johannes de jager

luca can’t help but laugh at the story. “oh my god.” he says. “i can’t believe he didn’t know you were gay. i’ve known it for years of friendship,” the blond smiles and lets the manicurist take his hands. “did it go far? how long were you in that date?” he asks.

“right? i always thought i made it obvious,” johan shrugged, “i mean, i’ve never once told him about finding a woman attractive but i sure as hell don’t let him forget about how i feel for ryan reynolds.” the man tossed his head back with a laugh. “i mean, it lasted a whole evening of dinner. i didn’t mind too much ‘cause i got food out of it and she’s really sweet, easy to talk to... but as a friend. i’m gonna have to come clean, obviously, i just don’t know how.” johan sighed.

Oliver paused. He didn’t want to coddle Johan but well, he didn’t want him to be in pain either, hoisting him up through the window seemed like it might be tolling, especially with how slick it was out. “I think I can climb up,” he answered, tilting his head thoughtfully to the side, “Yeah, I think I can do it. Just wait here? I’ll get in and run over to bust open the door for you.“ Although as he said that, he recalled how he’d been on his back porch last night. He was always bad about locking the back door, he never used it so it never got unlocked to begin with. ”Oh, hey, I might have left the backdoor unlocked last night… I’ll go check, you wait here?”

“are you sure i can’t help?” johan offered, but the both of them knew that he would be more of a hinderence than a help, even if neither would say it aloud. “hang on, you leave your backdoor unlocked? what if you got robbed?” he gave oliver a playful whack against the arm as if to scold him, before rolling his eyes as he leant himself against the door frame. “alright, but shout out if you need me!” not that johan could do anything, but hey, the thought was there. the man turned to peer through the fogged window of the front door, “you in yet?”

“Ever? Can I ask why not? There’s no problem with it! I didn’t date until college, really, my family moved about a lot.” She’d go on dates, but the cheesy teen ones, a night at the movies or ice cream, scandalous. “Oh, you’re telling me! I’ve got the apps and they’re fun, but they feel like a game instead of something real. Some people get lucky, I guess, but it’s artificial.”  Shaking her head, she looked up with a devious grin, “What if I am?”

There was something in the air that told her this date would be their last, something wasn’t clicking in the way it was at the coffee shop. Regardless, she was having fun, she felt happy, and a night of good conversation was never a loss. That was the magic of humanity, getting to know people as people. “Do you really? They’re unfiltered, and that’s what I love. They see the world without barriers… Yeah, sometimes they ask or do things they shouldn’t, who can blame them though? They’re curious.” He set up the question that had been in the back of her mind, “If you don’t mind… What did happen?”

johan just gave a shrug, “i was more focused on building my career, honestly,” he explained, “i was out helping the guys on the boats from a kid, so i was always working and then at university, my degree was a lot plus my masters, and working alongside that to build up experience. i never cared much for dating anybody and it wouldn’t have been fair on me to do that because i wouldn’t give them half as much time as they deserved.” he then chuckled at her reponse, giving a small shake of his head. “i mean, maybe i’ll let you off.”

johan then nodded in agreement before taking a sip of champagne from the glass. “yeah, always loved kids -- would love to be a dad and have like, six kids running around the place. i like their curiosity, we need more of it.” as everleigh then asked him what happened he chuckled softly, “course i don’t mind. it was a surfing accident -- just over a year ago, day after my twenty-eighth birthday, actually, and i was bit by a shark. complete accident, complete misunderstanding, just a case of wrong time and the wrong place but luckily i was rescued, they just couldn’t save my leg.”

“that sounds about right,” luca chuckles. holden likes to be all badass, but secretly, he loves glamour. at least that’s what he thinks. “ha! thanks man. i once wore yellow and my hands looked a little pale. but green or blue? i would end you,” he laughs and sits down next to him in front of the manicurist. he puts his hands in the water as the woman instructs him to. “what about you, man? what have you been up to?”

•

“yellow is definitely a bold choice,” johan teased, before giving a small shrug at luca’s question. “honestly? not all too much,” he laughed, “aside from the fact that holden set me up on a date with someone who ended up being this really sweet girl.” sure, it sounded innocent enough, lovely even. “but i thought it was common knowledge that i’m, y’know, gay. so there’s me having dinner with a woman and not knowing how the fuck to get out of it so i uh, just played along with it. god, i’m awful, aren’t i?”

“Oh, I actually love a good full body massage, although I do see why they’re not everyone’s thing,” Fiona replied as she watched the two nail technicians go about doing both of their nails. She came here at least once a week to get touch ups - either on her hair or her nails, depending on which one was in need the most. As someone who took great pride in their appearance, her nail and hair were essential and had to be perfect - she simply did not feel like herself without them. She grinned over at Johan, easily nodding in agreement, “but yes, this is quite relaxing. Honestly, I love watching them do the nails almost as much as I love actually sitting here and getting them done,” Fiona confessed, her dark hazel eyes turning back to the woman currently shaping her right index nail. “Do you not have gloves or something you can wear while at work?” she asked, wrinkling her nose in distaste at the sound of the shit he had to handle at his job.

•

“not for me, i don’t like the idea of someone just touching me,” johan admitted with a light laugh, “i think it’s because i’m so used to physiotherapy and those awful massages that i can’t deal with ones meant for relaxation.” he nodded in agreement, it really was quite mesmerizing to watch the technicians work, how effortlessly they made it seem when johan knew first-hand that even painting his own nails was a damn effort. he’d tried so many times and it always came out looking messy, or they weren’t fully dry and polish would smear everywhere. “i know what you mean, and just how quick they make it seem -- i’d love to see if maybe doing someone else’s nails, i’d be better at that than when i try to do my own.” he chuckled. “yeah, we get gloves but the smell is so strong that it goes right through them, honestly. and the oil still get underneath, i mean really the gloves are pointless,” he admitted with a laugh. “but i can’t be too mad though, i love my work -- i just wish i could get into the water but i’m still waiting for the go ahead from my doctor.”

“yeah, with some like, characteristics of the wolf. like howling, its teeth, its face, snout, all that. and i’m like, fifty percent sure that you gotta feed it a wolf diet. it’s basically a domesticated wolf, i think. which is insane but i fucking want one.” holden said before looking back to see johan getting whacked with the fucking tree branch which caused him to laugh at the idiot. he’d told johan this morning that he was going out for a long hike, up and down hills because he had to work on his legs. but johan just insisted that he tag along because he could walk, it wasn’t rocket science. so holden let him and now he was wondering if johan regretted it yet or not. “i always thought it would be kind of sick to have a wolf, or like, a polar bear. like, imagine coming home and you got this domesticated massive bear just waiting to greet you with a bear hug.”

•

oh, johan was definitely regretting his choices already -- but in true johannes de jager form, he was going to remain a stubborn little shit and he wasn’t about to admit defeat easily. he’d already nearly slipped on a patch of wet mud, hoping that it had managed to go unnoticed as holden went on about this damn wolf-dog hybrid. “what’s a wolf diet, like, fucking deer?” johan asked, before snorting a laugh at the idea of a bear. 

“Thank fuck,” he agreed with a quiet laugh, “you good?” He waited until Johan’s weight was off of him and it seemed like he was fine before letting go. Really they both just lucked out, Oliver nearly fell catching him and then they’d both be messes needing an ambulance. “I think we were a little gung ho about our plans today, this weather is murderous.” He joked as he walked across the front porch and fumbled with his keys.

“Shit,” he grumbled, “the lock is literally frozen.” He cringed and pocketed his keys. “I mean… we can probably just… bust it open?” He thought out loud, although he didn’t want to do that to his doorframe. “One second, maybe the back window is open.”

•

“yeah, i’m good,” johan said after making sure he definitely wasn’t about to slip again -- the last thing he needed was to bust his good ankle, then he’d be left completely stuck. “i know, i was being stubborn earlier by saying we should go out,” the younger then admitted, it was a trait of his that he wasn’t quite proud of. “wait, what do you mean it’s frozen?” johan was gripping onto the railing, standing out of the way as oliver fiddled with the lock, but it soon became apparent that the key wasn’t going to let them in. “oh, fuck,” he said, eyes widening. “i mean, you could use my leg as like a battering ram -- y’know, that thing cops use to brak down doors? could work,” johan was definitely joking though, he knew if he exposed himself to the cold that he’d find himself in a huge amount of pain. he needed to get in the warm, pronto. “what can i do? ‘cause i mean, i’m probably not agile enough to climb through a window myself but i could give you a boost?”

It was a terrible, frankly dangerous day for them to be out and about. Oliver was bundled up, scarf covering half of his face, gloves, and a puffy jacket for the short walk from his car to his home. They’d been at the library but seeing the weather get worse, Oliver suggested they go back to his place before it was too bad for driving. 

He came up on the stairs with Johan a step ahead of him. Oliver had already been keeping somewhat of an eye on him, not wanting to be obvious but knowing this was hard to walk in even for himself. It was a good thing then when Johan slipped on one of the steps up to the door that Oliver had been paying attention. He immediately sprung into action, reached out and pulled him against his chest. “Are you okay?” he asked, arms wrapped tight around him, holding him up.

@johanncs​ → My muse catches yours when they slipped on ice

johan should have known better than to venture out today, knowing that it was going to be icy and slippy. this was one thing he wasn’t used to in the states, the fact that snow existed and in san amore there appeared to be lots of it. he imagined it was hard to navigate with two feet, let alone just the one, but johan had been insistent on them going out because he didn’t want to let his disability get the better of him. 

eventually however, the pair of them decided to retire back to oliver’s and johan led the way out in front as he climbed the stairs. but it was his good foot that slipped from beneath him as he placed it onto the top step that was coated in a layer of ice. immediately johan’s hand went out to try and grab a railing but instead, he felt the arms of oliver around him as he tried to catch his balance. “oh god,” johan had to laugh, “well thank fuck you were behind me, huh? otherwise that would’ve been a trip to the emergency room. i can’t even blame the plastic foot for that one, that was all me not paying attention. i’m sure i’ve got a death wish.” the younger chuckled, his heart no longer racing after that mini fall. 

LOCATION: red river hiking trail STATUS: OPEN @amorestart​

when holden wasn’t working, he was usually at the gym working out - but even when he was working, he made time for the gym let’s be real. but today he decided he was going to try something a little different. for him, it was leg day so why not go on a nice hike and get some nice views in in the midst of it. the red river trail was one of holden’s favorite spots to go, it was hard not to enjoy nature at its best. and sure it was a bit cold, but, holden didn’t mind it. he had the right gear to bundle up with. “so, i was looking on tik tok and for some reason, this guy and his fucking wolf dog show up on my feed. you heard me right, i’m talking balto wolf dog. and it got me thinking, how fucking bad ass would it be to actually have a domesticated fucking wolf in your house? like some game of thrones shit!”

johan hadn’t picked up on the memo that it was leg day, otherwise he would have definitely stayed at home and on the sofa in the warm -- he’d never been all that into fitness, whilst he loved swimming and surfing, that was about it for his exercise and he’d never be caught in a gym. walking seemed like it could be easy enough though, at least so johan thought until they’d reached the hiking trail and he realised how out of his depth he was. johan wasn’t going to say anything though, he didn’t want to give holden the satisfaction, especially after he’d ignored his advice earlier that day. “so what, it’s like the size of a wolf, looks like a wolf, but is friendly like a dog?” he asked with a raised brow, not once lifting his gaze up from the floor as he tried to watch his step, and in turn it resulted in numerous branches twanging him in the face. “ow- that would be cool though. the wolf dog, i mean. not an actual wolf because you would definitely get fucking mauled.”

“Ever? Do you count dating apps as blind dates?” Okay, semi blind. You knew what they looked like and all, but you never had actually met them. It wasn’t like striking a conversation up with a coworker or someone you met at a bar. “They remind me of sitcoms and old movies, it’s sort of funny to actually be on one. Especially with someone I already met!” If she leaned into the absurdity of the situation, maybe this awkward tension would finally melt away. This was a guy who had been nothing but friendly, so why did she have to feel this way? “Okay, we’re officially putting all the awkward aside. We both know each other, Holden knew we were both single, done!” Hopefully. “Thank you,” she held the glass out to clink against his. “To a good night.” It was said in the universe, so it had to be true. “That’s okay! A lot of restaurants were closed or had weird hours anyway, so don’t worry. Oh, it was amazing. For the first day I could have sworn I still heard little kids chattering and asking me for things, like a phantom menace.”

“honestly, i’ve... never dated, like, at all,” johan admitted, “i recently signed up to hinge but i backed out of that pretty quickly -- i suppose i’d rather do things organically, if that makes sense? like, i dunno. i’m a hopeless romantic and i’m convinced that these things will happen by a chance encounter.” he knew it sounded ridiculous but it made johan feel a little better about being so inexperienced. “i like that though, i mean, i was actually so worried about the sort of gu- person, holden would pick,” johan quickly covered his mistake, hoping it went unnoticed. “so it’s nice that you’re not someone super gross and as chaotic as he is.” he chuckled.

after clinking their glasses, johan decided that he may as well make the best of a bad situation. eventually he’d come clean to everleigh and he hoped she would understand that the reaosn why he pretended was because he didn’t want to hurt her. but for now, the facade was in full swing. “ha! oh bless them, you know i do love that though, how kids are just so chatty and they say things as it is. i love when they give me all sorts of questions and they’re just so curious. i hate when parents will try and sh their kid if they ask about my leg, because that’s how ignorance develops and why some people view disabilities as different in a negative light. everybody should ask questions.”

”I honestly don’t know how you haven’t gone insane yet, Jojo.” Wyn couldn’t imagine having a roommate that’d drive him that bonkers. He could talk to the fact that having to pick up after someone wasn’t fun and boy was he happy he lived alone now. “Has that effectively turned you off to having a kid yourself?” He nodded and turned on his heels about to change course to their new destination. “Chili cheese fries are going to be a god send right now. We should add one of those milkshake things too. I feel like today is a binge eating type of day. Maybe you can tell me of the latest movies and shows you’ve watched.”

•

“wyn, i am this fucking close,” johan admitted as he held his fingers up pinched together, but he laughed all the same because the reality was that it wasn’t that bad anymore. if anything, johan was actually quite enjoying having holden around some nights as he did make him laugh a lot. “i think it’s done the opposite, actually,” he then chuckled, “because i know now that i’d be so good at being a parent!” the man grinned. soon enough the pair of them had walked into mama rosa’s and the smell was delicious. “alright, how about this... why don’t we order it all to go? and then we’ll go back to mine ‘cause holden’s working, and let’s just pig the fuck out and watch shit.” johan suggested, “i’m on the 90 day fiancé hype at the minute, i’m obsessed.”

“his hands are always a mess. we should drag him here,” luca smiles and shoves his hands into the pockets of his black pants. looking around, he sees an older woman wave to them to come by her and her coworker’s tables. “let’s go, man,” he nudges johan and starts walking over. “i think that’s perfect. you can do like, a gold one. i like that,” he says and looks down at his hands. “i like mine with red gel. i think i pull it off.”

•

“one day i definitely will, i’m sure i can convince him to. i know how it would go though, he’ll turn up, pretend he hates it but then secretly would love it.” johan chuckled, getting up from his chair to move to the other nail artist. even though the manicure would be short-lived, it was nice to just get out for once and do something different. he was grateful that he’d met luca who always seemed willing to join him on these little days out. “red’s definitely your colour,” he agreed, “but i think you could pull off any colour, honestly. i’m jealous!”

“I’d say that was pretty much well deserved then if they left those beer cans laying around. Your resolution stillin tact. I can never get how people just don’t automatically know to put things in their places. I know some guys have questionable behaviour but the keeping things tidy should be pretty much a given.” Wyn shook his head going off on a tangent and brought it back with a smile. “You are making me hungry. I don’t know what they put in their burgers but it’s addicting. Want to go grab a burger with me?”

•

“seriously wyn, it is driving me crazy,” johan had to laugh though, he was slowly getting used to the chaos at home and part of him was learning to quite enjoy the bickering back and forth he shared with his roommate. “it’s like living with a toddler sometimes, and i’m like a parent telling him to bring the dirty dishes out of his room and to pick his underwer up off the bathroom floor!” but credit needed to be given in that holden hadn’t been so bad recently. “you know my answer is always going to be a big fat yes to a burger!” johan grinned, “and some chilli cheese fries too, let’s just go wild.”

“i love gettin’ my nails done. it’s not just relaxing but also i’ll be feeling fabulous,” luca grins as they wait for someone at the front desk. he doesn’t know this place, he usually lets rhi do his nails while they’re on break at work. “the bad thing is that the nail polish gets chipped almost instantly when i play guitar,” the blond shrugs. “that’s the spirit! screw it! fabulous today, back to normal tomorrow. what color are you thinking?”

•

“right?! i’ve tried to convince holden to come down and get them done properly, because he paints his a lot but they always chips too.” johan said, pulling a hand back for a moment to inspect his cuticles that certainly looked a lot healthier now. “i wasn’t actually going to get a colour, you know? i was just gonna do clear...” but where was the fun in that? “i’ve said fuck it once but i’m gonna say it again, i think i want a matte black but then... maybe a glitter accent nail. what do you think? is that too much? what are you going for?”

This was unbearably awkward and she couldn’t place why. Was it because they knew each other? He’d been flirty with her for a bit, and she flirted back. Why was this like they were perfect strangers all of a sudden? “Oh, you didn’t have-Thank you.” The quick movement nearly made her stumble over the chair, and she hid it by settling down, putting her bag on the chair back, “Uh, blind dates aren’t something I do often so I definitely forgot all the ins-and-outs, but at least we don’t have to play the awkward get to know you?”

“Uh, yeah!” Wow, she had never said uh this many times. And they had been planning to get together for cocktails anyway… which was a date, right? This was simply the unplanned equivalent. “Right, it’s more like two degrees of separation instead of six.” Someone knew someone and that was it, you were connected. “I’ve been well. It’s okay, if you can’t tell, I wasn’t expecting you either! But this will be fun…?” It trailed off as a question since they both seemed fumbly and out-of-sorts, nothing like their coffee chat or texts.

“this is the first time i’ve ever done a blind date, honestly,” johannes admitted, and he knew that if holden was going to have any involvement with it then it would be his last. everything inside of him was wanting to call the man right now and pop off at him, but the last thing johan needed was to make everleigh feel uncomfortable by any means. she was a sweet girl and he knew that she deserved better than that, which was why he had this bright idea to just... play pretend. maybe he’d figure a way out of this as to not hurt her feelings, but for now, it seemed far easier to just play along. 

“no, no, it will be fun,” johan said firmly, because fuck it, they were here now so they might as well make the most of it. he poured out two glasses of champagne, passing one over to her before lifting his to cheers with, “to a good night,” he said, before taking a small sip. “you know, i had actually been meaning to call you about that cocktail night we said about, but work has just been so busy. it must have been nice for you to have a little break over christmas and new year and not have any paint in your hair.” johan teased.

holden: i rly hope you stick with this new years resolution

holden: mine was to have MORE sex

holden: it is, you should have tried it out with everleigh 😜

holden: because it doesn't deliver

holden: you're fucking disgusting, pineapple is good?!

holden: anyway

holden: i would appreciate if u got my chicken i asked for too

holden: and like, some mongolian pork bc it's the best

holden: and i'll pick us up shakes or something

holden: actually a pie

holden: do u like lemon?

johan: you really are a gross human being

johan: oh yeah bc that would work 🙄

johan: you have two legs don't you?

johan: i said i was getting your chicken! and i'll get you the pork but i'm having some

johan: or you could pick up both 👀