Chapter Text
SUNDAY 18:30
The late June heat attacked the open skin on Lovro's neck. The scrapping of wheels across concrete is all that fills the air with the occasional grunts of a failed trick and thuds of a crashing body that follows soon after. Jakov and him had been at the skate park since the early afternoon and the area was finally starting to thin out as the sun was descending behind the surrounding buildings.
“What time do you need to leave for dinner again?” Jakov questioned as he plopped down on the bench Lovro had been attached to for the last thirty minutes. Lovro was a bit rusty from not having as much free time to skate during the school year. The third year of university almost convinced him that maybe working at a skate shop for the rest of his life wasn’t as bad as it seemed.
Psychology wasn’t his original choice but when enrolling into university as undeclared, It seemed like the easiest transition if he didn’t want his credits to go to waste. He was now partially regretting that decision with the amount of course work and clinicals that actually went into it but it was too late to dwell on alternate options with the end being so near.
Jakov on the other hand was thoroughly enjoying philosophy and took any chance he could to pick up extra projects or participate in research studies. Jealousy always nipped at Lovro whenever Jakov and him met up for their spontaneous skate sessions. It usually consisted of Jakov spilling every detail of lessons he found interesting, the passion oozing over every word and if there was any silence he would then fill it with relationship developments of him and Eva.
It’s not that lovro wasn’t happy for them, of course he was. After the mistakes that he made in high school by revealing Eva's secret, all he hoped for was that they would reconnect but even then he was aware that it was for his own selfish reasons. It was easier to distance himself from the scene of the crime, if it didn’t come with long lasting consequences. So if he had to listen to every boring detail and love confession to stomp out the remaining guilt that lingered beneath his bones then so be it. It seemed like an ironic punishment in the end.
Lovro glanced at the time on his phone before sighing,“Now actually”.Lovro stands, bending back to crack him back briefly before grabbing his skate board that was perched against the bench.
“What do you think of your mom’s new boyfriend? You haven’t really talked too much about him” Jakov questioned, his gaze resting on Lovro’s face, prepared to catch any change in Lovro’s demeanor.
Jakov was used to having to analyze Lovro’s body language and facial expressions to decipher what really lay buried within Lovro’s limited vocabulary. It warmed him that Jakov knew him well enough to never take his word at face value but it also sparked subtle irritation at being read so easily. Sometimes he just wanted his words to be nothing more than hot air that fizzled into the stratosphere to never be thought of again but with Jakov was never possible.
“He’s cool,” Lovro shrugged. There really wasn’t much to say about David. He remembers when his mom first started mentioning him, last summer. At first it was side comments.
David recommended this new pizza shop, I was thinking we could order in?
I’m running a little late, I had to stop at David’s
I think David might stop by for a few
When David finally started coming around the apartment, Lovro made himself scarce. Late night library sessions and nights out became his friend, until his mother caught wind of his disappearing act. After that, it became mandatory that Lovro sat down and had dinner with them twice a month. Lovro didn’t necessarily mind it, partially because he never had the energy to add to the table conversation but it did make him uncomfortable to pretend that he was ready for another man to take up space in his life.
His father left enough emotional scars to last him a lifetime and the last thing Lovro needed or wanted was a stand in. It didn’t get any better when his mom sprung the idea of David moving in at the beginning of the new year. His lease was ending and he was already looking to downsize since his son was studying aboard in Norway. His mom thought it was a silly idea for him to sign a new lease, when he practically lived at theirs anyways.
Lovro was not on board for this, grumbling any chance he got about how this was beginning to feel rushed. There was only so much protesting he could do before his mom made her final decision and they became a household of three again.
“Cool?” Jakov echoed, clearly not buying what lovro was selling.
“Yeah cool,” Lovro repeated with more conviction.
There was no real reason to convey any other opinion, David had already invaded their home with his obsession of peanut butter and his constant laughter before bed, when he's watching his comedy shows. There was no escaping the reality of the situation and Lovro dealt better when he didn’t dwell on things he couldn’t change. “I gotta go though, see you later” Lovro rushed out while dapping up Jakov before quickly departing.
The skate park wasn’t too far from the tram, so getting home didn’t take too long. Lovro was bustling through the door with two minutes to spare, discarding his shoes at the door and leaning his skateboard against the wall. Music drifted through the air and from where he was standing he could see that dinner was waiting as his mother set the table. His shuffling finally alerting Ana of his arrival.
“Lovro, how was your day?” Ana greeted, as he stepped through the kitchen.
“It was cool,” he concluded as he brushed his lips against his mom’s temple before settling in his seat at the table. “Food smells great,” he murmured.
“Thank you honey. Let me get David and then we can eat” Ana leaves briefly towards their room, coming back with David trailing after her. Communicating with David felt like pulling teeth. They had nothing in common which left no grounding for extended conversation, not that Lovro wanted that anyways.
It just felt awkward having his mom do all the heavy lifting during dinner and honestly his neck got tired from all the nodding he did as false acknowledgement of passing comments. He just tried to remind himself that it was only a required forty-five minutes every other week and he could make due with it, as long as it made his mom happy.
Dinner started quiet as usual, just cutlery gliding over glass in a way that made Lovro want to grind his teeth to offset the sound. In the spare moments that Lovro would lift his head from his plate he would catch quick glances being thrown between David and his mom. His eyebrows pulled together in agitation as the silence started to feel more tense.
The more Lovro would catch his mother’s eye, she would immediately shift her focus back to David causing Lovro's gaze to linger on him for a change. It seemed he was working up the courage to speak and it was starting to piss Lovro off at how long it was taking him to form a proper sentence. Lovro's stubborn gaze did not falter, settling on David, a slight tilt in his head, almost daring David to finally get the balls to release whatever was so important.
“So Lovro we wanted to talk to you about something” David started hesitantly, glancing over at Ana for reassurance that he was starting on a good foot.The only response Lovro gave him was a raised eyebrow, to which his mother shook her head in disapproval.
She didn’t like it when he didn’t use verbal cues to push conversations forward but to Lovro there was no need if he was the one waiting for the conversation to get to the point. Ana rubbed David's arm, almost like a sign of encouragement to continue taking the lead on this topic. “My son’s study aboard program has ended, now that he graduated and I know this is extremely inconvenient but we wanted to know how you feel about sharing your room for a few weeks while he waits for his flat to finish being renovated”.
Lovro’s eyebrows shoot to the sky, as his eyes immediately dart to meet his mothers gaze. He knew David posed it as a question but by the stern look that settled on Ana’s face, there was no room for a disagreement. Lovro doesn’t understand why this wasn’t a thought before he decided to cram himself in their already crowded flat. How did he not plan ahead, knowing his son’s graduation was only around the corner?
Lovro’s room was already barely able to hold all his things, let alone a whole other person and don’t get him started on the size of his bathroom. Lovro doesn’t even know where the boy would sleep, the only available space being the floor next to his bed. Lovro runs his hand through his hair, his fingers slightly tangling at his blue ends. If the silence was hard to bear before, it was becoming suffocating now. The weight of David and Ana gaze watching his every move, making it hard to work through the rush of emotions his thoughts were emulating.
“How long?” Lovro followed up. He could suffer the fate of being awkwardly cramped with a stranger for a week or two.
“Six to eight weeks is the current estimate” Ana responded, lightly wincing.
If he thought a week or two was pushing it, he had no clue how to respond to the possibility of eight long weeks.Growing up as an only child, means his experience with sharing is very limited and rarely offered.
“Eight weeks?” Lovro spits out in disbelief.
“Possibly six” David reminded as if that would ease Lovro’s anxiety. He’s never even stayed longer than three days with Jakov and by the second day Lovro’s skin would start to crawl. He thrived in his own space and sure it could get lonely at times but he welcomed that feeling with open arms.
A stiff nod was the only answer he could offer as a response, knowing his voice would reveal his true thoughts with the new arrangements. He watches David’s eyes flutter over to his mom, clearly unsure how to decipher Lovro’s minimal response to which Ana responds with a tight smile. One that shows she’s aware that this wouldn’t be the last she’d hear of this from Lovro.
He knew how to play nice and pick his battles wisely, a tactic he had to adapt to when living with an angry drunk. His father was like a live wire, ready to snap at the first inconvenience and the best play was to be silent until the storm passed. So for now Lovro would be silent.
WEDNESDAY 16:15
It had been three days since the news dropped that Lovro would be playing host for eight weeks and he’s sure he’s complained to anyone who had ears.
“I just don’t understand why he has to stay with us, you know?” Lovro huffed. “ If you have money to afford a renovated flat then surely you can afford a hotel?”
Lovro was now hanging upside down off Jakov’s bed, smoke filling the room as the joint rotated between him, Mario and Jakov.They have heard this spill of complaints many times over the last three days and all of Lovro’s uncreative ways he could wiggle out of this obligation.
“Bro” Mario groaned. “Can we listen to anything other than you moaning and complaining for once”
“These are valid points though!”
“Doesn’t make them any less annoying”
“Speaking of Lovro’s step brother, I have news boys!” Jakov pipped in. He was previously sitting at his desk, working on one of his many side projects but now turned to fully face Lovro and Mario. Lovro made a face at the term step brother but otherwise stayed silent waiting for Jakov to continue. “Me and Eva are moving in together”.Lovro shot up, now sitting up right as he took in Jakov's beaming smile.
“What man? That's sick!” Mario exclaimed, being the first to break the silence while dapping Jakov as a congratulations. “Me and Tina are aiming for graduation so start searching for a flat”
“I’m surprised Tina is willing to wait that long,” Jakov chuckled.
“Yeahhh we had to compromise, if it was up to her I think we would be married already” Mario joked with fondness in his eyes.
Lovro was still glued to the bed, fingers twisting around each other as he watched the scene unfold. The future was something Lovro rarely let his thoughts venture to. The reality of what awaited him after graduation appeared pretty bleak and not worth the spiral it would suck Lovro into.
Life had changed a lot since they were in high school and Lovro had to quickly come to terms with that when they started university. Mario and Jakov had both made new friends in their study program and had girlfriends that took up the remainder of their time once course work was completed. Lovro basically spent every semester looking forward to break, and dreading having to do it all over again. Sure he had also made some friends but it was hard to embrace new friendships when he felt like he was always hiding a part of himself.
Lovro had accepted himself a long time ago. He could still remember how liberating it felt coming out to his friends and family back in high school, riding that high until University. It never occurred to him that starting university would feel oddly similar to being a closeted teenager again. His awareness shifting from how he interacted, to the pronouns he would use when telling stories and soon enough it was like starting from square one. He knew it was all temporary but the wake up call was disheartening.This was his future. He gets the privilege to watch all his friends move in, get married and he will still be struggling to safely be himself. A dark thought, sure but not untrue.
“Lovro?” Jakov's voice pulling him out of his spiraling thoughts.
“Mhm?” Lovro hummed out. His eyes clashing with Jakov’s whose gaze was now strained on him.
“You haven’t said anything” Jakov huffed out with a light laugh.
It was obvious that Jakov was nervous about such a big step and Lovro’s silence seemed to add to his growing nerves. Lovro wasn’t exactly sure what Jakov could be so nervous about, Him and Eva are perfect together. They gravitated around each other in a way that was undeniable. He remembers when they had finally announced they were back together, the whole crew threw a party just to celebrate. No matter what juvenile crush Lovro used to hold for Jakov, it didn’t rid him of his common sense. They always belonged together and he was happy to see them tackle such a big step together.
“Sorry, congratulations” Lovro rushed out, a soft smile taking over his face to ease Jakov’s mind. He knew Jakov wasn’t exactly looking for Lovro’s approval but to feel supported in his decision. “I’m so stoned” Lovro groaned before flopping back on the bed. The boys laughed at Lovro’s dramaticness before drifting into light conversation of weekend plans to which Lovro had none per usual.
FRIDAY 23:00
The smell of smoke and sweat hung in the air, burning Lovro’s nose and layering his exposed skin as he pushed through the crowd of bodies to get to the nearest wall. The first Friday of summer break was always the most chaotic. Overworked university students flooding the streets of downtown, looking for ways to celebrate making it through the semester. For Lovro it was just another lonely Friday but he was prepared to change that.
The boys were busy tonight which left Lovro at the club solo but he didn’t mind much since he had plans on how he wanted to spend his night. He was on the prowl for entertainment and his first stop was a gay club Vito introduced him to. Lovro didn’t do this often except when he was desperate to feel something and sometimes feeling wanted was enough. He never explored past make outs and awkward hand jobs by random men before making up a weak excuse to escape having to reciprocate.
Lovro wasn't really sure what the disconnect was, he obviously was attracted to men but no one had made him feel like he was necessarily missing out on something. Everyone was the same. The looks they gave him when they were interested, even down to their opening line when they finally approached him. His friends kept telling him, eventually he would meet someone who would sweep him off his feet but Lovro wasn’t holding his breath. Lovro basked in the predictability of knowing where the night would take him and knowing exactly what to say to get what he wanted.
Lovro was nursing a beer, while leaning on the wall to scope out the scenery. It didn’t take long before his gaze was met with intensity from an average height blond taking space at the bar. Lovro allowed his eyes to rake over him, showing the other boy he was clearly interested.He wasn’t crazy about blondes but he was cute enough that Lovro thinks he could survive their interaction just by staring at him. The blond turns back to the bartender, in what Lovro could only assume was to order two drinks. Lovro knew this trick like the back of his hand and before he knew it, the blond was approaching with an extra beer in his hand.
“Your’s looked a little empty” a bright smile blinding lovro in the dim light. The blonde nudged the beer forward with a tilt in his head and a smirk dancing on his lips. Lovro’s beer was nowhere near empty but Lovro played into the game, leaning to the side to toss his beer in the nearest trash can.
“Thanks..” Lovro trailed off as he grabbed the beer from the blonde's hand, their blue eyes clashing once Lovro lifted his head to take him in. Lovro was taller than him, which he was used to by now. There weren't many men taller than him in Zagreb and Lovro had made peace with having to look down for the rest of his life.
“Adam”
“Well thanks Adam” Lovro says cooly.
“So.. Are you also celebrating surviving another year of hell? ” Adam joked, his smile coming easy and remaining in place.
“Something like that” Lovro was aware he wasn’t giving Adam much to work with but that was the point. He came here to hook up not to engage in small talk about university or the weather.
Adam’s smile faltered slightly before picking back up again. “ So you came alone or..” The exact question Lovro was looking forward to.
“With friends.They’re around” Lovro lied. He used caution when it came to letting strange men think he was alone. It also worked as a great excuse to leave in a hurry, with the lie of his friends retiring for the night and needing to catch a ride. “I was actually about to step out for a smoke. Wanna join?”
It didn’t take long for Adam to get the hint of what Lovro wanted from him. Lovro’s back collided with the brick wall behind him, the cigarette he lit now laid crumbled under his shoe. They had walked a couple buildings down, taking space in a dark alley that allowed the shadows to conceal their true intentions. The street lights only illuminating fragments of Adams face, as he dived in to connect his lips with Lovro’s.The force tipping Lovro’s head back slightly as he worked to match the intensity.
Passion wasn’t his strong suit, kissing for Lovro was more of a gateway to get to the next step versus something he did for enjoyment. As odd as it sounded he viewed kissing somehow more intimate. It was the way you could get lost in it, slow it down and even laugh into it that made it feel like it should be reserved. His friends always made comments calling out how backwards that logic was when Lovro was more than willing to get a hand job with no complaints.
Adam turned his head, deepening the kiss, as he reached up to run his hands through the hair on the nape of Lovro’s neck. A shiver runs through his spine as the sensation, Lovro now gripping Adam’s hair, tugging at it to ignite a moan out of the blond. He swallows the sound as he lifts his hips from the wall to bump against Adam's, making it obvious where he wanted his attention. The boy’s hands drifted from Lovro's hips, fingertips creeping under the belt holding up his jeans, in a way meant to tease Lovro.
Lovro tears his lips away, tilting his head to the side as Adam chases his lips, only to connect with his neck. It didn’t phase Adam, already moving to press kisses along his jaw and trailing down. Lovro closes his eyes, trying his best to not focus on the buzzing from the lights above them, the distant honking of car horns a couple blocks down and the dripping of water hitting concrete. Adam’s hands finally get the courage to unbuckle Lovro’s belt, and push his hands through the band of his underwear. Lovro inhales deeply as Adam grips him, throwing his head back, letting it rest against the jagged stone. He keeps his eyes squeezed tightly, only focusing on the sensation the sharp tugs were creating and the light kisses being peppered onto his collarbone.
Moments like these ones, where Lovro could barely stomach eye contact, made him wonder why he even did this in the first place. He always felt like this when he realized how far his actions have taken him, desperate and getting jerked off in a random alley way. It was only so long he could pretend this was fun and exactly what he was looking for. Granted Lovro had no clue what he was searching for, if he was searching at all but he does know he has yet to find it. The closest he got was his silly crush he had on Jakov back in highschool.
It fizzled out just as fast as it sparked but it was real and Lovro could remember the feeling like a distant memory. His stomach would warm at the sound of Jakov's laugh when he would use crazy tactics to pull smiles from Lovro and how he was always two steps ahead, knowing exactly where Lovro’s thoughts were going before he did himself. Witnessing the pining of Jakov and Eva, drenched over Lovro like cold water, waking him up from a fading fantasy.
Now that he was older and wiser he was able to understand those feelings more. Jakov was Lovro’s safe place, one he wanted to keep for himself so he never felt alone, but Jakov didn’t belong to him. He belonged to Eva and Lovro came to terms with that a long time ago, but that didn't do much to solve the lingering loneliness that creeped into his bones. Leaving him breathless, looking for any signs of air, even if it meant reducing himself to a quick hookup that he could barely keep up with.
Soon enough Lovro spilled into Adam’s hand with a grunt, and shame quickly flooded in. Lorvo mumbled a quick excuse of having to find his friends, buckling his jeans and rushing out of the alley way. If he walked fast enough maybe, just maybe he could escape the weight of embarrassment that was bound to set in once he was left alone with his thoughts long enough.
SUNDAY 10:00
“Lovro!”
Warm light flooded into Lovro’s room through his cracked curtains, making him wish he remembered to close them last night to avoid the disruption it was causing to his sleep. He pushes his face deeper into his pillow to escape the light, not yet ready to get up for the day. Lovro tends to be a late sleeper especially on break, taking advantage of having little responsibility compared to his chaotic university schedule.
“Lovro!” Ana pushed through Lovro’s door, clearly getting tired of yelling his name and getting no response. “Lovro, So help me! Why have you not started cleaning your room!”
Lovro only grunted, not having the energy or brain power to formulate proper sentences. Lifting his head up from where it was buried, he is now able to take in his mothers flustered appearance. Flour sticks to the bottom of her shirt and her hair falling out of her pulled up ponytail creating a more disheveled look.
“Lovro, David’s is on his way back from the airport. Get up now” Her voice is more stern than he’s heard in a long time.
“That’s this weekend?”
“Lovro, now” Ana gives a final look before disappearing from his doorway.
Lovro did his best at cleaning his room, he had more things than he knew what to do with and refused to throw anything out for a guy he didn’t know. He would just have to deal with the limited space or find another place to go and Lovro was hoping the latter would be his first resort. He had already showered and got ready for the day, once the strange introductions were completed he had plans to practice a new trick he came across.
He stands back to take a final glance at his room.
Clean enough.
Lovro goes to join his mother in the kitchen, leaning against the counter, watching her plate enough cookies to feed a family of eight.The last time he saw his mother bake this much, his parents were going through a divorce. The pending arrival of David’s son created an anxiety that she poured into making enough desserts to last the month at this rate.
“Relax mama, He’s not the president,” Lovro huffed.
“I just want him to feel comfortable. He hasn't been home in four years and it could be a big adjustment”
“I think he’ll be just fine” he grumbled with a roll of his eyes. Maybe he was being a brat and sure he didn’t know anything about David’s son but being an inconvenience to his life was enough for Lovro.
He hears the jiggling of the lock, signaling that David had arrived. David pushes the door open, rolling in a suitcase in front of him, a figure following closely behind. Once David walked further into the apartment, Lovro was able to get a better look at his son. He was tall. Definitely taller than Lovro and that was coming from someone who was used to always being the tallest in the room.
His cropped brown hair laid neatly on his forehead and his brown eyes curiously scanned over the living room before settling on the kitchen where Lovro and his mother stood. Lovro was sure he had never seen him around before, with them being close in age, Lovro entertained the idea of David’s son being someone he brushed past in the halls back in high school. Granted Lovro usually stayed within his circle of friends but he’s sure he would recognize him, if he had. He’s wearing jeans with a white short sleeve, a silver watch catching light on his right wrist and a fanny pack draped over his body.
Yeah Lovro would definitely recognize a boy who wore a fanny pack.
David strolls further into the kitchen to give Ana a kiss on her temple, and settles a hand on Lovro’s shoulder.“Ivan meet Ana and her son Lovro”
Lovro bites the inside of his cheek to stop his face from reacting to the unwanted warmth creeping through his shirt. He sees Ivan’s eyes shift between him and his mother before settling his eyes on his dad. The situation seemed to be awkward for all parties involved. It’s not everyday, you’re pushed into a small flat with your father’s new girlfriend and her son.
“Welcome Ivan” Ana smiled brightly. She was still holding on to the plate of cookies, gesturing them forward slightly “Your dad told me you liked chocolate chip cookies so I baked some in case you wanted a snack later”
“I’m not a fan of chocolate but I really appreciate it Ana” Ivan says politely, even offering a small smile to show his gratitude. His deep voice catches Lovro off guard and it pains him to admit how much he wanted to hear it again.
“What? Since when, Ivan?” David laughed lightly “I have vivid memories of buying chocolate chip cookies all the time when you were young”
Ivan shrugs his shoulders and Lovro takes notes of the tight grip he had on the handle of his suitcase. His eyes didn't move from David, like he was trying to communicate in a way only they would understand. Lovro didn’t know much about David and Ivan’s relationship but he was aware of how much David would praise Ivan whenever they had their monthly dinners.
His mother didn’t let the silence linger for long “That’s fine, I can make something different while Lovro shows you where you’ll be staying”
Ivan's dark brown eyes immediately met Lovro’s, seemingly taking that opportunity to take him in. Lovro tried his hardest not to squirm under his gaze, the nerves now building in his stomach with the realization of who he was sharing a room with for the next eight weeks.