*gasps* What is she doing?
Don't worry, I am working on DoaS, but I was cleaning out some files on my computer, and ran into this drabble/oneshot? I remember seeing a drawing from Dreama some time back that inspired me to write this. And I meant to post in her honor during Christmas, but never got to it finishing it... bad friend.
All the same this is dedicated to Dreama! Thank you, my friend, for your endless support and inspiration!
Rated T: Heavy drinking. Jack and Vlad centered.
Time of Christmas Past
If there was one thing Jack Fenton knew about himself it was that he was a simple guy. He didn't bother over thinking things because it did nothing but cause you a big headache. It was more effective to take things day by day. He liked seeing where the road would take him. Life was more exciting that way.
He also believed in always looking at the positive side of life. As his mother would say, 'If life gives you lemons, you make lemonade'. He supposed it's why nothing really weighed him down. Some people called him a dreamer. Some less than nice people would call him stupidly optimistic. But Jack Fenton stood by his beliefs. It had gotten him this far at least.
Perhaps that was why he wasn't as worried as he should be right now. He was nearing the end of his first semester of his junior year in college, and his grades had been steadily declining. His advisor had told him that if he didn't change that trend and get his grades back up, he might not even see graduation. It was why this semester he had been trying to study more and even go to tutoring sessions. Not that it was doing a lot to help him. He was sure he was going to fail at least two of his classes.
What could he say? He wasn't a smart guy. At least not with the books. He had failed the CAT test in high school, and he had been held back two years, which made him the oldest guy in his classes almost all the time. Heck, if he even got into the University of Wisconsin it had been because of his invention winning first price in the Maryland State Fair. It had been enough for WU to take notice of him and give him a chance.
Sometimes he wished he was better at the books than at 'making stuff'.
Still, Jack defined himself by his creativeness. He had a whole notebook of stuff he wanted to invent. And he probably would have realized a lot of his ideas if it wasn't for the lack of funds. It was why he had been begging the University to let him open a science club; but they kept giving him push backs—mainly because of his grades.
His major was in spectral biomechanics. Yes, you heard right. It was really a branch of general biomechanics. However, it dwelled more into the theoretical field. Not many went into this major. In fact, the school was seriously considering getting rid of it. But there were a handful of people who were majoring in it, so if they did cut it, it would be for future students. Still, it would be such a waste. Jack thought it was an awesome major. Too bad the classes it required were just as demanding as regular biomechanics.
Still, he refused to change majors. No respectable future ghost hunter and scientist could be legit without a major in spectral biomechanics!
Jack suddenly pouted. Shame his grades were in the trash. The good news was that the semester was almost over! He had just finished his last final exam, and this semester had not gone so bad. At least, he did well enough to stay in WU thanks to certain someone that had come into his life this semester.
But not wanting to think about classes and grades right now. He focused on the fact that classes were done! And that meant he would be packing tonight to head back home to Maryland with his parents to spend the holidays.
Jack's demeanor instantly brightened at the thought. His folks were awesome. He might be an only child, but he definitely had never felt lonely during his entire childhood. His parents were like his best friends. His mother made the best food, and his father was easy-going and so much fun to hang out with. But even if his immediate family was small, his dad's family was huge. His father had nine more siblings; so every Christmas, they would all get together to eat and just have a swell time.
Jack knew this year would be no different.
The thought of his family reunion put an extra step in Jack's walk towards his dorm. It was super cold outside. Just yesterday, they had a severe storm hit Wisconsin; so it made the long walk back to his dorm feel like forever.
Finally, he made it to his dorm. He threw open the door, before quickly closing it. The place was small but comfortable. There were two bedrooms, one bath, and a small kitchen and living room. The latter two could be classified as one room being that there was no separation to them, and it was very small.
But alas, it was home.
Jack threw his only notebook and pencil on the tiny coffee table before heading over to the fridge. He quickly grabbed the last coke. He would definitely need to do some food shopping when he got back from break. Then again, he was sure his mother would stockpile him with food to last him at least a month.
He looked through the pantry for something to eat, but it was empty. Yup. He would be having pizza tonight.
He popped open his coke and chugged it before letting out a loud burp.
Right then, the front door opened.
"Really, Jack. I heard that from outside," he heard his dorm-mate say in a dry tone of voice as he walked in with arms full of groceries.
Jack grinned. "V-man!"
The other boy sighed as he walked over to the kitchen and set down the groceries on the counter. He then pinned Jack a look, and said, "Why do you insist on calling me that? Makes me sound like some bogus comic superhero or something. "
"I know! Isn't it awesome?" Jack replied before putting his hands on his hips and puffing his chest. He added, "I can imagine it now! You with a flapping cape and mullet standing at the top of a building as the media announces, 'V-man has saved the day again! He has made our streets safe from evil spooks!"
Vlad gave him a weird look, and Jack just laughed harder.
"Anyways," Vlad muttered as he turned his attention back to the groceries and started unpacking.
"Here, let me help with that!" Jack said.
"No, it's fine—"
Vlad sighed as the other boy ignored him and began to put things away. He watched him for a moment before asking, "Shouldn't you be packing? You're leaving tomorrow, right?"
"Yup! But I can pack in like a minute," Jack answered.
"I don't doubt that," Vlad muttered as he watched his roommate just shove things into the pantry wherever they would fit.
Vlad turned back to his groceries and grabbed the milk. He went to the fridge, and paused when he noticed something.
"Did you drink my soda?"
Jack blinked at his roommate. "Uh, I thought it was my soda."
Vlad frowned in aggravation. "No, Jack. You drank your last can of soda week ago and have just been drinking mine this whole week."
Jack grinned sheepishly. "Sorry, I lost count of that. You know how much I love coke!"
"Oh, I know," Vlad replied almost angrily before putting the milk in the fridge and all but slamming the door.
Jack frowned. "Come on, Vladdie. Don't be mad. I can—"
"No, don't bother," Vlad cut him off before grabbing the rest of the groceries and quickly putting them away. Then without another word, he walked off to his room.
Jack watched him go before he sighed.
He had met Vlad just last semester. Because of his grades, Jack had been forced to take summer classes to keep from falling too far behind. The good thing about that was that he had been able to choose his dorm earlier for the year. Apparently, Vlad stayed around the summer, so the younger boy had already been in the dorm when Jack first got there.
Jack had had such a great time with his previous roommates that he had expected his newest one to be just as cool. He had been sure they would hit it off right away. Except, well, they hadn't.
Well, really, it wasn't that they hadn't hit it off, but rather that Vlad… He was different.
He kept to himself often times. In fact, it had taken Jack at least a month to get the guy to have an actual conversation with him. It had been a bit rough, especially when Jack was such a chatterbox. He didn't really like the quiet as much as Vlad seem to.
But over the time, Vlad had warmed up to him. They were almost friends. Or, Jack like to think so. They had gone out twice before, and Vlad had started helping him with his classes this semester. It had definitely taken him from flunking all his classes to just flunking one.
But even with all that, Jack felt Vlad still kept his distance from him—and really, anyone else. At least, Jack had not once seen his roommate invite over a friend or anything.
Jack didn't give things a lot of thought, but his roommate was definitely on his small list lately. Jack was twenty-two, and Vlad was twenty. Yet, his roommate had a personality of an old guy. He wasn't much fun, honestly. But Jack couldn't help but like him. They were so different, and maybe that's what Jack liked about him. Vlad was not like him anyone he knew, and that made him a cool-dude in his book.
Not to mention the guy was crazy smart. He was sure if Vlad took one of those IQ test, he'd be like Einstein smart! Totally would!
And yet… Jack still wondered so many things about him; but the biggest thing was why did he never leave campus? At least he'd never seen him spend time elsewhere with family or other friends. And he couldn't help but notice that in this past week, his roommate had been particularly isolating himself. And honestly, a bit more testy than usual.
He was not all that perceptive, but he definitely knew all about cheering someone up!
But first, damage control!
With that thought and a grin, Jack grabbed his keys and headed out
He returned about an hour later, and found his roommate in the living room, reading a book.
But the moment Vlad saw him with his arms full of groceries, he quickly put his book down and sat up.
"Jack! What in the world?! It was my turn to buy groceries this week, why did you go out and buy more?"
Ignoring how the younger boy got up and followed him into the kitchen, Jack began to put away the groceries, and replied, "I had some extra change, and what better use of my money than to buy us more chow! Oh, and…. Here you go, Vladdie. I promise they are all yours this time!"
Vlad's eyes widened as his roommate handed him a 6 pack of soda. "Is this why…?" The thin young man sighed. "Jack, you didn't have to do this. It's not a big deal. I just overreacted, and I shouldn't have! Look, I'll pay you back next—"
"Pay me back?" Jack laughed. "Don't be silly! That's what friends are for. Plus, I owe you! Soda is the least I can do when you practically helped me past almost all my classes this semester!"
Vlad fell quiet and lowered his gaze. "I… didn't do much…"
"You kidding me? I was on probation before I met you! I wouldn't even be here after this semester!" Jack answered before he finished unpacking the last of the items, and shut the fridge.
"Well… Thanks. I mean, for the sodas. You didn't have to but… yeah, thanks."
"Of course, pal! Anytime! You want some fudge?" Jack asked as he opened a container of the treat.
Vlad smiled a bit. "Sure, I'll take a piece."
Jack handed him a piece before shoving two pieces into his own mouth.
Vlad took a bite of his own piece, and slightly cringed. "Wow… that's super sweet."
"Isn't it great?!" Jack mumbled, still chewing.
"Yeah, cavity-inducing goodness," Vlad answered with a grin.
Jack laughed. "Exactly!"
Vlad continued to munch on his piece of fudge as he finally stepped away from the kitchen and headed back to the couch.
He picked up his book to continue reading when Jack spoke again.
"So, you haven't mentioned what you're doing for the holidays. Going anywhere? You're not hanging around here, right?"
Vlad paused mid-way into taking another bite of fudge. He frowned at the treat as be muttered, "Actually, I am. No plans."
Jack frowned as he swallowed another piece of fudge before setting down the container, and walking over to his friend.
"Really? Not even for Christmas? No one should spend Christmas alone, V-man!" Jack said with slight worry.
Vlad just shrugged. "Not my kind of thing."
Jack's eyebrows creased. "Family's everyone's kinda thing… isn't it?"
"Shock factor: It's not," Vlad answered, slamming his book shut with sudden bitterness as he stood and walked back towards his room.
Jack watched him go, unable to say anymore. He didn't know what to make of his roommate. Even people that didn't celebrate Christmas did something.
"I'm gonna figure you out one day, Vlad," he muttered to himself with a sigh
"Momma! Pops!" Jack exclaimed as he made it home at last.
"Oh, my beautiful baby boy!" his mother exclaimed back as they squeezed each other tightly.
"Jack-a-roni!" his father said with a strong slap to his back. "Good to have you home, Son!"
But then his father further added, "Come on! The rest of the family is all here!"
Jack grinned widely as he entered his parents house and was tackled with hugs by his aunts, uncles, and cousins. That's what he loved about the holidays. When the Fentons got together, it was a total party, complete with laughs, games and food! Lots and Lots of food!
And the best part? It lasted a full week!
Yup, that's right! Full week of non-stop eating and annoying the crud out of each other in that family-type-of-way you couldn't help but love.
Right away, Jack felt all his thoughts of college and classes and grades slip away, and he fully enjoyed his family time.
It wasn't days later on the morning of Christmas eve, as he was looking at all the presents around the tree that he began to wonder about his roommate Vlad again.
What could he possibly be doing all alone in their dorm?
"Hey, Son… Kinda too pensive, eh?" his father said. He squeezed his son's shoulder, and said warmly, "No room for long faces today, you know?"
Jack looked at his dad and smiled. "Yeah, I know. I'm not down or anything… just… Well, I'm thinking about my roommate."
"Oh, that quiet boy you talk about all the time? What was his name again?" his father questioned.
"Vlad," Jack answered. "Although I like to call him V-man! 'Cause he's like a superhero!"
His father chuckled. "How so?"
"He's such a swell guy, Pops!" Jack said with a grin. "He helped me, helped me save my grades, when everyone else had given up on me! So, yeah, he's been V-man ever since!"
"Sounds like a hero to me, too!" his dad replied warmly. "But… you looked troubled…?"
"Well, somethin's been eating at me," Jack said with a sigh. "See, we get a along great and all, but in the months I've know him, I feel like I don't know him at all! He's so… closed off. And I don't get it."
"Some people like to be on their own," his father answered. "It's nothing unusual."
"Sounds crazy, but I don't think he's like that," Jack answered as he crossed his hands and furrowed his brow in thought. "Like, not really. I think he's just closing himself off as some kind of defense mechanism, like he's afraid of somethin'. But I don't think he really wants to be like that. The few times I've gotten him to open up, he's so different. And he's funny! And smart! And I start thinking to myself, now this is Vladdie!"
Jack paused as he frowned before he added, "...But then he abruptly shuts down again. And I can't figure out why! And… it bothers me he's spending Christmas all alone!"
His father got quiet, though he looked thoughtful.
"You know, Son… No one really knows the secrets hidden inside a man's heart but himself. We guys like to act all tough and think we can handle anything on our own. But that's not always true. Sometimes… we need savin', too, you get me?"
Jack slowly nodded. "I think so…"
But he only partly understood. He knew he wasn't like the 'normal guy'. He had no problem admitting when he needed help or when he wasn't feeling all that great. He guessed it never bothered him to share his feelings. But he at least understood not everyone was like him.
"You're a good kid," his father suddenly said with a smile. "And you got a kind heart that I know you got no problem with wearing on your sleeve. Not many people can do that; but those that can… Well, it's a gift, Son. And God's gifts should never be squandered."
Jack looked at his father. "What are you sayin', Pops?"
His dad's smile widened. "I'm telling you to do exactly what you've been wanting to do all week long."
Jack's eyes widened, but then he rubbed his neck. "But…. you and Mom… and the family's here. And well, tomorrow's Christmas!"
His Father nodded. "Exactly. And isn't Christmas about giving? And what kind of man would I be if I keep my son's gift for myself?"
Jack grinned before he hugged his father. "Thanks, Pops! You always know just what to say!"
His father patted his back, and replied, "Comes with getting old! Now you promise me just one thing, Son…. Next year, you be sure to bring your friend with you. You mentioned before that he plays chess, right?"
"Yup! Real good at it, too!" Jack chuckled.
"I'd love to see if he's as good as me," his father answered with a smirk.
Back in the small dorm in Wisconsin, it was almost midnight on Christmas Eve. Vlad sat alone in his room, quietly gazing at a single picture on his nightstand.
With a sad sigh, he grabbed the frame and placed it down on its face so he didn't have to continue to stare at his past life.
He only briefly glanced at his clock before he fell back on his bed, and stared up at his plain white ceiling.
"Merry Christmas, Vlad," he whispered to himself as a single tear slid down his cheek.
But he quickly squeezed his eyes closed. He wasn't going to cry. He had spent too much time crying in the past. A past that just wouldn't leave him be.
Suddenly, he heard a bang against his entrance door, and he sat up with a jolt. Oh God. What was that?
Vlad tensed as he heard another bang, and he quickly got to his feet and looked around for something to defend himself with. Who the blazes broke into some small dorm on Christmas?! The universe truly hated him!
Unable to find anything of use, he quickly unplugged his lamp, and picked it up…. Only to remember it was his only source of light.
Vlad cursed to himself only to jump when he hard yet another bang. He shakily walked out of his pitch-black room and into the pitch black hallway leading to the living room and front entrance.
He breathed hard as he heard more than saw someone messing with the doorknob. This was it, the young man decided. He would be massacred in his own dorm room on Christmas Eve, and no one would find his decomposing body until weeks later when Jack returned.
Yes… the universe really hated him.
Suddenly, the door was thrown open, and Vlad did two things. He screamed and then threw his lamp at the intruder at the door.
Luckily for the intruder, he had horrible aim.
"Whoa!" Jack exclaimed as something flew passed his head and smashed into pieces on the wall.
But the man quickly reached to the light switch next to him, and turned on the lights.
"JACK?!"
"VLAD!"
The two stared at each other in utter disbelief. But then Jack glanced down at the pieces on the ground and saw what it was.
"Uh…. Did you just throw your lamp at me?"
Vlad suddenly exploded. "Jack! You dolt! I could have killed you! I thought you were some serial killer! Are you INSANE! Why were you BANGING on the door! I almost had a—is that a TREE?!"
Jack looked down at the 4-foot tree in his hands. It had been incredibly hard to get it up the stairs, especially with all the extra packages of stuff he had hanging from his arms and wrists. It had been heck trying to open the door! He supposed he could have put everything down, but he barely could carry it all up as it was.
But remembering his friend's question, Jack grinned and answered, "YUP! Can't have Christmas without a tree, Vladdie!"
Vlad just stared in shock at his roommate. "I… I don't understand. And… what are you doing here?"
"I told ya! We're doing Christmas! Now, stop gawking and help me!" Jack answered.
Vlad blinked but then quickly moved forward to help the other young man.
Once they got everything inside, and managed to shut the door, Vlad turned back to his friend and said, "Okay, explain. I thought you weren't returning for several weeks! Also, what's all this stuff?"
"Remember how I said no one should spend Christmas alone?" Jack asked with a grin. "Well, here I am! We are having Christmas together, V-man! It's gonna be great!"
Vlad's eyes widened. "What? But your family…"
"Oh, don't worry 'bout them! They got plenty of company. Now, how about you help me put up this stuff, and then we can really start having some fun!"
But the younger man was still so taken aback. "Jack… Did you really just fly back from Maryland and left your family to spend Christmas with me?"
"Sure did!" Jack declared and lifted the small tree up to its height and began to secure it to the tree stand. Nothing like that fresh Christmas tree smell to make a place feel like the holidays!
"Jack… why? Why would you do that?" Vlad suddenly whispered, his eyebrows creased inward with mixed emotions.
Jack frowned slightly. "'Cause we're friends, Vladdie. And friends stick together. And friends are always there for each other."
Vlad smiled a bit. "Friends?"
"Yeah, Vlad. You're my friend," Jack said with a chuckle. His roommate was strange sometimes. Of course they were friends! Since the day they met, Jack decided they would be the bestest of friends!
Vlad finally smiled warmly. "Right," he agreed. But then with a grin, he looked through the boxes and said, "Let's see what you brought."
"Oh, almost forgot!" Jack suddenly said as he went over to another box next to Vlad's feet. He then pulled out two 12-packs of beer.
"Can't celebrate without some of the good stuff!" Jack said with a grin.
"You bought beer?" Vlad asked, surprised.
"Sure did!" Jack answered and went to stick them in the freezer, but grabbed two cans and tossed one at Vlad.
The younger man frowned at the drink before he muttered, "Jack, I'm not old enough to drink yet."
Jack popped his can open and took a big gulp. It was at room temperature but he didn't mind.
But focusing back to his friend, he scoffed. "Don't be a square, Vladdie! You're almost twenty-one! Time you start livin' the adult life. Come on! You'll like it!"
Vlad raised an eyebrow, but then he shrugged. He popped open his can and took a sip.
He hated it.
Sticking out his tongue and gagging, Vlad gasped out, "How can you drink this? It taste like toilet water!"
Jack laughed. "Don't know what toilet water taste like, V-man! But drinking isn't about the taste. It's about the buzz!"
"Buzz?" Vlad asked, staring at his beer in disgust.
"You'll find out if you keep drinking," Jack chuckled, grabbing his friend's wrist and encouraging him to drink the beer. "Just chug it! It taste better that way!"
"Okay…," Vlad said before he took a swig of his beer. He gagged in his mouth but managed to swallow it down.
Jack laughed. "Come on! Let's get this party started!"
It had taken them a couple hours to get all the Christmas decorations up before they decided to get something to eat. Luckily, Jack had brought food from home, which his mother had nicely packaged for them.
"Oh wow! This is so good!" Vlad said between mouthfuls of turkey and mash potatoes. "I can't remember the last time I had a home cooked meal like this! Your mother is AMAZING and I haven't even met her!"
"Oh yes! Why do you think I'm such a healthy weight?" Jack answered with a grin.
Vlad grinned back before he burst out laughing. "I get it now! Who wouldn't be a 'healthy weight' with food made for gods!"
Vlad quickly washed down his food with his third beer. His face was flushed but he was feeling fantastic!
"Come on! Hurry up! We still got pie!" Jack answered.
"I LOVE pie!" Vlad answered with a gasp. "Apple pie! Blueberry pie! Oooooh peach pie! Soooo good!"
Jack laughed. "Hey, Vlad, remember that buzz I mentioned?"
"Yeah?" Vlad asked before getting another spoonful of mash potatoes.
"Think you're getting there, my bud!"
Vlad stared at his empty beer can before he stood and said, "Great! Another!"
It was like four in the morning, and Jack and Vlad were sitting in the kitchen. Somehow, Jack ended up with his sunglasses on, and Vlad was currently trying to play the trombone. Key word was 'trying'. The instrument actually belonged to Jack.
Sometime throughout their festivities, Vlad decided he wanted Jack to teach him to play the trombone. And being a great friend, Jack obliged.
Jack thought Vlad sounded fantastic. At least in his half-drunk mind it did.
Lowering the instrument, Vlad grinned and said, "That's not hard at all! Just a few more practice sessions and I could join the Packer's band!"
Jack took off his glasses and grinned. "You'd be front and center, Vladdie!"
The two stared at each other before they burst into laughter.
By now, Vlad was giggling. If he wasn't so buzzed he would have been utterly embarrassed with himself.
"We should start a band!" Jack suddenly exclaimed and stood with his sudden idea.
Vlad gasped. "Totally! Yes, let's do it!"
"You sure? Not saying that 'cause you're drunk, are ya?" Jack answered skeptically.
Vlad stood but staggered. "I'm not drunk. I am buzzed. And I'm totally sayin 'yes'! Where you want me to sign? Can't take it back if I sign!"
"Okay, but I'll sign too 'cause I might be too buzzed to remember either!" Jack answered before turning and grabbing a pen from a drawer.
He looked around for paper. No paper.
"How do we have no paper?" Vlad asked appalled.
"I kinda dumped it all after finals…," Jack answered with a sheepish smile.
Vlad scowled but he couldn't even hold it on his face; and he suddenly grinned, "Come here."
Jack approached him without question; and to his surprise, Vlad took the pen from him before he leaned forward and signed his name on the man's forehead.
Vlad suddenly burst into giggles again. "Now, we can't forget!"
"HA!" Jack said with a grin, and grabbing his friend's arm, took the pen and signed his own name on Vlad's forehead. "Done! No turning back now!"
"Nope! We start rehearsing tomorrow!" Vlad declared.
Vlad was sobbing into his raised knees as Jack rubbed his back. "It's okay, Vlad…. Just let it all out. You got all the right to cry."
"They left me, Jack! First my father and sister, then my mother! I have no one!"
"What about that uncle you mentioned?" Jack wondered, unsure.
But Vlad shook his head. "I haven't seen him in years. And… And he lives in Florida. I can't go back there." He stared back at his friend with lost and unfocused eyes. "I can't, Jack. I can't do it!"
"Hey, calm down. You don't gotta go back if you don't want to," Jack quickly reassured me. "I'm glad you told me though. So much makes sense now… I'm so sorry, Vladdie."
The younger man nodded and tried to get ahold of himself. He didn't know why he had gone from overly happy to overly sentimental. Maybe it was the beer. Or the fact that Jack was here.
"Thanks… Thanks for spending Christmas was me. You're a true friend," Vlad suddenly said, smiling at the man.
"Anytime, V-man. And… I know we're both kinda drunk right now, but I'm totally serious. After today, it's you and me, Vlad my man. Both of us as best buds together. I won't ever leave you alone. You won't ever be alone again. Where you go, I'll go. And where I am, you'll be. Like… Like brothers!"
Vlad's eyes watered again. "You mean it?"
"Yup!"
"You won't forget tomorrow, will you?"
Jack shook his head. "Nope! And just so you believe me, as soon as we're over this buzz I'm gonna tell you again! And again and again! Until you believe me! I'll never leave you, Vladdie! Never!"
Vlad suddenly grabbed the other man in a hug, but then realizing what he did; he quickly pulled off. "That wasn't cool…."
Jack grinned, before he suddenly yanked him back in a hug. "It was totally cool!"
But pulling away, Jack added, "You know what would be even cooler? That you call up that girl you told me about. Your high school sweetheart!"
"What? NO!" Vlad exclaimed and attempted to get to his feet only to sway and fall back on the couch. "Can't call… her. No way."
"You totally should! You still like her!"
"That… that was years ago!" Vlad replied. "She… She probably doesn't even remember me. Plus, I left remember?"
"She'll forgive ya," Jack answered. "Come on…" Jack looked around for their phone, and finding it, he pulled it over and offered it to his friend. "Dare. Dare, V-man. You will lose all respect as a cool guy if you don't do it!"
Vlad glowered. "Way to have my back! Ugh!"
"This is me having your back! You like the gal! You could be smooching with her right now if you just man-up and tell her how you feel!"
"What if she changed her number?" Vlad argued.
"Only one way to find out… Come on, bro. Dare."
"You're not cool, Jack Fenton!" Vlad grumbled before he yanked the phone from his friend. And remembering his old girlfriend's number, he dialed it.
Vlad began to sweat while Jack grinned and punched his friend on the shoulder for encouragement.
"Hello?"
Vlad's face drained of color before he covered the phone. "It's her! Oh God! It's her! What do I say?!"
"That you wanna kiss her!" Jack answered and snickered.
"You're not helping!" Vlad shouted or more like whispered harshly.
"Hello?"
"Just tell her how you feel," Jack said with a grin. "Come on, stop being a scaredy-cat!"
Vlad gulped but finally answered, "He… Hello… I… I LOVE YOU!" And completely panicked, he hung up the phone.
"WHOA! LOVE! You said LOVE! That took some guts, V-man! You have my respect!" Jack said.
Vlad grinned. "I totally said it!"
"Well, what did she say?"
Vlad paused before he stared at the phone and realized all he heard was the dial tone.
"Uhhhh, I think I hung up on her…."
Jack burst into laughter.
And unable to resist, Vlad burst into laughter, too.
The two didn't stop until they had tears in their eyes and their stomachs ached.
But then reaching over for his forgotten beer, Jack grabbed it and suddenly declared, "A toast!"
"For?" Vlad asked with a smile as he grabbed his own drink.
"For everlasting loves and friendships, V-man! Can't ask for more than that!"
Vlad grinned "Yes, love and friendship! Toast to that!"
The two clanked their cans together before chugging down their drink.
Vlad gasped. "This stuff taste SO awful... It's worse than soda!"
Jack gasped, "Wait, all this time and you don't like soda?!"
Vlad giggled. "Shhhhh, it would be uncool if I don't."
The two laughed again.
Vlad then said, "I'm so glad we did this! Thanks again, Jack. You're a true pal! This is the best Christmas I've had in so long!"
"Definitely a day to remember!" Jack agreed with a grin
"This is the worst day of my life!" Vlad moaned as he sat next to the toilet at 10 am on Christmas Morning. He couldn't even count how many times he'd thrown up already. And his head! It was killing him!
"I'm never drinking a blasted beer again!" he muttered, closing his eyes.
Hearing a knock on the bathroom door, Vlad cringed in pain.
"Hey, V-man. Can I come in?"
"Yeah," Vlad answered miserably.
Jack smiled guiltily at his friend. In retrospect, he should have measured their alcohol consumption. Or at least warned his friend who had never had experience with it before.
"Hey, how you feeling? Brought you some pain killers and this fizzy water stuff for the nausea."
"Thanks," Vlad muttered as his friend bent down and handed him the glass and pills.
"Ugh," Vlad said when he could only take a few sips. He rubbed his forehead before asking Jack, "What did we do yesterday?"
"Have fun?" Jack answered with a small chuckle.
Vlad scrunched his eyebrows. He did remember some of it. Like the decorations and eating and… playing Jack's instrument… He remembered crying like a baby. Oh wait…. Oh no! He told Jack about his family and was crying like a baby! What other embarrassing things did he do?!
"Hey….," Jack said softly at seeing the panic in his friend's eyes.
Vlad stared back at him with large eyes.
"Don't think about it too much. We both did some embarrassing stuff. All part of the fun! Plus, what's college without a few regrets!"
Jack laughed.
Vlad smiled a bit.
"And by the way, you remember what I said to you last night?" Jack asked with a smile before he extended a hand at his friend.
Vlad stared back confused.
"I said I'm not leaving you alone, pal…. Come on, give me your hand. I got ya."
Vlad finally smiled as he remembered the promise his friend had made him. And grabbing his friend's hand, he got to his feet.
"Thanks… my friend," Vlad answered warmly.
Jack grinned back before he suddenly poked him on the forehead. "Just don't forget about the deal you made with me… You signed a contract, Vladdie."
"Huh?"
But Vlad finally noticed his name signed on Jack's forehead, and his eyes widened in horror before he raced to the bathroom mirror, and stared at his own reflection.
"Ah no! Why in the….!"
Jack just laughed heartedly as he walked out of the bathroom. "Merry Christmas, V-man! We begin rehearsal today!"
Ahhh, always wanted to write in Jack's point of view... sort of. This was so fun to write. I love thinking about Vlad's college days! Hahaha!