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It started when Luke accused them of being like horny teens, unable to keep their hands off each other. It wasn’t nearly as crass as that, though they did engage in a lot of public affection; holding hands whenever they stood next to each other, frequent kissing, and whatever excuse was necessary to wrap their arms around each other.
Jack and Wanderlust didn’t see it as an insult though. They took it as a challenge and made it into a game.
The rules are simple, no touching. The first one to touch the other loses. Other than that, pretty much anything else is fair game. The first run was mostly to show Cypher he was wrong but after it was over, the pair of them realised that they actually really got a kick out of winding each other up.
The game begins when either of them says to the other “No touching” and their longest run to date is three weeks. Jack eventually caved after walking in on Wanderlust doing stretches and experiencing what he insists was a ‘temporary lapse in logical thinking’.
Wanderlust intends to win this round, deliberately engaging in stretches again, hoping to catch Jack off guard once more. It’s not even been a week but he’s sure he can make the man crack. Wishful thinking it would appear, as Jack doesn’t even blink at the sight when he walks in.
Stepping forward, he looks Wander over, examining his stance, nodding in approval.
“Stretching?” he asks.
Jack steps closer, leaning in. The space between them is so small, barely a fraction of an inch. There’s no touching but Wander feels Jack’s breath ghost over his cheek from behind his ear, a shiver running down his spine as goosebumps fly across his skin.
“Looks fun.”
Jack’s voice is a low rumble, and while the smirk isn’t seen Wander can essentially feel it in the mere seconds before Jack steps away.
Fuck.
It happens so quickly, the Prince turns and grabs at Jack’s shoulder, pulling him, his foot in place to keep the performer from stepping back to brace himself. Jack falls back, landing in Wander’s waiting arm as the Prince playfully scowls down at him. Jack won’t be standing up again without his say-so.
Holding his partner in a half-dip, Wander is completely unbothered to have lost.
“You ass.” Wander says.
The corner of Jack’s lip quirks in a slight smirk. “Says the person who started this round.”
“Well, I’m finishing it.”
Gripping tight, Wander shifts, bending to press his forehead against Jack’s, both of them closing their eyes and just revelling in the moment. Such a small simple gesture, but to both of them it’s like a cool glass of water on a long hot day. Soothing, refreshing, and will never go on long enough, but gods are they grateful for this moment.
Wander lifts Jack to his feet again, raising the performer’s hand and encouraging him to spin. Jack happily does so, coming to a stop with Wander’s arm tight around his back and holding him close.
Jack grins at Wanderlust as he tries to pull away gently.
“No touching.”
Wanderlust growls playfully, tightening his grip and holding Jack close.
“No chance.”