Will I Be Here Next Year?

Will I Be Here Next Year?

a vds one shot. you can find more on my ao3.

( @ apolloswords )

feel free to comment/message me any suggestions for one shot ideas!

A magical Christmas night featuring Van Der Stoffels.

The snow fell softly on him and Jens as they made their way towards the Stoffels family home. Jens had a little bounce in his step, excited to see his family after a year of living in Utrecht. But Lucas was quite the opposite, his walk was more slow, at a distant pace as though he was taking his sweet time to get there.

It had been six months of their blossoming relationship, after an additional six months of what Lucas thought was an unrequited crush. But eventually, after much procrastination, they had started to accept falling in love together and were clearly happier than ever.

So happy, that Jens had excitedly brought up the idea of being Lucas home for Christmas. Lucas of course said yes, feeling so lucky that his boyfriend thought he was of great importance enough to bring him home to meet the family. And not just Jens’ parents and sisters, but also his aunts, uncles, relatives and grandparents.

The days leading up to Christmas was just as busy as ever, especially since Lucas had much more gifts to buy this year than in the previous. While he did do his usual rounds of buying gifts for Kes, Jayden, Isa and his mom, he was starting to enjoy buying stuff for Jens’ family as well. Especially for his sisters, Lies, a similar budding artist and Lotte, some of his more memorable childhood toys.

But now he was worried. Lucas had never spent Christmas with a large amount of people, let alone a family. Growing up as an only child with cousins who lived much further away didn’t exactly capture the large goldfish gatherings. He did have some experience in his later years, when his dad ditched and his mom had been admitted and Christmas then meant spending time with Kes’ family or the found family of his friends.

It never once meant spending time with his boyfriend’s family.

“Something wrong?” Jens asked, looking at Lucas worriedly.

He quickly shook his head, not wanting his boyfriend to worry. “I’m okay, it’s fine.”

“We don’t have to do this you know. If you want, we can just celebrate by ourselves.”

Frowning, he shook his head again. “Jens we can’t do that, they’re your family! You haven’t seen them in forever. Yes, I’m a little nervous, but I’ll get over it.” Lucas held up the bags of gifts in his hands and gestured to the bags Jens was holding as well. “Besides, we can’t have all these gifts.”

Smirking, Jens inched a little closer to give the top of Lucas’ head a kiss. Even though it was covered by a knitted hat, he could feel the softness of his lips and a good vibration shook through him.

“Thank you.” Jens said softly. “I was a little worried that maybe you would think this was all a little too fast. Meeting my family only after a few months of dating. But they’re so excited to meet you, I promise.”

He beamed, a little of the nervous weight being lifted off his shoulders. “I’m excited to meet them. Hopefully I’ll still be around next Christmas.”

Jens scuffed a laugh. “I’ll personally make sure of it.”

Before they knew it, they were standing in front of a large house decorated with lights and wreaths on the windows. Even without looking inside, there was a soft glow that emitted through and the faint sound of laughter, cheer and holiday music could be heard from outside. Taking a quick glance at Jens, he noticed the way he looked admiringly at the house, like he didn’t think he would ever see it again. Lucas smiled as he felt his own heart melt. It must’ve been tough for Jens to have moved at the start of the year, and nothing could ever compare to the way a home made you feel.

This confirmed that they were definitely at the right house. Lucas gulped down the rest of his nerves as they walked up the steps, Jens reaching out to ring the doorbell.

Just as his finger was about to press it, the door whipped open to a young teenage girl with the same raven hair he knew so well. But her eyes were much brighter, like a light hazel.

“Jens!” She cheered out, before yelling over her shoulder. “Jens is here! He brought his boyfriend!”

“Hello to you too Lies.” Jens laughed as she lunged forward to hug him. It was a little tricky, since Jens’ hands were full but he managed to wrap his long arms around her anyway.

Another girl emerged, charging towards Jens. She was much smaller, just barely a teenager but her hair and eyes was another light contrast in comparison to her brother’s. The only reason Lucas figured they were related was through their similar smirk, the corners of their lips lifting upwards as their eyes narrowed down softly.

“Hello to you too Lotte.” Jens laughed again, looking down at the smaller girl who had managed to squeeze his side.

“Jens! Lucas! Come in!” A women with dark hair and eyes called out warmly. She ushered the girls off their brother quickly, so the cold air wouldn’t come into the house and they could greet each other in the more preferable warmth of the house.

“Jens, I’ve missed you so much.” His mother greeted, wrapping her arms him. A man with light hair and eyes arrived behind her.

“Jens! It’s good to have you back.” He said, and Lucas quickly figured that must be his father.

As they continued to greet each other, Jens’ mother turned and opened her arms up to him. “Lucas, how nice to meet you.” She said warmly before she hugged him. Taking a closer look at him, she grinned and tilted her head to Jens. “He’s a pretty one, you got lucky with this one.”

“That I did.” Jens winked and Lucas felt his cheeks go pink.

“It’s nice to meet you Mr. and Mrs. Stoffels.” Lucas said politely.

“Oh no need for formalities, just call us Leona and Jacob.” Leona said, leading Lucas towards the living room. The amount of people glancing at him caused his nerves to come back again, but Leona gently squeezed his shoulder. “You can place all your gifts under the tree. I didn’t expect so many!”

“It’s my first Christmas with a big family.” Lucas explained. “Usually it’s always just been me and my parents and in more recent years my friends.”

“Oh well I hope we show you a great time. Dinner will be out in a bit but there’s something yea and hot chocolate if you’d like to warm up with.”

-

The room was a bustle of joy after dinner, when dessert was being served. Lucas was sitting at the table with Lotte, Lies and Jens. The two girls were excitedly sitting beside Lucas as they showed him all the candy they had brought out for a gingerbread house.

“Have you ever decorated a gingerbread house?” Lotte asked Lucas, as he started assembling the gingerbread cookies together.

“Nope.” He said, trying to keep his voice cheery but there was an empty feeling sinking in him when he realized he’d never done this before.

“Really? Jens and Lies and me always compete who can make the best ones.” Lotte explained.

“Jens’ suck!” Lies teased before Jens began tickling her stomach.

“They won’t this year because I’ll have Lucas on my team.” Jens defended back, before leaning over the chair Lucas was sitting on to give him a flirty kiss on the cheek.

“How can that work? Lucas doesn’t know how to make a gingerbread house. He’s never made one before.” Lies asked.

“Well, aside from being a really good artist who’s very skilled with his hands, Lucas is an extremely good baker.” Jens said with a smirk. “He bakes for me all the time and even decorates all the cookies with icing and candy. I think I have a professional with me.”

Reaching over and pinching his cheek, Lucas smirked back. “Who says I’m even on your team?”

“I want Lucas!” Lotte cried. “It’s not fair I lose every year ‘cause I’m the youngest!”

“Traitor.” Jens pouted as Lotte rolled her eyes before making her way over beside him. Taking some icing on his hand, Jens swiped it on Lucas’ cheek, still pretending to be annoyed at him.

Lucas took the icing off his cheek and licked it, giving Jens a wink. Now Jens just rolled his eyes.

“I’ll have you know I crush the competition every year.” He mumbled.

“Except for this year!” Lotte exclaimed excitedly.

-

Lucas was curled up against Jens with a mug of hot chocolate in his hands as he watched people around him open up their gifts. Wrapping paper was everywhere and Lucas even had a stack of his own gifts laying on the couch’s armrest. He felt so warm and appreciated, the worries of feeling out of place completely out of his mind. Jens had his arm around him, gently picking and playing at the loose threads from his knitted sweater.

Leaning his head on Jens’ shoulder, he could feel the equal warmth coming from his boyfriend. Jens smiled at feeling Lucas against him and laid a kiss on his head.

“You know,” Leona smiled from across the room. “I don’t think Jens and Lucas have realized they’ve been under the mistletoe this entire night. Unless they do, and that’s why Jens keeps sneaking in small kisses.”

They looked up and realized she was right. There was some mistletoe hanging directly over their heads and they both scoffed at the irony. Lucas hadn’t noticed it when he first sat down, but the twinkle in Jens’ eyes told him that he knew otherwise. That was probably why Jens had motioned him to come sit down in the first place.

Catching one of his smirks, Jens leaned over and gave him a small kiss on the lips, which Lucas instantly found himself giggling at. The family around him cheered as Jens pressed in a little closer and Lucas could feel a smile spread on his lips.

When they pulled apart, there were still some cheering and Lucas noted the smile that still stayed on Jens’ face. He watched as Jens stuck his tongue out slightly, wiping it across his bottom lip.

“Tastes like hot chocolate.” He teased.

Rolling his eyes, Lucas downed the rest of his drink and placed his mug down on the side table. Lunging a little forward, he grabbed Jens’ face and peppered soft kisses all over it. Jens yelped a out at the sudden course of action and tried to pry Lucas off, but Lucas had leverage since half of his body was practically on top of his. As he continued to cover Jens’ face with the hot chocolate from his lips, the cheers turned into laughter.

And as much as Jens was protesting, he knew deep down how much Jens was secretly enjoying the attack of hot chocolate kisses.

-

By the time most people had left, it was already close to midnight. The two younger girls were yawning and eager to go to bed. Santa was still to come in the morning, adding more to the gifts that were saved until the morning. Jens and Lucas were helping Leona and Jacob clean up for the night. Lucas busying himself in the kitchen, drying up dishes as Jens was outside helping his dad bring in extra gifts that had been hidden in the car.

“Jens is lucky to have you.” Leona said as she passed Lucas a plate.

“I’m lucky to have him.” He responded with a shy smile. “I haven’t met anyone like him.”

“Well I’ve never seen him smile so much. He looks so in love and I’m happy it’s with somebody like you.” She grinned and leaned in closer to whisper in his ear. “Don’t tell him this, but he did tell me about you a few months ago. He was more than excited to finally be dating you. I cant imagine what he feels now that you guys are so clearly in love.”

He felt a warm blush hit his face and he tried to hide it by shaking his head. Leona only laughed, indicating that his attempt at hiding his reaction had failed.

Before either of them could say anything else, Jens popped his head into the kitchen. He was still dressed in his outdoor clothes and his cheeks were tinged red from the coldness outside.

“Lucas! It’s snowing outside!” He exclaimed excitedly. “Mom? Would it be okay if I borrow Lucas for a bit?”

“He‘s all yours.” She replied with a gleam. “We’re finished here anyway so when you boys come back inside we’ll probably be in bed. Jens, your room is pretty much exactly how you left it but I did wash your sheets.”

“Alright, thanks Mom.” He replied, walking over to them as he gently tugged on Lucas. “Good night.”

“Thank you, sleep well.” Lucas added, grinning at the way Jens was eagerly pulling him away.

After they had said goodnight to Jacob and Lucas put on his outer clothes, Jens lead them outside. Lucas hadn’t noticed it before, but Jens’ house wasn’t the only one decorated with Christmas lights. In fact, almost every house was. The lights were brightly lit up against the night sky, sending out their Christmas magic into the air.

And of course, a soft snowfall was gently falling down on them. Snowflakes fell down from the sky, landing on the ground and even their faces. Lucas giggled as he watched some of them fall into Jens’s face, in turn, making his face sparkle.

“The snowflakes are all over your freckles.” Jens pointed out, taking a finger and gently dotting at them. “They’re kinda like your new freckles.”

“You have snowflakes for eyelashes now.” Lucas giggled. “I’ve always loved the snow.”

“Really? I thought you didn’t like to be cold.”

“I don’t. But snow always looks so magical and during the holidays, they’re always a new feeling in the air.”

“I can see why you collect snow globes now.”

Lucas grinned, recalling his abundance collection at him. Some were gifts given to him during past Christmas’, others were once he had found on trips or in little vintage shops. During the holidays, he loved to set them out on display, almost as if it were a little village. Not all of them were super festive, but all of them did seem to hold a homage to his found memories. He had a globe from Isa with a swing set, a globe from his parents when he had started his love for art, and a globe of a rainbow flag he had bought for himself after coming out.

“Oh hey, speaking of snow globes, I have a little gift for you. It’s upstairs in my room.” Jens winked as he held out for Lucas’ hand. “Wanna go see it?”

Nodding excitedly, Lucas squeezed his hand. “I thought you already got me my gifts?” He asked as he followed Jens’ lead back inside.

“I did.” Jens shrugged. “But this was kind of planned way before the holidays and it arrived just before so I decided to give it to you now. I got my Mom to bring it up earlier.”

“You’re so sneaky.” Lucas teased as they took off their winter clothes.

They headed up the stairs and into the hallway, turning towards the left bedroom. As they entered, Lucas took a look around while Jens shut the door behind him. Their overnight bags were in a corner, brought in earlier by Jens and Jacob. It looks like an average teenage boy’s room, comic books sprawled on the floor, posters of Star Wars on the wall, a keyboard in the corner and a small bed pushed up against the wall. Lucas grinned, thinking how it would be a tight cuddle with Jens tonight so they would both fit in his bed.

Not that he was complaining.

“You really do like Star Wars huh?” Lucas teased.

“Yeah, and you liked me enough to binge all the movies with me.” Jens teased back as he headed over to the small night table and opened up the drawer.

“To be honest, it did have a good trade off of being able to cuddle with you.”

“And sleep on me. I’m pretty sure you didn’t even get through one force of the movie. Get it? One force? One fourth?” Jens joked after pulling out an item wrapped up in tissue paper and headed back towards Lucas.

“Open your palms out but hold it very gently.” He instructed. “I’m sure you know why but just be very careful.”

Excitedly, Lucas shut his eyes and put out his palms. After a few seconds, he felt a heavy weight be placed on them. Thinking that it was okay to open his eyes again, he looked at the tissue paper. They had little snowflakes on them, decorated as if they were falling down from the snow.

Ever so gently, Lucas pulled apart the tissue paper. When he had finally unravelled the gift, he gasped and felt his heart flutter.

It was a snow globe, similar in size to the ones he had at home. But inside the globe was a statue of a skatepark, with two boys sitting on the ramp. One with dark raven hair and a red hoodie and the other with light brown curls and a blue denim jacket. When Lucas took a closer look, he realized that the two figures were even holding hands.

“Do you like it?” Jens whispered shyly as Lucas still gazed at it in awe.

“I love it.” He breathed out. “Jens, this is so beautiful. Where did you get it?”

“I found a place where you could customize one and with the help of Sander, he drew the design i wanted and I sent it in to get made.” He explained. “I know you usually like the snow globes with memories of what happened this year, so I even put something underneath.”

Gently flipping it over, Lucas noticed the engraving underneath in swirly cursive letters.

“Dear Luc. I’ll love you for more years after this. Love, Jens.” He read out loud, his voice still in complete awe.

“I thought for me at least, one of my biggest things this year was meeting you. And getting to be with you. So in a way, it’s also like the start of my little snow globe collection.” Jens whispered.

Still grinning as hard as ever, Lucas gently placed the globe down on the nearby bookshelf and threw his arms around Jens. Jens lost his balance for a second but laughed as he hugged Lucas back. He dipped his face into the crook of Lucas’ neck, a perk for him since he was taller. Lucas had to tiptoe a bit to place his chin onto his shoulder, but the wide grin still spread on his face as he closed his eyes to take in the moment.

“I love you so much.” He whispered.

He didn’t have to see Jens’ face to know he was smiling. He knew by the way Jens rubbed a hand up and down his back and hugged him tighter that he was feeling just as happy.

“I love you so much too.” Jens replied back, as they pulled away to face each other. Lucas still kept his arms around his neck as Jens placed his hands on his waist. “Thanks for spending Christmas with my family. They really love and adore you and are ready to have you come by again next year.”

“Will I be here next year?” Lucas teased, smiling as he gently bit down the tip of his tongue.

Laughing, Jens put a hand to the back of his head and pushed him in. Lucas could feel his lips kiss him on his forehead, and a rush of warmth shot through him. He giggled as he realized how lucky he was this year.

“That’s something I’ll always make sure of.” Jens assured. “For this year, the next, and the many years that come after that.”

“Merry Christmas Jens.”

“Merry Christmas Luc.”

A moan and a satisfied sigh was the last thing he heard before falling asleep in the arms of the sexy Belgian boy.

Fock the Government.

a vds one shot. you can find more on my ao3.

( @ apolloswords )

feel free to comment/message me any suggestions for one shot ideas!

As the castle opens its gates for the people to attend the Prince’s Coronation Ball, Lucas stands in front of them, wondering if he has a shot at his own fairytale.

“You guys, check this out!” Lucas heard Jayden announce from a few feet away.

Directing his attention off of the conversation he and Kes were just having, Lucas nodded at Jayden, who was making his way over to the large fountain in the middle of the village square. People bustled about, trying to get the last bit of goods they could get their hands on before the marker would eventually close for the night. The early colours of the sunset began to pain the sky as Lucas felt its warm touch linger onto his face as he fiddled with the golden ring on his finger, the rose quartz stone glistening under the sunset’s colours.

“Whatcha got there?” Kes asked as he noticed the piece of paper Jayden was waving in his hand.

Sliding across the fountain’s rim to sit beside Lucas, who was now in the middle of his two friends, Jayden flicked the piece paper towards them, so they could read it themselves.

“Hither for the Coronation Ball for Prince Jens!” Kes dramatically read out. “To Happen in a Fortnight!”

They all snickered at the poster, an image of the castle imprinted onto it as it stated the times that guests could arrive and possible snag a dance with the Prince Jens himself.

“Where did you get this?” Lucas asked, trying to gasp for air in between his laughs.

“A bunch of them got delivered to the postal shop today and we have to hang them up tomorrow. I snagged one so I could give you guys an exclusive sneak peak.”

Kes snorted. “I can’t believe it’s time for someone else in that stupid Royal Family to take reign. As if anything is going to change and they’re just going to take all of the town’s money to feed their rich asses while we’re forced to starve.”

“Even worse because Prince Jens knows nothing about the town.” Lucas added.

The other two boys looked at him, raising their eyebrows in suspicion. Lucas looked at them, confused at their confusion.

“You guys don’t know? Prince Jens hasn’t even lived here since he turned ten. He left for some prestigious boarding school in another country to learn about how to run a kingdom and was to return in eight years to take reign.” He explained before muttering under his breath. “Sounds stupid if you ask me. How are you going to run a kingdom you haven’t even properly experienced?”

“The monarchy is a joke.” Jayden replied. “Nothing but flaunting their power and richness. You know what? I bet you this Prince Jens isn’t even all that. He probably looks like he’s part ogre or giant or something.”

“Please, let’s not disrespect the ogres and giants like that.” Lucas scoffed. “As far as I know, the ogres and giants I know hold more brain cells than the entire Royal Family combined.”

“Has anyone ever actually seen what he looks like?” Kes asked.

“Nah, he was only every really shown at birth and then practically locked up in the castle before he left. There aren’t any paintings of him either.” Lucas replied.

“Hey check it out.” Jayden said, looking back at the invitation. “It says it’s a Masquerade Ball.”

“Sounds even more stupid.” Lucas snorted.

“So I guess that definitely means we aren’t going.” Jayden laughed.

Kes shook his head. “Us? I think they would kick us out upon even entering the castle. Everyone knows how much we go against everything they stand for. We’re literally the face of every protest and resistance.”

“They wouldn’t even know it was us though with the mask on anyway.” Lucas pointed out. “Theoretically speaking, we could definitely get in.”

Hopping up from his spot, Jayden crawled over behind Lucas and Kes, careful not to fall off the fountain’s ledge and into the water. After shuffling around a bit to create space, Jayden crouched down and threw his arms around them. Pulling them in closer, Lucas noticed the mysterious smirk on his face before he lowered his voice.

“Well then we could get in no problem.” He snickered. “Come on, the whole kingdom is going to be there. Once they figure out how much of a joke Prince Jens is for the future of our kingdom, we can direct them into a revolution. Think of what this means for the people of the village.”

“You don’t really think that’s going to happen do you?” Lucas asked. “We can’t just start a revolution by sneaking into the palace. Plus it isn’t even sneaking in if we’re allowed to be there.”

Kes responded with a glint in his eye. “There’s only one way to find out.”

“Fuck the government though.” Jayden explained.

“Yeah,” Lucas said under his breath. “Fuck the government.”

-

True to their words, the three of them found themselves staring at the large castle doors, open for people to enter. Many people moved pass them, eager to get to the ball in their gorgeous dresses and suits with matching masquerade masks. Lucas could hardly recognize anyone, except for his friends.

The blue mask adorned with silver detailing and jewels on his face seemed to give him a sense of confidence. While Lucas was one to speak his thoughts freely and feel secure with himself, there was something magical about people not knowing who he was. He could be anyone he wanted. While his friends and him had only intended to come to the Coronation Ball as a mere joke, he couldn’t help but start to think that it all started to seem like a fairytale.

Eventually, they had passed the guards and arrived to the actual ball, where the guests danced, converses, drank and ate gloriously, like this was their only night in paradise. Lucas would often take some glances around, spotting his friends dance with girls in their big dresses as their hair flowed past their shoulders. Trying not to feel like he didn’t belong, Lucas then made it a little game to see if he could figure out which person at the ball was Prince Jens. Was it the man in green, flirting by the table filled with cake? The man in a deep purple, twirling a lovely maiden all over the dance floor? Or maybe it was the man in a darker shade of blue, talking to some of the Lords and Lady’s that have travelled for tonight’s celebration?

Whoever it was, Lucas quickly realized he had no interest being here for much longer. Fancy celebrations and elaborate clothing? That wasn’t really his scene of things. Making sure to give Kes a look across the dance floor, he gestured his head that he would be out on the deserted balcony if they were to need him.

The night air gave him a sense of relief as he walked outside. There were no guards around and nobody seemed to have noticed his getaway. Granted, Lucas did slip out a window he had managed to open and the thick velvet drapes practically hid him already. There was nobody even remotely interested enough to be watching him.

Sitting down on the little stone bench on the balcony, he let his attention focus on the view. In the horizon, he could almost see the entirety of the village. The lanterns that lit up the street made entire place give off a soft glow and Lucas could even see some of the houses warmly lit up. There was a sense of love in his heart, as he thought about how much he loved the village and its people. How much he wanted the best for them and would stop at nothing to get it.

“Didn’t think anyone else would be out here.” A warm chuckle came from behind him and a very startled Lucas turned around.

The stranger who stood behind him was wearing a deep red suit with intricate golden details and a matching masquerade mask that covered the top half of his face. But despite the dimness of the night, Lucas still managed to make out some of the facial features. Soft dark pink lips, almost a muted mauve colour and looked like they felt like the thick velvet curtains. A structured jawline matched the smirk of the stranger’s lips and deep brown eyes seemed to take a liking towards him. Based on the lean bur obviously built structure of the stranger’s body, Lucas quickly figured he couldn’t be any further from his own age.

Lucas also quickly figured out that despite not being able to see the entirety of his face, there was no doubt that a handsome boy was behind the mask.

“I don’t think I expected to find anyone else here either.” Lucas said with a light laugh, trying not to let the sudden nervous feeling overwhelm him.

“Well mind if I join you?” The stranger asked as he pointed to the empty spot beside Lucas.

“Sure.” He replied, surprised him easy that answer had come to him.

Once the stranger sat down, Lucas felt a fuzzy feeling in his chest. While the stranger looked over to the horizon, Lucas took this chance to study him up close, the way his chest moved up and down with his slow relaxed breathing and the way his fingers tapped gently on his leg, like he was playing a melody to a song.

“What brings you out here?” Lucas finally asked, breaking their silence.

“Not too big on the whole ballroom scene.” He replied with a laugh. “I actually didn’t really want to come tonight.”

“Oh really? Me neither to be honest. My friends and I kind of came as a joke but at least they’re having fun.”

“And you aren't?”

Shrugging, he replied with another chuckle. “I mean, it’s not so bad. But I can only watch them dance for so long that I start feeling bad.”

“You don’t dance?”

“I mean I do, I can.” Lucas admitted. “I just don’t have anyone to dance with.”

The stranger stood up and extended his hand to him, as Lucas looked up at him suspiciously. But there was the same smirk on his face, one that seemed very sure and confident it what he was doing.

“Will you dance with me?” The stranger asked. “The music is much quieter but at least out here it is just the two of us.”

Biting his lip, Lucas shyly placed his hand in his. It was a bit larger but the grip he had on his felt safe and secure, like his hold was honest and pure. He followed as he was lead to a little open space, where the moonlight illuminated the both of them.

The other boy placed his hand gently on the dip of Lucas’ back as he extended their hands out. Trying not to let his hand shake, Lucas placed it gently on the stranger’s shoulder, trying to ignore how one, sparks instantly flew this body at the touch and two, his much Lucas was beginning to enjoy his touch.

The two of them quickly began to move in the flow of the music, twirling and spinning under the light of the moon and the shadows of the night. Their bodies seemed to be made for each other, as they moved with such grace that they hardly even seemed like they were two separate people. Lucas could start to feel his heart race at this connection, and based on the smile on the stranger’s lips, he assumed he felt the same. The smile was also beautiful under the kiss of the moon, a sort of radiance that Lucas would find impossible to forget.

“Are you from the village?” Lucas asked, as they continued to dance.

He shook his head. “Not really. I lived elsewhere for many years.”

“Do you come from far away? Do you have a title I must refer to you by?” He didn’t think any other commoners came from the ball, but maybe people of other villages made the trip for the royal night.

A low laugh escaped the lips of the stranger. “That doesn’t matter. Let’s just enjoy this night for what it is. Are you from the village?”

A bit confused by the rather vague answer, Lucas decided just to ignore it. After all, it wasn’t like any connection between them would disappear after tonight. Nothing but a mere memory.

“I am.” He replied with a nod. “Born and raised.”

“Ah, so I take it you know the people and place very well?”

“Like the back of my hand.” Lucas said before he frowned.

“Why do you frown at that?” The boy asked, instantly taking note at the change of behaviour.

“The Royal Family.” He sighed. “They often forget their own people and leave us fending for their scraps. We deserve better than that.”

“And you think you could give them better?”

“No. I am nothing but one of them. I hold no title, no power. But it is in my best interest to try.”

“And would you? If you were given the chance?”

“With my whole heart.”

This answer seemed to please the stranger, as he opened his mouth to speak as though he was admitting a secret. But they were quickly interrupted with a familiar voice shouting out to Lucas.

“Hey!” Kes hollered from behind him. “We have to go. Now! The guards think there are people against the monarchy and we are not going to wait until they find out we can be associated.”

Turning to face the stranger, Lucas quickly released himself from his grip. “I’m sorry I have to go.” He apologized, before turning away and running after Kes.

“Wait!” The stranger called out, grabbing onto the cuff of Lucas’ suit, pulling him in. “How can I find you?”

Scared to give out his name, in case it would ruin his chance at a good alibi and quickly blow his cover, Lucas slipped off his rose quartz ring and placed it gently in his hand.

“Keep this. If you go to the villages’ book shop tomorrow, present this ring to me. Then I will know it is you.” He whispered.

“But-“ The other boy began to say before Lucas cut him off.

“I’m sorry.” He apologized as he began to walk away. “I have to go.”

No matter how much he wanted to, Lucas didn’t look back. He didn’t want to see what he had left behind.

A beautiful night and a beautiful dance with the most beautiful person his heart had come to known.

-

“Rumour has it Prince Jens is coming to town today.” Jayden laughed as Lucas and Kes stacked a new set of books onto the shelves.

“Where did you hear that?” Kes laughed, like that statement was very far from the truth.

“Whole town is talking.” He shrugged. “Rumour also has it that he met someone last night. One of us, which is why he’s coming. To look for them. Can you believe it?”

“No.” Kes laughed again, shaking his head in pure amusement. “To be honest though, nobody seemed to know who he was last night. The whole mask thing seemed to make everyone a stranger.”

“Speaking of strangers,” Jayden noted, gesturing towards Lucas, who was only halfway listening to the conversation. “Who were you dancing with last night?”

Not bothering to turn around to face Jayden and continue shaking the book shelf, Lucas just shrugged.

“I don’t know.” He mumbled. “It doesn’t really matter now though.”

It wasn’t that Lucas didn’t want to admit it happened, but it was that Lucas couldn’t even believe it had happened. The whole night felt something out of a dream, a sequence too good to be true. However, even though he knew it really happened, Lucas didn’t want to think about how it may never happen again.

The book shop’s door suddenly opened, taking all three of them by surprise. The figure quickly closed the door behind him, and it was then Lucas realized all the cheering and hollering coming front outside. Even though Kes and Jayden seemed just as confused at the situation, Jayden got up from the desk he was sitting on and shut the shop’s window shutters in attempt to drown out the noise from the crowd.

Now all three of them states at the figure in front of them. He was tall, lean and built with a strong structure. Although his clothes seemed rather ordinary, a white flowing top and brown pants, he seemed to stand with as though he was of royalty.

“Hi.” The stranger finally spoke, only to lay his deep brown eyes straight towards Lucas. “I’m Jens.”

“Prince Jens?” Kes asked in disbelief.

“Yeah,” He confirmed, still not looking away from Lucas. “Prince Jens.”

For some reason, Lucas found himself speechless. It wasn’t because the literal prince of the kingdom was right of him and he didn’t ever prepare for actually meeting a member of the monarchy, but that there was something eerily familiar about him. The way he stood, the way his words sounded like a harmonious melody, the way his mauve lips turned upwards to a small smile and how his deep brown eyes looked into Lucas’ blue ones, like he was the only one in the room.

Like it was just the two of us. He suddenly thought.

And suddenly, Lucas realized where he knew him from.

Prince Jens was the stranger from last night.

“Your Highness.” Lucas breathed out as he dropped the book from his hands and approached Jens slowly. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean-“

“It’s alright.” Jens answered with a smile. “There are no need for apologies. I only came here to ask for your name.”

“Lucas.” He replied quickly. “Lucas van der Heijden.”

“Well Lucas,” Jens said with a warm smile. “It is a pleasure to see you again.”

“You too.” He breathed out again, still in a state of shock. “May I ask what you’re doing here Your Highness?”

“Please, it’s just Jens.” He assured, stepping a little closer and lowering his voice. “I came looking for you?”

“Me?” Lucas squeaked out.

A laugh escaped Jens’ lips as he let his eyes wander and marvel at the boy in front of him.

“You’re so much more beautiful than I envisioned.” Jens whispered. “I knew you were beautiful from behind the mask, but I never thought one could be as beautiful as you are in front of me.”

“You’re beautiful too.” Lucas softly admitted. “A lot.”

This answer seemed to make Jens beam. “My Lucas, I came here not only to find you but to also tell and ask you of something.”

“Of course. Anything.”

“After speaking with you last night, I finally found clarity in what I plan to do now that I have a say in power. And it is that I am not yet ready or worthy to lead a great nation such is ours.” He explained. “I have decided to set my reign back one more year, in hopes that I can prepare better for it.”

“And what will you do in the mean time?”

“Well, I plan to be more connected with the people, especially those of this village who live so close to the kingdom. And I would like you to help me with that, to teach me the ways of life here.”

“Me?” Lucas squeaked out again.

“Yes, you.” Jens nodded. “All my life, I have been taught how to be a King, to rule and to lead. Bur anyone can be taught the legalities of ruling, the mechanics and principles to lead with power.” He looked at Lucas gently. “But not everyone can be taught to lead with their heart.”

“Are you sure I’m the right one to help you with this?”

“You are the right one for me.” Jens assured.

“What would I have to do?”

“Well every day, you would show me what should be done better. What needs change and reform. How better we can distribute the wealth. You can show me what you people treasure most, what we should pay more attention to and what we should aid to.”

“How do I know your words are true?”

Jens smiled. “Because, every night, when we are done learning about the people, I would like to learn about you. Who you are, where you came from and where you want to go.” Pulling his hand out of his pocket, Jens held up a dainty rose quartz ring that glistened in light of the shop. “And if you would like to dance with me, under the moonlight. Just the two of us.”

Even before seeing the ring, Lucas knew deep in his heart that Jens’ words were true. Stepping forward, leaving only a few inches between them, Lucas nodded.

“Okay,” He decided. “When do we start?”

“Whenever you finish putting those books on the shelves.”

“Oh.” Lucas snorted. “That’s easy.” Turning his head around, he hollered at Kes, who had been watching the whole interaction happen in front of him as he leaned against the book shelves. “Kes! Finish up for me okay?”

Rolling his eyes, Kes huffed some air out of his mouth. “Whatever happened to fuck the government huh?” He teased playfully.

Grinning, Jens winked at all of them, but mostly at Lucas as he confidently flicked his thumb and Lucas’ hands quickly caught the ring with ease.

“Don’t worry.” Jens assured. “I’m sure we can still make that happen.”

some of y’all with printed copies of fanfiction are going to die someday and your books will end up at the secondhand book shop and someone is just going to innocently pick up blorbo/shitto enemies to lovers and when i think of it this way let’s keep printing fanfiction

skamverse - experience (ludovico einaudi)

this video is very different from the ones i made before. the song has no lyrics so i kinda went with what the instruments reminded me of or tried to group together themes like falling out and then, forgiving. i am really proud of it! the song is a favourite of mine and it sort of reminds me of life in general so i tried to present ‘life in the skamverse’.

it frustrates me so much when people hate on or try to cancel the skam mains for their flaws and their mistakes because do you not realise that is literally the point of the show

skam is so great because it tries to show reality and a realistic interpretation of young people’s lives, with that comes their shames and their flaws. no one is perfect in reality. everyone has flaws and makes mistakes.