Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Jesper had two problems, his rent and his crippling debt. Both of which could be solved by one simple solution. Getting a job.

Which is why he was standing outside of a local cafe called Crow's Coffee on a Monday at seven in the morning. He impulsively sent in an application about two weeks ago for a summer job, and now here he was.

Jesper pushed the door to the cafe open, the little bell ringing as he entered. He scanned the shop, eyes flitting from comfortable looking chairs to posters of various musicians hung on the walls.

“Hey! You’re the newbie, right?” Someone’s voice rang out.

Jesper locked eyes with the person, the wavy-haired brunette was leaning against the counter with a smirk on her face. He squinted at her name-tag, it read ‘Nina’.

“Hi! Yup, that’s me.” Jesper beamed, giving her a lazy two-fingered salute.

“I’m Nina,” she gestured to her name-tag, “I’ll be training you.”

He nodded, smiling as he approached her.

“Jesper, I’ve had past experiences with working behind the counter, so there’s no need for that.” He outstretched his hand and winked at her.

Nina rolled her eyes, swatting his hand away. “You can put your stuff in the break room.”

As he walked towards the break-room, he heard her mutter, ‘saints save us.’

{~~~~~~~}

He creaked open the door to the break room, only to find that it was pitch black. The only audible noise being whale sounds playing from someone’s speaker.

Jesper felt around the wall for the light switch, finally locating it and flipping it on. The light revealing the whale-sounds culprit laid out on the couch covered in blankets.

The man’s face screwed up, lifting a hand to shield his eyes.

“Fuck off, Wylan.” He groaned, shooting Jesper the bird.

Jesper scoffed, grinning as the person — whose name-tag read ‘Kuwei’, slowly widened his eyes as he took in who was in front of him.

“Not Wylan.” Kuwei mumbled, swearing under his breath. “Kaz did tell us we had a new person coming in today.”

“Hi. Jesper Fahey, pleasure to make your acquaintance,” He laughed, setting down his crossbody bag on an empty chair.

“Yeah, yeah. Close the lights on your way out, handsome.” Kuwei sunk back into the couch, waving sluggishly.

And close the lights he did as he strolled out.

Well, this is going great. Jesper thought to himself. What did he need to do next? He couldn’t remember anything-

His thoughts were interrupted by a loud bang coming from the back room — which he thinks is a kitchen.

The loud crash was accompanied by a shriek, Jesper beelined to the door, pushing it open.

Next to a metal counter, a freckled boy stood next to a mixer, with flour all over his clothes. Jesper offered a sheepish smile and he reddened, hands flying to wipe off the flour.

“Crap- Sorry, this mixer’s been giving me trouble all week.” The auburn-haired man quickly explained.

“Don’t worry about it. Jesper, I'm new.” He gave the other boy a small wave to which he waved back.

“Wylan, I make the pastries. But I’m also a barista, so more work for me.” Wylan whooped sarcastically which made Jesper snort.

“What are you making?” Jesper stumbled closer, leaning on his elbows on the counter. “Or, was trying to make.”

Wylan smiled and scoffed. “I was attempting blueberry muffins, they turned out well last time.”

Jesper hummed happily. “I love blueberry muffins! They were my favorite growing up.”

“Yeah?” Wylan tilted his head, a smile playing on his lips.

“Yeah! I can give you the recipe, it’s on a blog. It’s really easy to follow.”

As the words left Jesper's mouth, Wylan's smile faltered. His blue eyes had a sort of faraway look on them, suddenly very interested in the tiled floor.

He then shrugged, seeming to snap out of his trance.

“No, it’s okay, I’ve got a good one.” Wylan laughed, wringing his hands. “I think I have to go open the shop.”

“Oh okay!-“ Jesper lifted a hand to wave goodbye, but the other boy ducked out of the room, gone in a flash. “Bye.” His hand deflated, finding its way back to his pockets.

It wasn’t a big deal, he reminded himself.

Jesper made haste back to where Nina was currently assisting a customer.

“Hey, want me to man the register while you make that drink?” He asked when she pulled away from the customer to grab a cup.

“Yeah, that’s surprisingly helpful of you. Thanks!” Nina raised her eyebrows, pumping an insane amount of syrup into a cup.

“You just met me! I am crazy helpful.” Jesper huffed and all but pouted as he struck up a conversation with the customer in front of him.

“I know you from college, I see you around campus.” Nina responds after yelling out the name of the absurdly sweet drink she was making. The ‘I’ve heard about you’ goes unspoken.

They continued their newfound routine in comfortable silence, Jesper taking orders and Nina making said drink orders. The clock ticked above them, going from 7am to 8pm in the blink of an eye and Jesper was preparing to head home.

He heard a knock on the door of the break room, he spun around — fully expecting Nina.

But instead, it was Wylan. Whose smile faltered and eyes dulled as soon as he entered the room, not seeming to notice Jesper.

Wylan wordlessly walked over to where his bag laid, picking it up. As he almost scampered out of the door, something clattered to the floor.

Jesper scrambled to grab what looked like a notebook from the ground. “Hey! you dropped..” He looked at the empty shop before him. “This.”

He sighed, looking down at the notebook. It was a plain brown and not labeled, he’d just leave it here for Wylan.

When he reached to set it down on the couch, the pages opened slightly, revealing landscapes Jesper had seen around town. His mouth agape, he pulled it towards him and flipped through the pages of undeniable talent. Each one marked with Wylan's signature.

“Holy shit.” He whisper-screamed, snapping the book shut and gently sticking it in his bag with the intention of giving it back. After a good look or two of course.

{~~~~~~~}

Jesper unlocked the door to his shared apartment, it was a monday, so his roommate wouldn’t be back until late since he had summer classes.

He popped open the fridge, after a long look at an opened bottle of alcohol, cream cheese, and crackers. Jesper gave up, resorting to cream cheese dipped crackers for dinner.

As he settled on the beaten up couch, balancing a plate of crackers in one hand and the remote in the other.

As he clicked on a cheesy romcom, his eyes landed on the sketchbook, its leather cover gleaming in the light of the kitchen light.

Note to self, give Wylan back his sketchbook.

Chapter Text

Wylan had two problems, his obnoxiously loud alarm that was like a siren to his sluggish mind, and the fact it’s been blaring for over an hour. Why isn’t it stopping?-

Wait. An hour?

“Ghezen!” He sprung out of the comfortable covers immediately, trying to maneuver around the mess his roommate left the night before to reach the bathroom.

He quickly brushed his teeth, splattered water all over his face in a desperate attempt to seem awake, and made it out of the door with a chocolate granola in one hand and his keys in the other.

Wylan arrived at the cafe about 15 minutes later, rushing into the break room to set down his things and then to where his apron was hung to slip it on before Kaz noticed he was la-

“Wylan.” A serious, steel-like voice said from behind him.

He jolted, slowly turning around to face his manager.

“Hi! Kaz! Fancy seeing you here.” He smiled sheepishly.

“I work here.” He responded, with the same unreadable expression he always had on.

Wylan exhaled, fully prepared to explain himself. But unexpectedly, Kaz waved him off, “Just, try to be on time.”

And with that, he walked off. The familiar noise of his cane clacking against the wooden floors fading as he did.

He took a deep breath and smiled fondly, when Wylan showed up at the Crows Cafe for the first time, fresh out of his Father’s house, distressed and in great need of a job. Kaz took him under his wing, and since then, everyone seems to have noticed that he’s got a soft-spot for Wylan.

He huffed out a laugh and realized Nina was waving him over at the register, where a huge line of customers stood, tapping their feet and checking their watch-clad wrists.

This was going to be a long day.

{~~~~~~~}

Wylan sipped on an iced americano behind the counter, setting it down beside him. He saluted Kuwei, who had been buzzing through the rows of tables, collecting the customers' trays. The morning rush was thankfully over so he’d soon be lounging on the couch with his sketchbook.

“Speaking of my sketchbook..” He thought aloud, rummaging through the bag he kept behind the register. Wylan felt around for it, clasping rouge sticky-notes from class — but not the leather spine he was hoping for. Panic rose in his throat.

“Mom’s sketchbook.” He whispered, checking his bag one more time before deciding to inspect the break-room. The sketchbook was a gifted to him by his late mother, he had just recently started to use it, most of the pages were still blank.

The cafe was pretty much empty at this point so he snuck off quietly. Wylan searched the break-room, looking under the couch, under chairs, and even in cabinets. But, he couldn’t find it.

“Oh Ghezen, oh Ghezen, crap!” Wylan tugged at a curl anxiously.

He shakily got to his feet, he settled on interrogating his coworkers as a last resort.

He first approached Nina, who was giggling, texting a mystery someone in the back.

“Neens?” He murmured, fiddling with the hem of his jumper.

“Yeah, Wy?” She looked up at her friend's frantic face and her smile faded. “What’s wrong?”

“My.. uh, sketchbook's gone.” Her eyes widened, and she set her phone down.

“No! The one your Mum gave you?” Wylan nodded — his hands curling into his sleeves.

“I just wanted to ask if you’ve seen it.” Nina frowned and shook her head.

“The last time I saw it was…. with you a few days ago.“ Nina shrugged, her frown deepening.

“I could help you look for it?” She offered.

“No, it’s alright. Thanks Neens.” He gave her a small grin before leaving with unheard footsteps.

He asked Kuwei about it, who was leaning against the counter with a bored look.

“Nope, sorry.” He replied, “maybe ask Kaz?”

Wylan stalked off, muttering another thanks.

He didn’t ask Kaz, knowing that he would tell him to ask someone else, and that would end in him going on a wild goose-chase for his sketchbook. He instead retreated to the break room, racking his brain for anything that would help him find it.

He remembered having it last, — yesterday? But, he hadn’t taken it out.

Wylan groaned, smushing his face into a worn-out cushion and suppressed the urge to cry.

Where could it have gone? He’s taken such good care of the sketch-book for the past 9 years. Of course, when he decides to use it, it disappears.

He soon heard footsteps, he chose to ignore them and sink into the couch further. But, when they got closer and more frantic, he reluctatingly lifted his head.

His eyes met Jespers, the man who unknowingly revealed Wylan’s biggest insecurity just a few seconds after meeting him.

“Hey!” He waved, to which Wylan gave a sleazy wave back.

“What’s up?” Jesper tilted his head in confusion, moving to sit next to Wylan. Who straightened up to make space for him.

“Lost my sketchbook.” Wylan mumbled, still holding the cushion close to his chest.

“Oh? Wait.” The other boy stilled, reaching into his cross-body bag. A good minute passed before he lit up, whispering an ‘aha!’ before yanking out a familiar leather book. “This one?”

“My sketchbook!” Wylan stood so fast, his vision blurred. “Where- where did you find it?”

“Uh, you dropped it in the break-room last night. I was there, don’t think you noticed me.” His freckled face reddened, realization had hit him.

“Oh. Well- thanks, I guess.” The shade of red currently occupying his cheeks becomes more crimson. Jespers outstretched his hand, gesturing for him to take it.

Wylan quickly took it, muttering another thanks before ducking out of the room, leaving Jesper.

As he walked out, he flipped through the book, checking that each page was intact. He got to a page that he hadn’t recalled using.

There was something scribbled in the middle, he could only make out that they were letters. Next to them, there was a number. It was written messy, and the ink was smudged. But not smudged enough for it to be incomprehensible.

It was Jespers, he realized. He pulled out his phone from the pocket of his apron and quickly began to type in the number.

Whispering ‘sketchbook Jesper’ into his phone as the contact name, he smiled to himself and tucked it back into his pocket.

{~~~~~~~}

Wylan’s phone felt heavy in his hands as he listened to Jespers message on repeat.

A repeated chorus of , ‘hey cutie, winking emoji’ was constantly replaying to the point it sounded like gibberish.

He didn’t know what to respond. Maybe with a hi? Wylan nodded, choosing to be casual.

He held his phone up to his mouth and whispered, “Hi, Jesper.” He rushed to hit send before he could opt out of it.

He dropped his phone onto his throw blanket and hung his head. Why was he so nervous about this? It’s just Jesper.

“Annoying Jesper, who stole my sketchbook.” He remarked, huffing out a breath.

He hauled himself up, turning the handle of his room. The door creaked open with a loud whine.

Wylan creeped to the kitchen, grabbing a flashy mug that was shaped like a bird Inej got for his birthday. Setting it down, he turned and grabbed the old kettle. He flipped on the faucet, filling the kettle with filtered water.

As the water boiled, Wylan listened to the sound of the air con. Unbearably loud since he moved in.

He didn’t hear the seemingly frantic pings of his phone and the quiet sound of his ringtone.

Note to self, get air con fixed.

Chapter Text

It was a bad idea, Jesper thought as he listened to the ringing of his phone, you barely know him.

But here he stood, in front of the gambling den. Bloody, bruised, and contemplating his life decisions. The night had started with Jesper getting a phone call from his Da, and instead of facing him, he ran to the first gambling den he could find. Like he always did.

Then came the horrible run-in with someone he owed money to. Only this time, the promise of ‘I’ll get it to you, I swear’, wasn’t enough for them.

Jesper cursed at himself for being so stupid. He shivered, wrapping his arms around himself tighter as the nighttime breeze picked up.

He prayed to all Saints that Wylan would answer his phone before he had to walk home missing a shoe.

He heard Wylan’s voice coming from his phone and lit up, scrambling to speak. He deflated when he realized it was his voicemail, again.

“Hey! This is Wylan, please leave a message after the beep.”

Jesper shut the call — and slumped down on the curb, leaving his phone next to him. As he fiddled with a loose thread, his phone rang.

He immediately leapt up to his feet, phone in hand. “Hey? Sorry, I couldn't hear my phone.” Said Wylan.

“Hi, Wylan. Could you.. er… maybe, do me a favor?” Jesper smiled meekly, feeling embarrassment coiling in his stomach.

“Uh, what kind.. of favor?” His very fragile and new friendship with Wylan was blowing up in his face and Jesper could feel it.

“Could you pick me up..?" Jesper cringed, grasping at the fabric of his pants. "I know, it’s late. I’m really sorry, I didn’t know who else to call.” Jesper rambled, his voice becoming more frantic.

“Yeah. I can.” Wylan interrupted, his voice steady. “Could you send me your location?”

One location and 20 minutes later, he saw a car approach from where he was sitting.

When a familiar head of ruddy curls exited the car, Jesper quickly righted himself. Putting one of his bright smiles that stretched thin, and briskly got to his feet.

As Wylan drew closer, his face twisted.

“Jesper! Are you alright?” He hastily skittered over to him, his hands hovering ats his side.

“Yup! Fine, I just —…had a bit of a tumble.” Jesper barked out a laugh, humorless and tight.

Wylan silently raised an eyebrow and narrowed his eyes. Jesper held his breath. Please don’t ask. He quietly pleaded in his mind.

Another tense moment passed, Jesper anxiously scratched at his throat — feeling like it was going to close up.

He really didn’t feel up to having this conversation, especially not with Wylan. They were barely friends. Saints, Jesper couldn’t breathe.

He clawed desperately at his wrists, his breaths coming out in short puffs.

Please don’t ask, please don’t ask, was ringing in his head. Please.

Wylan called out his name, but it was muffled, like he was underwater.

Jesper curled into himself, wrapping his arm around his middle as his chest heaved.

“Jesper.” He heard Da's voice.

He wondered if he’d be disappointed, that his son was a gambling, college drop-out.

Jesper wanted to cry, he wanted his Ma.

“Jesper!” No.. it wasn’t his Da. Was it?

“Jesper! Please!” He was sure of it now, it’s not him.

He shook his head, scrubbed at his eyes. He then winced, forgetting the punch to the face.

Jesper cracked open his eyes, air finally entering into his lungs. He was met with blue, and panic.

“Jesper! Are you okay? Scratch that, you’re not.” Wylan's hands were shaking.

“I’m fine, shit. Sorry, did I freak you out? Sorry again.” He sheepishly laughed, still trying to regain his composure.

Wylan went still. “Why are you apologizing? You have nothing to apologize for. Ghezen, Jesper!” He finally splayed a hand against Jesper's back and slowly guided him to his car.

Jesper practically sunk into the car seat. Not processing how exhausted he was until now.

Halfway through the drive, Jesper spoke up.

“I’m sorry I called you. I don’t know many people here.” He rasped, looking down.

“Please don’t apologize. It was no trouble.” He responded, not missing a beat.

Jesper smiled softly, ducking his head.

{~~~~~~~}

Light streamed through his thin curtains, making Jesper stir and move to shield his eyes. When did he get home?

Jesper all but rolled out of bed, yanking his phone off the charger as he drifted to the kitchen. As he clicked on the kettle, Jesper mindlessly swiped through his messages. He paused at Wylan’s contact, with 3 unread texts.

‘Jesper, did you get home safe?’ Yesterday, 11:48PM

‘Hello?’ Yesterday, 11:53PM

‘Sorry, I noticed you were exhausted in the car. Text me when you can.’ Yesterday, 12:03AM

Wylan! Now he remembered, remembered calling him for help – Jesper cringed. He remembered Wylan driving him home, and walking him to his building, frowning when he refused help getting to his apartment.

It was currently 6:30AM on a Wednesday, and he’s not due for his shift until 8. Jesper started to get dressed, noting to thank Wylan when he heads to work.

The kettle switched off, it was done boiling. Jesper grabbed a maroon thermos that he found in one of the cupboards – not a very clean one he guessed, nonetheless he popped a tea bag inside of it, and left to get dressed.

Kaz had a dresscode for the employees, which was just mad. They were required to wear navy trousers, but a shirt of their choice. So, Jesper slipped on a silk collared shirt that was a bright yellow, paired with his navy trousers.

Once his teeth were brushed and he looked presentable at least, he went back to the kitchen. Jesper quickly threw some granola, fruits, and yogurt into a bowl and mindlessly shoveled spoonfuls until his stomach signaled it was satisfied.

Jesper stood, placing his bowl in the sink for him to wash later. That’s a problem for future me, he thought as he walked back to his room.

It wasn’t much of a walk now that he thought about it, the kitchen was pretty much attached to his bedroom. He was glad he had enough money and space to get an okay sized bed, he’s seen how tiny they could be.

Jesper flopped over onto his belly, switching on his phone. 8:34AM, it read. His lockscreen of his Ma stared back at him, and .

It was one of him and his Ma in the fields of the farm back home, he was staring at her with the biggest smile on his small face, and she was looking back down at him with a hand on his cheek. Jesper smiled sadly before unlocking his phone.

He scrolled through his socials for a bit before he realized he needed to leave, the cafe was not too far from his building and the weather was surprisingly nice today. So, he decided to walk.

His thermos was almost empty when he pushed through the glass doors of the cafe, greeting Matthias, whom he hasn’t interacted with beside the occasional good-morning.

A burst of cold air hit his face as he entered the break-room. He shivered, rushing to set down his stuff. He noticed that everyone else’s stuff was there, except Wylan’s tote bag. Since he started at Crow’s Coffee, Wylan was always earlier than Jesper.

“I totally have bragging rights.” Mumbled Jesper with a laugh, but the emptiness didn’t sit right and uneasiness made home in his heart.

He took out his phone and clicked on Wylan’s contact again, sending a few text messages back to back.

Hey Wy! Thanks for yesterday. Today, 8:07AM

You coming into work today? Today, 8:07AM

I’m so lonely without you :’(. Today, 8:08AM

text me back soon Wy today, 8:09AM

Jesper sighed, taking one last glance at his phone before sticking it into his pocket.

“Jesper!” He heard Kuwei yell from the kitchen.

“Coming!” He probably needs me for something, Jesper thought. Taking a second to calm his nerves.

After a good five minutes of sitting there and fidgeting with his sleeve, he heard another yell.

“Jesper! Get your ass over here!” Nina screeched, her voice sounded strained.

This snapped Jesper out of his trance and he groaned. Muttering under his breath about bullying coworkers as he hoisted himself off the floor.

He crossed to the kitchen in a slow amble, “what’s going… on?.” He stopped short when he saw all three of his coworkers clumped over Kuwei’s shoulder with Kaz who stood to the side, looking deep in thought. Their eyes were fixed to his screen.

He noticed a small Suli woman he’d never seen before beside Kaz. Their gazes met and he gave her a polite smile — but she turned to whisper to the man next to her, who nodded in response. She returned his smile with a worried look.

“What’s wrong?” He asked again, Nina's head snapped up, waving him over without a sound, an expression of shock and contemplation painted on her face.

The uneasiness started to wash over him in harsh waves as he strode to their clump. “Can someone please enlighten me? What in the actual fuck is happening?” Jesper crossed his arms, a grin stretched too far on his face.

“You might want to see this, Jesper.” Kuwei finally responded, handing him the phone. It felt cold to the touch and the hot pink case was smooth.

“This is so dramatic guys, one of you couldn’t have told me?” Jesper grumbled, but he worried bottom lip nonetheless. They stared at each other, before Nina spoke up.

“Jesper, please. Just read the article.” She sounded exhausted, and nervous — which didn’t seem like a Nina trait.

“Fine! I will, and I’ll prove to you that you could’ve summarized it.” The room fell quiet, and Jesper held his breath.

He scratched at the phone's sleek cover as his gaze travelled from his friends' troubled expressions, to the screen. Which had a tab open, with an article title blaring in his face like a purge alarm.

“Jan Van Eck’s missing son, Wylan Van Eck, found.”

Note to self, Wylan’s a Van Eck..?