Gimmick Game Chapter 5
Heeeeey! I'm back y'all! This has been by far the longest hiatus I have ever gone through. It's been so crazy this year, I can't even begin to describe my ecstasy at finishing this semester. Christmas break has officially started, at least for our batch of students and like always, I'm back to being my lazy fanfic author self. I seriously didn't touch this thing in a while, so I'm pretty happy to be putting up this new chapter. SO! It's the same as always! Kudos/Comments guys~ Lemme know what you think, point it out, and I'll see it through the best of my abilities~ <3 Love lots~
-Chien
Lukas turned to a curb into the campus grounds, the sound of crunching stones and pebbles under the tire aiding him to slow the car to a full stop in the parking lot. He got out of the car, grabbed his things and headed for the Architecture building his blueprint tube dangling over his shoulder. He greeted the juniors and friends from the same years and in different courses, joking with them about the way they looked.
The campus was abuzz. The semester was about to end and everyone was busy with finals. Freshmen clamored about the sudden workload by their professors and graduates fussing over their incomplete units and pending thesis proposals. It was always this time of the year that one could feel the budding life of a student drowning in so much work that they could care less about even changing into work clothes and just come to school wearing their nightclothes, some not even eating before starting the day.
Lukas climbed the stairs leading to the architecture hall where his thesis was stored and opened the doors, expecting it to be empty. When he switched on the spotlight situated above his thesis, a figure stood silently beside his model, as if inspecting every inch and corner, assessing the quality of his work. Along with his work, it felt like Lukas’ entire being was being assessed as well, making him seemingly conscious. The other presence would not budge and Lukas was edging to start with his work.
“Excuse me, but this is my workplace and my thesis model. Is there something you need?”
The figure turned to him. Lukas was surprised to see Mathias’ arch rival from the same department, the British Arthur Kirkland, still scanning the model with keen eye. and checking every nook and cranny.
Mathias and Arthur had a long standing rivalry in the Anthropology department. 1st and 2nd respectively, both of them are the jewels of their department and the vouched for magna and suma cum laude of the entire batch. No one knew when all the competition began, but some people, even Mathias believed that it all began in the first semester of their second year when a respected Egyptologist who worked with the genius who uncovered the mystery of the building of Khufu’s pyramid came to visit the college and gave out a lecture on it as well as on various other topics. In one of the topics presented, Mathias and Arthur silently rivalled each other for the attention of the Egyptologist and in the end Mathias won a deal to be an apprentice for that year and got to work outside of the campus. Arthur apparently took the failure to heart and set upon pulling down Mathias from his presumed ‘intellectual throne.’
Of course it never happened. And he had nothing against Mathias. Until Lukas came along.
Not that it was a secret to anyone and Lukas and Mathias were quite open about their relationship. This however made Arthur treat it as blackmail material, and rightly so his weakness; something to bring Mathias down. As an effect to the cause, Lukas also became the subject of Arthur’s wrath. And while Lukas feared no one as long as Mathias was around, Arthur was enigmatic enough to send chills down his spine.
And yet here he was, alone with only a few radiation lights to keep the paint from falling off and that British in on single room.
He was starting to break into a cold sweat.
“I expected nothing less from the darling of the Idol couple of the campus. Perfect in every way possible, beauty without compare. Wonderful woodwork and careful intricate details. You really are Mathias’ fag, Bondevik.” Arthur snaked his way gracefully around the model, as if inspecting every nook and cranny.
“Who’s asking?” he moved towards the table and spread out his things. He set to work, grabbing his T-Square and calculator, checking the accuracy of his measurements. He felt the figure move closer and stand beside him, towering with the same height as he did.
“No one in particular.” He shrugged
“Listen, I have work to do. If you don’t need anything, then I suggest you leave.” He replied curtly, not removing his eyes from his work and still tinkering with his calculations. Arthur moved to the side and grabbed the doorknob. He turned to Lukas one more time with a smart grin on his face.
“It seems you have yet to learn from Mathias how to keep your pretty little mouth shut. Learn to lighten up. Then maybe you’ll learn to accept that not everything will always go according plan.” Arthur swung the door open and mumbled in a nearly inaudible sound. “You missed an equation. I guess you’re still human, huh?”
He snuffed then closed the door behind him, leaving Lukas alone in the giant hall room. The footsteps grew farther and farther and when none could be heard at all, he slammed his fists down on the wooden table. His fists ached and blood oozed on the paper, mercilessly blotting out calculations spread out on the white sheet. But it could not compare to the ridiculous stinging in his chest. What he had said, no matter how hard he tried to deny it, had hit so close to home. And he knew why. He clenched his fingers harder wishing he was holding Emil’s lifeline, slowly squeezing him dry until the color would fade from his face.
Right in the middle of the campus atrium for everyone to see.
------------------------------
Mathias got dressed and stepped out of the condominium. He wore his favorite long sleeved light blue shirt that hugged his upper body just right, emphasizing the lines of muscles and khaki pants and his shoes were a simple white Vans. Downstairs, on the way to the parking lot to grab his car, he spotted the familiar blond who looked if not exactly, alike lot like his Lukas, frantically speaking on the phone. He held the expression of annoyance and resignation and his tone spoke of much authority. He held himself in check, hoping his distress does not show in his face.
He had known Emil the moment he got involved with Lukas. While the two were never almost together, he almost always saw Emil in campus. And then it was the summer before their final year. Mathias had a hard time trying to get the Egyptian authorities grant him permission to get into the country to conduct his thesis. It was the final piece of the puzzle, and he was completely shut out.
That was when Emil came up to him with an offer he had no choice but to accept.
So long as Mathias agreed with his conditions. And as long as Lukas would not find out about it.
Emil ended his call, sighing in utter exasperation and then turned to see Mathias walking towards him. He grimaced at the look of misery on the Dane’s face. He savored the lines that wrinkled his handsome features. His fingers tingled knowing every nook and cranny. He licked his lips hungrily, enjoying every moment.
“Lover’s quarrel?”
“I do not want to talk about it, Emil.” Mathias voice was obviously strained. Emil decided not to point it out and cause a scene.
“Yeah, yeah. I’m glad I ran into you. Did you bring the books I asked?” Mathias slid his backpack off from one shoulder and opened it to retrieve a hardbound bundle of papers. Some of the papers were yellowed with age, while others seemed like new paper and even dated quite recently. The Icelander took it, his hands slightly grazing the Dane’s and did a quick scan of the contents, flipping through the leaflets. Mathias quickly withdrew his hand and Emil gave him a bemused smirk as if to mock him.
“I went ahead and grabbed a few others from the deeper archives of the library. It took a lot of effort to get the permission from the ups. I don’t know what exactly you’re looking for, though.”
While he talked, Emil scanned the indexes, browsing through words and as if he had found what he was looking for, he shut the book and raised his sights to the tall Dane with a stern look in his eyes. “This is fine. I’ll call you if I find anything of interest. In the meantime, process your papers already. We can’t put off the project any longer and graduation is fast approaching.”
“…”
“Are you seriously going to let him hold you back, Kohler?”
“That’s not what he is.”
“If you knew that much, then stop being so wishy-washy. I doubt my dear brother would even appreciate the sentiment.”
Emil made a mental note to gargle with five breath mints. The term just did not go well with him and his tastes.
“He won’t know.”
“What happens if he finds out, is what you should be worried about.” Mathias suddenly felt conscious. Not of this, but of the things he had been doing. Despite his misgivings with Emil, he was far from wrong. If anything, he’s more than right.
“Don’t get any ideas.” He said, his voice dangerously rising
Emil swatted his hand away defiantly. “You don’t hold the cards here, Kohler. I do. I get you that pass so you can do your little work. In exchange, I get your body whenever I feel like it. Therefore, you are in no position to threaten me.”
“I am aware of our deal, Emil. Just make sure you don’t lose to me first.” Mathias replied, a smug look on his face etched so clearly it made Emil want to throw up then and there.
“Hah! Is that so? Alright then, I’m glad we’re still on the same page.” Emil turned around, his back now facing Mathias as he walked out the door, and without looking back gave a small wave as he walked away. “See you around, Kohler.”
“I wish I could say the same for you, Steilsson.” he said, mumbling before heading towards the parking lot.
---------------------------------------------------
He revved up the engine, Metallica blasting through the car speakers at full volume as if he was trying to drown the sounds whirling in his head. The sun was too bright even with his glasses on. What’s more he was on his way to school. He never found himself happy cooped up in classrooms and listening to old geezers talk of outdated concepts. He’d rather spend his time travelling, experiencing for himself what was expected of him to learn. Or maybe steal Lukas from his classes, bring him home and sneak in a round or two with him and then warmly snuggle under the bed. He might get the scolding of a lifetime, and yes, he was cheesy that way, but it was the only way he could make it up to Lukas for the things he was doing now or at least the only way he thought he could make possible. He gripped the wheel, rubber crunching underneath his fingers as the road moved past him distorting space and time. His thoughts run to this morning’s event. He gripped the handle of the steering wheel in contemplation. Emil has such a lovely face. Of course, it comes not even a millimeter close to that of Lukas’ beauty and serenity, but still it had its own aesthetic value.
I wonder what he would look like all battered up and bleeding. He’s hurting us both, love. He wants to tear us apart. But someday I’ll get back at him. Just wait, I promise you. Just a little bit more, Lukas.
But not now. The game is still on.
-Chien
Lukas turned to a curb into the campus grounds, the sound of crunching stones and pebbles under the tire aiding him to slow the car to a full stop in the parking lot. He got out of the car, grabbed his things and headed for the Architecture building his blueprint tube dangling over his shoulder. He greeted the juniors and friends from the same years and in different courses, joking with them about the way they looked.
The campus was abuzz. The semester was about to end and everyone was busy with finals. Freshmen clamored about the sudden workload by their professors and graduates fussing over their incomplete units and pending thesis proposals. It was always this time of the year that one could feel the budding life of a student drowning in so much work that they could care less about even changing into work clothes and just come to school wearing their nightclothes, some not even eating before starting the day.
Lukas climbed the stairs leading to the architecture hall where his thesis was stored and opened the doors, expecting it to be empty. When he switched on the spotlight situated above his thesis, a figure stood silently beside his model, as if inspecting every inch and corner, assessing the quality of his work. Along with his work, it felt like Lukas’ entire being was being assessed as well, making him seemingly conscious. The other presence would not budge and Lukas was edging to start with his work.
“Excuse me, but this is my workplace and my thesis model. Is there something you need?”
The figure turned to him. Lukas was surprised to see Mathias’ arch rival from the same department, the British Arthur Kirkland, still scanning the model with keen eye. and checking every nook and cranny.
Mathias and Arthur had a long standing rivalry in the Anthropology department. 1st and 2nd respectively, both of them are the jewels of their department and the vouched for magna and suma cum laude of the entire batch. No one knew when all the competition began, but some people, even Mathias believed that it all began in the first semester of their second year when a respected Egyptologist who worked with the genius who uncovered the mystery of the building of Khufu’s pyramid came to visit the college and gave out a lecture on it as well as on various other topics. In one of the topics presented, Mathias and Arthur silently rivalled each other for the attention of the Egyptologist and in the end Mathias won a deal to be an apprentice for that year and got to work outside of the campus. Arthur apparently took the failure to heart and set upon pulling down Mathias from his presumed ‘intellectual throne.’
Of course it never happened. And he had nothing against Mathias. Until Lukas came along.
Not that it was a secret to anyone and Lukas and Mathias were quite open about their relationship. This however made Arthur treat it as blackmail material, and rightly so his weakness; something to bring Mathias down. As an effect to the cause, Lukas also became the subject of Arthur’s wrath. And while Lukas feared no one as long as Mathias was around, Arthur was enigmatic enough to send chills down his spine.
And yet here he was, alone with only a few radiation lights to keep the paint from falling off and that British in on single room.
He was starting to break into a cold sweat.
“I expected nothing less from the darling of the Idol couple of the campus. Perfect in every way possible, beauty without compare. Wonderful woodwork and careful intricate details. You really are Mathias’ fag, Bondevik.” Arthur snaked his way gracefully around the model, as if inspecting every nook and cranny.
“Who’s asking?” he moved towards the table and spread out his things. He set to work, grabbing his T-Square and calculator, checking the accuracy of his measurements. He felt the figure move closer and stand beside him, towering with the same height as he did.
“No one in particular.” He shrugged
“Listen, I have work to do. If you don’t need anything, then I suggest you leave.” He replied curtly, not removing his eyes from his work and still tinkering with his calculations. Arthur moved to the side and grabbed the doorknob. He turned to Lukas one more time with a smart grin on his face.
“It seems you have yet to learn from Mathias how to keep your pretty little mouth shut. Learn to lighten up. Then maybe you’ll learn to accept that not everything will always go according plan.” Arthur swung the door open and mumbled in a nearly inaudible sound. “You missed an equation. I guess you’re still human, huh?”
He snuffed then closed the door behind him, leaving Lukas alone in the giant hall room. The footsteps grew farther and farther and when none could be heard at all, he slammed his fists down on the wooden table. His fists ached and blood oozed on the paper, mercilessly blotting out calculations spread out on the white sheet. But it could not compare to the ridiculous stinging in his chest. What he had said, no matter how hard he tried to deny it, had hit so close to home. And he knew why. He clenched his fingers harder wishing he was holding Emil’s lifeline, slowly squeezing him dry until the color would fade from his face.
Right in the middle of the campus atrium for everyone to see.
------------------------------
Mathias got dressed and stepped out of the condominium. He wore his favorite long sleeved light blue shirt that hugged his upper body just right, emphasizing the lines of muscles and khaki pants and his shoes were a simple white Vans. Downstairs, on the way to the parking lot to grab his car, he spotted the familiar blond who looked if not exactly, alike lot like his Lukas, frantically speaking on the phone. He held the expression of annoyance and resignation and his tone spoke of much authority. He held himself in check, hoping his distress does not show in his face.
He had known Emil the moment he got involved with Lukas. While the two were never almost together, he almost always saw Emil in campus. And then it was the summer before their final year. Mathias had a hard time trying to get the Egyptian authorities grant him permission to get into the country to conduct his thesis. It was the final piece of the puzzle, and he was completely shut out.
That was when Emil came up to him with an offer he had no choice but to accept.
So long as Mathias agreed with his conditions. And as long as Lukas would not find out about it.
Emil ended his call, sighing in utter exasperation and then turned to see Mathias walking towards him. He grimaced at the look of misery on the Dane’s face. He savored the lines that wrinkled his handsome features. His fingers tingled knowing every nook and cranny. He licked his lips hungrily, enjoying every moment.
“Lover’s quarrel?”
“I do not want to talk about it, Emil.” Mathias voice was obviously strained. Emil decided not to point it out and cause a scene.
“Yeah, yeah. I’m glad I ran into you. Did you bring the books I asked?” Mathias slid his backpack off from one shoulder and opened it to retrieve a hardbound bundle of papers. Some of the papers were yellowed with age, while others seemed like new paper and even dated quite recently. The Icelander took it, his hands slightly grazing the Dane’s and did a quick scan of the contents, flipping through the leaflets. Mathias quickly withdrew his hand and Emil gave him a bemused smirk as if to mock him.
“I went ahead and grabbed a few others from the deeper archives of the library. It took a lot of effort to get the permission from the ups. I don’t know what exactly you’re looking for, though.”
While he talked, Emil scanned the indexes, browsing through words and as if he had found what he was looking for, he shut the book and raised his sights to the tall Dane with a stern look in his eyes. “This is fine. I’ll call you if I find anything of interest. In the meantime, process your papers already. We can’t put off the project any longer and graduation is fast approaching.”
“…”
“Are you seriously going to let him hold you back, Kohler?”
“That’s not what he is.”
“If you knew that much, then stop being so wishy-washy. I doubt my dear brother would even appreciate the sentiment.”
Emil made a mental note to gargle with five breath mints. The term just did not go well with him and his tastes.
“He won’t know.”
“What happens if he finds out, is what you should be worried about.” Mathias suddenly felt conscious. Not of this, but of the things he had been doing. Despite his misgivings with Emil, he was far from wrong. If anything, he’s more than right.
“Don’t get any ideas.” He said, his voice dangerously rising
Emil swatted his hand away defiantly. “You don’t hold the cards here, Kohler. I do. I get you that pass so you can do your little work. In exchange, I get your body whenever I feel like it. Therefore, you are in no position to threaten me.”
“I am aware of our deal, Emil. Just make sure you don’t lose to me first.” Mathias replied, a smug look on his face etched so clearly it made Emil want to throw up then and there.
“Hah! Is that so? Alright then, I’m glad we’re still on the same page.” Emil turned around, his back now facing Mathias as he walked out the door, and without looking back gave a small wave as he walked away. “See you around, Kohler.”
“I wish I could say the same for you, Steilsson.” he said, mumbling before heading towards the parking lot.
---------------------------------------------------
He revved up the engine, Metallica blasting through the car speakers at full volume as if he was trying to drown the sounds whirling in his head. The sun was too bright even with his glasses on. What’s more he was on his way to school. He never found himself happy cooped up in classrooms and listening to old geezers talk of outdated concepts. He’d rather spend his time travelling, experiencing for himself what was expected of him to learn. Or maybe steal Lukas from his classes, bring him home and sneak in a round or two with him and then warmly snuggle under the bed. He might get the scolding of a lifetime, and yes, he was cheesy that way, but it was the only way he could make it up to Lukas for the things he was doing now or at least the only way he thought he could make possible. He gripped the wheel, rubber crunching underneath his fingers as the road moved past him distorting space and time. His thoughts run to this morning’s event. He gripped the handle of the steering wheel in contemplation. Emil has such a lovely face. Of course, it comes not even a millimeter close to that of Lukas’ beauty and serenity, but still it had its own aesthetic value.
I wonder what he would look like all battered up and bleeding. He’s hurting us both, love. He wants to tear us apart. But someday I’ll get back at him. Just wait, I promise you. Just a little bit more, Lukas.
But not now. The game is still on.