Chapter Text
meanwhile, in the other universe…
Isak was stood in front of his wardrobe and he was stressed. What do you wear to a casual dinner party with people you don’t know? He’d asked Eva but she said that, surprisingly she’d never been in that situation before but go smart-casual. Isak hated the term smart-casual. What percentage smart and what percentage casual should be go?
As a scientist he didn’t like vague terms, he preferred it black or white, smart or casual. A pair of black jeans were smart causal, right? Black jeans and a button down. Just as Isak leaned down to grab his best pair of jeans his phone buzzed with a text.
He hoped it was Even. They’d been texting pretty regularly since their milkshake d̶a̶t̶e̶ meeting, on most mornings Isak would wake up to either a picture of a puppy (“okay this one has hair just like yours”) or an outdated meme from 2015 which Even claimed was still “just as funny now”. Outdated or not they still made Isak laugh, though maybe it was Even in general that made him smile (not that he’d admit that to anyone else, never mind himself).
It was Even.
Even: hi! Are we still okay about meeting at the tube station before hand? Around 7? p.s. don’t worry too much about what to wear!!! I can feel ur stress from here
Isak rolled his eyes, how did Even always know his exact thoughts and feelings? He was like some kind of mind reader for Isaks brain and Isak didn’t know whether it flattered him or creeped him out.
Isak: yes 7 sounds great, see you soon p.s. im not stressing im chill im a chill guy
Even: sure you are, mr my-middle-name-is-stressy
Isak: I don’t have a middle name thank you very much
Even: so your initials are IV? Like the drip they give people to survive in hospital? Explains why I cant live without you ;)
Isak feels the blush come over his cheeks and a warm feeling fill his stomach. He’d never liked sappiness, well that’s what he always told himself. Erik has always said that it was a waste of time and Isak had agreed. And yet when Even slipped cheesy comments in like this, Isak felt happiness, not distain at the comment.
But of course Even was only joking, they’re friends. Good friends, Isak would say now.
Isak: clearly your middle name is “cheesy as fuck”
Even: that’s three middle names Isak.
*
Isak buttoned up his coat before opening the front door to the flat, ready to face the harsh November wind.
“Have fun on your date, Is!” Jonas called after him as he stepped outside.
“It’s not a date!” Isak threw the remark over his shoulder before shutting the door behind him.
It was only a short walk to the underground station from Jonas and Eva’s and when Isak arrived, Even was already stood outside waiting for him, looking elegant in an open black trench coat and his trademark blonde quiff. As he headed towards Even, Isak watched as he picked up a ticket an old lady had dropped and handed it back to her, with a smile so bright it could probably be seen from space; the warm feeling returned to Isak’s stomach. Even too was wearing jeans and a button-up, except his was blue to match his eyes. Isak was just having a ridiculous thought about how that blue might be his new favourite colour when Even spotted him and waved.
“Hi! You look great.” Even is quick to compliment, sending a flood of pink to Isak’s face.
“Thanks. You look alright, I guess.” Isak grinned at him to make it obvious he was joking. Of course he was joking, Even looked like he could have just stepped off the runway.
“Wow, take it easy with the gushing compliments there Valtersen.”
“The highest compliment you’ll ever hear coming from me Bech Næsheim.”
It was an easy ride to Mikael’s stop and they did it in under 20 minutes, teasing back and forth the entire journey. When they were finally faced with his front door, Isak felt his earlier nerves return. And of course Even picked up on it.
“You alright?”
Isak swallowed, “Yes, I just don’t do this kind of thing very often. Dinner with people I don’t know and all that.”
“It’s good to go outside your comfort zone sometimes, that’s the only way we learn to grow.”
Isak raised both eyebrows as he took in Evens serious face, “Didn’t know I’d made friends with a life coach.”
Even laughed and it was a full-bodied sound that filled Isak right to his toes, “I’m right though! But whatever, I’ll keep my deep meaningful thoughts to myself.” Even leant towards him and squeezed his arm, “My friends are good people, I promise.”
“Okay.” And with that, Even pressed the doorbell. They didn’t have to wait long before a voice called out from within the house.
“Who the fuck is ringing the bell? Just come in you idiot!”
Even laughed again and opened the door before calling back, “Well sorry that I wanted to act like we still had good manners in front of my guest.”
Just as Isak was taking off his coat, a face appeared around a doorway to his left.
“Even!” The lanky frame which the face belonged to bounded up to Even to embrace him in a tight hug. It reminded him of how he and Jonas hugged. “And you must be Isak, I’m Mikael!” Before Isak could say anything Mikael wrapped him in a friendly hug as well, clapping his back. Isak wasn’t sure how to respond at this unexpected affection so settled for awkwardly patting Mikael back.
“It’s so great to meet you! Even hasn’t stopped-“
Even interrupted, “Is everyone else here already?”
Mikael stepped back from Isak and raised one eyebrow before replying, “Yes, they’re all attempting to help in the kitchen.” Mikael looked back to Isak. “They’re more of a hindrance if I’m being honest Isak, but what friends aren’t?”
“My friend Eva always says the exact same thing.” Isak smiled back at Mikael, already liking him. Even’s friends clearly were good people.
Mikael and Even laugh in response before both heading into the doorway Mikael first appeared from. Isak followed and was met with a very tiny kitchen that was packed with people. Two guys were crowded around a recipe book, trying to read the instructions over the food splatters. Someone else was stirring a pot of sauce whilst also trying to check if whatever was in the oven was cooking properly. And in the far corner a guy with a bandana was arguing with a girl in a hajib about how to peel carrots; they were both smiling at each other though so Isak figured it wasn’t too serious.
“Even and Isak are here!” Mikael announces them and three faces turn his way – the couple with the carrots seem far too engrossed in each other.
“Even! It’s been too long man!”
“Mutta, you literally saw him yesterday.”
“Exactly Elias, it’s been a whole day!” With that, Mutta launches himself at Even who’s laughing and hugging him back with equal enthusiasm. Elias hugs Even after, followed by the boy who has been stirring the sauce before the three boys round on Isak.
“Isak! You look exactly like your pictures. That’s so rare, dude!” Mutta claps him on the shoulder.
“My pictures?”
“Yeah man, Even had us all stalking your social media’s. I’m Adam by the way.”
Isak smiled at Adam before eyeing up Even who had gone a light shade of pink. “I wouldn’t call it stalking Adam, just looking at a friends profile-“ Evens friends all turn to him, making various sounds of disbelief.
“If I looked in the dictionary under the phrase ‘instagram stalking’ it would be a picture of you.” Elias returned his gaze to Isak once more. “Hi Isak! Welcome to the chaos.”
Isak smiled back, “It’s great to meet you.”
Mikael squeezed past them all, “Let me get you something to drink. Even? Isak? Wine okay?” When they both nodded their consent Mikeal turned to speak to the couple in the corner, still wrapped up in their own little world. “Guys, as adorable as you might be, please move out of the way of the fridge, I need to get to the wine.”
The couple finally turned around as Even and Isak uttered twin gasps.
“Elias’ little sister is who you’re dating Yousef?”
“I do have a name Even you know- hold on! Isak? Is that really you?”
“Sana! It’s been too long!”
As Isak moved to hug his long lost high school biology partner the rest of the guys turned to look at them both in shock.
“You two know each other?” Even questioned, a look of amusement on his face.
“Yeah, we were in the same year at high school. Haven’t seen each other since we graduated.”
Adam smiled, “Well isn’t this a small world.”
“A small world is that out of all the girls, or guys, that Yousef could have dated, he chose my sister.” Elias’ words could have sounded harsh but the small smile on his face betrayed him.
Yousef held his hands up in mock defence as Sana rolled her eyes.
“Come on Elias, out of all the men in the world I’d probably prefer Yousef to be dating my little sister, he’s like the kindest and most romantic person I know.” Mutta said.
“Kindest? Yeah. But most romantic has to go to Even.” Mikael countered, handing two glasses of wine to Even and Isak. Even winked – or well attempted to wink – back.
“So, how long have you guys been together?” Even asked, sipping from his wine.
Yousef and Sana exchanged a look, “About a month now.”
“A month?! And you didn’t think to tell us?! All we got was soppy messages in the groupchat about some mysterious women that he was sure was the love of his life.” At Adam’s statement, Yousef ducked his head to hide his reddening face. Sana simply laughed and quirked an eyebrow at him, Isak could see her eyes sparkling from across the kitchen.
“Okay as fun as embarrassing Yousef is, dinner’s ready so please get out of my kitchen so I can serve it up.” Mikael shooed them all out with his hands into the next room which was set up with a massive circular table in the middle. Isak found himself sat between Even and Sana, who he immediately began catching up with after the years they had spent apart.
The food was great and the table conversation even better. The boys swapped anecdotes and stories, mostly with the purpose of embarrassing Even for Isak’s entertainment – Sana helped balance things up with stories about Isak from high school which had Isak hiding in his hands and Even shaking with laughter.
Though everyone had clearly known each other for a long time, they never made Isak feel unincluded, instead they made sure to direct questions at him and explain any necessary inside jokes. Through the teasing, Isak could tell how much Evens friends cared for Even and for each other and it made Isak miss his own now-dispersed friendship group terribly; he made a mental note to send out a group text later and try and organise a reunion.
Isak found himself laughing more than he can remember in the longest time; in the fresh sting of his breakup he had felt like he could never be as happy as he was again. Now he’s realising that not only can he be that happy but he can also end up even happier. This was a relaxed atmosphere that Isak had never experienced around the dinner table with Erik.
After dessert was over, Isak offered to clear up the plates (he was being a good guest) and Even stood up to help him, following behind him into the kitchen.
“So my friends weren’t scary, right?” Even looked over at Isak with a soft smile on his face which made Isak grin back (it was like some kind of natural reaction, Isak simply couldn’t look at Even smiling without smiling himself... weird).
“Nah, they’re great.” Isak smiled, “Thanks for inviting me here.”
“Don’t mention it, I just wanted to make you happier, get your mind off the break up and everything.” Even’s eye contact with him was almost intense and yet Isak couldn’t look away.
“Well it worked.” Isak said.
Even’s smile grew, “Good, mission accomplished.”
*
Isak left that night with a stomach full of wine, head full of laughter and an invitation from Mutta to come to the next dinner party which would be at his house. He and Even caught the tube home together and parted ways with a brief hug that made Isak feel even warmer than the wine had.
When he opened the door of Eva and Jonas’s flat, he expected them to both be in bed already but they were sat on the sofa watching old Friends reruns and looking suspiciously like they were waiting for him to get back.
Isaks suspicions were confirmed when the TV was turned off and the couples attention redirected at Isak the second he sat down on the chair facing opposite them.
“So…” Jonas said raising an eyebrow at Isak who just looked blankly back.
“So how was the date?” Eva cut in, the excitement clear on her face.
Isak rolled his eyes, “Okay for the 52nd time, it wasn’t a date!”
Jonas and Eva exchanged a look before both rolling their eyes in response. “Look, regardless of whatever your delusional mind wants to label it, how was it?” Jonas leaned forward as if he wanted to catch every syllable of Isaks answer.
“It was fine.” Isak gave a simple answer to annoy them more than anything else, and it worked.
“You better expand on that Valtersen, I didn’t stay up until 1am for the best description word you can come up with to be ‘fine’!” Eva picked up a cushion and made to throw it at Isaks head.
“Alright, alright,” Isak laughed, holding his arms up in defence, “It went really well, I had a great time, I always do with Even.” Jonas raised an eyebrow as a smirk grew on Eva’s face. “Don’t look at me like that! We’re just friends!”
“Look, we’re not trying to push you or anything, it’s just that you’re always happiest after you come home from hanging out with him. We just want you to be happy.” Jonas smiled, still giving Isak an annoyingly knowing look.
His words stayed with Isak as he tried to fall asleep that night. So maybe Jonas was right, Isak was happy when he was with Even.
And okay, maybe Isak’s mind sometimes drifted to what could be if him and Even were more than friends. He was only human after all and who wouldn’t when your new friend was very nice and very funny and extremely gorgeous. And Even did look very huggable and his hands looked like they would be very soft to hold and his lips- well. Isak was sure they’d feel good anywhere.
But Isak didn’t want to ruin this great friendship that he has by starting to think that they could be more, especially when Even never seemed to hint at it.
So they stayed friends and Even continued to be a positive influence in his life. They met for coffee at least once during the week and usually did some kind of fun activity on the weekends (well the activities were normally Even’s version of fun, Isak did not enjoy the spin class he had been dragged to: he was made for science, not exercise). It was Even who made him laugh so hard that some coffee came out his nose one Wednesday morning and it was also Even that encouraged Isak to apply for a veterinary apprenticeship scheme that Isak was eligible for due to his qualifications; it had always been a pipe dream of his but he’d never quite had to guts to see if he could make it happen. Somehow, he gained his confidence with Even sitting beside him and practically making him fill out the application. He had gotten the job as well.
If Isak was being extremely sappy he would say that Even made him want to be a better person and Isak could already feel himself becoming one with just over a month of their friendship. And if Isak was being extremely honest, he wanted to be around Even almost all the time.
So of course, when Even suggested they go out for dinner one Saturday night, Isak says yes. They end up at a small but lively restaurant that overlooks the Thames. It was winter now and the air outside was startlingly cold but inside, next to the restaurants open fire and underneath Evens gaze, Isak felt rather warm.
Isak removed his coat and was just admiring the way the lights from the restaurant were shimmering on the waters surface when Even spoke up. “It’s so pretty, right?” Isak looked back at him to find him too admiring the water. “I’ve tried to photograph it before but it never fully captures the beauty.”
Isak nodded, “Yeah, it’s like when you try and take a photo of the sunset. Sure, the photo can look good but its never as breath-taking.”
“Yes! Exactly! The colours are never quite as vivid.”
Isak hummed in agreement and suddenly Even burst into laughter. Isak regarding him curiously, “What? What’s so funny?”
“Sorry,” Even seemed to find time to catch his breath to shoot Isak a teasing smile, “I just had a conversation with Isak Valtersen about photography. It’s very shocking, you see he’s not very cultured.”
Isak made a sound of dismay, “I’m cultured, thank you very much!”
Even raised one eyebrow, still giggling, “Star Wars isn’t culture Isak.”
And the conversation continues. Even is in the middle of ranting about whatever idiot decided to cancel The Get Down when Isak’s phone starts buzzing. At first he ignores it but it starts buzzing incessantly so Isak fishes it out of his pocket to simply turn it off but instead catches a glimpse of the screen. It was his dad. And it was about his mum.
Apparently, she had had a bad episode and this one was bad enough for her to have been checked into her care facility again. Isak’s heart fell, he didn’t ever like it when she had a bad episode as it meant that she was hurting emotionally but the fact that she’d been taken back into care again meant she’d hurt herself physically this time. Isak wouldn’t be able to visit her until Monday; they didn’t let visitors in when a patient had been recently checked in.
Isak’s mood change must have shown on his face as Even leaned over to squeeze his arm, “Are you okay, Isak? If the sound of my voice makes you that sad, you can just tell me to shut up, you know.”
Isak manages a weak smile in return, “It’s not you, I’m sorry. It’s just… family stuff.”
“You don’t have to apologise,” Even reminds him kindly, “Do you want to talk about it? You don’t have to but it might help?”
Isak took a deep breath and looked back at Even, he never shares things about his family but Even’s face looked so patient and understanding, like he’d listen to everything Isak wanted to say. Maybe Isak could make an exception for him.
“Okay,” Isak paused to take a shaky breath, Even just gave him another small smile and waited for him to continue. “It was my dad texting me to tell me that my mum had to be checked back into her care facility, she had a bad episode. It’s for her own safety, to stop her hurting herself but every time I go to visit her in there she just looks so… so sad and I hate it.”
It felt oddly relieving to finally tell someone how he felt about his mum, he doesn’t even go into detail about this with Jonas.
Even nodded slightly, a strangely blank look on his face, “Is she diagnosed?”
“Yes, she’s got schizophrenia, she was diagnosed when I was 16. Before that my dad left her because it got so hard with no diagnosis, he just had no idea how to care for her. I managed to get her to a doctor. She’s on good medication now which helps her and she’s normally stable, it’s just sometimes she slips again.” Isak looked down to fiddle with the tablecloth, “It’s just I love her so much and I hate knowing she’s confused and probably lonely right now, and there’s nothing I can do to help her. I feel so useless sometimes, like I’m being a bad son or something”
There was a loaded silence after Isak stopped speaking and an apology for talking too much was on the tip of his tongue when Even grasped one of his hands in both of his and squeezed it reassuringly. Isak looked back into his eyes and saw that his blank look was gone, replaced with one almost of admiration. “You’re a really good son Isak, you clearly care for her so much and she must appreciate that more than you could know.”
“You really think so? Sometimes I feel like I could do more to help, you know?” Isak could hear the vulnerability in his tone but Even did nothing to make him feel embarrassed.
“The fact that you’re trying to help her in the first place shows how caring you are. Even in the midst of an episode, she’ll remember that at the back of her mind.”
Something about Even’s words seemed too personal to just be hypothetical advice but Isak didn’t press the matter, “Thank you Even, really. Thanks for listening and helping. Just, thank you.” Isak squeezed his hand back and gave him a smile which Even returned.
Isak assumed that conversation would continue as normal after that but instead Even asked, “Can I tell you about something?” He looked unsettled and nervous which was out of character, Even always seemed so sure of himself.
Isak tried his best not to look too taken aback, “Yeah, sure. Of course.”
“I don’t normally tell people about this, not if I can help it but… well we’ve been friends for a while now and before I can get any closer- I just mean-“ Even was working himself up, speaking faster and faster with each word so Isak cut in.
“Look Even, it’s alright. You can tell me anything and I’ll try to help.”
Even gave a small grimace, “It’s not really something you can help me with. But okay,” He took a deep breath, “I’m bipolar.”
Evens eyes were scanning Isaks face, clearly looking for any kind of bad reaction. It made Isak angry that someone had clearly reacted badly to this before and it had hurt Even so now he was anxious about telling anyone else. Even didn’t deserve to be in any kind of pain.
“Okay.” Isak replied simply.
Even still looked on edge, “Okay? Are you sure? It can get too much sometimes, I’d understand if you’d rather not be around me as much anymore.”
“Yes, of course I’m sure. It doesn’t change how I think about you at all, being bipolar doesn’t completely define who you are. You’re still my funny, supportive friend called Even who knows way too much about movies. As long as you feel like you have the right support and stuff, everything’s good.” Isak gave Even a smile and reached out to squeeze his hand like Even has squeezed his moments earlier.
Isak could almost see the worry drain out of Even’s face and replaced with something akin to awe, “You’re such a great person Isak, I’m glad I met you.”
Isak felt the blush on his cheeks, “And I’m glad I met you.”
*
After they had eaten dinner, Isak found himself being pulled to a boat hire place, just outside the restaurant.
“Even! It’s 21:00! No-one is going to let us hire a boat!”
“Well you’re wrong on two accounts because it’s actually 21:21 and that place is still open.” Even pointed to a tiny hut just in front of them which sure enough still had its lights on and a man sitting at the counter.
So that’s how Isak ended up on a boat in the middle of the Thames on a Saturday night with a blonde giraffe cramped in next to him. It turn out that two six foot and above men aren’t made to fit in a tiny hire canoe.
“In hindsight, this boat is probably too small for both of us.” Even remarked thoughtfully.
Isak snorted, “Yeah, no shit. I’m practically sat in your lap.”
“And I have no problems with that.”
Isak rolled his eyes in an attempt to draw Evens attention away from the blush that was now dancing across his cheeks. “When you say things like that, I’m hardly surprised that my friends think we’re dating.”
Evens eyebrows flicked upwards, “They do?”
Isak nodded his confirmation, “Yep. They wanted me to find someone else. So, when I said that I’d just met a new friend, they kind of jumped on you. Figuratively.”
“Do they think I’m some kind of rebound then?” Even’s words were teasing but still the insinuation unsettled Isak.
Isak was quick to rectify, “No! God, I haven’t thought about Erik in forever.” And it’s true, ever since the night spent with Even’s friends, his ex hadn’t been on his mind at all. Isak had just about admitted to himself that he had feelings for Even but he knew he wasn’t a rebound. A rebound wouldn’t make his heart pound the way Even does. Isak scrunched up his nose, “I hate that word anyways.”
“What? Rebound? I wouldn’t blame you if you were you know, in some ways everyone’s on some sort of rebound. I mean, I am.”
Isak felt himself freeze at Even’s words, “You-You are?” Isak looked over at him and Even just nodded solemnly. Isak tried not to let his mind fill with dread, telling himself that it shouldn’t matter if Even is still hung up on someone. Him and Isak are just friends.
“Oh. Well, who are you on a rebound from then?”
Even sighed, a suffering look painted on his face as he looked straight at Isak. “Her name was Sonja. My whole life pivots around me and her breaking up.” Isak gave a small nod and tried to look understanding as Even continued. “She broke up with me and, well I don’t think I’ve ever been the same since.”
Isak nodded again, his voice quiet, “So when did you two break up?”
“I remember it, clear as day.” Even gave another dramatic sigh. “It was June 25th, 2003. We were six.” A warm feeling filled Isak as he realised Even was joking, it was coupled with annoyance at himself that he had fallen for the ruse.
“Oh my god! I seriously thought you’d just been through a traumatic break up! What the fuck Even!” Isak tried to shove him but Even catches his hand before he manages to, laughing as he does. Isak can’t pretend to stay mad for long because soon he’s laughing too.
“It was traumatic! She left me for Jakob Borgen because he had more crayons than I did.”
Isak just laughed louder at Even’s comment, “You’re ridiculous.”
Even’s eyes were twinkling like the lights on the river, “Maybe.” Even was looking directly into Isaks eyes and he was suddenly aware of how close they were pressed together, chests and noses almost touching. His body seemed hyper aware of Evens presence, the feel of his breath against Isaks face and the pressure of his hand on Isaks thigh. He took a second to move his gaze to Evens lips before returning to his eyes again.
Isak wasn’t too sure what happened because one moment there was several centimetres between them and then suddenly there was none and Even was crashing their lips together. Even slid a hand up to cup Isaks cheek as he ran his tongue along Isaks bottom lip but Isak found himself unable to move. His brain couldn’t seem to focus on anything other than the feeling of Evens mouth on his, something Isak didn’t realise just how much he was craving until now.
It felt good. So, so, so good.
But all too soon Even was pulling away again, leaving Isak quite literally breathless. They simply sat there for a moment, looking at each other and panting, Isaks brain still struggling to catch up.
“You kissed me.” In another situation Isak would be embarrassed at how dumb he sounded.
Even chuckled, “Yeah, I noticed that too.”
Isak found his gaze shifting involuntarily to Evens mouth again, “Do we do that?”
“We can if you want to.” And Even smiled at him so sweetly, with just a touch of nervousness, that Isak found himself closing the gap between them this time.
Isak wasn’t sure how long they sat out, kissing in the middle of the Thames but he does know that the only reason they stopped was because it started absolutely pouring down. With yelps and bubbling laughter, they rowed themselves back to shore and ran for shelter in the closest underground station. They made their way to the platform, kissing on the escalator as they did so which resulted in Even nearly falling off it and into some American tourists. When the train arrived, it was pretty full so they ended up standing, facing each other, almost as close as they were on the boat.
As the train pulled away from the platform and into the tunnel Even raked a hand through Isaks hair. “Your hair looks cute when its wet.”
Isak pretended to pout, “Are you saying I don’t always look cute?”
“Of course you always look cute, you just look extra cute right now.” Isak grinned at him and lifted his chin up, asking for a kiss. When Even happily obliged, Isak felt his smile widen. He felt as light as a feather and even though he was dripping wet, he doesn’t remember the last time he felt this warm.
“Hey, stop smiling. I can’t kiss you properly.” When Even’s demand just had Isak grinning more, he laughs into Isaks mouth and pulls back slightly to bump their noses together.
“You know, I might have invited you over to my house but my flatmate’s home.”
Isak inched forward to press a peck to Evens mouth, “My friends are both in Oslo right now so the flat’s free. If you want to, I mean?”
Even looked at him like Isak had just asked the most stupid question.
When they arrived, Isak gave Even a quick tour around the flat and Even pretended to be interested. He actually was interested in a picture Jonas had framed in the living room of him and Isak from high school but Isak managed to pull Even away and towards the guest bedroom he was currently occupying. As soon as the door closed behind them, they started kissing again. It felt so sweet and not at all rushed, Even was kissing him like they had all the time in the world and Isak guessed they did. He would happily send his whole forever kissing Even like this.
Once they made it to the bed, Even pulled back and looked down at Isak with such an intense look that it had Isak squirming. The look of awe that he had noticed in the restaurant was back and this time it felt magnified.
“Stop looking at me like that.” Isaks voice was quiet, still trying to catch his breath from their kiss.
“Like what?” Even said, just as softly.
“Like I’m the person who put stars in the sky or something.” Isak whispered so quietly he was afraid Even didn’t hear him. But he did.
Even’s grin returned, so wide that the corners of his eyes were adorably crinkled. “I don’t think I know how else to look at you.” He leans down to capture Isak’s lips with his own and Isak let himself melt into the mattress and into Even.
*
After, Isak is wrapped up in his sheets and Even. He can’t remember the last time he was this content. Even is running gentle fingers through his hair as Isak rests his head on Evens chest, basking in the afterglow.
Even is the one to break the comfortable silence, “Tell me something that no-one else knows.”
The question stumps him slightly as he tries to think of something that neither Jonas, Eva or Eskild know about. He comes to something eventually, something he’s never admitted to someone before because he didn’t think anyone would be interested at all.
“I believe in the parallel universe theory.”
Isak can feel Even smile from where his lips are pressed to Isaks crown. “Of course you would relate the question to science.” He teases. “Okay, tell me more about this theory.”
“Well its basically nicknamed the multiverse. It’s a cosmos in which there are multiple universes. And by multiple, I mean, like an infinite number. And each alternate universe carries its own different version of reality. So like they’ll be one where you’re a science nerd and I’m a movie buff. Or one where my bedroom curtains are yellow or something. There’s loads of physics theory behind it but essentially, whenever you make a decision, somewhere in the multiverse you made the opposite choice and so everything from then on is different in that universe. Which is why its infinite, because every choice we’ve ever made could be reversed.” Isak paused, dancing his fingers across Evens lower arm. “It helped me when I was struggling as a teenager. Like even if I made the wrong decision at some point it was okay but a version of me out there made the right one.”
Even hummed, “I’ve never thought about that before.” He tightened his hold around Isaks waist. “What about all those versions of us? What if some of them never meet? That’s sad.”
“Me and you? I think we find each other in all the possible universes.”
The last thing Isak feels before he drifts off is Even kissing the top of his head.
*
When Isak wakes up it’s from the most peaceful and longest sleep he’s had in a while. He can feel warm sunlight on his face, coming through the crack between his curtains, and smell the lingering scent of Even all around him. When he opens his eyes though, the pillow next to him is empty and cold to the touch. He briefly feels abandoned and slightly vulnerable before he spots a bright pink post-it note attached to the duvet:
Sorry, I had to leave early for a doctor’s appointment (you’re extra cute when you sleep too <3 )
Beside the note Even had drawn a little cartoon of Isak, his arms curled around a pillow and a tiny pout on his face. Isak grinned at the note and quickly fished around in his jeans for his phone. Before he could click on Evens contact however, his attention was drawn to the string of texts he had received from Erik the night before that had gone unnoticed.
Erik: Isak I think we should try us again.
Erik: I saw you last night at a restaurant and I realised how much I still love you.
Erik: We were so good together Isak, we can’t just throw that away.
Erik: You need someone who can always support you and I can do that.
Erik: Please baby, let’s give us another try, I don’t think I can live without you
And they went on. For 43 messages.
Isak rolled his eyes and deleted the entire conversation thread. It was typical Erik: he doesn’t spare Isak a second thought until he sees him with someone else. Isak’s happy he never has to see him again.
He scrolls down to click on his conversation with Even.
Isak: thank you for the note :) are you free anytime today? miss you already <3
Was that too clingy? Isak didn’t care, it was the truth and Isak can’t imagine any time soon where he didn’t want to be around Even as much as he could. He flopped back down on his pillow (he actually laid back down on the pillow Even used last night, he smelt good okay) with a grin still plastered on his face. He felt so content with his life right now, he didn’t think it had ever been better than this. Amazing friends, a job he liked AND a gorgeous, sweet maybe-soon-to-be-god-isak-hopes-so boyfriend? He had finally hit jackpot and it felt pretty damn great.
It felt less great when 48 hours later Even still hadn’t replied to his text.
Meanwhile in the other universe…
(AN: lol if you still remember this one, I got carried away on that last section…oops)
Isak felt pathetic. It was a Friday night and he was sat alone on his couch with a microwaveable (and pretty disgusting) lasagne in front of him. He’d been given the night off from the restaurant and he had been looking forward to the chance to maybe go out for dinner or catch a movie with Erik.
Erik however has announced that he has a business trip to go to, all weekend, leaving Isak alone on his night off. It was something about another publisher who wanted to read Erik’s novel. When Isak had asked if it could wait, maybe until next weekend when Isak was working three full shifts and so wouldn’t notice the empty flat, Erik has reminded him again that books don’t write themselves and didn’t Isak want him to achieve his dreams? Did Isak want to be the one to hold him back?
So Isak was alone and wallowing in his own self-pity. There was a time, at university, where every free evening he had would be spent doing something ridiculously fun and probably a little stupid with Jonas. Or his other friends Magnus and Manhdi. Or Eskild. Or Eva and her friends.
However he couldn’t relive these days as Jonas was visiting his sick grandmother in Oslo right now. And Magnus and Mahdi had both moved to New York for jobs. And Eskild was currently on his honeymoon.
But Eva had to work this weekend so she was in London.
She answered on the first ring, “Isak! My favourite blonde!” Even just the sound of her voice coming from his crappy phone speakers made Isak smile, his first proper smile in weeks.
“Eva! Hi! Do you happen to be free right now? To hang out with your favourite blonde and his disgusting shop-bought lasagne?”
“I’m always free for you Issy! I can be there in twenty? Or twenty five if I stop for some wine on the way.”
“See you in twenty five then.”
“Gotcha.”
*
“That looks like cardboard, I don’t think it even deserves the term ‘lasagne’.” Eva kicks her shoes off as she inspects Isak’s mostly untouched dinner with disgust. “Good job I bought some of my homemade stew with me.”
Isak groaned at just the thought of her stew, he honestly thinks that it’s what got him through university. Without it he would have been trying to survive off Pot Noodles. “Eva, I love you.”
“Careful Valtersen, I’m engaged to another man.” Eva winks at him as she hands him a bowl of stew.
They talk as they eat, catching up mostly. Isak complains about his work whilst Eva brings him up to speed on the various wedding plans she’s trying to sort out. She’s mid-way through explaining an argument she had with her mum about not wanting to invite her homophobic uncle when she suddenly gasps.
“The wine!” With her attention clearly diverted from the previous conversation to more important matters, she leaps off the sofa and returns moments later with the chilled bottle of wine and two glasses.
At the sight of the glasses Isak’s stomach lurched as his mind brought him back to the horrible moment with Erik in the kitchen. The hurt must have shown on his face as suddenly Eva was eyeing him with concern.
“Isak? What’s wrong?”
And suddenly it all came spilling out of Isak’s mouth, he told her about everything from the wine glass incident to Erik’s outburst to the awkward atmosphere that’s existed ever since.
“Wait, you’re telling me that he blamed the whole situation on you being dramatic?”
Isak thought about it for a second before nodding, “Well yeah, but he was right I mean-“
“Isak you had every right to ask him about that! You were confused and tired from working all those shifts to pay rent, whilst he sits here and earns nothing by the way, so the least he could have shown you was some patience!”
Isak was about to come to Erik’s defence when he realised Eva had a point. Erik had blamed the whole upset on him, hadn’t even apologised for his aggressive outburst and just made Isak feel so useless and weak. Surely that’s not how you should feel in a relationship.
“Yeah, you might be right. But anyway, it’s been hard lately, for both of us I’m sure.” Isak tries to justify.
“Maybe so but that’s no excuse to make your partner feel like Erik made you feel, and not apologise!” Eva spoke in such an angry way that she was almost spitting. “Argh! He’s such a dick, I knew I never liked him for a reason.”
Isak snapped his eyes to hers, “Wait… you never liked him?”
Eva looked slightly sheepish but nodded, “It wasn’t like I ever hated him, I just didn’t get the best vibe from him. You seemed happy enough though so I didn’t say anything.” Eva tightened the arm she has slung around his shoulder. “I just don’t think he always treats you the way you deserve.”
Isak looked down, not knowing what to do with this information. Alongside Jonas, Eva was a person whose opinion mattered to him the most. If she didn’t like Erik, this was a huge warning sign for him.
He leaned his head on Eva’s shoulder, “So what should I do?”
Eva rested her head on top of his, “Confront him with it, tell him how he made you feel and how that’s not okay.”
Isak nodded at her words, “I can do that.” He paused before adding, “I really do love you Eva – no hetro.”
“Love you too.”
Meanwhile in the other universe….
Isak felt pathetic. Even hadn’t contacted him in any shape or form since their night together last Saturday and he was sat here pining after him like some ridiculous lovesick teenager. It wasn’t as if Isak needed to see him every single day, he wasn’t possessive, but a simple text to let him know they were okay and everything was good would be nice. Especially after they had slept together, the fact that Even had fallen off the radar ever since filled him with unease. Isak had felt so light and happy that night and he craved to have the feeling again.
The lack of communication had sent Isak’s brain into overdrive, his ugly insecurities rearing their heads once more. What if Even didn’t return the feelings Isak had? Maybe his heart didn’t start pounding out of his chest when he saw him or maybe he didn’t break out into an involuntary smile whenever he so much as thought of him. Maybe he’d lost interest after Saturday night, maybe Isak couldn’t kiss very well, maybe he was boring to talk to.
Ultimately though he just needed to know Even was okay. Isak cared about him so much, no matter if his feelings were returned or not, he still cared. Even was like a bright ray of sunshine into his life and without him around everything seemed a lot gloomier.
On the next Friday morning (71 days since he’d first met Even, not that Isak was counting or anything) the weather seemed to match his mood. Constant rain was pouring out of the sky causing Isak to get soaked from just his short walk from the flat to the underground station. He was trying to wring out his coat whilst waiting for a train on the platform when he spotted Yousef right in front of him.
“Hey! Yousef!” He turned around at his name and offered Isak a smile.
“Isak! Hey man! Horrible weather today right?” Yousef stepped aside slightly to make room for Isak to stand next to him.
“Yeah, it’s disgusting. I hate rain more than anything.” Isak joined in the polite conversation.
“Same! Both Mikael and Even say they love it but I really can’t see the appeal.”
Isak feels himself freeze slightly at Evens name but quickly recovers when he realises that Yousef might know something he doesn’t.
“Hmm, yeah. But can I ask you something? Have you heard from Even recently? It’s just that he’s not been replying to my messages for almost a week now and I’ve been wondering if he’s alright?”
Yousefs eyes widened slightly and he coughed before replying, looking down to avoid Isaks eyes, “Um yeah, he’s fine, don’t worry. He’s just on a, uh, business trip right now, so that might be why he’s not getting in touch.”
At that moment Isaks train pulled into the platform so he was forced to quickly say goodbye to Yousef and leave him on the platform.
Isak hadn’t learnt anything more about how Even was from the conversation but he had learnt that Yousef was a terrible liar. Which begs the question, what had Isak done so wrong, how had he offended Even so badly that he was now ignoring him and asking his friends to lie as to why? Isak’s not sure he wants to know the answer.
That night Isak does what he always does when he doesn’t know the answer to something, be it a maths problem, how to cook rice without burning it or, in this case, how he’d managed to scare someone away after just one night: sulk.
Eva comes home to him sitting on the couch, wrapped in a blanket with a tub of cookie dough ice cream balanced on his lap.
“Is this the kind of small problem where I can share that tub with you or is it larger scale and so you need it to yourself?”
“I messed up things with Even.” At his words Eva immediately dropped her bags to come and sit next to him, drawing Isak in to rest his head on her shoulder.
“What happened issy?”
“I don’t even know, that’s the worst thing. He hasn’t been in contact with me at all and then I saw one of his friends today and they made up some lie about how he’s on a business trip when he obviously just doesn’t want to see me.”
Eva sighed, “I’m sorry, I know you really like him.”
“I do.” It’s the first time he’s admitted it out loud and it only makes the pain worse.
Eva strokes his hair as she talks, “You deserve so much happiness Isak, I’m sure you’ll find it soon. But until then, let’s sit here, eat cookie dough and watch GBBO together, yeah?”
*
Eva lets him have a night of moping but the next morning she’s adamant that he should get out of the flat. Smell the fresh air, listen to the birds or some bullshit. Isak doesn’t have the strength to argue with her so he wraps himself up in a coat and red scarf and makes his way to the local park. Maybe he’ll see a squirrel, he likes them.
He ends up seeing one before he even reaches the park. It’s perched on the top of a fence, its bushy tail high in the air. Isak is about to reach for his phone to take a photo when he crashes into someone.
And of course.
Even is wearing about five layers of jackets and hoods, his quiff just about poking out from underneath it all. His cheeks are blushed adorably pink in the cold air and his blue eyes are wide as they take in Isak. God, Isak wants to kiss him.
“Isak.” It’s more of a breath than a word and Isak feels his heart shake slightly at the sound.
He can’t think of anything to say. The Isak of his dreams would say something eloquent and witty, something to make Even instantly fall in love with him. “Hi.”
There’s a pause, it’s probably only a few seconds but it feels like hours. Even opens his mouth, probably to make pointless conversation about the weather but Isak can’t stand the thought of awkward small talk, not considering their normal ease of conversation, so he beats him to speaking.
“Why haven’t you been in touch?” It sounds dumb and pathetic but Isak just needs to know. Even doesn’t reply so he pushes on, “What did I do wrong? Please tell me so I can at least apologise.”
Even lets out the breath he was apparently holding, “Oh Isak, no, it was nothing you did. You did absolutely nothing wrong, you were perfect. Maybe that’s the problem.”
And now Isak was even more confused. “What?”
Even sighed again, shifting the weight between his feet uncomfortably. “I saw the texts on your phone, from Erik. I didn’t mean to, I only wanted to check the time when I woke up but they were all over your lockscreen. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to snoop.”
Isak screwed up his nose in confusion, Even still wasn’t making any sense. “Even, you know I’m over Erik. Our relationship was dead for about 9 months before we broke up.”
“That’s not it.” Even scuffed his shoe on the ground, still yet to make direct eye contact with Isak. “I saw this one text about how you deserve someone who can always support you and, I know he’s a dick, but he was right about that. And I can’t so that. When I’m depressed, I can barely make it out of bed, let alone be a support to you. You should be given the whole world Isak and I can’t give you that all the time, not like you deserve.”
Isak blinks at Evens statement and, not knowing how else to react, he takes Evens face in both of his hands to make sure he’s looking at him properly. “Even, I meant it when I said that your mental illness doesn’t define you. I don’t need someone who can give me constant support. Sure, I need to lean on someone sometimes but I can support myself. What I want is someone who can always make me happy, someone who can always cheer me up no matter how down I am. And that’s what you do Even. No one does that better than you.” Isaks voice gets a little teary at the end but he refuses to let any tears fall, he needs Even to understand what he’s saying. He needs Even.
Even blinks back, a little disbelievingly, “Really?”
Isak nudges his nose with Even’s, “Yes. And for the record, you’ve been more supportive for me in the short time I’ve known you than Erik was in the three years we were together.” Even gives a small smile at his words and Isak can’t hold himself back anymore. This boy makes him so weak. He leans up to capture Evens lips with his own. It’s short but sweet and has them both grinning when they pull away.
“I’m sorry for not texting you back or answering your calls. I should have just talked to you about it.”
Isak curls his hand in the curls at the nape of Even’s neck before nudging their noses together once more, it’s almost an action of comfort for him now. “That’s okay. Just text me back next time, even if it’s just an octopus emoji.”
“Can it be that weird emoji of a stone statue? Because you rock my world, you know.”
Isak lets out a bright laugh which has Even kissing him again, “As long as text me back, I’m good. I’ll warn you that I can be a very clingy boyfriend.”
Even raises his eyebrows in the trademark way he always does, “Boyfriend, huh?”
Isak shrugs in reply, well as much as he can with his arms wrapped around Even’s neck, “If you want to.”
“I would love to.” Even kisses him on both cheeks, his nose and then his mouth again. “I’m going to take you on a fancy date tonight, even fancier than those milkshakes we went for.”
“Nothing is fancier than milkshakes.”
Even drops his hands from where they’ve been resting on Isaks waist to take his hands. “Come on then, let’s go right now.”
And of course Isak follows him. He’d follow Even anywhere.
Meanwhile in the other universe…
Isaks hands are shaking but he’s determined to do this. To confront Erik and finally stand up for himself. Erik had come home from the library 10 minutes ago and straight away sat on the sofa and turned on the TV with just half a nod to Isak and a hurried, “Hello”, on his way.
Isak picks up the remote and flicks off the TV to get Eriks attention. And it works.
“Isak? What are you doing? I want to see the football scores.” Erik is looking at him impatiently and is already reaching for the remote when Isak moves out of his reach.
“No, we need to talk first.”
Erik sighs and rolls his eyes slightly, “What is there to talk about now?”
“I wanted to talk about the thing with the wine glasses-“
Erik cut him off. “Isak! That was over a month ago now, let it go!”
“No! I won’t! I still don’t understand what happened then! You made it all out to be my fault when I did nothing at all!”
“You’re making a massive situation out of nothing, okay? When I say nothing happened, you need to believe me, that’s what a good relationship is supposed to be! It makes me sad when you don’t trust me.”
And there he goes again, turning it all on Isak. But before Isak can speak again Erik continues.
“Look, I think you need to calm down. I’ll go make us some tea.” And with that he walks off to the kitchen, leaving Isak alone and angrier than before.
Something from a psychology lecture he had years ago in university comes floating back to him, something his professor had said about criminals. When someone is guilty, they’ll often try and shift blame quickly to someone else and make themselves sound the victim; someone with nothing to hide never acts overly defensive.
And it makes sense in this situation. Erik getting more defensive than he should of over just a wine glass. Making Isak sound like the one ruining their relationship.
He was guilty. He was having an affair.
Once the realisation dawned on him, all the odd behaviour from the past several months made sense too. The weird phone calls in the kitchen to his “mum”. The hours at the “library”. His business trips to “see his publisher”. It had all been bullshit.
But… what if he really was overexaggerating? Maybe he was reading too much into this. It all made Isaks brain hurt.
Suddenly their home phone sprung into life, ringing loudly right beside Isak. As a natural reaction, Isak picked it up, “Hello?”
“Erik? Baby, it’s me, Alex. You left your jacket at my place this morning. Are you free tomorrow evening to come and pick it up? I can do that think you like in the shower again-“
Erik chose this moment to walk into the living room, “Who’s calling?”
Isak lowers the phone from his ear, “It’s Alex, he wants to know if you can collect the jacket you left at his place this morning. What shall I tell him?” Isaks voice is dangerously calm.
Eriks eyes widen so much it looks like they’re going to pop out of his head. “Isak, I can explain-“
“Fuck you Erik.” Isak simply drops the phone onto the sofa and picks up his phone, wallet and jacket. “Jonas will be along tomorrow for my stuff.”
And with that he leaves the flat, slamming the door behind him.
Maybe he should feel upset or angry. Maybe if he had found out about the cheating another way, like catching Erik in the act, he might have been but he only feels relief at this exact moment. He only wished he had found out sooner somehow, so he could have wasted less of his time.
Maybe the other feelings would come later but right now, he was finally free of a relationship that had only been strangling him. Tomorrow he could quit all his horrible jobs and search for something he really wanted without the loom of supporting another person hanging over him. It’s like he could finally breathe again.
He made his way down the street and into the tube station. Eva had already offered her place if anything with Erik went wrong and he knew both her and Jonas would be home right now so he made his way to their stop.
It was only a short journey and within 20 minutes he was outside again and making his way to his friends flat. His phone was buzzing with multiple missed calls from Erik; Isak took out his phone to block his number when he bumps into someone who’s going fast in the opposite direction and it sends his phone flying out his hands.
“Fuck!” Isak exclaimed, scrambling to pick it up again. Another hand beat him to it.
“I’m so sorry! Look if its cracked I’ll help pay for a new screen.” Isak accepts the phone being handed to him and turns it over to thankfully see a fully intact screen.
“It’s all good, no damage done.” He raises his line of sight to reassure the stranger that everything was okay and was met with the face of a rather beautiful, blonde man.
“Really, I’m sorry for bumping into you. My friends say I have too much energy, I need to start slowing down.” The man gives him a small smile which Isak finds himself giving back.
“And my friends tell me I don’t ever have enough energy. Maybe we could trade.” It’s a small joke but the stranger laughs loudly, filling the street with the sound. Isak finds himself wanting to hear it again.
“That sounds like a good deal. Could I have your hair too? I’ve always wanted curls and mines all boring and straight.”
“Sounds like your hair is the opposite to me then.” Isak can’t believe he just said that, to a stranger, but it draws the mans laugh out again so it’s worth the blush now spread across his cheeks.
“Can I treat you to a milkshake? As an apology for bumping into you and nearly killing your phone.” The man smiles sweetly, “I’m Even by the way.”
“I’m Isak and sure, I’d like that.”
And in both universes…
Even is leaning over the booth table, telling a story about the latest film he saw with such passion that it makes his eyes sparkle. He’s grinning but his grin widens whenever he looks directly at Isak and Isak can feel his smile widening as a result too. Evens eyes are crinkly and his hair is falling into them and Isak knows that this is exactly where he’s meant to be. Right here with this boy.
THE END