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Jesse held a torch in his left hand, and his diamond sword in his right. The sun has just set, and monsters are coming out. He looked over to his right, and Lukas was holding his bow and arrow, hiding behind a tree. A few feet behind him on top of a tree, Olivia looked into the distance, squinting. Petra was to Jesse’s left, gripping her golden sword and wiping a stain off of her armor. Rain poured upon them, and the ground was already muddy and puddles were forming.
“That way is Beacontown! Thank goodness we didn’t stray too far,” Olivia said to the group. They had gotten a tad bit lost while they were adventuring, and now it was dark. Jesse gave a thumbs up to Olivia.
“Nice work! Okay gang, try not to get hurt. We’ll rush through all the mobs and arrive home. We got this!” Jesse said, giving a smile of encouragement. Everyone else smiled, and they all got ready to fight. Lukas drew his bow back as Olivia fumbled with hers. Petra readied her sword and Jesse jumped back and forth to prepare himself, and get his blood running.
“Alright, lets go!” he yelled, and the group ran to attack the mobs that stood in their way. Lukas and Olivia struck down multiple mobs while Petra seemed to fly through crowds of zombies and spiders, slashing and stabbing almost magically with her dexterity. Jesse, meanwhile, tripped and shoved mobs while he killed them with his enchanted sword. The group seemed to work in sync, helping each other at every given opportunity. They kept pushing onwards, and soon Lukas was at Jesse’s side with his iron sword. They looked at each other and smiled, before they both looked away to continue fighting. Jesse could feel warmth on his cheeks - was he blushing? But why? He decapitated a zombie, then looked back at Lukas. He was completely focused on the battle and was shooting his bow to help out Petra. Jesse looked him over - the armor specifically tailored for him, looking almost too tight. His short but flowy blonde hair wet with rainwater, and his gentle eyes sharp as he focuses on the battlefield. He felt his cheeks flush yet again, and quickly looked away to focus on the situation at hand again.
Soon, the group made it close enough to Beacontown where they ditched the battle and ran home. The gates soon opened and closed behind them, enclosing them in safety. They stopped to catch their breath. There weren’t many people out, but the few who were out at this time cheered at the groups. Olivia, Jesse and Lukas smiled and waved to the small crowd - they were used to the fans by now. Petra waved briefly before standing straight up and turning to the group.
“Well, that was fun. I’ll head back to base now. I’m beat,” she said. Olivia looked towards Jesse and Lukas.
“I’ll head back too. I need to wash off this mud and sweat. Plus, it's awfully cold with all this rain, and I need to get back to Redstonia tomorrow and help out Ellegaard,” she said, holding her hand out to catch some rain drops. Jesse nodded, and waved one last goodbye to the crowd before departing. Lukas followed close behind him, and Jesse subconsciously slowed to walk next to him.
“Hey, Jesse. That was fun! I love hanging out and adventuring with you… guys. Heh, yeah. All of you,” he said, correcting himself quickly. Jesse didn’t think too much of it, and laughed.
“Yeah, me too. I’m glad you’re sticking around the Order Hall more. It really brings more light to the place. Or, well, uh. Excitement? Energy? You know what I mean,” Jesse stammered. Now it was Lukas’ turn to laugh, and he smiled thankfully.
“Thanks, Jesse. Now come on, let’s hurry up, we’re getting drenched.” Lukas said, and the two ran across the city to the Order Hall. Ivor was waiting outside, fidgeting with his hands. When he saw the two approaching, he waved to them.
“Ah, finally! I was wondering when you two would finally arrive. It’s pouring buckets, what took you two so long?!” he yelled, but he smiled, showing that he doesn’t mean to offend. Lukas laughed and reached to give Ivor a pat on the shoulder before remembering he is drenched wet so gives a thumbs up instead. Ivor chuckles and opens the door to the Order Hall, gesturing to let them inside. The two enter, and Ivor immediately physically cringes.
“Wait, shit! You’re getting the floor dirty! Get to the dressing room, you’re making the place a mess!” he yelped, closing the door behind them and running off somewhere to get a mop and cleaning supplies. Jesse and Lukas looked at each other before shrugging and rushing to the dressing quarters, trying not to get water and mud from their shoes everywhere.
They enter and Jesse immediately kicks his muddy boots off, sitting on a chair to take off his armor. Lukas takes his goggles and jacket off, placing them on a chair. Jesse quickly looks him over once more, before noticing just how soaked he was. He tossed off the rest of his armor and grabbed a towel, playfully dropping it over Lukas’ head.
“Heyy! I can’t see!” Lukas laughed. Jesse laughed too before grabbing the towel again and drying off Lukas’ hair. It took him a solid minute to realize what he was doing and he blushed, but then Lukas grabbed another towel and turned around. Jesse blushed even more, until Lukas cupped his face with the towel in hand, drying his face and hair off.
“You’re still soaking wet. You’d think you would dry yourself off first before me, haha!” he said. Jesse tried to say something, but just nodded and blushed. He looked at the other’s hair, now damp and all over the place. It seemed to glow in the light, and his eyes soon drifted down to his lips. He eventually leaned closer to Lukas, and he noticed Lukas leaning towards him. He panicked, his heartbeat in his ears and breath quickening. Then Lukas seemed to also realize what was happening, and backed away, his face as red as an apple.
“Shit- fuck- uh- I uh. Sorry, that was. Uh. Sorry, I didn’t mean to-” he stammered. Jesse covered his face with his hands.
“No no no- it’s okay, it’s uh. Sorry,” he stuttered. Lukas opened his mouth to say something, but blushed and turned around to continue changing into his everyday clothes. Jesse did the same, when he realized the shirt he wears underneath all his armor was wet as well. He shrugged and took it off, looking around for his spare shirt. Lukas seemed to notice this, and grabbed Jesse’s spare shirt from the chair that was next to him.
“Here,” he said, handing Jesse the shirt. He raised his eyebrows in surprise, and took the shirt with a dopey grin.
“Haha, thanks,” he said. Then Lukas noticed something - two faint scars on Jesse’s chest. He thought they were battle scars, but they were strangely familiar.
“Hey, what's the story behind those?” he asked, pointing to the scars. Jesse looked down.
“Oh! These? They’re post operation scars. From my top surgery. They healed rather nicely!” he beamed. Lukas tilted his head, confused.
“What’s that mean?” he asked curiously.
“Oh, I never told you! Well, I’m transgender. It, uhh, means I don’t identify with the gender I was given at birth. So I got top surgery so I can feel more like myself!” he explained. He felt slightly nervous, waiting for Lukas’ reaction, but he felt proud of himself. Lukas stood still, processing this new information, then he replied.
“That’s really cool! I’m so happy for you! However you choose to express yourself I’ll still lo- follow you!” he beamed. Jesse’s face lit up as well, and he quickly put his shirt on and hugged Lukas. He hugged back, and the two felt their faces flush once again. They hugged for a few more seconds, before they both decided to resume redressing and drying, tossing dirty clothes into the laundry basket in the room. Lukas left the room first, and Jesse soon followed, and he was greeted by Ivor standing outside leaning against the wall, grinning.
“Did it go well in there?” he asked, almost sarcastically. Jesse scoffed.
“Shut up…” he said lightheartedly.
[extremely convenient time skip]
Jesse felt the sun shine on his face, and he opened his eyes, almost immediately shutting them again. He stretched, sitting up in his bed. He was in his bedroom in the living quarters of the Order Hall. He rubbed his eyes after a well deserved rest, getting out of bed. Outside, the sun was rising, and morning had started. Jesse walked to the bathroom, grabbing his toothbrush and toothpaste, and starting his daily morning routine. It felt like the same everyday, and he was glad that he could go out on adventures with his friends. It made him feel like things were changing. And, well, they did, when they all became heroes. But after that, everything seemed to move by like a slow blur. He looked at himself in the mirror, his hair messy on one side but flat on the other. He spit out the toothpaste and washed his face, grabbing his comb and styling it like usual. He exited the bathroom, opening his dresser drawer and taking out one of the many pairs of suspenders he owned. He put it on and stretched once more. It’s a new day, he thought. Maybe I could hang out with my friends again. Olivia is probably headed back to Redstonia, so I could hang out with Ivor, Petra or Lukas.
He thought about Lukas again. About how fun it’d be to hang out with him. How fun it’d be to go out to places with him. To hold his hand. To stare into his oh so beautiful eyes. To-
Jesse kept thinking. He stood thinking for about three minutes. His head was filled with thoughts about Lukas. He knew he felt this way for a while - since he gave him the cookie in the dirt hut, way back when the Witherstorm was just a few hours old, when they had no other option but to run. He had never felt this way before, and was confused. As their adventures continued, so did his feelings for Lukas. He never told anyone, and only truly realized what his feelings meant after they had beaten the Witherstorm, and some of the group went to their own respective journeys and places. He and Lukas had grown distant, but he was glad he was sticking around now. He wondered if there was any way to progress their relationship. To become… more than friends? Boyfriends? He blushed at the thought, but was interrupted by knocking from down the hall.
Confused, Jesse walked out of his room and down the long hallway that led to the entrance, past the trophy room. He approached the door, and caught a glimpse of blonde hair from the glass opening in the door. He could recognize it from miles away. Lukas looked through the glass, and smiled when he saw Jesse approaching. Jesse unlocked and opened the door, smiling as well.
“Hey, Lukas. What’re you doing here? The Order Hall opens to the public at 9:30. Is something wrong?” Jesse asked, tilting his head.
“Oh, no, not at all. I, er, just wanted to come ask if you wanted to hang out today? Just the two of us?” he asked, putting his hands in his pockets and leaning to one side casually, trying to shrug off the slight blush on his cheeks. Jesse’s face lit up, and he looked away bashfully.
“Of course! Where- or, what were you thinking?” he blushed, scratching the back of his head. Lukas paused for a second, eyebrows raised.
“...well. I don’t know. I didn’t think that far ahead,” he said, laughing. Jesse laughed too, then thought for a second. Wait he didn’t think that far ahead why not did he just want to hang out with me but why does he like me too theres no way is there maybe oh god oh fuck
“Are you alright, Jesse?” Lukas asked. Jesse blinked, snapping out of his trance. Lukas was looking directly at him, concern in his eyes.
“Oh! Uh. Yeah, I’m alright. Anyway - places to go… er. Fishing, maybe? I haven’t been fishing in a while,” Jesse thought.
“Fishing! I haven’t gone fishing since… before Endercon! I’ll go get my enchanted rod, where do you wanna meet up?” the blonde said, eyes sparkling with excitement.
“Hmm.. I know a nice spot outside of town. Maybe we could meet up at town square, then I can lead us there!” Jesse exclaimed, heart racing with excitement at the thought.
“Sounds great! I’ll be there in, uh. 15 minutes!” Lukas said bashfully, quickly running off to hide the blush steadily growing on his face. Jesse didn’t mind, because he was also a blushing mess. His mind raced even faster than his heartbeat, and he clapped his hands together happily before running back to his room.
He should probably dress up nice. But they’re literally going fishing, he shouldn’t wear clothes he isn’t willing to get dirty. But if he dressed messily, Lukas might think he didn’t care. But if he didn’t dress differently at all, he might look lazy. Eventually, he settled on a DIFFERENT black tee with blue suspenders and a bowtie. He thought he looked quite fancy, grabbed his fishing pole from one of his chests, and exited his room. As he walked down the hallway, he spotted Ivor leaning against the trophy room doorway, sipping from a cup of tea.
“Busy day?” he asked, smirking. Jesse scoffed.
“Very. Hey, also, rhetorical question, but… do you have any relationship advice?” he asked, nervously tapping his foot. Ivor thought.
“I would say be yourself, but we all know that never helps. Hmm… just give it your best. Don’t fuck it up. Be nice. I don’t know, do I look like I’ve been in a relationship?” he said, slightly frowning. Jesse considers asking what the fuck was between him and Soren then, but decides against it.
“Alright, thanks Ivor. I gotta get going now,” he said, rushing to leave so he doesn’t end up late.
“Thanks for what?? I didn’t say anything mind blowing! Also, good luck!” Ivor called after him. Jesse gripped his fishing rod, running down paved paths and roads until he got to town square. He panted and sat down on a bench, looking around, until he looked at the clock. He was 5 minutes early. He breathed a sigh of relief, taking the time to relax and catch his breath.
Soon, he spotted Lukas looking around in a crowd. He waved to him, and the blonde smiled when he saw him. Walking over, he showed off his enchanted fishing rod.
"Check this out! I first enchanted it when I was still with the Ocelots. It's got unbreaking, luck of the sea, and… a couple more that I can't remember," Lukas rambled. Jesse listened intently, softly smiling at him. Lukas blinked, focusing back on the topic.
"Anyways, you said you knew a place?" he inquired.
Jesse nodded and said, “Yeah, follow me!” He quickly turned and jogged to the entrance and exit of Beacontown, checking behind him to make sure Lukas was following. They made eye contact, and Jesse giggled.
“Race ya!” he yelled.
“Hey, no fair! I don’t even know where we’re going!”
“Even better!” Jesse called, grinning wildly as he ran out of the town, into flower fields and plains until he got to a large lake surrounded by oak trees and plains. He stopped, panting, and sat down. Lukas wasn’t far behind, but seemed to have paused. Jesse stood up, looking for Lukas, when he saw him in the flower field several meters away. He tilted his head, and Lukas soon stood up and turned around. Upon seeing Jesse he smiled, running back towards him with a bundle of roses in his hands.
“Here! I found these. I, uh, know you really like them, and then I saw some of them and thought it’d be nice,” he stammered, blushing heavily. Jesse also blushed, starstruck and head over heels in love for this man.
“Thank you,” he stuttered, and took the flowers. He was blushing wildly, mind racing. He really just went out of his way to do that for me??? For ME??? Does he like me too??? He thought. Lukas smiled, and pat Jesse on the shoulder. The two turned and returned to the pond. Jesse held the flowers in the crook of his arm and casted his fishing rod’s line, having already baited it. Lukas stood behind him, fumbling to get his hook baited. He soon joined Jesse, standing next to him, almost too close. But it felt so… comfortable. After a few minutes of silence, Lukas cleared his throat.
“I, uh, kind of wanted to talk to you about something,” he said nervously. Jesse tensed. What could he possibly want to say? His mind raced, thinking of every possible bad situation.
“What’s up?” he asked, gripping his fishing rod nervously.
“It’s nothing bad, at least, I think. It’s just… I’ve been thinking about saying this for a while, but I could never find the words or the courage, so I thought I’d just say it now before I bottle it up forever.”
Jesse waited anxiously, tapping his foot. Lukas seemed to struggle with his words before sighing and looking at Jesse.
“I like you. You’re so brave and kind and you’ve always been there for me. I didn’t know what my feelings were at first, but now I’m sure. Everytime I see you, my heart flutters and it thrills me to go on adventures with you. I just… I really like you. And I want to stay together, if you want,” he gushed, reeling in his rod and putting it down before turning to Jesse completely. The brunette stared in awe and soon a grin grew on his face. He dropped his fishing rod as well, waving his fists up and down rapidly in excitement and happiness.
"I like you too!! I didn't know if I should have said anything, but I'm glad you did!" he squealed, and Lukas beamed as well, giggling. The two were glad that they were able to express their feelings, and Lukas held Jesse's cheek in his hand. Jesse immediately froze, staring into the other's eyes.
Lukas asked, "Is it okay if we kiss? I've been wanting to do so for a while." Jesse immediately nodded, and Lukas held his chin gently, leaning in and kissing him.
As soon as their lips connected, Jesse could feel his heart skip a beat, and the butterflies in his stomach flew wildly. He softly smiled, lifting his free hand (the other was still clutching the roses) to hold Lukas' face as well, before it trailed back to stroke his short yet soft and smooth hair. Each second felt like an eternity, and he wished the moment would never end. Eventually, Lukas pulled away, a grin plastered across his face.
He laughed. "I'm so glad I finally got to do that."
"Me too," said Jesse, still starstruck. The two held hands, and suddenly they heard rustling behind them. They jumped, and unsheathed their weapons, preparing to fight. They expected a creeper hiss, or even a zombie groan, but what they heard instead were giggles and shushes.
Then suddenly, a very familiar voice yelled, "HA! I knew it!"
"Ivor! Shut up!" said another.
"You can't tell me to shut up! You shut up!"
"Guys…" whispered a new voice.
Jesse's face became a whole new shade of bright red and he quickly put his sword away. Lukas carefully approached the foliage before poking it with an arrow.
"Ow! What the fuck!" yelped Ivor, jumping out from the bush. Petra and Olivia soon followed suit, giggling. Ivor brushed himself off and cleared his throat.
"You all owe me a diamond!" he yelled.
"No, we all bet the same thing!" said Olivia, putting her hands on her hips. Lukas stood dumbfounded, and Jesse walked up next to him, and cleared his throat. Everyone turned to him.
"What's going on?" he asked, crossing his arms and hoping the three would simply forget what happened in the last five minutes. Unfortunately, they didn't.
"We all bet you two were going out on a date, so we wanted to see what would happen," explained Petra.
"Yes, and thank goodness! It seemed like it would be AGES before you two finally confessed to each other! I had to sit through ALL of the romantic tension!" complained Ivor. Jesse hid his face in his hands. Lukas finally put his bow and arrows away, avoiding all eye contact. Ivor, Petra and Olivia continued bantering, and Jesse looked up at Lukas, who also looked over at Jesse. The two started to smile, their embarrassment washing away.
"Hey, listen, I know this sounds sappy, but… as long as I have you, I don't care what anyone says. I'm happy," said Lukas. Jesse slightly gasped, beaming with glee.
"I love you, Lukas."
"I love you too, Jesse."