Chapter 5

chapter 5

When in Antwerp

A VDS Mini Series

previous chapter

That’s it! Sorry it’s all a bit rushed but I couldn’t go through the week without doing one :) Hope you enjoyed reading ❤️

fanfiction was such a good idea. like put those guys in situations

Buried Boxes and Bashful Booths.

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

( @ apolloswords )

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

Despite the amount of weeks Lucas had spent in Antwerp, it still feels a little weird to call it home. Maybe he just needed a bit more convincing. 

Continuation of “Fluttering Fingers and Flushed Faces.”

It had started to become a routine.

Lucas didn’t think he could ever enjoy waking up on a school morning. And most times, he still didn’t. A lot of his time at school was spent alone, not having any classes with his step-sister Jana or hardly seeing her during the lunch break either. The only time he did see her was before the first bell and after the last bell, and it felt like an eternity in-between.

But he found himself waiting down the minutes of the school day for a different reason. He didn’t expect the whole thing was going to become a routine, but it slowly did. It started of gradual, once every week, twice every week and now, almost three times every week. Lucas questioned Jana about it once, before they went to bed one night. But she only gave him a mischievous smirk, ruffled his hair and winked.

“Night Luc,” She said before closing her bedroom door. “Sweet dreams.”

Lucas didn’t think he would get any other answer, so that was the last time he asked. Instead, he tried not to question it so much and allowed himself to be apart of it. This so called routine that resulted in the cute boy he had met on his step-sister’s floor hanging out in his room multiple times a week.

“You still have some boxes you haven’t unpacked.” Jens noted, gesturing to the boxes Lucas had shoved in his closet. From where Jens was sitting on the bed, it was in his direct line of sight.

Shifting on his chair, Lucas took his attention away from the English homework on his desk and over to where Jens was looking. He was right. About three boxes were stacked to the side, his sweaters and jackets just briefly hanging over them.

“I guess I do.” He replied, without much indication of a tone and shrugged.

Jens narrowed his eyes on him, as if he was trying to find an expression on his blank face. There was none.

He watched him bounce off his bed and towards the boxes, dragging them out and staring down at them. They weren’t sealed, but the flaps were closed as if Lucas intended for them to never be opened. He watched as Jens’ eyes narrowed in on them, like he had on Lucas earlier. Only this time, it seemed like he had more of a reaction from some inanimate cardboard boxes rather than Lucas’ own face.

“I could unpack them for you if you wanted.” He suggested.

He raised a brow and gave a light chuckle. “Don’t you have anything better to do?”

Jens shrugged, pouting his bottom lip out. “Schultz’s homework sounds like a problem for another day.”

Lucas had no idea which teacher in the school ‘Schultz’ was, and he had no idea what they taught either.

“Besides,” Jens added. “I unpacked all of Jana’s boxes in a days work. How hard can three boxes be to kill some time before she comes home?”

“Where is she anyway?” He asked, puzzled.

Shrugging again, Jens responded. “Not sure. I think Amber had something after school that required all the girls to tag along.” He looked at Lucas again, a small smirk on his face as he came a little closer. “So, can I? I’m pretty good at it. Even sorted through all of Jana’s jewelry.”

“Was that what you were doing on the floor?” Lucas felt the corners of his lips turn up into a grin.

Jens warmly chuckled, which ironically ran a cold shiver down Lucas’ spine.

“Are you teasing me Luc?” He said with a smirk. “Do you know how long I waited to be a victim of your torment?”

“Sorry.” His face flushed pink and he tried to hide it by looking down. “I think Jana is rubbing off on me.”

“No, don’t be sorry.” Jens’ voice was warm, just like his laugh and it felt like a tickle down Lucas’ back. “It’s…”

“Nice?”

“…Nice.” He smiled at him, before pointing at the boxes again. “So, may I?”

Lucas shrugged. Maybe if Jens was doing it, it wouldn’t be so lonely to be emptying those specific boxes in the first place.

“Sure go ahead.” He said, before turning around to try to focus back on his homework.

He felt Jens sit down in the floor, picking up the first box and opening it. Lucas tried to focus on the rough draft of the essay he was supposed to be doing, but he couldn’t help but think about what Jens would be unpacking. It wasn’t like it was anything embarrassing, but he didn’t have an explanation as to why he was putting off the unpacking.

“Are these your friends in Utrecht?” Jens asked, and Lucas had no choice but to turn around and look at him.

Jens didn’t lift his head from looking at the multiple photos he had in his hand. He must’ve found one of the many envelopes Lucas had kept them in.

“Yeah.” He responded softly, as Jens began to look through them. He could make out some of the photographs, seeing some of the familiar faces he had come to know and love being admired by the new face he was starting to feel a love for.

“You must have been popular.” Jens teased, showing off a large group photo from some party. Lucas smiled sadly, realizing it was actually from his going away party.

“No, not really.” He shook his head, trying not to feel the yearning for his old life in his heart.

Jens flipped through some of the photos again, before wrinkling his nose at one of them. It wasn’t of disgust but after living for a few weeks with Jana, Lucas had come to know the familiar look teasing very well.”

“Is this your boyfriend?” He asked, holding up a photo.

Lucas smiled upon recognizing it. It was of him and Kes, an arm wrapped around him and slightly on his chest, Kes’ hand even holding his wrist gently. They were caught in the middle of a laugh, the bright sun kissing both of them and allowing a golden glow to emerge through the photograph. Lucas had always loved that photo. It has been one of his favourite memories.

“No, not my boyfriend.” Lucas rolled his eyes and snorted. “He was just my best friend back home.”

Slowly nodding, Jens put it towards the back of the pile before looking through some more photos. Lucas tapped his fingers in his leg lightly, thinking about his old and new life. He was trying hard to adjust, he really was. But he wasn’t exactly in the best mood about the whole thing, especially at the start of it. He had a lot of angst, having to leave his mom, his friends and the one city he knew behind. He sulked for weeks. Of course, starting to get close to Jana and slowly befriending Jens had helped, but he still felt like a stranger in this new home.

“You must miss it, don’t you?” Jens asked softly.

“I do.” He looked past Jens’ head and through his window. “Antwerp just isn’t home yet.”

Before Jens could reply, they heard some excited footsteps down the hall. Jana skipped into the room and instantly went over to sit on the edge of Lucas’ bed, close to where Jens was sitting on the floor. Her hair was a tousled mess but the bright grin on her face was radiating, and Lucas almost forgot the conversation him and Jens were having beforehand.

“Okay guys, guess what!” She exclaimed with a chap of hands.

Jens snorted and shook his head. “What are you about to drag us into?”

“Well, I just heard from Zoë that Senne is hosting a party this weekend and she says we should definitely go.”

“At his place?” Jens asked, raising his brow. Lucas had no idea who this Senne person was, but he did remember Zoë. After Jana introduced him on his first day, she was nice enough to show him to his first class.

“He got access to it for the weekend. Some family plan to get him to move back in with them but he still refuses.” She explained. “Anyway, we have to go. Senne’s friends are ridiculously cute.”

“Luca isn’t all that.” Jens snorted again.

“Luca?” Lucas asked, thinking it was probably the only thing he could contribute to the conversation.

“Oh my gosh Luc, you’ll think he’s so cute.” Jana said.

He wrinkled his nose. “No thanks, his name is too similar to mine. It’s kind of narcissistic.”

Jana rolled her eyes while Jens had to hold back from laughing. “Fine whatever, but you have to come.” She pleaded. “It’ll be your first ever Belgian party. Nobody parties like us.”

Lucas laughed and leaned back a bit. “I truly beg to differ. Have you ever been to a Dutch party?”

“No.” She crossed her arms in a playful defence. “But I’m sure it’s not as good as our parties.”

“You sure about that?” Jens asked, grabbing both of their attention. He held up a photograph from pile he was still sorting through. “Because I think Lucas knows what makes a real party.”

Lucas’ eyes widened as he recognized the photo Jens was holding up. It was from his second year in high school, passed out on someone’s random couch with glitter all over his face as he hugged a bottle of vodka. Kes and Jayden, were hovering over him, joints in their mouths as they held up peace signs, clearly making fun of the boy who had blacked out in front of them. To make matters even better, or worse, Lucas noticed he was wrapped up in Isa’s fluffy white jacket. He had no idea who took this photo or who’s party it was, but his face flushed red in horror.

“Oh my god Jens.” He cried, getting up from his chair. “Give that back!”

He lunged forward, but Jens was quick. He bounced on his bed and threw Jana’s body as an obstacle between them, creating a diversion. Lucas acted quickly, and chased Jens down the hall and into Jana’s room, while she tried to stop the both of them, all of them unable to keep in their laughter.

-

Lucas felt congested.

The party was full of people and he held a half empty bottle of beer in his hand, not even remotely interested to drink it.

He felt a little awkward, standing in the corner of the room just watching everyone. He had tried to oppose coming in the first place, but Jana was very persistent and practically dragged him out of the house to come along. He felt a little better when they met up with Jens half way, to which they stole glances at each other not so discretely. Lucas couldn't help it. Jens looked good in the grew crewneck sweater he had, despite the late autumn chill to the air. His hair looked softer than usual and fell a bit more in his face, and Lucas wished they were just in his room talking as opposed to a room full of people he hardly knew or had any interest in knowing.

Sighing, he took another sip of the beer. His head started to spin and it wasn't from the alcohol. Lucas needed to step outside, for a moment or even, long enough until he figured out a way to get back home. It wasn't so early into the party or so late at night. He could easily have said he went as easily as he could go home without looking like a complete loner.

Besides, it wasn't like anyone knew him anyway. Nobody would miss him. The only people who even knew he was here were Jens and Jana, and they were well gone with other people. Downing the last of his beer, he tossed it into a recycling bin, hearing its glass clatter against others. Lucas hadn't bothered to take off his jacket since coming here, so he had everything he needed before heading out.

It took a bit, but he eventually found the front door. Lucas took one last look over his shoulder, wondering if he could see anyone, more significantly Jens, before he headed out. But just as he was about to step out of the doorframe, he walked right into someone.

He had walked right into Jens.

Wincing, Lucas rubbed his forehead, the one that had took a hard hit from Jens chin, as Jens was trying to regain his balance from Lucas walking straight into him. They both groaned, recollecting themselves, before looking at each other. Confused.

"Luc?" Jens asked, in a hoarse voice. "Were you leaving?"

Busted. He thought.

"Yeah," He admitted, looking down at the ground to avoid eye contact. "I'm not really feeling it tonight."

By now, Lucas was familiar to what it felt being underneath Jens' studying eyes. He knew he was crouching a bit, trying to get a good look at the expression he was hiding.

"Would you," Jens began to say, a little hesitantly. "Would you like to head out with me?"

"You want to head out?" Lucas asked, surprised as he furrowed his brows at him. "With me?" The last part came out more like a squeak and he hoped the warmth on his face was from the alcohol.

Jens seemed to take an amusement at his reaction, chuckling lightly. "Yes, with you."

"Wouldn't you want to stay behind?"

"Am I supposed to?"

"No." He paused. "Why?"

"I'm not really feeling it tonight." His lips turned up into a small smile, and Lucas instantly knew that the warmth on his face was not from the alcohol.

He didn't really know what to say. But that didn't seem to bother Jens. He did a motion with his head, an indication to get Lucas to follow him. Lucas shrugged, and figured that even if he didn't want to, he would follow anyway.

They walked away from the house, and Lucas was at least grateful that the alcohol in his system managed to give him a warm fuzzy feeling. But he knew he didn't have just the alcohol to thank. He side-eyed Jens a little, watching as he tilted his head up to the sky, hands in his pockets and an almost permanent smile resting on his face.

"It's awfully warm out tonight." Jens noted, his voice sounding airy and light.

“Awfully?” Lucas asked, with a slight smirk.

Jens grinned at his attempt at teasing, and he nudged Lucas gently with his elbow.

“Fine. Gratefully warm out.” He dipped his head a bit, to grab Lucas’ attention. “Better?”

“Better.”

They smiled at each other, Lucas feeling so much better than he had at the party. Jens just had that effect on him. It was almost impossible to feel even the slightest angst with him and Lucas actually found himself feeling rather grateful for that.

As they continued walking, Lucas noticed they seemed to be heading into a small square, with shops lining up and cafe tables sitting outside, empty. He frowned. He may not be super aware of where everything was in Antwerp, but he knew for sure that this wasn’t the way home.

“Uhm, Jens? I think we’re heading the wrong way.”

He only shook his head. “No, I meant for us to go this way.”

Lucas paused. “Why?”

“Remember what I said to you the first week we met? I told you I could show you around.”

“Yeah but,” He tilted his head and looked at him weirdly. “Nothing is open. Everything is closed. There’s nobody here.”

“Well that’s the beauty of it, isn’t it?” He gave him a wide grin, and Lucas couldn’t help but be rather intrigued by it. “Come on, I want to show you something.”

Just like he had earlier, Jens made the little indication with his head to follow him. And figuring he had no opposition in doing so, Lucas did. They walked past a few shops, their display windows too dim and dark for Lucas to even make out what they were selling. In any other setting, it would’ve felt as though they were walking through a ghost town.

Jens lead him to a small booth, covered by a red curtain beside what appeared to be camera store, judging by the sign. He pushed the curtain aside in a singular swift motion, revealing a photo booth.

“Ta da!” Jens sang out, dramatically showcasing it to him.

He let out a light chuckle. “You brought me to a photo booth?”

“Sure did.” He sounded rather impressed.

“Why?”

“Well I noticed you didn’t have any photos of Antwerp just yet. I figured maybe I could be in your first set.” Jens said this rather shyly, much different from the confident pride he has on just a few seconds ago.

“Really?” Lucas asked, feeling his face blush as he grinned softly at Jens.

“Yeah, come on!”

Jens hopped in first, before taking his hand and pulling him in. The seat in the booth could’ve easily fit two people, but with the way he had pulled Lucas in, he ended up leaning over top of him. Very close to be sitting on top of him in general. Lucas felt himself squeal and giggle against Jens, taking in the affection of the other boy. He didn’t know how intoxicated Jens was, but the funny thing was, Lucas didn’t even smell a hint of weed or alcohol off of him.

He didn’t let go of his grasp on Lucas, only fiddling around with the coins in his pocket before dropping them in the little slot. The little screen stated that they had three pictures to take and they began frantically adjusting themselves before the camera’s countdown.

They hardly had time to position before the first pose. It was more of a candid shot if anything. Jens had both of his arms wrapped around Lucas’ waist, pressing his head against his arm as Lucas was still in a burst of giggles. His eyes were shut tight but Jens smiled cheekily at the screen.

The second one was a little more organized. Lucas brought his hand to the bottom half of Jens’ face, squishing it slightly as he felt him smile against it. Lucas was a bit too distracted to turn his face towards the screen, so the camera captured him looking at Jens, smiling widely and completely smitten.

Lastly, Jens and him faced the screen, smiling widely at it. But at the very last second, right before he heard the shutter go off, Lucas felt the softest of lips touch his cheek, capturing a kiss that definitely had him turning pink.

-

When Lucas woke up the next morning, he brushed his fingers against Jens’ soft hair. The other boy was still sound asleep, softly snoring in the soft glow of the morning and covered by his blankets. He didn’t really remember much from last night after his and Jens’ little adventure. What he did remember was Jana calling them as they pocketed their photos, sounding completely wasted. They must’ve rescued her and brought her home, where Jens decided he was just going to crash. Probably due to their parents’ wishes, Jens was told to sleep in Lucas’ room.

He wasn’t sure if Jens was supposed to take the floor or the bed, but something must’ve convinced them to both take the bed and sleep together. And in any other situation, Lucas would’ve be probably felt weird to share a bed with his crush. A crush who had in fact, kissed him last night. He wasn’t sure where there friendship went from here, but he knew that wasn’t something he really needed to worry about.

Gently slipping out of bed, and careful not to wake Jens up, Lucas headed over to the other side of the room. The boxes Jens had been unpacking still laid on the floor, photos still scattered within them. Rummaging through a bit, he picked a few of them out and picked up a few picture frames from the other box. Quietly, he sat on the floor, finding peace within the early sunshine and quiet of the morning.

When Lucas was finally done, he placed the photo frames on his dresses. Most of them were filled with photos from Utrecht, all of his favourite and loved people filling up this new little corner of his life. He knew they always had a place in his heart, no matter where in the world he was.

But now, sat another frame, in the midst of it all. The frame held three pictures, taken only a few hours ago, with the boy who had made every part of his new life just as good as his old one.

Because sometimes, home wasn’t just a place you could point at on a map. Sometimes home was made up of the people around you.

And as Lucas climbed back in bed, careful not to disturb the sleeping boy who pulled him in closer to his chest, he realized that he could get used to his new home.

new fic has been posted!

🎞 spotify playlist

because who doesn’t love a good band au? ;)

sending all the love and adornment to anyone who takes the time to read <3

Shy Smiles and Soft Snuggles.

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 takes Jens and Jana on a weekend trip to Utrecht. When Jana teases them about the status of their relationship, it has Lucas thinking about making it official.

Continuation of “ Buried Boxes and Bashful Booths.”

“The train!” Lucas yelled as he tried to keep up with Jens and Jana.

The three of them raced down the platform, lunging their overnight bags on their side or their backs as they tried to make it to the train to Utrecht. The train they had taken to Antwerp’s main station was delayed by five minutes, which meant they had to get to the train to Utrecht in the next ten seconds if they didn’t want to miss it.

Luckily, Jens practically flung himself through the doors, holding it open just in time for Jana and Lucas to hope on. They took a second to catch their breath, panting heavily as they tried to find their seats.

When they did, they threw their bangs down and sat. Lucas and Jens placed their bags beside Jana, so they could have a bit more room on their shared seats.

“I thought we were going to miss it.” Jana said, still catching her breath. “So much for thinking we had that five minutes to spare.”

“I hate running.” Lucas pouted, before letting his body weight fall on top of Jens.

Jens groaned, but shifted a little to make sure he and Lucas were more comfortable. Jana laughed at the frown Lucas had on his face for having to be shifted into a new position, and she shook her head.

“Are you excited for us to meet your friends?” She asked. “You get to introduce them to a sister and a boyfriend.” She teased.

“We aren’t boyfriends!” He and Jens said in unison, which only fuelled her amusement.

“Yeah right.” She crossed her arms and looked at them with a smug smile. “You guys are definitely more than friends.”

“Well what if we’re just doing it to fool you?” Jens teased back. “You’re the one who keeps teasing us, maybe we’re just putting on an act for you.”

Jana snorted. “Please, I would hope the both of you hanging around each other almost 24/7 isn’t because of me.”

“Should I ask you for permission first?” Jens teased again, matching her smug smile. “Have your blessing so I can date your brother?”

“I would hope my brother had better choices in boys.” She shot back, and Lucas let out a laugh.

“Don’t worry, I’ll make sure Jens knows you’ll kick his ass if anything happens to me.” He assured.

“So your friends,” Jens asked, turning away from Jana and raising a brow. “Have you told them anything?”

“They know as much as Jana knows.” He said with a smirk.

“I hardly know anything!” She cried, throwing her hands up in the air. “What did you tell them? That Jens was just some random kid we picked up and decided to bring along for the weekend?”

“Basically.” Lucas shrugged, now turning to wink at Jens. “I said you were a charity case.”

“Oh fuck off.” He snorted, lightly pushing him off. Lucas only laughed and fell on top of him again, only reviewing a chuckle and a roll of eyes as retaliation.

“Alright, I want peace and quiet for the next hour.” Jana instructed. “Faoucci’s math test fried by brain during my last class. I need time to heal.” She eyes the both of them seriously, narrowing her eyes and pointing at the two of them. “If you both leave me here and abandon me at the stop, you’ll both be sorry.”

-

“Oh fuck no.” Lucas said, as he saw two familiar faces standing next to a small black car in the train station’s parking lot.

Both of the boys standing there waved at him, giving him mischievous smiles before they raced over. As much as Lucas wanted to pretend he wasn’t happy to see them, he felt a sudden burst of adrenaline shot through him and ran up a bit. When the three of them had gotten close enough, they enveloped into a hug.

“Luc!” Kes laughed, hugging the right side of him tightly. “We thought we’d never see you again!”

“It’s not the same without you!” Jayden dramatically cried into Lucas’ left shoulder, only to get snorts of laughter from the other two boys.

When they pulled apart, Lucas turned around and saw that Jens and Jana had caught up to him. Jana had a wide smile on her face, the breeze blowing her hair in the wind as Jens tried to look composed with his straight posture and confident grin.

“Hey guys, these are the people I brought.” He said, standing off to the side a bit so he could properly introduce them. “This is my sister Jana and my friend Jens. Jens, Jana, these are my friends Kes and Jayden.”

“The charity case huh?” Kes said with a smirk. “If I didn’t know any better, I would have figured he was your-“

Lucas shot him a glare which made Kes quickly shut up. Kes gave him a smug look, much to his dismay.

“Damn, does everyone in Belgium look like you guys? I might have to consider moving.” Jayden said, smiling at the both of them.

Lucas felt his face burn up as Jens and Jana chuckled, obviously flattered by Jayden’s compliment.

“Well it’s a pleasure to meet you.” Jana said with a smile, as Jens managed to give both Kes and Jayden some handshakes.

“Luc, we got a car so we don’t have to train back to Jayden’s place.” Kes explained. “It’s going to be a tight fit but I’m sure they’ll find a way to fit all of you in the flat.”

“Come on!” Jayden called out, pulling some car keys out of his jacket pocket. “I’m driving.”

“Oh we are so fucked.” Lucas muttered under his breath, causing everyone around them to laugh.

They all started to heard towards the car, with Lucas following slowly behind. Jayden, who seemed very interested in Jana, was walking beside her, as Kes basically lead the entire group. Lucas felt his face flush when he noticed Jens walking beside him. Feeling the familiar nudge to his shoulder, he looked up and was greeted by a satisfied smirk from the tall raven haired boy.

“So, do you think I’m cute enough to move countries for?” He asked, a smirk on his lips.

Lucas scoffed. “You’re cute for a Belgian.”

He continued walking, trying to hide a smile from his face as Jens took a pause, standing there and thinking about what Lucas had just said.

“Hey!” He called out, Lucas whipping his head around to teasingly grin the boy behind him. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

-

“We are going to get wasted!” Isa cried out, throwing her arms around Jana who was becoming a giggling mess.

“Aren’t you already?” Liv shouted over the music, groaning as she shook her head, following them across the room.

Lucas shook his head, laughing and knowing the two girls were probably going to find some more alcohol. He could already envision the horrible hangover that awaited them the next morning.

“Hey,” Jens nudged his arm gently. “I’m going to go smoke some weed. Come out with me?”

“Was that pun intended?” Lucas laughed.

“What pun?”

“Never mind.” He shook his head, while still chuckling. “Sure, let’s go.”

They headed outside of the house and towards the front lawn, leaning on the gates. Everybody else seemed to be inside. Lucas had already lost sight of Kes and Jayden about five minutes after entering the house. And if they weren’t outside smoking weed, it was a definite loss cause to even try to find them amidst the crowd of people.

Jens took out a lighter from his back pocket and a pre-rolled joint from the back of his ear. He lit the end of it, and Lucas couldn’t help but almost gawk at how attractive he found it. As Jens took a hit and let the smoke curl out of his lips, Lucas could feel his heart race and body go to complete jelly.

He passed the joint to him and he took it gratefully. The weed seemed to calm his nerves down a bit, and he was pleasantly surprised with its familiarity.

“Where’d you get Nederlands weed?” He asked Jens, who took the joint from him again.

“Your friend Kes gave it to me before we got here. He gave me a few actually.” He pulled out two more pre-rolled joints from his front pocket. “I hope he doesn’t think I’m going to smoke them all in one night. I don’t have that tolerance to this type of weed.”

“I hope he’s not doing that either.” Lucas scoffed.

He watched as Jens tilted his head back in a light laugh, more smoke coming out of his lips and making Lucas suck in a breath.

“Your friends are really nice.” He noted. “I can see why it was hard to leave them.”

“They’re chaotic as hell.” He snorted, but gave a small smile. “But I can’t believe how much I actually missed their chaos.”

“It must be nice to be back home at least. How does it feel?”

“Weird. I know in a way it’s still home but it’s weird to be a visitor.” He managed to look up and give Jens a small smile. “But I’m glad you came along?”

“Yeah?” He smirked. “I’m glad you brought me along too.”

Lucas knew his face probably had a light blush to it, and he looked down at his shoes to hide it. He felt Jens lean a little more to the gate, reaching out and letting the sides of their hands touch. Lucas felt something fuzzy inhabit his body, and it only made the blush on his face feel warmer.

“Have you ever thought about what Jana said earlier?” Jens asked, a little hesitation in his voice.

Looking at him, Lucas gave him a confused loo. “What did she say?”

“Well she mentioned us being boyfriends.”

“Oh.” He didn’t really know what to say. “I mean, I have.”

“Really?” He seemed rather surprised.

“Yeah, have you?”

“Yeah, I have.”

He widened his grin. “Really? Since when?”

“Probably since I met you. I looked at you and thought, wow, this guy has to be the one who puts up with me.”

“You’re kidding?” Lucas asked in disbelief.

“I’m not.” Jens leaned in forward and whispered to him. “I really thought that.”

Lucas smiled, blushing again and felt himself staring into Jens’ eyes. His eyes then lowered onto his lips, their soft pink colour looking down bright against the dim sky. He wanted to lean forward, to stand on the tips of his toes and wrap his arms around the other boy, finally doing what he had thought the second he had looked at him.

Just before he was going to do it, they were quickly interrupted by Liv shouting at them from the front steps of the house.

“Luc, Jens!” She called out. “We need you to carry Jana home, her and Isa just threw up all over the place.”

“Classic.” Jens laughed as he nodded at her. “Okay, we’ll be right there.”

Lucas bit his hip, a little disappointed that their moment had been ruined. Trying not to let it show so much on his face, he tried to crack a small chuckle.

“Looks like the party is ending earlier than we thought.” He managed to say, as they walked towards the house.

Jens laughed again. “Sorry us Belgians have a weaker tolerance than you Dutch.”

He shook his head. “Didn’t you hear Liv? It was both Jana and Isa throwing up.”

“Isa doesn’t stand a chance against that Dutch tolerance does she?”

“Nope. It wouldn’t be a party without her losing to it each time.”

They arrived into the house and were greeted quickly by the rest of this friends. Poor Isa was being held up by Kes and Jayden, her eyelids dropping as she groaned from her nausea. They found Jana being held up by Isa, her face pale and her voice slurred.

“Liv, Liv, Liv, look!” She exclaimed, pointing at both Jens and Lucas. “My rescuers have come to save me!” She pouted her lips. “My favourite pair of boyfriends.”

“In a different country but the party routine still commences, doesn’t it Jana?” Jens teased, ignoring the last part and walking towards her side. He slung one arm around him, letting her shift some of her weight onto him. He nodded at Lucas. “Come get her other side.”

“Oh yeah.” Lucas said, figuring to ignore what Jana had said as well. He walked over, Liv placing her gently onto him.

“Looks like Isa finally found her drinking buddy.” Jayden laughed, before opening the front door with his foot.

“Too bad she lives on the other side of the border.” Jens snorted. “She won’t be able to party like this every weekend.”

“Oh thank god.” Liv said from behind them, rolling her eyes as they all headed out the door.

-

“Even in a different country, I still manage to sleep beside you.” Jens chuckled as he slid into the empty space on the bed beside him.

Sleeping arrangements turned out to be fairly easy. The second they had walked into the flat, Isa and Jana both collapsed onto the two couches. Liv seemed decently pleased, knowing she wouldn’t have to share her bed. They threw some blankets on them, chilled out in the kitchen for awhile before eventually heading off to bed. Since Ralph was gone for the weekend, Lucas and Jens were able to crash in his room while Kes was forced to make do with Jayden.

“Some things never change.” Lucas said with a smile, instantly feeling some of Jens’ radiating heat off of him. Instinctively, he moved in a little closer, minimizing the space that laid between them.

“Hey.” Jens whispered in the dark, smiling brightly that his teeth shown like the stars.

Lucas giggled. “Hi.”

“You know, it’s kind of nice that I’ve gotten used to sleeping beside you.” He whispered. “It doesn’t make this place feel any different than home.”

“Does it feel different?” He asked, frowning a little. “Do you feel weird being here?”

“No!” He shook his head quickly, and chuckled. “No, of course not. I actually love it here. It’s a nice place to make a life out of.”

“Oh.” He paused. “I kind of want to move back here after high school.”

“For university?”

“Probably.”

“I’d come with you.”

He widened his eyes in surprise. “You would follow me here?”

“Sure, why not?” Jens shrugged. “It’s not that far away from Antwerp. Close enough for me to visit my parents and far enough that they have no control over me.” Now Jens paused. “To be honest, I think I would prefer the distance actually.”

“Are things at home not good?” Lucas asked softly and nervously, hoping it wouldn’t upset Jens.

But Jens only chuckled again. “No, it’s not that. Things could be better though. I don’t think I’ve ever told you this, but I’m also a child of divorce. Except instead of living with my dad, who by the way, moved all the way to Switzerland of all places, I live with my mom. And the second marriage brought some baggage, also known as my evil step sisters.”

“I thought it was going to be strange from going from an only child to having a sister.” He admitted. “But it’s actually pretty cool. It’s like having a permanent friend with you all the time.”

“Yeah, you got the lucky deck handed to you. I don’t think my sisters even tried being remotely decent towards me.” His voice lowered a bit. “To be honest, I almost got a little jealous over Jana. When she told me she was getting a brother and he was really nice, I was a little upset that I didn’t get a nice sibling.”

“Oh.” He paused again. “Sorry.”

“It’s not your fault.” Jens smiled. “I was lucky she got you. You ended up being one of the nicest people I’ve ever met, and now I have no idea what I would do without you.”

“Oh.” His voice went up in a delight as he smiled back at him. “I don’t know what I would do without you either.”

Jens looked at him softly, bringing a hand up to the side of his face and tucking some loose curls behind his ear. Lucas held his breath, feeling his heart race and the familiar fuzzy feeling take over. It was the same feeling he had gotten earlier, right before they were interrupted, just before Lucas was going to kiss him.

“Luc,” He said quietly, not taking his eyes off of him. “You do know I like you more than a friend, right?”

“I know. It, just.” He trailed off.

“Just what?”

“Well I haven’t asked you to be my boyfriend yet because I haven’t kissed you yet.” Lucas blurted out. “And I know I shouldn’t be scared to because I know you feel the same way I do and even if you didn’t I know you wouldn’t make me feel bad about it but I just don’t know when’s the perfect time to do it and then I panic and over think and then I miss my chance and then I-“

Lucas was quickly cut off by a kiss.

It took him a second for his brain to register it, but when he did, he instantly melted against it. Jens was holding his face firmly while still managing to make the kiss soft and gently. Lucas hummed into the kiss, almost having to hold his breath as he felt his chest tighten with so much euphoria. The space between them didn’t exist, and Lucas trailed his hand to Jens’ jawline, tilting it so he could have more of him. Lucas felt him smile against his lips, and it felt like a breath of fresh air. He could almost feel Jens’ own heart beating against his chest and he wondered if he could feel his.

He wondered why he hadn’t kissed him sooner. He wished he had. If he had known it was going to be like this then maybe Lucas wouldn't have felt so shy about his little crush.

But he also didn’t mind the waiting. He didn’t mind that he got to spend time with Jens before this, to really know him and understand him. To have had their shy glances exchanged for shy smiles to eventual shy affections.

Lucas didn’t mind the waiting. Because right now, the moment was perfect. And he wouldn’t have had it any other way.

Eventually they pulled apart, staring at each other in awe. Lucas couldn’t stop holding his face as he marvelled at the boy in front of him. The boy he had fallen so hard for, despite the short amount of time he had known him for. But with the way he was being marvelled at and also being held in the hands of Jens, he knew there was no more questioning between them.

“Now can you ask me to be your boyfriend?” Jens asked, his voice panting a little as he tried to regulate his breathing.

Giggling, Lucas leaned his forehead forward, pressing it against his.

“Will you be my boyfriend?” He asked in a whispered.

And he smiled. Because he already knew the answer.

-

Lucas was barely awake when he heard the bedroom door swing open. Groaning, he opened his eyes halfway and saw Jana standing there. She looked way better than she had last night, and based on the brightness on her face, she was definitely way more alive.

“Wake up.” She instructed them, flinging her hands everywhere. “We’re gonna roam around Utrecht today and we have to hit all the spots.

“Few more minutes.” Jens groaned, his eyes still shut and his head still buried in the pillows.

Jana narrowed her eyes at them. It didn’t take her long to realize the way they had fallen asleep. Jens hand one arm tucked under Lucas, his hand wrapped around to his back. Lucas was practically shoved into his chest, as one leg was thrown over him, peeking from the tangled blanket that halfway laid on top of them. Jens had his other hand thrown over Lucas’ waist, and it was unlike any sleeping position Jana had ever seen them in.

“Oh my god, it finally happened.” She squealed.

“What?” Lucas mumbled, trying to sit up but Jens only pulled him back down.

“Ignore her.” He mumbled.

He could hear Jana excitedly running towards the kitchen, which he figured everyone else was at based on where the sound of a clatter of dishes, smell of breakfast food and chatting voices came from. He wanted to sit up, to try to figure out what was happening but Jens’ grip was tight and firm. There was no escape to it.

“You guys!” He heard Jana exclaim. “I told you! I told you all! Lucas and Jens, they’re boyfriends!”

“I called it first!” He heard Kes yell, envisioning him scrambling through the kitchen to go declare it to them personally.

Knowing his friends were going to instantly swarm into the room and interrogate them, Lucas ducked underneath the blanket as Jens’ chest vibrated with a laugh. He felt Jens kiss the top of the curls that peaked out from out of the blanket as he pushed himself closer to his chest.

At least only one of their flushed faces would be given away.

i’ve been resisting the urge of checking out wtf f1 racing is and then i saw someone tag #vanderstoffels so now i’m intrigued