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Lake
Lake was no stranger to the lake. It was perfect, pristine, and right next to Jesse’s house. They and Jesse would spend many a sunny afternoon by its side, preferably with a cold treat of some description. The two of them would spend hours there talking, playing a game, or when there were no words to be said, just dozing in the light, enjoying each other’s company.
Maybe Lake enjoyed his company a little too much.
They had always been able to enjoy conversation with Jesse without problem, but whenever he held their hand, which was quite often, or when he pulled them into a hug, or when he looked at them like that, with the caring eyes and the soft smile, Lake felt butterflies in their stomach soaring, and a dark grey glow taking over every part of their cheeks. But why? They didn’t like him. They were best friends, through and through, and Lake wouldn’t change that for the world. He was their only friend. They were inseparable.
I can’t be without him. Not again.
Jesse
The lake was always the highlight of Jesse’s week. He had been going down there since he could crawl, but now that Lake was here, it was different. No longer was he just going down to watch over his brother, or to practice swimming. He had a friend. Someone who actually wanted to talk to him and hang out with him, not just to get them out of trouble if the need arose. Not once had Jesse ever had to make excuses for Lake, or convince himself that it was fine, and that he should be grateful they’re even hanging out with a trans person like him, because he didn’t need to. Because they liked him.
But Jesse liked them in a different way.
Ever since that first “friends by association”, Jesse had been enthralled by Lake. Their attitude, conviction, independence, but also their sweetness under the metallic surface, made him weak in the knees. The fact that Lake cared about and trusted him made Jesse feel loved in a way he couldn’t even describe. When Lake had been confused about their gender identity, Jesse had been the first one they came to! At this very lake! Jesse had told them excitedly about his own trans past, and explained the many gender identities that they could feel comfortable with. This was when Lake decided they were nonbinary, and now they were happier than ever. And when Lake was happy, he was happy. But everyday his feelings grew stronger, and it was starting to get to him. He needed to say something, to ease the growing nerves in every part of his body. But then he risked losing them.
I can’t be without them. Not again.
An awkward silence filled the air, something usually uncommon at the lakeside. They were both wrapped in their gay little thoughts, neither sure what to say to break the ice.
Well, when all else fails, talk about the train. Jesse thought. Ol’ reliable.
“Soooooooo, how do you think Alan Dracula is doing?” He asked, taking Lake by surprise. They had been trying to create some reason for chromium to be associated with love.
However, they snickered. “Probably off with some new human to put sunglasses on him!
Jesse put on a jokingly mortified face. “How dare you talk about our baby like that! He would never!”
Lake was laughing now. “Oh please, he murdered that fleck with no remorse! You think he’s gonna stay loyal to us because you took a few selfies with him?”
Jesse gasped. “Man, I forgot he did that!” He shrugged. “It was all to protect you though, so I guess it counts as self-defense?”
Lake froze. It was all to protect you though. Sometimes they forgot just how much Jesse risked to get them off the train, nearly being killed. Lake may be the stronger and tougher of the two of them, but Jesse’s compassion went miles.
They couldn’t describe how much they loved him.
Feeling a sudden surge of affection, Lake put their hand on Jesse’s shoulder, rubbing it slightly. Jesse was quite taken aback. Lake’s shows of affection were few and far between, and certainly not during what he thought had been a normal conversation.
“Hey, I really don’t tell you enough how thankful I am for you. You’re such a great friend, you got me off the train, I mean you literally went on it a second time just for m-”
Theypaused. “Wait, Jesse, how did you get on the train a second time?” From what they had known about the train, it only came on when you needed to fix your own problems, not tie up any loose ends from your last visit. Jesse had learnt and grown, and gotten his number down to 0. There was no reason for him to be back, right?
Jesse looked just as confused. “I... really don’t know actually. I had finished talking to Nate about the whole thing, I went near this lake, and it just kind of... appeared again...”
Lake scratched their head. “Well there’s gotta be some reason, right? Any personality problems the therapy locomotive didn’t get to the first time around?”
Jesse shrugged. “Well I mean, I had to save you, didn’t I? I suppose I wouldn’t have been feeling all too hot if I knew you were trapped there...”
A blush was growing on Lake’s cheeks. “So you mean, the train sent you back on, just so you could take me with you?” What is this, like, some destiny garbage or something?!?
Understanding the implication, a blush rapidly spread across Jesse’s face. “I-I guess that makes sense, cause to b-be honest,” He took Lake’s hand, staring into her eyes. Now was the time. “I don’t think I’d be able to live without you.”
Lake was in full mental panic at this point, Jesse’s eyes turning their insides to jelly. Ohmygodohmygodohmygod is he seriously saying he cant live without me oh my god, They thought, hoping, praying that Jesse meant what they think he means.
They cleared their throat, trying to look under control. “Jesse, do you mean that like, you want to b-be with me? L-like you like me?”
Jesse rubbed his neck, a usual sign of nervousness from him. “W-well I mean, if you like, wanted me to, if you don’t that’s completely fine a-” Lake pulled him into a tight hug, as tight as they could make it without hurting him with their metal strength. There were tears in their eyes as they could feel all the butterflies leaving their body. It’s ok. He likes you too.
Jesse had not regained the same confidence. “S-so, does t-this mean you like me too?” He asked nervously, unsure of whether or not this was a pity hug. These fears where rectified when Lake slightly pulled away so they were looking him in the eyes, and kissed him.
Firecrackers.
Tidal Waves.
An eternal bliss.
All these powerful feelings and about a hundred thousand more rushed through him as Lake’s lips, surprisingly warm and soft for someone made of metal, touched his own. “I love you.” Lake said breathlessly. It was just a short kiss, but Jesse’s shocked eyes and flustered smile were enough to convince them to lean in for another, this time Jesse meeting them halfway. And another. And another. And too many more to count.
Over twenty minutes of kissing flew by like seconds until Jesse convinced himself to pull away from Lake. “This has been the greatest experience of my life, but it is getting late. We should probably head back.” In their heads they both silently cursed that they couldn’t continue, even if they should head back.
As they walked back to Jesse’s house, hand in hand, Jesse’s brow furrowed. “Do I call you my boyfriend or girlfriend?” He asked.
Lake playfully flicked him in the head. “Awfully presumptuous of you, isn’t it?” Before Jesse could stutter out apology, Lake reassured him. “I’m just messing with you, you can call me your boyfriend if that’s ok!”
Jesse pulled them close, putting his arm around their shoulders like they did in the flowery car all those months ago. “Yes! My boyfriend is the coolest!”
Lake gave him a kiss on the cheek. “As is mine.”
They both now knew good reason why the train had made Jesse come back, why it was so important that they leave together. Because there would be no life worth living without each other.