shoot her!”

Bloom dodged another ice cube, but Radu noticed his movement was slower than before. Mariah’s energy was still high.

“…Make my wish come trueeeeee…” she sang and stopped her movements at the exaggerated “true” part, and Radu took the opportunity to swing his gun at her legs, knocking her down on the floor. Behind him, appeared a group of policemen, who sheepishly neared the escapee. Radu came closer to Bloom.

“Dude, are you alright? Oh god, you’re so cold!” Radu exclaimed as he took Bloom’s hands in his. He immediately shrugged off his vest. “Here, warm yourself up.”

Bloom didn’t say anything, just let himself be wrapped up in a new layer of clothing. Mariah was led back to another cell and Radu decided that both himself and Bloom needed a cup of something strong and warm.

They walked back inside the camera room / break room, and Radu immediately set up the kettle. Bloom stood still, eyes straying from the busy form of his colleague to the fridge which he was pinned against an hour ago. The recognition of time made Bloom sigh, his body experiencing another wave of exhaustion.

Radu turned back just in time to witness Bloom sagging against the wall. He approached, sat down next to Bloom and gave him his cup. The colleague took it gingerly and sipped on it in silence. Bloom continued to look around the room, his eyes wandering on the camera screens, where he could see multiple policemen running around, writing reports and whatnot. Thankfully they didn’t need to do that.

“What’s on your mind?” Radu asked, noticing how silent Bloom had been. Bloom jolted at the sudden noise. Radu was quick to settle the cup in Bloom’s hands, still halfway full with tea.

“Eh, you know. Stuff.” Bloom replied, not really wanting to talk about the awkward moment they had shared previously. The man besides him hummed.

“Same. You know, I’m sorry I put ice down your shirt. It’s still damp.” Radu realised and stood up. “Wait, I’ll get you a different one.”

Bloom tried to stop him, but words died on his lips as Radu was already gone. He sat still, trying not to fall asleep. For now, he was succeeding.

Radu came back, a black t-shirt in hand, and swung it at Bloom. The shirt landed right on his head, obstructing his face.

“Dude…” Bloom sighed as he pulled the shirt off his face, just to see Radu grinning like an idiot. “Ok, now turn around so I can change”

“I need to turn around? As you wish.” Radu teased him a bit, but still complied. Bloom tried to change as soon as possible; the air felt cold as he took off his damp shirt. The black t-shirt was much better than the tight security guard form of theirs, now Bloom felt as if he could breathe properly.

“You can turn around now.” He said quietly, and Radu immediately turned and took the damp shirt to let it dry on one of the chairs. When he looked back, he froze. Bloom looked ridiculously cute in his Nirvana shirt; the sight was astounding. His mind wandered back to the fridge incident, but he dismissed it and went back to sit next to Bloom. They sat, Bloom yawning a few times. At the fourth yawn, Radu couldn’t take it anymore. He moved Blooms head to rest on his shoulder.

“Sleep.” He said and Bloom couldn’t help but slump against him, and next thing Radu knew, there was a man sleeping on his shoulder. It was a bit uncomfortable, but Radu reasoned that, while he was tired too, at least someone should be awake in case the police needed something.

Seconds turned into minutes as Radu laid his head on top of Blooms and thought about life. Christmas was coming soon, right? And what would he be doing then? Previous years he had spent being on a night shift, perhaps something else should happen this year? He reckoned, it would be fun to spend it with his friends or family.

A soft snore brought him from his daydreaming, and as quick as lightning, a thought formed. He should spend his Christmas with Bloom.

He could already imagine it – they would be both wearing terrible sweaters, get each other silly ties or mugs as presents. Maybe watch Home Alone together. Only the first two movies, though, other ones were horrible. The picture was so vivid, he had to pinch himself, to remind himself it wasn’t real. Yet.

He turned his head down a bit to glance at Bloom. “All I want for Christmas is you, Bloom”

Chapter Text

When Oscar got an invitation to join the Sidemen hide and seek challenge, he had been stoked – after all, he would have the time of his life, rolling around in mud all day. OK, OK, just kidding – it would be a great self-promo and a possibility to win cash. When he told Jack, that he would be visiting the UK in a months’ time, he left out the reason why. The email he had sworn him to secrecy, and, while Oscar had wanted to brag about it to his dearest friend, he didn’t. Instead, he promised to meet up and hang out after his secret “thing”.

Imagine their surprise, when Jack and Oscar locked eyes in a warehouse, waiting for the filming to get started.

Jack’s journey to the filming location was a disaster. His car broke down on the journey to London, but he somehow made it to his hotel. Then, in the morning, he called an Uber to take him to the filming location, of course, not telling the real address, but one a few minutes away. Just for safety.

It was not at all a pleasant day; Jack was sure it would rain, though for now the sun shined. He shuddered in his JSAG hoodie (hey, free advertisement!), and stepped inside the warehouse, where there were already many creators, camera men and-

“Oscar?” he said loudly, interrupting all the nearby conversations. His words attracted not only Oscar’s and Josh’s attention, but all the others. Great. His face was already red as he approached closer to his friends.

“Jackyboi!” Oscar exclaimed and engulfed his friend in a warm hug. Jack laughed awkwardly as he patted Oscar’s back. Some people were still staring. Josh cut into their moment.

“Jack, it’s nice you’re here. I’m surprised that you didn’t tell each other about this.” He mused and Jack scratched his head.

“Well, I did have a suspicion when Oscar told me he would be coming to the UK right about this time, but thought it was just to visit people. In a way, I guess, I wasn’t wrong.” He added and Josh smiled.

“I knew you would be happy to meet up, anyway, I must go now.” Josh excused himself and left the pair to fend for themselves in a swarm of influencers.

“Sooo… Wanna team?” Oscar asked and Jack looked at him weirdly.

“As if there was any possibility, we weren’t gonna team.” He replied and Oscar grinned. The hour-long waiting time went by a lot quicker with Oscar by his side. Jack knew that he wouldn’t talk to many people, so he dreaded the waiting period, but with Oscar by his side, it went by quickly.

The large crowd of people were finally released in the wilderness and stood in front of a large billboard of their faces. Jack inspected the map they were given beforehand – there were so many zones – where should they hide? Oscar glanced at the map too.

“If we’re fast enough, we could loot some of the boxes.” He proposed, but Jack shook his head.

“We might not get there fast enough. Perhaps we should go here instead.” Jack pointed at the cabin on the map. Oscar grimaced.

“They are more likely to check buildings and the loot boxes than the woods. Although we could get unlucky with hiding in the wrong bush.” He spoke. Jack was about to argue back, but a loud siren grabbed their attention. Josh began to speak.

“HELLO AND WELCOME TO THE SIDEMEN ULTIMATE HIDE AND SEEK IN A MILITARY BASE” he shouted, and the crowd cheered. Josh continued. “YOU GUYS HAVE 20 MINUTES TO GO AND HIDE.”

“Only 20 minutes?” a voice behind them grumbled. Murmurs swam amongst them.

“THREE. TWO. ONE. GO!” Josh counted down and mayhem started. People ran in all directions, tripping over themselves and bolting straight into the forest wall. Jack stood, overwhelmed by this whole debacle, when a comforting hand pulled him towards the forest. Jack came to his senses and followed in Oscar’s direction.

He was grateful Oscar had the braincells to wear something dark and natural, but against the greenish brown background and many fallen branches, it was hard to follow him. Jack ran closer and joint their hands. Oscar looked back, scandalised.

“What’s that about?” he asked, and Jack rolled his eyes.

“It’s hard to keep up, at least now I won’t lose you.” He replied and Oscar giggled.

“Jacky, you know I would wait for you. Wait that sounds wrong.” Oscar skewed his face at the innuendo. Jack sighed and looked at the camera he was holding in his hand, nearly tripping over a tree root.

“This is what I have to tolerate for the whole day” he said, full of sarcasm. Oscar dismissed his tone.

“Jack let’s go. What should we do after we loot the cabin?” he asked, content to put their previous conversation on hold. Jack thought for a second.

“It wouldn’t really be smart to hide there, would it?” Jack asked, and Oscar agreed. A cabin appeared in front of them and Oscar ran straight towards it.

“If I’m not mistaken, another team wanted to loot this place. We should be swift.” He suggested. The door opened wide, and a chest greeted them. Jack went forwards and opened it. Inside was an axe and a ghillie suit.

“This is a bunch of rubbish!” he cried, and Oscar frowned.

“I did hope there would be something more here. Maybe we can search it all.” Oscar said, looking around the barren room.

“Oscar.” Jack said, gaining Oscar’s attention. “There’s nothing here. We should leave.”

“Wait.” Oscar suddenly gasped, grabbing Jack by the waist, not letting him leave. “There’s a basement here!” he pointed under the chest, where a sliver of a hatch could be seen. Suddenly, voices spoke outside the cabin door. Oscar bolted to push the empty chest fully over the hatch. Jack Manifold wandered inside the cabin, followed by a man neither Oscar nor Jack knew the name of.

“Oh, it’s a party here! Whatcha got there, fellas?” Manifold asked. The axe and ghillie suit were on full display in Jack arms. Jack silently motioned at the items.

“Just this.” He said and the room fell in silence. The unnamed man looked at Manifold, then at the two dearest friends.

“What’s your plan at hiding?” he asked, and Jack looked at Oscar. Oscar turned towards the two newcomers to talk. After moving the chest, he was still sitting on it.

“Currently we are thinking of staying here.” He replied and Manifold furrowed his eyebrows.

“Here? They are gonna search this place first.” Manifold said and his companion nodded. “Better hide in the forest.”

Jack looked at Oscar, trying to convey his thoughts to him. How are they going to get rid of them? Should they tell them about the hatch?

Jack didn’t know if the thought conveying worked, but suddenly Oscar jumped up from his place on the chest.

“If you’re going to hide in the forest, maybe you can take the ghillie suit. Not a lot of help for us here.” He offered and Manifold hummed.

“Eh, you probably will need it more than us, scrambling around the forest after you realise this is a horrible idea. How much time do we have?” he asked his partner.

“Just about 10 minutes.” He replied and Manifold clicked his tongue.

“We should get going, leave these losers in the dust. May the better Jack win, Mr.SucksAtLife!” he exclaimed as the two went outside. Their voices grew distant, and Oscar let out a breath.

“That was way too close. How about you take guard at the door while I examine this hatch? If it leads nowhere, then we’re leaving” Oscar suggested and Jack stood next to the door, trying to look as casual as possible. Oscar pushed the chest off the hatch and groaned.

“It has a lock!” he complained. Without blinking an eye, Jack suggested an idea. “Use the axe to break in.”

“Isn’t that illegal?” Oscar questioned. Jack shrugged.

“No idea. If needed, we will take a part of the prize money to cover the costs.” Jack smirked and Oscar shook his head in surprise.

“Where did you get your cockiness from, Jackyboi?” Oscar questioned, but still took the axe and used it to slice the lock open. A loud sound resonated thought the forest and Jack looked outside the door, to see if it attracted anybody. For now, they were safe.

“Oh god, this is tiny!” Oscar whispered, but Jack still heard it. He came closer and the view wasn’t appealing – the hole was just about wide enough for two people, but it would be a tight fit. As for the depth? Well…

“Good news is that I am not tall enough to reach the hatch. Our height will not be a problem.” Oscar, who had already jumped into the hole, said. “Bad news – I am not tall enough to reach the hatch. I don’t think I can get out.”

Jack peered into the hole. The hole was about 2.5 meters deep, if not more. In it stood Oscar, who looked comically small in the hole. Jack stifled a laugh.

“Right. How should we go about this? Should we hide in here or like, try to get you out?” Jack asked, but the question was answered before Oscar could say a word.

A siren blared throughout the forest and distant screams could be heard. Jack was about to jump into the hole with Oscar, but he stopped him.

“Waitwaitwait, wait.” Oscar shouted. Jack stopped, his heartbeat spiking at the volume. “You should move the chest so that it blocks the view of the hatch.”

Jack exhaled in relief. “Thank god, I thought it was something severe.” He stood up and pushed the chest near the hatch, just so that it was not visible from the cabin door. Then he looked at Oscar.

“Ok, what else?” he asked, and Oscar shrugged. Jack hummed and, after nothing came to mind, gathered the axe and ghillie suit and jumped in next to Oscar. The hole immediately felt smaller than Jack had imagined it, and Oscar had previously experienced. Their bodies were pressed against each other, but it was possible to shimmy away in a corner, so that they wouldn’t touch. Oscar fished out a flashlight out of his pants pocket.

“Woah, you’re just always prepared.” Jack stared at his friend in amazement. Oscar blushed a bit. Then looked at the camera, that had been capturing every moment of their adventure.

“Turns out I’m not the only one making questionable comments.” He simply said and Jack groaned as he realised what Oscar was talking about.

“Right, there was no need for that. How about we better try to close the hatch?” Jack tried to change the subject, and Oscar allowed it. Oscar tried to reach on his tippy toes but couldn’t close the hatch. Then he looked at Jack.

“Maybe I can try lifting you and you can close the hatch?” he asked, and Jack grumbled something under his breath.

“OK. Goddamit, we’re doing them fanservice.” He said, mentally readying himself. Without a particular warning, Oscar grabbed his hips and lifted him, pinning him to the wall in the process. Jack yelped.

“What are you doing?” he screeched. “This is not lifting! You’re pinning me to the wall!”

Oscar let out a frustrated noise. “Look, I don’t really have any experience lifting people to close hatches. Bear with me.”

He tried again, and this time Jack just marginally touched the hatch, and it fell closed. They were ingulfed in darkness, just faint slivers of light coming from the small gaps in the wooden hatch. Jack fell on top of Oscar.

“Oh, scheiße” Oscar swore, trying to stabilize his friend. Jack leaned against the opposite wall. He breathed deeply.

“Great, we are going to suffocate down here.” He said and Oscar turned on the flashlight, blinding him for a second. “HEY!”

“Oops. Sorry, Jacky.” Oscar apologised, pointing the flashlight downwards, to inspect their new home. As expected, it wasn’t lined with wood, but rather was just a hole dug into the dirt underneath the house.

“What are you looking at?” Jack questioned his movements. Oscar looked at him.

“Not really sure. We should be familiar with the environment we are in; I suppose.” He spoke. Then he started looking inside his pockets. Jack observed him curiously. At his confused look, Oscar held up his phone and a power bank.

“I brought this, just in case. Now we can play Geoguessr.” He whispered excitedly. Jack groaned.

“When are you not thinking about Geoguessr?” he shook his head. Oscar put back the things in his pocket.

“Well, Mr. I hate fun, what do you have in your pockets?” he asked. Jack felt around and pulled out an energy bar.

“I have this, a small water bottle and my phone. That’s it. Oh, and we also have the axe and ghillie suit.” Jack pointed at his legs, where their items from the chest laid. Oscar sighed.

“Well, at least we have some kind of food.” He reasoned. Closed spaces were not his favourite, but it was a bit too late to change anything.

They had no idea how much time had passed, but they heard voices coming closer. Oscar shut off the flashlight.

“Well, somebody has certainly been here.” They could hear someone’s voice from above. It sounded like Tobi. “Look, the chest has been emptied.”

“Hmm, interesting. We should search around this region, then.” A quieter voice, that sounded like Simon, said.

“Wait, Simon, there’s a hatch here!” Suddenly Tobi’s voice got louder. “Would anyone be so stupid as to hide here?”

Jack turned his face to Oscar in horror. Would they be found right at the start, after everything they had been through? The hatch rattled, but didn’t open. Jack wanted to exhale in relief, but his mouth was blocked by a hand.

“Looks like it’s locked.” Tobi announced to Simon and a minute afterwards, they left. Jack finally broke free from Oscar’s hold.

“What the hell happened?” Jack whispered. Oscar turned on the flashlight again and pointed it at the hatch. It turned out, that the hatch had a hook on the inside.

“I think you pulled down that hook when you closed the hatch. You just saved our spot in the competition!” Oscar concluded, a smile appearing on his face. Jack looked at him surprised.

“Woah, that’s so lucky. You know, I was so sure I would have the worst luck in this tournament, but now we have secured a great hiding spot, and I have excellent company with me!” Jack said and Oscar all but melted at his words.

“Oh, Jacky. You’re not so bad yourself. We make a great team.”

For the next three hours, they heard nothing. Sure, there were some voices here and there, some even ventured into the cabin, but not far enough to spot the hatch. They heard sirens every so often, when zones became smaller. Luckly for them, they didn’t need to change their hiding spot – they were staying in the zone, which was the last, smallest one. During those hours, they spoke about life, shared the energy bar, finally realised that they could sit down on the ground, and the pair learnt more about each other than in the two years they had known each other. Their conversation was cut short by voices.

“The thermal camera shows a dot here? Are you certain?” Oscar had turned off the flashlight as soon as he had heard footsteps. Josh walked around the cabin. “There’s nothing here! I’ll open the chest. No, nobody.”

The pacing didn’t cease. Considering the fact that nobody was answering him, the boys concluded he was on the phone.

“A hatch? Yea, I’ll check it.” The hatch rustled again, but didn’t open. “No, nothing.”

The footsteps went away. And then-

“Shine the light through the gaps? Great idea.” The footsteps went back. A hand gripped Jack’s forearm in an iron tight grasp. Jack felt Oscar shuffle around a bit, and something fell over him.

“Wait I heard something.” Josh said, as he fumbled around with his flashlight. Jack closed his eyes, as if not being able to see the light would save him. “Yeah, no, nothing there. Just some leaves or shit… I don’t know Simon, maybe there are rats down there.”

Josh went away, his footsteps growing quieter and quieter. After a minute of silence, Oscar pulled the ghillie suit off their heads and turned on the flashlight.

“Woah, what was that?” Jack marvelled at Oscar’s quick thinking. Oscar dropped the ghillie suit at their feet.

“That, my dear friend, was quick thinking.” Oscar proclaimed and Jack giggled.

“Do you think we are some of the last people, if they are using thermal cameras?” Jack asked. Oscar shrugged.

“It’s entirely possible.” he replied. Some minutes passed, when a loud voice spoke throughout the entire area.

“Contestants. You have 1 minute to send a selfie of you in your hiding position with your flash on to the Whatsapp group.”

Oscar sighed. “That must mean we are in the top 10 at least.” Jack nodded.

“Surely. Now, how should we do this. We make our own pictures without each other, right?” Jack asked and Oscar thought for a moment.

“We should make it seem that we are hiding in completely different places. But, considering the background to our pictures will be the same, they will be suspicious.” Oscar talked.

“I hadn’t even thought about that! I’ll put the ghillie suit in the background for me, so it’s different.” Jack proposed and Oscar shrugged his shoulders. They stood up to take the selfies and sent them in the group chat. One other name appeared in the group chat.

“Oh god, it’s AB.” Jack groaned. Oscar looked at him, utterly confused.

“AB lives for this stuff.” Jack explained. “He’s probably gone hardcore for this. He lost the last Sidemen hide and seek and was very upset.”

Oscar thought for a moment. “Well, then they either find us and he wins or find him and then try to find us. But the thing is, they don’t know we are hiding together.”

“True, but our chances would be better if-” Jack started to say, but again, he was silenced by a hand over his mouth. Oscar turned off the flashlight as footsteps came closer.

“Is this really the only place the thermal camera shows on the map?” they could hear Josh once again asking. More footsteps came.

“It seems like it. I mean, maybe one of them posed as one of the crew, but we already checked. It’s between them two now.” Tobi said and a quiet gasp came from Jack. Were they really the only two left? Had they found AB? Oscar reached out and put their hands together. It didn’t seem as though anybody heard them.

“I’m still confused. Jack Manifold said he saw them together here. He was the last person to see them. But there’s nothing here!” Josh exclaimed, his footsteps nearing the hatch. “There is no way they are both in there.”

The hatch rattled again as Josh struggled to open it. Jack felt as Oscar hands lowered to his hips. Jack steadied his hands on Oscar’s shoulders, as he readied himself to be lifted. Then suddenly the hatch opened, and eight pairs of eyes were watching them. The reactions varied.

“WOAH-GUYS!”
“JESUS GET A ROOM-”
“MY EYES-”
“EYY, WE FOUND THEM!”

Jack immediately noticed their…unique position and distanced himself away from Oscar. They both had their heads in their hands, too flustered to explain anything.

“What were you cheeky fellas doing down there, eyy?” Josh asked and Oscar finally had the courage to look him in the eye.

“Neither of us are tall enough to reach the hatch, so I was trying to lift Jack, so he can free the hook on the inside.” Oscar explained, slightly stuttering, and roaring laughter engulfed the cabin.

“Well, either way, congratulations, you’ve just won 20k in cash.” Josh announced and Jack looked at him in surprise.

“We won?” he asked in disbelief. Oscar took his shoulders and shook him.

“JACKY!” Oscar engulfed them in a hug. Jack felt himself melt in his arms. The pair started to tear up a bit.

“Okay, how about we get you out of this hole now, lovebirds?” Simon asked and Jack sputtered.

“Woah, woah, woah. Nothing weird about hiding in a hole for 5 hours with your dearest friend.” He said and the room shook with laughter.

“Sure, sure. I’m certain that your footage will be plenty interesting.” Josh winked as he held out a hand to pull Jack out of the hole. Jack tried not to think about it.

“And you were there the whole time?” Tobi asked. Oscar nodded.

“We were shitting bricks when you first tried to open the hatch. Luckly, when we closed the hatch, the hook had locked. Entirely by luck.” Oscar explained as he joined Jack on the cabin floor. Loud “aw man’s” and “dangit’s” swept the room.

“Well, better get you back to the main zone. We need to film the outro.” Josh took the ghillie suit one of the crew had fished out. “And you put this ghillie suit over your heads to hide when I shined the light through, I assume. You pesky little things.”

Jack giggled at Josh’s comment. The group of people started to move further away from the cabin. Oscar still had his arm around Jack.

“It was entirely his idea.” Jack said and pointed at his dearest friend. Oscar smiled.

“Yeah, but you thought about the food and water. I had nothing with me except a power bank.” He argued. Jack furrowed his eyebrows.

“You spotted the hatch just as we were about to leave. And you advised to hide the hatch behind the chest.” Jack responded at the compliment. Josh laughed at their antics.

“OK, OK, you make a great team, we get it.” He spoke.

“It feels like I’m witnessing newlyweds.” Tobi commented and laughter once again filled the forest. Jack and Oscar decided not to comment on it.

The outro went by quite quickly, Josh just passed a bag to the two winners, said some words and the filming ended. It was already pitch-black outside, so multiple people had gone home. Just a few players had stayed for the soup, that the food van had made.

“Congratulations.” Jack Manifold said as he neared Jack and Oscar, who were sitting, eating. Well, Oscar was eating the soup, Jack was munching on a vegetarian sandwich. Oscar nodded in recognition.

“Thanks. Turns out the better Jack did win.” Jack said, a slight smirk on his face. Oscar huffed.

“There’s no need to rub it in, Jacky.” He scolded him, then turned to the other Jack. “You did good Manifold. Thank you.”

Jack Manifold laughed. “Well, I did say that in the cabin. If anything, I deserved it.” Then he went away, and the pair sat in silence.

After eating the late dinner, the two winners said goodbye to the Sidemen and hopped into an Uber, where it took them to the hotel Jack stayed at last night. Seemed as their luck was exhausted, as the front desk announced they didn’t have any rooms for Oscar.

“Oh.” Oscar looked at Jack. “I could find a different hotel then.”

Jack exhaled. Then turned to the front desk lady. “He’s staying with me in my room.”

His voice was rigid, it left no room for arguing. The lady looked scandalised, but still nodded and put another expense under his name. Jack muttered a “goodbye” as he pulled Oscar to the elevator. As soon as they got in, Oscar looked at him.

“That was something.” He spoke. Jack looked at him confused.

“The way you said it. She definitely thinks we’re banging.” Oscar clarified and Jack rolled his eyes.

“After today I think everyone will think we’re a couple. They found us with me climbing on top of you. We were grown men stuck in a hole for half a day, of course it will look dodgy.” He grumbled and Oscar chuckled.

“Well, maybe it wouldn’t be the worst thing that could have happened. Don’t forget we won the competition” he reminded. The elevator door opened, and the pair went out in the corridor, Jack’s backpack and Oscar’s luggage in hand. Jack swiped the key card and opened the door.

“Considering that now we will get thrice the amount of fan edits-” Jack was cut off by Oscar pinning him to the now closed door. He leaned in closer to Jack’s face.

“Yeah? Considering what?” he beckoned, and Jack felt speechless. His mouth fell open in surprise at the sudden movements. Oscar’s gaze nailed him to the door, and he felt helpless.

“Kiss me.” Jack blurted out. Oscar smirked.

“Gladly.”

Chapter Text

As much as Jack liked winter – with it’s immaculate vibe and beauty, right not it was being a bitch. Jack’s nose was frozen in ice as he moved through the street slowly. The wind was harsh, any more and his cheeks would be slashed with blood.

The weather today was a complete switch up from the previous week. It had rained during the night, so now the streets were completely covered with ice. It was almost impossible to spot with your eyes, so Jack, not used to the slippery floor, had already fallen on his bum twice today. Not a lot of people were outside that day, it was probably for the best as where Jack looked, people were slipping and cars were drifting, sometimes uncontrollably.

Jack was taking in the all-around scene and didn’t spot the ice covered sidewalk. He slipped, heading for his third fall of the day, but instead of a bruising on his back, a pair of arms caught him.

“Woah, easy there!” a voice behind him laughed, and Jack’s embarrassment grew. The mysterious voice helped him up and Jack turned to look at his saviour. In front of him stood a tall man, probably Jack’s age, a splitting grin on his face. Jack shook off the shock from his face.

“Uh, thank you. It’s so incredibly slippery today.” Jack thanked the man, and he nodded.

“My gran knew today would a horrible day outside because of that rain last night. I think that’s why she sent me to the shops instead of going herself. Oh, my name’s Oscar by the way.” Oscar talked, confidently striding towards the city centre. Jack followed.

“Well, either you’re a very nice grandson or she knows how to persuade you. My name is Jack.” He extended his hand for a handshake. Oscar shook his hand.

“It might just be both, Jack. Me and gran live on Tape Street. And you?” the fella asked, guiding Jack as they went around a large frozen puddle.

“I thought you looked familiar; don’t you live on the corner? Then I live two houses from you.” Jack suddenly realised where he had seen the man before. Surely, he was the one picking apples from those billions of trees this summer?

“The one and the same.” Oscar laughed after Jack realised, he had said the last bit out loud. “Grandma has hundreds of jars of jam in her basement. If you need some, we can provide.”

Jack smiled at the invitation. “That’s so nice of you. Wait, dude. I’ve slipped two times this past minute, and you haven’t slipped at all. How are you doing that?” Jack questioned, utterly confused. Oscar grinned and lifted his foot.

“I’ve put nails in the boots. Looks weird, but it works.” He said and Jack looked at him as if he was a madman.

“That’s crazy. Either way, where are you heading? I needed to pop into that store we just passed.” Jack asked, when he realised that with all their talking and banter, they had passed the bakery.

“Oh! Sorry, I’m on my way to the pharmacy. Need to pick up some cough drops.” Oscar looked at him apologetically and Jack shook his head.

“Not your fault. Then, see you later?” Jack questioned and a smile returned of Oscar face, mirroring Jack’s own.

“Sure. If you have nothing going on today, you can visit me and grandma. Though, be careful of the ice.” Oscar said. Jack thought for a moment, then hummed.

“I’ll come. Bye for now.” He opened the door to the bakery and looked as Oscar waved goodbye and went further down the road. Jack stood at the door as he thought back to those kind eyes and strong arms. A weird feeling brewed in his stomach. A…good feeling.

Chapter Text

The feeling was turned to anxiety as Jack stood in front of the door of, supposedly, Oscar’s home. The house stood big, the expanse of a few apple trees and flower beds surrounding it. Now the trees and flower beds were barren, but Jack still remembered the billions of apples and beautiful pink flowers that were there during summer. Jack was still gathering the courage to knock, when suddenly an elderly lady opened the door.

“Hello, whatcha lurking out here for? Come in!” the lady invited Jack in, but he stopped. She was way too trusting. He remembered reading about some grandmas poisoning enemy soldiers with food during WW2 and, obviously, he didn’t want to experience the same. The lady turned around, when she noticed Jack not following her.

“Don’t let the cold inside! Oscar will come soon; he’s searching for a more appropriate attire.” She smiled and Jack felt relieved. Maybe he wouldn’t be poisoned after all. He came inside the house and was hit with a scent he could only describe as “grandmotherly”. A faint smell of something baking in the oven, years of dust, seen much more then him in his entire life, years of knitted socks and sweaters, drying peppermint batches hung to the walls. It was a universal feeling. Jack immediately calmed down. He took of his coat and boots, and, with his llama socks sliding across the floor, ventured into the living room, just in time to see the lady shout at the bottom of the stairs in the corridor.

“He’s here, Oscar! Come on down, don’t make the guest wait!” she said in a cheerful voice. Somewhere from the second story, a voice yelled back something unintelligible.  

Oscar’s grandmother turned back and ushered him further into the cozy room. 

“Sorry, we don’t get a lot of guests often.” She said, putting yarn balls away in a basket. “It’s so nice you came by. You’re the first friend Oscar has brought home.” She said with a pointed look. Jack tried to not think of the implications in her voice.

“We only just met today. He saved me from a fall.” He said, sitting down on the sofa. The granny put a bowl of gingerbread cookies on the table.

“It’s those nail boots, a witty fella he is. Down in Australia he didn’t get much snow.” She sighed, sitting down in the loveseat. “5 months have passed, but he finally has company here.”

Jack tried to smile at the situation, but his heart swelled with sadness. The man he met that morning was way different than the man she was describing. Jack thought of Oscar as extroverted, not at all shy. Jack hummed and took a cookie. Loud steps descended the stairs.

“Oh, hi Jack!” Oscar beamed at him and Jack responded with a greeting. “I see you’ve met my gran. Gran, this is Jack, our neighbour or, well, close enough to count as one, and Jack, this is my grandma.”

Jack nodded and giggled at Oscar’s pink face as he realised the silliness of the situation. Oscar sat on the sofa, a bit embarrassed. His grandma smiled.

“So, Jack, tell us a bit more about yourself. All I know is that you work out a lot and need some nails in your shoes” she said, and Oscar let out a groan. Jack looked at them, slightly confused.

“How did you know I work out?” he asked, and he saw Oscar shooting daggers at his granny. She either didn’t care or didn’t notice it.

“Oh, Oscar noticed your great physique earlier today. You boys want tea?” she asked, ignoring both of their flustered faces. She disappeared into another room. Oscar coughed.

“Uhm. What she meant was-” Oscar tried to explain, but Jack stopped him.

“I’m flattered.” He said and turned his head to see if grandma wasn’t eavesdropping. Then turned to whisper to Oscar. “She’s lovely.”

“And very nosey.” Oscar commented, turning both a mess of hushed giggles. Gran walked into the living room, setting down a tea set on the table, a faint smile on her face.

“Here you go, peppermint tea from our garden. You may now continue, Jack.” She said, pouring tea in the cups. Jack sat up to help, but gran slapped his hand away. Instead, Jack thought about her question.

“Well, I am 29 years old, and I work as a video editor. I mostly work from home, but sometimes I need to meet my clients face to face.” Jack started, taking a moment to sip the tea. He thought for a bit about what to say. “I enjoy watching nature documentaries and quiz shows. I like music, especially Arctic Monkeys. And I suppose that’s it.”

He smiled sheepishly at Oscar’s fond smile. “Video editing is so cool! OK, my turn.” Oscar turned on the sofa to get more comfortable.

“I’m 25, have lived in Australia most of my life, but moved here to pursue my dream of becoming a geography teacher. I also like quiz shows, but more than that I enjoy criminal dramas. And my music taste really differs day to day.”

Jack sat enticed as Oscar spoke, not noticing his gran disappearing somewhere. When Oscar finished, Jack smiled.

“I really thought you were older than me.” He mused and Oscar laughed.

“I believe it’s the beard.” He shined a cheeky smile and Jack giggled.

It was already dark when Jack remembered he had urgent work to do. The two of them had spent all the time talking about their lives and interesting topics reaching from various geographical wonders to the right way to eat a pizza.

Jack unwillingly tied his boots as Oscar held out his coat to him. “You know you can visit again, right?” Oscar said as Jack looked at him with puppy eyes.

“Yeah, but that doesn’t change the fact that I need to do work when I get home.” He said, shrugging on the coat. Oscar shook his head with fondness.

“I can call you if you want me to.” He suggested. Jack’s eyes lit up as Christmas lights.

“Oh, please do!” he exclaimed, and Oscar patted his shoulder.

“Only if you promise you will do your work.” Oscar teased him. Jack grumbled as he neared the door. Oscar’s gran emerged from the basement.

“Here you go dear, this year’s apple jam.” She put the jar in Jack’s hands. “If you need some more, only ask. Oscar did a good job, picking them all and helping me make it.”

Oscar sputtered at the compliment. Gran had thrown around a lot of compliments that evening. Jack only smiled wider.

“Certainly.” He promised. He said goodbyes to the two family members and carefully walked to his home. When Jack got back in his house and put his keys down, his phone started ringing.

“You will not believe the day I’ve had…” a familiar Australian man said to him and Jack felt his heart turn to goo once again.