Are you a camp fire? Because you’re hot & I want s’more.
Pairing(s): Aleks/James (NovaHD) and… well, you’ll just have to find out.
Words: 3,454
AO3
Summary: Summer rolls around once more and really, there’s a tradition to uphold and the tents & camp fire are calling their name. Except Dan and Jordan are going to have their hands full keeping James & Aleks apart for a different reason. (Part of the ‘Is that a flicker in your eyes?’ universe.)
One Two Three Four Five Six Seven Eight Nine
A/N: I’m STILL having trouble with tumblr atm, so I can’t edit Ch8 to link to this one. I will fix it ASAP! I might have to do a master post or something?
“Dad, dad – help!” Eddie said. James wrapped his arm around his neck and dragged him towards a giant fountain at the entrance of the park.
“James, leave your brother alone.” Dan said. He was glancing at his phone, tapping his foot while they waited in line. Jordan stood right behind him, eyes darting around the entrance. He flinched when a young child came too close, ducking to lean against Dan.
“Dad, please!” Eddie tripped over James’ foot. Seamus grabbed James’ arm and tugged.
“Let him go.” Seamus’ feet scrambled for purchase on the ground as James pulled both of them closer and closer to the fountain. “Aleks, tell him to let go!”
“What?” Aleks looked over his phone. He glanced back at the screen to make sure everything was in frame. Seamus looked back at him. His mouth dropped when he saw that Aleks was filming.
“Aleks, please.” Seamus let go of James to reach out for his brother. Aleks slapped his hand over his mouth. Seamus tensed as water came up and splashed against his back.
“Fuck,” James said. He pushed Eddie away from him and his fingers touched old coins and his own soaked jeans. Aleks cut the video and pressed the phone against his stomach as he doubled over.
“Aleks, it’s not funny.” Seamus shivered as he offered his hand to Eddie. Eddie grabbed it and pulled it to get himself out. Seamus’ arms flailed as his toe caught on the edge of the fountain.
“No, no, no – Dad!” Seamus, Eddie and James were soaked as Seamus fell onto James.
Aleks was hyperventilating as he reached for his selfie stick. Dan had rushed to the boys.
“Shit, shit,” Dan said, “Jordan, come and help me.” Jordan turned his head away from the group, covering his face with his hand. He could hear a family behind him snickering.
“Smile!” Aleks said. He snapped a few pictures, posing differently in each one.
“Aleks, stop that. Help me get them out.” Dan batted the stick away. Aleks jerked it from his reach. He scowled as he pushed the stick in and pocketed his phone. He offered one hand to James.
“’Bout time.” James’ wet hand slapped against Aleks’ as he pulled himself out. Aleks leaned away from him to keep from falling in himself. He stepped away from James once he was standing on dry ground. “Want a hug?” James opened his arms.
“Fuck off.” Aleks said.
“I’m all wet.” Seamus down at his clothes.
“Me too.” Eddie unzipped his hoodie and chucked it to Dan.
“Perhaps we should skip the water park, it looks like you’ve all had enough water for one day.” Dan said.
“I think so too.” Seamus picked at his t-shirt.
“What? No! I want to go on all the slides and stuff.” Eddie said.
“People are staring at us.” Seamus stepped so that he could stand behind Eddie.
“So? They’re paying to get wet. We just did it for free.” Eddie looked at everyone who was watching them. Most people glanced away.
“Eddie,” Seamus gripped his friend’s t-shirt.
“Seamus, c’mon – you said we’d go down slides together.” Eddie turned and placed his hands on his best friend’s shoulders.
“Fine.” Seamus said.
“If they let us in after that, it’s a miracle.” Jordan said once everyone had joined him back in the line.
“Well you weren’t any help.” Dan said. He twisted Eddie’s hoodie in his hands to wring it out.
“Someone had to keep our place in line.” Jordan said.
“Dad, I’m cold.” Seamus tugged on Jordan’s sleeve.
“You’re not going to get any warmer, you’re changing into swim shorts.” Jordan clasped Seamus’ hand in his own and rubbed the skin with his thumb.
“What am I going to get into when we get out?” Seamus leaned on Jordan.
“We’ll get you something inside.” Jordan said.
“I want to pick out James’ new outfit.” Aleks said. He had his back to his boyfriend, holding his phone as he watched the video.
“No, you’re not picking anything for me.” James folded his arms over his chest, “can you stop watching that?” James glanced over Aleks’ shoulder.
“It’s funny.” Aleks said. He locked his phone and slid it into his pocket.
“Thank you.” James leaned in to kiss his boyfriend. Aleks stepped away from him.
“Fuck off, you’re still wet.” Aleks placed a hand on James’ shoulder and kept him back.
“You’re going to be wet too in a minute.” James hit Aleks’ hand from him.
“And then you can touch me.” Aleks pulled out his phone again.
“Finally!” Jordan clasped his hands together and shook them in the air. The lady behind the ticket booth raised her eyebrow at him.
“Sorry,” Dan smiled at her, “there’s four adults and two children.”
“James and Aleks are not adults.” Seamus said.
“Shut up twerp, we’re mature.” Aleks slapped Seamus’ head. The water flicked off of his hair.
“Don’t you still have Transformers bed sheets?” Eddie smiled up at Aleks.
“Leave him alone,” James said, “or I’ll chuck you into the nearest pool.”
“I think you’ve done enough today, James.” Dan said, “c’mon – let’s get you out of those wet clothes and into your swim stuff.”
oOo
“I want to go on that!” Eddie pointed to the tallest, most twisted slide in all of the park.
“How about we work up to that one? I heard there’s a couple of slides that way.” Jordan said.
“They’re the baby slides, Jordan. We’re not babies.” Eddie said.
“Yeah you are.” Aleks said. He tugged on James’ hand and leaned on his shoulder.
“I’m with Jordan, let’s start small first.” Dan said.
“But that’s boring!” Eddie’s head dropped back and he frowned.
“I bet I can beat you to the slides.” Seamus nudged his friend’s shoulder. Eddie looked to him and then Seamus took off, pushing past adults and children alike.
“That’s not fair!” Eddie said. He ran after his best friend.
“Boys, wait up!” Dan took off after them. Jordan looked to Aleks and James. They looked back at him, hands linked and their eyebrows raised.
“We’ll catch up to them.” Jordan said.
“Thank god, I don’t think I could keep up with them.” James said.
“That’s because you’re old.” Aleks nudged his boyfriend’s shoulder.
“You’re the same age as me.” James frowned at his boyfriend.
“Yeah but I do track.” Aleks puffed his chest out and took an extra-long stride.
“Don’t you always come fourth or something?” James said.
“Yeah, well, at least I do some exercise.” Aleks tried to tug his hand out of James’.
James tightened his grip on Aleks’ fingers.
“I’m proud of you, Aleks.” Jordan slapped his son’s shoulder. Aleks grimaced.
“At least someone is.” James said.
“Didn’t you make the biggest banner for Aleks’ last race?” Jordan said.
“No.” James scowled. Aleks smiled.
“Yeah, wasn’t it like three giant pieces of paper held together by glue and glitter,” Aleks said, “and Eddie and Seamus had to help you hold it up.”
“You were fuckin’ dreaming or something.” James sped up.
“Dan found glitter all over the house after that.” Jordan said. He and Aleks smirked at one another.
“Fuck off.” James said.
“You took forever,” Eddie said. He waved at the three through the crowd, “Seamus and I have been on three slides already.”
“No we haven’t.” Seamus said. Eddie hit his arm.
“Shut up, they don’t know that.” Eddie said.
“Your shorts are dry.” James tugged at his brother’s clothes. Eddie gripped the hem.
“It’s sunny out.” Eddie said.
“There are clouds in the sky.” Aleks looked up.
“Shut up.” Eddie folded his arms over his chest.
“All right, let’s go on some slides.” Dan clapped his son on the shoulder.
“Finally!” Eddie broke free of Dan’s hold and dashed towards the first line.
“Wait.” Seamus said. He followed his friend.
“I-I’ll just wait here.” Jordan shoved his hands in his pockets.
“What? No way, Dad. If you dragged me here – you’re being dragged on the slides.” Aleks said. With his free hand he grabbed his dad’s arm and pulled him forward.
“No, I’ll be useful here. I’ll hold your phones.” Jordan held his hand out. Aleks paused.
“Yeah, yeah – that makes sense.” Aleks let go and reached into his pocket. He grabbed his phone and slammed it in Jordan’s hand. He pushed his selfie stick into his father’s palm as well.
James reached into his own pocket and handed over his phone.
“Are you sure? I can wait down here if you want.” Dan said.
“No, no – next time. You go on these slides, I’ll go on the hard core ones.” Jordan held his hands up in a mock rock salute.
“You know that means I love you in sign language.” James said.
“Whatever, just go on the slides.” Jordan gestured towards the line. Dan rolled his eyes and passed his phone over.
“I’ll see you in a bit then.” Dan said.
“That was awesome!” Eddie said. He climbed out of the pool.
“I think I burned my leg.” Seamus pulled his shorts up slightly.
“That looks sore.” Dan bent down and frowned.
“He’ll be fine, he’s just trying to get out of the big slide.” Aleks pat his brother’s back.
“I’m not, look its red!” Seamus pointed to the mark. Aleks shrugged.
“You’re fine,” He said. Aleks slapped the mark on Seamus’ leg, “see?”
“Ow!” Seamus said. His eyes watered as he looked at Aleks.
“That wasn’t very nice.” Dan said. He straightened up.
“What wasn’t very nice?” Jordan lifted his hat, shook his hair and then put it back.
“Aleks hit my burn mark.” Seamus said.
“How did you get burnt?” Jordan rushed to his youngest son’s side. His hands flittered uselessly around Seamus’ leg, “I knew those slides were a bad idea.”
“I’m fine, dad. Aleks didn’t help though.” Seamus glared at his brother.
“Young man, give me your phone.” Jordan turned to Aleks, hand held out expectantly.
“Don’t you have it?” Aleks said. Jordan swung his backpack off of his shoulders and looked inside.
“Right, yeah… well, you’re not getting it back.” Jordan said. He handed everyone else’s phones to them. Aleks rolled his eyes.
“How about we take a break from the slides and go on the lazy river instead?” Dan said.
“That’s boring, I want to go on the slides.” Eddie said.
“The lazy river sounds nice, I could use a break.” Jordan said.
“You’ve literally been standing there for like twenty minutes.” Aleks stared at his father.
“Don’t sass me, young man. I still have your phone.” Jordan said.
“So, lazy river it is then.” Dan clapped his hands together, “let’s go!”
“Let’s go put our stuff in lockers then.” Jordan said.
“Yeah, good idea.” Dan led the way to the nearest locker-renting area. They found an empty locker and started to put their things inside.
“Wait,” Aleks said as Jordan started to put his backpack away, “I need something.”
“You’re not getting your phone back, Aleks. We’ll be in water anyway.” Jordan said.
“I know, just – please. I want something.” Aleks reached for the bag.
“Fine,” Jordan handed it to his son. Aleks rustled through and took his selfie stick.
“What’s that for? You don’t have a phone.” James said. Aleks turned towards him, pressing the stick into his hands. “No.” James shoved it back. Aleks made his eyes as big as he could, exaggerating a pout and forcing some tears through.
“Please, James.” Aleks said.
“No, put it back.” James stepped away.
“Please.” Aleks offered the stick to James again.
“No.”
“Smile!” Aleks said. He held the selfie stick out so that James’ phone could capture everybody. James turned away from it. Aleks tugged on his hand to encourage him to comply.
“I’m not in it.” Seamus said. He paddled through the water. He barely moved towards anybody.
“Here.” Eddie offered his hand. Seamus grabbed it. Eddie pulled him closer until Seamus was in the shot. He didn’t let go of his hand. Seamus looked down at their linked hands and blushed.
“C’mon, people – look alive. Smile!” Aleks took a couple of photos.
“Put that away, Aleks. Just let us relax.” Jordan’s head fell back against the rubber tube.
“But Dad, its memories.” Aleks took another photo.
“It’s annoying. Do I have to confiscate James’ phone too?” Jordan said.
“No!” James kicked Aleks’ rubber tube. “Stop it.”
Aleks rolled his eyes. He squashed the stick so that it was at its smallest size. He unattached James phone and held it out.
“Don’t throw it.” James said. Aleks smirked. “Aleks, don’t throw it.”
“Don’t throw it Aleks.” Jordan said with his eyes closed.
“Yeah, please don’t.” Dan watched the two boys with one eye.
“All right, fine.” Aleks handed it over.
“Thank you.” James said, “now let’s relax.” He closed his eyes. James let the gentle waves rock him. He ran his thumb over the back of Aleks’ hand. He sighed.
“Are you fucking kidding me?” James opened his eyes. Eddie and Seamus smirked at him. They dipped their free hands into the water and pushed the waves towards James.
“Dad, they’re being annoying.” James said. He looked to Dan. Dan waved him off.
“Boys, stop. Let’s just all relax.” Dan said.
“But this is so boring.” Eddie kicked his legs. The movement disturbed the water and a wave hit Dan’s leg. Dan opened his eyes.
“Eddie.” Dan said. Eddie turned away from his dad. He bit his lip and caught Seamus’ eye. They both spluttered.
oOo
“Well, that was boring. Slides?” Eddie jumped towards his father. The movement pulled Seamus with him.
“Why are you still holding his hand?” Aleks said.
“Why are you holding James’ hand?” Eddie said.
“Because I love him?” Aleks scoffed. James cooed beside him and leaned on Aleks’ shoulder.
“Exactly.” Eddie snapped his fingers in a triangle in the air. Aleks pulled a face but let it go.
“Right, so is it time for the big slides then?” Dan said.
“I mean we should probably eat or something.” Jordan adjusted the straps of his backpack.
“I’m not hungry.” Eddie said.
“The world does not revolve around you.” James rolled his eyes.
“Are you hungry?” Eddie said.
“No, not really.” James said. Eddie threw his hand up. “That doesn’t mean anybody else isn’t.”
“Are you hungry?” Eddie turned to Aleks.
“No.” Aleks said.
“Are you hungry?” Eddie tugged on Seamus’ hand.
“I mean, not after that breakfast.” Seamus frowned.
“Are you hungry?” Eddie looked at Dan.
“No.” Dan laughed.
“Are you hungry?” Eddie asked Jordan.
“Yeah, kind of…” Jordan scratched the back of his head.
“See? Nobody’s hungry. Let’s go on the slides.” Eddie strode towards the large slides.
“Eddie,” Dan laughed at his son.
“Come on, we’ve got slides to get on.” Eddie disappeared into the crowd, Seamus disappearing shortly after.
“I guess we’re putting off eating.” Dan said.
“Fuck.” Jordan let his head drop. He followed Dan, James and Aleks on their way to the slide.
“Right, Jordan – give me the stuff.” Dan held his hands out. A few children pushed past him to join the line. They looked up and pointed at the top of the slide.
“Uh, no – it’s fine. I’ll hold it.” Jordan’s fingers tightened around the straps of his bag.
“No, really. It’s your turn.” Dan tugged on the bag.
“Yeah, dad. I want you to come on the slide with us.” Seamus said. He swallowed as he looked up at the slide.
“I’m good with holding the things.” Jordan held out his hand for people’s phones.
“It’s just a slide, Jordan.” Dan said.
“Yeah, i-it’s just a slide dad.” Seamus grabbed his dad’s arm.
“I know, I know but I’ve had my fun.” Jordan said.
“You’ve only been on the lazy river.” Aleks smirked.
“I just want to hold the stuff.” Jordan’s shoulders tensed.
“Okay.” Dan handed over his phone. James rolled his eyes but gave his phone to Jordan again.
“Dad!” Seamus’ eyes watered.
“C’mon Seamus, we’ll go on together. I’m sure they have double tubes or something.” Aleks threw his arm around Seamus’ shoulders and dragged him forward.
“You promise?” Seamus dug his heels into the ground.
“I promise.” Aleks ruffled his brother’s hair.
“Then who am I going to ride with?” James nudged his boyfriend as they walked through the entrance.
“You have a brother, don’t you?” Aleks sneered.
“I’m pretty sure he’s an alien that was dropped off in our garden or something.” James said.
“James!” Eddie looked to Dan for support.
“James, be nice. You can ride with Eddie.” Dan said.
“But I want to ride with Aleks.” James said.
“You don’t have to do everything with Aleks.” Dan shook his head.
“I want to.” James pouted.
“Do we have to climb that?” Seamus looked up at the tall, winded metal staircase.
“How else are we going to get up?” Aleks stepped onto the first step. James squeezed Aleks’ hand. Seamus stepped onto the stairs next to Aleks. James and Eddie stood on the next step. James used his free hand to claw at the banister.
“Are you all right?” Dan rubbed his son’s back. “You can wait with Jordan if this is too much.”
“I’m fine.” James puffed his chest out.
“Aleks, I bet you ten bucks James doesn’t make it up the first flight.” Seamus said.
“Deal.” Aleks shook his brother’s hand.
“Aleks!” James scowled.
Jordan waved as Dan and the boys came walking back over.
“Dad, can you get my wallet?” Aleks ran his fingers through his wet hair.
“What do you need that for?” Jordan said. He opened up the backpack.
“Don’t give it to him.” James folded his arms over his chest.
“I owe Seamus ten bucks.” Aleks grabbed his wallet and pulled two five dollar bills free. He slammed it into Seamus’ hand. Seamus beamed proudly.
“Hey, Eddie. Are you hungry yet?” Seamus ran his thumb over the bills.
“I’m a little bit hungry, yeah.” Eddie said. James sighed heavily.
“Ice cream on me it is then.” Seamus laughed.
oOo
“Who knew chocolate fudge could taste this sweet?” Seamus licked a line up his ice cream.
“I hate you.” James mouthed across the table.
“Yeah, there’s just something about this vanilla cone that tastes so much better.” Eddie said.
“Boys, stop it. James can’t help it if he’s afraid of heights.” Dan said.
“I’m not afraid of heights.” James said.
“You made it up four steps.” Aleks laughed around his hot dog.
“I hate all of you.” James huffed.
“Uh-huh, hurry up and eat your burger. There’s a few more things to do here and then we’ll be off.” Dan picked up a fry and crammed it into his mouth.
“I do wish you two would have got actual food.” Jordan put his burger down.
“You told me to get more variety into my diet.” Seamus licked the ice cream dribbling down the side of his cone.
“That’s not what I meant.” Jordan shook his head.
“Whatever, it tastes good.” Seamus licked the cone again.
“Not as good as vanilla.” Eddie said.
“Its way better than vanilla.” Seamus started to bite into his cone.
“No it’s not.” Eddie scowled at his friend.
“Yeah it is, vanilla is boring.” Seamus said.
“You’re boring.” Eddie nudged Seamus’ arm. Seamus gasped.
“Don’t start World War III over ice cream. Both flavours are nice.” Dan said.
“I’m not boring.” Seamus tucked his chin against his chest.
“I was joking, you’re the coolest person I’ve ever met.” Eddie threw his arm over Seamus’ shoulder.
“Aw, thanks.” Seamus bumped his head gently against Eddie’s.
“Don’t lie to him Eddie, we all know I’m the coolest person any of you will ever meet.” James said.
“All right, four steps.” Aleks said.
“Don’t call me that, Aleksandr.” James waved a fry in Aleks’ direction.
“Quit yapping everyone, let’s just eat and get out of here.” Jordan said.
“Ok dad, I know you’re dying to wait for us at the bottom of the slides again.” Aleks said.
“Aleksandr.” Jordan said. Aleks smirked, lifted his hot dog and took a bite.
oOo
“I have never been so happy to see this backseat.” Aleks fell into the back of the car.
“Well, there was that one time a few months back…” James climbed in beside his boyfriend.
“Don’t finish that sentence or I’m leaving you here.” Dan glared at James through the rear view mirror. James laughed and buckled his seatbelt.
“Let’s never sit in the back.” Eddie said to Seamus, “ever.” Seamus nodded.
“Oh c’mon, it wasn’t that bad. We had protection.” James said. Aleks hid behind his knees and shook his head.
“Okay, here we go – back to the campsite!” Jordan clapped his hands together.