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Tonight it was Wanderlust's birthday party, and as everyone expected there were a ton of people. He knew a lot of coaches from across the danceverses, so of course his birthday party was going to be packed full with coaches from all over the universe, from normal people to powerful beings all reunited in the Spacetime Hotel.
While it was a good party and they were having a good time so far Mihaly was taking a small break from the noise. They danced for a while, until they felt like doing something else, they weren’t a fan of drinking and seeing drunk people was only so entertaining for a while until it got tedious. So they went to a nearby balcony to smoke and listen to music on their headphones while pretending they were doing something other than just letting the time pass.
It just wasn’t their ideal environment of fun. There were tons of their friends, not only the Just Dancers but also other acquaintances and friends they made over the years, it was nice to catch up with them and all that but so many social interactions on one day got them burnt out fast.
It was nice though, catching up, seeing people they haven’t seen in a while and seeing their usual friends too. They were a bit anxious about the party before since alcohol always makes things a bit sensitive and brings up old feelings, they were especially scared about certain old feelings from a certain redhead…
Many know Jack and them used to be friends, but it always felt that it was more intense than that, maybe it was the nostalgia talking but Mihaly was sure there used to be some sort of tension between them, not a bad type of tension, but it was best to not be going around drunkenly talking about that, they had done that plenty already after leaving Eternyx. So at least to prevent it they decided to stay a little sober, they drank a little and it wasn’t that bad but it did get boring after a while.
So they smoked instead, exchanging one drug for another why not, as they smoke the last bit of their cigarette and watch as the smoke gets out of their mouth and disappears into the air progressively, it could be poetic if they really thought about it, but they weren’t in the mood to sour themselves up at a party for no other reason than just because. That was something they might have done in their younger years to get away from any party they might have been dragged into, but tonight they had a feeling that it wouldn’t be bad.
They stare into the nothingness of the space for a while, tapping their fingers on the balcony, waiting for something to happen, it felt like if they stayed long enough in their own secluded area maybe something interesting would happen like some couple stumbling into their peace thinking it was going to be empty or someone seeing them alone and pulling a move on them. That would be more annoying than interesting but at least it would be something that made them stay longer at their little spot with some entertainment.
They ultimately told themselves to stop being such a loner and go enjoy the party, they let the last song end before taking their headphones off and walking back inside.
As they walked in loud music resonated across every room of the Spacetime Hotel, the balcony they were in was near one of the few dance floor set up. Some people were dancing, others drinking, some doing both. They let out a laugh seeing a man with brown curly hair spilling their drink on a blue haired man while dancing, Mihaly would have felt bad for laughing if they weren’t so drunk they barely noticed the alcohol on their clothes.
Their eyes looked in another direction, a bar where a person was serving drinks, there they noticed familiar faces, Jack and Breazziana were taking shots –probably Breazziana’s idea by the overjoyed look on her face–, Jack already seems a little drowsy as he downs another shot. Taking so many shots that quickly seemed like a recipe for disaster more than anything.
They wince a little, knowing they were the more sober person they probably should go check on their friends just in case. To be safe.
As they approached the pair they could hear them laugh and have some sort of conversation Mihaly couldn’t quite get the grasp of. When Brezziana noticed the shaman getting closer she smiled widely, calling out Jack’s name and pointing at them. And when Jack saw them he looked a little drowsy at first but he quickly straightened his back, probably to look less drunk than he actually was.
And when Mihaly finally arrived next to the two of them and heard their voices they saw how drunk they actually were, well it was a party and in the Spacetime Hotel it was the safest you could be drunk at probably, but how could they not worry for their friends anyway?
“Mihaly! My favorite person!” Brezziana half-shouted, she said patting their shoulder
“Hey Mi” Jack said in a normal volume, which made it more difficult to make out what he was saying with the music so loud.
“Are you two alright?” They asked with slight worry on their voice, arching an eyebrow as they looked at their friends drunk state
“Never been better!” Brezziana smiled widely as she hugged Jack by the shoulders
“I feel great!" He said, dragging out the last syllable, clearly trying to pretend he wasn’t as drunk as he was, again
“You two were downing shots like it's the end of the world, it was kind of impressive honestly”
“Thanks! And, well… Jack here was coy about drinking something stronger, he had been drinking mojitos and some drinks with a little vodka in it all night, I had to show him how good it feels to drink something stronger!” She said enthusiastically as she hugged Jack tighter.
“Well the others drinks can get you drunk too” They said, getting a little bit more worried, especially for Jack.
“I wasn’t that drunk Mi, don’t worry I only had like… what- uhm- a few drinks before? They're practically fruit juice, aren’t they?” he recollected, the way he thought with difficulty about how much he drank made them think he had drunk much more.
“Oh goddess…” They whispered to themselves
Before Mihaly could say more another person approaches them. Someone that they could recognize too, Delvin –Breazziana’s girlfriend– when she saw her with all the shot glasses around her the ginger’s face took a more concerned look. Understandably so.
“Brezzi! I lost you for two seconds and you’re getting even drunker” The woman scolded her but Mihaly could see worry and affection in her voice, it was sweet.
“Sorry Delvin… I got a little carried away, and Jack was being shy about wanting to drink so I had to make him get the courage!” She smiled at her as she pointed at Jack who was quietly wobbling in place
“Awww, you’re so sweet honey, but maybe we should let Jack rest and not drink more alcohol for a little while.” She caressed her arm softly as she glanced back at Jack and Mihaly before looking back at her. “You should come with me, let’s get you something to eat, okay?”
“Okay~” she drunkenly chipped as she leaned on her girlfriend.
“Sorry Mihaly, but could you watch Jack for a little? He seems a little out of himself, he should drink some water and eat something after all that” She politely said, still softly holding Brezziana
“It’s fine. I’ll keep an eye on him, I’m a little worried too.” They smile at her, thankfully Delvin seemed more sober than Brezziana at this moment “Thanks for taking care of Brezz”
“No worries! Maybe I’ll get her to a room so she can lay down or something”
“Yeah, maybe I should do the same…” They said they were a little strained.
Right, they were at the hotel, he should get Jack to a room to make him cool off, but the idea of being alone with a drunk Jack seemed a little mortifying. It wasn’t the first time it happened, as they had shared their fair moments of drunkenness together before, obviously, but never after they reunited again. And with Mihaly being so sober knowing whatever vulnerabilities Jack could say in that state they would remember and he probably wouldn’t… anxiety inducing.
“Let’s go sweetheart, Jack will stay with Mihaly here” She said softly as she turned and started dragging Brezziana away.
“Go get them, tiger!” She half shouted at him playfully as she arched her eyebrows suggestively, Mihaly didn’t want to think so much about what drunk Brezziana was implying to him.
Mihaly saw as they walked away holding hands, Brezziana leaning against Delvin as they disappeared into the crowd.
Once they were left alone with Jack they turned around to face him, he looked perfectly happy still wobbling in place and listening to the music.
“...Hey, Jack?”
“Yes?”
“Uh, how are you feeling?” They looked at him with more closely
“Hmm,” he paused for a moment. “Good.” he tried to say with a stable voice but his words sounded slurred anyway
He didn’t look good per say, but even drunk Jack was too prideful and guarded to admit he was feeling a bit dizzy and way too drunk, but it's not like Mihaly couldn’t see it in everything about his state. The not being able to stay still in one place, his unfocused gaze, his slow reaction time. He looked like he needed to lay down before a disaster happened.
They sighed “Well, follow me anyway” They said and took Jack’s hand to start walking away, it wasn’t ideal but if they didn’t want him to get lost in the groups of people it had to be done
“I- okay” he mumbled
Thankfully he didn’t question them too much and just followed them mindlessly as Mihaly walked through small crowds of people, as they walked to the main hall they could see the birthday boy in all his glory drinking and mingling with people with Sara by his side, they would think he would be very drunk by now but he strangely looked a lot more composed than their other friends. They shook their head fondly and continued walking.
The walk was boring once they got to the many halls of just doors to various rooms, Mihaly had their own room away from the noise as they requested which they were grateful for but it was kind of playing against them at this moment. They just kept walking holding Jack’s hand –even if it wasn’t necessary, they just didn’t know how much they missed holding his hand until now– when they finally got to their room.
Once in front of the door they finally turned around to see their friend, Jack looked lost in thought but the way his brows furrowed and he had a hint of a pout was telling them he was feeling some kind of negative side effects of the alcohol, he had seen that look on his face before disasters happened. They gently let go of his hand and turned to the door again to unlock it, they didn’t see it but they could guess his frown deepened once they stopped holding his hand.
“Jack, are you feeling alright?” They say with genuine worry as they open the door, they turn to look at the redhead who was currently leaning against the wall, not looking so great.
“Everything spinning…” He whines “I feel sick”
Before Mihaly could say anything Jack rushed inside, probably to the nearest bathroom. Their suspicions were correct once they entered the room too, as they were closing the door they glanced at the bathroom door, hearing some pretty bad throwing up noises from Jack.
Mihaly winced, vomiting was one of the things that grossed them out the most but they had to make sure their friend was okay and help him if necessary, they would do that for him
They knocked on the door first. “Jack, are you okay in there? Do you need me to help you?” They said, speaking up with worry.
“No! Don’t come in.” He quickly shouted from inside “Ough, Mihaly… don’t let me drink tequila again” He said a little more quietly in a pained voice as he proceeded to throw up again
He was a while in there with occasionally more throwing up noises until it ceased for a bit, more than a bit actually, it had been long enough Mihaly worried he might have fallen asleep hunched over the toilet. They took the glass of water they had prepared for him and open the door to see a drowsy-looking Jack sitting on the bathroom floor hugging his legs besides the toilet, Mihaly felt their heat ache at the sad sigh, crouching near him gently as they tried to catch his attention
“Jack? Are you okay? You should drink some water” They said softly as they handed him the glass.
He took it with shaky hands and drank desperately and with a disgusted face, he still wasn’t looking at them which made them worry
“...Jack?” They spoke again, leaning closer, hoping to hear an actual answer this time.
“I feel like shit. I look like shit… don’t look at me” He said with a rough groggy voice. He left the glass besides him to hug closer his legs, almost like he was hiding
“Rose… you know I have seen you in worse states before, it’s okay, everyone has their moments when they drink too much.” They said, trying to lighten up the mood as their hand reached to touch his arm softly.
“You’re right.” He mumbled but he didn’t move at all
“Just remember all the times we did stupid shit drunk.” They joked, trying to make Jack be less embarrassed, they had seen him in worse states after all.
And it looked like it worked by the way Jack scoffs and reluctantly looks up at them as he shakes his head.
“I guess nothing will compare to that time we woke up on the streets of Cygnus, weren’t we in another city?” He recalled with a small lopsided smile.
“Oh Selios, don’t remind me…. That’s one of the main reasons I don’t like to drink so much anymore. I swear I can still feel the hangover from that time” They playfully over exaggerate, accompanied by a small laugh
“Come on, at least it was fun”
“Yeah, the small snippets of what I remember looked fun” They said with a little chuckle, making Jack laugh too.
They stood up and offer Jack a hand to stand up, he is a bit wobbly still but he achieves standing up as he takes Mihaly’s hand
“Pfft, yeah…” He said, his words still a little slurred “I can believe we did so many stupid stuff on Eternyx of all places”
“We were young and stupid, and now we didn’t change much, we’re grown and stupid” The shaman joked and Jack burst into giggles again “I’m glad you’re feeling okay”
“Yeah… I feel like I puked all I ate this week, some of it might been the alcohol”
As the two stood up Mihaly followed behind Jack, just to make sure he didn't trip or something even if he looked more stable than before.
“Well, you should eat something too. Just to have something in your stomach” Mihaly said with a hint of worry as they guided him to sit on the bed
Jack sat on the edge of the bed, tilting his head as he looked at Mihaly as they rummage the mini fridge for more water for him
“You’re caring so much about me” Jack said out of nowhere, his words sounded nostalgic and a bit melancholic in a way that tugged Mihaly’s heartstrings, this was just what they feared of happening
“Well, I have experience on that.” They said in a playful but genuine tone, trying to keep the mood light and playful not to make this conversation into something more deep that they weren’t ready talk about when one of them wasn’t was not in all his senses
“I missed you, after all this time I didn’t think you would care this much about me” He said like it was nothing, but they could tell this was something that really affected him. Even after all this time they still could sense when Jack was hiding something.
“Jack… don’t be ridiculous, of course I care. You were my best friend for such a long time” They said more softly
Their back was still facing him, Mihaly already had taken the water yet they didn't feel like they could face him right now. This was a sensitive topic, Jack had never talked much about what happened –more like how he felt– after they didn't see each other in a long time. Things felt more distant between them but Mihaly didn't dare to talk about it.
“Were…” He mumbled to himself, but Mihaly heard too, and it was like a stab right on their heart. “I guess I didn’t expect it, you moved away from Eternyx, moved on from me… and- and I still thought about you years before”
“I- I never stopped thinking about you too Jack” They said, guilt present in their voice yet not daring to say more. To say how worried sick they got after leaving Eternyx and Jack being alone, how the guilt never left them, wishing they pressed further to make him escape with them too, but no. This wasn't the time to get courage and be sincere, Mihaly wasn't about to be so coward and pretend the next day that nothing happened
“Yeah… but you moved on with life, got friends, had multiple partners and even a mentor…” He paused, looking at nothing, the shaman wondered what was going through his mind to say these things out loud. “And I was still in Eternyx depressed, controlled, and miserable. In love with you like you never left”
Mihaly eyes widened at those words, their body straightening immediately, wanting to disappear at that very moment, him saying that would be too much. But drunk Jack said it like it was nothing… those words he probably would forget in the morning would probably haunt them forever
“Don’t say that, you’re drunk, Jack.” They turned around as they desperately tried to brush it off
“I know” he simply stated “But drunk words are sober thoughts or something like that” He looked straight at them, it was weird to see him be… open, vulnerable.
Mihaly sighed and finally gave him the water, putting it on his hands before averting their gaze once again “Drink some water. I’ll go get you something to eat, okay? Stay here”
“Okay” he seemed disappointed, like he wanted to say something but he kept it to himself, maybe for the better
They hurriedly made their way out of the room, once out of his sight they took a big breath as they leaned against the door, taking their head in their hands. They wanted to scream.
Jack was in love with them.
It felt like something broke, the mental barrier they put themselves to not think about Jack in a romantic context broke. And they didn’t know if they could stop the million of thoughts that were already racing on their brain.
They didn’t want to think about the butterflies on their stomach mixed with dread so they just pushed themselves off the door and started walking once again to the party.
Even then no matter how much they wanted to change the subject their brain kept going to those words Jack spoke out loud… how could he say that, how could he say that he loved them just like that. It was so unlike him it shocked them still. But the more they thought about it the more it made sense, when they were young the two of them clearly had a thing for each other, they were too scared to say anything and Mihaly always regrets it in hindsight.
But Jack kept having feelings after all this time? They didn’t know if it was flattering or sad
It was both, really sad to know he hadn’t met anyone that he grew to love, unlike them. But at the same time… it felt good to know that after all those years without seeing each other he kept having those feelings, he never forgot about them, and when they came back to his life his feelings still were there. They had changed since all that happened years ago yet… he still loved them, and it was pleasant to know, in a way that felt wrong, they liked to know Jack loved them since so long ago.
When they arrived at the main party zone they kept being in their own thoughts, attacking the snacks table –because even if they were fine they still felt so hungry– probably out of anxiety, as they shoved some little sandwiches into their mouth a familiar presence stood next to him.
It was none other than Wanderlust, looking more drunk than he was before, the “birthday boy” sash he was wearing was slightly wrinkled and it looked like he had some pieces of confetti stuck on his braid. He was eating some things on the snack table too until he took notice of them.
“Oh, Mihaly! I thought you were with Jack.” He drunkenly announced as he had a big grin on his face.
“I am, but I want to give him something to eat, he had a rough time with alcohol.” They said a little sheepish
“Aw! That’s so nice of you, feel free to take a tray if you want, we have plenty of food.” He said, keeping his bright personality even if he was speaking a bit slow and slurred
“Thanks, actually… Wanderlust can I ask for some advice?” They ask with a hint of reluctance.
Wanderlust was someone they could consider his best friend, but he was honestly so bad at keeping secrets, or at least being subtle about it. They didn’t mind but in times like this they wondered if it would be a good idea to let him know this information, but it was whatever at this point, they doubted anything could happen.
“Yes. But keep in mind I am drunk.” He said, he put his hand on the table, leaning against the side as he spoke.
“That’s okay, maybe it’s better that way, I hope you don’t remember this tomorrow.” They said, mostly to themselves.
“Maybe, but if I do, I don’t promise you I won’t remind you about it.” He grinned, they rolled their eyes but smiled anyway, of course he would.
“Yeah yeah, whatever, now on to the advice.” Wanderlust nodded “So… Jack just said he has been in love with me for years, now what?”
Wanderlust looked surprised, but not as much as Mihaly expected him to be, more a mild shock.
“Huh, I thought you knew… anyways, how do you feel about him?”
Mihaly chose to ignore his first comment and really thought about his question, how did they feel? It was more complicated than he could know. They knew Jack since they were kids and until their late teens to early adulthood, they spent a lot of time together, but also spent an equal time without any communication with each other.
Mihaly redid their life, or something like that, but they always kept Jack on the back of their mind. They admitted that they did like him a long time ago but with time those feelings shifted to just nostalgia and worry about how he could be doing, but that was just it.
Until it wasn't? Once they reunited they felt so many things, it was difficult facing him again at first but once their awkwardness was mostly gone Mihaly realized they didn’t change as much as they thought, their dynamic was almost the same and they couldn’t deny the warm feeling that interactions left on their chest. Maybe they just think about some more… maybe it wouldn’t be bad to–
“Hey, Mihaly!” The voice of the birthday boy called and snapped them suddenly into their thoughts.
“Ah, yes sorry…” They shook their head trying to organize their thoughts a little. “To answer your question, I suppose I have mixed feelings… I do feel things for Jack but I’m not sure that those feelings are purely romantic, you know?”
“Hmm, I do understand.” He nodded. “Well, maybe think about it. Talk about it with him, I’m sure if you two tried a relationship you would not have doubts. It's better to take the chance than die wondering. Or something like that” He said proudly with a wide smile, and those sincere unfiltered words stuck with them… he was surprisingly thoughtful when drunk
“Huh, I’ll think about it.”
“Great! Now if you excuse me I have a party to be in. Have fun with your new boyfriend!” He playfully teased, there he was the normal Wanderlust back.
“He is not my-” They said but he had left before they could say something in their defense. “Ugh, he’s lucky it’s his birthday.” They shook their head with fondness.
They took a tray of various snacks –They hoped Wanderlust really meant it and it would be okay to take it– and went back to their room, all this walking and emotions had them getting tired, it was probably past 4 am already
When they came back they found Jack drifting to sleep still in that sitting position with his head resting against the headboard, the bottle of water half full next to him on the nightstand. They smiled at the sight, sitting next to him on the bed —which thankfully was big enough for the two of them—, the mattress dipping under their weight. And it looked like the redhead sleep was light because as soon as Mihaly sat on the bed he started to wake up, blinking lazily as he looked around to try and grasp his surroundings
“I brought some food” they smiled softly pointing at the food
“Huh?” Jack still looked confused until he saw the food and he practically came back to life “Thank Selios for that… I think… I’m starving?” He laughed
“Are you feeling sleepy?” They ask, putting the snacks in the middle of both of them
“Nah, I’m fine” he mumbles while taking a snack and taking it to his mouth, his words a little slurred with both drunkenness and sleepiness, they can see it in the way he can barely keep his eyes open for a long time
“I’m sure you are.” They sarcastically say, making Jack look at them with a frown
The frown went away as quickly as it came, as he looked away from them. They were slightly confused at the sudden change but at this point of the night they stopped being worried about his drunken attitude
“You think we’re too old to be partying like this?” He said, not quite melancholic, but nostalgic, while still having the piece of a sandwich on his hand
“Hmm, I don’t think so. We’re still young, but it’s not like we have to stop partying at a certain age,” they paused, thinking a bit more about it “But maybe you shouldn’t drink that much next time. We’re not twenty anymore”
“Yeah, don’t remind me…” he laughed, finally taking that damn sandwich to his mouth
“Don’t be so dramatic, rose.” they playfully hit his shoulder, it was more like a soft pat than a punch “Why did you drink so much anyway?”
“Dramatic?” His eyebrow shot up and he exaggeratedly shook his head with a smile, “And I don’t know, it has been a while since I've been to a real party… I wanted to make up for lost time?”
“I suppose it makes sense, but you should be careful, I know you hate drunk vomiting.” They stated, like they were reprimanding him. “I you know I hate to see it too.”
“Yeah yeah, whatever. Scold me when I'm sober.” He rolled his eyes, but that little smile was still there, he looked at them in a way that after last night they saw in another light.
“I will! I can’t wait to remind you tomorrow that you needed a babysitter.” They poked his arm again.
“Ugh, shut up, I could- I could have taken care of myself…” he yawned yet still took another snack.
“Yeah? It didn’t looked like it after drinking five shots in a row” When they said that Jack eyes widen, and he burst out laughing
“That… Selios- Brezziana was crazy for that. I hope she’s okay though.” He says fondly, resting his head against Mihaly
They smile at this, it oddly felt so right to be like this, close. A warm feeling spreads on their chest, a part of them wishes they did this more often, they wish Jack would act this close to them when he was sober.
“Don’t worry, she is, Delvin is with her. And also she has a strong tolerance to alcohol, she’ll be fine”
“Hmm, yeah, what a nice relationship they have” He said as another yawn came out of him. His tone was one that could be described as nostalgic, or even yearning… Mihaly wondered if he was thinking about them, together like a couple. At least they were, unconsciously at least.
“Are you alright? You seem sleepy again” they changed the subject, they were not getting into the subject of relationships right now
“Mmh I could use a nap, or maybe sleep the whole night” he mumbled with a more sleep filled voice, moving closer to them unconsciously and closing his eyes
Mihaly felt their heart content, they let out a sigh, taking the snacks away from him before he could fall asleep
“Go ahead, I think I’ll stay for a while just to make sure you’re okay”
“Good. Stay please” He mumbled taking a hold of their shirt as he made himself comfortable on the bed, now laying down, looking up at them one last time before he closed his eyes with a sleepy smile as his hand tried to dragged them closer to lie down too
Mihaly couldn’t deny the way their heart raced, it was such a simple gesture but… it felt so intimate yet so familiar, they couldn’t help but have a small dumb smile appear on their face
“I don’t know if we should sleep in the same bed.” They tried to rationalize it but they couldn’t stop smiling at the thought of sleeping together like back in the day
“Weren't you supposed to take care of me?” He said in an accusatory tone, Mihaly knew what he was doing was on purpose, but they let it slide because they feel the weight of the night down on them already
“Fine…” they acted like they reluctantly accepted but they were more than happy to be this close to him “Sleep well, Rose.” they whispered laying down more comfortably on the bed, facing him
“You too, Mi…” He whispered, snuggling closer to them
Just like that it seemed like Jack was out like a light, peacefully sleeping beside them, his body instinctively searching for the warmth of the body next to him. And Mihaly after finally having some relief that Jack would be okay they could feel their body relax, the worry and strained feelings washing away as they thought about all that happened tonight, it was probably really late… Why not accept the situation and sleep a little too, it wasn’t weird for friends to cuddle anyway.
Yes… friends, because that’s what they are. This is totally platonic cuddling even if after Jack told them it felt like something more.
But for now they didn’t want to think about the soft feeling on their chest that they got whenever they were taking care of Jack tonight and how they were more excited than they should to be so close together, it was too late to unpack that right now and they would leave all those feelings for tomorrow. Yet, they wonder what the Jack of tomorrow would think after waking up next to them, that could be either funny or awkward, it was more likely the latter.
That was a problem that they couldn’t seem to care about right now. They took their glasses to put them in the nightstand beside them and got comfortable burying themselves in the soft pillows, their body resting next to Jack comfortably as he pulled them closer, he was resting his face against their hair like it was a pillow and that just made Mihaly more happy.
Maybe this feelings will make more sense in the morning…