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My Cute Nose?

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

( @ apolloswords )

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

Lucas and Isa go for a spontaneous outing for a new piercing. But what Lucas doesn't expect is how nervous he now feels.

trigger warning: mentions of needles (mostly just poking at the skin, no mention of blood or anything gory)

this one shot was inspired by some fan art done by @alexaneskam ! 

check it out here!

And all of a sudden, Lucas felt nervous.

Sure, he should've felt nervous way before now. Like when he walked into the tattoo and piercings shop and saw the abundance of needles. Needles being sterilized, the buzzing of the tattoo needles poking and prodding skin and over all, needles all together. It wasn't that bad, he had thought. He'd already gotten some ear piercings done, two on his left lobe and one on his right. So he wasn't completely inexperienced. Which is why when Isa dragged him to the shop to go get another nose piercing right next to her first one, he agreed to go. It didn't sound like a big deal. In fact, he had been wanting one anyway. And now just felt like the perfect time to do it.

But maybe, a little too perfect.

Because right now, Lucas was sitting down on the bench of the small room and trying to keep his leg from shaking and bouncing. He was trying to keep his hands in his pockets to avoid chewing on his nails, but that instead resorted to him biting and chewing too hard on his lips. He envied how calm and collected Isa looked in the chair, even smiling a little as she waited. He only hoped he would act half the way she did. Even a quarter.

His nerves could only be blamed on one thing. On one person.

And that person was the most beautiful person he'd ever seen in his entire life.

Lucas didn't expect to come in on an average weekday afternoon and meet someone he was now claiming to be the love of his life. Isa didn't even warn him about this guy, and when he grabbed her aside before they followed him into his studio and gave her a startled look, she only furrowed her brows and tilted her head.

"What?" She had whispered, so the guy was out of ear shot.

"You never told me your usual piercer looked like this." He hissed and she snorted.

"What? Jens isn't my normal piercer. I don't even have a normal piercer." She defended, trying to stifle a laugh.

"How do you know his name then?" He whispered a little, hoping Jens a few feet away wasn't paying much attention to them.

"Because while you were looking at him all frozen up from being star struck, he actually introduced himself." Isa teased, flicking his forehead lightly. "I'm surprised you didn't even notice the rather adorable Belgium accent he had."

Before Lucas could open his mouth to reply, Jens had appeared in the door way and gave them a smile. "You guys ready?" He asked, adorable Belgium accent and all.

Which is how Lucas found himself practically shoving Isa to go sit down on the chair first so he could give his heart a second from racing so fast. Isa didn't miss his lack of subtlety, and even winked at him as Jens lead her to the chair. Lucas only playfully scowled as he tried not to let his eyes shift from her over to him.

That quickly proved to be inevitable.

Now he was studying Jens as he pulled on a pair of gloves over his sturdy and strong hands and Lucas had to physically restrain himself from gawking. He couldn't help but eye Jens up and down as he focused on getting everything ready for Isa. Lucas took note of his fluffy dark hair falling gently on the side on his head, his brows and eyes focusing on the small diamond stud Isa had chosen and the fitted black shirt that still managed to hang loosely off his body. But Lucas could still make out the broadness of his chest and shoulders as he moved about, hovering over Isa gently as he began sterilizing her nose gently before marking where he would pierce it. She seemed to giggle at his light and gentle touch and Lucas began to panic as he thought of how bright red his face was going to turn the second he was in her position.

Jens had his back faced towards him now, and Lucas could make out the lean muscles on them as he felt his nerves escalate with each second. Even though Isa had her eyes closed and couldn't see him trying to contain his internal panic, the teasing grin she had on her face was enough to poke fun at Lucas. He was just glad Jens was focusing on Isa right now, because there was no way Lucas was going to impress him with all his nerves.

"And you're done." Jens exclaimed and Lucas perked his head up. His mind had been spiralling so much that he didn't even notice how quickly Jens had finished up with Isa.

He rolled over on his chair to the small counter and brought Isa a small handheld mirror so she could look closely at it. For a split second, Lucas felt Jens catch his eyes and he felt his heart stop. Jens let his dark eyes sparkle at the sight of Lucas' crystal blue ones and gave him a soft smile. Lucas tried not to squirm as he gave him a small smile back. Jens subtly eyed him up and down before nodding slightly and turning back to Isa.

"Look good?" He asked, grinning widely at her.

"Yeah, wow!" She exclaimed, admiring the way the new stud sparkled beside the nose ring she already had in. "This looks so cute!" She looked over at Lucas and he gave her a quick thumbs up.

Huffing out a light laugh, Jens rolled around to the other side of the room and grabbed a small bottle of solution. Rolling back, he gently handed it to Isa.

"Here," He said. "Make sure to rinse it out at least twice a day for the next few weeks to avoid any infections. I don't suggest you change the jewelry until it's completely healed, though I'm sure you already know that. If there's anything you think is unusual, like your body rejecting it or something, or any other questions and concerns, just come back here. I'll take a look at it and see what I can do."

"Thanks Jens." She said, a wide grin and a glisten in her eyes. Isa hopped down from the chair and walked over to wear Lucas was sitting.

He awkwardly got up and switched spots with her. His legs felt like jello underneath him and he was hoping they wouldn't give out. Isa gave him a wiggle of her brows as he side eyed her. Jens was busy sanitizing the chair and getting new supplies so he wasn't paying much attention to their silent interactions. Isa reached out to pinch Lucas's leg and Lucas retaliated by gently hitting her leg with his foot.

"It's your turn." Jens finally said, turning around. Lucas felt himself freeze up but somehow his legs managed to head over to the chair and sat down. Isa was looking at him rather menacingly, and he couldn't figure out why.

Giving her a confused look, Lucas felt his eyes widen as Isa picked up her phone and pretended to take a call.

"Liv? Hi, what's up?" She said as Lucas realized what she was doing. She brought her phone away from her face for a second and pretend to smile apologetically at both of them. "Sorry, I have to take this. I'll be right back Luc."

Lucas was about to protest but before he could, she was already gone. He had to give her some credit for giving him some alone time with Jens. But Lucas felt his heart beat begin to race again as he turned to face Jens.

Jens had an eyebrow raised and a rather soft smirk on his lips. Lucas took in the little details of his face. Dark long lashes were made a bit vibrant with the touch of red eyeliner that was lined right above the rich dark brown colour of his eyes. A small mole laid below his right eye and his lips were a little more chapped but that didn't hinder the dark pink mauve shade that rested on them. Lucas also noticed he had a few piercings, multiple on his earlobes and even an industrial bar through his right ear. On his nose was a simple stud. It seemed to sparkle just as much as his eyes, which Lucas was beginning to get lost in.

If Lucas was starstruck before, he had no idea how to even describe what he felt now. Even though he thought his heart was beating far too fast to be considered normal, he still managed to feel a sense of ease as Jens gazed at him.

"So your name is Luc?" Jens asked, interrupting their silence.

He shook his head but then shrugged. "It's Lucas. But, a lot of people do call me Luc instead." He didn't know how he managed to say that without stuttering, but he mentally thanked himself for sounding a little bit normal.

Nodding with the same smirk on his face, Jens rolled over to some of the cabinets and began pulling out some supplies. "I like Luc, so I think that's what I will call you."

You can call me whatever you want, Lucas thought.

Coughing, Lucas shook away his thoughts. "That's fine. I like Luc anyway."

And he did. Especially when his closest friends called him that. But there was something a bit more endearing about the boy in front of him calling him that. It sent flutters of warmth through Lucas's body and he could feel small shocks and tingles solely based on the way Jens allowed the name to roll off his tongue.

"So Luc," Jens said, rolling back to him. "What are you getting today?"

"A septum." Lucas replied, steadying his voice.

"Oh that's fun." Jens got up from his chair and headed over to the small glass cabinet. He made a few clicking sounds with his mouth as Lucas watched him look for something. He turned his head and jutted his chin towards Lucas. "Do you know what size you want?"

"Just the standard. 16 gauge I think."

"Got it."

He came back over holding a small silver septum jewelry with two small bulbs at the end. It looked fairly tiny in his hand and he held it for Lucas to see.

"This good?" He asked and Lucas nodded.

"Good."

Laying it carefully on the tray, Jens walked over to a small sink, washed his hands and slipped on a new par of gloves. Lucas didn't want to watch every movement the other boy made, but focusing on the bright colour of the auburn walls in the room was still distracting. His eyes then marvelled at the photos that Jens had hung up, mostly of city skyscrapers and graffiti on buildings. They were rather artistic and Lucas was surprised. He didn't really read Jens as the artistic type.

"Did you take those photos?" He asked and Jens whipped his head up.

Wrinkling his nose as he smiled fondly at them, he shook his head. "No, I'm not that artistic." He said, disproving Lucas' assumption. "My friend back home took them. He and his boyfriend walked all around the city and I asked for some of them to be printed out before I moved here."

"So where is home?" Lucas asked as Jens took a seat back down in his chair. His hands were playing with the loose threads on the sleeves of his pink sweater, trying to still settle his nerves. The pink of his sweater matched the small brush of pink eyeshadow he put on the inner and outer corner of his eyes. And soon, they would match the colour of the blush on his cheeks.

"Belgium. More specifically, Antwerp. Though I go back and visit it a lot so it's not like I'm that far away from home."

"So much for moving to a whole new country." He teased.

Smiling widely, Jens let out a loose laugh. "That's what my friends said. They were really upset when they found out I was leaving Belgium, but after learning I was only going to be an hour away on the train, they told me I was being dramatic."

"They do have a slight point."

Huffing out a small laugh again, Jens leaned closer. Lucas felt Jens place his fingers gently under his chin to tilt his head up. He couldn't help but hold his breath as the shocks and tingles began to elevate with the slight touch.

"Nervous?" Jens asked as he gently poked at Lucas's nose as he marked and measured where he would poke the needle.

If only he knew.

"A little." Lucas admitted, his breath hitched. He flinched his body a bit, knowing his nerves weren't for the actual piercing but rather the piercer.

"Don't be." Jens softly said. "It really doesn't hurt that bad and I promise I will be gentle."

"Will you really?"

"Yes? I always am." He laughed. "Your friend didn't even flinch and just giggled her way through. I don't think I've ever had someone so happy about getting stabbed."

"Stabbed does not exactly help with trying to trust in you being gentle."

"Just relax." Jens assured, marking the inside of his nose which felt like a small tickle. He playfully brushed the tip of Lucas's nose gently and Lucas finally felt the blush on his face grow warmer and more vibrant. "I wouldn't ruin your cute nose."

Somehow his face managed to get even warmer and a brighter pink at the compliment and Lucas hated how he couldn't just act calm.

"My cute nose?" He choked out as he brought his head down and gave him a questioning look.

"Yeah," Jens said lightly. He tilted Lucas's chin back up and held a needle and clamp in his other hand. "Goes along with the cute pink blush on your cheeks. Kind of matches your eye shadow."

Now he fully wanted to gawk at him. His cover was definitely blown and he was internally panicking again. He would much rather deal with the nerves from the needle stabbing him than his crush noticing how unsubtle his feelings and reactions were.

"Okay Luc, I'm going to clamp this around your septum. And then when you're ready, you're going to match my breathing okay?"

"Okay."

Lucas felt the squeeze from the clamp on his septum and he winced at the foreign feeling. It didn't hurt, but it felt rather weird and uncomfortable. He remembered the second part of Jens' explanation and tried to slow down the internal workings of his body so he could feel Jens' breathing pattern. It took a few seconds but he was able to regulate his body and calm it down for the first time since seeing Jens.

"Okay, when I tell you to, I need you to take a deep breath for me. You might feel a slight pinch but it really shouldn't feel like anything more than that. It might be a bit more of a pinch than when you got your ears pierced so don't be surprised about that." Jens assured.

When Jens felt that Lucas' body was at a relative ease, he leaned in a bit closer.

"You can keep your eyes closed but on the count of three I need you to take a really deep breath and just hold it okay." Jens instructed.

Nodding slightly, Lucas waited as Jens counted down. On the count of three, he held his breath and winces his eyes slightly at the sudden pinch he felt. But it was there for barely a second and then it was gone.

“You did great." Jens assured. "I'm going to pull out the needle as you slowly breathe out. And then you'll have that septum on your cute nose.

Lucas nodded slightly again and breathed out, feeling the needle be removed as he sighed contently. He didn't open his eyes right away as he felt Jens gently screw the small ball on the end of the jewelry. His body was more relaxed than before, but he still felt the flutters in his chest.

"Alright and you are done." Jens exclaimed.

Opening his eyes, he was faced with Jens smiling widely as he held up the mirror. Lucas slowly reached out for it and couldn't help the small smile on his face when his fingers brushed against Jens' own. When he looked at the new detail on his face, his smile grew wider. Slowly, he poked at it and while the slight pressure was uncomfortable, he was beginning to really like how it looked.

"Cute huh?" Jens asked proudly as he took off his gloves and tossed them aside. He began putting away all his tools before he got up from the chair.

"Yeah, you kept your promise. I could hardly feel a thing." He replied, following his movements across the room.

"Here, same thing for you. Rinse it out with the solution at least twice a day for the next few weeks. And if there's anything else you think is a bit off with the healing process, you can just come in and see me." There was a pause, a hesitation in his sentence as Lucas listened to him.

Tilting his head and raising his brows to gesture Jens to continue, he noticed the sudden change in his behaviour. Jens was slightly averting his eyes away from Lucas' and chewing on the inside of his cheek. There was a slight clench in his jaw and his body was a bit more tense, showing off its broadness even more. Jens awkwardly scratched the side of his face and Lucas finally caught onto why his behaviour had changed.

Now, it was Jens' turn to be nervous.

"Uhm, listen, I know this may not be the most professional of me but, in the most non-professional way, you are really cute. And if you would be interested, I'd love to take you out sometime." He nervously mumbled. "It'd be nice if I saw you again for non-piercing festivities."

A grin came onto his face as he placed the mirror down on his lap. "You're cute when you're nervous."He noted with a teasing look, which just made Jens snort.

"I could say the same about you."

They both smiled at each other and Lucas knew his grin was now from ear to ear. He could see the slight pink flush appear on Jens' cheeks, bright against the darkness of his all black clothing and complimenting the tiny line of red above his eyes. He figured his cheeks were probably even more pink, so he couldn't even poke fun at Jens.

Instead, he dug into his phone pocket and unlocked it. Opening up a new message thread, he passed it over to Jens.

"Place your number in and I'll text you." He said with a wink.

As Jens began to type in his number, Lucas' eyes were drawn back to the doorway of the studio. After a second, Isa popped her head back in with her award winning smile.

"Sorry," She said, now gaining Jens' attention. "Liv called and I couldn't get her off the phone."

Lucas rolled his eyes, knowing that was far from the truth. If anything, Isa had probably just waited outside at the shop's lobby until she figured she had given Lucas enough time to awkwardly and shamelessly flirt with Jens. Though, he hadn't really done much of that.

However, he did get some of that from the boy still putting his number into his phone.

"Luc!" Isa exclaimed, and they both remembered she was there. "Your piercing looks so good! You look so cute."

And before Lucas could reply by thanking her, Jens whipped his head up again with another smirk on his face.

"I agree. He does look very cute." Turning his head away from Isa and back to Lucas, he eyed him up and down before winking at him. "But I'm sure he knows that already."

Admit It.

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

( @ apolloswords )

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

Jens wants to take Lucas out to his favourite cafe. But there's only one way they can get there.

"Admit it." Jens said, smirking at Lucas.

"Admit what?" Lucas replied back, wrinkling his nose as he took in the rather devious look on Jens' face. He didn't mistake the way his lips curled up into a smirk, knowing full well that Jens was taunting him.

"Admit that you like Kes more than me."

Lucas dropped his mouth in surprise then snorted, gawking at Jens. "Are you stupid?"

Jens only laughed and walked closer to him, crossing the small sidewalk to reach the front door of Lucas' house. He brushed his nose against Lucas', which was still rather wrinkled up and unamused. He continued to laugh lightly as Lucas rolled his eyes and put his hands around his neck. Smiling at the mild annoyance coming from the boy in front of him, Jens raised his eyebrows as he wrapped his hands around his waist.

Huffing, Lucas tried to hide back the smile on his face as Jens pulled him in a little closer. "For the record, I do not like my best friend more than my boyfriend."

"Oh yeah?"

"Yeah?"

"So why do you refuse to take a ride on my motorcycle but have no problem riding on his scooter?" Jens challenged, smirking at Lucas again.

This only earned him another eyerolll. "Because you don't even need helmets for those. Which means they are safer." He defended.

"But the helmet means you are more protected. Which I argue is even more safer."

"Jens, you could have gotten a car after you got your license. I didn't expect you to go out, acquire a motorcycle license and then buy one of those instead." Lucas retaliated.

Now was Jens' turn to scoff. "Because I am a cool boyfriend." He placed a quick kiss on Lucas' nose which he received a small blush on his cheeks as a reaction. "Who wants to take his boyfriend on a lovely motorcycle ride into the sunset."

"You make it sound so romantic."

"Is it not?"

"Not if I crack my head open in the middle of the road."

Taking a finger, Jens pressed it to Lucas' forehead and pushed against it, causing him to lose his balance for a second. Lucas only shook his head as Jens tapped his forehead again, this time a little more lightly. "That is what the helmet is for. To avoid that." Shrugging, he winked at the weary blue eyes in front of him. "Besides, we don't have to worry about that happening."

Tilting his head a bit, Lucas gave him a rather confused but curious look. "And why is that?"

"Because I highly doubt you would even want to let go of me."

He felt Lucas scoff again. "For the record, I still think that's you. You never let me go when we fall asleep."

"Is that a complaint?"

"No." Lucas giggled, his curls moving slightly with the pick of the wind and the shake of his body.

Jens only smiled warmly, not even feeling the coolness of the late autumn evening. He didn't know if it was because of his thick red hoodie underneath his navy blue jacket or the rather radiating warmth coming from the sunshine boy in front of him. Deciding to go with the latter, he knew there was nothing else in the world warmer than the crystal blue eyes of a summer sky and the hidden golden rays among brown curls that were apart of his favourite person to ever exist.

Leaning forward again, he let his lips just gently brush over Lucas' soft pink ones. Lucas hummed against the light touch and Jens could feel him smile against them.

"Come with me." He mumbled. "So we can go off into the sunset and I can take you to your favourite cafe with all the pretty cakes."

Lucas let his eyes light up. "The one across the city?"

Of course the mention of cake suddenly had Lucas changing his mind. Jens should have just mentioned this at the beginning, instead of practically begging him for the past month. He should've known better.

Even though he would've felt annoyed by anyone else suddenly changing their mind over a slice of cake, Jens couldn't help but kiss Lucas quickly on the lips. When he pulled back after a second, he admired the way Lucas looked so bright against the start of the sunset's swarming colours around them.

"Yes, the one across the city." He confirmed. "Is this also how you're admitting that not only Kes but a slice of cake is above me?"

He felt Lucas reach up and pinch his cheeks, giggling again at the playful pout on Jens' face. "Maybe not Kes. But the slice of cake? Yes."

"That's very assuring. Thank you."

"You're welcome."

Jens pulled away, much to Lucas' disappointment. But he held out a hand and Lucas took a second to hesitate. Taking a deep breath, he placed his hand in Jens' and Jens squeezed it tightly before leading him over to the black motorcycle parked across of the house. It took Lucas another second before nodding. Jens balanced Lucas as he tried to steady himself on the back of the motorcycle. Jens opened up the back compartment of the motorcycle and pulled out a helmet.

Unlike his simple black helmet, this one had a striking blue stripe go around it. It was obvious it was meant for Lucas, no doubt. Jens had picked it up earlier at the store, hoping it would give him some luck for the later evening.

Lucas widened his eyes at it but Jens just nodded assuringly. Nodding back, Jens reached a hand out towards him. He pushed back a few of the golden brown curls away from his face before placing the helmet delicately over his head. Lucas' eyes widened once it was on him and Jens gave him a warm smile. He watched as Lucas' swarming blue eyes turn from the dark deep colour of an ocean back to the bright blue tranquility of a lake.

Taking his hand, he pulled down the face shield and grabbed his own helmet. Pulling it over onto his head in one swift motion, he climbed onto the motorcycle and turned back to look at Lucas.

"Hold on tight okay? Don't let go." He instructed. His voice was a little muffled but he had to hope Lucas understood what he was saying.

Even without seeing much of Lucas' face, he knew Lucas just snorted as a response. "I promise. I will never let go, Jens. I'll never let go."

"I still have yet to watch that movie."

"You have to. I really like it."

"I have to do it because you like it?" He teased.

"I am riding a motorcycle for you."

"Fair enough."

Lucas placed his hands slowly around Jens' waist. At first, he let them settle, but after a second, he crossed his arms around each other and gripped onto his own wrists. Jens figured this was just to secure himself and he felt Lucas lean his helmet against Jens' back. When he figured that Lucas was a little bit relaxed and calm, he started up the engine.

As Jens pulled put of the parked spot, he felt Lucas slowly grip tighter onto him. But after moving at a steady pace, he felt Lucas lift his head up from his back. He could only assume that he was now looking up at the sky enveloping around them. The beautiful transition of oranges, pinks, purples and dark blues began to mess around them, like someone had dipped their hand in the sky and swirled their fingers around. It was so vibrant against the taller buildings of Antwerp, creating an almost magical touch onto this ordinary world.

The colours danced messily, blending, contrasting and mixing together. For the past year he's been with Lucas, he knew that sunsets and sunrises were some of his favourite things. While Jens had always preferred the later nights with stars above his head, he had recently began to love the clear skies of the day even more. He had to, especially when his favourite eyes resembled them.

It felt like they were soaring against the colours, against the world. And if Lucas could, maybe he'd spread his arms open to feel the wind rush under him, feeling free. But Jens knew that his hold on him, the rather tight hold, was what Lucas preferred. Even though Jens always found himself holding Lucas at night, Lucas never liked to be apart from Jens. Even if it was a simple hand on his, head leaning on his shoulder or pressing his back against his chest, Jens was his safety blanket. His security.

And it was no different right now.

-

"So? Was it that bad?" Jens teased as Lucas licked some icing off of his fork.

"Not that bad." He teased back. "Though, I will say Kes is a much better driver."

"He has more experience."

"And I have more experience with him."

Snorting, Jens playfully took some icing on his finger and swiped it on Lucas' nose. Lucas just laughed and did the same, but Jens quickly dodged it. Instead of getting it on his forehead like he had intended, the white sticky icing streaked against Jens' dark hair. Wrinkling his nose, he tried to give Lucas and annoyed look but instead ended up smiling through his attempt at a cold expression. Satisfied, Lucas leaned back as Jens took a napkin to wipe the icing from his hair.

The cafe was brightly lit and Lucas had chosen their favourite spot. Beside the large window which was angled to the cake display. He loved this spot. Whenever they went, he insisted to sit here because Jens knew he liked to watch the staff put out new cakes after they were freshly made. Right now, they had three slices in front of them. Jens never knew how Lucas could be so fond of sweet things and he had no idea how he could consume so much cake without his teeth hurting. It had to be the eighth wonder in the world.

"You are a handful, you know that?" Jens sighed, as Lucas could only teasingly eat more cake in front him. "A difficult handful."

"Are you complaining?"

"Actually, I am." He teased back.

Rolling his eyes, Lucas leaned a bit closer. The blueness in his eyes were so bright, Jens didn't know how anybody couldn't get lost in them. The icing was still on his nose, so Lucas took a finger and swiped it off before licking it off his finger. Wrinkling his nose, Jens wanted to ask the universe how his boyfriend could be this cute.

"You're disgusting." He said instead.

Disgustingly cute.

"I don't waste anything that's sweet."

Deciding to test this theory, Jens took some more icing and rubbed it over his lips. It was very clear what the message was and Lucas pretended to sulk. But he leaned a bit more forward and kissed Jens' quickly while swiping his tongue across his lips to grab the icing.

"Did I prove you wrong?" He taunted, making Jens blush.

"You did. I thought you might waste the opportunity."

"For the cake or the kiss?"

"Both."

Leaning forward, Jens eyed the soft pair of lips in front of him. He'd kiss them many times, but each time proved to be better than the last. Lucas eyed him curiously and leaned a bit closer as well, thinking he would get another kiss. Slowly moving, Jens leaned in a little more.

But at the last second, where their lips should have connected, Jens took some icing on his finger and leaned back as he brought it to his lips. Smirking at Lucas as he ate the icing off of his finger, Lucas rolled his eyes, slumped back, crossed his arms and pouted.

"Did you really choose cake over me?"

"You did it first!" Jens protested.

"When?"

"When it was the only way I could convince you to ride my motorcycle."

"You were being manipulative." Lucas tried to defend. "You know cake is my weakness."

"And I'm not?"

"No." Lucas said, reaching for the hand that Jens had laid out on the table.

He took his finger and traced the lines on his palm. They felt like a light feather and should've tickled, but Jens had gotten used to this by now. There had been countless nights he had waked up to Lucas just doing this. It was kind of a secret language between them, something Lucas did if he felt like he needed to suddenly be vulnerable. He let his curls hang loose as his continued to trace about as Jens admired him.

"You're not my weakness." Lucas continued. "You're more like the thing that keeps me going. Like, a sense of security and comfort. I don't think I would've actually rode a motorcycle if it was anyone else."

"You did it just for me?"

"You and the cake." Lucas laughed, letting his eyes flicker back up to Jens. "But, you were right. The sunset seemed to be moving right around us. I don't think I've ever felt like I was inside a painting before."

"So was it worth it?"

"I should be asking you. You pestered me for a month and had to go out and buy me a helmet."

"If it's about you Luc, it's always worth it. You are always worth it to me."

"I think you might actually be my weakness." Lucas smiled at him. "You're the sweetest thing I've ever had."

-

By the time they had finished up their little date, it was already dark outside. They hadn't noticed the cafe was closing up and everyone but the staff had left. Both of them had gotten too caught up in each other, whether it be laughing at something one of them said, sharing warm smiles from across the table, slices of cake being devoured and overall the light teasing between them, they clearly had gotten very lost in each other.

So lost that that one of the waitresses had to apologize that they needed to leave. Blushing red at the fact that they had spent the entire evening doing nothing but living in the world between them, they paid the bill and left.

The darkness of the autumn night made it seem later than it really was. The brisk cold air hit them in faces as they stepped out of the warm cafe, taking them by surprise. Street lamps lit up the sidewalk and storefronts began to dim as they closed up for the night. It was relatively quiet and peaceful, not much people around and the light traffic. Jens looked around, taking it all in.

He remembered how much he loved the night. How quiet and solemn it could be. He used to purposely stay up, doing nothing but thinking up at the stars through his bedroom window. Whether he decided to get high or not, he always let his mind wander. Some nights often led him to think much deeper thoughts, other nights he just wondered about the nicer things in life. But after meeting Lucas, Jens realized maybe nights alone weren't as great as he recalled them to be. On the nights where he and Lucas went to their respective homes, he often laid wide away wishing to reach out and feel the boy next to him. He couldn't help it. The second him and Lucas were apart, if ever they were apart, he always felt a pang of silence in him. Like he was missing the part of him that made him whole.

"Hey," Lucas whispered, as they walked slowly to his motorcycle. Jens had his hands shoved into his pockets so Lucas poked at his arm playfully. "Why do you look so sad?"

"I'm not sad." He lied.

Poking at his ribs this time, Lucas huffed out a light laugh. "Yes you are. You're not smiling and your eyes look rather sad."

Forcing a rather wide smile, he tried to prove Lucas wrong. "Not sad."

"Jens, cut it out. What's wrong?"

Sighing as Lucas leaned against the motorcycle to face him, Jens pressed his lips together. He took a hand out of his pocket and gently ran his fingers through Lucas' curls. His eyes were big and studying him carefully. Their brightness was so vibrant against the low light and the darkness of the night that Jens also began to wonder if Lucas was the eight wonder of the world himself.

Finally giving in, he shrugged. "I just don't like leaving you."

Giggling, Lucas let Jens play with his curls as he tilted his head. There was a small grin in his face as he let his eyes meet Jens' won, not breaking apart their gaze.

"Leaving me?" He asked, as if he needed to confirm what he heard was right.

"Yeah." Jens sighed, now letting his hand cup Lucas's jaw. "I don't like leaving you. Like ever. Especially at night, it makes me sad."

"You miss me." He said playfully, his tongue peeking through his wide smile.

Snorting, Jens shrugged. "Yes okay, is that what you wanted to hear? I miss you. Like whenever you're not with me. And I count down the seconds until you are with me."

Lucas reached up and cupped both hands on Jens' jaw. Leaning in, he kissed Jens softly. Jens felt himself try to catch his breath, but he kissed Lucas back like he was gasping for air. Both of his hands wandered down to his waist, clutching onto the denim material of his jacket. Every time he kissed Lucas, he couldn't believe he was this lucky to not only love the smaller boy in front of him, but to also be loved back by the same boy.

When they pulled apart, Lucas still had a wide grin on his face. Jens couldn't really read his expression, he looked a little too happy for someone who's boyfriend was feeling, well, sad.

Before Jens could ask what his grin was about, Lucas pulled away and sat on the back of his motorcycle. Jens was surprised at the sudden confidence in his movements. Lucas sat on the motorcycle, holding his helmet in his lap. There were bright twinkles in his eyes, brighter than the stars above them. The wind flew through his curls and the apples of his cheeks were starting to become a bit more pink, either from the cold or from Jens himself.

He decided to go with the latter.

"Why are you smiling like that?" He finally asked, the curiosity getting the best of him.

Lucas gave him a simple shrug and a smirk. "I just think we should be getting back to my place now."

"We?"

"Yes we, you idiot." Lucas confirmed, winking at him. "You won't have to miss me so much if you're spending the night with me."

"Spending the night with you?"

“Don’t tell me you’re complaining.”

“I’m not. Can I spend the night with you?”

"Yeah, my mom wouldn't mind at all. Besides, we have to watch the Titanic."

Wrinkling his nose, Jens gave him a look. "Who said we were watching that?"

"I did. It's my reward for getting over my fear of your motorcycle."

Matching his smirk, Jens raised his brows. "Does this mean you'll go on rides with me more often?"

"Maybe." Lucas laughed. "I still need a little more time but, it's something I can get used to. On one condition."

"Which is?"

"Every ride we go on, you have to spend the night and watch all the cheesy movies you make fun of me for."

Stepping closer, Jens placed his hands on Lucas' thigh. He brought his face closer and lightly kissed his forehead. "One, I do not make fun of you-"

"Yes you do."

Choosing to ignore Lucas, he kissed his nose. "Two, that will be a whole lot of movies that I have to sit through-"

"And I have to sit through just as many motorcycle rides which-"

Cutting him off, Jens quickly kissed his lips. "Three, that is no problem because you are worth all that cheesy eye-gouging romantic bullshit."

"There you go about making fun of me."

“Admit it.”

“What now?”

“That you want me to spend the night just as much as I want to spend the night.”

“I think you already know my answer to that.”

Kissing his lips again, he felt Lucas smile. After they pulled apart, Jens felt Lucas lightly flick Jens' forehead. Jens rolled his eyes but hopped onto the bike. They both placed the helmets over their heads and Jens felt Lucas wrap his arms around Jens's waist again. This time, instead of gripping onto his wrists, Lucas placed his hands flat onto his stomach, feeling way more relaxed than earlier. Jens smiled at himself, feeling his heart melt at Lucas trusting, finding comfort and being a bit more braver, all because he knew Jens would never let anything happen to him.

"Don't let go." He instructed before starting up the engine.

"I promise. I will never let go, Jens. I'll never let go."

With that, they headed off. This time, the stars danced above them as the young of the night began to catch up with them soaring against it. Naturally, Jens' mind began to wander.

Only one thought filled his head. It was the thought that no matter what time of day or night it was, whether it be the sun rays kissing the world good morning, bright skies on clear days, the beautiful mess of colours during sunsets or the mystical kisses from the late night moon, Jens was able to admit one thing.

That being with Lucas will always be his favourite and more preferred hours in the ordinary world around them.

Because nothing was ordinary about the new world they had found within each other.

I Think You’re In My Seat.

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

( @ apolloswords )

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

Unfortunately, the airlines messed up the seating arrangement and Jens is forced to sit on his own. Fortunately, someone else's seating arrangement was also messed up.

"Bad news," Moyo announced as Jens followed closely behind him. "They messed up our seats."

"What?" exclaimed Sander, giving the both of them a puzzled look. "How did they manage to do that?"

"The system completely messed up everyone's seats." Jens explained. "So, since we checked in late, we basically got the scraps. Which means, there is a very slim chance we're all stuck together." He reached over and flicked the back of Aaron's head. "I told you if you showered in the morning we would be late."

"I didn't expect you guys to show up so early." He groaned. "I wasn't even awake yet."

Jens snorted. "Well, you know we still had to take the train. Bottom line is, we can thank you for the shitty seats."

"But, not so shitty." Moyo added. He began to pass the new tickets around, the ones with the new seat number on them. "Robbe, Sander, we managed to snag you the last two seats together. Kind of at the front."

"You are a miracle worker." Sander laughed as he patted Moyo's shoulder. "What about you guys? Where are you guys sitting?"

"Jens has a window seat near the middle of the plane, I'm a few rows behind him and Aaron has a seat at the very back of the plane." Moyo continued on. "And no Aaron, we are not switching."

"Oh come on, it's going to take forever for me to get out. And I'm going to be near the bathrooms, I better not see Sander and Robbe going in at the same time."

Robbe blushed and hid his face into Sander's shoulder. "I don't think we're that promiscuous."

Sander only snorted. "Maybe it'll be revenge on Aaron for making us late."

"Hey, Moyo got you guys sitting together, why're you complaining?"

The rising teasing between his friends seemed to be getting louder, but Jens let their conversation fade around him. He was distracted by the bustle of the airport, people of all ages rushing around. The start of the summer months was probably a busy time for this place, and as much as he loved and adored Belgium, it felt nice to be headed somewhere else.

His eyes wandered among the crowd of people. Giggling kids with their decorated backpacks, business executives looking rather posh in their work attire with a cup of coffee in their hands and other older adults double-checking their bags for their passport and boarding passes. But his eyes only lead him somewhere else.

A few feet away were a group of three boys his age. One of them was leaned against the wall, his dark long curls giving contrast to his light brown skin. He was smiling at the guy to his right, who was sitting on top of a small carry-on luggage with a bright yellow backpack on. This boy also had dark hair, though it was cut short and just barely touched the tips of his ear, where a dangly earring hung. But the boy who really caught his attention was standing on an angle in front of them. From Jens' perspective, he could make out the sharpness of his jaw, the straight bridge of his nose and a small smile on his delicate pink lips. His light brown curls hung quite effortless in front of his face, and the denim jacket he had on fit his body nicely. Jens discreetly eyed him up and down, and felt a rush of adrenaline shoot through his body. He'd never been the type to admire strangers from afar, let alone be completely smitten over one.

But that was exactly what he was feeling right now.

His daydreaming was quickly interrupted by a sharp jab into his ribs. Wincing, he gave Aaron a glare.

"What was that for?"

"Moyo said you were staring too long. I asked what you were staring at and he told me just to ask you." Aaron responded rather innocently before shrugging his shoulders. "So what were you staring at?'

Feeling a blush rise to his cheeks, Jens bit his lip and pretended he had no idea what Aaron was talking about. "Nothing that concerns you." He mumbled out, looking down at his feet.

He heard Moyo snicker from his other side. "Aaron, I don't think you're going to have to worry about just Sander and Robbe sneaking off to the bathroom."

Now Jens elbowed Moyo's ribs. Not as harshly as Aaron did, but harsh enough. Moyo laughed and held up his hands in defence. Both Sander and Robbe raised their brows at him, before trying to sneakily turn around to figure out what Jens was eyeing at. Who Jens was eyeing at. When they came face to face with the other trio, they snickered to themselves as Jens gave them a side eye.

"Damn Jens," Robbe teased. "Three options?"

"One." He admitted, mumbling again. "But I'm not saying which one."

"You know what would be extremely lucky." Sander teased. "If you ended up sitting beside him."

Jens felt his face go a bit more red but scoffed, trying to play it cool. "It's better than sitting beside Aaron."

"Hey!" Aaron protested.

-

"Now boarding flight 2121." The intercom announced above them.

From the corner of his eye, he saw Robbe and Sander smile softly at each other. He had no idea what the sentiment meant, but judging by the way they looked at each other, it had something to do with their little love story. Jens tried not to feel the way his heart stung suddenly. He would never admit it, but he envied the way all his friends were very content in a relationship but he was not. For the most part, he never felt left out- just, rather lonely. Slinging his backpack over his shoulder, he made sure both his passport and boarding pass were in his hand as he walked up to the flight information desk. The flight attendant smiled at him and ushered him off. Taking a deep breath, he trudged down the boarding bridge at a slower speed. He couldn't help but to also feel a tinge of disappointment. The boy in the denim jacket from earlier hadn't been sitting around their gate, and he hadn't seen him since him and his friends had wandered off twenty minutes ago. There was now exactly zero chance of scoring a seat beside him, even if his chances from before were still close to zero.

He felt Moyo slap his shoulder, which startled him a bit.

"See you in two hours." He remarked.

"I hope you seat mate is some old grandma who can't hear very well but insists on talking." Jens taunted playfully, as he found his seat. Slipping into the small aisle, he flopped down on the window seat and gave Moyo a handshake before he headed off.

"I hope I get a cute girl." Aaron remarked, as he slowly passed Jens' aisle.

Raising brow, Jens smirked. "How would Amber feel about that?"

"You're right. I hope I get the grandma." Aaron muttered while rolling his eyes.

Jens looked over the other seats as other passengers clambered about, stumbling into their seats or trying to put their carry on luggage up on the overhead storage. A few rows up stood Sander and Robbe, who waved at him before the settled into their seat. When he knew all of his friends were in their seats, he sighed heavily and placed his backpack underneath the seat above him. Tapping his fingers on the arm rest as he bounced his leg, he distracted the remaining minutes before takeoff by looking outside of his window.

Only to be interrupted less than two minutes after.

"I think you're in my seat." A voice with a slightly different accent announced.

Turning his head to face the person the voice belonged to, he felt his face heat up again.

It was the boy from earlier, the one in the denim jacket. Only this time, he was standing very close to Jens. He could now make out the silver rings on his finger, the way his jacket actually hung over more over his shoulders than he thought and the colour of his eyes. The vibrant blue that stared into his brown ones, its colour so bright that Jens didn't believe colour existed before this moment. Realizing he was probably gawking at him, Jens swallowed the lump in his throat and tried to conceal his mess of emotions.

"No? I'm pretty sure this is my seat."

The boy reached over, showing his boarding pass. Squinting a bit, Jens read the seat number and frowned.

"I think they double booked the seat." He stated, looking back up at the boy.

Shrugging, the boy just ran a hand through his curls and sat down. Jens was rather surprised at his chill and confident behaviour, which had him going through an even more internal mess of feelings.

Trying to avoid gazing at him for so long, Jens turned around and started biting the inner corner of his cheek. He suddenly felt very nervous that the boy was beside him now, and if he let his arm up on the armrest, there would be the slightest physical contact between them.

Coming down the aisle was the other two guys, the rest of his trio. The one with the dark curls wiggled his brows at him, only to be lightly smacked on the arm as he passed through. The other boy, the one with shorter hair and was now wearing sunglasses with red lenses, reached out to pinch his cheeks. The boy ducked swiftly and snorted, looking behind him as his friends sat down. Jens noticed that the other two were sitting in different aisles, just like him and the Broerrs.

"Did they fuck up your seats too?" Jens asked, attempting to make conversation.

"Yeah, clearly." He laughed lightly, before fully turning his head to face Jens. "I'm Lucas."

"Jens." He nodded before trying to give him a small smile. It wasn't that smiling at him was an issue, Jens just didn't want to make it so obvious that his slight crush was growing by the second.

Fortunately, Lucas smiled back. "Are you travelling alone?"

"No, my friends are scattered about as well. That's how I figured the airline must have also messed up your seats up as well."

Laughing lightly, Lucas shook his head, his curls gently moving about. "I figured they messed up after seeing someone else in my seat. I just hope I'm not stealing someone else's."

"I don't think so. I think you and your friends were the last ones to board. See? They're closing up the doors now."

Lucas wasn't as tall as Jens, so he couldn't see above the seats. He put his hands on the armrest and lifted himself up a bit. The slight brush of his fingers just barely grazing over Jens' hoodie sleeve was enough to send sparks through his body. The very slight contact had his face turning pink again, and he needed to calm down before Lucas noticed.

"You're right." He agreed, bringing himself back down. "To be honest, I thought they would close the plane before we got on. It's a miracle I'm here right now."

"Why's that?"

"My friend Jayden, he's back there with his red glasses, decided to be an idiot and lose his passport somewhere in the airport. We came from a connecting flight from Amsterdam, so at least it's not there."

"I get that, my friend Aaron also decided to be an idiot. He woke up late which lead us to checking in late, which lead us to shitty seats and being separated." Jens added, before biting his lip. "So, you're from Amsterdam?"

"Not quite. Utrecht, but the closest airport is Amsterdam. So, to get to Rome, we needed a connecting flight." He explained, before tilting his head a bit. "Are you from Brussels?"

"Not quite." Jens repeated, laughing a bit. "Antwerp. We're actually much closer to each other than we would've been."

"Yet we meet on a flight to another country." Lucas remarked, a glint sparkling in his blue eyes.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we will now begin the departure to Rome, Italy." An attendant called over the intercom.

The plane began to move beneath them and Jens double checked that his seatbelt was on. The attendants began to do the safety instructions in front of them, and Jens turned his head to look back out the window. After a few minutes, his instincts told him to look at Lucas, who hadn't said anything since the departing announcement.

Poor Lucas was squeezing his fists so hard that his knuckles were white and his face was drained of colour. The slight pink of his cheeks were gone and he was squeezing his eyes shut, taking in deep breathes to calm himself down. Jens widened his eyes, internally panicking as he had no idea what to do.

Reaching out slowly and slightly, he put a warm hand on top of one of Lucas' fists. The skin beneath his own was ice cold, and Lucas opened his eyes quickly, surprised to see that Jens was looking at him.

"Nervous flyer?" Jens asked lightly, but softly enough to be comforting.

He huffed out a nervous laugh. "Yeah, can you tell?"

"Just a little." He paused, unsure how to go about this. "Do you, uhh, do you maybe want to hold my hand?"

"May I?"

"Of course."

It took Lucas a second. But after feeling the plane begin to move faster as it lifted off the runway, he unclenched a fist and grabbed onto Jens' hand. His tight grip should have also cut off Jens' circulation, but Jens stayed calm. He let his thumb rub gently circles on top of Lucas' hand, trying to ease him a bit. After a few moments, he felt Lucas' grip loosen a bit, some warmth beneath their hands and Lucas' breathing being a little less restrained. Lucas' eyes were still closed, and Jens eyed him up and down, taking in the entire wonder of this boy.

This boy, who he realized, was holding his hand.

Of course, the intention was innocent. But Jens suddenly felt his heart race as he continued to let his touch calm Lucas down a bit. He couldn't believe he was holding his hand and if any of his friends knew, he would never hear the end of their teasing. When the plane was soaring through the sky at a steady pace, Lucas sighed heavily and fluttered his eyes open. After a few seconds in which he recollected himself, he turned to Jens and gave him a soft smile.

"Thanks, sorry, I didn't think I'd get so nervous. I was fine on my first flight, but to be fair I'm really tired. I didn't sleep much last night."

"It's okay." Jens smiled back, reassuring him. He noticed the way Lucas still hadn't let go of his hand, and he was just fine with that. "Do you always get nervous when you fly?"

"Mostly, yes. But not like, that bad. Except for now. I think I lost all feeling in my body."

"Probably helps if you actually sit by someone you know huh?" He joked.

Smiling a little wider, Lucas huffed out another nervous laugh. Though this time, it felt a bit lighter. "Yeah, but, it also helps to have someone like you to sit by."

"Someone like me?" Jens asked, unsure what the ambiguity of the statement meant.

Lucas only shrugged, giving him a grin before adding another rather vague statement. "Yeah, someone like you."

-

And for the second time today, Jens couldn't believe his luck. After about an hour into the flight, in where him and Lucas had quickly gotten comfortable with each other, Lucas had dozed off. Jens had recalled he was feeling a little tired, but as Lucas fell into a gentle slumber, his head slowly fell onto his shoulder. Lucas, being asleep, obviously didn't realize he had fallen asleep on his shoulder, but Jens couldn't help but feel so giddy. He didn't want to move however, because there was no way he was going to wake Lucas up and ruin this.

So, he aimlessly looked out the window and began to think. He couldn't help but feel like he had missed a chance with this boy when they parted ways after the next hour. But, he didn't know if it was too forward of him to ask for some kind of contact with him. To be fair, they had already held hands so the next natural step in this equation was to somehow get his number.

Feeling Lucas stir gently, he looked down at him. The light brown curls fell over his face gently and Jens could make out the small freckles over his nose and his eyelashes mimicking rays of sunlight as his beautiful blue eyes stayed hidden. Jens didn't know how someone could've been so beautiful, let alone be so close to him.

He truly felt like the luckiest person in the entire world.

"Sorry," Lucas mumbled, his eyes still closed. "I didn't mean to fall asleep on you."

Smiling down at him, Jens reached out to just squeeze his hand again. When they had let go of his hand, Jens tried to conceal his frown. So now, he used this as a gateway to have Lucas' hand back in his. He also liked how Lucas did't remove his head from his shoulder right away.

"It's okay. I don't mind."

He felt Lucas hum against his body, before letting out a loose giggle. "So, what are you heading to Rome for?"

"Just a trip, a quick one to start of the summer and what not. You?"

"The same." Lucas let his eyes look back up at Jens, and once again he was marvelled at the sight of them. "That's kind of a good coincidence."

"Or you know," Jens shrugged, looking away for a second. "Fate."

"Fate?"

"I mean, out of all the seats here, what were the chances you would be sitting by me? Or, let alone, having the same seat as me?"

Lucas grinned, the blue in his eyes clashing together as they became a mess of bright shades. "Seems just like a really good coincidence. Do you believe it that sort of stuff?"

"Fate?"

"Yeah."

For the second time, Jens repeated his shrug. "Sure, why not? It's kind of like, everything happens for a reason. What about you?"

"Do I believe in fate?"

"Yeah, or are you sticking to everything being a coincidence?"

"Mostly coincidence. Though, I am starting to think a little bit of all this might be fate?"

"Why's that?"

A familiar glint sparkled in Lucas' eyes again, as he let himself gaze at Jens above him. There was something knowing about the smile on his face, but Jens couldn't quite place his finger on it.

"I was going to fly out to Italy two weeks ago." Lucas began to say. "But Kes, my other friend here, had to renew his passport so we pushed our departure back. It kind of sucked at first, but not anymore."

"Sucks a little less?" Jens teased, biting the tip of his tongue between his teeth as he smiled widely.

"Definitely sucks a little less."

-

Both boys stood at the baggage claim. When Jens had gotten off the plane, all his friends had given him a suspicious look as the boy they had seen him admiring was suddenly following him. He had to give them credit for not saying much, as he didn't want to be embarrassed before he could even ask for his number. Aaron, and Lucas' two friends, Kes and Jayden, were still making their way towards the baggage claim. Sitting at the back of the plane was probably not idea, but it gave Jens some time with Lucas.

They got their luggage and Jens saw the other two guys, followed by Aaron, head over. Frowning slightly, he was sad to realize that Lucas and him would part ways and they would be nothing more than two random strangers who managed to sit beside each other on the plane. They weren't even from the same country, and he doubted that the universe would allow him to be this lucky again.

"Lucas!" The boy with red glasses called out, who Jens assumed was Jayden. "Who's your friend?"

"Jayden, Kes, this is Jens. Jens, meet Jayden and Kes." He introduced. "I told him I needed new friends who weren't idiots."

"Just friends?" Kes asked, raising his brows and for the first time, Lucas blushed so hard he turned pink. It made Jens smirk, amused at his reaction.

"Jens!" Aaron called out. "Who's your friend?"

Now it was time for Jens to introduce Lucas to the Broerrs. Turning around, he saw Moyo, Sander and Robbe heading towards him. When they reached him, they stood beside him, all three of them smiling widely as the smirked at the very small distance between him and Lucas.

Coughing awkwardly, Jens bounced his leg. "Luc, meet Moyo, Sander, Robbe and Aaron. Guys, meet Lucas. I met him on the plane."

"And you didn't go to the bathroom?" Aaron piped up and Jens reached behind Lucas and quickly swatted the back of Aaron's head. Aaron winced as the rest of the guys continued their smirking.

"So, where in Rome are you staying?" asked Robbe, and Jens was thankful for the opening normalcy of a new conversation.

"I forget the name, but it's like, a quick shuttle ride from here? Napoleon or something." Kes replied.

"No way?" Moyo exclaimed. "Napoleon Hotel Roma?"

"Uhm yes?" Lucas replied, furrowing his brows in confusion.

Moyo clapped Jens' chest, startling him with his excitement. "Dude, that's the one we're staying at! Did you not know that?"

"Honestly, the hotel didn't even come up in our conversation." Jens admitted.

"Well come on!" Jayden exclaimed, calling then out to follow him. "We can all head to the shuttle and get there together. How long are you guys staying in Rome for?"

"Two weeks." Sander responded, wiggling two of his fingers up.

"No way! So are we!" Kes said in surprise.

Jens looked at Lucas, who was still blushing and giggle beside him. The rest of the guys had started to follow Jayden's lead, but Jens let himself bask in Lucas' company for a few more seconds. Lucas looked up to meet his eyes, a happy grin plastered on his face.

"So, is your opinion still changing?" Jens asked, wiggling his brows.

"What?"

"Do you still think this is a big coincidence?"

"A little bit." Lucas shrugged, his grin growing wider as he took in the way Jens was looking down and smiling at him. "But, I think I'd like to think that this is definitely fate."

"And I'm pretty sure that's exactly it."

"So is this fate Jens? Were we meant to meet right here, right now?"

"I think that's what was supposed to happen. I was meant to meet someone like you."

"Someone like me?"

"Someone like you."

And with that, they followed their friends towards the airport shuttle. Jens didn't know what the rest of the trip, the rest of the summer, meant for him, but that was okay. Because when he looked down, he smiled as Lucas shyly slipped his hand into his and intertwined their fingers together. Lucas pretended he hadn't reached out for him, but Jens felt his hand squeeze against his as he repeated the circular motions with his thumb on top of his hand. They didn't have to say anything, but it was clear they were thinking the exact same thing.

Maybe everything did happen for a reason.

See You In Five Years.

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

( @ apolloswords )

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

Sometimes, making life-long pacts with your best friend is the only way to avoid being alone. Even if you were never really alone to begin with.

Lucas didn't look up from his laptop even as he heard the pitter-patter of the rain against his window stop. He didn't look up when he heard his window slide open and he didn't even look up when he saw a shadowy figure from the distance slip right in. He only looked up when the figure shakes his head, tossing light flickers of water droplets from his dark wet hair towards the entirety of Lucas' room.

Really, he only looked up because some of it fell on his face and he groaned that he had shoved his bed too close to the window, clearly not protecting himself entirely from the now drenched boy staring at him.

Raising a brow, Lucas snickered as he took in how funny Jens looked. His dark hair was sticking towards his forehead, fitted button down shirt completely soaked and there was now a small puddle underneath his feet. Lucas tried to hide his snicker as Jens narrowed his eyes onto him, giving him a beady look.

"I take it the date didn't go so well?" He asked, biting his lip back from releasing his giggles.

Jens snorted. "Do I need to confirm that?"

"Well no," Lucas teased, "But I do want a backstory on how you found yourself climbing through my window in the pouring rain when you still have so much of the night left with your date." He got up from his bed and walked over to his closet, pulling out a clean fresh towel.

Jens just snorted again, as Lucas handed him the towel. The snarl on his face looked playful, but he still narrowed his eyes at him. Lucas just continued to watch as he dried his hair and patted his shirt down a bit, even though it still remained just as soaked.

"Do you have a shirt I could borrow?" Jens asked, clearly averting the topic of conversation. Lucas would let him get out of it for now, but it was going to be brought up again. One way or the other.

For now, he would help Jens avoid making a literal flood on his bedroom floor.

Turning back around into his closet, Lucas rummaged around in one of his drawers. Most of his own clothes were packed and in boxes, but he still left the small section of Jens' shirts and a spare hoodie stored where they always were. Picking up the first red shirt he saw folded up, he repeated the same motion and reached over to hand it to Jens.

"Thanks," Jens said, as he began to unbutton his shirt. "I keep forgetting that I have a stash of clothes at your place."

"You don't remember coming over with a backpack and a bunch of crumpled shirts after the first night you stayed over and claimed my shirt was going to suffocate you in your sleep so you made a show out of it by taking it off?"

"You don't remember my chest about to rip that thing apart and you crying that I was ruining your favourite shirt?"

"I was not crying." Lucas protested, before letting out a light huff.

Jens stuck his tongue out at him before peeling off the soaked button down, and Lucas tried not to look at the broadness of his chest before pulling the shirt over his head. It wasn't the first time he'd seen his best friend shirtless, but each time he did it was like a shock to his system. He always found Jens rather attractive, possibly even being the most attractive person he's ever laid eyes on. He was also convinced he was the most attractive person to roam the earth. But he didn't want to be awkward and make things weird, so he tried to avoid gawking at Jens and his prettiness, no matter how hard he tried.

After all, they were just friends.

Best friends sure, but just friends.

Lucas snapped out of his little thought bubble when he felt Jens unzip his black jeans off, leaving him in his boxers. He flopped onto his bed, enveloping in its soft warmth and Lucas was just glad he didn't crush his laptop. Sighing, Lucas took a seat on the edge of the bed, staring as Jens stuffed his face into a pillow and groaned.

"Dating sucks." He heard him mumble into the pillow. Even though Jens couldn't see his expression, Lucas nodded in agreement.

"Was the date that bad?"

Lifting his head up, Jens turned over and laid on his back. Lucas watched as his dark brown eyes glossed over his ceiling, frowning at the lack of posters that used to hang over his head.

"Did you already remove your posters?" He asked, clearly changing the subject.

Shrugging again, Lucas nodded. "Jens, we literally move into the flat next week. University starts in two weeks." Pausing, he looked at him, quite alarmed. "Don't tell me you haven't started packing yet."

Jens huffed out a laugh, the creases by his eyes crinkling a bit. "I have not. Thanks for reminding me. Maybe it'll be nice to finally meet some new people."

Raising his brows, Lucas gave him a smirk. "To meet as friends or to go on more horrible dates with?"

Scoffing, Jens wrinkled his nose and looked at him. "At this point, both. You're annoying me and I could easily replace your title of best friend."

"You won't. You already lost your dignity when you drunkenly admitted I was your new best friend. Poor Robbe, I don't think I've seen anyone so heartbroken."

"Yeah well, when you chose kissing me over Kes, I think he was just as heart broken."

"Kes is my best friend!"

"And I'm not?"

"You are. But, you're probably easily replaceable as well. Unlike him."

"Fuck you." Jens laughed, grabbing the pillow behind his head and gently hitting Lucas with that. "Take that back."

"Fine, I'll take it back." He teased, rolling his eyes in fake annoyance. Reaching over, he poked Jens in the stomach. "So, what happened on your date with that hot chick you saw at the club?"

"Hot chick?"

"I'm gay Jens, not blind."

"Fair enough." He snorted. Sighing, he just shrugged. "I don't know, I feel like she was just rushing too into it you know? Like it's our first date, and you're already asking me about a possible future? I don't even know your favourite colour!" Taking a paused, he sighed again. "Can't believe we were already talking about marriage."

"Damn," Lucas replied. He didn't really know what to say, so he gave him another soft smirk. "Doesn't really explain why you crawled through my window though."

"Because I think she wanted to kiss me in the rain but she had this seafood pasta at the restaurant and I was not willing to make out with lobster tonight. So I kind of ran away, realized I was on your street, hid in your bushes and figured I had some luck with your window."

"I have a front door."

"What's the fun in that?"

Giggling, Lucas shook his head. His soft curls, bounced lightly as he felt Jens still smiling rather cockily at his. Giving him a teasing look, he replied.

"I think you're just as much of a bad date as she was."

"Maybe," Jens admitted, laying his head back down on Lucas' pillow. "I hope she finds the guy who's going to agree to her wedding dress on their first date though."

Not really knowing what to say, Lucas nodded. He then decided he was feeling a little drowsy, so he laid down himself. The blankets, sweater and sweatpants he had on felt cozy and warm, but it was also the ease and comfort Jens gave him that made him want to drift off. Closing his eyes, he hummed lightly, allowing himself to listen to the gentle rain hit his windows as Jens breathed slowly beside him. A few minutes passed, and he felt Jens stir a bit. Opening his eyes back up, he took a peek at the boy, who was already gazing at him.

"What are you thinking about?" Lucas asked, taking in the expression on his face. After two years of knowing him, Lucas had gotten fairly good at reading through all his expressions.

"You know, some people have this pact. Like, if in ten years they don't get married, they'll just marry each other. Like a back-up plan."

"So in ten years, you're telling me you won't have one good date?"

"I mean, I didn't say that. But you won't find the one you want to marry I guess. So, you resort to the person you made a pact with. Probably better than being alone."

"Probably. Though, it would suck if the whole thing is orchestrated just so two people don't end up alone. Kind of sounds a bit lonelier."

"Yeah but," Jens sighed. He turned away from looking at Lucas and faced his, now empty, ceiling. "You would obviously make the pact with someone you could see living forever with. Someone platonic enough that you could see yourself being with them for the rest of your life."

There was something in the way Jens was speaking, something hidden. Lucas carefully studied the way his jaw was clenched, hands pressed firmly on his stomach and the intense chewing on his lip. There were many expressions of Jens that he had come to know and love, but this one suddenly felt the most unfamiliar.

"What are you getting at?" He finally asked, forcing Jens to look back at him.

"We should make a pact."

Widening his eyes, Lucas quickly bolted up. He let his jaw hang loose for a second, trying to see if there was anything to hint that Jens was joking. Jens slowly sat up and shook his head, wondering why Lucas reacted to strangely. How else was he supposed to react? His best friend had essentially asked to marry him.

At least, in the next ten years.

"Are you serious?"

"Dead serious. Shitty dates keep happening to us, at least in the end we'll have each other."

Lucas knew what his heart wanted. He knew exactly what he longed for and you know what, maybe, maybe, just maybe, in ten years, he could have just that. There were many risks that could occur if he agreed, but on the bright side, he could deal with it later.

As in, in ten years.

Getting up without a word, Lucas headed over towards his desk. It was probably the last part of his room he had left to pack. Pulling out some of his fancy art paper and some calligraphy pens, Lucas began to scribble about. He could feel Jens eyeing at him, as he tried to make the most impressive contract he could muster up in a few short minutes.

Finally, he headed over back to Jens. Handing it over, he watched as Jens began to read through it, his brows furrowing at the words on the paper.

"In five years from today, if we have no luck with anybody else, we will go on a date. And whatever happens from there, we will determine into our ten year plan. At least, we can test the waters before diving into, well, marriage." Lucas explained.

Jens nodded, agreeing with what was contracted. He looked up at Lucas, his beautiful brown eyes looking into his blue ones. Holding his breath, he tried not to get lost in them.

"Hand me a pen to sign it." Jens instructed.

And with that, both boys scribbled their names over the hasty black line Lucas had drawn out for them. The blue ink seeped into the paper, running a bit messily over top of each other's signature. Taking a second to admire the agreement, Jens turned his head to smirk at Lucas.

"See you in five years."

-

Banging on the door, Lucas waited impatiently for Jens to open it. He didn't think moving back to Utrecht meant Jens would follow him, but after they both studied at the University of Amsterdam and completed their degrees together, Jens figured it would probably be an easy way to make job connections if he stayed close to where he graduated from. Lucas wasn't complaining, even after the four years he and Jens had lived together during university. And a year later, after landing steady successful jobs, Jens being a producer for upcoming Dutch artists at a record label and Lucas being one of the main managers at a art and history museum, he was still not tired of coming home to his and Jens' shared place at the end of a long day.

Except maybe right now, when Jens was being stubborn and Lucas was getting annoyed at the feeling of wet clothes sticking to his skin.

"Jens, open up." He called out, banging on the door again.

A minute passed and Jens finally did open up. Lucas noticed the set of headphones he had on his shoulders and realized he must have been playing his music too loud to have heard him the first few times. Jens took one good look at the way his curls pressed agains his forehead as water droplets trickled down his face. He tried to look annoyed, but with the wet clothes still sticking onto him, he probably just looked cold and tired. And miserable.

"Jesus," Jens mumbled, opening the door wider so Lucas could come in. "You are drenched. Come in."

"Thanks." He huffed, trying not to sound as sarcastic as possible.

As he peeled off his wet shoes and socks, Jens wandered over to the thermostat to turn it up a bit. It still may be the last few days of the summer, but with how Lucas was shivering underneath his, now soaked, knitted sweater, he could use some extra heat. He peeled his denim jacket off his body as Jens disappeared into his room. Heading straight to the dryer, he dropped it in, ignoring the water droplets that leaked a little trail behind him.

"Here," Jens said, handing him a towel. "I suggest you take off your shirt and jeans off now, before you flood the rest of the place."

Scoffing, Lucas did as told. After he dumped his clothes in the dryer, he wrapped the towel around him "I'm going to head to the bathroom to dry my hair." He chattered, feeling even colder as he stood in just his boxers.

Jens nodded. "I'll bring you some clothes."

"Thanks."

Once he got into the bathroom, Lucas frowned at his reflection. His face looked extra tired, his cheeks sunken in a bit as the bags under his eyes seemed more prominent. This week had been hell, and it finished off just as horrible. A small knock on the door startled him quickly but he relaxed as Jens held a hand out with a change of clothes.

"I'm not looking." Jens announced as Lucas took the pair of sweatpants and sweater from him.

"I know." Lucas said, mustering a small smile.

He looked at the pair of grey sweatpants in his hands and Jens' red sweater, the one with a graphic design and was worn through a large portion of high school. A warmth finally glowed within him, feeling sentimental at the gesture of Jens giving him his own sweater to wear. The second Lucas pulled it over him felt like a warm and reassuring hug. He quickly slipped on the sweatpants and did his best to dry his curls. After freshening up by quickly washing his face and brushing his teeth, he sighed heavily. When he finally felt like he didn't resemble a wet rat, he walked out the bathroom and headed to his room.

He hadn't expected to see Jens laying on his bed. His headphones were now off and set aside on his night table. He hadn't looked up from aimlessly scrolling through his phone, and Lucas took a second to admire him. The blue shirt he wore hung loose over him, but his shoulders and chest had still gotten a little more broader since his teenage years. His gym shorts showed off his tanned legs from the days of the summer sun, which had defined some of his toned muscles. Lucas still considered him to be the most beautiful boy to ever exist. The weight of the horrible week and the horrible date lifted off his shoulders as he realized how lucky he was to come home to this, every single day for the past five years.

Finally, Lucas sighed and wandered over to the empty space on his bed. He flopped down and groaned into his soft pillow, earning Jens' attention. Jens looked away from his phone and smirked at him, before reaching out to push a few damp curls away from his face.

"I take it your date didn't go so well?" He teased, his smirk growing.

Lucas snorted. "It was probably the worse thing to happen to me all week. And that includes how I completely set up the wrong exhibit and had to stay until midnight to set up the correct one."

"You'd think we'd have some luck with dates by now. Let alone relationships."

Furrowing his brows, Lucas looked at him confused. "Didn't you have a boyfriend in your third year?"

"You mean the guy who just wanted me to have a threesome with his actual girlfriend? You can't really think that counts as something good." Jens scoffed. "I wasted a good six months on that asshole."

"At least you didn't get your date coming in with his boyfriend and asking for a threesome on the first date." Lucas groaned. "At least your asshole waited six months. Mine waited like, two hours."

"Holy fuck." Jens said, a laughter erupting from his chest. He tried to use his hand to cover up his wide grin, as means to empathize with Lucas, but it was no use. Laughter still escaped his body.

"Holy fuck," He repeated, as he tried to calm down from his outburst. "Is that why you're here so early? I wasn't expecting you to come until much later. Honestly, maybe not even until the morning."

Lucas snorted again. "Yeah, I decided to lie and say I was headed to the bathroom. That asshole and his boyfriend could pay for dinner for all I cared. But then I realized I didn't really know where I was and walked in like, fifteen blocks of pouring rain."

"You poor thing." Jens replied, finally slowing down from laughing so hard.

There was a sparkle in his eyes that seemed to create warm sparks throughout Lucas' body. The lamp that was dimly lit warmed up the soft smile on Jens' face, and his dark brown eyes looked rather golden. Outside his window was the soft pitter-patter of the rain, sounding much more gentle rather than the aggressive rain that had made it its mission to drown him on his walk home. Even when bad days, or bad weeks, occurred, Lucas always forgot about them the second he came home.

The second he came home to Jens.

"I found something while cleaning out my closet today." Jens announced in a whisper. Lucas finally remembered the curiosity about the sparkle in his eyes and widened his own eyes in response.

"Is that how you found your old sweater?" He asked, gesturing at the one he was wearing. "You haven't worn this since your first year at University."

"Kind of grew out of it." Jens explained. "But, I knew it would fit you still, so you can have it. You haven't grown much."

He tried to hold back his giggle and frown at the statement, but Lucas couldn't help the grin on his face as he knew Jens was giving him his sweater. Sure, it made sense, since there was no way it would fit him now, but it was still forever going to be Jens' sweater to him.

Even though it was on technically now his.

Whacking him playfully, Lucas rolled his eyes. "So, what did you find in the black hole of your closet?"

"Very funny." Jens retaliated. He rummaged his hand in the pocket of his black shorts and pulled out a neatly folded piece of paper. The look on his face was soft and shy, almost hesitant as he handed it to Lucas.

Unknowing what it could be, Lucas took a look at Jens, completely puzzled. Jens just shrugged and Lucas sat up before unfolding it. As the paper's words began to jump out, he felt his heart leap suddenly and couldn't help but drop his jaw.

It was the contract they had made five years ago. The one in which they had made a pact to go on a date if they were both single and not seeing anyone else. The silly date that was supposedly going to lead them to a marriage in the next five years. Lucas didn't actually forget it, but he didn't think it was serious enough to bring up again. He also figured they had lost it in the process of moving in and out of their residences and towards Utrecht.

"Check the date." Jens whispered. "It's dated five years ago today."

"Which means," Lucas whispered back. "Today is the day the agreement is supposed to occur."

Jens flashed a rather sympathetic smile. "Look, I know you may have thought it was stupid when we made it. I thought it was stupid too. But don't you think its a bit funny how five years later, we're in the same position we were in when we wrote that?"

"I guess it is all very coincidental." Lucas agreed.

"Luc, I don't know about you but when everything in my life went wrong, you were the last thing I saw at the end of every day. And I also realized that you were maybe the only thing I ever got right." He paused and bit his lip. "I'd be lying if I said you weren't who I wanted to be with for the rest of my life."

The smile on his face couldn't stop from growing and Lucas could feel himself about to burst with pure happiness. Jens still looked a little lost with the lack of response, so Lucas just gave him a playful wrinkle of his nose.

"If, you would like to take me out tomorrow for breakfast at the place down the street, I wouldn't oppose to it. In fact, I would actually look very forward to it."

Now Jens wrinkled his nose, but snickered lightly. "Did you just ask me to ask you on a date?"

"Was that not the plan we made five years ago?"

"You're right." He laughed. Turning quickly, he pulled up the blankets to Lucas' chin, snuggled under it himself and turned off the lamp. It took a second for their eyes to adjust in the darkness, but when they did, Lucas didn't mistake the way Jens was smiling at him.

"Are you sleeping with me tonight?" He giggled.

Jens nodded, still keeping his smile plastered on his face. "Yeah, so maybe then, you'll be the very first thing I see at the start of my day."

Lucas grinned and huddled towards the empty space between them. He felt Jens put an arm around his waist, pulling him in closer to his chest as his hand gently played with Jens' dark hair. Their feet were a tangled mess but that was just fine with him. He was warm, safe and in the arms of his best friend.

Though, if things finally went right, if he finally had a good date after an endless string of bad ones, maybe being just friends would be a title of the past.

Within a few minutes, Lucas felt his body drift off into a gentle slumber. The last thing he saw before his eyes closed was the way Jens admired him under the soft moonlight making its way past the rain clouds. The last thing he heard was Jens humming them both to sleep softly, their breathing in sync and chests rising together. The last thing he smelt was the faint smell of Jens on his sweater, but the strong scent of Jens and his mixture of shampoo, faded cologne and fresh laundry surrounded him, completely enveloping him. The last thing he felt was Jens pulling him in even closer, his hands having a firm but gentle grip on him, his arms holding the entirety of his body closer towards him and the gentle kiss placed on his forehead.

And finally, the last thing he thought of was how he couldn't wait for the morning.

I Never Understood Summer Love.

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

( @ apolloswords )

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

Jens and Lucas experience a summer love together, but even when the seasons change, the feelings they have shared do not.

( jens and lucas | i never understood summer love )

I never understood summer love. Lucas thought to himself. Because I'll never know why they call it summer love when I still long for you as the leaves begin to fall.

-

The early chill of the autumn air was crisp this morning, as both boys slipped on their jackets before heading out for another day of school. The navy blue jacket of the taller raven-haired boy felt soft around his body. But not as soft as the gentle brown curls and skin belonging to the boy of his past. His summer past. And from across the school's courtyard, the boy of the summer sat, hugged by the denim jacket he had always found security and comfort in. But not as much as he found security and comfort in the boy his eyes could never break gaze from. Without even realizing it, he was watching him again. Wondering how they were once so close and intimate, to barely even holding an exchange of greetings now. Actually, he didn't need to wonder. He knew how they had become sudden strangers. But even if he knew the question to his own answer, that didn't break his stolen glances.

Until the other boys' dark brown eyes met his blue one, and he averted his eyes, looking away quickly. Ashamed to have been caught staring.

But he didn't know why he felt ashamed, why he felt like he needed to be ashamed. Lucas figured that when they went back to school, he would forget about Jens. Forget about the way the sunlight kissed the tip of his nose as he tossed his head back, laughing at some snarky remark he made. Forget about the way Jens looked at him, like he was the reason the sun stayed out all day. Forget about the way his hands trailed and wandered all over him, the curve of his shoulders, dip in his back and sharpness of his lithe jawline. Forget about Jens entirely.

Yet, even from across the courtyard, as both boys pretended they were nothing but someone passing by, he knew there was no way he could forget any of that. And as the autumn leaves rustled behind him, disrupting his golden memories, Lucas continued to long for the summer he once knew.

Frustrated, and feeling rather even more sorry for himself, Lucas got up and walked away.The newly fallen leaves felt loud underneath his feet, and with each step, it felt like he was walking away from more than his spot on the courtyard. His cheeks were a little pink from the harshness of the colder air, spiking his skin. Lucas could do nothing but just sigh. Deep down, he felt himself walk further away from what he had found familiarity with.

It wouldn't have been the second time he'd done that to avoid confronting the way he felt.

-

It started out like any other summer. Basking in the warm sunlight all day, partying under the moon all night. Yet, it was so much more different this time around. Lucas would have to leave everything he once knew behind. He would have to leave everything in his familiarity. It was no surprise that Lucas resented heading over to live with his cousin Milan, but since he was still in high school with no actual parent around, he had to find family elsewhere, And the closest thing he had to family was all the way in Belgium. Granted, it wasn't super far away, but Lucas already felt an ache in his heart the second he departed from his friends at the train station. Long gone were the days of Utrecht, and now were days of Antwerp.

It made him feel even more alone than he already did.

But that was until he saw him. He remembered the first time he had seen him. It was when he and Milan had gotten high at some park, laying in the grass that tickled the back of their necks and their fingertips. Milan had sat up, calling a group of guys over and even though Lucas' mind was a little hazy from the weed, he couldn't mistake how beautiful one of the boys jogging over looked.

He was tall, dark hair flowing as he came forward, skin so very sun kissed from spending all his days outside in the summer sun. The grin on his face was playful, but also rather teasing. Something in between a smirk and the start of a laugh. Lucas felt like he wasn't high anymore, as the world just seemed to clear and become in focus around him. But, at the same time, his whole body felt afloat. He felt a sense of euphoria, a rush of both serotonin and dopamine running through him.

The second their eyes locked, both of them stared a little too long at each other. Their gazes lingered, as they studied their unfamiliarity, but felt the pull towards each other. Lucas knew instantly. He couldn't mistake the way his heart skipped, the way he felt his cheeks go into a mellow pink and the small grin on his face, as he smiled to the ground. But the boy and his warm eyes, only gave him a smile back. Knowing the same thing Lucas did.

"Hey, I'm Jens." The raven haired boy introduced, a glint in his eyes as he eyed Lucas up and down.

"I'm Lucas." He replied back.

As the summer began to continue its long days, Lucas and Jens grew closer. The pull between them only seemed to get stronger as cryptic messages laid between their quiet conversations with words only shared between them. As their smiles became a little less secretive, and more knowing. Lucas didn't know what to describe this feeling as, but he didn't think he could even if he tried.

And even if he tried to deny it, to repress the confusion and second thoughts, he was at least sure of one thing.

There was more to this summer, this new life in Antwerp, than he had imagined. And more towards Jens, who he couldn't seem to get enough of.

-

Last night was a blur in Jens' mind. He didn't remember how it happened, couldn't remember how it could've happened. But one thing must have led to another, because he did recall bringing Lucas home after a quite eventful night of partying. The way Jens couldn't keep his eyes off of this new Dutch boy, and how even from across a crowded room, he searched for him. Looking around frantically until he was met with the sparkling blue eyes clearer than the bright blue sky and a pair of pretty pink lips turned up into a an even brighter smile.

It took him a second when he woke up, seeing the way the morning set aglow on a still sleeping Lucas to fully believe it. To fully believe he was right there. Jens got up for a second, pulling on his red crewneck and wandering out of his room for a second.

Maybe it was a dream, maybe it was all in his head. The endless pining over Lucas had finally caught up to him, the way he loved looking at the stars reflect in his bright blue eyes, freckles dance over his nose and smile light up each one of his days. But when he wandered back in, he saw him again. Saw the way Lucas still hadn't stirred awake and was nothing but a peaceful sleeping beauty.

Jens couldn't help but continue to admire him. Him underneath his bedsheets, his brown curls splayed all over his pillow. Jens felt his heart beat faster, even if his whole body remained at ease. There was something special about Lucas, something he had never seen in someone before. Let alone feel for someone before. But it didn't scare him. Even if his feelings were just as much confusing as they were strong, he wasn't scared.

Because when Lucas, very hesitantly, reached out to hold his hand the day before, Jens didn't need to be scared. Not when Lucas and his love made him feel safe.

So Jens held his hand back, feeling the cool metal of Lucas' silver rings against his fingertips. Long slender fingers intertwined in his own calloused ones. Lucas' hand in his, and his hand in Lucas'.

-

The night fell on both boys, but that didn't stop the glow from both of them light up Lucas' room. He and Jens had stumbled home from another party, both too sober to be willing to be around those not. But that was because they were intoxicated with each other entirely. Jens let his eyes watch Lucas in front of him, the way he touched his body like he was a sculptor sculpting his own self. The way Lucas' hands let the shadows of the night paint him like a masterpiece. Jens was didn't think he had ever seen anything so ethereal, nor did he think he ever would.

But here was Lucas, in front of him. The way he moved, the way he was just so himself in front of him. The vulnerability of both boys, looking at each other like nothing else in the world existed outside of them.

So when Jens pulled Lucas in, letting his hands now wander over Lucas, he was definitely sure nothing did exist outside of Lucas. The way their lips touched, creating both actions of desire and affection dictate their next move. The way Jens actually did think Lucas was something sculpted by a god himself, something so far out of humanity's reach. The way Jens poured every single part of him into entirely loving Lucas in a way he had never loved before.

Lucas wasn't just a boy he was lucky to meet and have a connection with. Lucas was a world all on his own, and Jens didn't think he could ever reach out and feel the wonders of a universe at the edge of his fingertips.

-

Yet, like all good days, the sun sets into the darkness of the night. And while some nights can be lit up by the brightness of twinkling stars and the illuminating beauty of the moon, some nights are filled with the darkness.

"We don't have to end it." The boy pleaded, his dark brown eyes widening as tears began to fill them.

"You're right we don't. But we lived a summer dream and I don't think it can continue."

"Why Lucas? Why must things change? Why are we doing this?"

The boy, who's blue eyes were just as teary tried to hold back the tremble in his voice but to no avail. "Because, things change. People change. And we have to go back to our normal lives now."

"So I can't make you apart of mine?" He cried, his voice cracking out of frustration. Jens felt like he couldn't breath. His chest ached from the anger and sadness, but not as much as his heart ached for losing Lucas. For losing his lover.

Lucas only bit his lip and shook his head. He knew Jens was right, he was allowed to be with him. He could be with him. But Lucas didn't know how he could accept Jens changing a huge aspect of his life to be with him. To be out, to be unafraid of being in love with a boy. To being in love with him, with Lucas.

"I can't have you changing your life just because of some summer where we hid in the shadows of the sun. I can't have you changing your life for me."

"Do you not want this anymore?"

Biting his lip again and finally letting the tears streak his face, Lucas shook his head. "No."

He'd never lied to Jens before, never felt like he had too. But he just did. To protect and hide the truth from someone he cared about. He couldn't let Jens know how much this ached him. He couldn't let Jens know that all of this was another change to his life, one he was afraid to accept, no matter how good of thing it was.

So as the summer sun began to hide behind the autumn leaves changing colours, Lucas figured that he had to let go. Let go of the boy who was more than just a summer love.

The truth was, Lucas had no problem loving Jens at any point of the year. In every month, week and day. In every hour, minute and second. In every season, life and universe.

-

Sometimes when Lucas was sad, he would lay down on the floor of his room and simply put on his headphones. If it was any other day, he would probably scroll through the abundance of playlists he'd curated, ranging from eccentric 70's pop to Lana Del Ray's discography. Now, he would scroll through his library of records and listen to the soft strums of the guitar. Sometimes the songs played with covers of songs he knew, other times, they were just an abstract mess of melodies meddling together. Whatever it was, he enjoyed it.

He would think about the times he'd heard Jens mess around on his guitar, when they were both hanging out and not really doing much but enjoying each other's company. Jens was shy at first, almost refusing to even let Lucas hear him play, but after a few hangouts, he smiled at him and let him listen. Jens tried to impress him at first, wanting to show off his impressive guitar playing skills, but that wasn't what ended up impressing Lucas.

"Play that again." Lucas had told him. "Play that thing you just played.

Jens raised his eyebrows, letting out a confused laugh. "You liked that?"

He shrugged, not seeing why it was a big deal. "Yeah I did. It sounded really good."

"I was just messing around." Jens admitted, blushing slightly. "It was just something that came to me, nothing that special."

"Well," Lucas smiled at him. "You should mess around even more. I think what you just played may have been my favourite thing yet."

So that's what Jens did. They spent the rest of the quiet summer afternoon messing about on his guitar. And Lucas recorded it, wanting to keep something of this moment forever.

And now, when he was alone in his room, he realized it was a good thing he did. It might be the last thing of Jens he had.

-

Lately, Jens had started to take the long way home. Not because he was rather adamant on getting home, or because he enjoyed walking, but because he considered it to be more scenic. Walking through the small part of town, with the local shops decorating their fronts to fit the autumn aesthetic was definitely scenic, but that wasn't what caught his eye. What caught his eye was the boy in the window, the one who was busy working in some local boutique by helping. Lucas had begun working there, shortly after school started, from what he heard from Milan. And Jens never had the nerve to step inside, he knew the reaction he'd get from him if he did.

But Jens couldn't help himself from taking this route. Aside from seeing Lucas at the courtyard before school, the slight passing by in the halls and from his back seat in History class, it was one of the other times he could see him. He would have loved to talk to him, to strike up conversations like they once had.

He knew he couldn't. He couldn't mistake the way Lucas avoided him, instantly looking away or leaving the second he caught Jens looking at him. Or when Jens caught him looking. Whatever it was, he knew Lucas wanted to be left alone. Jens wished he could convince him otherwise, but that probably would only make things worse.

So Jens would just sigh. Even if the small glimpse lifted his spirits up and made his heart swell for even the slightest second, he only felt worse each time as he walked away.

-

"I just don't get it." Jens said as Lucas felt his heart beating. "I don't get why you think you can't be in my life."

The last thing Lucas ever expected was to see Jens stumble into the boutique just before he was about to go on his break. It had been a month since they had their last conversation. He expected to feel euphoric seeing Jens come in and ask to talk to him, but he could only be reminded of their good times and felt his heart shatter as he realized that he was the one who put an end to that. And because after all this time, Jens hadn't forgotten about him.

Lucas let Jens lead him to some nearby park, to talk before Lucas had to head back to work. For the first minute, they sat in silence. It wasn't uncomfortable, but it was not the comfortable silence they used to bask in. They were both struggling on what to say, now that they had telepathically established what they would be talking about.

"I don't get why you think the summer was the only time we could be together. Fuck, I know some things don't always make sense but, I don't know why you think this does. This silence, this avoidance. At first I thought maybe I was just a fling, something for the summer. But I see the way you still look at me Luc, you and your big beautiful eyes staring at me and I feel my entire world just go to a still." Jens continued to ramble.

He looked up a bit, shocked how much Jens had observed about his recent behaviour. The words were caught in his throat, but he tried to force some sort of response out.

"You think my eyes are beautiful?" He choked out, his mouth quivering and his voice trembling.

Jens snorted, but nodded with a light laugh. "Yeah Luc, I think your eyes are beautiful. I think what we had was beautiful and fuck, I think you're beautiful. Okay? That's it. I think you're beautiful, I always have. It's not just your eyes, your smile or anything in specific, it's just you."

He still couldn't give out a response, at a complete loss for words. But he did the most natural thing he could do, the most natural things that Jens made him do.

Lucas smiled. He smiled his soft smile at Jens as his cheeks turned pink, a few shades lighter than his warm sweater against the cold air. Jens smiled back. Because even if Lucas hadn't said a word, much like the past few weeks, at least this silence was a bit more familiar.

As they smiled at each other, they realized the world around them didn't seem so cold anymore. There was another hint of the familiarity, a warm glow emitting from the both of them. Even in the later days of autumn, the summer didn't feel so far away anymore.

-

"I can't do this anymore. I can't keep seeing you and pretending this is okay. I can't keep doing this Luc, so just tell me. Satisfy me, make some shit up but tell me what I've been begging to know." Jens pleaded. "Why didn't you want it anymore?"

The party felt far away, even though they were only in the kitchen of the house. Lucas didn't know how to go about stringing the words, rather they were lies or the truth. When no response came out of him again, Jens just nodded to himself. Without a word, he turned, finally being the one to walk away.

"Do you really not get it?" Lucas blurted out, surprising the both of them. Jens turned around quickly, his mouth slightly hanging open and his eyes wide. It urged Lucas to continue, finally admitting the truth.

"That I'm fucking in love with you." He breathed out. "You came into my life while everything around me was changing and I didn't think that I'd have something good come about that. But you came and you were a good change, a good thing. The first good thing in awhile and maybe even the best. And I know it didn't scare you, but it scared me. I lied when I said it was for your sake, because it was for mine. I was the one thinking you couldn't be in my mess of a life, couldn't be caught up in the mess that is me. I loved you too much and I knew you deserved better, better than me."

Smiling softly, Jens shook his head like he was about to tease Lucas. "I can love you anytime I want Luc, and the funny thing is I do. Because while things do and will change, some things don't. And for me, it's the way I feel for you." He paused, coming closer to him and placing gentle hand on Lucas' jaw. Whispering, he added. "Because I'm in fucking love with you too."

-

A few weeks later, Jens was holding Lucas back into his arms in the later hours of the night. The familiar feeling of his bedsheets against his bare skin, Lucas beneath him and the brisk of the night through his slightly open window let shivers down his spine. But they were quickly counteracted by the sparks igniting through him from the smaller boy who was a bundle of warmth against him. Jens smiled down at him, against the soft tickles of his curls against his face and vibrations of his light snored against his chest. He kissed the top of Lucas' head, wishing him a good night's sleep.

I never understood summer love. Jens thought to himself. For how could I only love you in in one season, when you were meant to be with me in each and every one.

visual media component for i never understood summer love.

read it here !

i’m not a very avid video editor so hopefully this looks as nice as i think it does- the youtube link is down below in case you have trouble viewing it

watch it here !

I Like It When You Sleep For You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware Of It

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

( @ apolloswords )

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

Sleepy Van Der Stoffels. That's it. That's all it is.

shoutout to @ pepethehobbit because the very first vds fanfic i read was her “it’s not living (if it’s not with you)” fic due to the 1975 song reference in the title. bonus points because that song is actually one of my all time favourites. <3 

When Lucas and Jens first fell asleep together, both of them thought it would take quite a bit to get used to another person in each other's bed. The stillness of the night often begun with Lucas laying his head on Jens' arm, tapping his fingers lightly on his chest. Jens would have his own hand, laying flat against his chest as Lucas' fingertips danced about, sometimes grazing against the empty space between his fingers, just barely touching. Their breathing was slow and sometimes when the hours of slumber drew near, Lucas would hum to himself softly. It would send small vibrations through both of their body, almost as if they were two halves of one whole.

They often argued they were.

"You make the night time feel a lot like the day." Jens whispered, on another night he found himself in Lucas' room. Neither of them knew what numbered time this one was, but loosing track of it hardly mattered. He just didn't want to go home and he hardly ever did nowadays. So, without it taking much convincing, Lucas invited him to stay the night.

The dancing fingers on his chest didn't stop, as Lucas tilted his head up to look at Jens. The dark brown eyes were almost identical to the midnight sky, so dark that with just the flicker of light from the street lamp outside made them twinkle. The shadows of the night painted over the deeper parts of his face, while the light of the moon kissed the higher points gently, illuminating them. There was no doubt that Jens was beautiful, a figure of art that Lucas could spend eons working on capturing but could never compare. To Lucas, Jens was beyond the master pieces of a gallery. Beyond the paintings of Van Gogh, the sculptures of Michelangelo and the words of poets. To Lucas, Jens was something cut out from the clouds of heaven, intertwined with the galaxies and held the rest of the world in the palm of his hands.

"What?" Lucas asked, realizing he didn't exactly reply to Jens' statement. "What does that even mean?"

"Aren't you the one learning all those cryptic meanings and metaphors in your art classes? Wouldn't you be able to know what they mean?" Jens laughed, bringing the arm that held Lucas a bit closer to him. Lucas snuggled in closer into Jens' side, sighing at the softness of his shirt and warmth under his cheek.

He giggled back. "I do. But you aren't exactly a poet Jens, so I don't know if I have the expertise to understand what you mean."

"You must be failing your classes then."

"And you're not?"

Jens snorted and pretended to give Lucas an annoyed look. Lucas only grinned, the moonlight brightening his smile to the point where Jens couldn't help but smile back. He leaned forward a bit, and kissed Lucas' forehead gently. The strands of curls that hung loose on his forehead tickled him slightly when they pressed against his forehead, but the sparks from the kiss sent waves of sweet affection through his body.

"So what do you mean by that?" Lucas asked again, this time his voice much softer and hushed. His eyelids were beginning to feel heavy as his body began to melt into the mess of comfy sheets, soft pillows and blankets that held them in a gentle huddle.

"You manage to continue you making me feel so alive. And even now, I feel like I could run a marathon." Jens explained. His last statement was quickly counteracted with a yawn. Another yawn followed, but it didn't come from Jens. Lucas didn't even realize it was his, until he felt his body begin to drift off even more.

"Not me." Lucas murmured, his eyes basically shut tight now. "Maybe tomorrow."

"Good night my sleepy boy." Jens whispered, rubbing his hand up and down Lucas' back. The other one reached over, lifting off its initial placement on his chest to nestle his fingers into Lucas' curls.

He loved it when Jens played with his hair. It was often, usually only done when they were alone together. The first time Jens had done it was while they were watching a move in Jens' room. Both of them were leaning against Jens' headboard, while Lucas leaned on his shoulder. Then, as if it was a second nature to Jens, he reached out and light twirled a curl on the top of Lucas's head as his eyes intently focused on the movie on the laptop balanced on a stack of pillows. Lucas couldn't pay much attention after that. He could only focus on the way Jens' fingers lightly tugged on the curls, the strands intertwining around his fingers and the calm ease it put his whole body into. It was then when Lucas realized Jens' love language.

Touch.

He should've known before. The way Jens always leaned against him on benches as they waited for their friends, back when they were just friends. Then it would slowly escalate, Jens reaching out to pat his back when he felt Lucas feel nervous or tense. Then eventually, holding his hand whenever he could, having a hand on his lap if they were sitting down at a table with his friends. Sometimes, before Jens let their hands swing between them as they walked, he would place a soft kiss to his knuckles. Lucas always giggled at the sentiment. It always made Jens seem sort of regal, but in his own dorky way. Whatever it was, Jens always had a soft hold on Lucas.

Maybe that was why Jens liked sleeping over a lot. Whenever Lucas woke up, Jens would still have an arm holding him as his back pressed against Jens' flat and board chest. Or, on their second night, Lucas had woken up in the exact same position he had fallen asleep in. His head just slightly on Jens' chest, Jens' fingers resting lightly on his curls as his other one laid flat on his chest, rising up and down with his slow breathing movements. Lucas had no idea how he managed to sleep through the night without tossing around at least once. And it wasn't like he was a very restless sleeper either, but he did usually end up sprawled out into a different position than the one he fell asleep in. But upon knowing that Jens had held him the whole night, his heart melted and he found himself throwing an arm around Jens' waist, hugging him. He hoped not to stir Jens awake, but another thing Lucas learned was that when Jens slept, he slept.

"Good night. I love you." He felt himself mumble before his body completely slipped into a peaceful slumber.

“I love you too.”

Lucas wasn't completely wrong. Of course Jens liked to sleepover because of his chance to hold his wonderful boyfriend in his arms. It also helped that they didn't have to be apart, which Jens was also not too keen on. But what Jens loved the most, was making sure Lucas had a blissful sleep. During the day, he would often see Lucas look a little worried, like there was something that relentlessly bothered him and couldn't keep him at ease. Lately, his brows furrowed together more, the biting of his nails was more frequent and he always seemed to have his shoulders carrying his stress. He didn't know if it was from the turmoil of dealing with his rather absent father who had wanted to have a place in his life again, his mother and her medicine being inconsistent for her episodes and the pressure for the upcoming exam season. It could even be a mix of all three.

Whatever it was, it made Lucas look a little more drained. He never looked like he got enough sleep, eye bags becoming a bit darker and the colour in his face hardly making any presence. It worried Jens, and the one thing Jens disliked more than worrying was seeing his boyfriend worry.

So, that's why he wanted to stay the night. Stay every night if he could. Besides, it's not like anybody cared if he did stay over- Jens' family often understood, knowing how lonely Lucas was in the university dorms and the dormitory policies weren't very strict about visitors. He could stay every night if he wanted to. As long as Lucas wanted him to.

And knowing Lucas, that was absolutely in the equation. Jens noticed how much Lucas loved quality time. It could be one of his love languages. Lucas had been going on about love languages for awhile now, and while Jens did his best to understand them, he still never quite got them. Could you even have more than one language? To Jens, that was possible, because that was kind of how he saw everything in-between them. It was a language of their own.

Maybe Jens should make the argument that love languages didn't exist. That the one that did was the one they shared. And whether it was touch, quality time, words of affirmation or whatever else Lucas spewed on about, they all made up the way they were affectionate towards each other.

Touch. Jens holding Lucas in the still of the night, as the whispers of tomorrow lingered around them, promising things they were not yet aware of.

Quality time. Lucas spending hours in Jens' room, even if it was just laying on his bed as he studied his boyfriend, who was too busy whipping up some sort of musical masterpieces through his headphones.

Acts of service. Jens doing his best at mixing extra amounts of acrylic paints for Lucas to use on his paintings. Sometimes, most times, they never matched and the shades always slightly differed, but Lucas would just kiss his cheek and thank him anyway. Jens would then watch him blend the colours, focusing so hard to make it work. And, through some sort of miracle, they always did.

Receiving gifts. Whenever Lucas went to his favourite art store to pick up some new supplies, he always made sure to dig around in the small sticker bin before he left. The assortment was different each time, so it was always like a fun mystery to see what theme they had going on for that week. And each time, he picked one up and gave it to Jens, who excitedly put it on his skateboard. Overtime, it began to make a rather abstract mess of a collage, but the way Jens' eyes lit up at the small gift never dulled out.

Words of affirmation. Right now, when Jens took in the sight of his sleepy boy. The way Lucas' curls fell over his face and the pillow, his breathing slow and heavy against the side of his body his cheek rested on. Jens would always take in the smoothness of his face, no worry in sight. The only thing missing was the bright blue eyes that Jens could never get enough of, and the flush of pink on his cheeks when he smiled so hard at him. Other than that, he was the embodiment of an angel that had fallen down from the heavens. Which is why, Jens always leaned over and whispered to Lucas, but more to himself.

"I like it when you sleep for you are so beautiful yet so unaware of it."

And when he said those words in the still of the night, he swore the moon shown brighter and the stars danced about the twilight sky, the same way Lucas fingers danced on Jens chest.

He should probably also argue that he felt a bit more alive during the night than the day. Knowing that he had Lucas all to himself, in the way that sometimes the day prevented him from doing so. But as the night began to seep into the later part of its ours and Lucas' sleepiness transferring over to Jens, he realized now it was to time for him to drift off. So, he settled in a bit more, into the blue blankets and towards the radiating heat from his sleepy boy, and snuggled into the mess of curls that had became one of his favourite things in the world.

Maybe he'd do that tomorrow.

If You Should Fall Into My Arms.

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

( @ apolloswords )

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

It's the '80's and Jens finds himself tagging along with Sander and Robbe to a David Bowie concert. The feeling of being a third wheel weighs him down a little bit, until he feels somebody tap him shyly on the shoulder.

This was going to be the best night of his life.

Jens didn’t know how Sander was going to be able to move around and jump with his heavy Doc Martens on his feet, but after knowing Sander for a couple months now, he decided not to question it. Him, Sander and Robbe had managed to snag tickets for the David Bowie concert in Amsterdam, making it a weekend visit away from Antwerp. A part of him did wish Aaron and Moyo could’ve came, but Aaron couldn’t take time off work and Moyo had some sort of dance rehearsal. Even though Jens would end up being the third wheel, he hardly recalled that issue as the three of them trudged around the area.

Not only had they scored tickets to see Bowie, but they had even scored pit seats. Jens wouldn’t admit it, but he would be willing to third wheel multiple disgustingly in love couples if it meant getting these tickets. He also would never admit being a big fan of Bowie, though not bigger than Sander. Overall, the adrenaline was rushing through his veins and he couldn’t help but bounce with every single step.

“I can’t wait, I think my heart is going to jump out of my chest.” Sander exclaimed excitedly, as Robbe looked up him fondly. “I hope you guys at least know some lyrics, we’re so close there’s no way I’m having you guys look like posers.”

“Hey, you’ve made me practice the entire set list and the lyrics for two weeks now.” Robbe gently reminded. “I almost know the songs as well as you.”

“Almost. That’s the key word there.” Sander reminded, tapping Robbe’s nose gently. Robbe only wrinkled it but gave him a wide grin, the crinkles of his eyes so very bright. Sander grinned at him, before turning his head to look at Jens and raise his brow. “And you?”

Jens only smirked at him, swiping his tongue over his bottom lip in attempt to look as smug as ever. He shoved his hands into the pockets of his jeans and clicked his tongue.

“No need to worry about me. You won’t embarrass yourself in front of them man himself.” He replied, his answer still vague enough to hide his inner excitement for the concert.

There was a glint in Sander’s eye, which seemed very knowing. Jens gave him a slight nod, as a way to confirm the unspoken assumption running through Sander’s head.

“No way, you’re a Bowie fan aren’t you?” Robbe groaned, as he studied the way his boyfriend and best friend were looking at each other. “I thought you were more into the Rolling Stones.”

The smirk on Jens’ face only grew wider, and he stood up straighter. If there was one thing Jens was always sure of, it was his great abundance of confidence. Robbe looked at him rather unamused, knowing he was only going to gain another smug response.

“I was, until I saw Mick Jagger and Bowie getting close. I just had to see who this guy was.” Jens replied.

“You do realized Bowie has been around just as long as the Rolling Stones right? Maybe a little later but still.” Sander snorted.

“Okay, I said I knew his lyrics not his life story.” Jens rolled his eyes playfully.

The three of them let out a few small laughs, and it wasn’t until Jens felt his body calm down a bit that he realized how packed the place was. Almost every seat was filled up, the entire arena packed to the brim. The space in the pit was starting to close in on him, and he was thankful for just wearing his thin black t-shirt to avoid literally passing out from the heat and general overwhelming feeling. Taking the front fabric of his shirt, he pinched it and flapped it against his chest, an attempt to cool him down.

By now, Robbe and Sander had wandered into their own conversation, as well as a few kisses on cheeks. Jens had no idea what they could be talking about, and not wanting to third wheel that conversation, he decided to scan out the area.

The place was starting to get a little packed, with blurs of brightly coloured tops filling his vision. Maybe he should've went for a more colourful outfit, after all, it was a Bowie concert. But to be fair, Robbe was really the only one with the most colour. Between him and Sander, with palettes of denim jeans, a white shirt and a black shirt, Robbe's bright green button down was probably the most eccentric thing between them.

His thoughts were quickly interrupted when he felt a tap on his shoulder. He looked to the side a bit, but noticed Sander and Robbe were still heavily lost within each others' eyes. Which, meant, it was neither of them who tapped his shoulder. Still confused, he turned around into his other direction, tilting his head down to look at what was calling his attention. When his mind finally registered, he had to bite the inside of his chin from dropping his jaw.

In front of him was possibly the most eccentric thing. Or, person.

The boy who tapped on his shoulder had a rather shy look in his eyes, but it wasn't the shyness that lured him in.

This boy may have had the bluest eyes he's ever seen. And by the way his shirt was striped with multiple colours only brought out the blue even more. Jens let his tongue swipe the bottom of his lip again as he eyed the boy a little more. He was very easy on the eyes, and Jens couldn't help the smirk grow back onto his face.

"Can I help you?" He asked, rather confidently.

The other boy still looked a little shy, but the way he was biting his lip to conceal a small smile had Jens feeling like there was a little spark between them. The boy ran a hand through the loose curls falling near his face as his cheeks turned the slightest shade of pink.

"Uhm," The boy began to say. His voice was a little muffled, due to the crowd around them, so Jens leaned down a little to hear him better. The boy gave a small smile at the gesture and began to scratch the back of his head awkwardly.

"Sorry, this might be a little awkward." He began to say, and Jens could sense the nervousness in his voice. Trying to assure him, he shook his head lightly and smiled softly.

"Don't be, it's okay. I'm Jens, by the way." He asked, his voice a little less cocky and more gentle.

The boy's small smile grew a little wider and he let out his hand for Jens to shake. "I'm Lucas."

"So Lucas, what was it you needed?"

"Uhm, listen, sorry, I'm not usually this nervous." He apologized. "I was just wondering if there was a chance that maybe I could squeeze in a little bit in front of you. You're a little tall and I can't exactly see over your head."

It wasn't until now that Jens realized that Lucas was shorter than him. Not by much, and he was still taller than Robbe, but he was still fairly small and Jens did have some height leverage over him. He probably should've figured this out when he had to lean down a little to hear him.

Of course, Jens was never one to let someone stand in front of him. He knew this could potentially end up pushing him towards the back of the pit, and from where they were standing, that would be a complete misfortune. If he did end up saying yes, this could imply to the rest of Lucas' friends that they could move in front of him.

Until, he realized that there was nobody else paying much attention to Lucas. He was kind of standing on his own, not even a Sander or Robbe to keep him company.

Maybe that was better.

Jens snapped his finger and pointed at Lucas, raising his eyebrow curiously. "Are you alone?"

"Uhm," Lucas mumbled again, looking around him for a few seconds and back at Jens. "Well, I am now. My two friends saw some cute girls and ran off to go sit with them."

This only left Jens with more curiosity, as pursed his lips in thought.

"They ditched you?" He asked.

"No, no, no, they're not shitty friends. Just a little girl crazy."

"And you're not?" Jens asked again, this time feeling his heart race a bit, and this time it wasn't just from the pre-concert adrenaline.

"I, I," Lucas mumbled and Jens wished it wasn't so loud so he didn't have to keep leaning down to listen to his words.

"I'm not exactly like that." Lucas continued, leaning in as if he was whispering and dropping his voice to a lower active. "I'm not crazy for girls."

The implication in his words sounded like music to his ears. Probably even than the better music that was about to play. Jens whipped around quickly, noticing that the concert was about to start. He looked over to his friends, who had finally stopped gazing into each others' eyes and remembering his existence. They eyed Lucas beside him, and gave suggestive eyebrow wiggles and cheeky smirks. Jens wrinkled his nose at them, before finally turning them to look back at Lucas.

His blue eyes were still staring at Jens, but they looked a little less shy now. They were even sparkling, and Jens knew there was no way he could say no to such a beautiful boy.

It wasn't like he was going to anyway.

He stepped aside to give Lucas a little bit of room to squeeze in front of him. Lucas smiled at him gratefully as he slipped through the little space. Jens felt him brush by, feeling even more sparks.

When Lucas settled into the little spot in front of Jens, he turned around and gave him the biggest smile of the night. Jens gave him a smile back, still marvelling at the way his eyes sparkled, even as the lights began to dim and the spotlights began to take control.

"Ready for the show now pretty boy?" Jens asked, winking before Lucas would lose his attention for him. If there was one guy Jens was fine with loosing Lucas' attention to, Bowie filled that role.

And maybe, Mick Jagger.

Lucas only winked back, as he flashed Jens an eccentric grin. The boy was a radiant blur of colours, and now, he was the only one filling up Jens' vision.

-

The concert was only becoming livelier by the second, as Jens cried out the lyrics to the songs while making sure to steal small glances at Lucas from time to time. He would never have imagined that at a Bowie concert, his attention was not solely focused on the man on stage. He also would never have imagined it would be on a boy who was looking like an angel in heaven as he also screamed out the lyrics.

"Everybody, I want you all the be able to get up and dance to the next song, as that's what it is all about!" Bowie announced to the entire audience. He gave one of his famous winks, which had more than half of the audience instantly swooning over. "Let's dance!"

The few notes of Let's Dance began to fill the arena, automatically sending a swaying rhythm to Jens' body. Sure, he may not be the best dancer out there, but he did manage to move without looking like an awkward worm slithering through the ground. His attention was diverted to Sander and Robbe, who were dancing together, Sander's arms around Robbe as Robbe pressed his back close towards him. After a few series of beats, Sander took ahold of Robbe's hand, spun him away from his body and pulled him back in. Robbe threw his head back, his fluffy brown hair falling with the dip, and the smile on his face happier than ever. Jens didn't like to admit it, but sometimes when he watched them, he felt a little envious. Not in a greedy way, more like he couldn't wait to find someone who made him feel the way Sander and Robbe made each other feel.

That was until he remembered the earlier encounter of the night. Smiling, he turned away from the general direction of his friends towards Lucas. Lucas, who was by far a better dancer than Jens, was moving to the music with smooth movements and a playful bounce to his rhythm.

Jens was about to reach out to him, to mimic the actions from earlier and to tap on his shoulder, but just before he was about to lift his hand up from his side, he someone on Lucas' side accidentally jerk into a much bolder dance move. While the move did look cool, a mix between some jazz hands, a dramatic sway and some extravagant foot work, and was much more advanced than Lucas' and his skills combined, the person unfortunately was too close to Lucas to be pulling a move like that. Poor Lucas was knocked off balance, and he began to stumble towards a fall.

Acting swiftly, Jens leaned forward and brought his hands out, quickly catching him. It wasn't until sudden weight of Lucas' body landed in Jens arms that he noticed he was holding Lucas extremely close to him. Lucas and his familiar blue eyes widened in surprise as well, probably just realizing that he had fallen into Jens’ arms and had his own arm swung over Jens' shoulder as an attempt to catch himself.

Neither boy knew what to say right away, and despite the crowd and music around them being extremely caught up in the performance, their exuberance atmosphere, there was this sense of calm and ease swirling around them. Jens gave out a small huff of laughter, almost in pure disbelief that he was holding Lucas in his arms.

Lucas scrambled back onto his feet, while Jens helped him balance by having a soft grip onto his waist. He watched as Lucas' blue eyes took in his hand gripping at the colourful stripe shirt of his, and huffed out a laugh as well.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to fall on top of you like that." Lucas apologized shyly, rubbing his hands on his jeans. Jens noticed the way he ducked his head, trying to bite back the grin on his face and the bright pink blush on his cheeks.

He waited for Lucas to look back up at him before he replied. When he did, he was met with the blue eyes again, and he realized they were starting to become the most eccentric thing in the entire world.

Next to David Bowie, of course.

"It's no problem." Jens assured, smiling widely at him. "Actually, I was just about to get your attention. I wanted to ask if you'd maybe want to dance."

At this point, the grin Lucas was trying to hold back was too wide to be contained. Lucas took a step closer, and Jens took it as his cue to unbunch the fabric of Lucas' shirt and actually place his hand properly on his waist.

"Well, I wouldn't want to go against what the man has to say." Lucas said with the most confidence Jens has heard him with all night. "So in the words of Bowie himself, let's dance!"

The sudden confidence made Jens feel much more of an adrenaline rush through his body. Him and Lucas winked at each other, and Jens placed his hand in his, and began spinning him out and pulling him back in constantly. The both of them twirled around, giggling at each other as their bodies got lost in a rhythm of their own.

If anyone else were to watch the way they moved together, you would've thought they had known each other since forever to be able to move both their bodies like one. Their synced up movements danced about, complimenting each spin, sway and dip. When Jens dipped Lucas over, he admired the way his curls fell back with his head, as the bright boy began to giggle a little more each time.

As they moved along to the sound, Lucas shook his head to sing along to the lyrics. The light brown curls on his head flowed around him, like an angel's halo with a dance of its own.

"Because my love for you," He sang out, as Jens spun him out. "Would break my heart into two."

"If you should fall into my arms," Jens continued singing. "And tremble like a flower."

"Let's dance!" They both cried out together, as Lucas was back in Jens' arms, doing a simple side by side step to keep the rhythmic motion.

Jens could feel his broad back against his chest, and when Lucas tilted his head back like he did to sing the lyrics, the soft curls grazed the side of Jens' neck. They were a little bit tickling, and he couldn't help laughing a bit, sending vibrations throughout both of their bodies.

-

Eventually, the concert ended and the later hours of the night had begun to take reign of the day. Sander and Robbe gave Jens some more teasing looks when they noticed Lucas standing behind him, only the his head being able to peek out from behind Jens' shoulder. Both of them gave him and Lucas a wink, and also gestured that they would meet them out in the lobby in case they got lost when the crowds dispersed.

He nodded back indicating he understood what they meant. They waved quickly, and headed off, quickly getting lost in the blur of the crowd.

Turning towards the boy, Jens grinned.

"So, your friends, do you see them anywhere?" He asked.

Lucas shook his head. "No, I told them I'd meet them at the lobby as well. When the concert finished." He let out a loose laugh and shrugged, like he was in disbelief. "Can you believe they ditched me for some girls? I didn't think they could be any more girl crazy, we literally had pit seats."

Jens shrugged as well, though a little more cooly. "I think it would be a bit unfortunate if they did stick around. I mean, would you have tapped me on the shoulder if they were here?"

The blush on Lucas' face turned the most vibrant it had been all night. His blue eyes were once again widened, and the swarm of colours within them were so entrancing.

"No, there's no way I would have tried talking to you if they were around. Let alone dance with you." He bit his lip and leaned forward a bit, just so Jens was the only one who could hear him.

"They would definitely make fun of me for talking to a cute boy with you." Lucas admitted.

Jens grinned, feeling the most happiest he's felt this whole night. It just kept getting better and better. At this point, he didn't think anything could top this. Knowing that Lucas thought he was cute.

"Well, my friends are not going to let me hear the end of this either pretty boy." He replied. "How about we get this thing over with? We'll meet both our friends in the lobby and we can endure their teasing together, rather than alone."

"Alright, but I can't lose you to this crowd. I may be able to see you through it, but I don't think I'll be able to avoid being pushed around into different directions."

He moved a little bit, creating a little space for Lucas to slip and squeeze through. Jens made a motion with his hands to gestured Lucas moved in front of him, like the same gesture he had done earlier.

"Go in front of me, that way I can keep an eye on you and I'll follow you." He suggested, only to be faced with Lucas grinning and shaking his head in disagreement. Raising a brow, he gave him a confused look on why Lucas was disagreeing to this.

"I have a better idea." Lucas said instead.

Still confused, Jens tilted his head to indicate his puzzlement. Lucas only winked and slipped his hand into Jens', squeezing it tightly. Jens quickly understood the implication. As long as their hands were intertwined with each others' and Jens led him through the crowd, there was no way they would lose each other.

So when Lucas squeezed his hand back one more time, and Jens gave him a smile one more time before turning around, he realized that he was wrong about earlier.

The night had managed to get even better.

Fondly Yours, Lucas.

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

( @ apolloswords )

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

Lucas is an aspiring artist, who gains inspiration from the musical works of a piano player who lives above his apartment. Too shy to say anything, he invites his mystery muse to his upcoming art showcase. 

Both Lucas and Kes didn’t say anything. They continued to study the set of paintings in front of them, the canvas sizes ranging and the colours all swarming madly together, contrasting and contradicting with each other. Both boys had on a similar expression. Lucas’ hands were on his hips and Kes’ arms were crossed, with a hand tapping on his chin. But their furrowed brows and bitten lips were exact replicas of each other which in the end only meant one thing.

Neither of them had any idea what to do.

“You don’t have to say anything you know. You could just leave it as it is. Which is nothing.” Kes suggested without taking his eyes off the set of paintings.

Lucas shook his head in disagreement. “No, I can’t do that. I’d practically be taking credit for someone else’s work.”

“But technically it still is your work. I mean, it is your work.” Kes defended. “Are you supposed to credit inspiration?”

He sighed. It’s not like most artists did credit inspiration- but this was different. It would be wrong of him to pretend all of this work was simply something he created on his own.

From his own mind.

“I can’t do that.” Lucas firmly stated, turning his body a bit to face Kes. “You know I have to credit this person somehow.”

Kes sighed, knowing he was right. Shrugging, he also turned away from the paintings to look at him.

“You know, you could just actually tell them.” He finally stated.

Frowning, Lucas gave him a weird look in response. Tell them? He thought to himself. Tell them what exactly? That the only reason he managed to get out of such an artist block for his upcoming showcase was because after one week of living in his new Antwerp apartment, he heard the most lovely melody playing from the apartment above him? That he spent countless hours listening to what was able to be heard from his own apartment, and thus eventually leading him out of the block to create art work based on the beautiful music? How he longed to wait for the beautiful piano keys to be played everyday, and being immersed in so much more? How he never thought his synesthesia could manage to give him more of a world than the one he actually lived in?

There was no way he was able to admit any of that to the musician upstairs.

“What would I even say?” He asked Kes, trying to make sense of the rambling of worried thoughts in his head.

“The truth? An explanation? A thank you?” He replied, huffing out a light laugh after every suggestion, subtly pointing out how obvious the whole situation was. “Face it Luc, you know this will eat you alive if you don’t do it.”

Kes was right. He knew Kes was right. But there was no way he was going to openly admit that.

“I am way too shy for that.” Lucas pointed out instead. “Besides, wouldn’t it be a little creepy? Some new neighbour of yours just coming up, knocking on your door and telling you they made not one, not two, but a whole painting series on some of your piano playing? I’m going to sound like a stalker.”

“No you wouldn’t. If anything, well if it were me, I’d be flattered. It’s not everyday someone makes a whole art collection based on the music you play. If it were a common thing, you would’ve made a collection to Jayden’s guitar playing right now.”

“Have you heard Jayden’s guitar playing? I think it’s the one time my synesthesia actually malfunctions and checks out.”

“Can it do that?” Kes asked curiously.

Lucas shook his head. “No, it can’t. But I definitely have never gotten inspired by it.”

Kes let out a loose laugh, which Lucas couldn't help but smile alongside it. When Kes was finished being so amused, he sighed and tried to give Lucas a small reassuring smile.

“Listen, maybe you don’t have to go up and exactly knock on the door. Maybe you could just go up there and leave a note. Alongside an invitation to the event.” He finally said, and Lucas nodded slowly, taking in the suggestion.

“What if they still think that’s a creepy? Think about it-“ He began to say before he was quickly cut off.

“They think you’re creepy because now you’ve left some invitation to some random event where their musical talents have been exploited by some random Dutch artist who is too paranoid for his own good.” Kes finished off, giving him a teasing smile. “Face it, everything is objectively creepy.”

He groaned, knowing he had made another point. Burying his face in his hands, he squeezed his eyes shut and let out a few deep breaths. As he did this, he could hear some rummaging going on around him, but Lucas wasn’t calm enough to deal with that just yet.

When he did eventually open his eyes, he wanted to shut them again and pretend he didn’t see Kes grinning at him widely, with a small poster with the information of the artist showcase at the museum in one hand and a pen in the other.

-

Hi, I’m your neighbour from down below. I’m an aspiring artist who just moved to the city, and after the first few weeks of living here, I was lucky enough to be able to hear you play such beautiful music on your piano. I managed to make my new art collection based on your music, and it is actually being showcased this week at this event. If possible, I would love for you to come and see the collection, as well as getting to know you. I hope to see you there.

Fondly yours, Lucas

-

Now, Lucas was a nervous wreck. He was constantly biting his nails and wiping his clammy hands on his dress pants, hoping it wouldn’t stain. But he couldn’t help it, it had been an hour since the showcase started and his mysterious piano player was no where to be seen.

“They aren’t coming.” He told Kes, as he bit his nails a little more. “They probably thought I was a creep and I bet you that they’re planning on moving out as soon as possible.”

“Would you stop that?” Kes replied, gently taking Lucas’ wrist and bringing it down, so he wouldn stop biting his nails. “You’re going to eat your whole hand at this point.”

“I told you it was a bad idea.”

“Maybe they were just busy. Busy with their own musical showcase.” He patted Lucas on the shoulder assuringly and tried to offer him a small smile. “Come on, let’s go over to the drink table to calm your nerves.”

They headed away from Lucas’ exhibit, and casually made their way to the refreshments. Along the way, Lucas got a few taps, nods and smiles, all actions to show they were clearly impressed by his work. He thanked them politely, but this only made his guilt overwhelm him even more. At one point, he almost considered backing out of the exhibit because he couldn’t handle it anymore.

Kes poured them both a glass of champagne and Lucas suddenly felt someone come up and throw an arm around him. Startled, his pressing thoughts escaped him as he looked over to the person dangling off his shoulder.

“Hello boys.” Jayden greeted with a wide smile. “Have we found Lucas’ mysterious muse yet?”

Snorting, Lucas swatted his arm off his shoulders gently. Kes just rolled his eyes and gave Lucas the glass of champagne, which he downed quickly. Jayden looked between them, still waiting for an answer.

“Doubt they’re coming.” He finally stated, after the champagne gave him a quick buzz. Jayden frowned and Kes just sighed.

“Cheer up Luc, you still got a great exhibit. Makes it look like I’m tripping on psychedelics without even doing so.” Jayden said.

He raised a brow at him. “Are you okay? My art doesn’t look like a psychedelic trip at all.”

“The blending off all the colours is kind of trippy.” Jayden shrugged.

“No? Jayden, the shades are much softer and so is the blend. And the art doesn’t even remotely look psychedelic-“ He began to explain before Kes quickly patted his chest to stop talking. Lucas gave him a confused look.

“Guys shut up.” Kes whispered, looking over into the direction of Lucas’ exhibit. “Look.”

They all turned their heads to where Kes was indicating, and Lucas felt a lodge in his throat. There was someone standing in front of his work, simply admiring it. But this boy had such an allure to him that Lucas found himself admiring him like he was the exhibit.

The boy was nonetheless, beautiful. He radiated both an enticing yet soft feel but his features and expression made him look quite mysterious. Lucas could only make out what he saw from the boy’s side profile, but he didn’t need much to look at to know he was beautiful. Dark raven hair flowed down over his eyes, with dark brown eyes wandering over the artwork with such focus. His skin had a warm olive tone to it, but to Lucas, it reminded him of a braze touch of gold. He wore a black button down shirt he wore fitted over his body accentuated his broad shoulders and chest, and Lucas could practically feel his face turn red as he tried not to gawk at him.

“You should definitely talk to him.” Kes suggested, and Lucas was surprised to also see him and Jayden equally starstruck.

“Are you crazy? What would I even say?” Lucas whispered-yelled at them, shaking his head.

“What if that’s your mystery muse?” Jayden suddenly said, and Lucas could feel himself begin to panic again.

“Then there is no way I am going over there. He can read my artist information on the postcard.” He said, but his friends only shook their heads.

“You have to go over there. Even if he isn’t your mystery muse, he is arguably very cute and I know you’re going to regret not making a move.” Kes mentioned, and Lucas just sighed.

“Must you always be right?” He mumbled, hoping it was out of earshot.

“Took you long enough to admit.” Kes winked as he gave him a playful smirk.

“Luc! Go!” Jayden whispered-yelled, lightly pushing him out of their small circle.

Stumbling a bit and feeling his face go hot as a few people looked at him, he straightened himself up and took a deep breath. When he felt rational and calm enough, he slowly made his way towards the boy. The boy still hadn’t taken much notice of him, as he was still very focused and captured by the series of paintings in front of him. Lucas could feel a leap in his chest. There could be two reasons the boy was so focused. One, the paintings were questionable at best and he was wondering how a showcase could even choose an artist like him to have an exhibit worthy enough to be presented in the spotlight. Or two, the paintings were actually endearing enough to a decent level of adornment, and the boy was just simply captivated by it.

Please let it be the latter. Lucas pleaded in his nervous thoughts.

Finally, the moment came. Lucas was only a foot away from the boy, and they were both the only ones standing in front of the exhibit. He studied him a bit closer, wondering how he should go about this.

Should I say something? Tap him on the shoulder? Wait until he notices me? I wonder what he thinks of the paintings. Lucas thought to himself.

“Good.” The boy spoke suddenly, startling him. When Lucas didn’t reply right away, the boy lifted his head up and turned to him, flashing him a rather charming smile. “They’re really good.”

“Holy shit,” Lucas gasped. “Did I say that out loud?”

The boy huffed out a laugh, which was warm and light. Lucas could feel his face go hot all over again and he wanted to bury his face in his hands.

“You did actually. But it was rather cute if I say so myself.” The boy assured, his voice soothing and sweet like a spoonful of honey. “Are you the artist?”

“Yeah, that’s me.” He replied shyly, biting his lip and trying not to stupidly grin at the compliment.

He watched the boy smile widely, then shaking his head lightly before looking down. “That is really good to know.”

“It is?” Lucas asked, tilting his head and feeling rather confused.

The boy lifted his head back up, with another charming smile. “Yeah, actually, it is. I was looking for you.”

“You were? Why?”

“Well,” the boy began to say, as he reached into the back pocket of his dark dress pants and pulled out a neatly folded piece of paper. “I am the recipient of this invitation.”

As he watched the boy unfold it gently, Lucas widened his eyes upon recognition. It was the small poster advertising the showcasing, and when the boy flipped it around, Lucas noticed the familiar blue ink and his own handwriting at the back.

“Oh my god, you are my mystery muse.” He mumbled, still rather shocked and overwhelmed at all of this.

“Mystery muse?” The boy asked with a light laugh, and Lucas felt his face go red for the millionth time tonight.

“Sorry, it was a dumb nickname my friends and I gave you. When we didn’t know who you were.” He stuttered, trying not to trip over his words while also deliberately trying not to pass out.

“Ah, a nickname.” The boy winked. “Well, if it interests you or your friends, my name is Jens.” He reached out his hand to offer a handshake to him. “It’s nice to meet you Lucas.”

“Likewise.” Lucas replied, shaking his hand back. He couldn’t help but let out a small grin when their hands touched, and especially with the way Jens squeezed his own with a rather affectionate feel.

“So how did you manage to have my piano playing inspire all of this? Considering we’ve never actually met.” Jens asked, gesturing towards the collection in front of them. “I’d read the information on your post card but, I think it would be much better to hear it from you personally.”

“Oh well,” Lucas began to say. Usually explaining his artwork didn’t have him feel so shy and reserved, in fact, it was probably the time he felt the most confident. Trying to ignore the emerging blush on his cheeks and the racing heartbeat in his chest, he turned away from Jens to look at the artwork.

“I have synesthesia.” He began to explain. “So that means I can perceive some senses through another sense. One of which is where I can perceive music not only by hearing it, but by seeing it as well. When I moved into the flat underneath yours, I was able to hear your piano playing quite often. It was usually rather faint, but something about it triggered my senses to see all these shades of colours working together.”

“How did you manage to depict that through your art?” Jens asked, pointing out at the intricate detail in the paintings. “It looks like a series of events.”

“You’re right, it is.” Lucas sad, brightly nodding his head in excitement. “A lot of the music you played managed to remind me of some certain memories in my life. Though I kind of altered it as a whole experience, so the audience can sort of view it as if it was their own experience as well.”

“I can’t believe you managed to make something out of a few random melodies. Like, I can almost tell which pieces I played and which painting resembles it.” Jens said in awe. “You are extremely talented.”

“Thanks.” He replied shyly. “You’re also extremely talented. I never perceived music this intensely before.”

Both boys smiled at each other, silently showing that neither of them had experience this. Lucas couldn’t help but notice that Jens was an art work in himself, one that Lucas’ senses would never fully perceive. He was just too ethereal to be seen that way. Jens was more than just a pretty face, with every turn of his head, flicker of his eyes and the slight movement of the upturned corners of his lips, Lucas began to believe he was illuminated by every star in every galaxy.

“Oh honey, read this.” An older woman said to who Lucas assumed was her husband. The couple weren’t paying much attention to him or Jens, just the paintings themselves. And the postcard that held all of Lucas’ information.

“It says that this artist has synesthesia and was inspired by the sound he heard from his neighbour upstairs in their apartment building.” She explained, quite excitedly.

The older man smiled softly at her. “Well, that sounds like a story for soulmates doesn’t it? How one’s music managed to intertwine with the memories and artistry of another’s. How lovely that their souls have danced together before they have even met.”

After sharing a few more adoring compliments at the work, the couple shyly headed along to the next exhibit. Lucas knew Jens had heard what they had said, and he hoped it wouldn’t scare him away. It’s not like it really meant anything, considering they had just met and soulmates was a rather broad description for them.

They both blushed at each other and let out awkward laughs.

“Soulmates huh?” Jens asked, with a small smirk. “I think that’s a lot to say for our first meeting.”

“I agree. We’ve only been talking for a few minutes.” He replied.

“We could change that.” Jens said, dropping his voice a few octaves so Lucas was the only one who could hear him.

“How so?” Lucas asked, his voice almost in a whisper ad he tilted his head in confusion.

“Well, maybe after all of this, you could come over to my place. You know, the apartment right over yours?” Jens replied with a smirk.

Lucas couldn’t help but beam. “Yeah? And what would we do?”

“Chill, you know. Talk paintings, music or whatever. Whatever soulmates talk about. But I’d like to get to know you before I agree that the couple was right.” He suggested, shrugging nonchalantly. Lucas couldn’t help but beam even more, which only made Jens smile wide with the tip of his tongue rested between his teeth.

“I could do that. I’d actually very much like that.”

“Good.” Jens smiled. “I’d give you an actual formal invitation, but I think it’s nice being able to see you smile as a response.”

He watched as Jens turned around, looking over his shoulder. Jens reached out a hand, indicating that he was about to take Lucas somewhere.

“Oh, I can’t go now. I still have to stay until the showcase ends-“ He began to apologize but Jens only shook his head and let out a small laugh.

“No, I get that. I’m just wondering if you’d like to show me around more of the exhibits. I came late because I was trying to read up on art and shit but, none of it really sunk into my brain.”

“Would you like me to show you around?”

“I would love that. It’d be my pleasure.” Lucas said, gently taking his hand. “You seem rather fond of this whole soulmates thing.”

“I am fondly yours Lucas.”

You Also Make A Really Cute Scarecrow.

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

( @ apolloswords )

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

An eventful Halloween night featuring Van Der Stoffels.

happy (late!) halloween everyone! <3

“Stop moving.”

“I can’t help it, it tickles.”

It was the evening of Halloween and both boys were in Jens’ room, getting ready to go out with their friends. Jens wasn’t very much of a costume person, and Lucas felt himself cringe as he saw past costume attempts he’d made in the past. Unlike Jens, he was very into Halloween, even going as far as joking that’d he’d break up with him if Jens made up another half-hearted attempt at a costume this year.

It was merely a joke. But Jens took the “threat” rather seriously and spent the last week making himself a skeleton costume out of some old black jeans and a black hoodie.

More like, Jens spent the last week making Lucas paint an anatomy of a skeleton on his old clothes as he simply watched.

Lucas huffed an annoyed sigh, only for Jens to continue looking up at him with a playful smirk. He was sitting on his bed as Lucas was doing his best at painting on an eerily accurate skull on his face. It wasn’t that hard, considering Jens’ facial structure was probably the most perfectly sculpted thing Lucas had ever seen. So painting his face wasn’t actually a hard thing to get done.

The actual hard part was trying to get Jens to just sit still.

“Jens if you don’t stop smiling, you’re not going to look very haunting.” Lucas warned, turning around for a second to dip his brush into more black paint.

Jens only shrugged. “I can’t help it, you’re too cute for me not to smile at."

Lucas smiled softly. “While I do appreciate the compliment, I don’t appreciate you disrupting my art work.” He stepped forward, hovering over Jens and getting ready to lean forward again to continue painting his face.

“I have a better idea.”

Confused, Lucas tilted his head to the side and gave Jens a questioning look. However, the only elaboration he got was another playful smirk and a wiggle of eyebrows. Before protesting, Jens grabbed the back of Lucas’ thighs and quickly hoisted him up, before placing him on his lap.

“See?” Jens asked, pulling Lucas in a little closer to him. “If you’re on top me, I can sit perfectly still.”

“This is comfortable?” Lucas asked, now raising his brows in question.

To his amusement, Jens scoffed. “Okay no, it’s not. I mean, it usual is. But Jesus Luc, what do you have in there? Actual straw? You’re even more ticklish.”

He smiled, before rolling his eyes. “No, it’s just paper. It’s supposed to be like straw.”

“Well, it tickles.”

“Well, it has to be done. It’s apart of the whole costume.”

“And that is why you make better costumes than me.”

“Jens, you never made a costume.”

“Exactly. So you do make better costumes than me.” Jens said smartly. He kissed the tip of Lucas’ nose softly and smiled, before lowering his voice into a much more gentle tone. “You also make a really cute scarecrow.”

Lucas grinned. He had spent weeks making his scarecrow costume. He dragged Jens to countless thrift shops to find some denim overalls, a plaid shirt and a floppy straw hat. Then he placed shreds of yellow paper into the sleeves of the clothing for a straw-like appearance. The floppy straw hat sat on top of his crown of curls, almost enveloping him whole. But the best part was the little pink triangle on his nose and dotted freckles all over his cheeks.

“And you would make a really cute skeleton.” Lucas said back, pulling the black hood of his hoodie over top of Jens’ dark hair. “If I manage to finish making you look like one.”

Jens made a zipping motion over his lips, before pretending to lock a key at the end of it and toss it away. He gave Lucas a very amusing smile, which only made him give a light laugh. Now that Jens was finally done talking, Lucas was able to continue on with his face painting. He had to admit. Sitting on Jens’ lap was actually helpful. He was up close and personal, allowing him to focus on precise detailing and making sure it looked perfect. Jens didn’t once stop gazing up him, tilting his head up perfectly as he trailed his hands up and down the sides of Lucas’ thighs. Both of them were simply in their element.

After they finally finished, they looked into the mirror to fix some final details and smiled.

“Are you excited for the haunted house? Last year's was really good, but I heard this year was better." Jens asked, as they headed outside the door of his bedroom.

Lucas almost froze in his tracks. While he did love Halloween with all costumes, chilly autumn air, curling up watching endless Tim Burton films and of course, the candy, he was not very fond of the entire sinister and eerie haunting tone to the holiday.

Fortunately for him, that was exactly what his boyfriend enjoyed.

"Sure, yeah, of course." He managed to mumble as they headed down the stairs. Jens furrowed his brows, catching onto his sudden hesitation. Before he could say something, they were interrupted by a girl at the bottom of the stairs.

"Lotte!" Lucas exclaimed, quickly taking Jens' attention off of him. 'You look like an adorable fairy!"

Lotte giggled, twirling around in her costume. Lucas admired it with a smile. She had been upset that the initial fairy costume lacked sparkles and glitters, so Lucas helped her make it a bit more magical. And with her long golden blonde hair twirling around her, he was very sure she looked magical enough.

"Thank you Lucas!" She giggled. "I put our pumpkins outside! I think yours looks the best."

He smiled but Jens playfully scoffed beside him.

"Lotte, that's not fair!" Jens said, as he pretended to pouted. "I tried very hard on my pumpkin."

"It doesn't look like it." She stated matter of factly, before heading off into the kitchen.

Jens rolled his eyes. "I think the only spooky thing about the season is being attacked by your eight-year-old sister."

Lucas patted his face gently with a smirk. "There, there. Let's hope that's the only spooky thing we have to deal with tonight."

"Finally put some effort into your costume this year Jens?" Lies said, emerging from the kitchen. She smiled at them, holding a mug of tea in her hands as she raised an eyebrow.

Jens just snorted. "Lies, you're a college girl going to a college party dressed as a black cat. The is also hardly any effort."

"Hey, if you must know, my best friend is a witch. We have matching costumes." She defended.

"Me and Lucas don't even have matching costumes." He stated.

"That's a good thing, right? I mean, Lucas looks much more adorable than you do, you guys wouldn't match at all."

Lucas grinned while Jens rolled his eyes again and wrapped his arms around Lucas. "For the record Lies, that is my adorable scarecrow boyfriend you are talking about."

"Whatever." She stated. "Just be home in time to baby-sit Lotte for the night so I can make it to my party."

And with that, Jens took Lucas' hand in his and they dashed out the door.

-

"Holy shit, that was insane!" Kes hollered out, as they headed out of the fifth haunted house while taking his werewolf mask off and ruffling his hair.

No wonder the haunted house, or houses, were better this year. It wasn't just a haunted house. It was a haunted street. And of course, they had gone inside each and every single one of them.

"I think the last one was definitely the best one." Jens stated. "I think my hand turned white from Lucas squeezing it so hard."

He blushed and then Jayden, in a 70's hippie costume, gave him a weird look.

"I'm surprised you made it through the entire street of houses." Jayden pointed out and Lucas' pink shade of blush turned into a red shade of embarrassment. "Last year you almost cried halfway through."

"I did not." He said, trying to object the statement. "The haunted houses in Utrecht are just much more scarier."

"No they aren't." Kes said and Lucas sighed, silently acknowledging the truth.

They all laughed around him, and Lucas could even feel Jens laugh behind him. Pouting slightly, Jens only wrapped an arm around him before kissing his cheek, which was not that easy considering his straw hat was in the way.

"I used to be the scaredy-cat. I'm so glad Lucas took my place." Robbe said, in his Patroclus costume.

Sander, in his Achilles costume, snickered from beside him. "You mean Lucas is a scaredy-scarecrow. Also, I wouldn't say that. I think all circulation in my hand turned white by the third house."

Lucas managed to holler out a laugh, before fist bumping Robbe in solidarity. At least he wasn't the only one gripping for his life and trying not to pass out in the midst of all the houses. It was. little late now, reaching the point of the night where young trick-or-treaters had headed home, in attempts to avoid the midnight hour.

"Are you guys going to Milan's Halloween party?" Moyo, in an astronaut costume, asked.

Everyone around them nodded, but Jens. He shook his head before shrugging.

"I can't, have to go home and baby-sit Lotte." He explained.

Moyo snorted. "Can't you dip that? What's she going to do, terrorize the house instead of going to sleep. Lotte is an angel."

"Funny enough, she was debating to go as a little devil this year." Lucas added.

But Jens just shook his head again. "Wish I could, but my mother would ensure I do not see next Halloween if I did. And if I don't come home, Lies will miss her party and ensure I also do not see next Halloween."

"Sucks man." Aaron finally said, piping up from behind them in his infamous rabbit onesie. "Heard it was going to be sick."

"Eh," Kes shrugged. "You honestly probably won't miss much. Just the usual drinking, getting high but in costumes. I'll let you guys know if you miss anything."

"Guys?" Jayden asked. "Lucas, are you not going?"

He shrugged. He knew Jens wasn't going to go, but neither of them had mentioned if Lucas would go to the party or go home with Jens. But to be honest, after feeling his heart jump out of his chest for more times than he could count, Lucas wasn't exactly in a party mood. And, he would never choose a party over Jens. That choice didn't even remotely cross his mind.

"Probably not." He replied, side-eyeing Jens as he therapeutically asked him if he could come over.

Jens nodded, pulling Lucas in a little closer. "Sorry boys, looks like you'll have to have all the Halloween babes to yourselves."

"Maybe they won't recognize you guys in your costumes and finally agree to your desperate attempts at flirting." Lucas teased.

Moyo scoffed. "You would think Lucas would be scared of all of us attacking him like crows over his remarks than the murderous clown chasing after him."

They all laughed for another minute, until Aaron nodded. "So? Should we head on over now? I think Amber is starting to get wasted."

"Superman to the rescue." Jayden noted, patting his shoulder but then frowning. "Though, more like super-rabbit."

"Very funny." Aaron snorted. He looked at Lucas and Jens nodded, "Wish you guys could come."

"Meh," Jens shrugged. "Like Kes said, it's just another party. I cam afford to miss it. Let us know if Moyo and Jayden get dismissed by a whole group of girls though."

"We'll even catch it on video." Robbe smirked, much to Moyo and Jayden's unamusement.

With that, they all gave each other handshakes and finally dispersed. Jens and Lucas watched them wander off for a bit, until they were finally out of sight. Lucas then pivoted on his feet and turned to Jens.

"So, you're not too mad about missing the party? I heard a lot of cute girls came up with lingerie styled costumes." He snickered.

Jens flicked his nose lightly, and pinched his cheek. Lucas pretended to frown, and hoped he hadn't ruined his face paint.

"Why would I need them when I have my little scarecrow right here?" He teased, before taking his hand in his as they began to walk into the direction of Jens' house.

The air was still a little chilly, but the adrenaline that Lucas' body was still running on kept him warm. As well as Jens holding his hand as they wandered through the now empty streets. It felt a little strange, seeing all the lit-up jack-o-lanterns, dangly skeletons and statues of witches in the front yards, making the place seem so full but so empty at the same time. Maybe he did understand why Halloween was a bit eerie. He definitely felt that feeling right now.

"You know," Jens said, beginning to press gentle circles in Lucas' hand with his thumb. "We didn't have to go to those haunted houses if you were so scared."

Lucas smiled and shook his head. "It's fine, I didn't mind it that much."

"Are you sure? You did seem pretty freaked back there. I would've felt bad if you ended up passing out just for my entertainment."

"Jens, it's fine. I managed, see? I made it out alive."

"How did you not back out of the whole thing?" Jens asked, raising a brow. "I'm pretty sure Robbe was about to."

Lucas shrugged and gave him a shy smile, biting his lip as he felt a warm blush on his face. "It was a good excuse to hold your hand."

Jens threw his head back and laughed, his laughter filling up the emptiness of the street. Lucas couldn't help but grin in awe at his boyfriend. Jens grinned at him back, and lifted his hand to his lips, pressing a soft kiss towards them. They both smiled at each for a second, until, put of nowhere, they heard a rustle of leaves beneath their feet.

Frowning, Jens squinted his eyes towards a nearby sign, before widening them in shock. Confused, Lucas looked over, and after noticing the sign that seemed to be in front of them, his eyes widened as well.

Construction in Progress. Road and Sidewalk Closed.

"How do we get back to yours?" Lucas asked, his voice soft in a whisper.

"It's already dark out and if we take the way that goes around this area, it'll take way too long." Jens thought out loud, as he chewed his bottom lip. "There is a shortcut thought."

He couldn't help but notice the hesitation in his voice. "Shortcut?" Lucas asked. "Isn't that a good thing."

"Typically, yes." Jens agreed, still chewing on his bottom lip. "But there's a reason I usually take the long way."

"Which is?"

"The shortcut is through a cemetery."

His eyes widened in shock. Sure, cemeteries didn't have to be scary. But walking through one as it neared midnight on the night of Halloween was not a trip Lucas was super keen on making. He could practically fill a chill through his bones, alerting him for possible run-ins with the supernatural.

But that was irrational, even he knew it. Trying to put on a brave face, he nodded towards Jens.

"We have to go through. It'll take way too long if we go around."

"Are you sure?" Jens asked, as his face almost turned a ghastly shade of white. "Lucas, I'm sure Lies can wait the forty minutes-"

"Forty minutes?" Lucas exclaimed. "Cemetery or not, even I don't want to walk that much."

"Are you sure?" Jens asked again, lowering his voice a little. "We really don't have to do this, this is much more than the haunted house. I'll even take whatever shit Lies gives me-"

"No Jens, it's fine." He assured with a soft smile. "The haunted houses were meant to be scary. Cemeteries are, objectively, not."

"Alright, fine, I guess you're right." Jens finally agreed. He squeezed Lucas' hand tightly. "You can hold my hand the entire way."

"Are you the scared one now?" Lucas tried to tease.

He scoffed. "No, but fine, don't take the offer."

Lucas squeezed his hand back. "I would never give up that offer."

Pushing back both their nerves behind, they continued to walk into the direction of the cemetery. It didn't take too long, and it definitely was a shortcut. But as the fog began to cloud around them as they trudged through, Lucas couldn't help but wish they had taken the long way. He felt Jens begin to tense up beside him, and the longer they walked, the cemetery only seemed to get bigger and bigger. Whenever they had thought they reached the end, it only seemed as if they had been walking in an endless loop.

Suddenly, there seemed to be a rustle in the leaves again. But unlike last time, there seemed to be more movement than just the window. As Jens and Lucas followed the sound, their eyes widened as they realized it had been coming from behind a set of tombstones.

"Jens-" Lucas began to stammer, before Jens shushed him.

"It's nothing." He tried to say. "It can't be anything.

The rustling only got louder, and both boys began to press against each other, too afraid to continue walking. The rustling seemed to get louder, and under the bright moonlight, a shadow began to emerge behind.

Just when they thought they were done for, a black cat zoomed out from behind the tombstones and ran across their feet. Lucas and Jens were both caught by surprise, but after taking a few deep breaths, they finally calmed down.

"I think I've had enough scares for one day." Lucas panted, trying to catch his breath.

Jens nodded. "Me too, I was going to suggest watching horror movies when we got home, but now I'm just spooked."

"No no," Lucas began to protest. "We can still watch horror movies."

Gaining a weird look from him, Jens replied. "Are you not over being spooked?"

"Well I am." Lucas admitted, before his face broke out in a grin. "But, they give me an excuse to cuddle more into you and I cannot pass up that offer."

Jens' face broke out in a grin as well, as he pulled Lucas in closer for a hug. He rested his chin on top of Lucas' head, and Lucas could feel him smile.

"God I love you." He felt Jens say, his whole body warm and vibrating against him. "But I have one condition when it comes to cuddling you."

Taken aback, Lucas pulled his head away from Jens' chest and frowned. "What?"

Cupping his face and pressing a kiss to his forehead, Jens let out a light laugh which, to Lucas, seemed to make the fog clear up and the cemetery seemed much less sinister and eerie.

"Please don't cuddle me in your costume. As much as I love it and think you look incredibly adorable, all your straw is much to aggressive against me."

Grinning, Lucas kissed his jawline. "Alright, but that means we have to get home in the next five minutes because one, as much as I love cuddling you and all this sweet talk, doing it in a cemetery is not what I envision and two, if we don't get home soon, Lies won't let you live until our horror movie marathon."

And with that, they held hands and raced towards Jens' house, their laughter filling up the air and livelihood.

Sure, Lucas loved Halloween.

But he loved his being with his boyfriend even more.

I’m Really Glad You’re Home.

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

( @ apolloswords )

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

Jens feels a tad bit jealous over Lucas and his new boyfriend.

hello everyone! this one shot can be read as a stand alone, but it is actually a “deleted scene” from one of my longer fics; home (love, vds) (occurs between chapters 4 and 5). if you’ve already read it, thank you!! i hope you enjoyed :) and if not, i hope you find this one shot intriguing enough to check it out! happy reading <3

Jens should feel happy.

He was back home, visiting for the holidays. Visiting for Christmas, which was his favourite holiday. He was in Jayden and Liv’s flat, surrounded by cozy winter decorations, Christmas music in the background, mugs of hot chocolate laid out and it smelled like sweet cookies all over the place. The string lights were turned on, almost making the entire place feel like they were perched on the branches of a Christmas tree.

He should feel happy. He was surrounded by all his friends, the people he missed so much while he was in San Francisco. Moyo was in the corner, trying to flirt with sweet Engel, who seemed to have no idea what he was saying. Janna was showing Aaron something on her phone, which he seemed rather confused by. Jayden waiting for Liv’s cookies to finish baking as he sipped on his second hot chocolate. Robbe and Sander excitedly decorating the tree in the middle of the room. Kes and Isa sweetly cuddled up on the couch, Isa teaching Kes how to tie a bow with a piece of ribbon she had found. And Lucas, sitting on a couch from across the room, a wide smile on his face that had his eyes brighter than any Christmas lights Jens had ever seen.

And that was the exact reason he wasn’t at all happy.

Because Lucas wasn’t alone. In fact, he had a certain someone who was curled up to his side, as they talked to Ralph, who looked at them with pure adornment and awe. Like they were just the cutest couple to exist.

It made Jens’ stomach churn and a bitter feeling in his mouth, even if he tried to down the taste of sweet hot chocolate. There was nothing like Belgian hot chocolate, but there was also nothing but the impending pit of doom he felt as he narrowed his eyes onto the boy who had Lucas wrapped around his finger.

Feeling the frustration take over his entire body and not wanting to seem rather depressed in the midst of the party, Jens placed his mug down on the table and got up. Only Kes from the couch caught his movement and he raised a brow.

Shaking his hand, Jens indicated at the joint that he had tucked in the back of his ear. Kes nodded slowly, but he still didn’t look very convinced. Deciding not to explain any further, Jens grabbed his jacket and pulled his hoodie over his head before heading out.

The cold air hit him straight in the face, instantly making his skin feel prickly against the weather. As he sighed, a small cloud of air left his mouth. He instantly wanted to go inside for a split second, to actually feel warm but recalling the way Lucas was snuggled and pressed up against his boyfriend gave him the coldest shiver down his spine.

In that case, he’d stick to being outside.

Deciding he really had nothing better to do, he pulled out the rolled joint from behind his ear and dug into the pocket of his jeans for his lighter. The flame gave him some temporary warmth, relieving his ice cold body for a few seconds as he began to burn the end of the joint. After taking a few puffs, he felt the weed slightly burn his chest in a rather nice way.

He only managed to get a few minutes to himself, until he heard the door swing open. Jens didn’t really have any expectations to who it was, but he did seem surprised when he saw Kes’ curly hair flowing in the brisk wind.

“Hey.” Kes greeted, adjusting his thicker jacket over his hoodie.

Jens only nodded in response, still not in the mood for talking.

Pursing his lips together and tapping his foot lightly on the ground, Kes raised a brow.

“You know Liv has no problem with you smoking inside right? We do it all the time.” He stated.

Jens just shrugged again. “I needed the air, a quick breather I guess.”

“Yeah?” He replied, rather amused. “Is that why now you’re filling your lungs with weed?”

This managed to have Jens cracking a small smile as Kes walked a little closer. He offered the joint to him, which he gladly accepted. The both of them leaned against the railings for a bit, looking into the lights of the city as they let the weed hit their systems. Jens never really spent much alone time with Kes, unless they were skateboarding together. But that didn’t call for much deeper conversations, especially not one he felt was going to happen right now.

“You seemed kind of distracted back there.” Kes noted. “Are you alright?”

Automatically, he gave another shrug. “I’m good.”

“You sure?”

“Sure.”

Kes studied him for a second, still not convinced. He began chewing the insides of his cheek, trying to avoid his questioning gaze and just hoped he wasn’t going to be very perceptive.

“Did you meet Ivo?” He ended up asking, and Jens felt his fists clench at the question.

“Yeah, Luc introduced him to me at the start of the party. I didn’t really know he was seeing someone.” He said through gritted teeth.

“Lucas didn’t tell you when he first saw you?” Kes asked, as if it was of great importance.

“He might’ve mentioned it, but I was tired and didn’t pay much attention.”

That was a lie. Jens knew about Ivo for awhile, since Lucas and him had made it official. He’d also clearly seen the social media posts about him, the cheesy selfies with cheek kisses and endless flirting in the Instagram comment sections. Then upon their first sleepover since his arrival, Lucas had told him about Ivo. It would be hard for him not to know.

He just didn’t think it would’ve lasted this long. Sure, maybe a few weeks of dating was possible, but he didn’t think they would end up rekindling their relationship. And he definitely didn’t think he’d be coming home to Lucas having a boyfriend who he wasn’t entirely fond of.

“They started dating awhile ago.” Kes explained. “We were kind of surprised at first, since you know, we knew all the rumours.”

“Rumours?” Jens asked with confusion. “What rumours?”

Kes tilted his head as he passed Jens the remaining joint, indicating he could finish it. “You don’t know the rumours?”

“No? And if I don’t know them, I hardly think Luc does.”

Sighing, Kes shook his head and looked away for a second, trying to figure out how to explain everything.

“Ivo is notorious for cheating.” He explained. “Ralph told me that he was constantly on Grindr during him and Lucas’ last relationship. He even messaged to meet up with Ralph himself, and Milan recognized his profile too. Obviously neither of them hooked up with him, considering the fact that he was underaged. But when Lucas introduced him to them the first time, they immediately told Jayden who then told me.”

Jens felt his chest burn even more, and it was definitely not from the weed. His face felt hot with fury and he didn’t realize that the end of the joint was almost burning his cold fingers.

“Why haven’t any of you told Luc?” He asked, his voice dropping to a low whisper.

“We didn’t really think it mattered. Lucas was so over the relationship when they broke up, he hardly even moped. There was no point in trying to tell him it was bad, he just didn’t care anymore.” Kes added. “Besides, we didn’t think they’d run into each other in the future, let again date. You could imagine our surprise when he showed up again, dumb crooked jawline and all.”

This made Jens snort out a small laugh. “I was just as surprised.” He admitted, before frowning. “But why don’t you guys tell him about all that now? In case he gets hurt again.”

“We told Ralph about it.” He said. “Ralph did a through Grindr search to make sure he wasn’t on it and he isn’t. And he might be grilling him right now with questions. Plus, it feels a little shitty. Lucas seems sort of happy right now, and after all the things with his family, we would feel bad if we ruined this for him.”

“Yeah, but wouldn’t you feel bad if he gets hurt again and you guys knew about it?”

“Ralph says he has no suspicion to Ivo cheating. We might bring it up but it seems kind of intruding you know?”

He sighed. Kes did have a point. Neither of them could assume Ivo was the person he was before. The least they could do was hope for the best. Jens let out another sigh of defeat as he got rid of the blunt.

“Kes, can I ask you something?” He asked, looking down at the ground as he shoved his hands into the pockets of his jacket. He didn’t need to lift his head up to know Kes was studying him again.

“Sure, what’s up?”

“Is Luc happy?”

There a pause. A hesitation. A space between the question and answer that definitely prompted an assumption that he wasn’t. Jens lifted his head up now, to read Kes’ expression. Kes looked away, furrowing his brows and now avoiding Jens’s gaze as he tried to formulate a response.

“I think so. He looks fairly happy.” He admitted. “But, sometimes he still looks a little off. Like he has something lingering within him that he can’t let go.”

“What do you mean by that?” Jens asked curiously, unsure what this cryptic answer could mean.

Just as Kes opened his mouth to respond, the door flung open and took them both by surprise. Their eyes widened as they looked at who had abruptly walked into their conversation.

Lucas’ eyes widened back, clearing reading their expressions and knowing he had walked into something. All of them were rather stunned to speak, not sure how to go about this.

After about a minute or two of awkward silence, Kes coughed and eyed the both of them.

“I’m going to go check on Isa. Make sure she didn’t spike her hot chocolate too much and isn't throwing up in the toilet.”

“Yeah,” Lucas replied awkwardly. “You may want to hold her hair back in the next few minutes.”

“Fuck.” Kes muttered uber his breath, brushing by the both of them in a hurry. Soon enough, he did disappeared back inside and they were left alone.

Chewing the inside of his cheek, Jens tried to rack his brain to figure out what to say to Lucas. He wanted to be angry, to show some sort of annoyance and frustration. Detest towards his best friend and his best friend’s stupid boyfriend. Anything that would show he himself wasn’t very happy.

But Jens couldn’t do that. Not when Lucas was looking at him with his big blue eyes filled with worry and concern. Not with the tip of his nose and apples of his cheek turning a bright pink dye to the cold. Not with the way Lucas looked like his small body was shivering beneath his hoodie and jacket, looking so frail and vulnerable against the winter wind. Jens wanted to just envelop him in his arms and protect him from everything harsh around him.

That included his stupid boyfriend.

“Are you okay?” Lucas asked, finally breaking the silence.

“Why wouldn’t I be?” Jens found himself saying. His tone wasn’t snappy or upset, but rather lost. Like he didn’t even try to mask his feelings right now.

Lucas frowned. “You just seem kind of distant tonight. And I know how much you love Christmas and missed all of your friends, but you seem like you don’t even want to be here.”

He sighed. There was no reason Lucas couldn’t read through him; after all, they were best friends since they were young. They practically did everything together, and that included growing up together. Both of them knew each other like the back of their hand, neither of them even thought about hiding secrets from each other.

“I’m just a little tired. Jet lag.” He lied. Jens didn’t often lie to Lucas, but when he did, it felt like a stab in his chest.

Lucas nodded while biting his lip. It was his tell, the expression that let Jens know he knew he was lying, but wasn’t going to push any further. Instead, Lucas walked a little closer, leaning against the rail and looking out into the city in the distance.

Jens didn’t follow his gaze, instead he studied the boy in front of him. The way his messy curls fell over his face, the tips of his ears turning pink and a small gentle smile forming on his face. Even when he traveled across the world, saw different people, experienced different things and saw different sights, nothing compared to Lucas. Sometimes he found himself longing for him late at night, which only made him feel the distance between them even more.

Lucas turned his head slowly, looking at Jens with his wide sparkly eyes. The smile on his face seemed to be a little bigger and warmer, it’s warmth seeping slowly into Jens’ body, making him feel fuzzy vibrations to the tip of his fingers.

“I’m really glad you’re home.” He whispered, his voice light and airy against the night.

Even when Jens wanted to simply just be angry, he never could feel that way around Lucas. He always found comfort in him, a sort of solace. It pushed past all the angry thoughts in his head, all the envy.

“I’m glad I’m home too.” He whispered back, grinning slowly. “I don’t think Christmas would feel very Christmassy alone in San Francisco.”

“It would probably be nice there wouldn’t it? I don’t know much about American Christmas but, maybe it’d be nice.”

“Maybe. But they don’t have Christmas markets or the overall feeling of Christmas. I mean it’s there, but it’s also very heavily commercialized you know?” Jens explained, thankful that his brain managed to ramble despite all the overwhelming feelings within it. Biting his lip, he continued.

“It just isn’t home.”

Smiling, Lucas leaned his head on Jens’ shoulder. At first, he wanted to push back, to flinch away, unsure if that was crossing any boundaries between Lucas and Ivo’s relationship. But then he remembered this wasn’t his gesture; it was Lucas’.

And if Ivo was going to be jealous over their friendship, over a friendship that had lasted for more than a decade, than he would just have to deal with it. There was no way Jens was going to let someone like him get in between him and Lucas.

Besides, he knew if things ever fell apart between them, Lucas would need Jens for comfort. Jens just had to wait for his stupid boyfriend to fuck up, and then he was out of the picture.

For now, he would just let Lucas lean on his shoulder. Let the smaller boy rest his head upon him as he looked up to the stars above. The stars that twinkled every night, in every part of the world. Sure, maybe it looked a little different but as long as they were under the same sky, they would always be together, physically or emotionally.

He leaned his head on top of Lucas’, feeling the vibrations of his humming beneath him. It was peaceful, calm and tranquil. Feelings that he hadn’t felt the second he stepped into the apartment and saw Lucas with Ivo on the couch.

“Jens? You know you can tell me anything right? Anything that bothers you.” Lucas whispered again.

Letting out a heavy sigh, he thought about it. For a split second, he wanted to tell Lucas everything. Starting from their shared kiss at his eighteenth birthday to the way he looked for pieces of him in every person he met, trying to find someone for his heart to attach to. To the way he was so excited for Lucas to visit, before he royally fucked that up. And even to now, when he saw Lucas after weeks and slept over the second night he came, where they talked about the Christmas party and Jens learned about the dreaded Ivo.

But even amidst all the trouble they’ve encountered, both of them knew it felt wrong to feel so distanced and apart. So in the end, they always found their way back to each other.

Jens felt his heart settle a bit. Maybe it was because now he felt assured that no matter what, it would always be them in the end. So he decided to hold back in his confession, letting his cheek rest against the soft curls that began to also dance in the wind.

“I know.” He reassured. “I’m just happy to be home.”

“Me too. I’m happy you’re home as well.”

Home, neither a place nor a feeling to him.

Home was wherever Jens found himself with Lucas. Home was wherever he was with him.

Jens was more than happy to be back.

The Cute Flower Boy.

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

( @ apolloswords )

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

Three times Jens attempts to make a move on the cute boy from the gardens and the one time he finally succeeds.

Great, just what I needed. Jens thought to himself.

Checking the time on his phone, he groaned to himself. The battery was dead and seeing the depressing image of a dead battery show up on his screen just screamed helplessness. It had probably been about ten minutes of aimless wandering around and he still had not been able to find the Broerrs. He didn't even know how he managed to stray away from the group or how the group may have strayed away from him, but after being surrounded by the abundance of tulips, daffodils and roses, the pathway must have split into two, resulting in him heading the wrong way. And it didn't help that there was no way he could contact them within this maze of a garden.

At this point, it probably would have been best to just stay put. It would probably easier for the Broerrs to find him if he wasn't moving around so much. But even the thought of staying still made him feel rather antsy and he didn't like waiting around, bored out of his mind. He almost considered counting all the tulips arranged in front of him, but it would probably take him to about twenty tulips before he went out of his mind.

Sighing, he figured he would try retracing his steps, until he realized he had wandered way too far from the last time he saw them. And the pathways were a literal maze. He didn't even have a map on hand so he had absolutely no direction. The only option he did have was probably asking one of the employees for directions, but the thought of admitting he was lost was also unbearable to him. Jens knew he was being irrational right now, and probably way too dramatic for someone who was down to only one choice. But he was going to hold onto the last single speckle of his stubbornness and dignity until he had to endure the endless teasing of his friends when he eventually found them.

Until he spotted a boy his age, dressed up in a the garden's employee uniform and attending to some of the pink flowers a few feet away. His hair was rather curly and looked like it was glistening under the rays of the summer sun, and he looked like he just belonged in a place like this. Jens could only make out his side profile, but based on the lithe jawline, soft pink lips and blush, he was already feeling absolutely smitten.

However, Jens would rather admit being lost to himself rather than going up to this particularly cute flower boy and admit he was lost to him. But at this point, he was utterly helpless and he couldn't be picky; he needed to find his friends and possibly a charger for his phone.

Trying to muster up the courage to walk up to him, he wiped his sweaty palms on his jeans and held his breath. After silently counting to three, he took a deep breath and felt a surge of energy to walk up to the boy.

Except, he was suddenly startled when he felt a tap on his shoulder. After shaking his head and trying to look like he hadn't just freaked out, he whipped his head around was surprised to see Robbe standing behind him.

"Found you." Robbe said with a light smirk. "Were you trying to get rid of us?"

"It worked for a bit." Jens snorted. He tried to ignore the sinking feeling in his heart as he awkwardly laughed. "I figured you guys would eventually find me."

Robbe rolled his eyes. "I didn't know we were playing a game of hide and seek. Come on, we're going to head to the cafe and have something to eat before we have to catch the train."

"Sure." Jens agreed, even though he was feeling a little disappointed he wouldn't be able to talk to the cute flower boy from earlier.

Nodding his head, Robbe pivoted on his heels and headed back where he had come from. Since his back was turned to Jens, he decided to take a quick look over his shoulder to see if he could take one last longing look at the boy.

But instead he found himself frowning. Just as quickly as he had appeared, the boy had vanished and was probably never to be seen again.

Great, just what I needed. Jens thought to himself again.

-

"You're an absolute dumbass for getting lost." Moyo teased as they sat at a little table eating some sandwiches and cookies while enjoying a few drinks under the summer sun. The cafe was fairly crowded with all the tourists, but they had managed to find a table near the display of baked goods, which looked too good to just be on display.

Snorting, Jens took a sip of his Italian soda and tried to ignore the relentless teasing he had been the target of for the last twenty minutes. Turns out they had thought leaving him for a minute would be funny to see him panic, but they didn't realize he hadn't noticed he was left alone until he had wandered too far off. And since his phone was dead, the amount of calls by them were left unanswered.

"Maybe we shouldn't have left the dumbass on his own." Aaron teased back.

Suddenly, Jens felt himself choke on his drink. After sputtering for a few seconds and Robbe gently whacking his back, he squeezed his eyes shut and took a deep breath. When he slowly opened them, he felt his heart begin to race upon realizing what he just saw was not a figment of his imagination.

Or at least who he just saw.

It was the cute flower boy.

"Jens you okay?" Robbe asked and when Jens didn't reply, since he was too stunned to speak, Moyo studied his reaction curiously.

Slowly, Jens watched as he turned around to try and see what had caused Jens to suddenly spasm and loose control over himself. When his eyes also landed on the boy in line at the cafe, he turned back around with a smirk on his face.

"You think he's cute huh?" He said, his voice low.

"Me?" Robbe said in surprise. "I don't think I've thought anyone was cute after meeting Sander."

"Well clearly." Moyo snorted. "You weren't the one who just choked on a drink upon seeing a cute boy."

"Cute boy? Where?" Robbe asked, looking around as his patting on Jens' back came to a slow.

"Who thinks there's a cute boy?" Aaron piped up, once again catching onto the conversation a second slower than everyone else.

Feeling his second defeat for today, Jens scoffed and mumbled. "I think there's a cute boy."

"Is it the one in line?" Robbe whispered. "The one with light brown curly hair and seems to work here?"

"Yes." Jens admitted through clenched teeth. He lowered his gaze, not wanting to be caught staring or attention drawn to them, since the boy was only a few feet away.

"Yeah, he's cute." Robbe agreed with a wink.

Placing his head in his hands, Jens groaned. The boys were obviously more than amused as they began laughing and teasing him some more. He felt Robbe poke his side and he dropped his hands and gave him a soft glare.

"Talk to him." He said softly, with his typical Bambi like expression.

"Quick!" Aaron said. "Before he gets his drink and leaves."

But the second after Aaron had said that, the barista handed the boy his coffee with a smile. They spoke a few words to each other, probably indicating some sort of familiarity between them. Considering they both worked here, he was probably at the cafe during his breaks. The boy waved at him, his curls bouncing with his movements before he headed out of the cafe. The Broerrs, including Jens, watched his leave, heading back into the direction of the gardens. Soon enough, he was gone again, out of sight and out of the chances Jens could've made.

It was probably for the best anyway. They were just on a small vacation, and who knew how things could even work out between them?

"Looks like he's a lot like Jens." Moyo said, wiggling his brows.

"What do you mean by that?" Jens asked, his brows furrowed and feeling extremely confused.

"He's the one that got away." Moyo snickered.

-

After eating a bit more baked goods that they could manage and spending an hour at the gift shop to pick up a few gifts they could bring home, the Broerrs started to head out and make their way to the train station. Jens tapped his foot on the ground, as he tried to tune out some of the conversation.

But that didn't work.

"You guys do know the way to the Air BnB right?" Aaron asked, looking at the posted schedule for all the trains' arrivals and departures.

Scrunching his nose, Jens scoffed. "I thought you were the one with directions?"

"To be honest, even if he did have the directions, I wouldn't trust them." Robbe laughed. "I'm sure it's just the next train coming."

"Yeah but what stop do we get off at?" Aaron asked.

"The one that says the name of our street?" Moyo asked, as if it wasn't the most obvious answer.

In the midst of their bickering, Jens let his eyes wander around the rest of the train station. Other tourists stood around, holding large bags from the garden gift shop and other groups of friends stood around waiting, the hours of the summer day slowly coming to an end.

Almost instantly, he felt a tug towards a certain direction. But just before he could let his eyes figure out what exactly was pulling him, he felt somebody grab ahold of the sleeve of his shirt and literally pull him into the other direction.

"Jens, come on, stop day dreaming. You're going to miss the train!" Robbe cried out, almost practically pushing his entire body onto the train cart.

Luckily they all managed to make it on and found some seats. When Jens settled into one, he felt the familiar tug again and perked his head up, trying to find out where it was coming from. His eyes dawned onto a boy standing near the train's exit, aimlessly scrolling on his phone. This time, it didn't even take him a second to realize who it was.

It was the cute flower boy.

Although he was out of his work uniform and had a relaxed blue crewneck on, he still looked just as cute as ever. And, absolutely radiating. Jens could feel his mouth practically go dry as he continued to stare at the boy.

Until he felt a gentle hit to his cheek and he glared at Moyo from beside him.

"What was that for?" He mumbled, pretending to rub the spot on his cheek as if it actually hurt.

"Close your mouth I think you're going to drool." Moyo snickered while wiggling his brows.

Snorting, Jens rolled his eyes "I don't know what you're talking about." He lied.

Nobody but the lie and instead continued to snicker at each other. Aaron and Robbe had their backs turned against the boy, but there was no deny they knew exactly who was behind them. Jens secretly prayed that they wouldn't do anything stupid or embarrassing, especially when this would probably be the first and last impression the boy would have of him.

That was, if any of them either did anything.

"You should go up to him." Aaron whispered. "Maybe get his number."

Jens wrinkled his nose. "Why would I even do that?"

"To talk to him?" Aaron replied, as if that was the most obvious answer.

"Okay but we're only here for vacation." Jens reminded. "It's not like he would be super willing to do long distance with some random person he met on the train."

"Yeah, but you never know." Robbe said with hope and a romantic gaze in his eyes. "Maybe he would be down for one."

"Plus, Amsterdam isn't that far. And we are here for a bit, maybe it can be a summer love." Moyo added.

Nodding, he tried to internally take in their suggestions. On one hand, the boy was extremely cute and he probably wouldn't mind spending a few moments of the summer with him. On the other hand, a few moments would eventually come to the end and then he would have to remember he was leaving him behind.

But he figured maybe something could happen out of it. Taking a look at his friends once again, they gave him supportive smiles and thumbs up. Jens took a deep breath, wipe his clammy hands on his jeans and tried to push back the second thoughts running through his head.

Just as he was about to get up and make his way, the train halted to a stop and the exit door opened wide. Without a pause or hesitation, Jens watched as the boy stepped off the train and onto the platform. Before he knew it, the boy was once again walking away. The train began to head off and once again, he had missed his chance. The boy once again was gone from his sight and he let out a heavy sigh.

Neither of the Broerrs had to say it, they were all thinking the same thing. Jens just slumped against his seat and tried to ignore how this was possibly the last chance of seeing the cute flower boy in his entire life.

Possibly.

-

This has to be the stupidest idea ever. Jens thought to himself.

It was a few days later and the boys had stumbled upon a tattoo shop that had really good reviews. Since it was their first trip together, they wanted to tribute it by getting their first tattoos. At first, they debated on getting matching tattoos based on the trip, but after realizing that seemed a little too cheesy for their liking, they all decided to settle on just getting whatever small tattoo they wanted.

Jens never really thought about what he would like permanently sketched onto his body, but at the same time, he didn’t really think tattoos had to hold significant meaning. If he liked how they looked like and they looked cool, he didn’t really have much hesitation in getting them.

Which is why when they had found this local shop with highly recommended artists and accepted walk ins, they were more than ecstatic to make their way over. The shop wasn’t very busy, and the tattoo artist Kes was really chill and friendly.

He was sitting on a chair, scrolling on his phone as he was waiting for Aaron to finish up his tattoo. Robbe still had to get his done and Moyo was admiring his tattoo in the mirror, as if he wasn’t the first one who had gotten it done.

“It looks sick!” Moyo kept saying, showing off the tiger he had gotten on his calf.

Jens nodded, agreeing. Kes was a really skilled artist, and he helped Jens pick out exactly what he wanted. It was a simple flower done in a traditional style, placed right above his elbow. The darkness of the ink made it very bold but it was completely blotchy or too crazy to look at. He didn’t even really know why he wanted a flower, but after seeing some of Kes’ designs, he figured that’s what he should go for.

Their little ensemble got interrupted when they heard the chime of a bell, alerting the shop of a new customer. Jens turned his head to look and almost dropped his jaw.

It was the cute flower boy.

He didn’t seem surprised to see customers in the shop, just surprised to see a bunch of fresh out of high school teens. The boy had a wide smile on his face, his cheeks pink as ever and he looked like he had some exciting news to tell. Since this was the closest he’s ever been to Jens, he could feel goosebumps on his skin and even make out some distinct facial features that weren’t so prominent from afar.

One of those features being his striking blue eyes, which Jens stated at in disbelief. He could hardly believe such a colour existed.

The boy quickly strode into the Kes’ studio, after calling out his name. Robbe, Moyo and Jens all exchanged looks at each other, completely surprised to see him here. Jens gave them a questioning look, wondering if he should do anything about it.

“You have to talk to him.” Robbe whisper-yelled. “The universe just gave you one more chance!”

“Not in front of you guys.” Jens whisper-yelled back. “That’s going to be so awkward.”

Moyo shook his hands in front of him. “Listen, it’ll be just fine. I’ll take care of it when Aaron gets out.”

As if on cue, Aaron wandered out, followed by Kes and the boy. Kes nodded his head toward Robbe.

“Robbe, it’s your turn.” He called out. Turning his head towards the boy, he lowered his voice a bit. “I should be done in about an hour or so. Just sit tight here and we can hang Luc.”

Luc, Jens thought. What a lovely name.

Luc nodded and made his way to the waiting area as well, where Jens was. Aaron gave Jens a surprised look, just now realizing who this boy was. Jens narrowed his eyes, trying to tell him to be a little less obvious and then darted his eyes towards Moyo, telling him to get Aaron out of the room.

Nodding, Moyo let out an awkward cough. “Aaron, you need to call Amber.”

Confused, Arron wrinkled his brows. “She didn’t call me?”

“Well she called me to tell you to call her.” Moyo said quickly. Lowering his voice and gritting his teeth, he shot a look from Aaron to Jens. “And you may want to take it outside.”

It took a few seconds but Aaron’s eyes lit up and he registered what Moyo was replying. Nodding quickly, he looked at Jens and spoke loudly, as if he was making an announcement.

“Oh you are right Moyo.” He said, in a very obvious tone. “I shall go outside and call Amber.”

Grimacing at his lack of subtly, Aaron gave Jens a thumbs up from behind Luc’s head and Jens had to resist the urge from glaring at him. At least Luc had his head down and was on his phone, so he didn’t really notice all the commotion around him.

Coughing again after Aaron had waltzed out the door, Moyo darted his eyes at Jens.

“Bathroom.” He simply said, before quickly heading off without any other explanation.

While his friends had good intentions, they definitely had to work on being a little less obvious. Figuring this was his only chance with Luc, Jens pocketed his phone into his back pocket and coughed, grabbing his attention. Luc looked up at him, his blue eyes sparkling so brightly, Jens thought they held some sort of treasure within.

“Hi.” He managed to say awkwardly. “I’m Jens.”

Luc looked confused at first but managed to smile widely. “I’m Lucas, though most people call me Luc.”

Something about him was just so comforting, Jens didn’t know why he felt so nervous those other times he could’ve said something. Realizing it was his turn to reply, Jens gave him a half hearted smile and a low chuckle. Running a hand through his hair, he tried not to let the faint blush on his cheeks turn extra red or even spread all over his face.”

“Uhm, listen.” He began to say, trying to get past all the awkwardness. “This isn’t the first time I’ve seen you and I’ve been trying to approach you for a while now.”

Still smiling but looking a bit confused, Lucas tilted his head. “Really? When did you see me?”

“At the gardens a few days ago.” Jens admitted. “I was about to approach you because I was lost. Then I saw you at the cafe and on the train and each time I wanted to say something, but then you would leave and I figured I’d just never see you again.”

Letting out a light laugh, which made his heart leap, Lucas threw his head back amused. He looked back at Jens, his smile even wider.

“I thought you looked familiar.” He mentioned. “I thought maybe I had just been envisioning your face those other times and now was just the first time I actually saw you.”

Smirking, Jens shook his head in amusement. “No, definitely not just envisioning. Now is the first time I’m actually talking to you though.”

“So what is it that you wanted to ask me?” Lucas asked, leaning forward. His elbows were on his knees as he raised his brows at Jens, almost too excited to just sit still.

“Uhm, well, I wanted to ask for your number. I thought you were rather cute and wanted to see if I could maybe get a date with you or something while I’m here in Amsterdam.”

“How long are you here for?”

“Another week. We’re from Belgium and just came here for a summer getaway.”

Lucas nodded. He checked the time on his phone and got up, gesturing for Jens to do the same. Confused, Jens got up but gave him a questioning look.

“What’s going on?” He asked.

Grinning, Lucas gave him a shrug. “I figure we’re wasting precious time just sitting around. I have an hour to kill before I head out with Kes and I wouldn’t mind going on that date now.”

“Oh really?” Jens said with a smirk. Lucas blushed instantly and tried to hide his face.

“Yeah, and probably a few more dates after this one.” He admitted, still blushing a vibrant pink.

Reaching out to pinch his cheeks, Jens leaned down towards him and lowered his voice.

“Only if I can definitely get your number afterwards.” He teased.

A fit of giggles escaped the flower boy as he nodded quickly. “Of course you can get my number.”

“Then let’s go on this date.” Jens said. “Do you know any nearby cafe’s?”

“In fact I do.” Lucas replied, pushing the door of the shop open.

As the exited out, Aaron spotted them and widened his eyes. He must’ve figured the plan was successful, because he gave him a wide grin and a not-so-subtle wink. Jens wanted to bury his face in embarrassment since he was sure Lucas noticed.

“I’ll be back.” He told Aaron, as they walked by him. Aaron nodded quickly and sprinted back jnto the shop where they heard him yell.

“Jens finally got the cute flower boy!” They heard him cry.

Someone In The Crowd.

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

( @ apolloswords )

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

 Jens is an electric guitar player for his band, and every performance he feels what it truly means to be alive. But one night, he spots someone in the crowd that makes life worth living for.

Jens loved to play music.

That was an understatement, he lived to play music. Ever since he was young enough to remember, he would always be drumming along to the music his mom played in the kitchen as she cooked or the music his dad played in the car that surrounded him, even in the backseat. The second he felt a rhythm and beat flow through his body was the second he felt in tune with the melody and would do anything to play along. When he was just five, his parents had gotten him a drum kit for Christmas and he was ecstatic.

That was until he turned seven and was gifted an electric guitar. A sleek black guitar, a little too big for his little self but just so entrancing.

He immediately begged to take lessons. Unlike playing the drums, which he was still pretty handy with, Jens wanted to be able to play with technique before branching out with his own style. But after just a few weeks of lessons, he managed to find it. His guitar teacher was instantly impressed, completely in awe at the presence of such natural talent.

The thing was, Jens didn’t just live for music. It had become his way of life.

And things got even better in high school. Before that, Jens only ever played his music in his room, practicing some of his favourite songs or working on his unique style. His best friend Robbe wasn’t particularly musical, and could hardly follow a steady beat to save his life. But then in high school he met Moyo, a spectacular drummer from his history class, Senne , a pretty sick bass guitarist who ended up dating their friend Zoë and Sander, Robbe’s boyfriend who turned out to be a singing rockstar on his own.

With that, they had formed their own band.

It only started off when they were in Senne’s and Robbe’s flat, listening to music and getting high. Senne was measly tuning his bass before playing it a little, Moyo was drumming with his fingers on the table and Sander was rocking to the music, hitting every note and even making a few note changes himself. Then Jens suggested they should start a band. The next week, they raided Moyo’s basement as their makeshift studio and messed around. To their surprise, their individual talents blended in a beautiful harmony together, and their band was born.

Their band was called WTFOCK, mainly because everyone who heard them for the first time immediately went “What the fuck? They’re so good”. Nobody had really expected them to be terrible, but nobody expected to be just that good either. So, WTFOCK was born and they played at the local bar every two weeks on a Friday night. They had became regulars, a crowd favourite, and every night Jens played his heart out on stage under the bright fluorescent lights that should’ve blinded him by now, he felt a little part of his soul just surge out and create pure euphoria for him and the world around him.

Music was Jens’ entire life. And he didn’t think there would be a day where he would be alive and well and thinking that he could do without it.

Until Senne out for a week trip in Norway. He was supposed to come back Thursday morning, giving them enough time for a quick rehearsal. But their return flight home had been accidentally overbooked and he had been delayed for another two days.

Which means, he wouldn’t be back until Saturday. Which also means, they had no bass player to fill in for them and they had less than a day to find one.

The three of them had begun to panic. They didn’t even know anybody else who played the bass, let alone play the bass well enough to perform.

“I have an idea.” Moyo said, into their group call which was based on finding a solution to their problem. “My childhood friend Kes and his friends are visiting this week and he’s really good on bass. Me and him used to mess around all the time when we were in middle school, and I’m pretty sure he still plays.”

“Him and I.” Sander corrected into the call. “Do you think he would be down to cover for us?”

“Why not?” Moyo asked. “We could rehearse with him Friday afternoon and he could invite his friends to come watch our show.”

“This better work.” Jens hoped.

And miraculously, it did. Senne even let Kes borrow his bass for the practice session and Jens would never admit it, but he didn’t think he had heard such a talented bass player before. Sure, Senne was good, he was really good. But Kes had this style to his playing, a style that was so unique and different, but so naturally done. He picked up on their songs easy, and Jens even thought they sounded better. He even had a memorable look to his character, bright pink Vans with a matching pink bandana to push back his dark curly hair. Kes both looked the part and played the part.

So as they huddled around backstage, before they were announced to go on, Kes was feeling super hyped up and energetic.

“This is my first show ever.” Kes mentioned as Jens was tuning his guitar.

“Really?” He asked in surprise. “You seem like such a natural at it, I would’ve expected you to have played in front of an audience before.”

“Are you nervous at all?” Jens asked.

“A little. Just a bit jittery I guess.” He admitted. “My friends have heard me play before, but I was drunk and not even being serious with it. But I’ve never played in front of a proper audience, let alone a crowd.”

“Jens, Kes! Places!” Moyo called out from his seat at the drums, letting them know they were about to start. They both pulled the strap of their guitars over their head and walked over to their spots on stage.

“Honestly, I don’t even really notice the crowd. I get too immersed in the music.” He continued to tell Kes as they made their way. “I don’t even pay attention to anyone out there really, until the set is over and I’m off stage.”

Kes nodded as he stood on his side of the stage and Jens went over to the other. The bright lights flashed in front of his eyes and if he wasn’t used to it by now, he would be squinting to see through them. But the familiar heat from the stage lights warmed up his face and body, and he felt the surge of adrenaline to play.

Then he did something he didn’t usually do. Instead of looking over to Moyo, who usually counted them off, he looked over at the audience. And as his eyes scanned them, he felt something he usually didn’t feel either.

He had noticed someone. Someone had managed to capture his attention and for the first time ever, Jens felt more immersed into someone in the crowd than the music he played for the crowd.

For the first time ever, Jens felt a feeling way more intense than he did when he played music. The boy wasn't looking at him directly, but rather the collective presence of the band. But Jens was only looking at him, denim jacket and tousled brown curls framing his pretty face. He had a dimple from his smirk, and he looked rather intrigued to listen to them play. For the first time in forever, Jens wanted to hop off the stage in fear that he would mess up.

But he didn't. As he heard the familiar count coming from Moyo's drumsticks, he felt his body go into its most natural state, left hand on the chords and right hand on the strings. He felt his fingers play his guitar like it was in his first nature, and then he felt the surge to just play better.

So that's what he did, he let his guitar playing amplify the music and sound impressive against Sander's insane vocals. He shredded even harder on his usual guitar solo, familiars in the crowd shocked to be even more impressed with his talent. Moyo and Kes even followed along, only elevating the entire experience. Jens didn't think he ever played like his life depended on it, but as he snuck a look back at the crowd, back at the boy, he knew he had succeeded in his plan.

Striking blue eyes watched him, almost fascinated with his every move of fingers or body. Now, it really felt like Jens was playing for an audience. He continued to play better than he ever had before, and even Sander snuck him expressions filled with pride, unbeknownst to the reason why. The crowd was pumping, cheering, screaming along to the music and overall being the best crowd Jens has ever played in front of. But still, it was catching the attention of the boy in the midst of them that really made him feel like he had won.

Eventually, their set came to an end and Moyo screamed loudly. "And that was WTFOCK! Thank you and have a good night!"

The four of them headed back stage, to safely put their instruments away and Jens wished he had brought another shirt to change into. Usually he wouldn't really care about something like that, but now he was about to head off towards the crowd and listen to some other music, and hopefully bump into the boy he was so keen on. But for now, his drab grey shirt and black jeans would suffice. He wished he had some sort of look to his persona, like Sander's leather jacket and chunk Doc Martens or Kes' pink shoes and matching pink headband. Sighing, he tried to tame down his hair and followed closely behind Kes who was just about to head out. Moyo and Sander had already escaped, and he had no idea where they went. Meaning he was left with just following Kes around.

But when Kes emerged into the crowd and looked around, probably looking for his friends, he felt his heart drop. The boy was looking in their general direction, but not at Jens anymore. Rather, in front of Jens.

He was looking at Kes.

And Kes was looking right back at him.

"Holy fuck, you were great!" The boy exclaimed, heading over.

Immediately, he wrapped Kes up in an embrace and they held each other tight for a few seconds. Even though Jens felt his heart sink at this point, he couldn't help but just watch them. Kes ruffled his hair playfully as the other boy looked down at him endearingly.

Even though he couldn't be sure whatever their relationship was, he felt hopeless. He didn't think he could compare to Kes, who looked infinitely cooler and just acted cooler than him in the less than twenty four hours he had known him for. Even if they were just friends, he couldn't just expect the boy to also be into boys. Or even be into Jens at all. Feeling frustrated and annoyed, Jens turned away from the crowd and headed towards the back exit of the club.

The wind briskly hit him in the face, and for a split second he wanted to go back inside and grab his hoodie from backstage. But still feeling a little upset over what had just happened, Jens kicked a box in between the heavy black exit door and the entrance back into the club. The first time he had escaped through this way, the door had locked him out and he wasn't going to go through security again just to come back inside. Huffing, he headed a little bit down the alleyway and patted his back pocket for his lighter. In his other pocket, he pulled out the pre-rolled joint and lifted it to his mouth. The flame from the lighter heated his hands for a second, and his body thanked the small flame for the temporary warmth. Eventually, the joint was lit and he inhaled, feeling the weed fill up his lungs.

Jens stood alone in the alleyway for a bit, simply just smoking the joint and listening into the music he could hear playing through the walls of the building and out of the half-way opened exit door. It flowed through his body, and he began tapping his leg and drumming his finger on his thigh to mimic the rhythm. The weed hadn't kicked in yet, but he could feel his body begin to sway with the movement of the earth and melody of the song. He was so immersed in everything around him, he didn't hear someone come outside.

A cough came from behind him and he whipped around, his eyes widening as he took in who was standing in front of him.

It was the boy from earlier. The boy in the crowd. He seemed to light up the dark alleyway, and Jens was instantly entranced again.

"Hey." He managed to say, feeling his mouth go dry.

"Hey." The boy said back, with a small smile. "Sorry, I didn't know someone was out here. I can leave if you want?"

"No, stay." Jens insisted with a nod. He brought the joint up to his lips, taking another hit and hoping to calm his nerves. After, he exhaled and handed the joint out to him. "Want a hit?" He looked at him, his question a little bit unfinished and the boy nodded, while also realizing that Jens was trying to ask for his name.

"Lucas." He replied, taking the joint from Jens and placing it in his own mouth. Jens watched as his pretty pink lips around it, and he felt his heart race.

"Jens." He replied, continuing to watch him.

"I know." Lucas said with a smirk. "Kes told me about you. You were great up there. "

"You know Kes?" He lied, pretending he hadn't seen them both literally hug earlier. He also hoped he wasn't blushing at the slight comment, and only hoped the darkness of the night covered any chance of him being exposed.

Lucas didn't seem to catch onto his lie and nodded his head, his wavy brown hair being tousled along with his movements. "Yeah, I've known him since we were thirteen. He's kinda become another half of me, which is probably how he dragged me from Utrecht to Antwerp."

Other half. Jens thought, feeling his heart get crushed again. If he had doubts about them just being friend before, he definitely didn't have those doubts anymore.

"He's really good." He said instead. "We thought we were fucked without our usual bass player and we didn't think anybody would be able to play along with us on such short notice, but Kes really outdid himself."

"Yeah, he's been wanting to play in a band. But between me and our other friend Jayden, he hasn't had much luck."

"You don't play music?" Jens asked, trying not to focus too much on there "other friend" implication.

"Nope, unless you count the triangle." Lucas joked. "It's not my forte, pun intended, though I'm not completely incapable in artistic wonders."

"Let me guess." Jens suggested, studying him a little bit. "Long slender fingers, critical pretty blue eyes and the paint splatters on your white laces indicate you're an artist."

Grinning widely, Lucas' eyes sparkled against the night sky. "Impressive. You're correct."

"Thanks, another talent is that I read people well."

They both laughed, and before they knew it, the joint was finished. Jens put it out as Lucas shoved his hands into the pocket of his denim jacket for warmth. He had almost forgotten how chilly it was, Lucas' presence seemed to have warmed him up completely.

"I should probably head back in now." Lucas said suddenly, and Jens felt sad to feel alone all over again.

Nodding his head as if he understood and not feeling like he was losing his chance all over again, Jens tried to give him a half-hearted smile. "Yeah sure, no problem."

"You're not coming back in?" The other boy asked, raising a brow.

Jens shook his head. "I will in a bit. I wouldn't want to keep you from your boyfriend."

"My boyfriend?" Lucas said in disbelief, as if he had no idea what Jens was talking about.

Furrowing his brow, Jens raised his own brow, like he was questioning how his comment was out of place. "Kes? Isn't he your boyfriend? You just referred to him as your other half."

"Ah no." Lucas said, shyly covering his face in his hands and suppressing his giggles. Jens continued to look at him quite confused and when Lucas brought his hands down, he had another amused smile on his face. "He's not my boyfriend. What made you think that?"

"You said he was your other half." Jens reminded him, like he was stating the obvious. "Like other half to your whole."

"Yes, as my best friend." Lucas began to say, laughing lightly. "Kes is my other half in terms of friendship, I literally grew up with him. He's like a brother to me, and I can't imagine I'd be down to date my very own brother."

If Jens' face turned pink from blushing before, then it definitely turned red from embarrassment. Lucas began to bubble out some giggles, probably thinking this entire scenario was nothing short of hilarious. Jens felt his face go hot, and now he covered his own face in his hands, groaning.

When he eventually opened his hands to see again, Lucas was standing closer to him. Jens, having prompted himself on some empty box and was sitting down, felt Lucas shyly stand in the middle of his widespread legs. He wanted to reach out for the boy, to somehow pull him in closer. Lucas seemed to get what he wanted, and reached out to shyly take his hand.

"I thought you were taken and I got really sad." Jens admitted, biting his lip. "I just saw you in the crowd and became entranced by your presence. I've never felt so much simply based on a first sight."

"I saw you come in with Kes, and for once, following Kes along to wherever he dragged me finally became a good idea."

Smiling up at him, Jens felt his heart begin to race again. The way he looked into Lucas' eyes felt like the very first time he had ever seen them, a vibrant colour against the blur of the world around them. The only thing in Jens' focus. The only thing that managed to make Jens feel more alive than he had ever felt.

For the first time, the feeling of adrenaline, passion and love for music was suddenly in second place.

Because he was staring at the true winner.

"I should've asked Kes about you before I saw you guys hug." He admitted. "Maybe then I wouldn't have been smoking out here alone.'

Lucas snorted and brought up a hand to play with the short sides of Jens' hair. He felt Lucas' delicate hands touch him, like they were painting a picture directly from fingertips.

"Yeah, but that was the good thing coming out here." Lucas whispered. "You were alone."

"I'm glad you're alone too." Jens whispered too. "Though, I'd love to be alone with you."

Laughing, Lucas threw his head back. Jens, even after years of playing, making and being surrounded by music, didn't think he heard something as melodious and beautiful as Lucas' laugh. He smiled at the boy, unable to contain his adornment.

When Lucas finally came down from his high, he smiled softly at Jens.

"For the record, I do like guitar players." He admitted. "But just really cool electric guitar players with the name Jens."

"And I really like you Lucas." He admitted back. "Just you, Lucas."

Sick and Miserable.

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

( @ apolloswords )

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

Most times, Lucas eagerly waits all year for the first snowfall. But this year, he feels like it’s a bit of a problem. That is, until Jens comes up with a solution.

Lucas was miserable.

It was the first snow fall of the year, also known as his favourite time of the year. He loved seeing the crystals fall gently onto the ground, counting everything with a white blanket. He loved all the festivities, ice skating, sledding and walks in the snowy trails. He adored it, and each year when the end of autumn rolled by, he sat by the windows, watching them frost up overnight as he awaited the first snowflake falling down from the sky.

But this year, he was miserable.

It had been a tough autumn for him. Busy studying all night for his final year in University, working around the clock and hoping his mother was doing okay, he hardly slept a wink. His stress had him too tense to even catch a break. And when he lost precious hours of sleep, he began to feel his body weakening a bit. And eventually, one day, it was too windy and too cold and he was out in the midst of the howling wind for too long that when he got home, he felt the aches, chill and sneezes of a fever creep upon him. He went to bed that night, knowing how terrible he would feel in the morning.

And it felt even worse when Jens opened up their bedroom curtains this morning to the sunshine glistening on the blanket of snow on the ground. But poor Lucas was far too in pain to do anything but wince and groan and turn around from the blinding light, shutting his eyes for some extra sleep.

He felt miserable. If he didn’t feel so sick, with a pounding head and a stuffed nose, he would be feeling the snowflakes gently fall on his pink cheeks, the ice skates beneath his feet and the warmth of his scarf and hat protecting him from the cold. He would probably be heading over to his favourite cafe, that released all their special winters drinks during the first snowfall. He’d stare at the menu, wondering if he wanted a peppermint mocha or a eggnog latte to heat him up.

But most of all, he would remember the first time he laid eyes on Jens. When he had ordered a gingerbread hot chocolate around four years ago, at the start of his University years. He had always come to this cafe, considering it was in the middle of his usual route to the Univeristy and back home to his small flat. But that day four years ago was when he first laid eyes on him.

Tall, lean, broad shoulders in a grey crew neck sweater with a bright festive red apron on him. The way Lucas had never really noticed the baristas before, since he always came in during random times and random shift changes. But when Lucas laid his eyes on him, he finally understood why people could fall in love at first sight.

In return, the raven haired boy with rich dark brown eyes managed to notice him as well. And after a few weeks of Lucas figuring out his schedule and incorporating that into his routine, they began to sneak off a few conversations during the boy’s break. He quickly learned his name was Jens, went to the same University as him and even noticed Lucas on the first snowfall as well. It was a shift he was covering, he had explained. So he shouldn’t have been there in the first place.

But by the fates he was.

He never told Jens exactly why he loved the first snowfall. He didn’t even know if Jens remembered all that. But each time it happened for the past four years, Lucas would insist the go for a walk to that cafe and try their winter drinks before heading out with their friends to go skating. Jens didn’t work there anymore, hadn’t for the last two years and each time they got a drink, he would comment on how he could make it better. But Lucas would just smile shyly, sipping on his drink as the steam warmed his cold cheeks and though about how there were many more first snowfalls for him and Jens to carry out their little tradition.

But even if there were many years ahead of them, skipping one felt like a setback that would last for an eternity.

“I know you’re upset.” Jens said sympathetically, as he brought Lucas some juice and toast for breakfast in bed. “But you’re way too sick to be out playing in the snow.”

He pouted and huffed, feeling like his younger self had just been told no hot chocolate before bedtime. Frowning, even if that extra energy towards his expressions managed to make his head hurt even more, he protested.

“I’m not that sick.”

His adoring boyfriend only snorted and placed a hand to his forehead. Jens quickly retracted it and shook it, like he had just burnt himself.

“Usually I can say you’re hot, but right now you’re burning hot.” Jens said. “You need to stay home, get some rest and get better. Then I promise you we can do all your first snowfall of the winter day soon.”

Lucas pouted again. “But it won’t be the same. It won’t be the first snow fall. It would be the second or third or fourth! Or whoever knows how long it takes for me to get better.”

“Which is why you need some rest.” Jens reminded. He took away the empty glass and plate from Lucas, set it aside on the night stand table and fluffed up the pillows for his cute, but very sick boyfriend. “Now.”

Huffing, Lucas shifted and flopped down on the pillows, trying to put up some sort of defence. But Jens only snickered at his boyfriend’s stubbornness and placed some thicker blankets on top of his frail shivering body. Lucas was already wearing thick fluffy socks and Jens’ oversized red hoodie, but it wasn’t until he felt himself get tucked in that he finally felt warm. His shivered came to a stop as he felt his body give into his tiredness before drifting and falling into a deep slumber.

Jens, rolling his eyes adoringly at how quick he had fallen asleep, leaned over and pressed a kiss to his forehead. Lucas snored lightly and his curls were pressed against his face, and Jens felt his heart melt. He so wanted to crawl into the bed with him, to hold him until he felt better. Getting sick from Lucas didn’t even phase him. He could deal with that.

But since Lucas had finally fallen back to sleep, this provided him the perfect opportunity to commence his plan. Planting another kiss on his cheek, Jens made sure he was all cozied up with a water bottle by his side before heading out the room. Closing the door behind him, he hoped by the time Lucas woke up, he wouldn’t be so miserable.

-

After a few hours, Lucas began to stir and he woke up to his body sweating profusely. He must’ve broken his fever some times during his nap, and he felt the urge to get changed. Once he lifted his head off the pillow and sat for a few minutes to avoid feeling lightheaded, he drank some water and crawled out of bed. Pulling the hoodie over his head, he grimaced at how his shirt clung onto his body. Rummaging around for a new shirt, he realized there was some slight shuffling in the living room.

He knew Jens was home, since it was the weekend. But he didn’t know what Jens could possibly be up to. Lucas quickly got changed and after dredging up quickly in the bathroom, he decided to follow the mysterious sounds coming from the living room. His head still hurt a little, but it wasn’t pounding and he figured changing locations from their bedroom to the living room would probably do him some good.

When he entered the living room, he was surprised to see what the commotion was all about. But he was even more surprised to see the state of the living room.

All of the furniture had been pushed to the side, creating a wide open space in the middle of the room. But the couches were turned around, letting their backs up an array of blankets. With the blankets draped over them, they made some sort of tent where a soft yellow glow was lit in the middle of it. Lucas could just see the arrangements of even more blankets and pillows inside the tent, and realized it was meant to be blanket fort. Gazing at it in awe, he walked around it, impressed with how it looked so soft and warm to just lay in. As he did walk around it, he felt his head hit something feathery and light. Looking up to see what it was, he felt his heart soften even more.

Hanging low and high from the ceilings were a bunch of paper snowflakes. Some were big, some small. Some had more intricate designs, some were more simple. Some were circular in shape, with their flakes in rounded edges that almost looked like waves of the ocean. Others were sharper in their flakes, looking like mystical swords dancing in battle. When he looked a little closer, he realized they were made out of white glittery paper, so they could glisten within the golden rays of the winter sun. Lucas continued to marvel around at the winter wonderland of the living room, feeling like he had just stepped inside of a snow globe.

Suddenly, he realized he was smelling something baking from the kitchen. His sense of smell was probably still delayed considering he was still a little sick, but once the smell of gingerbread hit his nose, he felt like the winter magic was only continuing.

Before he could check out what was happening from the kitchen, Jens emerged with the plate of cookies. He seemed surprised to see Lucas out of bed, probably not expecting to see him until another hour of so.

Jens blinked, as if he was caught in the act. "I didn't think you would be up." He admitted.

Lucas smiled at him, gesturing to the room around them. "What's all this?" He asked, a hint of glee in his voice.

Blushing, Jens placed the batch of cookies down and scratched the back of his head. "Uhm, I wanted to surprise you."

"Surprise me?" Lucas asked, grinning slightly. Even though his headache was still making its presence within his body, he couldn't help but feel lighter and happier than he had for the past few days "What's the surprise for?"

Jens shrugged but walked closer to him. He playfully flicked the tip of his nose and smiled at him, shaking his head fondly.

"You were really upset about not getting to do your usual first snowfall traditions." Jens explained as he pulled Lucas in by the waist. "I wanted to surprise you with a little snowfall that you could be in. And, I didn't want you to miss out on one of your favourite days of the year."

Giggling as Jens held him in a little closer, Lucas blushed. "How did you do all this?"

"Well," Jens said, looking past Lucas and around the room before he started explaining. "When you were knocked out, I decided to start setting up. I thought pushing all the furniture would somehow wake you, but I think you were passed out to the point that you could sleep through an apocalypse."

Rolling his eyes, he wrapped his arms around Jens' neck and raised his brows. "And then?"

"After I built the fort, which is professionally done since I am master at fort building, I decided we needed some snowflakes. So, after many years of cutting snowflakes for ly little sisters to play with, I have also become a master in that craft. And then I stood on a chair and hung them from the ceiling so they could look like they were falling down."

"Your long legs didn't have you touching the ceiling without a chair?" Lucas teased. "And then what?"

"I baked." Jens said. "At first, I didn't think I could do it only own. I only ever helped my Mom bake for the holidays and when I worked at the cafe, all I did was hand the pastry chef some icing or crack an egg. I found a simple recipe and prayed for the best."

"How did that go?"

"Terrible." He snorted. "I burnt the first batch and I thought the flat was going to burn down. Then I would have to wake you up, bringing you out in the cold as I watched my masterpiece crumble in front of me. But I managed to not have the fire alarm go off, and took a little bit more time. And now, they're perfect."

Looking over to where Jens had placed down the cookies, Lucas wandered over and picked one up. It was soft and warm against his head, and he took a bite out of it. Despite his weak sense of taste, and how every piece of food he had eaten for the past few days was essentially tasteless, the flavour of the cookie exploded in his mouth. It was sweet with just the perfect hint of ginger, and he knew he would be having more.

Based on Lucas' silence as he took another bite, with a small smile on his lips, Jens grinned. He didn't need Lucas to say it, but he knew he loved them. Jens couldn't help but walk over to, wrapping his arms around the boy with the cookie and placing a kiss to the top of his head. Lucas leaned into the familiar warmth and love radiating from his chest, thinking about how there would be no place as perfect and no feeling compared to how happy he felt in Jens' arms.

"Want to go into the tent? We can cuddle. I made it soft and warm enough for you to fall asleep in just in case you don't feel well enough to get up." Jens suggested, speaking softly as Lucas felt the vibrations of his words against his body.

"Won't you get sick? I don't want you to get sick." Lucas said with a frown. He would hate to have Jens put all this effort in for him to only catch his fever, headaches and stuffed nose.

But Jens shook his head. "I've been sleeping beside you for the past few days. Ever since you had gotten sick. If I were to get sick, I would be sick by now." Jens shrugged. "Besides, if I did get sick, I would just use it to my advantage so you can make me my favourite soup."

Again, Lucas rolled his eyes. But he brought his head out from Jens' chest and smiled up at him.

"Only if we can bring the cookies inside."

-

They laid in the mess of pillows and blankets, the plate of cookies on the edge of the tent with nothing left on it. Lucas noticed that the warm glow of the tent was from the string lights that they had kept tucked away. He almost forgot they even had those. As he looked up to where the blankets of the tent formed a small roof, he noticed the shadows of the snowflakes outside of the tent be cashed lightly over the blankets. The yellow light from the string lights illuminated their patterns, and Lucas could almost imagine like they were hiding from a giant snow storm outside.

“I can’t believe you did this all for me.” Lucas said again, still feeling like he was in a trance.

Jens turned his head and studied his boyfriend looking at the snowflakes above them. Unbeknownst to Lucas, but Jens was gazing at him in the same way he was gazing at the beautiful snowflakes above him. Jens grinned softly as he whispered to Lucas.

“Anything I do for you is worth it.” He said. “You’re worth it.” Jens clicked his tongue and shrugged. “Besides, I hated seeing you so sick and miserable. I missed my golden boy.”

Grinning, Lucas let out a loose laugh. “I hated being sick and miserable too.”

Turning his head to look at him, both boys smiled softly at one another. No matter where they were, outside in the winter snow or inside in their small blanket fort, they could feel their heartstrings literally pulling and yearning for each other. Even after for years of waking up next to each other, stealing kisses, smiling while the other one wasn’t looking, it always felt like the very first time they had locked eyes at each other from across the cafe. And no matter how many seasons passed between them, nothing could ever lessen the way they felt for each other. A new winter, spring, summer or autumn could roll around, but there would never come a love quite like this.

“Why do you love the first snow fall?” Jens asked curiously.

Lucas shrugged. “It reminds me of good times.”

“Like?”

“Well,” Lucas huffed out. “When I was a kid, the first snowfall always meant that the holidays were coming closer. And that always meant more time with family and my parents would be home more often. Since we moved a lot, I never really hung out with other kids. But during the holidays, we would always go visit my aunt in Amsterdam and my cousins would be there and everyone else.”

“Was it fun?” Jens asked, nudging in a little to take a closer look at the way Lucas’ eyes sparkled and lit up at the fond memory.

He nodded, smiling as he reminisced the memories. “It was really fun, the best of times. I really missed it when my parents finally moved us to Utrecht when I was thirteen and they started having their issues. Then the snow days started to get sad again, as I thought about hollow holidays where my parents forced themselves to pretend they could tolerate each other and I saw my mom get sicker each year around.”

“But you seem so excited about the first snow fall now.” Jens noted. “What changed?”

Feeling a blush come across his face, Lucas lowered his gaze from Jens shyly. “Something special happened on the day of another first snowfall. And it brought back the happy feeling I had been missing and thought I had lost.”

Raising a brow, Jens looked at him with more curiosity. “What happened?”

“You.” He admitted.

“Me?” Jens asked in disbelief.

Letting out a chuckle, he nodded. “Yeah, you. It was my first snow fall in Antwerp, four years ago when I moved to here for University. I didn’t know how to feel, for the first time on my own. Everything felt so out of place that day. I was in a new place, I didn’t have my scarf or hat to keep me warm, my favourite class had gotten cancelled and everything just felt wrong.”

“But?” Jens asked, gesturing for him to continue the story.

Tilting his head up, Lucas looked at him with a bright smile. “But then I saw you. I hadn’t seen you before, even though I did visit the cafe often. I saw you and thought how for once, everything fell right back into place. And everything felt more than alright.”

Beaming at him, Jens leaned in and softly kissed his lips. Lucas wanted to protest all the kisses Jens was laying on him, still feeling guilty he would get him sick. But then he would feel even more rejecting those kisses, and he wasn’t going tk choose the latter.

“And then when the snowfall came again a year later, you kissed me for the first time. We were ice skating with all our friends, and you told me I had marshmallow all over my lips. You offered to get it off for me, but I didn’t know that offer was through a kiss.” Lucas giggled.

Jens hummed as he thought back on the memory, and felt a little blush tinge his cheeks. “Yeah, I do remember that. I remember Kes and Isa practically demanding that I should finally just kiss you. And when I told Robbe later that day, he rolled his eyes and told me I was a year too late.”

“Which you were.” Lucas agreed.

Snorting, he placed a kiss on Lucas’ forehead and began playing with his curls. “What happened on the third snowfall?”

“We went to Utrecht to meet my Mom.” Lucas explained. “I was so nervous about how that could go about, but then I remember seeing the snow softly fall down as we rode the train and I took it as a sign that things would be okay.”

“And it was.” Jens nodded. “I know for a fact your Mom adores me.”

“She does.” Lucas admitted. “And I do too.”

Pressing their foreheads against each other, Jens leaned in and brushed his nose against Lucas’s.

“And what happened on the fourth snowfall?” He asked, and Lucas could feel the small smile creeping on his lips.

“I was miserable. I got sick. I thought my good luck on good snowfalls had run out.” He said. “But then I walked into my very own snow globe, cuddled right beside the love of my life. I think it was the best surprise I’ve ever had.”

Propping up quickly, Jens patted his chest as Lucas tilted his head in confusion.

“I have one last surprise. Hang on, I’ll be right back.”

Before Lucas could say anything, Jens bolted out the tent and Lucas could tell he had headed off into the kitchen. It took a few minutes of waiting, as Lucas racked the headache of his brain to try and figure out what was going on. After maybe fifteen minutes, Jens came back with two mugs of steaming hot drinks.

Sitting up quickly as his boyfriend looked at him with pure excitement, Lucas took one of the mugs. His sense of smell was still a little slow, so he couldn’t exactly figure out what the drink was.

“Taste it.” Jens instructed. “It’s not actually that hot.”

Ever so slowly, Lucas brought the mug to his lips. Just like the gingerbread cookies, the flavour exploded in his mouth. Flavours of sweet gingerbread danced around on his tongue, followed by the rich smoothness of a hot chocolate.

Immediately recognizing the flavour, he looked up at Jens with just as much as excitement. Jens nodded, indicating that his memory served him well.

“You’re not the only one who remembers our first snowfall.” Jens grinned. “Are you still miserable?”

Based off of the reaction he gave, Lucas was indeed not miserable anymore.

idk if i should still upload my vds one shots on here because of the decline of notes they’ve been getting?? like they’re on ao3 anyway but i miss seeing people react to it on here too

AYO VDS TAG U MAY BE DEAD AS FOCK BUT IM ABT TO FLOOD IT WITH MY FORGOTTEN ONE SHOTS THIS IS MY ONLY WARNING

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.”

I Hate Birthdays.

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

( @ apolloswords )

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

Jens didn’t think he could ever like birthdays again. But this year, maybe he got a little lucky with his birthday gift.

originally posted for jens’ birthday 

The place was booming with laughter, music and cheers. The colourful balloons and streamers decorated the apartment and a table of sweet treats and two cakes was laid out across the room. Jens felt everyone clap his back and greet him, where he nodded, put on a smile and thanked them.

Today was his birthday and his party. Well, his and Milan’s birthday party. It had gotten to be a slow tradition that they celebrated the occasion together, and Jens didn’t mind it at all. But this year, he was exceptionally glad that they were doing it together.

Because he didn’t even want to do it in the first place.

It wasn’t because he wasn’t fond of parties or birthdays- in fact, he loved events of celebrations. He was often the first one showing up at the doorstep to help decorate the place and the first one to plan everything as well. Jens loved the entire process, up until it was the later hours of the party, towards the end. Everyone would start feeling the tiredness of partying too hard and things would come to a slow, but the euphoria would still linger in the room, until every last person had left.

“What’s with all these new people?” Moyo asked, gesturing his head towards a small group of people near Milan. Jens looked over and realized he didn’t recognize any of them, even though Milan did.

“I think they’re Milan’s friends from the Netherlands.” Jens noted. “He told me his cousin and some of their friends were going to visit this week.”

Before Moyo could respond, Robbe frowned in the opposite direction. “What’s she doing here?”

Now turning to figure out what Robbe was gesturing to, Jens turned his focus away from Milan and his Dutch friends- only to frown instantly at who he saw next.

“I didn’t realize she was invited.” Moyo noted.

Trying to ignore the way he was clenching his teeth and feeling his whole body stiffen, Jens coughed awkwardly.

“I think Zoë invited her.” He mumbled. “You know, her being Milan’s flat mate and Jana being her best friend.”

“She still has a lot of nerve to come here though.” Robbe snorted. “You would think after what she did to you last year…” He began to refer, before taking a quick look at Jens’ uncomfortable demeanour. “Sorry, probably shouldn’t bring it up.”

“It’s whatever.” He mumbled again.

Jana seemed to have felt them staring, as she whipped her head towards their direction. The second her eyes landed on Jens, she lowered her gaze, as if she had felt the guilt suddenly wash over her. For a split second, Jens felt a little flutter of hope in his chest, as if he had just let go of the grudge he still held against her.

That was, until she linked her arms around some tall guy who they realized she had come here with. As they walked across the room to head over and greet Milan, Jana gave the three of them, mostly Jens, a light apologetic smile. Neither Moyo or Robbe returned it, and Jens only looked down at the half empty beer bottle in his hand, before bringing it to his lips.

After taking a sip and feeling the buzz to his brain, he looked over at his two friends by his side.

“I can’t believe she’s here.” Moho snorted. “You would think that after last year-“

“It’s whatever.” Jens found himself repeating again. He could feel his chest tighten and suddenly felt like he couldn’t breathe. Fanning his shirt against his chest, Jens tried to catch his breathing but to no avail.

“I’m going to head out.” He simply announced. “Need some air.”

He didn’t need to look at Robbe or Moyo to know their expressions. He already knew they were looking at him, feeling rather sorry for him. But it didn’t matter. Right now, he only felt sorry for himself and being in a room where he was supposedly one of the main reasons for tonight’s celebration, well, he felt even more sorry for himself than he would’ve been on any other day.

On any other given day.

-

Jens realized that Milan didn’t exactly have a balcony so getting some air, as well as some peace and quiet, was not as easy as he thought. He debated going down, towards the bench on the sidewalk, but the street was busy with the late night traffic and the bustle of people on a night out would only add to her commotion and chaos. It wasn’t exactly the peace and quiet he was looking for.

So he found himself up on the rooftop. The stairs were a little creaky and the winter air hit his body briskly that he shivered a little underneath the hoodie and jacket he briskly put on before heading out of the flat. The beer bottle wasn’t in his hand anymore, after he chugged its remains and threw it into a recycling bin, hearing it clatter against all the other glass bottles. The music and cheer from the party eventually faded from his focus the further he got, and for once, he was just fine not being apart of it.

When his feet planted flat on the rooftop, he took in the stillness and quietness of the night. But even as still and gentle it was, he realized he was not alone. There was a huddled figure a few feet away, their back turned against him and some smoke wafting up in the air above him.

Jens chewed on the inside of his lip, unsure if he should say anything. He didn’t know where else he could go, where else it was quiet enough to let his mind chill out for a bit. For a split second, he almost considered calling it a night and just going home. But that would probably make him feel even worse and more sorry for himself and that wasn’t exactly what he wanted to remember on this birthday.

“Hey.” He heard a low but melodious voice ring out to him. Looking up, he realized that the huddled figure from a few feet away had turned around and spotted him.

It was a boy, about his age. Jens couldn’t see much under the dark shadows of the night, but he could make out some sparkling eyes and a set of dainty lips turned up into a warm and inviting smile.

“Hey.” He replied, managing the courage to greet him back.

“Are you okay?” The boy asked, and Jens took note of the way his accent sounded a little different. He probably wouldn’t have noticed it in any other situation, but the lack of noise around them made any other noise much more clearer. “You look a little lost.”

“I’m fine.” Jens responded, even though he felt like he had to choke that reassurance out of himself. “Sorry for bothering you, I can leave.”

“No you can stay. I don’t mind.” The boy shrugged and Jens realized his smile turn up a bit more.

Figuring there wasn’t really anything else he wanted to go back to yet, Jens shrugged and decided that he may as well hang out here, even if it wasn’t exactly the “alone” moment he was looking for. But the boy just looked so warm and enticing that he quickly found his feet leading him over towards him.

“I hope you don’t mind the smell of weed though.” The boy laughed lightly as Jens lowered himself down to sit beside him.

“Is that what you came out here for? To smoke?” He asked curiously.

Nodding, the boy lifted his hand to his lips, placing the joint between them. “I could ask you the same.” He said with a light huffed laugh. “I don’t like smoking inside.” He explained, after exhaling and letting a cloud of smoke escape his pretty blushed pink lips. Turning his head, he offered the joint to Jens and grinned widely. “I’m Lucas.”

“Jens.” He introduced, after slowly taking the joint from him. Mimicking Lucas’ actions, he brought the joint to his lips and inhaled deeply. He hadn’t really considered getting cross faded tonight, but fuck, ir was his birthday after all. He may as well feel like he could do something rather than feel like he had to disappear.

The weed quickly filled his lungs, burning a little as they announced their presence in his system. Coughing lightly as he exhaled, he passed the joint back to Lucas. He tried not to make eye contact with him, even though he could feel Lucas studying him closely with his big blue sparkling eyes.

“Thanks.” Jens managed to say, trying to stifle back a few more coughs. “Your weed is stronger than I’m used to.” He admitted.

“The works of the Netherlands are knitted closely together in this joint.” Lucas laughed, twirling the joint in between his fingers. Jens. priced the abundance of rings on them, sparkling against the night sky much like his eyes.

“Netherlands?” Jens asked, finally catching onto why Lucas’ accent was a little different. “You’re Dutch?”

“Born and raised.” He smiled. “You must be a little more lost than I thought Jens. I thought you Belgians could pick up on us a little quicker than that.”

Biting down the tip of his tongue, Jens figured out pretty quickly that he liked this rather spunky Dutch boy.

“Sorry.” He let out a light laugh. “Tonight is really not my night.”

“Is that so? I figured it’s really nobody’s night unless it’s their birthday or something.”

The slight wince and lack of a quick response must’ve given him away. He watched as Lucas’ eyes began to look at him some more, studying him as though he was a close up piece of art that didn’t make much sense upon the first look. Jens watched as Lucas’ eyes began to widen upon realization.

“It’s your birthday isn’t it?” Lucas asked in shock.

Now biting down on his bottom lip, Jens nodded and shrugged. Lucas seemed to be making even more connections in his brain as his eyes managed to widen even more. Jens looked at him, confused as the what else he could’ve figured out.

“You’re the one who shares a birthday with Milan!” Lucas exclaimed, snapping his fingers with the that wasn’t holding the joint.

“You know Milan?” He asked, wondering how that connection was even possible.

“He’s my cousin, you couldn’t tell?” A smirk rolled over his lips as he leaned in forward and let his eyes twinkle. “You didn’t see me at the party?”

“I don’t think you saw me either.” Jens huffed out a laugh. “Otherwise, you would’ve known I was the other birthday boy.”

“Alright fair enough.” Lucas eyes Jens up and down. “So what do I have the pleasure of spending some time alone with the birthday boy?”

“Good timing?”

“Figures. I’m known for that.” His voice dropped a bit, sounding a little less enthusiastic. Now it was soft, like a gentle melody wavering around him. Passing the joint towards him, Lucas asked“So, what are you doing out here?”

“I hate birthdays.” Jens admitted flatly, looking away and down at his feet and the almost finished joint. After taking the last hit, Jens squashed it under his foot. He didn’t think Lucas brought an ashtray with him, so this method would have to do.

“You hate birthdays?” He repeated, and Jens could hear a hint of amusement in his voice. Looking over, Jens noticed the smile slowly reappear on Lucas’ lips.

“I hate birthdays.” He repeated, feeling Lucas’ smile somehow transfer onto his own lips.

“How can someone hate birthdays? Let alone their birthday. I’ve never met anyone like that.”

“Well I guess now you have.”

They sat in silence for a bit. Below them, the sounds of late night traffic bustled about and noises of music and people were faint in the distance. Jens didn’t know if it were from the people down below, walking past the flat buildings or from open windows. He wondered what the people were doing back at the party and then wondered if Lucas would be heading back anytime soon. A part of him, a rather large part, didn’t want him to go just yet. It felt too soon. Jens didn’t even know if he would be given the same chance to talk to him inside.

“I don’t like Christmas.” Lucas announced breaking the silence.

Laughing lightly, Jens looked at him. “You can’t be serious?”

“No it’s true.” A light laugh also escaped him. “I don’t like Christmas.”

“And why would you not like Christmas?”

“Glad you asked.” Lucas replied with a smirk. He leaned back a bit, resting on his elbows as he looked out in the distance, the smirk on his face still very prominent. “I hate Christmas because of my parents.”

“Care to elaborate?”

“I do care to elaborate. Thanks for asking. It all started during Christmas morning, when I noticed I had suspiciously gotten a bit more presents than usual. And rather, more expensive presents. Art supplies that cost more than what my allowance for a year was even worth.”

“You hate it because you got too many presents?”

“Hold on to your thoughts, I’m not quite there yet.” He playfully taunted. “And after Christmas breakfast, where they had even allowed me to eat a slice of cake for, they piled me into the good old car do we could head over to my Oma’s house. Only to break the news that they were getting a divorced and I was forced to sit through the entire Christmas gathering wondering what went wrong.”

“They don’t seem to have good timing.”

“Nope. That wasn’t a trait I inherited from either of them.”

“So that’s why you hate Christmas.” Jens figured, speaking slowly as if he still needed confirmation.

Holding up a finger, Lucas tilted his head a bit, side to side. “Not quite. I hate it because every Christmas after that felt like a cheap reminder that family love, a love meant to exist forever, wasn’t all that. But you know what I learned?”

“What did you learn?”

“That, that one Christmas, didn’t have to be the standard for the rest of my lifetime filled with Christmases. Eventually I learned that being with my friends, or my new found family, could give me a new meaning to Christmas.”

“But you still don’t like it.”

“It’ll take some time, but based on how things are going now, maybe next year I would have fallen completely in love with it.”

Another moment of silence passed through them, but Jens felt like time had stood still. He felt rather fascinated by Lucas. By the way he spoke, expressed and gestured his words. It was like watching someone who knew exactly what they were talking about, regardless if they had the credentials to fully speak about it. But Lucas was confident and enticing, and Jens soon realized he couldn’t get enough.

“I don’t like birthdays because last year I found my girlfriend making out with someone in one of the rooms.” He finally found himself admitting.

“So you came up here to avoid remembering that?” Lucas asked, not seeming very phased by what Jens had just said.

Shaking his head, he replied. “Well that, and I didn’t expect to see her tonight with some new guy hanging off of her. Or her hanging off of him. Whatever it was, I saw.”

“Shit.”

“Yeah, shit.”

Quickly, Lucas stood up and reached out his hand towards him. Furrowing his brows in slight confusion, Jens took his hand. Pulling him up, both boys stood in front of each other and Jens realized he had a little height on the other boy. Looking down at him, he was still met with the rather playful smile on his lips.

“Come on, let’s head back to that party.” Lucas said, still not letting go of Jens’ hand. “She doesn’t have to be the only one coming in with someone new.”

-

So many things could change in a year.

For example, Jens didn’t think he would eventually move out. He didn’t think he could grow taller but he managed to sprout an inch. He didn’t think he could ever start liking the taste of coffee without cream or sugar, but now, most days he found himself drinking it straight black.

He also didn’t think that he would eventually learn to like birthdays. Even to go as far as love them.

Rolling over on the bed, he pulled the blankets over him as he let his eyes adjust to the early sun. He watched as it shined down on the other person in his bed, who was already awake and sitting with their legs crossed and a sketchbook on top of their lap. Lucas had his body hunched over it, his hand working fast at the sketch that Jens couldn’t see from this angle.

The quietness of the morning was rather tranquil, and he wanted to keep its serenity. But a yawn escaped him, blowing his cover as Lucas perked his head up. Based on his expression, he seemed rather happy to see his, now awake, boyfriend.

“Morning.” Jens greeted, his voice still a little slurred and raspy.

“Happy birthday my birthday boy.” Lucas greeted, leaning over his sketchbook and placing a kiss on Jens’ cheek. “You woke up earlier than usual.”

“Do you always sketch this early in the morning?” He asked, changing the topic.

Shrugging, Lucas replied. “Not always, usually when I don’t want to climb out of bed just yet. The morning is nice to work in, the world is a little different when the sun has just woken up and the world is still a little bit asleep. Or at least, my world is still asleep.”

“You’re so cheesy.” Jens teased before opening his arms up and creating some space for Lucas to crawl into. “Cuddle with me?”

Placing the sketchbook to the side of the bed, Lucas gently snuggled into the little space as Jens tucked the blanket over him. He sighed as he felt his body against Lucas’, feeling the warmth radiate between the both of them.

If Jens had one wish in the world, it would probably be to have every morning be like this one. But he didn’t even have to wish that anymore, it was exactly what he got every morning. It made everyday feel like his birthday, his .

“I have a lot of things planned out today before the main party.” Lucas mentioned. “First I’m going to make you breakfast, then we can go to your favourite little store on the corner, you know, the one with all the records and posters and stuff? And then-“

“Luc,” Jens laughed, cutting him off and pulling him in a little closer. “There’s no rush, it’s still very early in the day.”

“Do you want to see what I was sketched?” He asked, sitting up a little and reaching for his sketchbook excitedly.

Laughing, Jens nodded. “Okay baby, what did you draw?”

Unable to contain his excitement, he continued to flip through the sketchbook. When he finally found the page he was looking for, what Jens assumed was the most recent page, he shyly moved the sketchbook towards his side so Jens could see.

Although the sketch was done in a rather quick matter, that didn’t mean there was a lack of detail. Jens admired the way the sketching of the figures and scenery around seemed to have been down without even lifting the pencil off the paper. He looked at the shading, though done with quick efficiency, still looked as if the piece was being brought to life.

It was a picture of two figures on top of a roof, overlooking the city of high skyscrapers and twinkling stars above them. The figures had their backs turned, but there was no mistaking the way their bodies were slightly leaning towards each other, as their shadows seemed to have already been blended in. Jens smiled, to himself and to the artwork, already realizing what it was.

“This is the night we met.” He said breathlessly, completely taken by awe.

“Yeah.” Lucas said softly. “Exactly one year ago, on your birthday.”

Tracing his finger over some of the details in the page, Jens huffed up a laugh before turning to face Lucas. The other boy was smiling widely, his cheeks flushed pink as his beautiful blue eyes glowed within the morning sun.

“You know, you told me that my next year, you could’ve completely fallen in love with Christmas.”

“I did, you know? Especially when we spent it together in this little flat of ours.”

“Well I fell in love with my birthday all over again.” Jens admitted, pressing his forehead against Lucas’. “And I think that had to do with also falling in love with you along the way.”

Grinning his biggest grin yet, Lucas placed his hands on the side of Jens’ cheeks and kissed his forehead. After, he placed his forehead back onto his, pressing in a little harder.

“Happy birthday my love.” Lucas whispered.

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.”

Like The Back of My Hand.

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

( @ apolloswords )

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

Jens visits Lucas and his newly broken hand, even if it means playing a game of risks and rewards.

When Jens had finally climbed through the window of Lucas’ bedroom, he tried his best to stifle his laugh. But even as hard as he bit his lip, his face broke into a smile and Lucas stayed there, sat on his bed as he looked at him- clearly very unamused.

“Don’t laugh.” He frowned, which only made Jens let out a little chuckle.

Walking over to his bed, he threw his body down on it and greeted his friend with a bright smile. Lucas only wrinkled his nose and furrowed his brows at him, knowing Jens was very intrigued by the entire situation.

“I’m not laughing.” He finally said, even though a little chuckle did escape him.

“Yes you are.” Lucas pouted before flopping his back down on his pillows.

Leaning up a bit, Jens poked at the cast on Lucas’ arm teasingly. “I’m not laughing.” He said again, even though his lips were turned up into a wide smirk.

“Yes you are.” Lucas groaned as he dramatically covered his face with a pillow. “You like seeing me in pain.”

“I thought you weren’t in pain anymore? That’s why they released you from the hospital.”

He shook his head. “There’s still some pain. More than last time I broke it.”

Getting up from his bed, Jens gestured around his room. “Where’s your pain medications?”

“The only drug I need is you baby.” Lucas replied with a weary smile on his face and Jens felt his heart skip a beat. He didn’t need his best friend to suspect his rather unrequited crush.

Trying to ignore the way his body warmed up to the term, “baby”, Jens hoped the warm flush on his face from a slight blush wouldn’t give him away. Putting a hand to his heart as he tilted his head back, he sighed dramatically. “That’s sweet of you. But where are your medications?”

“Top row of my bookshelf.” He heard Lucas mumble.

Without even needing to tiptoe, Jens grabbed the small bottle of pills and tossed it to him. He should’ve thought it through first, since Lucas only really had one working hand. Instead of catching it like he had intended, it fell on Lucas’ lap. Staring blankly at Jens, he realized there was a low chance he could open up the bottle with only one hand.

Trying not to think about his hand brushing against Lucas’ thigh, Jens diverted eye contact as he tried to quickly pick up the bottle from his lap. He didn’t think Lucas felt rather awkward with the whole thing, since they were just friends.

Popping the cap open, Jens gave Lucas a small pill and he popped it in his mouth before leaning over on his desk to take a sip of water. Jens gently flopped down on the bed again, this time, beside Lucas as he made himself comfortable against the abundance of pillows.

“How’d you break your hand anyway?” He asked. “What’s your excuse this time?”

Laughing, he shook his head, recalling the incident. “Something stupid.” Lucas shrugged as he let out a light chuckle. “Same thing as last time. Got on a skateboard and tried to do a trick under Jayden’s supervision.”

Snorting, Jens shook his head. “Well that’s the last time you do anything under Jayden’s supervision.”

“Yep, at least for a long time.” Looking at Jens, he raised a brow. “You want to do me a favour?”

“Sure. Anything.”

“Would you paint my nails for me?”

Smiling at Lucas’ shyness, he rolled his eyes playfully. “You know I can barley even write my name neatly.”

“Please?” Lucas sweetly asked, even pouting his lip for dramatics.

After all, it wasn’t like he could do much with a broken hand.

Rolling his eyes again, Jens sighed but couldn’t cover the smile growing on his face. “Okay fine,” He said, giving in. “What colour would you like?”

-

Biting his tongue, Jens tried his hardest to paint the last coat on Lucas’ nails. He had switched positions now, moving away from his stretched out position on the pillows beside Lucas to sitting with his legs crossed in front of him. The bright pink polish on his nails seemed to liven up the room against the darkness of the rain from outside, gently tapping on the windowsill. It was a good thing he had came earlier, or else climbing though the window on the slippery rooftop would probably result in him breaking his own arm.

Lucas’ hand, the one without a cast, was delicate in his. Long slender fingers decorated with rings, sometimes very detailed extravagant ones or a simple silver band that he liked to twist and play with when he felt fidgety. Lucas always had pretty hands, Jens realized. And when he started wearing nail polish on them, he realized they were even prettier.

Even though it wasn’t like he was actually holding Lucas hand, Jens thought about the way it felt against his own. Soft, smooth and dainty, like they were paintbrushes that sat in the sun, waiting to be picked up to create art. Jens’ fingers were mostly calloused after long hours on the guitar. He sometimes wondered if Lucas ever felt the details of his hand against his own, wondering how it felt to just freely place his hand in his whenever he wanted. Jens would like that. Seeing his fingers intertwined with rings and nail polish, it was like holding a piece of art in the palm of his hand.

“What were you doing yesterday?” Lucas asked, as Jens capped the bottle of polish, pushing away his thoughts towards the back of his head.

Pretending to act dumb, Jens shrugged. “Nothing. What do you mean?”

“Well you avoided coming to the skatepark with me and Jayden in the first place. And then you didn’t answer the phone the entire time I was in the emergency room.” He explained, studying the way he seemed so hesitant to answer. “So where were you?”

Looking away, Jens let out a puff of air to buy him some time. He wasn’t a bad liar by any means, but it was always much harder for him to lie to Lucas. Sometimes he thought that Lucas knew him better than he did, which is why he was so paranoid his feelings for him would eventually be exposed. Lucas knew him like he was the back of his hand.

Still not taking his eyes off of him, Jens huffed. “Fine, you win. I had a date.”

“You had a date?” Lucas exclaimed. He couldn’t mistake the way his heart panged. The rather excited reaction he got definitely confirmed Lucas could care less about who Jens got involved with, meaning he most likely, most definitely did not have feelings for him.

“Yeah, I had a date.” He repeated. Playing with the bottle of polish in his hands, he avoided Lucas’ curious eyes. “We were just at some cafe.”

“Oh really? Well how’d it go?”

“Okay I guess.” Shrugging, he lifted his head up. “I mean it wasn’t the worst date.”

“But?” Lucas moved his arms a bit, gesturing for Jens to continue.

“It was really fucking boring.” He admitted. “Like, not because I was the only one making conversation but everything I had to listen to was just dreadful and I just didn’t care for.”

“Maybe you’re just a really bad date.”

Laughing, Jens teased him back. “Well you wouldn’t really know. You haven’t went on a date with me.”

Lucas smiled at himself while he didn’t give Jens a response. There was a hint of hope in his chest, something that made him think that maybe Lucas did have reciprocated feelings. He didn’t want to get his hopes up, but he hoped the little smile on his face held the same secret the small smile on his own face held.

“So who was it?” Lucas finally asked, looking at Jens curiously.

He tried to search his eyes, for maybe just a glimpse of hurt of envy within their beautiful blue colour. It was the first thing he had noticed about Lucas upon meeting him as the new kid a few years ago, and it was the last thing he always made sure to look at before they ever parted ways.

“Jana had this friend who she wanted to set me up with.” He finally said. “Her name was like Maya or something.”

Snorting, Lucas looked at him teasingly. “Another friend of an ex? What? Is your type best friends or something?”

If only you knew. Jens thought to himself.

Clearing his throat, Jens scratched his jaw as he tried to think of some sort of response. Lucas squinted his eyes a bit, watching Jens suspiciously. He wasn’t sure why he was being looked at like this, like he was being studied, but rising up more questions might only make it more obvious that he was hiding something.

Before he could be the one to make a reply, Lucas brought his hands, well, hand and cast, up to his face. Jens knew this look. It was the look that signalled Lucas had an idea that just had to be executed. This idea could easily go i two ways.

One, a success. As crazy as the idea was, it would wound up actually working even at the very last second. Trusting the process was key here.

Or two, a horrible fail. Probably even worse than just a fail. There would be no coming back from this. It would probably only create a deeper hole than the one they started with and having to crawl out of it would be their own mission impossible.

Deciding just to bite the bullet and give in, Jens sighed. “What is it?”

“We make you an online dating profile.”

“We make me an online dating profile?” Jens gawked in disbelief.

“We make you an online dating profile.” Lucas repeated, the corners of his mouth lifting up into a mischievous grin.

“Why would I need one of those?”

“Well, there’s many dating apps and sites you could easily go on.” Lucas explained, making gestures with his hands. While it was a very Lucas trait, it did look kind of funny with the thick blue cast on his arm. “And then you could meet a bunch of people, talk to them and then set up some dates! They would be people you don’t know yet.”

But that was the thing. Jens didn’t need someone he didn’t know yet. The someone he wanted he already knew, like the back of his hand. And he was right in front of him, broken arm and all. He wished he could just risk it all. To admit to Lucas’ face that he was in love with him.

He knew he couldn’t. If he did, he knew an even bigger risk would follow. And that was loosing Lucas entirely. Jens would rather have Lucas for what they were now instead of having no Lucas at all.

“I don’t know.” He said, scratching the back of his neck as he hesitated. “That doesn’t really align with my morals.

“What morals?”

“Fair point.”

Rolling his eyes, Lucas placed a hand on top of Jens’, as he tried not to freeze up at the touch.

“Look,” He said softly. “I know people think dating apps mean you’ve hit a level of desperate, but that’s not true. A lot of people use dating apps.”

“Have you?”

“I have.” He admitted. “A long time ago, like when I was still in the closet and stuff.”

“How did it go?”

“Well I met some new people. People with the same hesitations and speculations I had. And some who felt like they would never make a connection finally did.”

“And what happened with all of that?”

He shrugged. “Not much. I only really used it because like I said, I was closeted. But then after I accepted who I was, I kind of deleted all of them.”

“Well then why should I get it?”

“To maybe broaden your horizons? So you don’t keep up with your track record of dating the best friend?” Lucas replied, in a matter-of-factly tone.

“You have a point.” He mumbled under his breath, not looking at Lucas. He didn’t need to see the smug look on his face, knowing he had won.

Digging into his back pocket, Jens pulled out his phone and handed it to Lucas. If it was any other time where Jens didn’t pity to boy and his cast, he would’ve tossed the phone and just pray Lucas had some athleticism to catch it.

Taking the phone form Jens, Lucas expertly unlocked it and began messing around on it. Jens wasn’t exactly sure what he was doing, but he could only guess he was downloading an abundance of dating apps and beginning to create profiles on them. He had to trust Lucas wouldn’t make a joke out of him and choose rather horrendous photos of him for the whole city to see.

But it didn’t really matter if he did. Jens didn’t have much interest or care to appeal to anyone else. He probably wouldn’t even open any of the apps unless he found himself awake at night hand procrastinating sleep. It wasn’t that he felt like he was above or better than online dating, he just had no desire to really commit to the whole bit. Lucas was probably just bored and needed some entertainment.

There was only so much he could do with a broken hand.

After a few more minutes, Lucas proudly held the phone up and waved it in Jens’ face.

“Check it out, I got it all set up for you.”

Taking the phone, Jens scrolled through the profile. Some of the photos were random selfies, while others were candid photos of him. It took him a bit, but he realized something similar within all the candid shots. They had been taken whenever he was with Lucas, even when Lucas wasn’t in the frame. There was one of him taken on a swing set, when Lucas had cracked up a joke and another take at the skatepark, when Jens had watched Lucas and Jayden try to pull off a competition. One photo even had Jens looking off towards someone beside him, as though he was listening intently to what they were saying. And he was. It was when their friend group had went out for breakfast and Lucas was rambling on about the night before.

He realized that the photos Lucas thought he looked best in, were all reactions and expressions he found himself doing whenever he was around. Jens wondered if Lucas had done this on purpose, or was simply clueless at the coincidence. It wasn’t like any of the photos had any evidence of Lucas being around anyway. Jens only knew they did because he held onto those fond memories.

“Jens? Are you okay?” Lucas asked, his voice soft and gentle.

Shaking his head, he scratched his chin as he thought up another excuse. Luckily, there seemed to be a notification right beside to messaging icon. He figured that would probably peak Lucas’ interest.

“Nothing.” He lied, before flipping the phone screen around to show Lucas. “I just got a message.”

“Oh my god let me see!” He exclaimed as he quickly grabbed the phone from Jens’ hand.

Panicking that Lucas was going to message the person back, Jens had to stop him before all hell broke loose. Without really thinking it through, he pushed his body forward and lunged forward to grab the phone.

Instead of successfully taking the phone back, Lucas had raised his hand up just as Jens thought he had it in his grasp. Due to the rather quick reflex, that Jens didn’t even know Lucas had, he felt himself fall and land on his chest.

Only, he didn’t just land on his own chest.

Right beneath him was Lucas’.

Luckily, not on the broken hand.

Their faces were dangerously close, only inches apart. Jens could make out the way Lucas’ eyes were becoming a mess of blue shades, some dark while others were bright. He didn’t look alarmed, but rather surprised at the sudden action Jens had taken. He gulped as Jens noticed how close their lips were. He could feel his mouth slightly open, lightly panting as he tried to catch his breath and calm down the adrenaline in his body and racing of his heart. Jens tried to focus on Lucas’s body, the way his chest tighten from underneath him, as if he was holding his breath.

Waiting.

Jens figured the idea in his head could go in two ways.

One, a success. As crazy as the idea was, it would wound up actually working even at the very last second. Trusting the process was key here.

Or two, a horrible fail. Probably even worse than just a fail. There would be no coming back from this. It would probably only create a deeper hole than the one they started with and having to crawl out of it would be their own mission impossible.

But he also figured, he was willing to take the risk.

Without trying to pay attention to the second thoughts racking through his brain, Jens pushed himself further and placed his hands on the side of Lucas’ face before pulling him in closer. Soon enough, their lips had connected and they were kissing each other.

He was finally kissing Lucas.

Jens felt his phone drop onto the pillows beside him, feeling it slide down somewhere on the bed. Lucas wrapped his arms, well, arm and cast, around his neck and pulled him in a little closer to deepen the kiss. Jens felt a smile against his lips, and at this point, he wasn’t sure which one of them it was coming from.

But he didn’t need to look at Lucas to know there was most definitely a smile on his face.

Because Jens knew him like he was the back of his hand.

When the pulled apart, lips red and swollen from the kissing, they both had hitched breathing and tried to force it to come to a slow. Jens searched Lucas’ eyes, trying to find a hint of doubt or regret.

They were only brighter than ever.

“I’m sorry.” He suddenly apologized, quickly getting off of him. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to kiss you. I, I can go.”

He quickly got up, about to head out the window when he felt a hand reach out for his and pull him back.

“No.” Lucas said in a small voice. “Don’t go. Don’t be sorry.”

“I don’t want to ruin anything. We can pretend it never happened.”

A small smile formed on Lucas lips, the ones Jens had just kissed a minute ago. “But then I would have to keep waiting for you to finally kiss me.”

“You wanted me to kiss you?” Jens asked in disbelief, sitting back down. “I’ve been wanting to kiss you for so long.”

“And I’ve been wanting to be kissed by you for so long.” Lucas lightly laughed, placing the hand with the cast on his shoulder, pulling him in closer. The material of the cast was scratchy against his cheek, but Jens found himself smiling widely at the situation.

“Well I guess those dating apps didn’t really broaden my horizons.” He teased, snuggling in closer to him.

Lucas snorted. “Thanks for letting me waste minutes of my life I’ll never get back.”

“Oh it’s okay.” Jens said, patting his thigh assuringly. “I think you’ll have more fun deleting some those profiles and apps now.”

“You have a point.” He giggled. “You know, I knew you as a crush on me for awhile.”

“What?” He asked in shock, almost pulling away from him until Lucas tugged on his shirt to pull him back. “How did you know that?”

“You have a tell.” Lucas explained. “You scratch your chin whenever you want to hide the fact you have a crush on someone. And you’ve been doing it lately around our friends and then a little bit more with me. I thought I was just hoping your crush was on me. And then today finally confirmed that.”

“Oh man,” Jens chuckled as he took Lucas’ non-broken hand and brought it up to his lips. He kissed his knuckles gently, as he watched Lucas’ face turn a bright shade of blush. “You know me way too well.”

“Almost like the back of your hand.” Lucas said with a smile, before leaning in closer to fill the space between them.

“Like the back of my hand.” He whispered back, repeating the words as his lips brushed against Lucas’, before they closed the last few centimetres between them for another kiss.