Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Wylan was never one for beaches, but Nina and Inej were the complete opposite, soaking up the sun and enjoying the cool water while Wylan was sunburnt and overheating.

But alas, when they planned a trip to their local beach, he couldn’t pass up a chance to hang out, especially since it was summer break.

So here he was, feet dug into the hot sand, lugging around a chair and an umbrella Nina had brought. Nina, her brown wavy hair already frizzing in the heat, waved him over, gesturing for him to set down the items after an exhausting search for the “perfect” spot.

He dropped the chair and umbrella with a huff, then plopped down onto the towel that Inej set down, prepared to sit and do nothing, for Ghezen knows how long.

“Wylan!” A familiar voice yelled.

Wylan squinted up, and met none other than Jesper Fahey’s dashing grin.

Jesper was infamous at their college for being a total flirt. Some say he has slept with the whole student-body, boys and girls alike. Wylan knew it was total bull and possibly a hyperbole, but, damn was he hot.

They were somewhat friends and he also knew firsthand how persistent the stupid crush on Jesper was, he still hadn’t shaken off since he arrived at Ketterdam college. It was back, taunting him with butterflies as Jesper jogged over.

“What’re you doing here?” He asked, slightly out of breath.

“It’s a beach, Jesper. Take a wild guess.” Wylan snarked, the heat getting to him now.

“I see you’re as chipper as usual!” Jesper laughed, ruffling Wylan’s mussed-up curls. He flinched back slightly, hands quickly moving to fix them.

Inej quickly spotted Jesper from the ocean, running towards him. They met with a huge hug, Jesper spun her around in the air, jealousy dared to rear its ugly head but Wylan swallowed and hurried to look away.

The pair exchanged small talk, stuff about school and how relieved they felt that the semester was over. Wylan wasn’t really listening, it didn’t concern him. It wasn’t until Nina bounded into the conversation loudly describing what she would do to go out with a guy she spotted, thats when he started to pay attention.

“Like seriously! He had such cute blonde hair and he was so muscular,” she said, blowing her cheeks out and flexing, which made Wylan giggle, his hand flying to his mouth out of habit.

He realized that Jesper was staring at him, strangely looking like a deer in headlights. Wylans mind ran wild, what was wrong? Did he have something on his face? This was an expression Wylan had never seen on him, wide-eyed and lips parted, like he wanted to say something.

Wylan tried to conjure up a snappy reply, but the words wouldn’t come. Jesper had seemed to come back to life, clearing his throat and replying to Nina, who seemed to notice their little interaction and eyed Wylan suspiciously. He shrugged, trying to come off as cool-headed but his heart was pounding so hard he thought it’d fly out of his chest.

“Let's swim, please.” Inej’s pleading voice cut through the tension, fanning her face with a sheepish smile. “I’m gonna melt.”

They agreed, but Wylan hesitated, his heart beating faster. He stood back, his stomach twisted as he weighed his options.

“Are you coming Wylan?” Jesper asked him, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. Warmth sprouted from where his hand was.

“Yes. Stop rushing me.” He flashed a false grin, shaking off his hand and making his way towards the waves.

“Okay, okay.” Jesper snickered, following him. Once they reached the water, Nina and Inej were so far in he could barely see them. He could see them waving, a clear ‘come over here!’ gesture.

He tried dipping one foot in the water, testing the temperature. He didn’t immediately panic, so he ventured farther, but cautiously, weaving through the seaweed and grimacing when it caught onto his leg. Jesper was ahead, watching with an amused grin.

“Saints, you’re slow.” Jesper wheezed and splashed around effortlessly.

Wylan shot him a sharp glare, moving to spray him with water. Jesper stood there, soaked, not yet having dunked under. His mouth fell open then grew into a mischievous smile.

“Oh, you’re gonna pay for that.” He cupped water in both hands and dumped it over Wylans head, prompting the ginger to leap at Jesper, sending them both tumbling headfirst into the water with a huge splash.

Wylan was the first to surface, gasping for breath with the biggest smile on his face. Jesper popped up next, still laughing and wiping seawater from his eyes.

“You’re such a loser.” Wylan shoved him playfully, continuing towards Nina and Inej, who had just witnessed him tackle Jesper and roaring in laughter.

“Takes one to know one!” Jesper yelled back, paddling clumsily after him.

They finally reached the two girls who were still wiping away tears from laughing at the scene that had just unfolded in front of them.

“Took you long enough.” Nina laughed, playfully splashing them.

Jesper raised an eyebrow and raised a finger in faux-threat. His eyes suddenly lit up, like he remembered something.

“Oh yeah! Forgot to tell you guys.” He spoke up, drawing everyone's attention. “Guess what I just got hooked up with.” Jesper dropped his voice, making it seem like a secret.

After a few guesses and a crude ‘who?’ from Wylan, clearly teasing. Jesper gave up, deciding to just tell them.

“A jet ski!” He announced earning a squeal of excitement from Nina and a ‘seriously?’ from Inej. “Yeah! A friend of mine’s got one just lying around, so I thought – why not?” He pointed a finger to the direction of a fully black jetski, positioned near his towel.

“Let's go! Let’s go please!” Nina was ecstatic about this jet ski, while Wylan on the other hand was terrified. She dragged all three of them to shore and practically drooled over the jet ski.

“It's gorgeous, but why is it all black? There are cooler colors.” The brunette scoffed and turned to Jesper, at whom the question was directed to.

“I have no idea, I don’t question anything Kaz does.” He shrugged.

Wylan froze. “Kaz? Kaz Brekker? The Kaz Brekker. You’re friends with him?” His shock was obvious. He’s heard many unpleasant rumors about the man.

“Yeah? What's your problem?” Jesper snapped, his eyes narrowing. Wylan didn't know whether it was anger or confusion.

Wylan flinched back, the sharpness in Jespers voice cut through the warmth like an avalanche.

“No- I just… Haven’t heard the best news about him. Sorry.” Wylan flushed, he hadn’t meant to offend him.

Jesper’s face softened. “No, I get it. It’s fine.” He smiled, but it seemed wrong.

Though the tension still weighed down in Wylans bones, Jesper shook it off like nothing had happened, already grinning as he picked up the conversation with Nina about the jetski.

Wylan blinked. Just like that? No explanation or a follow-up? He didn’t even get a second to process before Jesper turned back to him, grinning from ear to ear again.

“So,” Jesper called, “who’s riding this beast first? Wylan, want me to teach you how not to flip over?”

“I’d rather not, thanks.” Wylan smirked, crossing his arms.

“What a loser, guys. Not helping with allegations, Wy.” He shot the comment at Nina and Inej, who nodded in mock agreement.

“Oh, so you guys hate me. Also, Wy?” Wylan smirked wider, tilting his head.

Jesper rolled his eyes, but the faintest tinge of pink crept across his dark cheeks.

“Come on, Wylan. It’ll be fun, I swear!” Nina pleaded, widening her eyes and pouting.

“Do it, Wy! It’s always great to try something new.” Inej smiled that sweet smile.

A nervous thrill ran through him as he nodded in defeat. Jesper practically jumped with excitement and ran to gear up the jet.

All four of them helped drag it to the shore, Wylans arms felt weak, was that from anxiety or the jetski? he wasn’t sure.

Jesper perked up once again, seeming to have forgotten the life jackets at shore. He yelled ‘be right back!’ And took off.

Wylans eyes trailed Jesper until he was hidden behind the sea of umbrellas. When he turned his gaze back to the group, they both gave him a knowing look.

“What?” Wylans cheeks reddened.

“So, Jesper huh?” Nina leaned forward slightly, her lips upward.

“What- uh! It’s not like that! I swear.” He rambled, but his flushed cheeks said otherwise.

“Mhm, sure.” She nudged Inej who smiled softly.

“He’s a great guy, Wylan. There’s no harm in liking him.” Inej spoke up.

“It’s not just-“ Wylan groaned, cradling his head in his hands. “Nevermind.”

“Wait Wy-“ Nina’s words were interrupted by Jesper running back up to them, panting and eyes wide.

He was only holding two life jackets, Wylan tilted his head in confusion.

Before Wylan could ask what was wrong, Jesper started, “Guess who I just saw.”

“Who..?” Wylan elongated the ‘o’, crossing his arms.

“Kuwei.” Jesper laughed in disbelief.

“Who’s that?” Wylan asked, more confused than before.

“Jespers ex-boyfriend.” Nina answered, and given the way Inej’s face scrunched up and Nina grimaced — he didn’t think it ended on good terms.

Another pang of jealousy ran through him as he repressed a shiver. Stop, Wylan. He scolded himself

“What do I do??” Jesper whisper-yelled, as if Kuwei was behind them and about to appear- oh Ghezen.

“Jesper.” A smooth voice slid through the panic. “Fancy seeing you here.”

“Kuwei! Long time no see.” Jesper stretched a grin, trying coming off as friendly.

Kuwei eyed the jet ski with a glint in his eye. “A jet ski? Mind if I take it for a spin?” Jespers eyes narrowed ever so slightly.

“Uh sorry, Kuwei. My friend only trusts me to drive it.” He smiled again.

“You? Okay.” Kuwei laughed like it was the funniest thing in the world. Wylan already didn’t like him.

“Listen Kuwei, if you just came over here to be rude-“ Wylan mustered up as much courage as he had and grabbed one of the life jackets before yanking Jesper over to the jetski.

Wylan brought him in close, “put on your life jacket, lets go.” He whispered. Jesper nodded with, his eyes gleaming with excitement and relief.

The other boy pulled on the life jacket and hopped onto the jetski, holding out a hand to Wylan. Which he took, but still struggled not to fall backwards into the water.

Wylan gave the girls one last glance and they were looking at him with both murderous rage and pride.

“Put your arms around me, and don’t let go.” Jesper spoke, gesturing to Inej and Nina to move away.

Wylan wasn’t sure why he did that until the engine turned on and seawater soaked Kuwei’s perfectly gelled hair.

Jesper stifled a laugh at Kuwei sputtering seawater out of his mouth and revved up the jetski once again, taking off.

Wylan wrapped his arms around Jespers middle, tightening them slightly when he went faster.

“You scared?” Jesper turned his head towards him a bit.

“A bit.” Wylan couldn’t say anything more then that, the ocean passed by them way too quick and the group was slowly out of sight.

They flew over a wave and Wylan jolted, his heart racing as fast as the jetski.

“Hey, Wy? We can stop.” Jesper asked, concerned.

He nodded, taking a shuddering breath.

As they came to a stop in the clear water, Wylan leaned his head on Jesper’s back, his heart finally calming down.

“Uh, Wy?” Jesper said, his voice rattling in Wylans chest. The red-head quickly pulled back, now aware of their closeness.

He muttered a quick sorry and scrambled to get off the jet ski. Once he was waist deep and was able to put his feet on the sea floor, he removed his life jacket.

Jesper jumped into the water after him, unbuckling the life jacket again.

“So..” Wylan spoke up and the other boy turned to him. “Kuwei, huh.”

Jesper cringed, “I can’t stand him. When we were dating- he was so controlling.”

Wylan nodded, “I get it. He seems like a prick.” He’s had his fair trade of pricks.

“But I guess, there could be worse people. He was just a bit mean sometimes.” Jesper rubbed at his shoulder.

Wylan hummed in understandment, stepping closer.

They splashed around for a few minutes, spoke about anything and everything.

“Should we be heading back? I think if we leave the girls will Kuwei for too long they’ll kill us.” Wylan chuckled softly, hand over his mouth again.

There, that look again. Jespers eyes softened ever so slightly, his mouth agape. But as soon as he saw it, it disappeared.

“Uh, yeah. You’re right.” He laughed as well, snapping the jacket back over him and clambered onto the jet ski.

Wylan slung the life jacket back on and climbed on, awkwardly shuffling onto the seat.

He moved to hold onto Jespers waist but this time — the other boy tensed. Wylan quickly retracted his hands but Jesper relaxed, silently reaching for his hands and rewrapping them onto his waist.

He knew his face was insanely red right now but he couldn’t care less. He cautiously pressed his cheek against Jesper, he didn’t tense, but the jetski started going faster. His cheek exploded with sparks. It’s crazy, that the simplest of touches could do this to Wylan.

The trip was short lived and as he got off the jet ski, he missed the warmth Jesper had.

He spotted Inej and Nina still trying to be polite with Kuwei, they couldn’t just walk away.

The pair bounded up to them, Kuwei met Jespers gaze with ease.

“Ah Jesper, we were just talking about you.” Jesper lifted an eyebrow.

“Yeah?” Jespers gaze didnt falter when Kuwei looked him up and down.

“So, you’re looking well, have you met someone?” Kuwei asked, giving Wylan a tight-lipped smile which made him want to shiver.

“What? Wylan no he’s-“ Jesper sputtered, but his expression changed, his face lighting up with an idea. “Er,- yup! We’re dating.”

Oh.

Chapter Text

“Er,- yup! We’re dating.” Jesper cursed internally, he quickly looked to his side where Wylan stood. The poor boy's face was redder than his hair.

“Really?” Kuwei smirked, slitting his eyes.

He met his gaze and Jesper shot him a panicked look. Wylan nodded, seeming to snap out of his surprise.

“Yup! Mhm, dating.” Wylan giggled nervously, awkwardly slinging an arm around Jespers shoulders — barely reaching.

Jesper hummed eagerly, he could feel his cheeks heating up, wishing that Kuwei would walk away already.

“Okay, congrats I guess.” Kuwei gritted out, his jaw clenched.

“Well, it was nice seeing you, but we have to go.” Inej spoke up, already dragging Nina away from them to get back to their towel.

Jesper and Wylan waved as Kuwei stood there, looking a bit sick.

When they were out of sight, Jesper exhaled heavily.

“Saints, that was stressful.” He huffed and wiped sweat off his forehead dramatically.

Wylan let out a laugh at his theatrics, but the furrow in his eyebrows said something else.

“I.. I’m gonna catch up with them.” Wylan cracked a small smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes before running off to Nina and Inej.

“Wait-“ He tried to reach out to the redhead but he was already gone.

Well, that was weird, Jesper thought. Once the other boy caught up to them, Nina looked back at Jesper. She raised an eyebrow and gestured to Wylan — a silent question.

He shrugged, jutting out his bottom lip in response before yelling out, “I’m gonna go grab the jetski!” They gave him a thumbs up as he ran back.

Jesper hauled the jetski back to where his stuff was with much struggle and a little bit of help from the bystanders. Once he was settled, Jesper scanned the crowd to get back to his group.

When he spotted a crop of red hair, he started walking towards them. He broke out into a sprint, sand flying all over his feet.

Eager to get to the bottom of Wylan’s reaction, Jesper ran to him.

Why did he react like that?

You probably made him uncomfortable with all your staring.

He pleaded for his mind to shut up for two seconds.

“Wylan!” The boy spun around so quickly that Jesper almost ran into him.

“Jesper. Ghezen, you scared me!” He sheepishly smiled, wheezing out a ‘sorry’.

“Where’s Inej & Nina?” Jesper looked around, not spotting them. Although, the sun was directly overhead and shining into his eyes.

“They went to pack up, I grabbed everything so I thought I could wait for them here.” Wylan nodded to the huge tote bag he had slung over his shoulder.

“Oh, okay.” He smiled, “do you need help? That looks huge.” Wylan wouldn’t meet his eyes, shaking his head ‘no’.

“Hey, are you okay Wy? You’ve been acting weird.” The freckled boy finally looked up, his features softened and red from the sun.

“Jesper-“ he didn’t get a chance to speak when he was interrupted by Inej standing beside them. Unnoticed of course until she was in view.

“Nina’s heading to the car right now, are you coming Jesper?” Inej asked him, to which he shook his head.

“I don’t think so, I don’t want to burden you guys with the massive ass jetski.” Jesper chuckled, fingers twitching to reach out to Wylan, to know what he said.

“Bummer, I’ll see you? This was so fun.” Inej leaned in for a hug, Jesper reciprocated, holding her far more tightly than he intended to.

“Yup, let’s do this more often!” He looked at Inej then Wylan, who was frowning ever so slightly. His blue eyes were full of subtle disappointment.

They waved goodbye and Jesper turned away, his smile dropping.

“Saints.” Jesper scrubbed a hand over his face, it was itching at him. Not knowing what he wanted to say.

He started to walk away, approaching his towel when he felt a hand wrap around his wrist.

He jolted, turning to face whoever grabbed him.

Jesper was met with the same blue eyes and red cheeks. Auburn curls defined by the sea and shimmering gold in the sun.

“Wylan?” The boy's eyes were stern and determined, he yanked his wrist — pulling Jesper with him.

His head swam as he was pulled through crowds of people. He returned back to his body and realized they were behind a building.

“Where did you..? Wylan, what’s going on??” Jesper pressed his lips together as Wylan looked him dead in the eyes.

But his eyes fluttered shut in frustration, letting go of Jespers wrist to run his hands through his curls.

“Ghezen. How do you- I can’t.. Jesper!” Wylan groaned and started to pace back and forth, mumbling about something.

“What? Dude, are you okay??” Jesper grabbed hold of both of his shoulders and shook them slightly.

Wylan seemed to pause, eyes wide and hair sticking out in all directions.

Jespers eyes trailed over his face, his cheeks, his pierced ears, and his lips. Wylan seemed to notice — cheeks heating up.

Wylan did the same, stared in awe as if Jesper was one of his paintings.

Jesper smirked, “like what you see?”

They were inches apart, just then, something in Wylan snapped.

He grabbed Jespers face, rather forcefully.

“Wylan?-“

Their lips crashed together, exploding with heat. Jespers hands immediately flew to his waist, rubbing circles into the curve.

They kissed like it was second nature to them, they slotted together perfectly.

Wylan slung his arms around Jespers neck, running his hands through the hair at his nape.

They parted, gasping for air. Wylan exhaled, leaning forward to tuck himself into Jespers chest.

“You have no idea how long I’ve been wanting to do that.” Wylan laughed, feeling giddy.

“Me too.” They both laughed, Jesper wrapping his arms around him.

“We are so stupid.” Jesper hummed in agreement and they both burst into a fit of giggles again.

“Let's go back, I might actually die of heat.” Wylan looked up, pointing to his red face.

“Yup, come on.” Jesper smiled fondly, taking Wylans hand in his own.

They made their way to the car, asking questions about when they realized, confirming their own suspicions.

When they reached, Nina was in the front seat chatting to Inej animatedly. When she saw their enjoined hands, her eyes widened then turned back to Inej in a flash.

Jesper knew Wylan was about to be bombarded with questions by her.

“Well, I’ll see you Wy!” Jesper let go of his hand, waving goodbye.

“Jesper.”

“Hm?”

Wylan leaned in, giving Jesper a peck on the lips. Different from the passionate one they shared earlier but still held the same amount of sparks.

He pulled back, smiling ear to ear.

“See you, Jes.”

It wasn’t a goodbye. It was a promise, a promise to stay, and endure.