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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: 4,998

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.)

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A/N: You’re welcome for a beast of a chapter. Also, can anyone guess the joke that had me laughing so hard I cried? :P

Morning filtered through James’ eyelids slowly and then all at once, blinding him as Eddie ripped open the door of their tent. The zip was too loud in the quiet of the early hours. James gurgled some phlegm and threw his arm over his face. Eddie hopped out but left the door flapping. James pushed himself up on his elbow. He glared out at the sunshine and watched his brother get smaller and smaller. He could see his father already hunched around a small campfire. Dan passed what looked like a thermos to Eddie and James couldn’t stop his tongue as it darted out and licked his lips. He reached for his phone, holding the button down to try and wake it up. He huffed when it flashed the red battery at him. He knew that somewhere, among the mess of sleeping bags and pillows, there was a portable charger he’d stolen from Aleks before the trip. When he didn’t find it within seconds of reaching out, James gave up. His shoulders slumped and he looked again to the outside of the tent.

It took him almost five minutes to force himself up and out of the tent to join his brother. James looked desperately at his father, hand outstretched and awaiting sweet coffee. Dan rolled his eyes and handed James his own thermos. He’d have to make more coffee soon, if the rustling from the other tent was any indication. James’ lips hesitated over the mouth of his drink. His eyes narrowed at Eddie whose head was tipped back, throat throbbing as he drank.

“You didn’t give him coffee, did you?” James asked his father. He blew into his drink.

“Oh, hell no. He’s got hot chocolate,” Dan said. Eddie pulled his thermos from his mouth with a string of spit. He saw his family staring and turned to face them, grinning as he broke the spit.

“I hate him,” James said as he tentatively took a sip from his own drink.

“Sure, that’s why you made sure he was home safe last night.” Dan began to make more coffee. James sighed.

Inside their own tent, Seamus was battling with the roof as he tried to change his clothes. He’d asked Aleks to close his eyes and his brother had pressed his face into the floor of their tent. Seamus could see his nose twitching as he tried to breathe.

“You know you could just close your eyes, right?” Seamus’ voice was muffled by his t-shirt as he pulled it over his head. Aleks murmured something to the floor but Seamus honestly couldn’t make it out. He started to tap on the ground while Seamus shuffled beside him. Seamus swiped Aleks’ deodorant and quickly sprayed under his pits. He placed it back, eyeing his brother as he tried to get it into the right position. He was sure that Aleks must know, by now, he’d been using it all week but Seamus liked to think himself sneaky. “All right, I’m ready.” As Aleks pushed himself up he gasped like he’d been held underwater for far too long. Seamus rolled his eyes at him, folding his arms over his chest.

“Why’d you make me do that, anyway? It’s not like I haven’t seen you shirtless before.” Aleks said. “Because,” Seamus said as though that alone answered his brother’s question, “I’m a man now.” Seamus frowned when Aleks burst into laughter, holding his stomach as he doubled over. Seamus hit his brother over the head, smirking at the satisfying thud it made. He tried again but Aleks had ducked away, wiping non-existent tears from his cheeks.

“What? You get like, three armpit hairs and you’re a man now?” Aleks laughed.

“You’re right, maybe one day I’ll grow an amazing beard like yours.” Seamus bent down and plucked the one hair that had stood proudly on Aleks’ chin. Aleks’ gasped as Seamus flicked it from his fingers. Aleks glared up at his younger brother, eyes diving towards his chin. He huffed through his nose. He tried to think of something to say back to his brother but he couldn’t come up with anything good.

Instead he reached for the suitcase he and Seamus had kept from James and Eddie, waiting until Seamus kicked it towards him. Aleks had slept in the clothes they’d worn the night before and they were all wrinkled. He rummaged through Eddie’s too small t-shirts, Seamus’ abundance of socks and James’ worn out boxers to find his own clothes. Aleks settled on a pair of ripped jeans, one of his many ‘cat in space on pizza’ t-shirts James hated and a well-loved beanie. Seamus saw his t-shirt and snorted, muttering an insult under his breath. Aleks paid him no mind, glancing up at his brother.

“Quick, cover your eyes – you might see my chest hair!” Aleks started to tug on the edge of his t-shirt. Seamus pushed his way past Aleks, grabbing the door zip with more force than necessary and ripping it upwards so that he could escape his brother’s obnoxious behaviour. He yanked it down as he left, muffling Aleks’ laughing.

Eddie skipped towards Seamus once he’d noticed him walking over. He jumped once he was close enough, strangling Seamus with his arms as he attempted to cling onto him with his legs. Seamus had the good sense to push his arms outwards as Eddie pulled them both down towards the ground. He shot Eddie a look when he heard him grunt in pain but before Seamus could blink the boy beneath him was smiling again. Eddie released Seamus neck and reached upwards to press his finger into Seamus’ nose.

“Boop,” Eddie said before he started to wriggle and try to escape from underneath his friend. Seamus didn’t put up much of a fight, wrinkling his nose as he felt Eddie’s phantom touch. He looked up as Eddie stood and brushed the dirt from his knees. Seamus watched as James winked at his brother. If Eddie had been facing him, Seamus would have seen the blush that graced his cheeks.

Eddie made sure that he couldn’t by running towards James and attempting to tackle him instead. He merely crashed into his brother’s chest. James easily threw him aside. Eddie stumbled, breathing heavily as he fought to stay upright. He looked back at Seamus then, grinning again. Now Eddie was confident that if Seamus asked why his cheeks were so red he could blame it on running. Seamus smiled back at him. He got up and frowned down at the mess Eddie had made of his clothes. He licked his thumb and started to wipe it away. All he seemed to do was smear it but Seamus knew he didn’t have anything else to wear today. He blew out a breath, knowing only one thing could make him feel better.

“Hey Uncle Dan,” Seamus said, “what’s for breakfast?” Seamus rubbed his hands together. He knew, even before Dan spoke, that he wouldn’t like the answer. Dan rubbed the back of his head, shrugging just slightly.

“Well, I was thinking we’d get some while we were out,” Dan said.

It was like Nintendo had just announced they’d never make another Pokemon game, like Cartoon Network had decided to call it quits, like Eddie had said he would never speak to Seamus again. It was like… well, it was like Dan had said that they weren’t eating breakfast that morning. Seamus’ stomach growled its protests. His lower lip popped out of its own accord, wobbling dramatically as Seamus sucked in a whimper. His eyes widened as they watered. Big, fat tears perched upon the waterline of his eyes as Seamus thought of how long he’d have to wait to have food in his stomach. Where would they even eat? What could possibly compare to Dan’s fry-ups? Seamus wanted – no, Seamus needed – Dan’s greasy, great grub.

“I mean, maybe I could quickly make you an egg roll or something?” Dan offered. Seamus nodded immediately. His stomach finally quietened. Balance had been restored.

Dan rummaged through their cooking things to find the pain, eyeing the fire as it started to die. He’d started it when he’d woke to keep warm. He’d have to feed it to be able to cook. He jumped as Jordan snuck up behind him. The other man used his height to loom over Dan’s shoulder.

“Why’re you grabbing that? I thought we were eating out,” Jordan said.

“Moose wants to eat now and, he did – he did the thing and y’know how it is,” Dan said. Jordan smiled as he caught the nickname. It was only a reminder of how often Aleks had spent with James over the past year. Still, Jordan frowned as Dan walked over to the fire.

“You shouldn’t indulge him.” Jordan followed his friend. He didn’t take the pan, instead handing Dan the eggs when he gestured towards them. Dan only shrugged, cracking an egg and watching it plop into the pan.

Jordan looked up as his sons’ tent unzipped for the second time that morning. Aleks poked his head out first, yanking his head to the side when the teeth of the zip tugged on his beanie. He stepped out and was immediately greeted by James. He scrunched his face up as James kissed his cheek, wincing when his boyfriend cupped his bandaged hand. Jordan squinted at them both then.

“What’d you do?” Jordan marched towards the two teenagers. Aleks’ eyes widened. He looked to James for help, hoping he’d come up with a story that would be Dad-approved.

“Did you know how much of a sore loser your son is?” James said. Jordan looked at James with a face that mimicked a baby trying a lemon for the first time.

“What has that got to do with anything?” Jordan grabbed his son’s wrist, forcing his arm upwards so that he could examine the bandage. He could see faint spots of red beneath it.

“He tried to steal a plushie from one of those grab machines,” James said. Jordan dropped Aleks’ hand and studied his son’s face. Aleks was looking at the ground. Jordan looked to James as the boy smiled unconvincingly at him. Jordan sighed.

“Whatever,” he said.

Jordan let the two boys pass him. He stared into his son’s tent, glancing around and trying to see if anything was amiss. The only thing out of place was the boys’ case, left wide open with all of the clothes thrown about. Jordan knelt down, ready to climb in and clean up. He yelped when Eddie pushed past him, barely managing to stay on his knees. The boy grinned at him as he zipped up the tent. Jordan pressed his face into his hand as he heard Eddie start to rip the case apart. Jordan knew that once Eddie was done his brother would throw around whatever was left. Jordan took a deep breath. They’d definitely be leaving later than anticipated then. Jordan simply couldn’t leave the mess inside his son’s tent. His fingers twitch as the walls of the tents bounced, Eddie chucking clothes around it. Jordan wanted to climb inside, chuck Eddie out with a bundle of clothes and start cleaning now.

It was Dan who kept him from tumbling inside. He pressed a gentle hand to Jordan’s shoulder, smiling down at his friend as he watched his eye twitch.

“C’mon, let’s wash this pan,” Dan said. He felt Jordan’s shoulders slump in relief. Jordan nodded and got up, following his friend over to where he’d cooked. Seamus was sitting on one of their foldable stools. He was halfway through his roll. Jordan noticed how he kept nibbling at the edges, licking the yolk that dripped out of the side. Jordan shook his head at the son. He was almost glad Dan had made Seamus a roll so early. It meant his wallet wouldn’t take such a hit at the diner. Jordan knew that there was no way Seamus could eat the egg roll and have another breakfast within the hour. He may think like a hobbit, constantly wondering about his next meal, but Jordan’s son certainly didn’t have the stomach of one.

Aleks was standing beside his brother. He was staring at him intently. James was trying to catch his attention, waving his thermos of coffee under his boyfriend’s face. Aleks batted it away and almost lost it all. He flinched as the quickly cooling liquid splashed in his direction but his eyes never wavered. James settled for stepping in Aleks’ line of sight. Aleks tried to duck around him but James cupped his chin. His thumb pressed into one cheek while his fingers pressed into the other, forcing Aleks’ lips outwards. James ignored the glare Aleks was giving him and kissed his lips. To tease Aleks further, James pressed their noses together in an eskimo kiss. Aleks pushed him away. He caught James before he could fall on Seamus, though. He turned when James tried to kiss him again, sighing heavily as James peppered his cheek with kisses instead.

“Right,” Dan said as he watched Eddie leave the tent, “James, go and get dressed and then we’ll leave.”

“What? I am dressed.” James gestured to his wrinkled clothes. Dan shot him his best ‘I’m your father, do as I say’ look and that did the trick. James handed his thermos to an unwilling Aleks, forcing it into his fingers before he hopped away. Aleks tore his gaze from Seamus long enough to take a sip from the coffee. He winced as it went down. He shook the thermos to see what was left. The mug barely sloshed. Aleks held it out for Dan to take. Dan nodded his thanks as he swiped it, walking away to hand it to Jordan. James got dressed faster than anyone, so fast that Dan couldn’t be sure he hadn’t just thrown a hoody over what he’d been wearing. James stalked towards Aleks, frowning when he saw the lack of thermos.

“I was still drinking that,” James said. Aleks stepped into his space, resting his head on James’ shoulder and watching Seamus lick his fingers as he finished his roll off.

Dan clapped his hands together, surveying the camp site. Aleks’ eyes had closed as he tried to fall asleep on James’ shoulder. Seamus was sat, content, on his stool while Eddie ran circles around him babbling about some game Dan didn’t know. James had closed the tent, thankfully, and there really wasn’t anything else to clean up. Jordan started towards the tent but Dan stopped him, shaking his head and gesturing towards the car.

“But the mess,” Jordan said. Dan pat his shoulder and pulled. Jordan breathed heavily through his nose but followed. He knew that Dan was right, that they had to leave now or they never would. It didn’t make climbing into the car knowing the horrific mess they’d left behind any easier. Eddie followed them both with no hesitation. He glanced behind him as Seamus folded his chair and tucked it away. James led Aleks to the car, shuffling very slowly as Aleks refused to move.

It took them at least ten minutes to get everyone in. Aleks slouched in the very back, head lulling against the window. James had his arm over his shoulder but was staring out of his own window. Eddie had already had his DS out while Seamus was trying to find his. Jordan sat tense in his seat, wringing his hands together while he waited for Dan to start the car.

“Everybody ready?” Dan asked the group. He got several muttered replies, muffled by Eddie’s excited shout. He just missed Jordan’s whispered no but Dan didn’t wait for him to repeat. He started the car and with one last look at their camp, Dan pulled away.

To Jordan it felt like forever until they were turning into that familiar diner. He pressed his face against the window as Dan parked the car.

“How does it still look so old?” James smacked his hands against his cheeks.

“It didn’t change for years, what makes you think they’d change it now?” Dan said. He opened his door, stepping out and inhaling the fresh air. He loved his family and friends, honestly, but being stuck in a car with four teenagers – especially one who’d just ate egg – was the worst. Eddie hopped out of the car after his Dad, covering his eyes from the morning sun as he looked at the diner. Aleks came after him, shoving Seamus aside so that he could escape the stuffy car. He wheezed over dramatically as Seamus laughed behind him.

“You’re never,” Aleks pointed at Seamus’ face, “ever allowed to eat egg again,” Aleks said.

“I second that.” James pat Aleks’ back as he appeared behind him.

Once Aleks was breathing normally they all entered the diner. Seamus and Eddie immediately found the space they’d sat last year, nudging each other as they tried to get the best seat. Eddie won, clapping his hands as he stared out of the window he’d managed to sit next to. Aleks didn’t quite get the hype, all they could see was the near-empty car park and a dusty road. He let James slide in before him and then sat down. He was sat across from Seamus. Dan slid in next to him while Jordan hovered over the table. His hand sat in his jean pocket, fingers twitching around the wallet.

“Right, what does everybody want?” Jordan asked. He flinched as everyone placed their orders at once. He barely heard Aleks’ request for a breakfast muffin underneath Eddie and Seamus’ resounding shouts begging for a large breakfast. “Seamus, you don’t need anything else to eat, you’ve already eaten,” Jordan said. He nodded as Dan asked for a cheese toastie and James asked for just a regular sized breakfast.

Jordan tried to avoid Seamus’ eyes as he ran through the list in his head: breakfast muffin, regular breakfast, toastie, a large breakfast, another regular breakfast for himself.

“Is there anything else I can get you?” Jordan hoped Seamus would cave, tell him to grab some toast and some drink. Instead Seamus did the thing, the damn puppy thing. “Fine, but if you don’t eat it all I’m not giving you any money for the town.” Jordan turned on his heel and strode towards the bar.

“He didn’t ask us what we wanted to drink,” James said with a frown.

“We’re probably all getting water.” Aleks shook his head.

“I didn’t want water,” Seamus complained.

Jordan did indeed return with waters for everybody. Seamus muttered when he realised that his father hadn’t even splashed for bottled water. They were all drinking tap. He got over it very quickly once he’d seen the size of his plate. It was twice the size of his head and once placed the edges of it knocked Eddie’s own food. Eddie’s plate was wedged against the wall. He tried to turn it for a better fit but as his plate knocked James’ he caught his brother’s glare and thought better of it. Dan rubbed his hands together as Jordan placed his toastie in front of him. Then, after putting his own food down, Jordan finally sat.

“Bone apple tea,” Aleks said. James hit his left arm, scowling at his boyfriend.

“Dude, it’s bon appetite.” James pinched a bit of Aleks’ muffin as punishment for being an idiot.

“I know,” Aleks said. He swiped a bit of James’ bacon in retaliation. James tried to take it back but Aleks already had it in his mouth and well, it was all over then.

Eddie sat across from them, eyeballing the exchange as Seamus began devouring his meal beside him. He looked down at Seamus’ plate. Eddie chewed upon his lip, staring intently at Seamus’ own bacon. It the blond a moment but eventually he noticed. Eddie sighed as Seamus shielded his plate with his arm and nudged Eddie’s shoulder.

“Aren’t you going to eat your own food?” Seamus asked. Eddie coughed and picked up his knife and fork. He stabbed at his bacon, ripping it apart with his knife. He shoved it into his mouth. Eddie could feel James’ eyes on him. He kept his own gaze to his plate. Why did James and Aleks make it look so easy? Eddie had always been bold and rash but with Seamus simply blurting it out didn’t feel right. Eddie just had to find the right moment… if there’d ever be one. He severed his egg yolk in one quick motion, letting it spill out onto his plate.

After a while, everyone had devoured their breakfast. Well, everyone bar one. Seamus slumped in his chair, right hand barely holding his fork. He’d done quite well, making an attempt to eat at least one of everything on his plate. The only thing keeping him from his allowance was that one damn sausage and a hash brown that had turned to mush on his plate. Seamus had tried, and failed, to scoop the potato pile up onto a fork several times but now he’d simply given up. Jordan stood with a smug smirk, placing his hands on his hips.

“Right, I’m off to the toilet. Anyone else need to go before we leave?” Jordan looked at each and every one at the table. Nobody replied. “Well, all right then.” Jordan turned on his heel and headed towards the toilets.

Aleks watched his father until the door had swung shut on his back. He waited for a few seconds and then, when he was sure Jordan wouldn’t suddenly come out again, leaned heavily over the table. He snatched Seamus’ sausage, cramming it into his mouth. He used his finger to push it into his cheeks. He kept chewing as he took his brother’s knife and piled as much of the hash brown mess onto his fork. Aleks took the time to swallow what was left of the sausage before shovelling that into his mouth too. He reclined back in his chair, wiping some potato from his mouth with his thumb. Seamus looked down at his now empty plate then back at his brother. Aleks winked at him before swallowing. Seamus moved his knife and fork together on his plate.

Jordan returned barely a minute after. He opened his mouth to declare his parental victory over his son before he realised the plate was empty.

“Oh.” Jordan crouched down to look under the table. He regretted it immediately. Jordan snapped back up and shuddered. He’d have to wash his eyes out to forget the grime underneath. There was, surprisingly, no food. With the click of his tongue, Jordan reached into his jeans for his wallet.

“Fine,” he said, “don’t spent it all.” Jordan handed Seamus twenty dollars. The young boy’s eyes lit up as he took the money. Dan sat quietly. He knew that he should probably say something to Jordan, as his friend, but he couldn’t help but admire the brotherly support. He hoped it would inspire something within his own sons. They were jolting in their seats as they kicked one another under the table. Then again, Dan thought that would take a miracle.

From the diner, the children and the adults split up. Jordan and Dan dropped the boys off in the town before they left to visit their beloved thrift store, Jordan droning on and on about how he was looking out for some old figurines. The boys marched towards the heart of the town where they hoped the old joke shop still awaited them.

“Thanks.” Seamus lightly punched his brother’s arm. Aleks shrugged.

“For what? I was still hungry.” He grinned down at his younger brother. Seamus would have believed him if it wasn’t for the small smirk Aleks gave him afterwards. They walked together as Eddie and James argued up ahead over who won their fight of footsies. Seamus thought that Eddie had won and would have asked Aleks his opinion if he didn’t already know he’d choose James.

“Well, look at that. It’s still standing.” James looked up at the weather-worn shop front. The sign in the door claimed it was open though none of the boys would have ever guessed. The lights inside didn’t seem to be on and they could have sworn the window display hadn’t changed in a year. Eddie turned the door handle and pushed it wide open. The daylight filtered through and revealed all the little dust particles floating in the air. It near blinded the old man who sat at the counter. He covered his eyes with his hand and glared at the kids from behind it. His eyes widened when Seamus pushed his way through the door. James and Aleks followed their brothers inside. The door had barely closed behind them when the old man stepped out from behind his counter. The older boys were worried he was about to tell them to leave which would have been disappointing but understandable. Instead, he presented Seamus with a paper sick bag. Seamus took it begrudgingly and thanked the old man. Aleks tucked his face into James’ shoulder to hide his laughter from his younger brother.

Eddie grabbed Seamus’ hand as he caught sight of a scary clown mask. He dragged him towards the wall it hung on, pausing mere inches underneath it. Eddie craned his neck to look, jaw dropping open as he admired its creepy beauty. Seamus stepped behind him, squeezing his best friend’s hand. He looked at the ground instead, frowning when he saw a stain that looked eerily familiar.

“That’s so cool,” Eddie said. Seamus drew his attention to the small joke gifts instead.

“Look, it’s a Chinese finger trap.” Seamus had seen these before but he’d never tried one. Eddie was quick to shove his finger in, wriggling it around and poking Seamus’ cheek. Eddie let go of his hand only to grab the other and manoeuvre Seamus’ unwilling finger into the trap with him. When he’d succeeded, Eddie grabbed his hand again.

“Now we’re stuck together forever,” Eddie said. Well, Seamus could deal with that.

James and Aleks had wandered off on their own. James’ hand was tucked into Aleks’ jean pocket and he was teasing Aleks by pointing out all of the creepy things on the walls. They neared the back of the store and found a curtain blocking them from going further.

“Huh, didn’t see this before.” James reached for the edge of the curtain but Aleks slapped his hand away. Ready to chastise his boyfriend for being rude, James followed Aleks’ finger as he pointed to a sign that hung above the curtain. It told them that this was off limits for anybody under 18. James’ eyes lit up, already guessing what could be beyond the forbidden curtain. He pulled it aside and stepped through. His hand slipped from Aleks’ pants as he refused to move. Aleks crossed his arms over his chest and shook his head at James.

“What? You’ve never been scared of cock before.” James laughed at his boyfriend. Aleks reached in to swat him. James caught his wrist and pulled.

Aleks tumbled over the threshold into the forbidden area. He clung to James to keep himself upright. He squeezed his eyes shut and buried his face into James’ shoulder to shield his eyes.

“Seriously?” James murmured. He wrapped his arms around his boyfriend all the same and looked around. It was all pretty standard. The area was filled with fake books, fake dicks and everything one would need to make a hilarious bachelor or bachelorette party. Honestly, James was rather disappointed. He’d wanted to torment Aleks by waving porno DVDs in his face but there were none to be seen. He sighed heavily.

“Can we leave now?” Aleks pulled upon James’ hoodie in an effort to pull him towards the curtain.

“Fine, you big baby.” James led his boyfriend back out into the shop.

They collided with their younger brothers. James raised an eyebrow at them both as they lifted their fingers, still stuck in the Chinese finger trap.

“What’s in there?” Eddie peered around his older brother. James followed his movements and blocked his line of sight.

“Nothing special, you need help out of that?” James had to look around Aleks as he finally stood up.

“It says over 18s only, you’re not 18. You shouldn’t have been in there.” Eddie still kept trying to look around his brother. What could be in there? Eddie reckoned it was full of all the really cool video games his Dad wouldn’t let him play.

“Do you want help or not?” James pinched the younger boys’ fingers. Eddie winced in pain as James manipulated the Chinese finger trap until it released the two boys. He threw it onto the wrong shelf when he was done.

“Can we leave now?” Aleks frowned at the dusty shelves. He was sure he was breathing in way too many dead skin cells. James held onto Aleks’ elbow and started to guide him to the exit.

“Wait!” Eddie called, forcing everyone to turn around and look at him. “I want to get this.” He held up the Chinese finger trap. James rolled his eyes but nodded all the same. He tried to leave again but Eddie stopped him. “Can I borrow a dollar?” Eddie looked up coyly. James wanted to bark at him and tell his brother to put it back. There was no way in hell he was going to pay for some stupid gag.

“I’ll get it,” Seamus said before James had the chance to yell at his younger brother. “C’mon.” Seamus took Eddie’s hand and led him to the counter. Eddie whipped his head back around to James, panic clear in his eyes. James only shot him a thumbs up. Aleks frowned at them both but when he looked to James for answers, his boyfriend only shrugged.

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