#jesse is heavyweight | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

the-forests-blessing · 5 months ago

Text

Chapter 27

Nothing in the world could have ever prepared Lukas for what he was about to read.

He finishes reading the last passage, then flips through the many empty pages that follow it. A clear descent into madness that is so heart wrenching, it leaves our author greatly disturbed and speechless for moments to come as he attempts to process it all in full.

In the silent cabin, he sits upon an old, forgotten bed while the owner of that bed stands a few blocks beyond his position, residing within the silent shadows of the dilapidated building. There, he watches Lukas run his hand over his mouth as he stares down at the journal in shock and disbelief. How his once calm features rapidly grew confused, to surprised, then to sorrowful in such a short span of time. He doesn’t dare move. He can hardly breathe as he cannot take his eyes off his only friend and every emotional response his journal entries from long ago elicit.

“I… I don’t understand,” the blond finally speaks up, his voice so soft, barely audible. His nimble fingers hold the journal pages delicately as he flips back through them over and over again, feeling and seeing the water damage where tears once fell, leaving an eternal mark. Lukas’ breath shakes as he breathes in, looking up from the journal to finally peer back up at the admin who continues to hide in the safety of the shadows.

“You’re Jesse?” Lukas asks, looking as though he'd just been struck with all the secretive information about the divine creation of their worlds. Visibly startled, he then glances back down at the page. “But… But everyones been telling me he’s been deceased for a very long time.” A tense silence follows, the only sound that comes between them is the sound of the wind rising, making the tall evergreens outside the home sway, and the withered down walls of the home creak. Sunlight comes through the window behind Lukas and moves with the shadows of the trees, shining with dapples of light over the author's form.

The admin nods once, yet remains still otherwise, prompting Lukas to look back down at the journal in his hands. There’s just so much to all this, he’s so.. unbearably conflicted. How is this possible? Worry etched into his features, brows furrowed and eyes open with blooming distress.

“Petra told me she saw Jesse disappear with that portal. She said that Romeo had once taken the form of Jesse so he could take over BeaconTown, so how do I know that you’re not tricking me? How do you prove to me that you aren’t actually Romeo in Jesse’s skin and that you’re the real Jesse?” He asks, looking back up at the deity with a look of pure desperation. “Please, I want to believe you more than anything.”

A few moments of hesitation follow the question. Lukas waits anxiously for an answer as the admin a few blocks away turns his head down to think. The author watches the big man’s every movement as he begins to approach. The floorboards creak with stress beneath his heavyweight, all the way up to the bed where the deity stops at the edge and turns, then sits down beside his perturbed little human friend. The bed creases and groans beneath the man's heft, putting even Lukas himself at a bit of an awkward angle because of it. The blond just scoots back a bit more and looks to the admin for answers.

Here, the deity reaches into his inventory and brings out something that kind of confuses Lukas at first. The admin rests his arms in his lap, and held in both his bare hands is an item frame holding a raw porkchop of all things. Lukas leans in a bit, studying the object a bit closer until it all finally clicks in his mind. The memorial, Radar’s comment on the cherished memory suddenly disappearing, and that name mentioned in the journal..

“Is this Reuben?” Lukas asks, giving the remains a close examination when suddenly a little plop of liquid lands on the item, lifting the author’s gaze up to his friend’s. Lukas startles, sucking in a breath and holding it as he watches tears roll down the overshadowed, scarred cheeks of the admin. The expression on his face is completely blank of emotion as he stares down at his pig’s remains.

His question is instantly answered, and his heart squeezes with a deep feeling of remorse and sympathy for the man grieving beside him. What is there to say? Nothing at all is going to make any of his many horrible situations better. Lukas cannot begin to fathom the heartache he must feel for not only his pig, but the loss of his town, his friends, and the future he worked so hard to make for himself, and for all of those around him.

“Why… Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” Lukas asks, beginning to feel his own emotions choking him up. Silently, Jesse slowly eases Reuben back onto the bed beside him, resting him gently at his left. He then reaches into one of the pouches on his thigh, taking out his own personal work journal and quill. Lukas is patient in his wait for the deity’s response. When he gets it a few moments later, he feels his heart sink.

No one believed me. I did not think you would too. Memories fade fast, gone until I met you.

Lukas can understand that… If all this is true, that Jesse returned and the town had turned against him thinking he was Romeo disguising himself as the then thought to be deceased Jesse… Then… Lukas shakes his head. He cannot even begin to imagine putting himself in the hero’s shoes. How does one even go about such a dangerous situation?

“So… You escaped here, into the forest. They began hunting you down because they thought you were Romeo, and you weren’t able to tell them otherwise because they wouldn’t believe you, and fighting back wasn’t an option because you aren’t able to control your powers.” Lukas says it all out loud not as a question, but more because it helps put together a timeline in his head. Jesse nods, wiping his eyes of his tears inwardly with his thumb and index finger. The words and emotions were clear in the journal, but it’s his inexperience that keeps him unsure, curious and worrisome. He needs to get all of this understood for both their sakes in peace.

“How… Did you obtain these powers? Did Romeo give them to you?” Lukas asks, but the deity seems to struggle with the question. His numb expression strengthens with focus as he searches his memories, but all that comes out of the search is a sigh and a shake of his head. “You don’t know?” Jesse shakes his head again in response. “But… You did disappear in that portal right? Is that part of Petra’s story true?”

That is answered with a nod, and once again, Jesse takes up his journal, taking his time with his answer. Memory foggy. Remember seeing portal but then I woke up in grass.

“Seeing the portal, and then you woke up in grass? ” Lukas ponders on that. He has absolutely no knowledge of admins, portals, or the mystery that lies beyond the balance of their world and the many others like it. From the sound of it though, it almost resembles stories of spawn. Many people tend to just ‘wake up’ in random places in the world, some unfortunate to spawn right in the middle of nowhere, and more fortunate souls like him where he was able to spawn at the highly active spawn center back at The Citadel.

“So you disappeared in the portal, then woke up a month later? Just out in the middle of a grassy field?” The month part is quite puzzling. Why would it take so long to come back? What happened? Lukas looks up at Jesse for another response, to which the man writes more in his journal for him.

It was a place that felt familiar. I woke up with no memories, but I looked around at animals, places, things, everything came back to me soon after, I remembered I was there before.

Lukas nods, but attempting to process all this information at once is making his head spin. “So, let me get this straight. This entire time, you’ve been Jesse. The Jesse. Mayor of BeaconTown, leader of the Order, the hero who saved the world a bunch of times. That Jesse?” Jesse only shrugs and nods casually, as if it were an insignificant piece of information. A clear dismissal of his past self despite Lukas’ desperate interest.

Lukas’ jaw drops, and just… Just sits there. How on Earth did he find himself in this situation?

To come between such a long, complicated conflict between two sides holding such different stories! So much misinformation, so much mistreatment and turmoil. How… How does something like this even happen!? And how does he , Lukas, such an unimportant part of these peoples lives, come between it all and find out the truth like this, and what in the world is he supposed to do with all this information?!

“Jesse… I…” Lukas says, breathless and at a complete and total loss for words. He does, however, feel the hero tense up beside him at the vocalization of his true name directed at him. “This is so… unbelievable, heartbreaking..” The little blond runs his thumb over the water damaged page. “I don’t even know where to begin with all this. It’s just horrible. ” Lukas tears up at the mere thought of being in Jesse’s position. To be forced out of his life and hunted for many years to come by the people he once loved. To slowly lose himself and become the very thing that ended his own heroism.

“Why haven’t you used your powers to just… Show them that you’re Jesse? There has to be a way, right? I don’t… Augh I don’t know. But we have to find a way to tell them all it’s really you! To show BeaconTown and Petra that you’re the real Jesse, so all this suffering can end!”

Jesse frowns deeply and immediately shakes his head no.

Lukas blinks, taken aback by the response. “What? But… But you miss everyone right? You want to go back home, don’t you?”

This is my home.

“But what about your friends?”

They are not my friends anymore.

“What about your freedom?”

I don’t deserve it.

“What? Why do you say that?” Lukas asks, genuinely confused and concerned.

I am a monster for what I did. I deserve this.

“For… what you did? What do you mean?” The blond asks a bit cautiously now.

Jesse hesitates for a short period of time. He continues to stare down at the journal in his hands, his quill right above the pages, but his hand doesn’t move. Lukas quietly watches him, seeing how his eyes rest on the pages, but he can tell his mind is wandering elsewhere with that thousand block stare. Finally, the quill begins tapping again and the journal is shown back to the author.

I killed a person. I killed Romeo.

Lukas reads the confession, but he still struggles to understand why Jesse thinks he deserves to suffer like this for that. “I don’t understand… I don’t see how you deserve to undergo a life of misery and loneliness for doing the right thing.” With that, Jesse suddenly moves, his head turning to look down at the human with a look of shock, making Lukas look back at him with a puzzled expression.

“What? Do you really think it would have been wise to leave Romeo alive after everything he did? Destroying Champion City, bedrocking over an entire world of people and leaving them all in the dark, not to mention all the torture he inflicted upon those poor people at that uh… Sunshine place? Forgot what it was called. The prison. All those things, and I guarantee there's still so much unaccounted for. If he was willing to kill his own friend and other innocent people, I don’t think he would have stopped at you.”

Jesse’s eyes search Lukas’ own for a few moments before the man nips his bottom lip and looks back down at his own journal. Lukas watches him silently, his expression softening as he sees his friend grow increasingly distraught within his emotions. So the blond sighs, pondering on what to do next…

“Jesse, I have no idea what all you’ve been through in your life leading up to this point, and I don’t know what will come of your future, but I know that right now, you must believe me when I say that, what's happened… Is not your fault.” Lukas reaches his hand out, laying it gently against the deity’s back, just below his scarred shoulder blade. The touch makes the hero tense, his shoulders rising and stiffening in reaction to such angelic warmth gracing his cold skin.

“You stepped up when no one else would. I’ve learned enough about your upbringing from Radar and Nell’s stories. You were still so young to our world, it should not have been you who destroyed the Witherstorm. Someone older and with more experience, one of the Order members, it should have been one of them, especially considering the fact it was one of their own members that started that whole mess in the first place. The thought of it makes my blood boil.” Lukas’ tone dips to that of anger, never unable to fight off the frustration that comes when thinking about the old Order of the Stone and their lies.

“But you did the noble thing back then, just as you did with Romeo. There was no way anyone like Romeo could be redeemed. If it wasn’t you who was going to bring him to an end, then it was going to be one of the other thousands of people whose lives he destroyed. You took the ultimate sacrifice doing the right thing so nobody else would have to, and I think that just proves that you do have the heart of a true hero.” There’s a sudden shudder that makes the blue man tremble, his frown turning further inward as his expression twists, agonized by Lukas’ kind words. He looks away, and to Lukas, that’s okay. His tone softens as the hand on Jesse’s back smooths over his scars.

“Maybe there’s someone out there we can talk to about this to find out more about the powers.” Lukas wonders on that, drifting away in thought. Who would know anything about that though? All of the previous admins are dead… right? “Do you… mind if I keep this?” Lukas uses his right hand to pat the journal in his lap. No response comes from Jesse, nor does he even look back at Lukas. Our determined ecologist leans in a bit further, trying to gain the deity’s attention but only startles at what he sees.

Jesse’s shadowy blue features scrunched up in a tremendous show of sorrow. Lukas’ eyes widened, worry etched on his features. “Jesse?” Jesse closes his eyes slowly, takes in a deep breath and only frowns deeper. He does turn his head back down though, jotting a few more words on his journal pages to show Lukas his thoughts.

You really believe me? He writes.

“Wha–” Lukas is a little surprised to see the question… but the more he thinks of it, the more he begins to understand. Why would Jesse expect him to believe him when no one else has? He already said the reason he never told him was because he’d lost his memories and, when he regained them, felt discouraged by the idea of Lukas having a hard time believing his side of the story to be true. And well, he isn’t exactly wrong. It is hard to believe it, but this all comes from an outsider's perspective. As someone who wasn’t there to experience any of this, let alone the many tragic events in the past that came before it all– why would he have reason to believe it?

Lukas doesn’t believe he’s been lied to. If anything, it’s been him doing all the lying to keep himself and Jesse safe. Never in Lukas’ life has he ever had the courage to stand up against someone the way he has for his friend. He’s never felt so protective towards someone as he does the lonesome deity. Even if he has all these omnipotent powers, deep down he’s still a person with a heart and soul that has been broken. Emotions that come and go and deal great effects each time. It’s something that, over this short time he’s spent with him, Lukas has felt more and more. More than he’s ever felt with anyone or anything!

The Admin hadn’t saved him because he felt pity towards him, but because deep down under that dark blue skin and all those heavy layers, the heart of a sad, lonely hero lay, waiting for someone to give him another chance.

Everything that has led up to this moment. Everything they’ve both been through. The more Lukas thinks about it, the more he begins to understand why.

Jesse saved him because he’s a hero at heart, and that’s what heroes do. All those times he teleported Lukas out of the forest, it was for both their protection. So Jesse could keep himself and his home safe from invaders, and to keep Lukas out of the conflict. That’s why he’s trapped. That’s why they’d both be trapped. That’s why Jesse said he cannot stay, even after he said he wanted Lukas to. He’s conflicted by his human emotions to keep the person he cares about away to prevent him from getting involved, but that eternal loneliness, after ten whole years… Of course he wants Lukas to stay… And of course Lukas wants to stay.

All the soft, tender moments they shared… Lukas has never in his life felt more alive than he did during those moments. Even that night he broke down in front of the hero. He’s never spilled his heart out to anyone like that, but with Jesse, he felt safe. He knew he was. Because why wouldn’t he? After that night, Lukas knew what the two of them had was special. A once in a lifetime encounter that led them both to finding the most of what they both desperately needed in life, and that’s a companion to share their thoughts and feelings with.

Jesse has been quiet and secretive to, yes, keep himself protected, but to keep Lukas protected too. Getting tied up in all these dangerous situations is a direct result of his and Jesse’s friendship. Wanting to know more, and wanting to come back. To come back every day with a basket full of cookies, to share between each other as if they'd been lifelong friends, only to get beat up and thrown down a hillside for getting too involved. Those people in BeaconTown… Those hunters… Petra.

There’s no telling what they are going to do now that they’ve found out Lukas has, in fact, been lying to them all along. Aiden is probably going to host an ‘I told you so’ party later. What a scumbag. And Petra… Creators, Lukas’ heart does hurt for her. She’s got everything so wrong. Grief has absolutely destroyed her perception of reality. She is extremely troubled, and Lukas does not blame her for that… There just has to be a way to tell her the truth without being threatened to get turned into a pile of loot!

So… All in all…

“Yes, Jesse.” Lukas’ hand rubs gently over the man’s trembling form, gently caressing over the scars that fluctuate a beautiful blue luminescence on his back. “I do believe you. How can I not? After everything you’ve done for me, I… I know in my heart that you are who you say you are. I trust you, and Dewey trusts you too.” Lukas keeps his hand resting on Jesse’s back, while his other hand comes up to cover his own heart, genuine and honest. “You’re my friend and you… You mean so much to me.”

Jesse closes his eyes upon hearing that, willing a downpour of tears to fall. The sight anguishes Lukas, his own teal eyes brimming with tears. “Y-you’ve completely changed my outlook on my life. You’ve helped me experience so many feelings I’ve never felt before, my only knowledge of them coming from books. You helped me become the best person I could ever be, and I can only hope to continue growing because of you.” The tears in his eyes now fall, warm and wet on his rosy cheeks.

“You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me, and I wish so badly that I could have found you sooner. Maybe then,” Lukas scoots in a bit closer, relinquishing his comforting hold on Jesse’s back.. His breath shakes as he gazes down at the hero’s hand which rests upon his thigh, finding the courage during the heartfelt moment to snake his own arm around Jesse’s and rest his hand atop his. Comparatively, the size difference is significant, as well as the shades of their skin, and the scars on their bodies, or lack thereof. “Maybe then things could have been different, and we both could have been happy.”

Lukas rests the side of his head on Jesse’s shoulder. His warm cheek pressed against the admin’s cold skin, his tired gaze stays attuned to their joined hands, going so far as to gently move his thumb up and down, feeling over puffy scars and smaller scratches. Lukas hadn’t realized Jesse’s trembling stopped the moment he closed the distance. He wasn’t expecting the fallen hero to even allow this close connection– only to have his world turned upside down when the hand beneath his moves, and he’s suddenly being grabbed by both of his sides of his face, his head tilted upward.

He’s caught by surprise, and a forehead pressing strongly against his own. The affectionate gesture knocks the wind out of Lukas and he blushes fiercely, squeezing his eyes shut. He can feel the warmth build up in his cheeks, just as the icy hands on his face melt from the cold, replaced with the heat of something new. Jesse has taken the little human by surprise, connecting in a way neither ever have before. The closeness is almost nauseating, so much so Lukas’ belly flutters, his own shaking hands rising up to mimic the same gesture, taking Jesse’s own face into his hands and pressing back into the touch.

Lukas keeps his eyes closed as he cups those warming cheeks in a way where he can feel the admin’s stubble tickle his palms. He can feel the soft texture of his peppered skin, and the gentle brush of his stubby nose against his own makes those butterflies scatter instantly and his heart races. He can smell the foresty scents that cling to the deity; the scent of pine, dirt, and rain. It’s all so wonderful.. His natural aroma so alluring, Lukas draws in a deep breath of it as his hands glide down, feeling down the other man’s neck.. His collarbones too. It’s nothing like he’s ever felt before– touching another person, that is.

The more Lukas feels him, the less he feels that lingering cold on his fingertips. Jesse’s body grows increasingly warm throughout the connection, tempting Lukas only further.. Feeling the mighty chest scar that tears from one side of his collarbone to the other, just above his pectorals. His right hand adjusts, recalling the burn mark where the skin twisted and gnarled with trauma. The author breathes a deep breath and sighs, sitting back just a bit so he can see where he’s touching. Jesse doesn’t seem to mind after all. In fact, his hands roam Lukas too, the human eagerly allowing the deity to feel his skin, ears, hair, the back of his neck too. The feeling makes him shudder. It’s all so new, and so… wonderful. This feeling.

Lukas’ right hand slides down, splaying out over Jesse’s chest. Here, his hand settles. He can feel the hero’s heart racing beneath his palm. Lukas looks up at him, his rosy blush ever prominent on his features. Their gazes meet as Jesse lifts his head too, and it’s now Lukas gets to see for himself, his hero in an entirely new light. The light from the window and all the dust particles floating around him makes Jesse glow like something of the Aether, he’s beautiful… His eyes, no matter how different they may be, are and always have been gorgeous. His scars too, every single one of them is precious, something to be adored just because they are a part of him. The real him.

Jesse’s hands stop their wandering. One holds a side of Lukas’ face and the other gently holds his waist. There is a rising level of uncertainty in the midst of acceptance. They both look at each other, knowing things are going to be different after this.

Lukas keeps his hand firm against Jesse’s pounding heart as he quietly speaks. “You are not a monster, Jesse.” The little author adjusts his seating, scooting onto the bed fully now and standing on his knees. He lets go of his hero and wraps his arms over his shoulders, one hand holding Jesse’s back while the other rises up to tangle in the admin’s messy head of dark blue hair. The blush and butterflies never end. Lukas nuzzles his face into Jesse’s neck and feels the thrill of pure happiness when Jesse accepts the hug and holds him tightly.

“You’re my friend, Jesse. You’ll always be my friend, and you’ve always been my hero. Since the day I first saw you, I knew you were the most special thing I’ve ever laid my eyes upon.”

This time it’s Jesse who pulls away. Lukas meets his gaze and sees his pupils have grown, brightened and glossy with emotion, just like the lovely violet blush that flushed over his freckled cheeks. Lukas’ heart leaps into his throat as his hand is taken by both of Jesse’s and pressed back upon the spot just above the hero’s beating heart. He believes this to be the hero’s gesture of eternal gratitude. He cannot speak for Lukas, which is okay, because the author knows this to be what it is. He accepts him for who he is, and who he’ll always be.

Lukas’ shy smile finally returns, full of the adoration he feels for the other man. “You know… You got eyes like a puppy dog,” the blond chuckles lightly at the admin’s face when he says that, going from warm with affection, to dumbfounded. “And I guess… If you’ve been Jesse this whole time, then that means I totally might have said some… embarrassing stuff about you in front of you.” Lukas pulls away with a bashful smile on his face and a deepening blush on his cheeks. The embarrassing stuff in question is the cute comment he made about Jesse many weeks ago now.

Jesse huffs and his scarred lips finally draw into a smile. He raises his hand and lays it out over Lukas’ blond head, smothering his soft locks with his palm to make it extra fluffy and messy to Lukas’ dismay. The author doesn’t get pouty or complain this time, instead laughing softly and brushing the man’s hand away. “Alright, alright, I get it.”

Jesse keeps all of his attention on the blushing human, his tired smile unable to fade in a time of joy and relief, at least until he writes up something quick and shows the journal to his friend. Nervous and antsy, his smile falls away as Lukas reads the question, Will you stay?

Lukas huffs out a little laugh. “Well, if I’m being honest, I don’t think I have much of a choice. Petra and the other hunters are probably furious with me for lying to them after all this time. It’s a bit scary to think about what might happen if I returned to BeaconTown–” Which… Wait a minute. Lukas suddenly stands from the bed, anxiety clutching every fiber of his soul. “MY STUFF! Oh Creators– Oh no, A-alll my belongings are still back at the BeacInn in town. My books, all my research, all of it will be thrown into a lava pool without a second thought!”

The genuine fear in the author’s tone causes the admin to rise from the bed too. He approaches Lukas from behind and lays a hand on his shoulder… Then closes his eyes. One deep breath and a few seconds later and—

Poof!

A large assortment of items of different varieties suddenly appears in thin air and falls to the floor. Books scatter the floor alongside the many rocks and other trinkets Jesse had given Lukas in return for the many wonderful fresh baked gifts he’d bring to him. Clothes and some of Dewey’s belongings appear within the clutter too. Lukas just stares, mouth agape in awe and shock of the problem that was solved almost instantly. The author quickly kneels down to the floor and searches his belongings, taking count of everything there is and isn’t. Amazingly enough, it’s all here.

Lukas looks back at Jesse, endlessly awestruck by the powers he holds at the palm of his hands. “How in the world did you manage to do this?” Jesse turns to the bed, grabs his personal journal off the covers and opens it to a new page. He writes, Searched your memory.

“You can do that?” Lukas asks, then dismisses the stupid question with a wave of his hand. “Wait, don’t answer that. You literally just did it, I’m just… Wow. ” Lukas stands up now, an entire stack of books, folders, journals, and loose papers held protectively in his arms. “You never cease to amaze me, Jesse.”

Jesse smiles again at that, perking up like he’s a big wolf being praised and treated for his hard work. Lukas does think he’s cute, so much so he must look away, sheepish and uncertain of what to do with these feelings, he looks for a distraction. “Well, I guess we’re going to have to tidy up the place then, huh?” Lukas looks back at him, to which Jesse turns his head around, scanning the cabin and agreeing with a nod.

“It’s…” Lukas begins, holding his own arm as he looks out towards the door and past its opening. He can see the grass outside, as well as hear the happy chirring of Berry somewhere beyond the little meadow. “It’s still so early, but it already feels like it’s been such a long day.” Lukas turns back to his friend with a worried expression. “Are you sure we’re safe here? The hunters, they were still out there…”

Jesse writes to him to reassure his anxieties. Gone. Back in Beacon. I made sure of it.

Lukas reads it and sighs with relief. “Thank goodness. I was seriously beginning to worry about them finding us.”

Jesse writes to him again. You will always be safe with me. And no part of Lukas will ever doubt that. The human just smiles, feeling all sappy over the genuine kindness held within Jesse’s heart.

The rest of the daylight hours are spent with Lukas exploring the new area outside the cabin. He’s certain this place is within a few chunks distance to the other meadow where the willow tree grows. All it would take is following the creek through the trees and foliage until he’s found himself wandering into another broad expanse of lush grass to support his theory. Lukas stands out in the middle of the grass, gazing up past the tall trees, watching the sky’s color change from soft creamy orange to a pretty flowery pink. It’s been a long time since he’s seen such a beautiful mix of colors in the sky, and the stars that begin to speckle in and out in the midst of descending nightfall only brings him to a relaxed, peaceful state of mind.

Today was somehow the most terrifying, and the most incredible day he’s ever experienced in his entire life. Having Petra barge through his door, only to be led to the remains of Champion City and to learn her side of the story. Fear and heartbreak is what drove Lukas back to the forest without a second thought of what Petra might think. She’s smart. Incredibly smart. He doesn’t hate her for her anger towards him, because he knows her heart must be breaking too.

Emotions are weird. Lukas has officially learned this. Throughout his travels, the most he’s ever felt are the most basic emotions one could feel when traveling alone. It takes the presence of others to finally have shown him what it truly means to be a person. To be a part of a community, and most importantly, what it means to be a friend. Guilt lays deep in the back of his mind for the trouble he’s caused Petra, and whatever may come of Radar and Nell for befriending him. He has no doubt in his mind that she’ll attempt to attack him the next time they meet. Maybe someday, he can make a formal apology and explain everything…

The wind picks up, stirring his short bangs as the cold chill of nightfall closes in. It will certainly be a cold night tonight. October will eventually be coming to a close and the temperatures only decrease as winter is soon to arrive. By that point, Lukas should be…

The author frowns, not wanting to think about it. He turns away from the sky and walks back to the cabin. Jesse had wandered off earlier, Lukas isn’t sure where, but he said he’d come back with something to feed him. Funny, after everything that’s happened today, Lukas doesn’t feel hungry at all. Anxiety has come to take over many parts of him with fears of what's to come.

None of those fears involve Jesse in any sort of way, but he cannot evade the near constant nervous twist in his gut whenever he thinks of him.

To think, this entire time, he’s been hanging out with Jesse. The Jesse. The man that everyone in BeaconTown continues to mourn ten years later, and he’s been the one exiled to the woods all along. His heart hurts for him so much… He cannot even begin to imagine the extent of Jesse’s suffering, but he does know things are a little better now. Jesse is happier, because of him. It’s actually kind of insane to Lukas. To think that he, this nobody author that most people loathed for his life choices, he is the one to find their lost hero and to earn his friendship and trust.

That alone makes Lukas feel all sorts of giddy with excitement. He must restrain the urge to smile, even while his body fills with exhilaration like that of a charmed fanboy. Which, he never thought himself to be such a thing in his past, but now? He has the energy to run and jump and toss up flowers with joy for how awesome he feels knowing this. He can only wonder how Jesse feels too.

Lukas returns to the cabin, opening the door very carefully so it doesn’t doesn’t collapse under its worn out hinges. “Jeez, we’re going to really need to spruce up this place huh?” The only others in the cabin are Berry and Dewey. The home is rapidly growing darker as the shadows flood every crevice in the building. His ocelot and the allay are curled up together in one of the cozy moss patches that’s grown into the home. Dewey sure does love his moss, and Berry seems to have really taken a liking to the jungle cat.

“Hey you two,” Lukas says, coming to kneel down beside the duo. Dewey lay curled up in a nice roll with his paws tucked beneath his chest and his tail curled around the allay which has nestled itself against his belly. Lukas smiles and gives Dewey’s head a gentle pet. “We’ve been through a lot today. We all have. You guys deserve a nice long rest.”

Jesse returned to the cabin shortly after. The hero had fished for quite some time from the looks of it, going so far as to smoke some trout before returning, keeping the one he intends to feed Dewey raw. This of course had Dewey instantly perking up, although Berry wasn’t all that enthused with the offering of meat. Jesse just shrugged it off, but Lukas saved the allay’s day with some freshly picked blackberries from a few mornings ago. Even after everything that’s happened, Jesse still keeps his distance. He doesn’t join his three companions as they share in the bounty, instead keeping himself leaned up against the wall by the door, his arms crossed and his eyes staying glued to the three as they sit together in the moss.

Once night has fallen fully, the half moon rises. The air is cold and demanding of our author. Jesse had left once more, though very brief. It gave Lukas a short period of time to get into his sleepwear, just for Jesse to return as he approached the bed with deep consideration. The moonlight is faint, but enough for him to see what it is he’s daring to settle upon. Lukas looks back at the large man and sees that, yes, he’s still lacking his armor and shirt. How’s he not freezing? A stupid question that he already knows the answer to. But Lukas sure is trembling!

“Uhm… Is it okay if I…?” Lukas points down at the bed. It’s now clear of the journals, and even Reuben too, which led him to wondering if Jesse already had the intentions of allowing him to settle down upon it. Jesse continues to stand in the middle of the one-room home, only giving Lukas a single nod in response. The glow of his eyes being the most of what he can see of his shadowy form has Lukas feeling both safe, and another feeling he can’t quite determine.

Lukas picks up the thin blanket and looks all over the sheets, beneath the pillow, and everywhere around the bed for any bugs. He cannot, absolutely cannot entertain the idea of sleeping with bugs, it makes him feel all sorts of squeamish! To his surprise and utmost relief, the bed is relatively clean for something that’s been sitting alone and forgotten for so long. In fact… It looks much cleaner than it did when he first sat upon it. It lacks the cloud of dust with every movement, and even the vines have receded further back out the window. This is no doubt the work of Jesse’s magic.

“T-thank you.” He eases himself down onto the mattress, finding it quite comfy beneath him. His hand moves over the covers, they’re soft as silk. Jesse is watching his every movement as he makes himself comfortable, finally settling down on his back with his head on the pillow. He sighs, closing his eyes. The sound of heavy boots moving makes him crack one eye open, then both as he realizes Jesse is on the move towards the door again. The moment he grabs the handle and opens it, Lukas shoots up from the bed. “Where are you going?”

Jesse freezes, turning his head to look at his friend. There’s a moment of hesitation, then the hero takes his journal out, writes in it and approaches Lukas. Out. You deserve rest. I will leave you to it.

Lukas sits up a bit more, worry increasing as the man turns and begins walking back towards the door. “Wait,” he says. Jesse stops just before the open entryway. He looks back to the blond silently. “You’ve been through a lot today. You deserve to rest too, Jesse. And I… Really don’t want to be left alone here.” Lukas is hopeful Jesse will accept, which he does. The deity watches him closely, then grabs the knob and shuts the door. Lukas can feel that rush of excitement all over again as Jesse approaches and then– leans against the wall again.

What! He almost feels offended.

“Jesse…” Lukas’ voice softens, drawing the man’s attention back to him. Creators, I cannot believe I’m doing this, Lukas thinks as he makes a rather bold move, scooting back closer to the wall to make room for Jesse too. It’s… not a ton of space. But it will do. It’s better than just standing there all night! “I.. uhh.. This is your bed. We can share it.”

Jesse leans off the wall instantly, his crossed arms falling to his sides. His expression is blank, but he does accept the invitation. Lukas feels smaller and smaller the closer Jesse gets to him, quite literally standing just a few inches below the ceiling. He’s huge. Good creative gods, he is huge. Lukas’ face turns pink the moment Jesse sits down with him. The bed dips inward beneath him, and suddenly Lukas is very uncertain if this thing is going to even be able to hold both their weight.

He’s taken by surprise as the deity eases himself down on the bed entirely, noticing how he grits his teeth and quietly seethes due to the slow healing wound on his back, then a soft sigh. By some miracle, or the influence of Jesse’s powers, the bed holds them both without issue. Laying on his back, the poor guy is way too big for it, the bottom of his legs just below the knee dangle off the base. He also looks like he’s addressing the same problems Lukas is, that being he’s just… not made for this.

Lukas is blushing like a mad man. Okay, maybe he should have asked him to put on a shirt. Would that have been rude? Maybe he’s comfortable like this? Well Lukas is certainly feeling a little insane about it. Now that all that emotional turmoil is over, and the big man is literally laying beside him, Lukas cannot help but stare at the meat on this guy.

Lukas glances over to the moss patch where Dewey and Berry snuggle up together. The allay’s light has dimmed in its resting state and Dewey keeps his tail wrapped around it like a cozy blanket.

Maybe he can just… Scoot a little closer.

Lukas hesitates, feeling his heart pounding so hard, and his face is lit aflame. How… Does one even initiate this?

While his legs hang over the end of the bed, he stares straight upward toward the recently fixed up ceiling. Today has been long, very long. But the company beside him is perfect. Not only does he remember, but his mind is much clearer. Who knew the relief would feel this good? He is unfathomably thankful for Lukas and all of the kindness he’s been shown for these past few months.

Even with Petra in his ear and the entire town against Jesse's very own existence, Lukas stayed true to himself and went to get answers for himself. His heartbreak matched Jesse's own in a way. Except, Jesse’s been out here for years. They’ve both been without proper companionship for so long, Jesse losing his due to his fight with Romeo, and Lukas himself simply never settling down. But now, here they are together. Their friendship is based on truth, honesty, and finding their own sense of selfs in one another. They make one another a better person, hell, Jesse is a person.. So as he tries to see it.

He spent so long as a monster lurking in the shadows, his body feels weightless knowing Lukas accepts him for all that he is. Even if these hands have brought an end to a life, Lukas believes it’s for the greater good. He believes in Jesse, which is more than our deity could ever ask for. All there is to do is to accept it, to feel Lukas’ heart come closer to his own and to embrace it. No more hiding, no more dodging questions and turning his back to him..

Jesse.. Needs Lukas to be here with him. His person is a great comfort, everything Lukas has and is, is completely wonderful and gracious. He grieves for what he once was, and he’s scared of what the future may bring, the cruelty he’s known for years can only harbor great anxiety within his psyche. But for now, he lies beside Lukas. The man next to him is warm and inviting, but Jesse isn’t quite sure where to take this. He wants to hold him for however long he can, and he prays that Lukas is simply wanting to be held. The blond turns onto his side and faces the big blue deity, a contagious blush hot on his cheeks. His attention is drawn to Lukas in an instant as he sees the man's hand reach for him, soft fingers gliding up his side and upon his chest where it again rests upon his racing heart. Jesse lays his big blue hand atop, where he curls his fingers and holds Lukas’ hand as their eyes meet once more. He feels.. Warmer than before, Lukas’ palm doesn’t feel so hot as it usually would in the past. Jesse's own body emits heat, embracing the shrouded soul and allowing himself to rise to the surface. While he’s still an admin, a being of great power and darkness, his soul and mind are Jesse. That little hero that beat the Witherstorm and founded great treasures of the world. Who destroyed Romeo, ending his reign of terror, and saved everyone lost in the Underneath alongside his friends.

The world would’ve been lost without him, and now that he’s back.. The world he needs is all in this cabin. Dewey, the allay, and have mercy, Lukas. Lukas is.. Precious to him, and he can finally acknowledge it. Friends, or more than that, He is looking forward to it all. His eyes stay trained on Lukas, his shy companion looking a loss for words as he so clearly yearns for something. Something that Jesse wants too. Closeness, affection.. There’s no reason for words even if they spill out of Lukas so easily. Jesse raises his arm and offers up the exposed side of his body. Paying no mind to the gnarled skin and body hair that he’s letting show. All that he wants now is for Lukas to be closer to him. Safe, warm, and comfortable. Lukas seems to hesitate, but not of disgust, but for delighted surprise. His cheeks darken and Jesse’s own heart flutters at the sight and feel of Lukas taking him up on the offer. The blond scoots over closer and tucks in against the deity’s side, his head hovering over his pectoral for a moment before easing himself down. Gosh, he is so warm.. They both think to themselves, breathing in the scents of one another before sighing in unison. Jesse’s arm settles after it wraps around Lukas’ upper body, keeping the man close as he silently addresses what’s happening. He hopes Lukas may be able to sleep, but he knows deep down for himself that the comfort of rest will not come to him. He holds his precious companion and nestles his nose into his blond hair just as Lukas breathes a soft; “Goodnight, Jesse.. Try and get some rest, okay?” He will do his best to, but this moment between them is much too sacred and unforgettable to try and sleep through. He will stay here at Lukas’ side for as long as he needs him to, which Jesse hopes.. will be forever. The night goes on and the cabin becomes colder as the sun's heat leaves the surface of the forest floor. The stars are high and bright, and the full moon is even brighter. An open sky turns condensation into a blanket of frost upon every open surface on the outside of the cabin. For once Jesse feels the chill in the air, he can see his breath and taste the crisp in the air. Alas, Lukas beside him is feeling it as well. His body is so much smaller, the author shivers hard before trying to snuggle in closer with Jesse. Feeling the ice cold nose of his companion, Jesse makes a quiet decision that will bring him a great sense of peace and protection. While he brings Lukas’ shivering frame in closer, Jesse turns onto his side, exposing his scars to the cabin door as he cradles the back of the author's head and brings it into his wide, grizzly, scarred chest. Lukas moves closer on his own, tucking his arms in against his own chest and pressing their bodies together as Jesse's other arm comes around his side and hugs onto him. Bending his knees so he’s able to fit on top of the bed, letting Lukas ball up atop his thighs.. Easily enough he uses his powers, using them to drape his heavy mossy shaul over the both of them for an extra layer of warmth and familiarity. His chin rests atop Lukas’ head, and his cheeks flare a deep purple when he feels Lukas gently kiss at one of his scars. The blond then takes a deep breath of his chest, mumbling something inaudible as he nuzzles in closer before inevitably falling silent again. That.. is something he will keep to himself. He feels exhilarated nonetheless, it was so soft.. He closes his eyes, smiling of course as he lets his body relax into this state of peace and quiet.. But the quiet part doesn't come. He hears them in his woods, he can smell the distant torches being lit and carried. The hunters have returned and are in a desperate search, he feels his thorns being hacked with machetes and burned to create paths that will only be walked this one night.

It's horrible, yet it will never, ever work. With a few deep breaths, the deity slips into a state of meditation. His subconscious journeys to the place of human’s destruction, it’s all too easy to reach out and snuff out their flames with a cold wind. To regrow the thick vines and their unbreakable thorns, the men and women must step back and call for help before it wraps around their ankles and up their bodies.. So they retreat and run before the vines catch them. The black vines trail after them all like snakes, causing the group to scatter as planned. Like a blinding curse, a dense fog rolls in from where Jesse's domain begins. Except this fog is a dark, shadowy blue, and impossible to see in. One cannot even see their own hands if they tried. Screams of terror are let out and the final command of retreat is given. It will be difficult, to Jesse's muted sense of satisfaction. For it is laced with betrayal and blossoming hatred. He extends the fog to the forest's edge just beyond BeaconTown’s gate as a final threat to stay out. This forest belongs to no one other than him. Not another human soul is allowed to enter with the guise of hurting or hunting down Lukas, or himself. Jesse, the big hero, has returned. Now stay away from him or be lost in the woods just as he is. He cradles his precious little author and relaxes entirely as the hunters finally leave. The night can stretch on for as long as it likes, Jesse is comfortable and for the first time in a very, very long time.. Happy.

11 notes · View notes

footballworldcuptickets · 1 month ago

Text

Canada FIFA World Cup Coach Jesse Marsch Backs David Buchanan Club Future

Two of Canada’s key players might be playing their trade with new clubs before the FIFA World Cup 2026. Canada national team manager Jesse Marsch is aware that it is a huge summer for Jonathan David and Tajon Buchanan. Two of the key players on the Canadian side are both lined up for defining off-seasons in Europe.

For David, it’s the commencement of a new section, having consumed five periods with Lille, marking 109 goals in 232 sports, while flattering a club legend. For Buchanan, meanwhile, it increasingly appears that he will not remain with CF Villarreal once his loan ends and make a return to Inter Milan, hoping to get another shot at appropriating Denzel Dumfries’ home on the Italian hulks, or change elsewhere.

First, however, is a hectic season. Both were a part of Canada’s early 60-man roster for the Concacaf Gold Cup and whitethorn be on hand for June friendlies in contradiction of the Tusk Coast besides Ukraine in Toronto. Nonetheless, their club futures and making the right decision before the FIFA World Cup 2026 are paramount.

Marsch, David Focus Ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026 Bid

We’re going to the Gold Cup to win a trophy,” Jesse Marsch stated during interviews on Monday. “There are going to be a few external factors we’ll have to navigate, and one of the biggest ones is determining how many of our players will be able to take part in the tournament. That uncertainty will certainly influence how we approach finalizing the roster.

Tied with almost all of the top European clubs in recent years, David’s influence on the transfer market will be perhaps the most profound. At only 25, he consumes been one of the greatest reliable goal-scorers in the top five leagues, then can enhance the 2020-2021 Ligue 1 title then 2021-2022 French Super Cup toward his CV.

During his time, he won the hearts of Lille fans, and he received an emotional farewell in his last Ligue 1 game. I needed to let you know personally that, after all these years with the club, it’s time for me to bid adieu,” David announced in his pre-game video. I’ve had five amazing seasons here.

David Eyes Elite Club Role Ahead of FIFA 2026 Run

I understand it hasn’t always been easy, but I hope that through my goals and celebrations, I’ve brought you moments of joy, especially with winning the French league title and the Champions Trophy,” he said. With numerous clubs expected to express interest, the next move rests in the hands of the player whom Marsch has described as “the most intelligent I’ve ever coached.

Whether it’s a transfer within Ligue 1 or a switch to the Premier League, Serie A, La Liga, or Bundesliga, the decision will be pivotal. In his most recent season, David delivered an impressive tally of 25 goals and 12 assists across 49 appearances. Notably, he struck seven times in the UEFA Champions League, scoring against European heavyweights including Liverpool, Real Madrid, Juventus, Atlético Madrid, and Borussia Dortmund.

Jonathan will aim to join the highest-level club possible, one that competes for top honors in Europe, Marsch remarked. “But what’s most crucial is that he gets regular playing time. It won’t benefit him to sign with a big club only to spend most of his time on the bench. He needs reliable minutes to stay shrill and match-ready, particularly with the FIFA World Cup fair a year away.

Buchanan Form Key for Canada Before Football World Cup

So far, the Ont native who hails from Ottawa has been associated with Napoli, FC Barcelona, Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool, Juventus, and a host of others, placing him among the most desirable free agent strikers. In the Gold Cup, Canada determined to express Honduras, El Salvador, and then Curaçao, preliminary the competition in Vancouver on June 14.

Football fans around the world are counting down to the FIFA World Cup 2026. At gettickets365, we bring you exclusive access to Buy FIFA 2026 Tickets, from opening games to the epic World Cup Final. Buy World Cup Tickets now and be part of the world’s most electrifying football event live in the stadiums!

His form has remained unreliable in the historical year, and though he netted a night-time goalmouth in FC Barcelona’s downfall against Villarreal in the squad’s last game, no 1 knows what dishonesties ahead for him. Yet, Marsch views him as a vital constituent for Canada in the upcoming and amongst the team’s best players, a year before the World Cup.

“He’s just successful to gain sureness from captivating the victor in contradiction of Barcelona by the Nou Camp, then we texture that this seasonal is successful to be a actual good time for him to keep pushing his form and get whatever decision is made locked in and where he’s going next year,” Marsch stated. We need to keep the momentum going, so next summer, he’s playing the best football of his life.

Marsch Optimistic on Canadian Stars Ahead of FIFA 2026 Season

Jonathan David, currently playing for Lille in France’s Ligue 1, has been linked with multiple top-tier European clubs due to his consistent goal-scoring form. While a transfer seems likely, Marsch isn’t concerned. He emphasized that David’s professionalism and drive will ensure he adapts quickly wherever he lands, and that his development is far from peaking.

Tajon Buchanan, who recently recovered from injury, is also expected to attract interest across Europe. His explosive pace and creativity on the flanks make him a valuable asset, and Marsch praised his resilience and commitment. The Canadian coach highlighted that Buchanan has the mentality to succeed at any club that gives him regular playing time.

Marsch Confident in Players Ahead of Football World Cup 2026

I’ve made it clear to Tajon that the strongest version of our national team includes him in the starting eleven,” Marsch said firmly. While both Buchanan and David are expected to feature in Canada’s international fixtures this summer, Marsch will be without his most influential player, Alphonso Davies, who has been sidelined until next season due to an ACL injury.

Despite the distractions that often come with the transfer window, Marsch is confident that both players will remain focused and ready for the challenges ahead. With Canada eyeing success in upcoming international competitions, the national team boss sees their club form as a key to maintaining momentum on the global stage.

In Marsch’s view, this summer isn’t just a time of uncertainty — it’s a time of opportunity. Whether David and Buchanan stay with their current teams or move on to new adventures, their futures look bright, and Marsch is prepared to support them every step of the way.

Experience the passion, drama, and glory of the Football World Cup 2026 live! With gettickets365, it’s easier than ever to buy FIFA World Cup Tickets, including premium access to FIFA World Cup Final Tickets and Football World Cup Final Tickets. Don’t wait, secure your World Cup Tickets now and cheer for your team on the biggest stage in football.

#fifa2026tickets #fifaworldcuptickets #footballworldcup2026tickets #buyfifa2026tickets #fifaworldcupfinaltickets #fifaworldcup2026tickets

0 notes