Archive of Our Own ^beta

Jayce slid into the back seat of the shitty little beaten-up Corolla. The inside stank of weed and old energy drinks. He fit his feet awkwardly into the space behind the driver’s seat, his legs too long after his last growth spurt. Empty cans — the aforementioned energy drinks — clattered at his feet.

“God, Vi, your car is disgusting. Do you throw anything out?”

He poked the back of the pink head hovering in front of him. A hand came up to swipe at his finger over her shoulder.

“Don’t like it, get out. I’m doing yous a favour, prissy boy. I’ve already got booze. I can go back inside,” came the retort.

Beside him, Caitlyn jabbed an elbow into his side and gave him an intense look — shoulder-length blue-black hair swinging loose as she moved, pale face serious and disapproving.

Jayce sighed, grabbed the seatbelt, and after two unsuccessful tugs finally pulled it across and clicked it in on the third.

“HURRY UP, YOU LOT!” Vi hollered from the front.

“Christ, Vi, you don’t have to yell. I’m right here,” Claggor, her brother, responded from the passenger seat.

Jayce rolled his eyes, ignoring them — until Caitlyn squished closer beside him, elbow jabbing into his side again.

“Ouch, Cait, watch it. You’re all bones and pointy bits.”

She didn’t answer, too busy shifting to make space as Jinx clambered in beside her — restless limbs and neon hair, her braid trailing as she flopped down.

Then came Mylo, followed by the slam of the door.

“Wait, where’s Viktor going to sit? And why are Mylo and Claggor coming too?”

“Video store,” Mylo said, already buckling his seatbelt.

Jayce looked out the still-open door and spotted Viktor on the driveway. Jeans and a hoodie, leaning into his cane with his usual lopsided stance.

Behind him, Jinx leaned forward to yell past Caitlyn and Jayce.

“Come on, Viktor, you can sit on top. You won’t even have to bend your leg. It’ll be suuuper comfortable.”

Viktor stepped in closer, ducking slightly as he leaned through the door.

“Somehow I doubt that, Powder.”

His breath stirred the air near Jayce’s cheek. Jayce held his own — unsure if he was trying not to breathe Viktor in or trying not to breathe out.
“Euugghhh, stop calling me Powder,” she whined.

Viktor’s lips tilted into a cheeky angle.

“I don’t even know how to get in like this,” he added.

“Just sit on Jayce and scooch backwards.”

Jayce felt his cheeks start to heat at the idea of Viktor sitting in his lap — even just to scooch.

“Or,” Caitlyn added, “you can try feet first? We can guide your legs in. Whatever you think is easier.”

“Guys, I don’t care what you do, just hurry up,” harangued Vi again.

Viktor bit his lip, eyeing the pile of bodies already stuffed into the car. “Maybe I should just stay here…”

“Get in, cookie, before I get out and shove you in,” Jinx threatened.

Mylo sniggered beside her — then yelped.

“Ouch! What the fuck, Jinx?”

Viktor came closer, his narrow frame hovering in the doorway. He passed his cane in first, carefully taken by Caitlyn and laid across her and Jinx’s lap. Then he gripped the top of the door, lifted his weaker leg — the one with the tight fabric brace running from thigh to shin — and angled it in first.

Instinctively, Jayce brought up a hand to support the leg, and Viktor gave him a smile. He was grateful for it; it distracted him from the awkward reality of holding Viktor’s leg in his lap. Could he wrap his hand around it fully? His fingers clenched slightly, the thought spiralling.

Then Viktor’s other leg was in his lap too, a tangle of limbs and helping hands easing him into the car.

Clearly, Jayce hadn’t thought this through. If he had, he might have realised that Viktor entering legs-first meant more than just a quick ‘scooch.’ Viktor ended up perched on Jayce’s thigh, legs stretched across Caitlyn and Jinx’s laps, toes nudging into Mylo’s.

“I’m in, but I can’t close the door. Can you, Jayce?”

“Uh, yeah. Yeah, sure,” Jayce stammered, trying with every part of his being to ignore the warmth and way-too-light weight of Viktor draped over him.

He leaned sideways, reached an arm around — you have your arm around him, his brain not-so-helpfully supplied — and scrabbled for the door handle, tugging it closed.

No sooner had the door clicked shut than they were off, Vi slamming her foot down on the accelerator.

Everyone wedged tight in the backseat jostled together, and Jayce found himself half-holding Viktor’s waist, his arm still pinned around him. Heat crept up the back of his neck as he tried to pull away, but with the shift and press of bodies, he couldn’t. Viktor didn’t seem bothered though, just leaned to look through the narrow gap between side of car and driver’s seat at the road ahead.

Thankfully, the trip to the bottle shop wasn’t long. Fifteen minutes with anyone but Vi behind the wheel — so naturally, they made it in ten.

Once there, they all piled out. Jayce waited patiently for Jinx to climb out and help Viktor back onto his feet before passing him his cane.

The small row of shops had a pizza place, a video store, and the bottle shop. Without any real discussion, they split off with different goals. Jinx and Caitlyn were underage, so they went to order the pizza. Mylo and Claggor were only there for the video store. The rest of them headed into the bottle shop.

Technically, Jayce was underage too — only seventeen — but with his height and ever-growing facial hair, he looked older than Vi, who was nineteen. Viktor had turned eighteen the Christmas before and finally had ID to back it up.

The door chimed three times as they all entered. Vi quickly made her way to the side, heading for the vodka. Jayce followed Viktor, who meandered a little more aimlessly.

“Was there anything you thought we should get?” he asked.

Jayce looked around. “Jinx and Cait wanted that gross watermelon stuff again, I think.”

Viktor let out a mock gag, and Jayce snickered.

“Do you want to share?” he asked.

“Hmm, we could, but you know I have a high tolerance. I could probably drink a bottle myself.”

“No you couldn’t. You were drunk after like two glasses last time,” Jayce retorted.

“That was wine. Wine doesn’t count.”

Jayce snorted.

“How about bourbon and tequila? And we can share?”

Viktor just hummed in response, moving toward the bourbon. Jayce trailed him to the shelf, watching as Viktor carefully inspected tags for the best value by alcohol content. He waited semi-patiently, shuffling foot to foot. Eventually, Viktor picked out a bottle and handed it to him without looking.

Jayce took it and followed again as Viktor moved to the tequila section this time. He’d barely started scanning the labels before Jayce cut in.

“No, you have to get the one with the little sombrero,” he said, pointing to the bottle.

Viktor hesitated, then reached out to pick up the one indicated. “What is a… sombera?” he asked, his accent tripping over the word.

Jayce couldn’t help the little laugh that escaped. “Sombrero.”

“Sombear-o?”

“Close. Add an extra R. Som-breuh-ro.”

“Som-brear-o,” Viktor carefully sounded out.

Jayce laughed again and clapped him on the shoulder. “We’ll make a Spaniard out of you yet. It’s the little cap thing. It’s a Spanish hat.”

Viktor gave him a little sideways smile, handing the bottle over for Jayce to carry. “Ah yes, that makes complete sense. Tequila with a hat.”

They made another small detour past the mixers, grabbing a six-pack of the horrid watermelon vodka mixes Caitlyn and Jinx liked, and also picked up a four-pack of vodka lemon drinks — this one with a name Jayce couldn’t pronounce, but Viktor managed with a guttural flourish.

At the counter, the clerk eyed them, holding out a hand for Viktor’s ID, which he handed over easily. They stared at it for a moment before huffing and giving the total. Viktor passed over his card, and Jayce took a mental note of the amount to pay him back later. He grabbed a spare empty box from the stash by the counter and loaded their purchases in before heading out with a little ding-ding of the door.

Outside, Vi was perched on the bonnet of her car, waiting. The late-model Corolla had seen better days — white paint scratched so thoroughly that nearly as much silver and rust showed as actual paint. Somehow, it suited Vi though, with her baggy pants and red tank, muscles and tattoos on display. Her pink hair was undercut on one side and swept over. Jinx always liked to tease her that it looked like a limp mohawk.

Jayce strolled around the car and popped the boot, tucking the box of alcohol inside, then slammed it closed again. He made his way back to the front, where Vi and Viktor hovered.

“I was gonna grab some coke. Do either of you want anything?” he asked.

“Yeah, I’ll take a gram,” Vi said quickly.

“Har har.” Jayce rolled his eyes and flipped her the finger. She laughed, finding her own joke hilarious.

“I’ll come with. I’ve been wanting to watch the Alien movie again,” Viktor added, moving to follow him.

Jayce slowed briefly, allowing Viktor to catch up. Inside the video store, he spotted the rest of the group wandering the aisles. Caitlyn saw him and raised five fingers, letting him know the pizza was five minutes away. He gave her a thumbs up in return and trailed after Viktor.

Viktor was walking past the new releases, absentmindedly running his fingers across the cases as he read the titles. Suddenly he stopped, fingers pausing on one movie. Jayce saw the title.

“No. No, no, no. Don’t you dare.”

Viktor looked up at him, a crooked grin rising to his face as he slowly picked up the DVD.

“Please no. The first movie was awful. I can’t believe you liked it. I can’t believe they made a second one,” Jayce pleaded — but the twinkle in Viktor’s eye made it clear his protests were only sealing his fate.

A hand landed on his shoulder from behind just as a head of blue hair came into view on his left. Jinx.

“What’ve you got there, cookie?”

Viktor’s grin widened as he flashed her the movie title.

Jinx cackled wildly. “Yes. I hope this one’s gorier. I wanna see if Jayce can fully turn green.”

Jayce ran a hand over his face, words muffled through his palm. “Why do I hang out with you two?”

Jinx stepped in beside Viktor and leaned an elbow on his shoulder — which looked ridiculous, considering she was a full foot shorter. They didn’t look much alike aside from the shape of their eyebrows. Jinx had rounder features, eyes a stormy grey-blue. Viktor’s were sharper, golden brown, and he was tall and thin in a way that somehow didn’t look awkwardly lanky. Still, they moved around each other with the kind of affection that made them seem like family — even if they weren’t related.

“'Cause he’s cute and smart, and I’m cute and funny.”

“Yeah, sure,” Jayce muttered. “Funny ‘ha,’ not funny ‘ha ha,’ though.”

He left them to their chaos as they started enthusiastically discussing the first movie, instead heading toward the back of the store where the soft drinks were. He grabbed two 2L bottles of Coke and, after a moment of thought, a bottle of lemonade too.

On his way back to the counter, he passed Jinx and Viktor again. Without stopping, he reached out and swiped the DVD from Viktor’s hands.

“Hey!” Viktor called after him, indignant. Jinx’s giggles followed a second later.

Jayce grinned to himself as he reached the counter and set everything down. Standing in front of the confectionery rack, he hummed thoughtfully, then grabbed a packet of mixed lollies. And then, after a brief pause, a bag of Red Skins — Viktor’s favourite.

He felt Viktor beside him by the cane jabbed lightly into his side.

“Rude,” Viktor muttered — then, after a pause, “Oh. Red Skins.”

Caitlyn popped up behind him suddenly. She looked up at him pleadingly, testing out bright blue puppy eyes. “Jayce, will you get me Nerds too? Pleassee?”

“Yeah, pleaseee, pretty boy?” Jinx added, now on the other side.

“Ughh.” He groaned, tossing a pack onto the counter. “Cait, you have your own money. Why am I buying this?”

“Because mum got mad at me for buying junk food.”

“You just bought pizza,” he countered.

“No, Jinx just bought pizza,” she corrected primly.

Jayce rolled his eyes, then snapped to attention, smiling at the cashier as they started scanning their items.

Moments later, they were out the door — Jayce with a shopping bag in each hand, while Jinx and Caitlyn scurried back to the pizza shop.

He returned to the car, stuffed the bags into the boot with the rest, and then climbed back into the back seat. Vi and Claggor were already comfortably settled in the front. Viktor hovered by Jayce’s door, waiting for the others to return.

It only took a minute for everyone to get back in the car, Viktor carefully shuffling to sit across everyone’s lap again. This time, Jayce had managed not to get his arm pinned behind Viktor’s back — which was somehow worse, because now he had nowhere to put it except in Viktor’s lap. He ended up angling it weirdly, wedging it between his own stomach and Viktor’s thigh, the edge of Viktor’s leg brace pressing uncomfortably into his forearm.

Thankfully, the drive was short again — this time Vi somehow outdid herself and made it back in nine minutes. She skidded to a stop in the dirt patch under the tree in the front yard, and they all piled out, juggling shopping, pizza, and alcohol between them.

The house was small, looking as worn as Vi’s car — wood-panelled, with peeling paint and a sagging verandah. But it was a cozy home, shared by Vi, Jinx, Mylo, Claggor, and their dad, Vander, and a safe space for the rest of them. Even though Vi’s family didn’t have much, their door was always open. There was always a place to sleep, or a seat at the table, for anyone who needed it.

Inside, the layout was familiar and tight-knit — lived-in but welcoming. The moment you stepped through the front door, you entered directly into the main living space. On the left, an entertainment system squatted with TV, game consoles and DVDs. On the right was the lounge setup: a surprisingly comfortable leather couch, two armchairs, a pair of lamp tables and a scratched coffee table, currently littered with coasters. Beyond that, a small dining table and six chairs sat near the back wall beneath yellow glass pendant light. Just past the TV, a narrow hallway branched off to three small bedrooms and a bathroom. Behind the dining space was a wide entry into the kitchen, with its peeling lino and narrow bench space, which led further again to a laundry and a separate toilet.

As they traipsed into the house, Vi yelled out, “Dad, we’re home!”

A large, broad-shouldered man appeared in the doorway of the kitchen, only to be immediately tackled by Jinx, in a blur of pale skin and blue hair.

“Welcome back, kids. Hope you got enough pizza for me too.”

“Hi, Mister Vander! I got you a works — no pineapple,” Caitlyn said brightly, passing him a pizza box.

“Ahh, you’re a good girl, Miss Kiramman. Thank you.”

He took the pizza, freed himself from Jinx, and disappeared back into the kitchen. Jayce followed, passing through the living room and skirting around the dining table to reach the kitchen. He poured a drink for himself and another for Viktor, then tucked the bottles into the spare fridge in the laundry before carrying the glasses back to the living room.

Everyone was already sprawled across couches and the floor, pizza boxes spread out on the coffee table. He pressed one of the glasses into Viktor’s hand.

Viktor smiled at him and mouthed a thanks before taking a sip.

His mouth twisted in a grimace. He stared at Jayce.

“How much bourbon did you put in this?”

Jayce smirked. “I thought you had a high tolerance.”

Viktor took another sip, still making a face. “I do. It just tastes like shit.”

Jayce collapsed onto the floor near Viktor’s legs and took a drink from his own glass. His expression quickly mirrored Viktor’s. It did taste like shit.

He drank it anyway.

Across the room, Jinx was fiddling with the TV, clearly trying to get a movie set up. After a few seconds of muttered button-pressing, she gave a triumphant noise, dropped to the floor beside the others, and snagged a slice of pizza.

They settled in, more relaxed now — all of them sprawled in various half-reclined, cross-legged positions as the movie started to play: Madagascar.

To say that the group liked the movie would have been an understatement, if you used laughter and screams as a metric of enjoyment. Thankfully, it was a Saturday night, and the neighbours were well used to teenage shrieks coming from the house.

Caitlyn and Jinx had each grabbed a watermelon cooler partway through and, as was the nature of sixteen-year-old girls with sugar and alcohol, were now tipsy and giggly, rolling around on the floor. The two weren’t exactly close friends, but their little group was tight-knit enough that a kind of teenage camaraderie had formed between them. Jayce always appreciated how Jinx’s chaos drew a bit more of the teenage girl out of Caitlyn — rather than the serious young lady her mother was trying to raise.

Vi, Jayce, and Viktor had a little more decorum, being slightly older and better able to manage their intake — but the laughter and volume had definitely increased.

After the movie, it had been Jinx who suggested they play ‘Truth or Dare’. Caitlyn had excitedly agreed, blushing and taking sidelong looks at Vi. Jayce had been against it (last time he’d been dared to eat a spoonful of hot mustard and thrown up), but when Viktor had said yes — followed by a “Come on, Jayce, it’ll be fun,” and one of those stupidly adorable smiles — Jayce had caved.

Vi had agreed, of course. Like Jinx, she was a born prankster and show-off, and the opportunity to bully others was not one she could pass up. Mylo and Claggor, though, had smartly retreated to their room to play games.

“I think before we start truth or dare, we should get the mattress out. And I would like to get comfortable,” Viktor said from his position on the couch.

“Yeah, good idea. I don’t think Vander will appreciate us dragging a mattress around at 2 a.m.,” Vi replied.

“No he wouldn’t,” came a call from the kitchen, followed shortly after by the man himself. “Now I know I’ve told you kids I don’t mind you drinking here — I’d rather you do it here than somewhere else. But just make sure you don’t be stupid about it, and make sure you’re drinking enough water. I’m not going to have any sympathy for puking or hangovers.” He paused, looking them over. “You hear me?”

A chorus of “yes, sirs” and “yes, Dad” followed. He nodded and entered his bedroom, door closing softly behind him.

Everyone sat stationary for a moment before motion erupted again.

“I call first dibs on the bathroom. Since I cannot help with the mattress anyway,” Viktor said, rising. He took his cane from where it rested beside the chair and made his way to the hallway and bathroom beyond, scooping up his bag from the floor by the dining table as he did.

“Come on, Jayce,” said Vi. “You and me. Cait, Jinx, clean up some of this shit and get the table out of the way.”

Jinx jumped to her feet and saluted, then started gathering dirty plates with Caitlyn’s help.

Jayce followed Vi to her bedroom, where the spare mattress was kept — upright against one wall and behind the wardrobe. When he entered, Vi was already kicking clothes on the floor out of the way, preparing to shift the wardrobe out. The room looked like a hurricane had hit it — like every time he’d been in there. Clothes, books, papers, and pens were scattered all over the floor, and the laundry hamper was empty. Given his experiences with Jinx, ‘hurricane’ was a pretty accurate description.

There was a bunk bed against the right wall. The bottom bed was slightly mussed, with a dark red doona on top. He couldn’t see the top bunk, really, except for a corner of the multicoloured cover hanging off one edge. The ceiling above it was covered in random bright sketches, most featuring animals — some clearly meant to be Jinx’s friends, and others just random things she liked. The wall directly in front was clear except for a window and curtains, and a small set of bedside drawers. The wall to the left had a desk with a computer and PlayStation set up, then the aforementioned wardrobe.

Jayce stepped fully into the room, taking hold of the wardrobe where Vi was already gripping the other side. Together, they slid it out about a foot, then dragged the mattress out. Jayce pulled it backward through the door until the narrow angle of hallway and door blocked him from going further. He waited patiently for Vi to move the furniture back and return to help him.

She let him know she was at the other end by giving the mattress a hard shove, freeing it from the door and nearly sending Jayce flying.

“Vi, you dick.” Her response was an invisible snicker.

Together, they moved the mattress the rest of the way to the living room before letting it flop on the floor just in front of the couch. The setup was one they had done multiple times over the years — everyone having slept on either couch, mattress, or floor in this room at one time or another.

Vi disappeared for a moment, then returned to throw sheets, pillows, and a doona at Jayce. One of the sheets hit him in the back of the head, sending him reeling. He gave her a ‘thank you’ wave of his middle finger and set about making up the bed.

He had just finished when Viktor returned, now dressed in a grey shirt and blue-and-white striped pyjama pants. He sat on the couch in his usual position.

Jayce straightened and turned to Viktor. “I might get changed too. Do you want another drink while I’m at it?”

He hummed in thought for a moment. “Actually, can you get me one of the Stolichnayas?”

“Bless you. What did you want to drink, though?” Jayce replied.

Viktor rolled his eyes and waved him away. Jayce grinned and grabbed his gear before ducking into the bathroom to change. He tugged on clothes similar to Viktor’s — a white shirt and red sleep pants. He grabbed Viktor the requested drink from the fridge, replenished his own bourbon and Coke, and returned.

When he got back, everyone was already settled in a loose circle. Viktor was on a couch alone, Vi on the armchair, then Caitlyn and Jinx seated on the mattress, facing them. They’d already shared out the lollies in bowls — one on the floor, one on the lamp table. He also noticed they’d taken the liberty of stealing the tequila, and there was a bowl with cut-up lemons and a canister of table salt.

He passed Viktor the drink, who gave a quiet “thank you,” then sat beside him on the couch.

“This looks dangerous. What have I come back to?” he asked warily.

“Still truth or dare,” Caitlyn said. “But because Jinx has no control, we decided that you can turn down the request — but you have to take a shot of the tequila.”

“I don’t know that you should be shooting tequila, Cait.”

“I won’t be turning down dares. I’m not a wuss like someone I know.” She stuck her tongue out at him.

“Are you kidding? There was no way I was going to run naked down the street.” He paused, then added, “And no one would have wanted to see that.”

Vi grinned at him and wiggled her eyebrows. “I’m sure someone would have wanted to see it.”

To his side, Viktor choked, and Jinx, on the mattress, started cackling wildly. He ignored them.

“Ew, Vi. You’re gay, and I’m not going to put on a show for your perverted neighbours.”

Vi took a sip of her drink — a beer, from the looks of it. “Uh huh. Neighbours. Suuure.” She grinned at him again.

“All right, who’s first?” Caitlyn asked.

“Whoever smelt it, dealt it. So you,” Jinx said, pointing at her.

“Mmm, okay then,” Caitlyn said, considering. “Jinx. Truth or dare?”

Jinx sat up a little straighter. “Dare, of course.”

“I dare you…” Caitlyn hesitated, trying to come up with something suitable. “To go press the power button on Claggor’s Sony.”

“Oh, that’s easy.” Jinx was already standing, legs moving at full speed to race to her brother’s room. She was gone in a streak of blue hair and purple pyjamas.

Thirty seconds later, there was a commotion across the house — three voices yelling, two swearing — followed by a laughing Jinx returning.

“Done! My turn! Viktor. Truth or dare?”

“Dare,” Viktor replied.

“Okay, I dare you to have a shot of Dad’s Fireball.”

“Uh… I can, but will he be upset?” A small frown passed over Viktor's face.

“DAD!” Jinx suddenly yelled. “CAN VIKTOR HAVE A SHOT OF YOUR FIREBALL FOR A DARE?”

The sigh from the far bedroom shouldn’t have been audible, but somehow was.

“ONE SHOT,” Vander hollered back.

Jinx was back on her feet and fetching the Fireball. She gave Viktor a shot glass — one of the ones already laid out for the tequila — and then, with extreme care, poured him a drink. She waited, hovering, for him to drink it.

Viktor took the shot in one gulp. The only sign he gave that the alcohol was strong was a sharp exhale through his nose.

Jinx clapped him on the shoulder. “You’re crazy. Freaking Europeans and alcohol.”

“What can I say? It’s in our blood.” Viktor took a sip from his own drink. “Now… who should I pick?” He looked around the circle at everyone. Jayce tried to look inconspicuous — it was Viktor who’d given the mustard dare previously.

“Vi. Finish that bottle with no hands.” He gestured to the bottle of alcohol in front of her.

“Too easy. Watch this.”

Vi set the drink on the side table, leaned over, and put her mouth over the opening. She then leaned back, upending it while holding it only with her mouth.

They all watched her throat bob as she slowly finished the bottle — head tilted back, hands free.

When she was done, she pulled the bottle away and let out a large belch.

“My turn,” she said. “Jayce. I dare you to twerk.”

“Vi, you’re meant to ask truth or dare, you idiot,” Jayce said, deadpan.

Vi scoffed. “What? Were you gonna say truth? Okay. Tell us who your crush from school is.”

Jayce immediately flushed red. “No, I would have said dare. You’re still meant to ask.”

Vi grinned wider. “Yeah, sure, like Viktor asked. Go on, Jayce — show us what those birthing hips can do.”

He groaned as he stood and turned, back facing the small group. Then he squatted slightly and rocked his hips up and down. ‘Twerking.’

Everyone started dying laughing, Viktor snorting and choking mid-sip.

“Oh my God, Jayce, that’s not how you twerk,” Caitlyn managed through laughs.

“Well I don’t know how to twerk!” he retorted. Caitlyn just laughed harder.

“Fine. Cait, truth or dare?”

It took a few moments for Caitlyn to respond, still laughing too hard.

“Dare.”

Jayce grinned at her, having fallen into his trap. “Yeah? I dare you to twerk.”

The laughter from Jinx, which had tapered off, renewed itself at the look on Caitlyn’s face.

“Jayce Talis, you are the worst.” But she stood up and did a fairly admirable attempt at twerking — undoubtedly better than Jayce’s. He raised his glass in mock toast as she sat back down.

“Jinx,” Caitlyn said. “Dare?”

Jinx gave her the reply of two finger-guns.

“I dare you to pretend to be Mort, in love with King Julien’s feet. And Viktor is King Julien.”

“What? I did not agree to this,” Viktor interjected.

Jinx started crawling toward Viktor, grin spreading wide across her face. Viktor pulled his feet up, trying to tuck them into the seat of the couch, but Jinx was faster. She grasped the ankle of his good leg, drawing it toward her.

“The feet, King Julien, I love the feeeet. Let me sniff them.” The words were said with a fairly admirable impression of Mort — high-pitched and a little bit squeaky. She lay on her back underneath Viktor and mimed sniffing at his feet.

“Jinx! Get off me.” Viktor looked at Jayce, a look of appeal on his face. “Jayce, help me, please.”

Jayce paused in his laughter, trying to reply, but the innocent pout and wide, pleading eyes just sent him back into fits of giggles. Vi and Caitlyn were similarly impaired — Vi full-on wheezing, hunched over in her chair.

Just then, Jinx started tickling the foot she held. Viktor shrieked — a high-pitched sound more appropriate to have come from one of the girls — and twisted, trying to get free of the assault. Jinx didn’t relent, and in his attempts to get away, Viktor ended up sliding off the couch and landing on Jinx’s stomach. She let go of Viktor’s foot and went briefly silent, winded by the weight landing on top of her, before she started laughing again.

They lay there in a tangled mess while everyone laughed so hard they cried — everything made more hilarious by the minor amounts of alcohol consumed. Eventually, once they had calmed and Jinx had told Viktor to get up before she peed herself, they settled back into the circle. Jinx ran off to use the bathroom and get another drink.

Once Viktor was back and composed in his place, he turned to Caitlyn. “Well then, Miss Kiramman. Time for some payback. Truth or dare?”

“Oh no. Dare,” Caitlyn said, wary.

“I dare you to text a pick-up line to your crush.”

Caitlyn’s face immediately turned bright red — right up to the tips of her ears.

“No! I can’t do that. I’ll die.” She buried her face in her hands.

Viktor folded his arms smugly. “Are you refusing the dare?”

She groaned in frustration, biting her lip, before suddenly brightening. “I’ll take a shot.”

“Wow, cupcake. Too scared to do a dare? Never thought I’d see the day,” Vi teased from the side.

Caitlyn’s blush darkened. He wondered if Caitlyn would ever tell Vi. He hoped so — but it wasn’t his business.

“I’ll confess when I’m ready, not when someone forces me,” she said, nose upturned. Then, “Jayce, do a shot with me.”

“What? That’s not the game.”

“Fine. Jayce, truth or dare.”

It was immediately obvious where this was going, so Jayce said, “Truth.”

Caitlyn grinned. “Who is your crush at school?”

Jayce groaned and rubbed his hand over his face, trying to hide that he was doing a fair attempt at replicating Caitlyn’s tomato impersonation. “Fine. I’ll do a shot.”

To his side, Vi lost her shit, howling with laughter. On the other side, Viktor looked at him intently.

“You have a crush on someone at school? Why does Miss Kiramman know this and not me?”

Jayce’s cheeks were fire, and Vi’s laughter just intensified. Jinx returned at that moment to the chaos of two people blushing and Vi about to cackle herself onto the floor.

“What did I miss?” she asked.

“Caitlyn is too scared to text a pick-up line to her crush, and Jayce won’t tell us who his is,” Viktor summarised.

“Oh, well that’s lame. Everyone knows who both their crushes are.”

“Hey!” Caitlyn yelled, swatting at Jinx’s leg.

Viktor frowned. “Am I the only one that doesn’t know?”

Jayce might have been imagining it, but he thought he looked a little hurt.

“Don’t worry, cookie,” Jinx said. “It’s not like either of them told me. They’re both just painfully, stupidly cringe and obvious.”

Viktor’s lips pursed, but he let it go. Caitlyn was busy setting up on the little table to pour shots.

“Anyone else?” she asked the room.

“Eh, I will have one. Why not,” Viktor agreed.

“Have you guys done tequila shots before?” Jayce asked.

There was a chorus of “No’s” from everyone except Caitlyn, who had spent enough time with Jayce’s family to have plenty of exposure. She was probably the source of the already prepared lemon and salt.

“Don’t pour one for Viktor. We’ll make him do it properly,” Jayce said.

Viktor looked at him curiously.

“Okay so… first thing, Cait, give me the cap.” Caitlyn passed him the red sombrero lid from the tequila, and Jayce handed it to Viktor.

“So, Viktor, this is your shot glass. And you need to lick, like…” — he pointed at the webbing between his own thumb and index finger — “here.”

“…Why?” Viktor asked.

“Do it now. That’s where the salt will go.”

Viktor, still watching Jayce, lifted his hand and gave a small kitten lick to the space between his thumb and index. Jayce tried to ignore how that glimpse of pink tongue made his stomach flutter. He took hold of Viktor’s wrist in one hand to hold it in place and sprinkled salt where he had licked.

“And then a piece of lemon in your other hand,” he said, passing Viktor a slice. “And now the shot.” Jayce took the bottle of tequila from Caitlyn, and, still holding Viktor’s wrist, carefully poured the shot into the little hat. Caitlyn was setting herself up with salt and a lemon too. Jayce quickly did the same for himself — salt balanced on the hand holding his shot, lemon in the other.

“Okay. Now you lick the salt, shoot the tequila, then suck the lemon,” Jayce instructed.

“How do you know all this?” Viktor asked.

“My family is Mexican, of course I know this. This is like every Sunday at my uncle’s house. Ready?”

Caitlyn and Viktor both nodded. Vi gave them a countdown: three, two, one — and they all licked, sipped, and sucked almost in sync. Caitlyn made a funny face after hers, sticking out her tongue. Viktor grimaced, but ate the lemon completely. Jayce, having done this before with family, took the shot easily.

“There you go. A true tequila shot. The other version is a suicide shot where you snort the salt, squeeze the lemon in your eye, and then drink the shot.”

“Ohh I wanna see you do that version,” Jinx said, but Jayce ignored her.

“Why the…” Viktor started, then paused, staring at the red cup. “Som-breero.” He enunciated carefully.

Jayce grinned at him, feeling the alcohol begin to buzz through his limbs. “I don’t know. It’s just a thing. Someone told me it’s because once it’s filled you can’t put it down without spilling, so you have to drink it. But I don’t know if that’s true.”

“I think I liked that. Can we do another?” Viktor asked.

Jayce laughed. “Sure, I’m game.”

“I’ll do one,” Vi chimed in. She took the bottle and Jayce’s shot glass to pour for them.

Viktor was already licking his hand again and holding it out to Jayce. Jayce reloaded him with salt and lemon, then, when Vi was done, poured Viktor’s shot again. His fingers tingled where they brushed Viktor’s skin, another sign of the alcohol flowing through him.

He quickly set himself up for the shot, and Vi counted them down again. They all took the shot of tequila.

“The tequila isn’t bad. It would probably taste really good with Red Bull,” Vi said. Jayce shrugged in response, having never tried it.

Viktor smacked his lips after sucking on the lemon. “You know, I do not normally like sour things, but I do enjoy this.”

“Aren’t you drinking that lemon drink?” Jayce asked.

“Yes, but it’s more sweet than sour,” came the reply. As if to check, Viktor took a sip from the half-empty bottle.

“Would you like a try?” he offered the bottle to Jayce.

“Uh… sure.” He accepted the proffered bottle and took a small sip, then a larger one. They’d shared food and drinks plenty of times, but that didn’t stop his brain from torturing him with the fact that it was the closest they’d ever come to a kiss.

The drink was bubbly lemon with sugar syrup, and the distinct taste of alcohol underneath. He could see the appeal, even if it wasn’t his preference — though that annoying part of his brain still filed it away as what Viktor might taste like if they actually kissed in this moment.

Jayce handed the bottle back. “It’s not bad, but not really my thing.”

Viktor smiled at him. “That means I get to drink them myself.”

They settled back into their places, playing a few more rounds of truth or dare before starting to get distracted. Around 10 p.m., it was decided they would make popcorn and watch the other movie — the one Jayce was not looking forward to.

Saw II.

The very first scene confirmed for Jayce that he was not going to enjoy this movie. A man stood in his underwear, with a nail-filled trap over his head that later slammed, killing him instantly. Already, Jayce was ready to puke.

Jinx and Vi clapped and cheered, celebrating the gore and munching on popcorn, while Jayce sat hugging a pillow — ready to bury his face and hide — and prayed for it to be over. Viktor just complained that the man hadn’t tried very hard to save himself.

“I’m sorry, but a killer writing a cop’s name on the wall seems like the best reason to not have them involved in the case,” Caitlyn added. “Seems like a stupid idea.”

Next, a group of police raided a building and almost instantly triggered a trap, one man’s legs breaking. Jayce jumped, hugging the pillow tighter. He didn’t notice Viktor watching him until a pale finger poked him. He looked over, raising an eyebrow.

Viktor leaned slightly closer to whisper, “I’m cold. Would you get a blanket for me?”

“Yeah. Anything else?”

Viktor chewed on his lip, thinking. “Pepperoni?”

Jayce gave him a thumbs up and carefully stepped over Jinx and Caitlyn, sprawled out on the mattress, to head into the kitchen.

He loaded a plate with a few slices of pizza and shoved it into the microwave, then walked to the laundry where he knew the spare bedding was and retrieved a doona. Back in the living room, he offered everyone a slice of pizza and settled back on the couch, handing Viktor the doona. Viktor smiled gratefully up at him and spread it over his lap. Jayce sat beside him and waited until he was settled before offering a slice of pizza and taking the last for himself.

He’d just taken a bite when a man looked through a peephole and had his head blown off by a pistol. Jayce jerked and choked on the pizza, spluttering until he coughed it free. Viktor leaned over and slapped his back with surprising force for someone so thin. Jayce waved him off and took a big drink from his bourbon and coke.

He made it through a few more deaths — including a man roasting in a furnace — with only minor squirming and pillow shielding. The others were thoroughly entertained, debating how the victims could have better solved the puzzles. Caitlyn argued they were all idiots for not inspecting everything before touching it. Jinx and Viktor agreed, and debated how they’d redesign the traps, which only added a fresh twist to Jayce’s nausea.

When the cop started breaking “Jigsaw’s” fingers, Jayce thought he might actually vomit. He let out a quiet “oh God” at the sight of the misaligned digit and buried his face in the pillow. A cool touch brushed his arm, and he peered out to find Viktor watching him, brow furrowed.

“Are you okay?” Viktor mouthed.

Jayce nodded — then a yell from the screen made him shake his head.

Viktor gave him a crooked grin, higher on one side, but his eyes were warm. “Do you want to do something else?” he whispered.

Jayce shook his head again. Viktor squeezed his arm, then settled back.

A moment later, Viktor’s legs landed in his lap. Jayce blinked at him, startled, as he stretched both legs across him and spread the doona over them both. Jayce was confused at first — Viktor wasn’t usually one for anything but the briefest of touches — but then realised he was probably just offering comfort in a language Jayce understood. He swallowed the anxious lump in his throat and let his arms rest atop Viktor’s shins, the thickness of the doona in the way.

Surprisingly, it helped. The warmth and pressure grounded him. He made it through the rest of the movie with only minor discomfort — though still none of the enthusiasm the others had. When it finally ended, Jayce let out a sigh of relief.

After the darkness of the room and the movie, they all went momentarily blind when Caitlyn flicked on the overhead light. A round of complaints followed, and she quickly turned it off again. Vi switched on a lamp instead.

Spotting Jayce with Viktor’s legs draped comfortably across his lap, Vi gave him a knowing look and waggle of her eyebrows. Jayce not so subtly stretched and flipped her off — one of many times that night.

“What do you guys wanna do now?” Caitlyn asked, peeling a Red Skin. Viktor tried for one but couldn’t quite reach, so she passed it to him.

“I don’t know. My leg’s sore, so I don’t really want to move,” Viktor said. “In fact, can someone refill my drink?”

Jayce shifted to get up. “I’ll go—”

“Not Jayce,” Viktor cut in. “He’s currently acting as a piece of furniture.”

Vi snorted but stood. “What do you want?”

“Bourbon and coke, please.”

“Me too,” Jayce added, holding out his empty glass.

“Wow, so fucking lazy, Jayce. You’ve got two working legs. Why don’t you use them?”

“Hey!” Jayce would have tackled her, but didn’t want to dislodge Viktor.

Viktor passed her his glass. “Ah, Violet. Thank you for your care and advocacy for people with mobility limitations.”

Vi gave him a two-fingered salute and sauntered off to get the drinks.

Caitlyn, lying on her stomach with her chin propped on her hand, said, “I’m not ready to sleep yet. How about we play Never Have I Ever?”

“Oh, hell yes,” Jinx said immediately, already perking up.

Jayce groaned. “I always lose at Never Have I Ever.”

“That’s because you haven’t done anything interesting,” Viktor teased.

“We spend ninety percent of our time together. If I haven’t done anything, you haven’t either.”

“Oh yeah? Never have I ever flown overseas.” Jayce was about to triumphantly reply when Viktor added, “With family.”

“Oh, come on. That’s not fair.”

Viktor raised an eyebrow, daring him to keep arguing. “Put a finger down, Jayce,” he said, holding up five fingers and wiggling them at him. “You too, Miss Kiramman.”

“Hey, we haven’t even started! Vi’s not here,” Caitlyn protested.

“I happen to know Vi’s never been overseas,” said Jinx. “So it doesn’t matter.”

“Fine.” Jayce lifted a hand and dropped a finger, sticking his tongue out at Viktor in protest.

“And take a drink,” Viktor added.

“What? That wasn’t part of the game.”

“It is now.”

Jayce grumbled playfully. Viktor had flown from overseas himself, but not with family — his parents had passed when he was young. He’d been brought over as an orphaned refugee during the Bosnian War. Though Viktor never talked much about it, Jayce knew it had been a terrible time in his life. Really, he couldn’t complain about losing that round.

Vi returned then, juggling two glasses and a few cans tucked under her arms. She let the cans thump onto the mattress, drinks for Jinx and Cailtny, and handed both glasses to Viktor, who passed one to Jayce. Jayce took a sip. It was mostly bourbon. His nose wrinkled at the taste, and he caught Viktor making the same expression.

“Oh, Never Have I Ever?” Vi asked, then added, “Never have I ever worn men’s underwear.”

“What the fuck, Vi? It’s not even your turn,” Jayce said.

“It is now. Repayment for the drink. Now put a finger down.”

Jayce squinted at her but complied. Viktor dropped one too.

“Don’t you have to put a finger down?” Jinx asked Vi.

“What? No. I don’t wear men’s underwear. I wear boylegs. They’re women’s.”

“Why are they called boylegs then? They look like boxers,” Jinx said.

“I don’t know. They just are.”

Jayce cut in. “Okay, I really didn’t need that much detail about Vi’s underwear, thanks.”

“You’ve seen me in my underwear, anyway,” Vi said nonchalantly.

Jayce sputtered on his drink. “I have not.”

“Yeah, that time we went swimming at the jetty after work,” Vi said with a grin.

“You were wearing shorts. We were all wearing shorts!”

“Yeah, boy legs look like shorts. But they’re underwear.”

Jinx was laughing at his visible distress, and Caitlyn was silent, faintly blushing — probably too overcome by the accidental insight into Vi’s undergarments.

Jayce huffed, shifting a little beneath Viktor’s legs. “Okay, fine. If that’s how we’re playing. My turn. Never have I ever worn a bra.”

Viktor snickered beside him, holding up his hand with three fingers still intact.

“That’s so unoriginal,” Caitlyn said, rolling her eyes as she dropped a finger, leaving her at three as well. Vi and Jinx both put their first finger down.

“My turn,” Caitlyn said, tapping her chin. “Never have I ever had a crush on someone of the opposite sex.”

Jayce groaned and dropped another finger. So did Jinx.

“Wow, let’s all be original then,” Jinx drawled. “Put a finger down if you’ve ever had a crush on someone of the same sex.”

Jayce tried not to look sideways at Viktor as he hesitated, then dropped a finger. His cheeks began to burn. He was already down to one finger. Around him, Vi, Caitlyn, and Viktor all put a finger down without hesitation.

“Shit, Powpow, you got all four of us. Good work,” Vi said, raising her drink in salute.

“I am pretty sure Jayce should have had four drinks by now too,” Viktor added, shooting him a sly look.

“What? Are you trying to get me drunk?” Jayce asked.

“Well, is that not why we are all drinking?” Viktor replied, raising an eyebrow. “My turn though. Never have I ever applied make-up.”

Jinx let out an affronted squawk. “You’ve worn make-up before!”

“Yes. You applied it to me. I have never put make-up on myself — or someone else,” Viktor said, smirking.

“Technicality,” Jinx muttered, narrowing her eyes.

“Technicality is the soul of the game,” Viktor replied, sipping smugly.

Once again, all the girls put a finger down. Viktor was winning with three fingers left up. Vi and Jinx had two remaining, and Caitlyn, like Jayce, was down to one.

“Jayce, your turn,” Vi prompted.

“Yeah, I know. I’m thinking.” He fidgeted with his hands in his lap for a moment before remembering Viktor’s legs were there. “Never have I ever looked at a dirty magazine.”

There was a brief silence. Then everyone but Jayce dropped a finger.

“Wow. You guys are perverts,” he said, laughing.

“No comment,” Caitlyn replied, slipping into her poshest voice.

“Hey, girls got needs,” Vi said with a shrug.

“Mine shouldn’t count. It was Vi’s magazine, and she left it out!” Jinx pouted.

Jayce raised an eyebrow at Viktor.

“Also Vi’s. She really does leave them everywhere,” Viktor said, lips quirking into a cheeky smile.

“I do not!”

The whole group collapsed into laughter. Jayce watched Viktor from the corner of his eye, quietly trying to memorise the curve of his smile and the slight dimple that appeared in his cheek when he laughed like that — full and unguarded.

Eventually, the laughter died down.

“I think Cait’s out, and it’s my turn,” Vi said, stretching and shifting into a new sprawl. “So. Hmm. Never have I ever kissed a boy.”

She grinned proudly at the group, but only Jinx put a finger down.

“What? Y’all are losers. As if that didn’t get all of you.”

Jayce felt his cheeks warm again and hoped the room’s dimness hid it.

“Jinx is out though. And I win,” Viktor declared.

“What? No you don’t,” Vi shot back.

“You’re both on one. I’m on two,” Viktor said, holding up his two remaining fingers.

“You still have to get both of us,” Vi argued.

“Oh? You mean like this? Never have I ever lifted weights in a gym.”

“Aw, man. You suck. I was so close too,” Vi groaned, dropping her last finger.

“And since I win, you all have to finish your drinks. Except for Jinx and Caitlyn — I’d rather they not throw up,” Viktor added.

“And what, you don’t care if I do?” Jayce said, mock-offended.

Viktor tapped his lips with a finger, pretending to think. “Hm. No,” he replied.

“Wooow, V.”

Viktor’s eyes twinkled with mirth as he took a sip of his drink. Then he shifted, tugging at the doona. “I’m starting to overheat a little. You’re like an electric blanket,” Viktor said.

“Uh... sorry?”

“You don’t need to say sorry. I just need to put my legs on top of the doona,” Viktor chuckled.

“Oh, okay. Sure. Here.”

Despite having sat there with Viktor’s legs draped across his lap for the past couple of hours, Jayce suddenly felt self-conscious again. He lifted the edge of the doona, slid one hand beneath Viktor’s ankles, and gently helped reposition his legs on top this time. Then he took a few large sips of his drink — trying to ignore the fact that Viktor’s legs were now fully visible in his lap.

Viktor leaned forward, one hand moving to massage at his twisted leg.

“Still sore?” Jayce asked.

Viktor nodded. Jayce knew his leg was almost always bothering him in one way or another.

“Do you want a painkiller or something?”

“No. I couldn’t take one after drinking anyway.”

“Shit. Is there anything I can do to help?”

“Eh, not really. Massaging it helps a little,” Viktor murmured, still rubbing at the muscle.

Jayce hesitated, then offered, “I mean... I could do it? I think I’m pretty good at it.”

Viktor glanced over and bit his lip — then held Jayce’s gaze for a long moment before giving a small nod. Jayce was sure it was only the alcohol giving him this kind of confidence. He set his hands on Viktor’s thigh, just above the knee where he’d been rubbing, and began to mimic the motion — pressing his thumbs carefully into the muscle.

Viktor leaned back with a soft sigh, sipping his drink. Jayce worked his fingers slowly, kneading in small circles, then dragging downward with gentle pressure.

Jinx shuffled closer until she was seated beside Viktor on the mattress, peering at them with feigned suspicion.

“What’s going on here, hmm? Special treatment? Where’s my massage?”

Jayce rolled his eyes.

“Yes. You are simply not special enough,” Viktor replied flatly.

“Wow! I’m hurt. Devastated. I can’t believe you’d say that. I thought I was your favourite.” Jinx threw herself into a dramatic flail, clutching her chest as though wounded.

“Was. Key word. Jayce is better at massages than you, sorry.”

“You’ve never even had a massage from me!” she protested.

“Exactly.” Viktor’s expression was almost blank, but the twitch of his mouth betrayed a smile. “I would offer you one, but it’d be a bit awkward from this angle. I could scratch your scalp, if you’d like.”

“Sold!” she declared, already tugging loose her braid and shaking it out.

Viktor gave her a soft, sideways smile and began gently carding his fingers through her hair. Jinx leaned back against the couch with a happy hum, still sipping from her second watermelon cooler.

The three of them sitting quietly soon drew the attention of Caitlyn and Vi, who had been chatting.

“We were going to play some Mario Kart before bed. You in, Pow?” Vi asked.

“Yes. Dibs Yoshi. But I’m not moving. I’m being pet by a cookie.”

Jinx, Caitlyn, and Vi set up to play Mario Kart. Jayce was content to watch, still absentmindedly massaging Viktor’s leg, working his way from knee to shin and ankle. After a few rounds, Jinx said she had to go to the bathroom again and handed her controller off to Viktor to take over.

Viktor repositioned to sit up properly, legs no longer in Jayce’s lap. He missed the weight and contact immediately, but the sweet smile and thank you he got were worth it. Viktor, being talented at anything involving technology, immediately dominated the game and quickly lapped Caitlyn. Vi was managing to evade him, but only through her wild-card strategies and the luck of random objects.

When the next round started, Jayce took the last controller. Viktor kept Jinx’s Yoshi, Caitlyn was playing as Peach, and Vi as Bowser. Jayce ended up selecting Mario.

In the first race, Viktor dominated again. He didn’t overtake anyone but was so far ahead for most of the match that there was no chance of catching him. The alcohol he’d drunk had clearly loosened him up — he spent the match teasing Jayce and Vi, with commentary and cheers from Jinx to back him up.

The second match was more even, Viktor being unfamiliar with the map. Jayce managed to hold first place, thanks to his experience with the game and some lucky item rolls to counter Viktor’s raw talent. First, Viktor overtook him — only to get hit by Jayce’s shell. Then, a collision with Viktor sent Jayce back a few places to fourth. But another stroke of luck gave him a star almost instantly, and he immediately reclaimed first by running into Viktor and knocking him off a cliff.

Viktor proceeded to swear in another language, and Jayce risked a side glance to stick out his tongue at him. Viktor ignored him, leaning forward to focus on the game.

“Jinx, Jayce is cheating. Hit him for me,” Viktor said to the blue-haired girl leaning against his legs. Jinx dutifully turned and slapped Jayce’s leg.

“Ow! That’s not fair. You can’t get other people to do your dirty work.”

Another bend — and suddenly Jayce was spinning out, hit by a shell. Next to him, Viktor let out a small, evil little chuckle.

Jayce nudged him with his elbow. “Getting a little maniacal there, V.”

Viktor grinned without looking at him.

They came up to a bend, both of them fighting to overtake the other. As they skidded around the corner, Jayce leaned to the side like he was actually in the vehicle, using his full body weight to turn. He pressed Viktor into the side of the couch as he did. Viktor pushed back, but Jayce, being twice his size, won the brief battle.

“See, Jinx? Look at this. Hit him again. My hands are occupied,” Viktor said, half breathless with laughter.

Jinx smacked him again. “Jayce, stop being a smelly cheater.”

Jayce laughed and straightened, trying to dodge Jinx’s hands. The next corner went the opposite direction, and this time Viktor leaned into him, trying to knock him off balance. It didn’t go to plan — the only result was a bony shoulder pushing into Jayce’s bicep. Jayce leaned back toward Viktor, squishing him again.

“How is this fair? What are you even made of — steel?”

“What can I say? Talis men are built different.”

Viktor snorted.

They were nearing the final stretch, and Jayce was in first with a little distance on second. It looked like he was going to win, when a red shell from Caitlyn knocked him back. Viktor overtook him with a cheer and a smug side grin.

The last line of items was right in front of Jayce, and he hit one of the shining boxes. The reel spun, flashing different items, before settling on lightning. Jayce whooped as everyone else was struck, shrunk, and slowed.

“Ma jebi se, Jayce!”

He didn’t know exactly what Viktor had said, but knew the other boy well enough to know it wasn’t polite. Jayce was just about to accelerate back into the lead when Viktor tackled him from the side, going for his controller. Jayce laughed, shocked, as pointy elbows and cold fingers poked and tickled him, trying to steal it.

“Help!” he cried out, laughing. “I’m being attacked!”

Viktor, unable to pry the controller from Jayce’s hands, was now practically lying in his lap with his arms wrapped around it, Jayce’s hands trapped beneath. Jayce watched on screen as Yoshi — now controlled by Jinx — took first place. As soon as she did, Viktor released his death grip, and Jayce managed to steer into second. Viktor stayed where he was, laughing and gasping, sprawled on his back across Jayce.

Jayce looked down at him, smiling. The room was dim with only the far lamp and the glow of the screen, but he could still make out the flush of pink on Viktor’s cheeks and the joy shining in his eyes. Jayce forced his gaze away from his lips — and the mole beside them he very much wanted to kiss until Viktor was breathless for a different reason.

Instead, he announced to the room, “Do you see this? Called me a cheater and then tried to wrestle the controller from me.”

Viktor grinned, proud.

“What do you have to say for yourself?” Jayce poked at Viktor’s hip. Viktor twitched and squirmed, letting out a sharp laugh. Jayce poked him again. “Hmm?”

“Talis, don’t you dare,” he said through giggles.

“Don’t I dare what?” Jayce smiled back, finger hovering. Viktor’s hands came up to guard his stomach and sides. Jayce wiggled his into an unprotected spot at his waist, and Viktor practically shrieked with laughter.

“Jinx, did you know Viktor is ticklish?” Jayce asked, almost nonchalantly.

Jinx snickered from where she still sat on the floor. “No, I had no clue,” she said.

“M’not ticklish,” Viktor mumbled, laughter slurring his usually crisp words.

“Oh? In that case, it doesn’t matter if we do this.” Jayce gestured to Jinx and started tickling Viktor. Jinx popped up a second later, blue hair still a wild tangle from Viktor’s earlier massage, and joined in, her hands diving gleefully for Viktor’s sides.

Viktor rocked and squirmed, arms wrapped around himself, desperately trying to avoid the barrage as he giggled. Jayce and Jinx kept up the attack until there were tears in the corners of Viktor’s eyes and he was gasping, “Stop,” unable to breathe properly.

It was rare for Viktor to be in a mood silly and comfortable enough to allow something like tickling — and he had absolutely never tackled anyone before. Jayce’s chest felt full to bursting, knowing Viktor was happy and at ease enough with them to let go like this.

When they’d first met, it had taken Jayce months of gently coaxing Viktor into a friendship before he even initiated a conversation. Now, Viktor had multiple friends and a social life, and Jayce was likely to wake up to five rambling text messages about whatever had piqued Viktor’s interest during the night. Sometimes, there was a stupid part of him that got jealous of other people being close to Viktor — but it was easy to push that little part away when he saw how happy Viktor was now.

Jayce beamed down at Viktor, still sprawled across his lap, giddy with joy and affection. Viktor lay there a few moments longer. His normally gently tousled hair was sticking up in random tufts, and he was rubbing the tears from his eyes. Viktor opened them again to find Jayce staring — and gave him a small smile.

“You know, you are surprisingly comfortable for someone with too many muscles,” he said.

“Thanks?” Jayce wasn’t sure if it was a compliment or not. “Wait, what do you mean ‘too many muscles’?”

Viktor’s smile widened, showing his little pointed canine, and Jayce found himself staring at his lips.

“Nothing, nothing. How about you use those muscles to help me up before my leg gets sore again?”

Jayce dragged his eyes away from Viktor’s mouth, feeling the start of a blush creeping up at how blatantly he’d been looking. His gaze drifted lower, down to where Viktor’s shirt had ridden up slightly, revealing the soft curve of a hip bone and a mole. And yep, Jayce was definitely blushing now.

“S-sure,” he stammered, putting a hand between Viktor’s shoulder blades and helping to push him up. Viktor sat up and twisted until he was seated properly on the couch again.

Jayce took his drink and finished the last of it, wanting the alcohol to help calm the buzzing after so much contact with Viktor. He thought his self-control was impressive, considering how infatuated he was with the other teen.

“Come here,” Viktor said.

“Huh? What?” Jayce asked, confused.

“Both Jinx and myself have had a massage. I will return the favour.” Viktor had finished speaking and taken a drink from his own glass, so Jayce couldn’t see what expression he was making.

“Um. Sure?” He said it like it was a question, but he was already moving.

He sat on the mattress directly in front, Viktor’s knees bracketing his shoulders, his feet placed on either side of Jayce’s hips. He sat there, muscles tense, waiting — unsure of exactly what was about to happen.

Without warning, fingers appeared in his hair, lightly scratching circles across his scalp. Jayce shivered, goosebumps running down his neck and spine. He stayed still for a few moments longer before relaxing into the sensation. It actually felt really, really nice to have fingers gently threading through his hair.

Jayce watched the television, where Caitlyn and Vi were playing some duo shooter game. They sat cross-legged on the mattress, backs to him. Caitlyn was playing as a small girl with pistols doing trick shots, and Vi as some man with an axe, hacking and fighting their way across the screen. Jinx sat in the armchair Vi had vacated, practically lying down, head on one armrest, legs dangling over the other.

The hands in Jayce’s hair paused as Viktor took a mouthful of his drink. Remembering his own glass, Jayce took a sip as well. He wasn’t sure if it was because he was used to it, or if it was weaker, but the bourbon didn’t taste as bad anymore.

Instead of returning to his hair, Viktor’s hands slid to his neck, thumbs pressing in on either side of his spine and then moving upward with firm pressure. Viktor worked in circles, alternating between stroking and pressing, then moved back down to repeat. He reached the place where Jayce’s neck met his shoulders, thumbs digging in and rolling through the muscle. Jayce let out an involuntary groan and let his head slump forward at how good it felt. He hadn’t even realised how tight the muscles were until Viktor worked them loose. Viktor spent a few more minutes focused on that spot, kneading slowly into the base of Jayce’s neck and along the crease of his shoulders.

“Was that okay?” Viktor’s voice came softly, close by his ear.

Jayce sat up slightly, turning his head toward Viktor. He was leaning so close that when Jayce turned, Viktor’s nose brushed his cheek. Viktor pulled back, but not much, his lips still close to Jayce’s ear. Jayce could only just see his face out of his periphery.

“Yeah,” he said, voice barely above a whisper. He wasn’t sure why he was whispering, only that something about how close Viktor was made him want to stay very still and very quiet. Like the other was a small animal that might startle if he made any sudden noises or movements.

Viktor hummed, pleased, then said, “If you take off your shirt, I can massage your back and shoulders.”

Jayce’s heart skipped a few beats. Viktor was asking him to take his shirt off. For a massage, sure, but Jayce’s heart and mind were on different wavelengths.

“Sure,” Jayce murmured, nodding as he spoke, hoping his discomfort wasn’t visible. He leaned forward, pinched his shirt at the shoulders and drew it over his head, then let it drop into his lap. After a brief pause, he picked up his drink and finished it.

Viktor’s hands stroked lightly across his shoulders before settling to squeeze and roll them. Jayce shivered again. The heels of Viktor’s hands dug in, then stroked upwards, his thumbs pressing to either side of Jayce’s spine. His hands were cool, but Jayce's skin felt on fire wherever they touched.

Jayce’s shoulders inched up slowly, climbing toward his ears without him noticing. He didn’t realise he was practically bracing until Viktor spoke.

“Relax,” Viktor said, voice low.

Jayce startled slightly, then let out a breath. “Oh. Sorry.” He rolled his shoulders, forcing them down and back.

Viktor’s hands kept moving, working steady circles into the muscle. The same rhythm as before. Press, stroke, roll. Over and over, until the tension faded again. Jayce let himself relax into the touch. He and Viktor had touched plenty over the years, usually initiated by Jayce. He knew he had a habit of being overly physical with people, but that was rarely skin-on-skin contact. Being touched so carefully on bare skin was a new and intimate experience for him.

Then he felt it — a faint pressure at the base of his neck. Warm, but not a hand. Not fingers. It was there for just a moment, then disappeared. He felt something gently rub the nape of his neck and realised it was a nose.

He gasped, tingles shooting through him.

Viktor didn’t say anything. A kiss followed in the same spot — so soft Jayce could have imagined it, if it wasn’t followed by another, lower down. A light trail of kisses down the back of his neck, to the slope of his shoulder. Barely-there touches of lips against skin.

“Viktor,” Jayce breathed.

He turned, slowly, angling his head toward the warmth behind him. When Jayce moved, Viktor kissed his cheek — the same barest of brushes. He turned further, and Viktor’s lips met the corner of his mouth. He twisted more, trying to meet Viktor fully. Another kiss, this time half over his mouth.

Jayce groaned in frustration, unable to reach. He tucked his knees under himself and turned around fully, still within the space of Viktor’s legs. Viktor was staring at him, bottom lip caught between his teeth.

He looked scared and uncertain.

He looked beautiful.

The light from the television flickered over his face, highlighting his high cheekbones and sharp jaw. His eyes shone gold, framed by thick brows. The two beauty marks on his cheek and near his mouth were just barely visible shadows.

“Viktor,” he said again.

Viktor worried at his lip again, then said, “Jayce.”

Jayce shifted closer, the couch the only thing keeping him from touching Viktor. Slowly, he reached up with one hand to cup his jaw.

Viktor had kissed him. Viktor had definitely kissed him, so that meant it was okay to kiss Viktor back, right? The thought passed through his mind, and before another could replace it, Jayce leaned forward and pressed his lips to Viktor’s.

Viktor breathed out heavily through his nose, and Jayce felt it rush across his own cheeks and upper lip.

It was Jayce’s first kiss, as long as you didn’t count the girl at recess when he was seven. His heart was pounding so hard he was amazed it hadn’t leapt from his chest.

As he knelt there, pressing his lips to Viktor’s, Jayce wasn’t exactly sure what to do next. Thankfully, Viktor seemed to know a little bit more — tilting his head, slotting their mouths together properly as he pressed back. Jayce held there for the time it took to draw a slow breath, and then pulled away.

Viktor hadn’t moved. He was still, eyes closed, lips slightly puckered. So Jayce leaned in and kissed him again. He copied what Viktor had done, tilting his head slightly, finding the angle more easily this time. He wasn’t quite sure what to do with his lips — it didn’t feel right to just sit there, touching. He applied a little more pressure, then pulled back, almost a kiss within a kiss, the contact never fully breaking. It felt natural enough, so he did it again. Viktor’s mouth parted slightly, returning the pressure, their mouths sliding together. This is good, Jayce’s brain supplied.

They continued like that for a few breaths more, lips shifting softly against each other, before Viktor pulled back. Jayce’s hand was still cupping his face. His lips were parted, eyes darker than Jayce had ever seen them.

“Can I…?” Jayce asked, hesitantly. He wasn’t sure what he was asking. Can he what? But Viktor replied, “Yes,” and Jayce was kissing him again, so clearly he was asking permission for more.

Where the first movements had been soft and cautious, these were firmer, a little more rushed. Both mouths slightly parted, moving against each other, their bodies drawn closer without thinking. Jayce felt Viktor’s hand clutching at his waist, cool on hot, and remembered he wasn’t wearing a shirt. They were kissing, and Jayce was topless. Fire shot through his body and he let out a weird little mmm sound he’d never heard himself make before.

At the noise, both of Viktor’s hands came up to hold his face, his head tilting further — and suddenly they were kissing deeper. Jayce made another mmm sound. Viktor’s tongue touched his lips, and his stomach sparked with anticipation. He knew what making out was — what kissing with tongue was — he’d seen plenty of it in movies and things. But in practice? He had no idea what he was doing, or what would happen next.

He parted his lips further, some kind of instinct telling him that was the right thing to do, and Viktor’s tongue slipped into his mouth. He let his tongue slide along Viktor’s, curl around it, and this time it was Viktor who made a small noise. Viktor’s tongue retreated, and he followed it, his own tongue brushing Viktor’s lips. Viktor parted in return, and now Jayce’s tongue was in his mouth — tasting, touching. He felt the edge of Viktor’s sharp canine, the one he always loved to see because it only showed when Viktor grinned. He tasted the bourbon and Coke they had both been drinking, and something else — kind of sweet and tangy. Red Skins, his brain supplied a moment later. And no wonder Red Skins were his favourite candy if this was what they tasted like in Viktor’s mouth.

They both leaned back from the kiss at the same time, taking short, shallow breaths, before Viktor, still with his hands on Jayce’s cheeks, pulled him back. Their tongues found each other quicker, but still carefully, without the open-mouthed licking Jayce had so often seen on TV.

Somewhere behind him, he heard a voice say, “Oh my God. Are they…?” He thought it might have been Caitlyn.

It was followed by a “Yep.” The p was said with a loud pop at the end — definitely Jinx.

Jayce pulled away from Viktor sharply, suddenly remembering where they were, how they were. Jayce came back to himself, shirtless and kneeling on the floor, while Viktor leant over him, legs spread around him.

Viktor’s eyes were half-lidded, his mouth slightly open and glossy with their shared saliva. His expression was soft in a way Jayce had never seen before — and all Jayce wanted was to kiss him again, until that look was the only one he ever made.

Instead, Jayce said in an almost-whisper, “I think we have an audience.”

Viktor’s eyes seemed to focus at Jayce’s words, glancing over his shoulder at the others. “Yes. It seems we do.”

Jayce fumbled for his shirt, finding it on the floor and quickly pulling it on. When his head popped through the collar, he noticed the smallest of pouts on Viktor’s lips. He stood, careful not to bump Viktor’s knee, and sat back beside him on the couch.

Caitlyn, Jinx, and Vi were all staring. Caitlyn had a mild frown, Vi a lecherous grin, and Jinx looked completely uncaring.

Jayce wasn’t sure what to do. “Hi?”

“Hi there,” Vi replied, still grinning. “You two comfy back there?”

“Quite, until you so rudely interrupted,” Viktor said, dry as ever. Jayce choked on saliva.

Vi let out a hyena laugh, slapping her leg. “Well, good for you two. It’s about time. I wanted to dare you to kiss, but Caitlyn wouldn’t let me.”

“Oh God. Is it possible to die of embarrassment? I think I’m going to die of embarrassment,” Jayce muttered.

“Anyway,” Caitlyn cut in, rescuing him from the spiral, “we were saying we’re tired and heading to bed.”

“Oh. Yeah, sure.” Jayce paused, staring at them. “Good night?”

Vi laughed again. “From the way you two were going, I don’t know if it’s safe to leave you out here alone. Might wake up to Jayce moaning. Or walk out to find you both naked.”

Jayce groaned. “Why do you have to be such a perv, Vi? Of course that’s not going to happen.”

It took his brain a second to realise that Viktor had spoken at the same time — and what he’d said.

“Don’t worry, I’ll keep him quiet. Though you should definitely knock before entering.”

Jayce turned to stare at Viktor, heat crawling up his face. Viktor had that sly little smile, infuriatingly proud of himself.

Caitlyn had turned red and covered her mouth with her hand. Jinx was gagging theatrically. Vi was still laughing.

“No, no, no. You’re all degenerates,” Jayce accused.

“Fine, I’ll behave,” Viktor said. “Though only because I don’t want Jayce to ‘die from embarrassment’.” He shot him another sideways smile.

“It’s okay. I trust Jayce — even if I don’t trust you,” Vi added.

The group then set about clearing things away, tossing empty cans and bottles, loading things in the dishwasher, and finishing preparations for bed. Jayce brushed his teeth with Caitlyn beside him. She nudged him with an elbow and gave him a bright foamy grin. He ruffled her hair in return and then whispered to her, “Now you just need to make a move on Vi.”

She choked, barely managing to spit the toothpaste into the sink. Jayce made an escape before she could either yell or hit him.

The girls retreated to Jinx and Vi’s bedroom for the night, leaving Jayce and Viktor alone in the living room, with the mattress on the floor. They had slept together that way probably a hundred times before, but this time Jayce felt more anxious than ever.

Viktor was already lying down, under the covers. Jayce turned off the lamp and used his phone screen to find his way over. He hesitated a second, feeling uncertain, then swallowed it down, and slid under the doona.

It was already slightly warm from Viktor’s body heat. He lay there, awkwardly on his back, unsure what to do. He heard Viktor shift beside him — a quiet rustle of fabric — and held his breath.

What was going to happen now? What were they now? Were they just friends that had kissed? Viktor had been quite enthusiastic in the kissing part, initiating and leading most of it. Jayce thought Viktor must have liked it — liked him too — but as the alcohol faded, so too did his confidence.

Another shift. Jayce exhaled sharply.

“Jayce. Are you awake?” came a whisper.

“Yes,” he whispered back. His mouth was dry. Why was it so dry? Vander had reminded them to drink water. Why hadn’t he gotten a glass of water?

“Are you okay? Are we okay?”

At that, Jayce rolled onto his side, facing Viktor. He could only see a vague silhouette in the dark, the room only lit by the edges of streetlights outside and the little red light from the game console.

“Yes? I mean, I don’t know? Are we?” His voice came out soft and uncertain, all question, no answer.

A quiet huff of laughter. “Yes. Or, I hope so.” A pause. “If… if you regret it, that is okay. We can pretend nothing happened. I can tell the others to forget they saw anything.”

Jayce’s heart collapsed in on itself. It turned into a black hole and sank into his stomach, pulling all the joy of the evening into something dense and sickening.

“No, I don’t want that. Is that what you want?” If Viktor said yes, he was going to cry, right here, on the floor of their friend’s living room.

“No. Of course not. I kissed you first — it would be silly of me to regret it.”

Jayce bit his lip. It was now or never.

“I don’t regret it. I’ve wanted to kiss you for ages.”

“You have?” Viktor’s voice sounded so small beside him.

“Yeah.”

More movement. A soft shift of covers.

“I’ve wanted to kiss you for a long time too.”

Jayce edged forward. “Yeah?”

Another shuffle — and suddenly Viktor was right in front of him.

“Yes,” Viktor breathed. Jayce felt his breath over his skin, caught the scent of toothpaste.

Jayce kissed him. Or tried to — in the dark, he missed, catching more of Viktor’s chin than anything else. Viktor laughed, then a cold hand was on his cheek, and warm lips were on his. He could faintly taste the toothpaste — minty and clean, nothing like earlier. But somehow, he still thought of Red Skins.

It felt more natural now, their lips touching, sliding and withdrawing, only to softly return again. Small, sweet kisses.

After what felt like ten minutes but was probably only thirty seconds, Jayce pulled back a little.

“Does this mean we’re going out? Like…” He couldn’t quite bring himself to say boyfriends.

It felt too small for how he felt. Too silly. He didn’t feel giddy or fluttery, or the need to gush the way girls at school seemed to. He felt sore, and achy. Like he was too full of feelings, all stretched out.

Viktor snickered a little. “Like boyfriends?”

Jayce let out a small laugh too. “Yeah. Except I don’t like the word boyfriends. It’s kind of… I don’t know. Lame?”

Viktor’s lips pressed to his and withdrew again. “How about partners then?”

Jayce thought about it. They’d partnered on school projects before. He was already used to calling Viktor his partner. But partners could mean anything when it came to relationships. What it really meant was sharing things. Being joint. Two halves of one whole.

“Yeah,” he said. “Partners.”