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The doors of the bus creaked open. Jan made sure not to bump the baby carrier in anything as he stepped onto the pavement. Jørn was right behind him. Before them stood new apartment buildings, reaching toward the sky like mute, light gray giants. They walked past a playground that, judging from the state of the equipment, couldn’t have been older than two years.
“Freya is going to love it here.”
Jan let his eyes wander over the swing set and monkey bars.
“When she’s older. And if we get the apartment!”
“Come on, Jørn, don’t be so negative. We both work and we have great credit scores. There’s no real reason they wouldn’t rent to us.”
“No real reason but a made up one. How are we gonna explain that we’re trying to rent a two room apartment as two straight guys with a baby?”
“Just leave that to me. It’s my baby, I’ll take care of the lying part. I’m better at it anyways.”
The real estate agent, a young, proper woman in a pant suit, stood by the entrance.
“You must be Mr. Blomberg and Mr. Stubberud.”
She held out her hand. Jan grabbed it without hesitation.
“Yes, we are. This is Freya, my daughter.”
The little girl was still asleep from the bus ride.
“What a precious girl. I am Ms. Winklarsen. I will be your real estate agent. Why don’t we head inside and begin with the tour?”
Jan and Jørn followed Ms. Winklarsen into the third floor. She unlocked a door and asked them inside.
“As you see, the living room is immediately connected to the kitchen, so you can easily keep an eye on your little one while you cook. The windows are on the south side, so there will be a lot of sunlight during the day. They also come with child proof locks.”
The estate agent mostly regarded Jan. She explained everything from the layout to every aspect of the child proofing.
Even through her professionalism, Jørn could feel that she was suspicious of them. Even with Jan keeping an almost aggressive distance from Jørn, she could tell.
“We don’t have a bathtub in this apartment but there is a tall shower tray which can be used to bathe a small child.”
“Sounds good. What do you think Jørn?”
“I quite like the apartment. Do you think the other tenants will have a problem with noise?”
“No, not at all. These buildings were constructed with families with young children in mind, so there are thick walls, especially on the ceilings and floors. You know how teenagers are. It would be quite impractical if a bit loud music would wake up every baby and toddler in the building. You don’t have to worry about that in any way.”
“Oh, that’s perfect.”
Jørn looked at Jan. His face was unmoved. It was almost enviable how he could keep his cool while Jørn felt like he was being interrogated. He stuffed his sweaty hands into the pockets of his jacket.
“In your application you mentioned that you two are musicians, right? That probably won’t be an issue either, but you might want to consider moving your activities in that regard to the basement unit. Why don’t we take a look at that?”
Again, Ms. Winklarsen led them through the building.
“Each unit is heated, so you don’t have to worry about your instruments taking damage. The walls down here are a bit thinner than in the apartment, though. What instruments do you play?”
“I play the drums and he plays bass. You’re right, it does get loud. Not quite big enough for a rehearsal space, but big enough to keep stuff out of the way.”
Ms. Winklarsen looked at them like she expected something.
“So? What do you think?”
“I think it’s a great deal.”
Jan looked at Jørn, who nodded in agreement.
“Considering that no other kids will move in anytime soon, we would love to move here.”
“Regarding that… I mean, I know it’s none of my business but… what is the arrangement between you two?”
Jan opened his mouth like he wanted to speak but only a heavy sigh came out of him. From one second to the other, his face had become sorrowful.
“It’s… complicated. You see… Freya’s mother didn’t survive the birth. Kristina was so excited be a mother but it just wasn’t supposed to be. After she died, I couldn’t afford the rent on our apartment anymore and Jørn gave us a place to stay. It took a long time for me to get back into life and without the help of my friends, it would have been impossible. You see, I work night shifts. It’s not ideal but it’s the only thing I could get. While I work, Jørn watches Freya and we pay the bills together. It’s almost like a real family…”
Jørn could swear that he saw tears in Jan’s eyes. He was amazed at the firework of lies he just heard and even more amazed at the sincerity and pain in Jan’s voice.
“I’m so sorry, I didn’t know…”
“It’s okay. You didn’t mean anything by it. By all accounts, we do look a bit suspicious from the outside.”
“I didn’t want to insult you… I’m sorry. Regardless of your arrangement, you would be a great fit. I would send you the contracts by mail in a few days and if you have any questions, feel free to call me.”
“Of course, thank you. We will find our way out on our own.”
As they waited at the bus stop, Jørn turned to his boyfriend.
“You goddamn actor.”
“I told you I’m good at lying.”
“Damn right you are, you almost cried! If I didn’t know better, I would have bought it hook line and sinker.”
Jan smirked, completely self satisfied.
“You do fall for my lies.”
“When?”
“Oh, I’ve faked a few orgasms here and there. I was just so good at it that I fooled myself on accident.”
“Shut up, you liar.”
Jørn pushed Jan’s shoulder, a smile on his face.