Archive of Our Own

“C’mon, Danny, I just want to support my friends,” Bosco urged. 

“I’m not paying a hundred dollars to see this band I’ve never heard of,” Daniel refused. Bosco groaned. 

“You don’t have to, just drop me off!” 

“I’m not letting you go to a concert by yourself,” Daniel said, “So I would have to go with you, which means you’re not going.” 

“You suck!” Bosco spat, “This is June and Charlie’s band, you know how much I…” He trailed off. “They said they could get me backstage passes, for me and whoever I bring. And as embarrassing as it is to bring my… parental figure, they also know how big a control freak you are, so I’m not sure they’ll be surprised.”

Bosco mostly refused to call Daniel dad, and honestly, Daniel probably preferred it that way. He wasn’t a dad, he was someone who was borderline forced into taking someone in through foster care. He just happened to have the role of a dad. Which meant cooking, chauffeuring, paying, guiding, and overall controlling Bosco’s life.

Bosco got along with Henley’s kids, which was great, but also got along with her ‘adopted’ kids, which consisted of June and Charlie. They weren’t actually her kids, but they were at one point fostered by the girl she liked, and they were fairly close. They were each a year older than Bosco, and were in a band.

Apparently a famous enough band that they were going on tour. Their first stop was in Chicago, where they all lived. Which was the concert Bosco wanted to attend. 

“This is probably gonna be my last chance to see them in person before they leave for tour, they’re going to be so busy between then and when they take off,” Bosco explained. “C’mon, man, please!” 

“Bosco, I said no already,” Daniel insisted. 

“You’re ruining my life!” Bosco exclaimed, marching off. 

“Very cliche teenager of you!” Daniel called after him, even though Bosco was still considered an adult at 18. 

Bosco turned around. 

“I’m betting Henley will be there,” He tried. “She could accompany me, then you wouldn’t have to go.” 

“I’m not entrusting you to Henley,” Daniel said, starting to get annoyed with this whole thing. 

“Fine,” Bosco said, “You want me to never be happy, and you hate me. Got it.”

“I’ve never felt more like a father than just now, thanks,” Daniel said. 

Daniel was hoping Bosco had dropped it, but he got a call later that night from Henley, who ripped into him about letting Bosco go to this concert. 

In the end, Daniel caved. 

Which is how Daniel ended up at a concert. Surrounded by, primarily, teenagers. 

“Danny, we gotta get to the front to get backstage,” Bosco said. Daniel silently groaned as they made their way through the already thick crowd, even though it was still a while before they started. Daniel didn’t get it. 

They made it to the front, somehow, and were met by security. Security let them through as soon as they showed off their backstage passes. 

“This is awesome,” Bosco breathed as they walked through the halls to get to the greenroom. 

They knocked, because of course they did, and the door opened up. Henley. 

“Hey, guys! I can’t believe you made it,” She said excitedly. 

“Well, believe it, you forced me to do this,” Daniel responded. Henley rolled her eyes. 

She let them in, revealing the room filled with snacks and big comfy couches. 

“Bosco!” Daniel heard, and then suddenly Charlie and June appeared in front of them. 

They hugged him together and Daniel fought the urge to roll his eyes. He knew about his son’s massive crush on the two of them, this probably didn’t do it much good. 

“Hey, guys,” A new voice said, “You must be Bosco and Danny, I’ve heard a lot about you guys.” 

“I’m sorry, who are you?” Daniel asked on instinct. The guy smiled. 

“Dude!” Bosco said, backhanding his dad’s arm. “That’s Jack Wilder. The frontman for the band. Jack of Spades. It’s in the name,” He said. “It’s great to meet you, man, I’m a huge fan.”

“Glad to hear it,” Jack said, shaking his hand. “Though, it is refreshing to meet someone who doesn’t know me,” Jack said, looking at Daniel. “Feels like all the people I meet these days knows me, it’s exhausting. I’m Jack, nice to meet you.”

“Right,” Daniel said plainly, shaking Jack’s hand too. 

“I hear you two like magic,” Jack said. 

“The only thing we have in common,” Bosco confirmed with a nod. 

“Why? You know magic?” Daniel asked. Jack bobbed his head as the rest of the band snickered. 

“Not technically,” He said, “But I can do this,” He said, pulling a phone out of his back pocket.

“That’s my-” Daniel said, reaching for it. Jack pulled it back.

“I’ll give it back if you let me put my number in,” He said with a wink. 

“What?” Daniel asked, confused, clearly not getting what everyone else in the room understood. “That’s ridiculous, just give me my phone back.” 

“Ah, it was worth a shot,” Jack said before tossing Daniel his phone. 

“It’s not that impressive,” June said. “We can all do it,” She said, pulling another phone from her pocket. 

“Stop stealing my phone,” Bosco said, reaching for it, but June pulled back too. 

“Aw, but your lockscreen is so cute!” She teased, turning the phone on to show off the picture of the three of them. Bosco snatched it back from her. 

“We all do magic, these two are just thieves,” Charlie said to Daniel. “It’s the hobby that brought us all together, really,” He said wistfully. 

“Yeah,” Jack agreed, “I would’ve never met these two, or Lula if it weren’t for magic.” 

“I would’ve never kept this one if it weren’t for magic,” Daniel joked, motioning to Bosco with his head, though no one else in the room was fully sure it was a joke. “Where is the elusive Lula anyway? I was beginning to think Henley made her up.”

“She’s flirting with Henley as we speak,” June said, pointing to where Henley and Lula were sitting on one of the couches. Lula fed Henley a potato chip. 

“I see,” Daniel said stiffly. 

“Pardon him, I don’t think he’s used to the idea of Henley with a woman,” Bosco said, “He’s not homophobic or anything, he just didn’t know Henley was bi until Lula.” 

“She told me she was bi, I just never saw any proof of it,” Daniel said. 

“No one has to prove anything to you,” June said. 

“No, that’s not what I meant,” Daniel said. 

“Everyone just relax,” Jack said. He put his hand on Daniel’s arm, making him freeze up. “Don’t mind her, she’s nervous because this is her first big concert like this. Tensions are high.” 

“Come on,” Charlie said, taking June’s hand, “Let’s go stuff our faces before we go onstage,” He said with a smile, pulling June and Bosco to the snack table. 

“So what’s up with those two?” Daniel asked, “I’ve only heard of Charlie and June from Bosco, which is to say, as little as he can physically tell me.” Jack laughed. 

“They have a little flirtationship going on,” He said, “They’re not fully together, but they’re also not single really. Hell, I’m sure Bosco’s in the same boat.”

“What do you mean?” Jack froze, feeling awkward.

“I mean… well, you know those two have it for him, right?” He asked.

“I’m not understanding,” Daniel said. Jack sighed.

“Charlie and June want to date your kid,” He said quietly, as to not let the kids hear them. 

“Oh,” Daniel said. “Oh! I mean, I knew Bosco liked them, I just assumed he’d end up with one of them, not… both of them, I suppose.” 

“Yeah, it’s not really something most people think about,” Jack said, “But it’s a thing. What about you, you’re single, right?” He asked, like he was legitimately interested in knowing the answer. 

“Well, yes,” Daniel said, “But I don’t have time for a relationship, with my job and Bosco,” He said. 

“What is it that you do, exactly?” Jack asked. 

“I’m a high school teacher,” Daniel said, “So not exactly the glamorous life you’re living.” 

“No, but it’s a living,” Jack said. “If I didn’t do this, I’d probably be back in New York, picking pockets,” He said. 

“You do seem weirdly adept at doing that,” Daniel said. “You think you could make a living off of it?”

“No, I’d be out on the street. But at least I could eat.” 

“What about winter?” 

“I’d be fucked,” Jack said. The two shared a soft laugh.  “I was serious about putting my number in your phone,” Jack said suddenly. 

“Why?” Daniel asked. 

“Well, all our friends seem to get along,” Jack said, motioning to the folks around them. “Maybe we’d get along too.” 

“Oh, they’re not my friends,” Daniel said, “Henley and I used to work together, and she’s been a thorn in my side ever since. Bosco’s my kid, and that’s all the people I know.”

“Well, I’d like to get along with you,” Jack said. 

“You don’t even know me,” Daniel said simply, “I’m a control freak, I’m neurotic, I’m not good company.” 

“Who said that’s for you to decide?” Jack asked. “You don’t have to give me your number, I just thought maybe. You’d want updates on Charlie, June and Bosco’s relationship,” He said. Daniel’s face morphed into confusion.

“What are you talking about?” Daniel asked. 

“Do you think Bosco would tell you anything if something happened?” Jack asked, “I’m willing to bet he wouldn’t. But June and Charlie tell me everything. I could tell you everything.” 

Daniel debated it. After Bosco turned 18, he stopped monitoring his text messages, sort of as a sign of respect, and to let Bosco feel like a real adult. He did keep his location on, but that was more of a safety thing, or at least that’s what Daniel claimed. And Jack was right. Even though Bosco was enamoured with June and Charlie, he’d almost never tell Daniel if something happened on purpose. At best he’d let something slip by accident. 

“Fine,” Daniel said. “But only for any updates about Bosco,” He said. 

“No, in order to get updates, you have to talk to me. Once a week.” 

“Jack—”

“That’s the deal, take it or leave it. Otherwise you’ll never know about your son’s love life.” Jack had to try not to laugh at how ridiculous that sounded. But if Daniel was really a control freak, he’d want to know. 

“Fine,” Daniel said. 

They exchanged numbers. Jack had a big grin on his face the whole time. 

“You guys should get back out there, we’re gonna go onstage soon,” Jack said, getting Bosco’s attention too. 

“Right,” Bosco said. “C’mon, Danny, Henley.” 

“We’re coming,” Daniel said. 

“I’ll meet you guys out there,” Henley said. 

“You guys are welcome to come backstage again after the show, but fair warning, we might be tired,” Charlie said. 

Daniel and Bosco headed out, and Henley approached Jack.

“You got Daniel’s number,” She observed. “Why?”

“I dunno,” Jack said with a shrug, “He’s pretty cute.”

“He’s a total control freak, if you let him into your life, he’ll try to take it over,” Henley warned. Jack shrugged. 

“Not much he can do to control me while I’m all over the country,” Jack said. “And I think I can handle him.”

“Alright, Jack,” Henley said, “I’m just trying to give you a warning.” She turned to Lula. “I’m gonna head out there.” 

“Okay,” Lula said. 

“Good luck,” Henley added before placing a kiss on Lula’s cheek and heading out. 

“You two seem to be getting along,” Jack teased. 

“Shut up,” Lula responded, shoving him in the arm. 

“It’s so loud out here, how are we even going to hear the music?” Daniel exaggerated. 

“There are speakers,” Bosco responded. “And it’ll probably quiet down a little bit when they come out.”

“Probably,” Daniel repeated.

Soon enough, the band came out. 

“What’s up, Chicago!” Jack called, and the crowd cheered. “As you know, I grew up in New York, but this has been my home for the better part of five years. And this has always been the home of my band. It’s my honour and my pleasure to start the first leg of our tour here. Thank you for having us.” The crowd cheered again, somehow louder than the first time. 

There was more to the introduction, but Daniel didn’t pay much attention to it. Jack introduced June, Lula and Charlie, something about how they didn’t get enough attention. Which was fair, but if he wanted to give them more attention, maybe he shouldn’t have named the band after himself. That’s what Daniel thought, anyway. 

After the introduction, Jack started their first song, In the Deck. 

It was kind of enthralling seeing Jack like this. He was in his element, beautiful and graceful, but strong and intense. Daniel couldn’t keep his eyes off him. He was hypnotising.

He didn’t want to be attracted to him, but it was inevitable like this. Women must’ve been swarming the man. He suddenly understood what he meant by saying he was glad to meet someone who didn’t know him.

The music was alright. Not quite in Daniel’s interest, but he could see some of these songs getting stuck in his head.

Maybe having to text him once a week won’t be so bad. 

Jack: This is Jack. Time for your weekly check-in. How’s work?

Daniel: Not as fun as yours, I’m sure. Lot’s of disrespectful kids who don’t like following the rules. But they’re not so bad these days, it’s later in the school year. It’s worse at the beginning. For me at least, I’ve heard the opposite from other teachers. What about you, how’s tour?

Jack: Exhausting, but rewarding. Charlie and June are having a lot of fun.

Daniel: That means underage drinking, doesn’t it?

Jack: Uhhhhh

Daniel: I feel like this counts in telling me things about my son’s relationship with them. I don’t want him around bad influences. 

Jack: They aren’t drinking that much, and they’re always supervised by me and Lula. And did you not drink at their age?

Daniel: I did, but that doesn’t mean I want Bosco to.

Jack: Well, lucky for you, Charlie and June are over 300 miles away and can’t peer pressure him into drinking. Congrats man. 

Daniel: How long are you guys going to be on tour anyway?

Jack: Six months. It’s two shows a week, one show in each state. It’s a lot of sitting in a bus. 

Daniel: Sounds like it. Do you sleep there too?

Jack: Nah, we got hotels. Thank god, I think I’d die if I had to sleep in the same room as Lula for six months. She sleep talks.

Daniel: Why do you know that?

Jack: We used to date back when I first moved to Chicago. She was the only reason I didn’t go homeless. And then it was pure luck that our music went viral and that I was able to start making our living off of that, like two years after we started living together. 

Daniel: That is lucky. 

Jack: I didn’t even have a drummer or guitarist at first, I put together the instrumental with my computer. I can’t play an instrument to save my life, but I’m good with the music programs. 

Daniel: How’d you meet June and Charlie then?

Jack: I knew them already. Lula and I were fostering them. I got a job to help support us, but we wanted to help kids who needed it. Charlie and June were inseparable, so we took them both in. This meant them sharing a room, and also me and Lula sharing a room. It was torture lol
Jack: Anyway, Charlie always wanted to learn guitar, so he learned, and June already knew drums. She had only entered fostercare recently, so I think she learned as a kid. As soon as they learned I made music they wanted in on it. 

Daniel: From what I know about them, that sounds about right.  
Daniel: I thought you said you never would’ve met Charlie and June without magic.

Jack: Well, I never would’ve met Charlie and June if I didn’t move to Chicago. And Lula and I met over a magic forum, so. 

Daniel: Ah, I see. 

Jack: So how’d you get into magic?

Daniel: Seriously? That’s what you’re spending this week talking about? My dead end hobby?

Jack: I also like magic, I’m just wondering how you got into it. I can answer the question first if you want. 

Daniel: Sure, go ahead.

Jack: When I was 13 I saw this magician called Magicolio and I thought he was so cool. He was like 16, he was smooth, he knew what he was doing. He was confident. But most importantly, people willingly gave him money. Just for doing magic.
Jack: And while I wasn’t exactly a homeless kid, my family really was struggling. So I thought maybe I could do it to earn some extra money, since I couldn’t get a job, I was too young. 
Jack: Soon I learned it was easier to steal money off of people than to get it naturally. Sometimes I’d do tricks just to pickpocket people. So I did that for a while. I’m still good at it, so it’s a good party trick, but it doesn’t go further than that. 

Daniel: Magicolio? Where was this exactly?

Jack: Here in Chicago. My dad brought me along for a business trip, it was a desperate attempt to get a sale.

Daniel: So you… started doing magic… because you saw some fifteen year old kid doing magic. Named Magicolio.

Jack: Yeah, that’s what I just said

Daniel: Oh boy…

Jack: ???

Daniel: Yeah, that was me. Magicolio was my magic persona when I was 15. I did it behind my parents back while they were at work. 

Jack: You’re fucking lying, no way

Daniel: I wish I were lying. This is the most embarrassing moment of my life. 

Jack: Aww, don’t be embarrassed. I was a huge fan.

Daniel: That’s part of the embarrassing part. 

Jack: What about you? Why did you start doing magic? Why’d you do magic behind your parents back?

Daniel: My parents used to control every aspect of my life. What I did, who I interacted with, where I went, what I ate, what I watched, my hobbies. And one day when they were at work, I snuck out to see the magicians on the street. I begged some to teach me, and eventually one did. I was a fast learner and got good fast. And magic involved so much control, it’s like it was what I needed. Some control. 
Daniel: It was easier to sneak out during work days, when my dad was at work and my mom was having her affair time. When I was left pretty much unattended. 
Daniel: One day I was caught though, and everything I could possibly use for magic was taken away from me. Well, everything they could think of, you can pretty much do magic with anything really. I needed their money, so I couldn’t do too much magic all throughout the rest of high school and college. But once I moved out, I started doing magic again. I adopted Bosco and we started doing magic together. Now magic has a specific, and special place in my heart.

Jack: Sounds more special than my story. 

Daniel: Yeah, well, your story involved pickpocketing and scamming people. 

Jack: Fair enough. 

Daniel hated to admit it, but he actually enjoyed texting Jack every week. It had been a month, and it was probably the highlight of his week at this point. He always texted on a Wednesday, saying that it was the middle of the week. But Daniel wanted to text him more, he just didn’t know how to say it. Being vulnerable wasn’t exactly his strong suit. 

Luckily, he didn’t have to start texting on an off day, because Jack did it for him. On a Friday, he got a text from Jack. 

Jack: JUNE AND CHARLIE JUST TOLD ME THEY HAVE A VIDEO DATE WITH BOSCO

Daniel: When

Jack: Tonight

Daniel: Don’t you have a concert tonight?

Jack: Yeah, after that. 

Daniel: Won’t it be like 11 by the time you guys stop? Bosco’s supposed to go to bed at 10:30

Jack: Yeah, well, you can’t possibly expect him to follow that, do you?

Daniel: Of course I do. The wifi shuts off at 10:30. 

Jack: Idk how he’s planning on calling them then. That’s just the information I have. 

Daniel: I appriciate that. 
Daniel: How’s your day going? Is rehearsal going well?

Jack: As well as ever. I’ve been trying to write a new song though and I’ve been struggling. I might ask June and Lula to help, they’re pretty good with words. 

Daniel: Oh, you write your songs?

Jack: Yeah, who’d you think did it?

Daniel: I don’t know, I never really thought about it. 

Jack: Yeah, I write all our songs. But I know June’s been urging me to let her write one. And sing one. I’m just worried that the fans will rip her apart. 

Daniel: Why?

Jack: Because she’s just a kid. I’m used to when people hate on me,it happens all the time. But if it happens to her, I don’t want her getting hurt. 

Daniel: People hate on you?

Jack: Sure, all the time. They say I’m different now that I have a band, that my original music is better, or just straight up that I’m a bad singer, bad song writer. I’m used to it all though. It’s not like I wasn’t bullied growing up, but that was mostly about being poor. 

Daniel: I see. What about June, has she been bullied?

Jack: Well, yeah, but I don’t want her to have to go through that again. And I know she wants a song about Charlie and Bosco, she wants to write a poly love song. Which I’m all for, I think it’s a lovely idea, I just think she’ll get ripped apart for it.

Daniel was typing out a reply when Merrit McKinney, a fellow teacher, started talking to him. 

“What’s with that smile on your face?” He asked. “Let me guess, a girl. No, no, a boy.”

“Stop it,” Daniel said. 

Merritt was a psychology teacher for a pre-college class. He was supposed to be a psych teacher at The University of Chicago, but his brother screwed him out of that job. Now he worked at some high school where Daniel had to deal with all his psychology teacher-ness. 

“I can see it on your face,” Merritt said. “You’re talking to a boy. You like him, more than you like most people. Though I know that’s not saying a lot.”

“Merritt, stop, I’m not interested in your whole psych teacher thing.”

“You met maybe a month ago? Through your little kid.”

“He’s not a little kid, and he’s hardly mine,” Daniel said, hoping to divert the subject. 

“He’s in a band, isn’t he? I never saw you going for someone just because they were in a band.”

“I don’t care that he’s in a band, Merritt, he’s just good conversation. Passes the time. And his friends are friends with Bosco, so it’s in my best interest to be friends with him,” Daniel explained. 

Deep, deep down he knew though. He did have a little crush on Jack. Not anything too big, nothing that would make him even sort of think of pursuing it. But somewhere, deep down, he wanted something. He wanted a kiss before bed. He wanted to fall asleep on call. He wanted to have someone to hold, and he wanted that person to be Jack. 

It was weird. He wasn’t used to feeling like this. Crushes weren’t something he just got. He used to sort of have a thing for Henley, but it didn’t feel like this. This felt more natural. Like it was real, and the thing with Henley was just a fake. 

“Sure thing, Danny boy,” Merritt said. “Invite me to the wedding, will you?”

“Never gonna happen.” 

“Don’t worry, I won’t come, I’ll just send a gift,” Merritt joked. 

“I meant the wedding, smartass,” Daniel retorted. 

That night, when 11 o’clock hit, he visited Bosco’s room. He was ‘asleep in bed.’ The call must’ve not started yet. 

Daniel: You guys done with the show yet?

Jack: Like just now, yeah. We’re heading back to the hotel rn. Why?

Daniel: Bosco’s pretending to be asleep.

Jack: Why don’t you just let them call? Bosco clearly likes them.

Daniel: He could’ve asked me. I would’ve understood, but instead he’s going behind my back. 

Jack: Would you have though? Or would you have just refused it.

Daniel: But I do understand. I mean, we’re sort of friends, we text all the time, I understand the desire to still interact with someone after they’re done with their job and it’s late at night. 

Jack: Aww, you like interacting with me.

Daniel: Not what I said.

Jack: But you implied it. I’m taking that as a win. And you said we’re sort of friends. From J Daniel Atlas, that’s totally a win. 

Daniel: Whatever, think what you want to think.

Jack: And that’s basically admitting I’m right! So many wins today.

Daniel decided he’d leave it be this time. If this shit ever happened again, he’d be confronting Bosco for sure, and letting him know that he understood his relationship with these people, and if he really really needed to call them so late at night, he could turn the wifi back on for him. 

After all, Bosco was an adult, and though he had to respect curfew, and Daniel would prefer he keep his sleep schedule in check, there were always exceptions. 

But in the future, he hoped they’d just call on days when they don’t have concerts. 

Jack: Lula’s asking how long ago Henley and her ex husband got divorced. 

Daniel: Like six years ago. She knows Henley’s into her, why don’t they just ask each other out already?

Jack: I think Lula’s waiting for Henley to make the first move, since Henley would probably wear the pants in the relationship. But she does seem to be getting a little tired with the song and dance they keep doing. Apparently they call most nights just to fall asleep together, and at this point it’s like, you two are basically dating. Just make it official. 

Daniel: I think I knew that. Henley tells me a lot of stuff about Lula, I just tend to tune it out.

Jack: Real friend behaviour right there. 

Daniel: Sarcasm.

Jack: Yes. 

Daniel: Maybe I’ll nudge Henley into making a move. That way you don’t have to like. Keep listening to Lula complain about not technically having a girlfriend.

Jack: That would be great. 
Jack: What about you, do you have a girlfriend?

Daniel: We are not talking about this. 

Daniel: How’s the song writing coming along?

Jack: Better. June started helping me, she’s really excited about being credited for a song, even though it’s a co-writing position.

Daniel: Makes sense. I’m glad it’s coming along well. What’s the song about anyway?

Jack: It’s kind of about a bunch of stuff, but mostly the pressures that come with being the oldest child in a poor family. Something I know a lot about. 

Daniel: You have siblings?

Jack: Yeah, four of them. They’re all younger than me though. The youngest is eight years younger than me. 

Daniel: Your parents must’ve been busy.

Jack: Gross dude

Daniel: I meant because they’d be working to support five kids, asshole.

Jack: Ohhh. Well, my dad was, he worked a lot. But my mom was a stay-at-home mom. My family didn’t believe in women working. 

Daniel: Oh boy

Jack: Yeahhh. My dad actually made decent money, it’s just that there were so many of us that it didn’t matter. And y’know, living in New York. 

Daniel: They crammed all of you into an apartment?

Jack: Yep. Unpleasant. 

Daniel: I believe you. I was an only child.

Jack: Yeah, I know.

Daniel: You know? How do you know?

Jack: I mean, mostly I can just tell, but also, you said your parents controlled every aspect of your life. I’m sure if they had two kids they could probably still do that, but if they had three of more, they probably wouldn’t be able to, especially if they were working all the time. 

Daniel: God, you’re reminding me of Merritt. 

Jack: Your psych teacher coworker? Oh, geez, you hate that guy.

Daniel: Yes.

Jack: I’ll stop.

Daniel: Good. 

Jack: It’s official, Charlie, June and Bosco are partners. 

Daniel: Oh.

Jack: Are you okay?

Daniel: No, I’m fine. I knew it would happen, they all clearly like each other. I’m just still surprised somehow.

Jack: They’ve been going on video call dates for a while now, you know that.

Daniel: Yes, I do. It’s just weirder to hear that my sort of kid has a boyfriend and a girlfriend.

Jack: Is it because you don’t have a boyfriend or a girlfriend?

Daniel: Didn’t I already say we weren’t going to talk about that?

Daniel: Bosco finally told me about his relationship.

Jack: Two weeks later? Oh boy

Daniel: Yeah. I didn’t want to pressure him into telling me, so I haven’t brought them up in a while. But as soon as I did, he used it as a segue to talk about it. 

Jack: It’s nice that you didn’t pressure him into telling you. 

Daniel: Well, I already knew, so what does it matter if he knows that or not.

Jack: Less nice.

Daniel: That is what people say about me, yes. 

Jack: Does Bosco know we talk?

Daniel: I avoid telling him. When he told me they were dating I just pretended like I didn’t know. Though I didn’t act surprised because seriously, that boy likes them so much. 

Jack: Right. Well, just so you know, my band knows that we talk.

Daniel: Right, I’m sure you can’t shut up about me.

Jack: Right, well, you don’t have to make fun of me for it.

Daniel: I was joking.

Jack: Oh.

Another three months passed. Merritt still made fun of Daniel any time he got that look on his face, and after hearing him listening to Jack of Spades, deduced that it was Jack Wilder that he seemed so gone for. 

They talked almost every day now, though sometimes it was just about Bosco, Charlie and June. Occasionally about Lula and Henley, who eventually got their shit together.

Bosco called Charlie and June nights they didn’t have concerts, after a long talk about why Daniel didn’t want them always calling on concert nights. He didn’t understand why Charlie and June wanted to talk after a long night of music playing anyway, they must’ve been exhausted. 

That’s how Jack always seemed after concerts anyway.

Not that Daniel stayed up on nights specifically to talk to Jack after his concerts. That would make him a hypocrite. 

Okay, maybe he did on this night, but that didn’t mean he did on other nights. 

Daniel: Text me when you're done with your concert. 

It wasn’t the first time he had sent that text, but he still liked to send it, just in case Jack forgot. The response didn’t come in until a couple of hours later, usually, when they got back to the hotel. 

Jack: All done for the night. It wasn’t so bad tonight, but I think the audience was smaller than usual, which is kind of a bummer. 

Daniel: I’m sure the next one will be bigger.

Jack: Thanks.
Jack: Hey, you wouldn’t want to call, would you?

Daniel: What? Really? I’m not sure I’d be great company.

Jack: I just got done with a concert, neither am I.

Daniel: Real convincing. 

Jack: Please?

Damnit.

Daniel: Fine. 

The call came in pretty quickly after Daniel sent that message, but he waited a moment before he picked up. 

“Danny!” Jack said happily, if not tiredly. 

“Jack,” Daniel said, much less cheerfully. Someone who really knew him would know he was happy though. “Why did you want to call exactly?”

“Oh, come on, Danny, I’ve only heard your voice like once in my whole life. I wanted to hear it again.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, I hear your voice all the time,” Daniel joked before he even realised what he was implying. There was a small pause.

“You listen to our music?” He asked cheekily. Another pause as Daniel hesitated.

“No,” He said.

“You do! That is so sweet,” Jack said. 

“No, it’s not sweet, I just like your music.”

“And that’s sweet,” Jack argued. “What’s your favourite song?”

“I’d rather not answer that question.”

Daniel’s favourite song was a love song that was sung to the listener. Rather, the listener was supposed to be whoever the love song was to. 

“Oh, c’mon, it can’t be that embarrassing. They are my songs after all, so it’d be more embarrassing that I wrote it than you liking it.”

“I’d still like not to answer,” Daniel pleaded.

“Okay, alright, as you wish,” Jack relented. “But really, it’s not fair you get to hear my voice all the time, and I’ve only heard yours once. Unfair.”

“Sure,” Daniel said. “Anything you want to talk about in particular?” He asked. 

“Just tell me about your day. I’m probably going to fall asleep soon,” Jack said.

“Then why did you want to call?” Daniel asked. 

“I wanted to hear your voice, remember?”

“Yeah, yeah,” Daniel dismissed.

Daniel began to talk about his day as Jack stayed silent, and he talked for longer than he probably should've, since Jack probably fell asleep right away. 

He didn't hang up before going to sleep. He didn't even know why, it just felt rude to somehow. Besides, he fell asleep pretty naturally. He got pretty tired while he was talking and by the time he shut his eyes, he was practically asleep already.

Unfortunately, being on call meant the alarm on his phone didn’t go off properly in the morning. Which meant he woke up to…

“Danny!” Bosco pounded on his door. “Dude, you gotta get up! We gotta get to work!” 

Bosco scheduled his job specifically so that he worked a similar shift to his father, so they could drive together. 

“Dude!” He said, pounding on the door. He pushed the door open. “What the fuck is happening,” He muttered quietly as he witnessed the sight before him.

His dad, sleeping on the bed, laying on his stomach. Beside him was his smart phone, plugged in, silently pulsing with an alarm. 

Bosco sighed and pushed his dad off his bed. 

“Ow!” Daniel groaned as he hit the floor. “What was that for?”

“We’re running late,” Bosco said, dismissing Daniel’s alarm.

“What was that?” A tired voice asked through Daniel’s phone. Bosco froze, seeing the name on the contact. 

“Jack?” He asked. He looked at his dad. “As in Jack Wilder?” He asked. 

“Uhhh,” Daniel hesitated. “Yes, yeah, that’s who that is.”

“Since when are you two friends?” Bosco asked. 

“Since the concert,” Daniel admitted. 

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Bosco asked. 

“Why didn’t you tell me you were dating June and Charlie sooner?” Daniel shot back.

“Do not turn this back around on me,” Bosco said, “Fuck, we can’t have this conversation right now. Get ready for work, you have fifteen minutes before we’re detrimentally late,” He said before leaving the room and slamming the door behind him. 

“Did I get you in trouble?” Jack asked. His voice was deep with sleep and it made Daniel feel things that he couldn’t afford to feel right now. 

“Maybe a little,” Daniel said. 

“Aw, I’m sorry,” Jack said. “I didn’t mean to.” 

“I know, Jack,” Daniel sighed. “Look, I gotta go, gotta get ready for work,” He said. 

“Okay,” Jack said, “I’ll text you.”

“I don’t doubt it.”

Bosco was giving him the silent treatment. Which wasn’t super uncommon for them, but he wouldn’t even look at Daniel. 

Daniel wanted to talk about it, but he didn’t know how to go about it if he was going to behave this way. 

Daniel: Bosco’s mad at me now.

Jack: This is my fault, isn’t it?

Daniel: If by your fault you mean that he’s mad at me because you borderline forced me to exchange numbers, then yes, it’s your fault.

Jack: I can talk to him if you want. 

Daniel: No, that would probably just make things worse. 
Daniel: Let me talk to him first.

Jack: I’ll be here when that backfires then. 

Daniel: Asshole

Jack: Right back at ya

Daniel took the opportunity of dinner to talk to Bosco. It was the expectation that they ate together for dinner, but as soon as Bosco got his dinner, he tried to retreat to his room. 

“Bosco, we need to talk about this,” Daniel called after him. 

“You want to talk about this?” He asked, “Maybe you should’ve brought it up sooner. Like three months sooner,” He said. 

“You usually don’t care about my friendships,” Daniel argued. Bosco put his plate down. 

“What fucking friendships? Henley?” Bosco asked, “It’s different, you’re only friends with Jack to invade my personal life. To hear about Charlie and June. And don’t even try to lie and say otherwise, because I’m not that stupid.” Daniel took a breath. 

“Okay, yeah, it started like that,” Daniel said, “But I like Jack now, we’re friends. We barely talk about you guys.”

“But you still do, right?” Bosco asked, “You knew I was dating Charlie and June before I even told you, didn’t you?” Daniel stayed silent. “You did! This is so fucking unfair! You don’t get to invade my privacy like this because June and Charlie trust their friend! You can’t keep doing this!” 

“I’m not going to stop being friends with Jack, Bosco,” Daniel said. Bosco pinched the bridge of his nose.

“I’m not asking for you to stop being his friend, I’m asking for you to stop having him be your little reporter!” Bosco said. Daniel hesitated. “Is that really that hard for you, are you fucking kidding me?” 

“Bosco, how am I supposed to trust you to just tell me things?” 

“You trust me because I’m your son!” Bosco shouted. “I know we don’t like to say it, and I know it’s like a barely thing. But you need to just trust me sometimes, okay? I’ll tell you stuff about my relationship when I’m ready to, just like you will. We’re fucking family, act like it.”

“Alright,” Daniel sighed, “You’re right, okay? You’re right.” Bosco smiled.

“That’s a first from you,” He said. 

“Yeah, yeah,” Daniel said. “I know I need to work on my trust, but you need to tell me things as soon as they happen.”

“Within the week,” Bosco offered.

“Deal,” Daniel said. “And you’re right,” He said. “You are my son.” 

“Yeah, yeah, you’re my dad or whatever,” Bosco said, turning away slightly. 

Jack: Did you talk to Bosco?

Daniel: Yeah, we’re all good though.
Daniel: You need to stop telling me about Charlie and June though. That was the deal.

Jack: Oh.
Jack: Does that mean we have to stop talking?

Daniel: No
Daniel: We can keep talking

Tour was ending soon. It was all Jack could talk about, how excited he was to be home, but conflicted because he wanted to see his fans more. 

He claimed that he’d have to get a drink with Daniel once they were home, but Daniel wasn’t sure about that. He was a teacher, and they didn’t like teachers going out to bars, at the risk of a parent seeing them. 

Not that Merritt ever respected that, so he didn’t know if there’d really be so much harm. 

They called more after that first time, Daniel making sure to set an alarm on a physical alarm clock so that specific events didn’t repeat themselves. 

Bosco stuck to his word and told Daniel when things happened with Charlie and June, including a very awkward morning where Bosco confessed that he listened to Charlie and June drunkenly have sex the night prior. 

Daniel was looking forward to seeing Jack in person, but he was also nervous. Over the course of the last six months, he has begrudgingly accepted the fact that he might sort of have feelings for Jack. 

It started as a crush, but it felt deeper now somehow. Like something he’d never felt before. 

It was kind of all very surreal to him. Crushing on a rockstar, meanwhile he was just some random high school teacher in Chicago. 

But he had to assume Bosco was in the same situation, being with two of the band members himself. And that was another thing. He never told Bosco about his feelings for Jack, why would he? Bosco would just be annoyed, and probably tell him not to pursue it. 

Not that Daniel was going to pursue it anyway, but if he told Bosco, he’d have to face relentless teasing and making fun of him. And Daniel just didn’t want to deal with that.

It didn’t help that Jack was a solid seven years younger than him, which at their ages wasn’t the biggest deal, but it still gave Daniel pause. He’d never dated someone so much younger than him before. 

The worst part is, Jack seemed… kind of interested? He flirted with Daniel all the time, with various compliments and pick up lines. He spoke to Daniel in a tone that drew him in and made him feel like he was the only person in the world. 

Jack made him feel like that often. Feel special and important. He’d joke about writing a song about Daniel and Daniel would roll his eyes, as if Jack weren’t actually serious about it. 

Daniel would probably die on the spot if Jack really wrote him a song. 

“You know I’m not joking, right? I’ve tried to start it,” Jack said. 

“I don’t know what that song could possibly have as words.”

“Apparently I don’t either,” Jack said with a laugh. “I don’t want to get June’s help either, she’d just make fun of me.” 

“For writing a song about one of your friends?”

“Something like that.” Daniel heard the sheets rustling as Jack turned over in his bed. “I really do wanna write you a song though. Sounds fun.” 

“I won’t stop you,” Daniel said, “I just don’t see why you’d want to do that.” 

“I have my reasons,” Jack said cryptically. Daniel just sighed. “Three more shows. Then I’m home.”

“I’m sure Bosco will want to meet up with Charlie and June, we could do something together then,” Daniel offered. 

“Totally,” Jack agreed, “I’m guessing you mean all together though. Not just the two of us.”

“I’d like to keep an eye on my kid, yes,” Daniel said. Jack nodded, not that Daniel could see it.

“Right,” He said, “Y’know, I’m sure Lula could keep an eye on them. And we could go out and do something.”

“I can’t go out anyway, Jack, I’m a teacher. They don’t want me going to bars,” Daniel said. 

“We don’t have to go to a bar,” Jack said, “We could go to a restaurant,” He offered. 

“Jack…”

“No, it’s alright,” Jack said, “We can all hang out together. My apartment should be big enough for all of us. We can hang out there.”

“Thank you, Jack.”

“Sure,” Jack said, though it had an edge to it. “We should get to sleep. You have work in the morning. 

“Right,” Daniel said. “Goodnight, Jack,” He said softly. He could almost hear Jack smile. 

“Night, Danny.” 

“You look excited,” Merritt said, exactly three shows later and four days later.

“What? No, I don’t,” Daniel said, but it was clearly a lie. He was jittery. He was excited to see Jack in person. 

Part of him regretted saying that he wanted all of them to hang out together, because he absolutely wanted Jack to himself. Though, he couldn’t trust himself to not do anything stupid if it was just the two of them. 

“Sure you do,” Merritt said. “Let me see.”

“Oh god, not this again,” Daniel muttered. 

“Your little boyfriend comes back from tour tonight,” Merritt said. 

“How could you possibly know that?”

“Well, I didn’t, until you just confirmed that,” Merritt said, “So you two finally got together?”

“No, we are not together, I just knew who you were talking about because you always refer to him that way,” Daniel said, “And every time I say, ‘he’s not my boyfriend’ and every time you seem to not believe me, so I figured why even bother,” He said. Merritt shrugged. 

“Give it time,” He said. “I’m sure if I could meet him, get a read on this guy, I could tell for sure whether he likes you. Then you might not be so scared to make a move.”

“I am not scared,” Daniel said, “I’m just not interested.” A complete lie. 

“Sure thing, buddy,” Merritt said, “I’ll believe that when you can say it without your voice shaking like that.” Daniel sighed. 

“Just leave me alone, alright? I’m preparing for class, you should be doing the same.”

“Alright, alright,” Merritt said, “But you let me know if anything changes.”

“Absolutely not.”

“Oh, you won’t have a choice in the matter,” Merritt said. He motioned to his face. “Your face will tell me everything I need.” 

Bosco was especially excited for them to return. He was practically bouncing off the walls at work. Daniel was excited, but probably not as much as he was nervous. At least Bosco had experience hanging out with his friends in person. Not only had Daniel only met Jack once or twice in real life, depending on how you looked at it, he also didn’t have much experience in terms of other friends. He didn’t know how to behave, not to mention his massive crush on him. He was afraid he was going to mess it all up somehow. 

But that didn’t stop him from driving Bosco down to their apartment a couple hours after they got home. It probably would’ve been sooner, but they had to get off work. Well, Bosco had to get off work, Daniel had been off work for an hour. 

“Stop doing that,” Bosco commented. 

“Doing what?” Daniel asked. 

“That,” He said, pointing to where Daniel was tapping on the steering wheel. 

“I didn’t even notice,” Daniel said, making his fingers stop. 

“I thought I could say I’m just as nervous as you, but I don’t think that’s true,” Bosco said with a laugh. “You’re a complete wreck, man,” He said. 

“I can’t help it, alright? I’m not used to having real friends, let alone real friends that are hot rockstars, okay?” Daniel said, a bit defensive. 

“Not gonna comment on that,” Bosco said quickly, mostly to himself, “Look, Jack is your friend. Just because you’re meeting up in person, it’s not going to be that much different from calling. You can trust me on this, I’ve also had a long distance friendship for the past six months.” 

“Yes, but you knew them before,” Daniel said, “I barely knew Jack before we started texting.” 

“I’d argue that you didn’t know him at all, but continue.”

“There wasn’t more, and also, you’re supposed to be helping,” Daniel said. Bosco snickered.

“Am I?” He asked. 

“Don’t be a dick, Bosco.”

“You’re one to talk,” He returned. He laughed a little more before clearing his throat. “No, look, okay, it’ll all be fine. For god knows what reason, Jack seems to actually like you as a person, so even if you’re awkward— which let’s be honest, you almost definitely will be— he’ll be okay with it. You’ll be fine. Now get over yourself and go inside.”

“Yeah, alright,” Daniel grumbled as he opened his door. 

They had to be buzzed into Jack and Charlie’s apartment. It used to be Jack, Charlie, June and Lula’s apartment, but as of last year, June and Lula moved out. But it was still pretty big, and could fit all of them easily. Not like Daniel and Bosco’s small apartment, which was clearly only fit to have two or maybe three people living in it. 

When they got into the apartment, the band was sitting around the coffee table and Daniel felt immediately out of place. 

“Danny, Bosco!” Lula called, “It’s very good to see everyone else’s friends!” She said. 

“Henley couldn’t come?” Bosco asked. 

“She’s busy with her kids,” Lula said, “And it feels too early to meet them as her girlfriend.”

“As if you weren’t practically dating before,” Jack said. Lula lightly shoved him in the arm. 

“Shut up, as if you’re not—” Jack shoved her much harder. 

“Bosco!” June said, waving her boyfriend over. “Want a drink?” 

“I don’t think I’m allowed,” Bosco said, looking back at his dad. Daniel sighed. 

“Just for tonight, and not more than three,” Daniel said. Bosco smiled a silent thank you and sat between his partners.

Jack was getting him to loosen up, he had to admit. He would’ve never let Bosco drink before Jack. Though, it was supervised, and it was just hard seltzer it looked like. 

“Pomegranate or boysenberry?” Charlie asked, holding two cans.

“I don’t know what either of those things taste like,” Bosco said. Charlie smiled and handed him a can. 

“C’mon, Danny, sit down,” Jack said, scooting over to give way for him to sit. Daniel hesitated, but sat next to Jack. “You want a drink? I got real stuff, not just their kiddie crap,” He said. 

“No, I’m driving,” Daniel said, “Can’t drink.” 

“Alright, alright, I won’t peer pressure ya,” Jack said, putting his hands up. 

There was some music playing in the background that came into focus as Daniel awkwardly went silent. 

“So how’s it been being back from tour in the past couple hours?” Bosco asked. 

“I don’t think it’s hit yet,” June said, “Give me a couple days, then I’ll have an answer.” 

“It’s been alright,” Charlie said, “It’s nice knowing we can actually see you in person now,” He added.

“Okay, relax,” Daniel spat, still protective of his kid. He felt Jack’s hand on his back, and it became impossible for him to relax himself. 

“Hey, they’re just excited to see their boyfriend,” Jack said, “Calm down. How about we go to my room, so they don’t bother you,” He suggested. 

“I don’t want to leave them unsupervised,” Daniel refused. 

“Lula will be here,” Jack said. Daniel sighed.

“Ten minutes,” He caved, as he always did with Jack. Jack smiled and pulled Daniel out of his seat and toward his room. 

“Use protection!” June called out after them, and Daniel could hear Charlie, Bosco and Lula all giggling over it. 

“No, I changed my mind, I want to go back out there,” Daniel said as Jack shut the door. 

“Nah, man, you said ten minutes,” Jack said, “Relax, control freak, give your kid ten minutes with his partners. And Lula’s out there, nothing will happen.”

“I know,” Daniel sighed, “I know, okay. You’re right.”

“That’s it,” Jack said. “And I thought you might be more comfortable talking about your day if we were alone,” He said. 

“Well, yeah,” Daniel said. “I’m used to talking to you alone, not in front of three kids and a Lula.” 

“Tell me about your day,” Jack said, sitting them both down on his bed. 

So Daniel started talking about his day as he usually did as they were winding down for bed. Merritt was especially bad today, knowing somehow that Jack was coming back this day. Jack stared with his full attention on Daniel the whole time, but Daniel didn’t even seem to notice, instead staring at a spot on the floor. 

It was only when he finally looked up at Jack that he realised just how Jack was looking at him.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” Daniel asked. Jack smiled. 

“I really want to kiss you right now,” He confessed. Daniel’s eyes widened. 

“Wait… what?” He asked, absolutely not expecting that. 

“I would like to kiss you right now,” Jack repeated. Maybe Daniel was crazy, but it felt like he was leaning closer. “Can I?” He asked.

Daniel didn’t answer, opting instead to simply close the gap between them. Jack put his hands on Daniel’s face and hip, pulling him closer. Daniel wasn’t fully sure what to do with his hands, but opted for clutching Jack’s biceps, which were much bigger than he expected. 

“I’m surprised you didn’t know,” Jack said when they pulled away. He swiped his thumb over Daniel’s cheekbone. “I thought I was being so obvious.” 

“You might’ve been,” Daniel said, “I was too distracted by my feelings for you to notice.” Jack smiled. 

They kissed a little more before leaving the room, finding Charlie, Bosco and June all piled on top of each other in a cuddle pile, and Lula on her phone in a seat adjacent to them. 

“Finally!” June called, seeing Daniel and Jack’s hands clutched together. They let go. “No, no, no, you can’t hide it,” She said, “You’re finally together, right?”

“I think so?” Jack answered, looking at Daniel. 

“If you want to,” Daniel said, as if Jack hadn’t already made it clear. 

“Of course I want to,” Jack said. 

“Then yes, I’d say we’re together,” Daniel said. Jack turned back to his bandmates. 

“Yes,” He said. 

“Ugh, great,” Bosco scoffed, “It was bad enough you two just being friends, now you’re more than friends?”

“Yeah, well, I don’t like this,” Daniel motioned to Bosco and his partners, “anymore than you like this,” He motioned to himself and Jack. 

“Guess we’re even then,” Bosco said. 

They left the apartment a couple hours later, though Jack urged them not to. Charlie and June each kissed Bosco on the cheek, and Jack squeezed Daniel’s hand before they left. 

Daniel: Do you want to call when I get home?

Jack: Miss me already?

Daniel: Shut up.
Daniel: Sorry for the late reply, was driving. 
Daniel: So are we calling or what?

Jack: Sure thing.