Chapter Text
Määnin looked up as his front door smacked off the wall as it swung open. Expecting to see Tommy bursting in with that level of enthusiastic disrespect for his door, Määnin was almost startled to find Freppa striding across the room at him.
“That is it. I've had enough. I literally cannot take it anymore.”
“Hello to you too Fredrik. Yes, we are having such nice weather. I've just been watching a film.” snarked Määnin.
“Oh fuck off Määnin. It's half your fault that my head is thumping.”
Unable to resist, Määnin smirked at Freppa and quipped. “Now, now, my dear boy, is that anyway to talk to the man who was almost your stepfather.”
He waited for Freppa to rise to the bait but as he stared at him silently, Määnin realised that this was in fact perhaps more serious than he first thought.
“Sorry Freppa. I promise I'll try and be a little more serious. What's up?”
“Thomas ‘can't pull his head out of his ass because he seems to think it's a hat’ Tall is what's up.”
Määnin rolled his eyes. “What's Tommy done this time? Please tell me he didn't forget to put petrol in the car again.”
Freppa shook his head. “God I wish. That's easily fixable. No, it's more that we went for lunch today and I spent two hours once again listening to how wonderful you are. And no offence my friend, I think you are great, one of my two favourite people in the world in fact, but this was insane, even by Tommy's usual standards.”
“Oh.” Määnin said quietly, not quite sure how to respond to this.
“I swear his closet is glass for everyone but him.” Freppa said faintly.
Määnin nodded. It seemed mean to assume his friend's sexuality but if Freppa was pansexual and Määnin was bisexual, then Tommy Tall was the definition of a disaster gay. Or a dumbass. Possibly both.
“I’m still not sure why you burst in here when I was trying to be productive. I could have been on the verge of a breakthrough on a new bass line here, Freppa.”
Freppa rolled his eyes. “Määnin, I swear I will actually resort to violence.”
“Okay, okay. Chill the fuck out Freps. Take a seat and you can explain what made you dash in here like your ass was on fire.”
Määnin swiftly swiped the crap off the couch cushion next to him and tossed it under the coffee table. He then patted the couch next to him and waited until Freppa quietly sat next to him.
“So what on earth brought you sprinting over here after lunch with Tommy? In fact, why isn't he here with you? Normally he's first in the door when you say you're coming to visit me.” Määnin paused, then snorted at his own thoughts. “Did you lock him in the car for being a dick?”
Freppa laughed. “Nah, that's more your style. I didn't tell him I was coming over. Honestly I wasn't sure I was going to do this until I got a text as I parked.”
Määnin raised a brow and waited.
“It was Tommy. I had left him less than 15 minutes before and he simply had to send me a text.” Freppa pulled off his cap and ran his hand through his hair.
Määnin waited in silence then stared at Freppa when it seemed he wasn't going to continue. He waited impatiently, trying not to fidget until Freppa cracked but it was like Freppa couldn't even see him staring. Eventually Määnin could no longer take it and he leaned closer to Freppa, determined to get an answer. “Well? What did the text from Tommy say?”
Freppa snorted. “God, you're just as bad, Määnin. Will you ask him out already? I literally can’t take the sexual tension anymore. My garage has more romantic drama than one of mum’s books.”
“I'm choosing to ignore such a stupid remark. You know why I haven't asked him out Freps. Now, the text. What did it say?”
Määnin watched as Freppa rolled his eyes but chose to ignore it when he reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone. He opened his text thread with Tommy and passed it over. It was a picture of some boots. Määnin peered closely at the screen, trying to follow the letters but it was no use, Freppa kept the text size on his phone far too small. Freppa was clearly paying attention to his reaction however, because before Määnin even tried to ask, Freppa had begun to read out the text.
“Basically it says ‘Look at these cool boots I've found. Määnin would look so cool in them. Do you think he would like them?’ and you can see the picture already.”
Määnin smiled softly. Tommy might be a brash, loud jerk but he did have his moments when he would let out the softness. Usually only in front of Määnin and Freppa, and Määnin was certain Tommy didn't realise when he did it but it was cute.
“Jesus, Määnin, you're as sappy as he is.”
Määnin dropped the phone back into Freppa's hand like it had burned him and shot backwards, his side slamming into the side of the couch as he overshot his movement. He winced, the wood of the frame had stabbed into his ribs and he turned back to glare at Freppa.
“That was your fault. I'm not sappy.”
Freppa sighed. “Sure. And I don't play guitar. Anyway, you wanted to know why I was here?”
Curiosity getting the better of him, Määnin nodded.
“Okay. So firstly you have to promise me you'll answer these next questions honestly and also promise you won't make fun of me for any of this.”
As he silently waited and Freppa failed to continue, Määnin realised he was actually serious. “Yeah, sure, whatever. I'll answer honestly and I won't make fun of you.”
Määnin watched as Freppa seemed to do some mental maths or something in his head then he shrugged to himself and looked back at Määnin. “First of all. Are you, or are you not in love with Tommy?”
Immediately the old flare of panic kicked in in Määnin's chest and he could feel the denial ready to burst from his lips, the same way it did every time anyone asked for years. Why was Freppa even asking this? But then Määnin took a deep breath. It was different now. He had come to terms with his bisexuality and more importantly had come to terms with his feelings for Tommy.
What he felt for Tommy was so much more than just friendship. Friendship was what he had with Thåossin or Crille or Linda. Tommy was so much more.
Määnin was pulled back out his thoughts with a little giggle from Freppa. “I almost don't need you to answer but for thoroughness, I'll be polite and let you say it out loud rather than just reading the soft smile currently decorating your face.”
He shoved at Freppa, but then Määnin sighed and spoke. “Yes Fredrik. I'm in love with Tommy. But we both know he isn't in love with me. He's too busy trying to not be called gay by anyone he has ever met.”
The sigh that Freppa let out was so strong, Määnin felt it from the opposite end of the couch.
“Määnin. I know you cannot be that dense. Tommy would walk through burning fire if you asked him to, he's so far gone for you that it's sad to watch.”
Määnin scoffed. Tommy might insist on writing songs about him being the toughest man in Vöra but it was his way of processing his internalised homophobia and his idea of what a tough man should be, that was all. He certainly wasn't in love with Määnin. Määnin said as much to Freppa who actually reached forward and patted Määnin's shoulder.
“Please don't make me deal with two of you in complete denial. I will actually combust.”
“Fine, say I accept your view and agree that Tommy might be in love with me. What are you going to do about it? It's not like Tommy is good at taking a hint and he certainly isn't going to come out anytime soon.” snapped Määnin.
“Well. Mum and I have been watching some old movies and a common trend seemed to be that if you wanted two people to get together but one was oblivious, the other one should date someone else and then the person who was oblivious will realise their feelings.”
Confused, Määnin twisted round to face Freppa better, pulling his legs up onto the couch into the little basket thing they made kids do in school. Sue him if it was childish, it was comfy.
“Freppa. Did you bang your head? Did Tommy hit it too hard trying to knock your cap off?”
“No. I'm perfectly fine. And he's stopped with the cap knocking off after I beat him at foosball a few weeks ago. He'll inevitably start up again but it's nice for now.”
“Well then why on earth would you think me being in a relationship would change anything about this. He's seen me with both guys and girls before. He was even with me when I kissed that really hot drag queen that one time.”
Freppa nodded, almost dreamily. “Yeah that drag queen was hot. The height difference was also very entertaining. Tommy did seem rather stressed watching you climb them like a tree.”
“Oi. Leave the height difference out of it. Not all of us can be bean poles that use the clouds as pillows.”
The pair burst out laughing, it was an old joke between the pair but it was comfortable. Like a favourite, worn out, old pair of jeans. It was just nice to wear them occasionally.
“Anyway. Tommy has seen you kiss people, sure. In his head, that's just part of who you are and what you do. But he's never seen you in a proper relationship. You've never brought anyone longer term around us.”
“There hasn't been anyone longer term.” Määnin muttered. “I’ve never made it past the third date.”
Freppa tilted his head, silently staring across the couch. Määnin stared down, unwilling to meet his friend’s eyes. Talk about having shattered his own image. The silence was pressing in, squashing Määnin like he would crush a can under his boot. He had tried to be more open with his friends recently but it still felt shameful to admit that he wasn’t as much of a Casanova as people imagined.
“Määnin. Look. I don’t care how many people you’ve kissed, how many you’ve dated, how many you’ve seen for more than one night. I just want to help my two friends be as happy as I know you could be.”
Määnin quickly grasped onto this to change the focus away from his failed relationships. Freppa didn’t need to know how his relationships always fell apart because no one could measure up to his best friends, no one cared the way they did and certainly no one understood him like they did.
“You still haven’t explained how any of this is going to help. If I don’t have a partner to bring around Tommy, this plan is pointless.”
“Ah. Well. You see. Um.”
“Freps, spit it out before you choke on your own words. I promise whatever it is is fine.”
“Iwasthinkingwecouldpretendtodateandthatmightbeenoughttocatchhisattention.” blurted Freppa.
Määnin raised an eyebrow. He was fairly sure he knew what Freppa had just said and the flush that had flooded his face seemed to back up what Määnin suspected but he waited until Freppa repeated himself, the sheer entertainment value of what Freppa was pitching enough to have even Määnin interested.
“Are you seriously going to make me repeat myself? I know you heard me.”
Määnin stared silently, an eyebrow raised as he waited for Freppa to crack
“Ugh, Määnin you are the worst. I swear I don’t know why I’m doing this.”
Unable to resist teasing him, Määnin quickly replied. “I believe you said something about helping your two best friends experience ever lasting happiness together.”
Freppa snorted. “Okay, we both know I didn’t go that far. I just want to be able to have one performance where I don't have to worry about you falling off the stage because you are too busy staring at Tommy’s ass in his jeans when you try to give the front row shots again. Or get through the post gig mingling at one venue without worrying Tommy is going to combust if you even look at another human being.”
“Excuse you, I was several shots deep the last time that happened and I wasn’t staring at Tommy, I was just drunk and tripped over a rouge wire.”
Even Määnin didn’t believe himself. Freppa, however, was far more gracious than Määnin would have been and chose to not push it any further.
“Now. What was it you said again?” teased Määnin.
“Are you serious? Ugh. Fine. I was thinking we could pretend to date and that might be enough to catch his attention.”
For a brief second, Määnin thought about making a joke about completing the Sippus set but Freppa looked more stressed than Määnin had seen him in a while so decided that Freppa was being so nice to him, it only seemed fair to be nice in return.
“I mean. Would that work? Would Tommy even care?”
Freppa sighed so forcefully Määnin could see his fringe move. “Määnin, Tommy would be upset that I’m here and he isn’t right now. He just needs the chance to see you as boyfriend material and that you are open to dating a bandmate and I have no doubt that he will realise what he wants in no time.”
Määnin was certain there were probably a million ways this could blow up in their faces but was he really willing to give it a try for the tiniest possibility that he could actually be with Tommy. He let his thoughts wander for a moment, back through years of memories of both Tommy and Freppa. Was he seriously considering this? He thought back to his early twenties. He would have laughed Freppa out of his flat for suggesting this. Maybe time had made him wiser after all. Realising he had essentially shut down and Freppa was silently waiting on an answer, Määnin exhaled quietly and nodded.
“Fuck it. Why not? And if it doesn’t work I can write a song about fucking a mother and her hot son.”
“Määnin, fucking hell.” Freppa giggled. “I’m sure the fans would love that.”
The pair looked at each other and burst out laughing again.
“They would love it even more if you shook your ass at me on stage whilst I sang it.” Määnin winked behind his sunglasses then smiled as Freppa lost it, laughing so hard he was only making weird noises and the occasional gasp for air. Määnin couldn’t help but admire how free Freppa was. It was so nice to have someone in his life who didn’t give a fuck about what anyone thought. Määnin and Tommy were always so busy worrying about what other people thought. As Freppa fought to catch his breath, Määnin jumped up off the couch and grabbed them both a drink. This was probably going to be a long conversation. He returned to the couch, tossing the trip he kept in specifically for Freppa at him, then flopped back down onto the couch, opening his own can of beer once he had settled.
“So. What is your actual plan here? Do we just text him and tell him we are fucking?”
“No, Jesus, are you trying to get him to explode? We need to seem like we are legitimately dating. Like seen together in public, holding hands around him, flirting at rehearsals, pet names, that sort of thing.”
He contemplated Freppa’s ideas. None of that seemed terrible, it wasn’t like Freppa was an unattractive man. Then a thought hit him.
“Have you considered the fact you’d have to kiss me?”
Määnin expected Freppa to look shocked or maybe stammer out a response but he simply smiled and nodded.
“You think I haven’t thought this all through. Be realistic, of course I’ve thought about it all, including kissing you. I’m the most organised person you know. Have you considered the fact you’ll have to kiss me?”
Määnin swallowed and took a second to think about it. The way he would have to stretch up onto his toes to reach Freppa’s mouth if they were standing. He looked across the gap between them which suddenly seemed tiny and peered at Freppa’s lips, a pale pink pair that looked surprisingly soft. Määnin watched as he pursed them around his straw and sipped at his strawberry juice. Suddenly feeling a little flustered, Määnin looked away from Freppa and took a sip of his own beer. Could he kiss Freppa? Would Freppa be a good kisser? Was this all too much effort? Maybe it would just be easier to keep trying to find someone in a bar after their gigs? Freppa leaned forward and placed his juice on the table. He then sat back again and stared softly at Määnin before speaking quietly.
“So. In or out? It’s entirely up to you, Määnin. I just want to see you and Tommy happy.”
Määnin nodded. “If you are willing to help me seduce Tommy by pretending to be my boyfriend, I won’t say no. But one ask first, before we try and actually plan this out. Can I kiss you? Just so it seems like we aren't kissing for the first time in front of him.”
“Yes Määnin, you can kiss me.” murmured Freppa.
Määnin placed his beer on the table in front of him and shifted so he was facing Freppa more comfortably and then placed his hand on Freppa’s thigh. He could feel butterflies in his stomach but couldn’t work out why he was so nervous, it was just Freppa. He moved closer, narrowing the gap between them until their breaths mingled in the tiny gap in between them, but froze, slightly terrified of what would happen if he closed that final gap between them. He was supposedly the toughest man in Vöra. He had kissed plenty of men. Why was he so nervous about kissing Freppa?
“Are you sure you want to do this, Määnin? Consent is supposed to be sexy and right now you look like I'm dragging you to the dentist rather than trying to kiss you.”
The joke was enough to make Määnin relax. He nodded and squeezed Freppa's thigh. Freppa smiled sweetly, placed his hand on Määnin’s shoulder and closed the gap between them. Määnin was shocked, frozen against his soft lips for a minute before he responded. Their lips were pressed together so softly, Määnin felt like he was a nervous teenager again. It was a short but sweet kiss that made Määnin wonder how acceptable it was to want more when Freppa pulled back after only a few seconds.
“Are we good?” asked Freppa.
“It was good. Not as much tongue as I'd normally use but I can live with that.” joked Määnin.
Then he smiled. That had been fine. The world was still spinning despite the fact he had kissed his…well he wasn't sure what to call Freppa right now but everything was fine.
“Shit yeah, tongue. We should practice that. I feel like Tommy would expect it. We've seen you kiss other people, you need to kiss me like that.”
Määnin raised his eyebrow at the challenge then decided to just go for it. He darted across the couch, crowding into Freppa's space and crushed their lips together. He demanded entrance and tangled their tongues together as soon as Freppa granted him access to the warm, wet heat of his mouth. Freppa’s arm snuck around Määnin's waist, holding him like something precious and Määnin's hands dropped around Freppa’s shoulders, one hand on his neck keeping him close whilst they battled for who was leading this dance.
Time stopped around them, all that mattered was where their lips met and how their tongues seemed to fit together perfectly in a way that Määnin had never really experienced before. Even their breathing synced up, tiny inhales that didn't get in the way of their frantic kisses.
Eventually a lack of proper air forced them apart but only their lips. Freppa’s hand tightened around Määnin's waist and Määnin kept his arms locked around Freppa’s neck. Their foreheads rested together and they remained locked together breathing in sync until there was a thump from the flat above. The sudden noise tore them apart and Määnin found himself back on his own separate couch cushion, desperately gulping from his can.
After what felt like an eternity of a crushing silence, Freppa finally spoke. “Well. Um. I think that might just be enough to convince Tommy.”
Määnin nodded, not ready to think about what had just occurred between the two. Any thoughts of that were being shoved in that dark box in the back of his brain that he could explore when he was dead or something.
“So, what happens next in these chick flicks of yours?”
“Well normally they make a plan on how to tell the oblivious one they are dating, and then they just seem to work together to make the person jealous, and then there’s a dramatic confession, and it all seems to work out.”
Freppa shrugged and picked his juice back up, fiddling with the straw in silence. Määnin thought everything over for a minute then sighed. He really didn’t fancy destroying his life but equally he knew Tommy needed a shove into his feelings or they were going to be stuck in this weird dance forever.
“Okay. So I'm not making up some weird romantic fake getting together story. We can tell him I got drunk and kissed you or something then just make it up. I doubt he will even have any questions.”
Määnin watched as a myriad of expressions danced across Freppa’s face before he gave a soft hum of acceptance.
“I'll go along with that but I won't be shocked if Tommy gives me a full shakedown and it includes the words ‘if you hurt him, I'll hurt you. Or more likely, I won't need to, he'll hurt you himself but I'll back him up.’ or something immensely similar.”
Määnin laughed, finally feeling the world snap back onto a normal tilt at Freppa’s scarily good ability to read people. It had just been a rather good kiss between two very good friends was all. He was an exceptional kisser after all.
“I'd say you're probably wrong but I've both met Tommy, and know not to tangle with your ability to read people.”
“Look at you. Still able to learn new tricks despite being an old dog.” Freppa bent backwards as he spoke as if he could already see the playful slap Määnin immediately sent in his direction. Määnin's fingers barely glanced across Freppa’s chest but Freppa still immediately howled like he had been shot. Määnin rolled his eyes as Freppa curled into a ball, acting like he was dying. He wailed as he slipped off the couch then stared up at Määnin with surprisingly realistic baleful eyes.
“First Tommy, now you. I should phone the police for band mate abuse. I could have been a guitarist in any band, you know, I would have been in demand.”
Määnin teased back immediately. “Is that right? What band are you joining?”
Freppa thought for a moment then climbed back onto the couch before he turned to Määnin with a grin that Määnin had seen turn the fans to puddles in the front row. “I could have joined KAJ. I could have been their hot bad boy with the cheekbones .”
“Freppa, there are many words to describe you but despite being in a mess of a band with me and Tommy, bad boy has never been words to describe you. And I'm fairly sure Kevin has their cute boy with cheekbone quota covered.”
Freppa pointed at him. “Ahh but you didn't deny hot though.”
Määnin lifted his sunglasses then rolled his eyes, just to make sure Freppa didn't miss the gesture.
“Hotness was a requirement for being in the band, don't get a big head. Your hat won't fit.”
“I certainly don't remember Tommy mentioning hot being a requirement when he cornered me that day. Is that a new rule?”
Laughter bubbled its way out of both them, dancing throughout the slightly messy living room. Määnin took another sip of his beer and then asked the one question that was bothering him.
“When are we telling Tommy? Should we invite him over and tell him now?”
Freppa shook his head. “No. We should tell him tomorrow at that rehearsal we have scheduled. You can come over slightly early so we can be sitting on the couch together when he comes in then explain.”
“Sounds reasonable. I think I'll head over and pre-warn my dad later, just so he doesn't make any stupid comments that set Tommy off. You know he loves to stir the drama.”
“And his son isn't the exact same?” Freppa asked with a raised brow and a smile curling at the edge of his lips.
“Hey! I can't help that Linda and Daisy tell me the drama and not you. Our little trio that we formed in maths years ago remains the best gossip group I've ever been part of, plus Daisy always brings the best cinnamon rolls when we meet up and I'm not turning them down for anything.”
“I can see the headlines now. Toughest man in Vöra in a gossip circle.”
Määnin sniffed. “Excuse you. We are simply three old friends who meet up and eat cake. Any gossiping simply happens to be a side effect.”
“Määnin, I've seen your group chat filled with voice notes. It's literally called the witches of Macbeth reborn.”
“Ha. Yeah, Crille called us that once on a night out and it stuck. God, can you imagine us having ended up friends with that squirt we met back when he first moved here.”
“Me, maybe but you and Tommy, absolutely not! Didn't you literally lift him and threaten him one time?”
A frustrated sigh burst from Määnin's lips. “Fuck! I thought I'd finally ditched that fucking rumour. It's been more than 15 years. No, it wasn't me. It was that idiot cousin of mine, Tony, he was wearing the same denim jacket we both got for Christmas that year and for some reason everyone thought it was me. I thought I'd told you that.”
Freppa shook his head.
“Damn. No wonder people were whispering when Crille and I got burgers last week. Anyway, can you think of anything else we should discuss?”
“I guess it would be useful to know how touchy feely you want to be.”
“You’ve seen me with other people, is that level of touchy feely good for you?”
“So ass grabbing, neck kissing, flirting with you as you play the bass, and lifting you onto bars then kissing you are all on the table.” Freppa smiled. “Well. Okay. I guess if that works for you.”
Määnin tried very hard not to think about Freppa lifting him. “It wouldn't be very normal for me to not do those things, so unless they bother you…”
“Nope. Absolutely fine with me. Prepare to be pretend woo'd so hard.” Freppa thought for a moment. “I might even bring you flowers tomorrow. Can't be setting a low bar for when Tommy does step in. Is there anything else bothering you or am I okay to head out? I promised mum I'd watch the next film on her list today.”
Without even thinking about it, Määnin raised his eyebrows and smirked at the mention of Freppa's mum. Freppa immediately smacked at his arm before he playfully reprimanded him.
“Ah, ah. Dating her son remember, no more flirting with your future mother in law now.”
Letting out a fake cry, Määnin placed the back of his hand against his forehead and pretended to swoon. “Oh Marlene, I can't believe they are tearing us apart like this. Wait for me, my love.”
At that, Freppa dived across the couch and then the two were playfully wrestling. Freppa managed to pin him to the couch, being the first to move and his long limbs helping him gain an advantage over Määnin who was pinned to the sofa underneath him. He pinned Määnin's arms to the cushion behind his head and then gave the softest glare Määnin had ever seen. He felt a weird tingling in his chest before Freppa distracted him by speaking.
“You take that back or I'll be getting someone to defend my honour. Jilted for my own mother. I can't believe it.”
“How ever can I make it up to you, my snookums?”
At that Freppa laughed and flopped back onto his own side of the couch.
“Snookums? Really? We can't do better than snookums? Actually that's a good question. What on earth are we calling each other? Are we the type of couple who has pet names?”
“I mean, I'm the only one who ever calls you Freps so I might stick with that with the occasional Fredrik or darling tossed in to keep it fresh. And you better have a pet name for me too or we'll be having our first fight.”
Määnin took Freppa’s half grin as a yes. The pair then sat in a comfortable silence for a minute whilst Freppa wracked his brains, Määnin trying not to laugh at the wrinkle that had formed between Freppa’s eyebrows as he thought.
Suddenly Freppa’s face lit up and he snapped his fingers. “Okay, if you're calling me Fredrik, I'm using Jean Filip and you can sigh all you want. As for a cute nickname, well you'll just have to wait and see.”
Määnin frowned, curiosity already burning to know what Freppa had come up with.
“Text me if you think of anything else but I seriously gotta get going, mum will end up sending out a search party. I swear she forgets I'm a grown man.”
With that Freppa stood up and headed to the door. He spun just as he was leaving and blew a kiss.
“See you later…. boyfriend.”
The door slammed shut behind Freppa, leaving Määnin staring silently at the space his kiss had been blown into. What on earth had he signed up for? He had only ever seen Freppa in one relationship and Määnin had only met the guy twice. Other than that, it had been catching glimpses of him kissing people in corners and Määnin, unlike Tommy, didn't stare. So realistically, he had no clue what he had just signed up for. His stomach was churning, like that feeling just before you drop off the tallest part of a roller coaster, the anticipation of being spun about, hard and fast but still safe. He knew Freppa wouldn't mess him about, he just wished he knew what Tommy would think. He sighed and stood up, tossing his boots on. It was time to go prewarn his dad not to screw around with Tommy tomorrow, something important depended on it after all. He probably should text Thåossin as well. Just so he wasn’t left out and entirely confused at practice the next day. There was a surprising amount of work that went into fake dating one best friend to get the attention of the other. Hopefully it would be worth it in the end.