Work Text:
Mid-November 2016
The bell rang and put an end to another school week.
Thank God, thought Jonas. He sighed in relief and started to pack his Maths textbook, calculator and other stuff into his backpack.
This was never-ending! How the hell are we supposed to survive another six weeks of THIS until Christmas holidays?!
Before he could start to ponder more on the matter, two familiar voices greeted him with a cheerful “Hei mate” and “Halla”.
Magnus and Mahdi. They had just finished their Geography lesson in the next classroom and now they were waiting for Jonas to join them for lunch.
“Hei guys,” answered Jonas with a smile and swiftly walked out of the classroom, looking forward to chilling and having some snacks with his friends.
Surprisingly, the canteen wasn’t very busy that day, so the boys could choose where to sit. Automatically, they headed for their favourite four-seat table in the back, near a window facing the school yard. It was a sort of secluded place, quieter than the rest of the canteen and offered a little more privacy, which was exactly what the boys preferred – a small corner to rest and chat freely without the need to constantly watch out for their surroundings.
“Where’s Isak?” asked Mahdi before taking a large bite into one of his waffles.
“Dunno,” replied Jonas, glancing towards the entrance door as if it could make Isak arrive faster. “He should be here soon.”
“He’d better, or there won’t be any more waffles left for him,” noted Magnus with a cheeky grin before going back to his own lunch.
A few minutes later, the tall fair-haired boy in question finally appeared. A pang of worry ran through Jonas like a lightning through the sky the moment he saw him. Isak was holding a small plate with a slice of cheese toast in his hand and looked strangely lost – like a child on his first day in a new school who doesn’t know anyone yet and desperately tries (and fails) to mask his nervousness. When Magnus waved at him, Isak’s mouth curled up in a small smile, however, Jonas could see it was a tired and rather artificial one.
He frowned. Something wasn’t right with his friend, that much was evident to him. If only he knew what it was.
Don’t get him wrong, Jonas had been noticing changes in Isak’s behaviour for weeks. It had all been very subtle at first – occasional mood changes, lack of concentration, slight irritability etc. Nothing long lasting that couldn’t be sorted out with a hang out with the boys, a kebab or a private FIFA tournament during which Jonas would make sure Isak was alright by nonchalantly asking him about his mum, dad, school, sleeping or other issues which sometimes tended to make Isak’s life complicated.
Recently though, these techniques had seemed to stop working. It had been getting steadily harder to find out the real cause of Isak’s worries because he hung out less with Jonas and the boys and was generally more secretive about everything. It thoroughly unnerved Jonas. Isak was his best friend, they had known each other since forever. He could tell him anything, right?
“Hei boys” Isak said when he reached the table and sat down on the remaining free chair – the one right next to Magnus and opposite Jonas. Everyone greeted him back cheerfully and together they started chatting again about the horrendous amount of homework they got, their plans for the weekend and possible parties to go to later that day. It was Friday after all and they needed some distraction and fun.
Isak tried to take part in the conversation but he kept being interrupted by his Messenger notifications. As soon as he received one, he immediately checked it. Jonas wondered what or rather who could make Isak so eager, quick and almost impatient to respond. He wasn’t sure if he could ask him directly though, because every time Isak looked up from his phone and their gazes locked, a cloud of guiltiness and something akin to shame veiled his face and made him lower his eyes again.
Jonas wanted to do something but had no idea what exactly. Luckily, it only took a bit of Magnus’s straightforward nature to move things forward.
“Umm, Isak?” Magnus asked and poked Isak’s arm playfully with his index finger. “I asked if you were coming with us to Håvard’s party tonight…“
Isak looked at him apologetically and half said, half mumbled, “Oh, right. Sorry. I didn’t hear you. Umm… Nah, sorry, I- I can’t go tonight. I’ve got… somewhere else to be.”
Magnus’s face fell slightly in disappointment. “Oh. Okay. That’s a shame. What’s your plan for tonight then? A date maybe?” he said and winked at Isak suggestively.
As soon as these two questions were asked, Isak’s face got paler and his eyes widened with something resembling fear. He swallowed nervously, clearly thinking about a way to quickly get out of the conversation.
In the end, he didn’t need any because someone called, “Isak. We should go,” after him from another table further away and the moment of pure panic ended as suddenly as it had started.
“I’m coming, Sana,” Isak called back and made an attempt to calmly say goodbye to the boys. “Yeah, umm… I have to go now… Biology… Umm, talk to you all later, okay?”
He was trying his best to keep his chill and yet failing so miserably. Jonas’s heart was full of sympathy for him. So he put on his most supportive smile and assured Isak, “Sure. Snakkes.”
When Magnus and Mahdi offered their own “No worries, mate,” Isak seemed to start breathing a little more evenly again and his lips formed a sad but grateful smile before he raised from his chair and left the canteen for his last class.
As soon as Isak was gone, the boys let out a collective heavy sigh.
“Have you seen his face when Mags asked him about his plans?” asked Mahdi, concern written all over his usually relaxed face.
“Yeah. I don’t like this at all.” replied Jonas and frowned deeply, hiding his head in his palms for a moment.
Magnus kept quiet at first, then timidly said, “Guys… What if it’s some really bad stuff this time? I mean… If it were just sleeping problems or his mum’s health, he would tell us, right? He has before. Also… I caught a glimpse of the last message he got. It read ‘Blomsterveien 24, kl. 16:30.’ He’s meeting someone on the other side of Oslo after the sunset!”
Jonas was visibly shaken by the news about the meeting. He considered Magnus’s words for a moment, then nodded shortly, scared of his own grim thoughts and theories that started to flood his mind. “Maybe you’re right, Mags. The question is – what really bad stuff could he get himself into?”
All three boys silently thought again about the conversation they had just had with Isak and attempted to find hints of possible problems he might be facing. They shared their ideas and eventually came up with debts, gaming addiction and drugs. It occurred to Jonas that there was one other, even scarier possibility as well – the combination of all three. The mere notion was making him sick with worry. He had never wanted to be proven wrong so much in his entire life.
Eventually, having considered all pros and cons, the boys decided to risk it and follow Isak to his secret meeting at Blomsterveien 24. They needed to know what was going on with their friend. Also, they all felt the urge to be near just in case something went wrong and Isak found himself in danger from that mysterious person. They simply couldn’t let Isak go there all alone, could they?
The trio left the school shortly after they had agreed on how their “mission” should be executed. Magnus even gave it an undercover name – Operation Sunflower after Isak’s favourite flower. Jonas’s mouth curled up into a bittersweet smile upon hearing it. How far the current Isak was from the golden-haired preschooler who used to laughingly run through sunflower fields, freely and with no worries on his mind! Jonas would give everything to bring that happy and carefree version of Isak back.
Having searched for the address on Google maps, they saw that a tram went directly from Nissen to the meeting place. Was it a coincidence or a calculation? They would surely find out soon.
The tram ride was mostly spent in sombre silence. The boys were all firm in their conviction to protect Isak but deep down they were also really scared. After all, they were barely seventeen and the possibility of getting involved with a drug dealing gang or something similar was truly terrifying for all of them. They had decided though and there was no way back now.
When the tram reached the stop right outside Blomsterveien 24, the boys discovered that contrary to all their wildest expectations it was a regular four-floor townhouse. Not some kind of a drug den or a derelict factory used for gang meetings but a nice building in what seemed to be a quiet residential quarter. They gave each other a look of pure astonishment before coming closer to the building.
Mahdi experimentally pressed the handle of the large and heavy dark blue front door. It wasn’t locked. Relieved, the boys went inside and found themselves in a wide short corridor leading to a small inner courtyard and a staircase leading to the individual flats. At the edge of the courtyard, they stopped and looked at each other cluelessly. They hadn’t considered the possibility of Isak meeting someone in a flat. The meeting could happen on any of the four floors, in any of the twelve or so flats. And they had no idea which one.
“What now?” Magnus bit his lower lip nervously.
Before either Jonas or Mahdi could answer him, they heard noises coming from outside the front door. Not sure who was approaching, the boys quickly dived behind four large bins for recycled paper and plastic that stood nearby and hoped that whoever was about to enter the corridor wouldn’t see or hear them.
The door handle creaked and a very tall, blue eyed, light-haired guy in a navy duffle coat appeared. He looked only a few years older than the boys themselves. He casually walked through the corridor until he came closer to the bins. When he did, he simply leaned onto the wall opposite them and… waited.
The boys crouched behind the bins, completely still, afraid of being found in such a compromising position. They glanced at each other to make sure they were “okay” and through the gaps between the bins, they observed the young man in front of them.
Jonas looked at his watch. It was 16:27. His mind started to reel.
Is this the person from Isak’s message? Who is he? Is he dangerous? He doesn’t look like a drug dealer or a criminal at all. He looks… normal. Like someone who could go to school with us. Although… looks could be pretty misleading. Gangsters don’t have to walk around in rags to be dangerous or cruel or–
He didn’t have time to finish his line of thought because the door creaked again as another person entered the building.
Isak.
Jonas kept his gaze firmly on him, following his every move. When Isak walked closer, Jonas could finally discern his expression and he couldn’t believe his eyes. Isak looked content. Calm. Relaxed. Gone was the nervousness and anxiety from earlier. He seemed to be… looking forward to meeting the tall guy?
As if Isak could hear Jonas’s thoughts and wanted to confirm them, he gave the tall guy one of his brightest smiles and greeted him with a soft “Hei” before going up to him and giving him a gentle kiss on his lips. The guy deepened the kiss for a second, then greeted Isak back with an equally soft and loving “Halla”.
WHAT?!
Jonas’s eyes widened and his jaw dropped in shock.
WHAT? I mean… HOW? WHEN?
He risked a quick look sideways towards Mahdi and Magnus and found them glancing back at him with equally stunned expressions on their faces. Luckily, none of them gasped out loud or let out any other sound of surprise.
Just a second later, Jonas fixed his gaze back on the tall guy who casually circled his arms around Isak’s waist while Isak leaned his forehead on the guy’s shoulder. As if it was the most natural thing in the world.
Maybe it is. I don’t know anymore, Jonas realised and decided to let the whole scene unfold in front of him first before jumping to any conclusions.
“What is it, Issy?” asked the guy in a deep, smooth voice, tightening his hold on Isak’s waist reassuringly.
Isak let out a sigh before replying, “I’m so tired, Evy.”
Evy? Okay, so his name is probably Even, Jonas concluded.
Even’s eyebrows pulled together in a slight frown. “Oh, baby. Do you have trouble sleeping again?” and he started to slowly caress Isak’s back with one hand.
“No. It’s not that, I’m fine… I mean I’m tired of this. All of this,” replied Isak casually, burying his forehead a little deeper into Even’s shoulder in search of more comfort.
Judging by the change of expression on Even’s face, he was suddenly slightly confused and a little nervous as well. “All of… this?” he carefully repeated, waiting for Isak to elaborate.
Isak hummed back in agreement. Then, realising his highly ambiguous wording, he raised his head and rushed to clarify, “No, no, no. Not of you, silly!” To reassure Even, he chuckled, put one of his hands on Even’s cheek and caressed it slightly while giving his lips and other cheek a few pecks.
From his hiding spot Jonas could only directly see Even but he was sure the look of utter adoration that lightened up his face was a direct reflection of Isak's own expression. There was something in Isak’s voice that radiated so much warmth and affection. It was leaking from his words like honey. Jonas wasn’t sure he had ever seen anything like this before. And he had known Isak since their early childhood.
When everything was cleared up between the two of them, Isak continued, “I meant I’m tired of all the hiding. And pretending… I don’t want to do it anymore.”
The corners of Even’s mouth rose a little. “Really?”
“Really,” confirmed Isak. “It’s really not fair to you and it’s getting more and more stressful for me.”
Even smiled a little wider. “Okay,” he said simply. “But you know that I can wait, right Isak? What I said when we met still stands… We go at your pace, love. There’s no rush. I would never force you to come out before you’re ready.”
Isak nodded decisively a few times, “I know, I know. And I love you so much for it. But… I can’t wait any longer. I want to hold your hand, hug you, kiss you, just be with you without having to make sure no one can see us first. I want to tell them. Tell everyone. I – we – have got nothing to be ashamed of. I know that now.” Then, he connected his hands behind Even’s neck and pressed even closer to his body, so close that their noses and foreheads were brushing against each other.
Like that, Even devotedly gazed into Isak’s green eyes as if he was his moon and all the stars in the sky. “I love you,” he said simply and sealed his words with another kiss. Deep and unrushed. Tender and cherishing. Radiating profound affection.
When they finally broke the kiss, they still stayed incredibly close. Isak took it as a chance to tell Even more about his plans.
“I’m gonna tell them tomorrow. Eskild first. He’s basically found out by now. And I think he won’t make a big deal out of it. Or, I mean… He totally will but, you know… he will be okay with it.”
When Isak paused for a moment, Even gave him a reassuring smile. It seemed to get Isak back on track because he soon continued, “Then Jonas… And the boys…”
It struck Jonas how very unsure and worried Isak sounded all of a sudden.
But.. why? Neither of us could ever be anything else than supportive… He glanced at Magnus and Mahdi to check and indeed, he saw nothing but genuine care and endless support mixed with some residue surprise. He smiled. They all had Isak’s back. There was nothing for Isak to be afraid of. Not from their side. Surely he must already know that, right?
Jonas looked back towards Isak at the exact moment Even put a reassuring palm on his cheek and said gently, “Hey, you. It’s gonna be fine. From what you’ve told me about the boys, they are the coolest friends ever. I can’t wait to meet them…”
Isak let out a deep breath that resembled a relieved sigh. “You will. Soon,” he half-whispered, then continued, “I hope they will be cool about this as well…” and he let his head lean against Even’s again, seeking comfort in his arms.
Jonas frowned, deep in thought. What he had just witnessed made him genuinely worry. Have we ever said something insensitive or hurtful that made Isak doubt our attitude towards him? Or towards homosexuality? I hope we haven’t. We’re not like that at all. And if we have, unintentionally, then we will apologise. He has to be sure he can trust us.
As he reached this conclusion, Jonas returned to the scene in front of him – to Isak and Even, with their arms locked around each other, swaying slightly from side to side. He smiled again. He was so relieved his friend wasn’t in any kind of danger.
“So… Any plans for tonight, Issy?” he heard Even ask and he couldn’t miss the obvious shift in his tone from serious to a teasing one.
Isak seemed to have noticed it too because he replied in a similar, flirty tone, “Well, that depends. Do you have any plans, Even?”
Even playfully bit his lip for a second, then answered, “I might. How much time do you have?”
Isak entwined his hands into Even’s dark blond hair, lips lingering just millimetres from Even’s face. “The rest of the afternoon,…” he gave Even a light peck on the cheek “…entire evening…” he added another “…all night…” he whispered suggestively against Even’s ear, so quietly that Jonas almost missed it. Almost.
Even chuckled a little. “Well, in that case, I think I’ll definitely think of something…” And he closed the remaining (hardly existing) distance between them and pressed his lips against Isak’s.
What started as a kiss quickly turned into slow making out. Jonas felt how his cheeks began to feel warm and he lowered his gaze to the ground. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the boys do the same. They shared a smile or two. Their situation was starting to get pretty comical. For the umpteenth time that afternoon it crossed Jonas’s mind what a pity it was that they didn’t have the power to become invisible at will and get out of awkward situations quickly and unnoticed. They would surely use such power right at this moment, if they could.
Eventually, Even and Isak parted again, breathless but blissed out and Even suggested, “Come to mine?”
Isak grinned. “Let’s go.”
Then, having left each other’s embrace, they took each other by the hand and slowly walked back through the corridor of Blomsterveien 24 and on the main street which was now bathing in the soft light of street lamps and car headlights. Jonas followed them with his gaze until the front door closed. He turned to Magnus and Mahdi, only to find them already looking back at him.
Something passed between the three of them. A spark of great relief and contentment. The longer they looked at each other, the stronger this special connection was. It meant one thing – they were all on exactly the same page. They were relieved that Isak wasn’t in any danger. They loved and supported him just as he was, without any exceptions or reservations. They were looking forward to meeting the man he loved, Even. They were happy. For them both.
Operation Sunflower was successfully completed.