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Jesper Fahey did not get sick. He was convinced it was because he was raised outside, on the farm, and that the fresh air in Novyi Zem had given him some sort of superhuman immune system. That seemed to be partially true. His mother had a certain genetic disorder, which worsened her immune system, and eventually even lead to her death, as was mostly the case with that disorder. Jesper had been lucky enough to not show any symptoms, but he was still so scared, even at the age of eight. If only there’d been more time.
If only this, if only that.. Too much to think about, too much aching in his head.
After his mother passed, his father had been so deadly afraid that Jesper would show the same symptoms and pass as well. So he did everything he could to make Jesper’s immune system better, going as far as getting him certain medicine. Money to get him diagnosed or even checked was something they did not possess over. It was up to faith. But he was fine now.
Or was he? Drinking wasn’t all that great, and he had to remain careful, despite his father’s warnings. Thinking made his head hurt, he should stop doing that.
His father’s overprotective behavior had created a fear in Jesper. A fear of losing people to the smallest things. Because with his mother, it had been a mere fever that killed her. He remembered not even being allowed close to her. None of the antibiotics worked, and they had to exchange letters. He kept all of them safely.
But still, he was afraid. Even enrolled into college (after a lot of bribing and a lot of promising he would not drop out this time), he feared for his friends’ life once one of them fell ill for a bit. Though he definitely had trouble expressing that one properly. At least, through words. When Inej had a bit of a cough, Jesper had shown up five minutes later with a bunch of medication that could possibly get her through this. Because he was just so, so scared. Scared to lose someone he cared about. Again.
What time was it again..? Maybe he should head home..
Just when the tall Zemeni man decided to check the time on his phone, a notification popped in from the groupchat he shared with his friends. It was from Wylan.
-sorry guys, cant come tomorrow, not feeling well.
Almost nervously, Jesper bit his bottom lip. Wylan, ill. That was certainly something to worry about. Not feeling well could mean many, many things.. but to the point where he’d text at..
Dang it, he forgot the time.
Eleven already?
If Wylan was already certain he’d feel just as ill tomorrow as today at eleven in the evening, then Jesper would come over. His totally superhuman immune system would keep him safe. Besides, he liked being around Wylan a lot. A whole, whole lot. It was such fun to try and fluster the music student into a bit of a blushing mess, and oh, the teasing he got in return was absolutely worth it. He was heads over heels for that guy, and although he had not been as obvious in showing it, it could be noticed if one paid attention to it properly.
For example, whenever they were watching a horror movie, Jesper still joined, despite being horrified of them. And he always seated himself next to Wylan, who found it totally okay that his ‘friend’ would hold onto him at every jumpscare. He’d soothe the other with quiet words, and it was then that Kaz rolled his eyes. Barely noticeable, but if Kaz caught up on the ridiculous flirting, he’d show it. Kaz was the way Jesper found out Nina and Matthias had started dating. The two were just talking, and he’d rolled his eyes, and Jesper gasped. It was some sort of secret code language, and it was awesome. And useful. He’d gotten to know quite a bit that way.
His phone lit up again.
-a shame, wylan!! Youre going to have to miss me and matty’s karaoke adventures :(
Ah, right, he was going to text Wylan. First he had to get out of this bar though, he barely knew these people and they’d met up to discuss a project. This was not discussing a project. This was trying to see who could down the most. Jesper wasn’t joining, he had a sick Wylan to take care of. The goodbyes were quick and efficient, and once he felt the outside air on his skin, Jesper pulled out his phone and texted Wylan privately.
-hi Wyy, heard you were sick, surely you don’t mind a friendly (and somehow strangely handsome) face to keep you company tomorrow?
-Jesper!! Pleak do come over I’d really appreciate that <3
That little heart at the end of the message would be the end of him someday.
-Good, I’ll be with you then in a total of ten hours if not less, depends on your current favourite flower
-aaaaaaaa jesper you really do too much (its currently lavender)
-don’t stress it van Sunshine, ill make sure your entire place will be lavenderized tomorrow. Now shoo shoo, to bed with you
-You’re not even here yet and I feel better already.
-that was my intention<3
Wylan put his phone down and screamed into his pillow, resisting the urge to kick his legs too. Ghezen, he was acting like some teenager who just got a text from their long-time crush. Which he.. technically just had, but he wasn’t a teenager anymore, but the rest of the context still made sense in his case.. oh well- most people above the age of twenty usually wouldn’t have to resist the urge to roll around and violently kick his legs in joy. Oh well. It was good for his neurons.
Jesper Fahey, oh the man that he was. Wylan liked him. A lot. A whole lot. And not just because he cared about him. All of his friends, his fellow Crows, did. Jesper was.. how could one describe Jesper Fahey? Charming, for sure. Handsome. Kind. Caring. Great aim. Lovely? How poetic of him, honestly.
For a few moments, Wylan had been able to forget the headache he felt and the fever making him uncomfortable. Cold, but so, so warm at the same time. It was good that Jesper had a key to his place, because he’d probably be asleep tomorrow (when Inej discovered this fun little fact she imitated Kaz’s eyeroll perfectly.)
He sent out a few more texts to assure his absence would be allowed, before practically passing out.
And then waking up again, a solid nine hours later, to the smell of fresh-baked waffles in his apartment.. Next to him, on the nightstand, stood a nice bouquet with mainly lavender. From the kitchen, he could hear someone hum a familiar song, and his heart nearly skipped a beat.
He was undeniably in love with Jesper. And that was very much confirmed when said Jesper stepped into his room carrying a tray. And wearing a bright pink apron that said ‘kiss the cook’. Perhaps he might just do that.
‘’Jes-‘’
‘’Good morning mister van Sunshine, I have your breakfast right here.’’ His friend replied with that grin of his, motioning for him to sit up so he could place the tray upon his lap. Once all that was done, Jesper seated himself on the side of Wylan’s bed.
‘’How are you feeling?’’
Wylan, who had just absolutely devoured his waffles and breakfast, shrugged a little.
‘’Not that bad.. yesterday was worse. I think this really made me feel better though-‘’ he motioned to the bouquet (and to Jesper as well).
‘’-So I suppose I’m.. fine-ish?’’ he concluded with a slight raise of his brows.
Jesper eyed him up and down, sighing and shaking his head a little before placing his hand upon Wylan’s forehead and frowning.
‘’The victorian boy who had a fever with that temperature and said he was fine-ish did not end up so fine-ish, Wy-‘’ he started.
Wylan chuckled a little, waving his hand dismissively, but Jesper was not giving up just yet. He was going for a full impression, and oh, he couldn’t help but love it.
‘’Little Bartholomew who has worn that sweet little hat for all those years hath caught a particularly bad fever, a whole thirty-eight degrees, yes sir! Yes, yes, the lad with the pantaloons, up to his knees, and those bright white socks! Oh, he danced so lovely, performed such a splendid jig.. a shame he is no longer there to enjoy this with us, no?’’
By the time Jesper was finished, Wylan was nearly doubling over with laughter, and Jesper had the biggest grin on his face. He loved making Wylan chuckle and laugh.
‘’Now, now, go lay down and let me get you some medicine, you don’t want to end up like little Bartholomew now, do you?’’
And with a wink, Jesper was off.
Yes, he was concerned. It was just a small fever, and no way Wylan would die because of it. Humor was a good way of avoiding sadness or grief, and it allowed him to do things he loved most; make someone laugh, and make Wylan smile. Jesper was glad lavender had a strong smell, because if he had to smell the medicine one more time properly, he might cry. There was a time where their entire house had smelled like it. Even after she passed.
Dang it, why was he like this? Wylan was in possible pain, he had to care for him. Because Jesper cared about him. He cared so, so much. And wasn’t afraid to show it. His own pain could wait for a bit.
It took a solid two minutes before he returned, and Wylan could undoubtedly recognize the slightly saddened look on Jesper’s face. He’s heard stories of Jesper’s mother during late-night sleepovers, and was aware of the cause of her death. This must affect Jesper as well- With a slight frown, he sat up and eyed Jesper as he sat down again, a smile on his face again.
‘’This’ll taste terrible, but you’ve had Kaz’s banana bread, so I’m sure you can survive this just fine-‘’ Jesper spoke, handing over a spoon and the medicine. He tried to joke his feelings away, but that was.. not that healthy, actually. Wylan had tried suppressing it too, and oh, it felt good to finally open up a bit. Just a bit had been enough to receive comfort. Because he’d surrounded himself with the right people.
‘’..Wy?’’
‘’-Right. Thank you, Jes. I mean it. Thank you for.. all this-‘’
‘’Getting sappy now, are we? Is the fever getting to your head?’’
Wylan couldn’t help but smile a little, downing the medicine and pulling a face for a second, before shaking his head. ‘’Nope, just a sudden urge to speak my truth. Nobody has ever put in this much effort for me whenever I was sick.. especially when.. it is something that hurts them too.’’
He reached out and took a gentle hold of Jesper’s hand. Fingers intertwined with his, and Wylan was sure his heart would end up beating out of his chest if they kept this tomfoolery up. When had he ever used that word before? Perhaps he was turning into Little Bartholomew.
‘’Wy- I.. you- you are deserving of this- of this all. I care about you, a lot.. and I want to show that.’’ Jesper spoke softly, grey eyes meeting blue ones.
A faint drumming of Jesper’s fingers on the mattress could be heard, but it was standard, and the scene would be odd without it. It was a part of Jesper, a part that Wylan liked. He liked.. no. He loved all of Jesper. And perhaps it was about time to show that.
His words meant a lot. In such contrast to his father’s. Jesper helped him heal.
‘’Jesper, you are undoubtedly one of the sweetest people I have ever had the luck of meeting and.. I don’t mind if you are not all smiley all the time. I care about you, Jesper Fahey. I care about all of you. Funny Jesper, romantic Jesper and sad Jesper. Hell, any Jesper you can even imagine. I care about you.. I think… I think you should know that. Be aware of it. I wasn’t sure if I’d ever said it properly like this before but.. well- yeah.’’ Wylan concluded, face reddened.
Then he spotted a shine in Jesper’s eyes, a tear running down his cheek.
With a slight hum he leaned in to wipe it off, and more followed. Soon, he cupped the other’s face, wiping his cheeks with his thumb before tugging him into a hug.
‘’I’m sorry- I’m just so.. scared.’’
‘’No need to be sorry, Jes- it’s okay-‘’
It was okay. That reassurance, from someone he cared so much about.. it meant the world to him. Jesper held back a sob, lifting his head to look at Wylan, teary-eyed but with a hint of a smile.
‘’And I was the one supposed to be taking care of you today-‘’ he chuckled a little. Wylan followed, giving a gentle shake of his head.
‘’We’re both good enough to take care of each other, right? Let’s do that then.’’
Jesper nodded in reply. That sounded nice. Pleasant. It made his heartbeat speed up.
‘’Let’s do that.’’ He concluded, holding the other’s hand again and giving a little squeeze. Most friends wouldn’t want to do this, right? But what if Wylan still saw him as just a friend..?
Most friends didn’t hold each other’s faces excessively when they wanted to wipe away tears. Most friends didn’t send each other hearts. Most friends didn’t make him feel the way Wylan made him feel.
He wanted to kiss him. He’s been wanting to do it for ages. What if he just..?
‘’-Jesper?’’
Their gazes met again. For a short moment though, because Wylan’s fell back on his lips within a second. Jesper could feel his heartbeat speed up even more. It was loud. Could Wylan hear it? The silence was awful, he was terrible with it. Fingers drummed against the mattress.
Then Wylan spoke again, cheeks red. Oh, he looked adorable.
‘’Can I kiss you?’’
He was stunned, in the positive way of the word. Oh, so stunned. And then he moved. Hands slid up to the other’s jaw, cupping his nape gently afterwards and drawing him in closer. A moment passed before Wylan crashed his lips against Jesper’s.
His heart was beating rapidly, and he felt like it would beat out of his chest. Hoping the other wouldn’t hear.
Moments passed, and once they parted for a moment, Jesper couldn’t help but marvel at the grin on Wylan’s face. Oh.. oh gosh. He liked this guy. He really, really did.
‘’Wow- I’ve been waiting.. like- so long to finally ask that-‘’ Wylan muttered, clearly flustered.
Jesper snuck another quick peck on his lips.
‘’Kaz would give us an eyeroll right now. Hundred percent.’’
Both of them chuckled, and Wylan’s hand squeezed Jesper’s for a second. ‘’I suppose that could be the way we can officiate it?’’
Now it was Jesper’s turn to be flustered, and he gave a slow nod. ‘’The best way. The absolute best way… I’m so lucky with you.’’
Their foreheads bumped gently, and grins were shown.
‘’Thank you.’’