Archive of Our Own ^beta

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–Lexy’s party went fine, until her joke, Jake left her house after that, but a guy was running behind him– Jake wait, please –Oliver asked him– Jake

—Leave me alone.

I didn’t know about it, wait –Oliver took his hand– I’m really sorry, I knew about the joke, I mean… Lexy told us about a joke for the party, but I never imagined something like that, I swear.

—Why should I listen to you? you’ve been an asshole with me since the first day.

I know, and I’m really sorry, I got it, come with me.

—Oliver…

It’s okay, just trust me.

—I wanna go home.

I know, just give a minute, please.

—Fine – it was a surprise for Jake to discover that Oliver has a tree house, nobody knew about it, it was a little embarrassing for him– you got a tree house?

Yes, it’s a my… “secret place” –it’s a nice place, videogames, comics, a TV- so… Welcome to Ollieland

—Ollieland? Are you five years old?

 Hey, that’s rude, this is my shelter, my castle.

—You bring your friends here?

No, never… this is my especial place –he said while pulling two puff cushions– sit down, or lay down –Jake let out a sigh and lay down on the puff next to Oliver, neither of them knew what to say, it was an awkward silence, neither of them knew how long they went without saying anything, so Oliver was the first to talk– I’m really sorry Jake.

—Thank you… It’s cute to hear that without being looked at like a freak.

And I’m really sorry for being a jerk with you.

—Why were you so mean to me?

I don’t know… I mean, you are a little rare, but… you’re very funny, the talent show was amazing, your act… honestly, Lexy deserved it.

—Thanks.

You know, my parents let me bring friends home.

—So?

Well, maybe I’m not the smartest guy of school, but… I think that you don’t have to be alone, so… if you want, tomorrow we could come here, play video games, have a snack... and talk a little bit if you want.

—Maybe, I want –Oliver smiled and Jake only was locking him– Oliver, the party?

Fuck, well… I think we can stay here more time.

—We could… –at the beginning Junior was angry, he returned home alone, his parents reprimanded him for leaving Jake, Logan and Bree were worried, when Jake’s phone started to ring he picked up the phone– sorry, yes, I’m sorry uncle, yes I know, I’m fine, I just… I’m with a friend, okay, yeah I’m on my way… I gotta go.

Everything’s okay?

—Yeah, just… it’s late and my uncle wants me in home.

Well, the party is over, and it’s dangerous to walk alone, and Uber doesn’t work at this hour, I could accompany you home.

—Okay –they left the tree house, before leaving Oliver's house, Jake looked at him with a nervous smile– do you like slumber parties?

Sure… you know, my parents won't be here tomorrow, we could have one –before leaving Oliver's house, Jake looked at him with a nervous smile–

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Are you sure? You’re taking everything.

—Yeah, I’m sure –Jake said– thanks for letting me go with Oliver.

It’s okay –Bree said– you deserve a peaceful night.

Your aunt is right, take care.

And have fun.

—I’ll do –Jake was happy, and excited, since that night, Oliver was nicer, and kind with him, it was a good night, Oliver's parents weren't home, so the first thing they did was go swimming for a while. Jake had never paid much attention to Oliver before, and seeing him shirtless made him blush.

Oliver was very handsome. They swam for a while, and when the sun went down, they were in his room, between the sheets, watching Friday the 13th with a bowl full of popcorn.

—Seriously, Jake? This is supposed to be scary?

It's a classic, and you said I could choose.

—If I had known you had such nerdy taste.

If it were up to you, it would be a sports movie, you brainless jock.

—Freaky antisocial.

He said before hitting him in the face with a pillow, which triggered a struggle between the two, the bowl ended up on the floor, Oliver was stronger, but Jake was more flexible, it was almost a tie. The laughter ended when the sound of their bodies hitting the floor filled the room, followed by soft moans of pain, which were drowned out by soft laughter– Idiot.

—You pulled us out of bed.

You started.

—You finished it, party pooper.

When he looked at her, there it was again, the same sparkle in her eyes. Oliver smiled slightly and looked away, noticing her flushed cheeks– Ollie... Why did you invite me here?

—I don't know; I guess... losing your dad made me feel guilty for being such a jerk to you. And also, when Lexi played that awful joke on you, I didn't like seeing you like that.

Like what?

—Sad. It's weird... I guess a part of me likes seeing you smile. You have very beautiful eyes.

When you smile, I like it, you look very cute.

Part of them felt uncomfortable, especially since none of them thought they were friends, but... Jake was seeing a sweet side of Oliver. Oliver was seeing a funny side of Jake, maybe they could get along better– You know, I have basketball practice tomorrow.

I'm not going to join the team.

—No, would you like to come watch?

It's not my thing.

—You could come, and then we could go to lunch. On Fridays, my mom makes spaghetti and meatballs for lunch. If you want.

I'd like.

—Cool –When the clock struck midnight, both were in their sleeping bags, resting peacefully. At some point during the night, while both were asleep, Jake turned over and placed his hand on Oliver's, who was also asleep. It was strange, because he didn't remove his hand. Instead, he simply squeezed Jake's hand gently.

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He woke up scared in the hospital, with intense back pain, especially when breathing. Now he remembered everything. It was the doll, that damn doll stabbed him in the leg, and then in the back.

He remembered the metallic taste of blood in his mouth before everything went black. That damn doll. The doctor came in to check on him. It looked like he would be fine in a few weeks. But he needed plenty of rest. However, he spent the night awake. In case it came back.

It was almost 11 when he woke up, finding a certain black-haired guy– Hey.

—Hi, Ollie... How do you feel?

Like shit... Are you okay?

—Better than you, I thought you

No, don't say that… I'm glad to see you.

—How long do you have to stay?

I don’t know… I wanna go home.

He didn't want to, but he had to ask Oliver what happened, and then he heard the words he didn't want to hear: Chucky. He didn't want to lie to Oliver, so he told him everything. As expected, Oliver just said he needed some time, so they didn't talk again. It was a boring Monday, which sounded pretty good considering everything that had happened over the past few weeks. He was taking things out of his locker when a hand squeezed his shoulder– Hey, Ollie.

Hey, Jake... How have you been?

—Good, how about you?

Good, I wanted to see you... I heard about the incident at Lexi's house. Do you want to tell me about it?

—I guess I have no choice –They had to find a place to talk alone, at least that didn't seem to have changed much. In the end, Oliver didn't say anything– Say it. I'm a horrible person, and she's right.

Oliver stood up and kissed him on the cheek– I think you're a nice guy, and we were jerks for treating you so badly, especially me.

—You're not mad?

I never was, I was scared.

—That makes sense... So?

Would you like to spend the afternoon together?

—Are you sure?

Yes –He might not have been entirely sure, but even Devon had been avoiding him, so spending time with Oliver sounded good.

—See you after school, okay?

Okay –Lexi approached as soon as Oliver left, which confused Jake.

—He doesn't know, does he?

He knows, I told him at the hospital... I guess he wants to talk; I'll go over to his place this afternoon.

The afternoon at Oliver's house was a little awkward for both of them, but at least they wanted to have a good time. However, seeing Oliver's back covered in scars that would take a long time to fade made him feel terrible– Ollie... I'm really sorry about what happened. I didn't mean to... I never wanted you to get hurt.

—Were you really upset?

You have no idea –he said before lowering his gaze– But that's no excuse.

—I’m not upset with you.

That damn thing almost killed you, and it's my fault.

—But it didn’t… –There was no explanation. He really didn't know why he invited him, or why he even spoke to him at school. He should have hated him... but he couldn't, and he definitely didn't even know why he held his hand gently– I still like you.

Jake sighed, but didn't even dare to look at him, though that didn't stop Oliver from noticing the soft red hue on the curly-haired boy's cheeks– Why did you become so nice to me?

—I really don't know, I don't want to offend you, but I really don't know, since that night in my tree house... That weird side of you, a little nerdy and freaky side... I think it's cute; I think you're cute.