The Three Musketeers (Beginning, Middle, End)
Title: The Three Musketeers (Beginning, Middle, End)
Pairing: Jack Wilshere/Theo Walcott, Jack Wilshere/Aaron Ramsey, Aaron Ramsey/Theo Walcott
Rating: PG
Notes: 100% for Rachie aka darkblue , who has been single-handedly cheering me on in this ridiculous quest to fill 150 sentences from the 1sentence prompts, Delta, Beta, Alpha. Also, 110% NOT REAL, ENTIRELY FICTION, god.
The Three Musketeers - Beginning
#1 Air
When Aaron Ramsey arrives; all pale-skinned and nervous smile, Jack’s breath catches in his mouth.
#2 Apples
“Why are you paying attention to him instead of me?” Theo asked, kissing Jack’s neck; Jack’s cheeks pink up, replies “but look at him, he’s gorgeous.”
#3 Beginning
Theo’s eyes screw up a little, looking at the newcomer; thinks - well yeah, wow, damn - thinks also - oh shit.
#4 Bugs
Aaron’s stomach flutters oddly as he eavesdrops on the two, who have now started talking about adopting him (Oh dear, when he signed up for Arsenal but didn’t expect to sign for crazy.)
#5 Coffee
Jack Wilshere does know all the best cafes around London Colney; and so, thinking about his failed attempt at weaning off his caffeine addiction with a twinge of regret, Aaron accepts the invitation for a coffee tour of London.
#6 Dark
Theo tags along, and Aaron can’t help noticing Jack’s hand bumping against Theo’s when they walk together, dark skin contrasting against light.
#7 Despair
Aaron soon discovers that everyone in the locker room’s already shortened his name to Azza, and what, he doesn’t like it at all.
#8 Doors
“Oh my god,” Aaron says, shocked, as soon as he enters the room, finding Jack on Theo’s lap, arms wrapped around Theo’s neck (“Oh shit, I thought it was locked,” Jack swears, at the same time as Theo’s “It’s not what you think”, at the same time as Aaron’s “So sorry, that won’t happen again!” and a bang of the door shut, leaving silence.)
#9 Drink
“You look like you saw a ghost,” Nicky observes, when he bumps into him in the corridor, “Do you need a drink?”
#10 Duty
“You know I really shouldn’t, I’m fine really…(Nicky looks at him, disbelieving)…Maybe just one.”
#11 Earth
The world stops when Nicky kisses him.
#12 End
“Looks like someone got there before we did,” Theo comments to Jack, who sighs in defeat as they watch Nicky and Aaron enter the training ground together.
#13 Fall
“Looks like Alice fell down the Rabbit Hole,” Jack says to Aaron when they’re stretching together, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.
#14 Fire
When Aaron wrinkles his eyebrows in obvious confusion, Jack only rolls his eyes, “I’m saying, Nick’s like playing with fire, girlfriend, be careful there, and - me and Theo, we’ve got your back.”
#15 Flexible
“Well I don’t think it’s very serious,” Aaron explains, thoughtful; “but I’ll be careful.”
#16 Flying
Nicky falls asleep soon after they lift off, head resting on Aaron’s shoulder; Theo and Jack are in the seats in front, playing games and laughing, and Aaron wishes he were hanging with them instead.
#17 Food
“If Nicky’s going to sleep the entire time, we’d like to eat his plane food,” Theo whispers loudly through the little gap between the seats; Aaron laughs at the way their faces light up when it gets handed over, bickering over who gets the dibs on a second dessert.
#18 Foot
It was a sound nobody ever wanted to hear, and it was a vision nobody wanted to see.
#19 Grave
Aaron crumples over, pain unbearable; he glances at his ankle, at his ankle snapped and dangling at an unnatural angle like a broken twig, thinks, I mustn’t pass out-
#20 Green
The ceiling is the colour of mint and the overhead fluorescent lights flicker past; he smells sterility like a dentist’s clinic and he resists the urge to gag; “We’ve got you, Azza”; he shuts his eyes.
#21 Head
It is weird, Aaron thinks, when the first person he sees when he finally wakes up is Jack Wilshere, head hovering over him (“He’s awake!”), before his parents rush over with smiles and worry lines on their faces.
#22 Hollow
He feels alright, his foot bundled into plaster and x-rays and ct-scans hung up like artwork along the wall, he thinks suddenly, “Where’s Nick?”; Cesc looks at him with concern and shakes his head, “I’m sorry, he went home, I’m to call him when you woke up-”; Aaron doesn’t hear him, stomach dropping.
#23 Honor
Arsene chooses that time to walk in and ask him how he’s feeling, to which he jokes, “It’s been great playing with Arsenal, boss, but” - he’s silenced with a don’t-even-dare look from Cesc , clears his throat, “What I meant was, I’m alright, I’ll be up and running in no time,” head up and smiling a smile that doesn’t quite reach his eyes.
#24 Hope
There is a collective sigh of relief when the doctors say that it’s not as bad as first expected; Aaron is expected to walk and run and play football again; Cesc, Theo, and the others who stayed behind leave then, needing to subdue Jack who has burst into tears.
#25 Light
The light at the end of the tunnel is very far away at this stage, but Aaron is absolutely, whole-heartedly determined to reach it and stride out the other side, hopefully to a full, cheering stadium with an Arsenal shirt still on his back.
#26 Lost
“I don’t think I can do this right now,” reads Aaron’s text message to Nicky, when Nicky asks how he’s holding up; Aaron presses Send, switching the phone off.
#27 Metal
Aaron can’t help but roll his eyes when Jack and Theo steal his crutches and muck around with them; “Don’t you guys break your legs either,” implores Cesc, and Robin laughs.
#28 New
“I think there’s enough here to last several winters,” Aaron remarks incredulously, at his pile of birthday-slash-Christmas presents, fifty-percent woolen scarves and fifty-percent beanies.
#29 Old
“What’s it like being ancient?” Jack asks, face full of cake; Aaron doesn’t really know how to respond and Theo mumbles something about a sugar overdose.
#30 Peace
Later, when it’s quiet, Nicky arrives and they talk, and when he leaves Aaron thinks it’s for the best.
#31 Poison
“You need to get him out of your system,” Jack Wilshere offers, the next morning, “Come watch a movie with me and Theo tonight.”
#32 Pretty
“Why are you even helping me,” Aaron starts, (wants to add And how did you know we broke up? except the question didn’t need an answer - Jack sticks his nose into everybody’s business); Jack responds, “Have you looked in the mirror? Someone that pretty doesn’t deserve to be unhappy and alone.”
#33 Rain
When Aaron knocks on the front of Theo’s door, rain falling and ruining his new leather jacket, he thinks, 1. This is a very, very bad idea, 2. Why am I doing this? 3. You’re going to be a third-wheel for the next three hours, Aaron 4. Oh, what the hell - shakes his head of his thoughts quickly and rings the doorbell.
#34 Regret
“Hey,” greets Jack, apron-clad and smiling, dimples in his cheeks, “We decided to have movies here instead, are you in? I’m making pasta,” and Aaron shrugs, “Sure, I guess,” and the smile Jack gives him, it positively beams, “You won’t regret it,” he promises, “I make ~killa pasta~.”
#35 Roses
Aaron’s cheeks flush when Theo notices that Aaron was wearing the scarf that Theo got him for his birthday and doesn’t stop talking about it; (Aaron doesn’t have the heart to tell Theo he has no idea who actually gave the said scarves, and that he didn’t realize it was Theo’s.)
#36 Secret
“You should probably know by now that Jack has a little crush on you,” Theo nudges him, as they’re clearing the dishes; Aaron nods slowly, “and you’re okay with it?” Theo gives him a look, like the answer was obvious.
#37 Snakes
Jack clears his throat and announces, “When you two have finished gossiping, we have Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets to watch,” bounding off again; Theo laughs, helps untie the apron from behind Aaron’s neck, “Comeon, mate, he’ll start without us,” takes the popcorn bowl with him; Aaron rubs his hand across his neck where Theo’s fingers brushed against it, even more confused than before.
#38 Snow
“Oh my god,” Theo exclaims suddenly, making the other two jump (Harry is hiding somewhere in one of those dungeon tunnels, basilisk blindly finding him by smell;) “It’s snowing,” Aaron rushes to the window to find his car outside blanketed by a layer of snow.
#39 Solid
“Don’t worry, you can stay here,” Theo suggests, “Jack?” Jack nods, turning to Aaron “You want the guest room? Unless you want to sleep on the floor,” Theo rolls his eyes, “No one’s sleeping on the floor.”
#40 Spring
They bicker; Theo proposes that someone can sleep on the couch; Aaron offers to sleep on said couch and Jack argues, you’re the guest, you CAN'T sleep on the couch, I'LL sleep on the couch; But I’ll be quite alright on the couch, I don’t need a double bed, I’ll be fine, Aaron retaliates; Jack whines, wounded, Are you calling me fat? Theo reassures, No one is calling you fat; Jack scoffs, this could have been solved so much quicker if you invited me into your BED, it’s not like we haven’t done that before - Silence.
#41 Stable
Aaron dissolves into giggles, breaking the awkward, Jack heaves a loud sigh of relief and Theo lets out a derisive half-laugh-half-snort and Jack glowers, “What the fuck was that, Walcott, you sound like a horse,” which just makes Aaron laugh even more.
#42 Strange
Aaron has difficulty sleeping that night, knowing the other two were in the other room.
#43 Summer
They discuss the World Cup the next morning over breakfast, before heading off for training; Aaron realizes that they’ll be gone for the summer, and can’t help feeling both envious and disappointed.
#44 Taboo
“You could come to cheer us on, or something,” Jack mentions helpfully, to which Aaron almost chokes on his coffee, scandalized, “What? A Welshman cheering for England? Never,” but he smiles.
#45 Ugly
Jack sticks his tongue out indignantly at Aaron as some kind of retort, “Oh, that’s nice, very attractive Jack,” Theo laughs, shaking his head when Jack whines, (“But you’re supposed to be on my side!”)
#46 War
“I think I’ll be Switzerland,” Theo continues diplomatically; Jack sniffs, getting up from the table.
#47 Water
Aaron frowns at his car, completely surrounded by puddles of mushy ice half-melted by the unexpected morning sun.
#48 Welcome
“Hop in, loser! We’re going shopping!” Jack yells from Theo’s passenger side; it takes some time for Theo to explain that Jack was quoting a chick-flick and that they were actually going to training (“but if you want to go shop after we can do that, too.”)
#49 Winter
“God, it’s freezing,” Jack shivers as they hop out of the car, fingers tucked inside the sleeves of his shirt; Aaron removes his scarf and wraps it around Jack’s neck, and is rewarded with Jack’s dimpled smile in return.
#50 Wood
“Such a gentleman”, “Theo never lends me his scarves”, “It smells so nice, hey Theo, smell this - (I’m not going to smell it!) - Oh comeon, it’s so nice, like, I don’t know, sandalwood, or something - (How do you even know what Sandalwood smells like?)”; Theo glares at Aaron accusingly, joking, “Are you trying to steal my boyfriend?”; Aaron laughs mercilessly in reply, shaking his head, hands up in surrender.
The Three Musketeers - Middle
#01 Walking
He finds the words, A Journey Begins with a Single Step and Slow and Steady Wins the Race, stuck on the front of his locker; (if he squints it looks like Jack’s handwriting); he smiles.
#02 Waltz
“Oh god, he likes it,” Jack bounces happily, doing a victory dance (Theo, Theo just rolls his eyes at him.)
#03 Wishes
“I just hope he can play with us again soon, him and Thomas,” Theo sighs.
#04 Wonder
Aaron’s bouncing the ball and juggling it between his feet; he jogs and it doesn’t hurt, he dribbles, God he’s missed this, and relief washes over him, he can’t believe he’s doing this right now, he wants to run and he wants to stop and cry at the same time.
#05 Worry
“Don’t overexert yourself, Azza,” Gary warns, and Aaron takes a deep, steadying breath, thinking of the stickers on his locker.
#06 Whimsy
“He is so, so playing with us again this season,” Jack predicts confidently, watching Aaron from across the other side of the field.
#07 Waste
“When you two stop perving on Azza, we can start today’s practice,” Cesc quips dryly; Jack and Theo both look guiltily at their Captain like denying it was never an option.
#08 Whiskey and Rum
When Aaron states that he doesn’t tend to drink, even at parties, Theo exclaims, “High five, man!” whilst Jack looks at the both of them like he’s been betrayed.
#09 War
“Seriously, that stuff doesn’t even taste good,” “I know, right?”, “Are you two ganging up against me, now?” Jack huffs.
#10 Weddings
When Aaron finds out Nick’s engaged to Caroline he phones Jack, figuring he probably needs a drink after all.
#11 Birthday
“It’s for the better,” Jack says reassuringly, looks at him with worry (and a bit of pity - which pisses Aaron off to no end) “At least - at least you don’t have to turn up to his kid’s birthday with some lame ~cool uncle~ excuse.”
#12 Blessing
Aaron snorts unattractively; “Yeah, I guess I’m glad I’m out of there.”
#13 Bias
“Aaron,” Jack begins slowly, like he’s trying to find the words, “you do realize that this is just what I think, I don’t think Nick’s good enough for you, but that's just me, right? Like, don’t be persuaded by me, okay? If you - if you loved Nicky then by all means feel free to mope and be depressed a bit.”
#14 Burning
“I’m not (in love with him),” Aaron fumbles with words, “well (maybe I was a little, before, not now), what I mean is I don’t (not anymore, and it has nothing to do with you), and I’m fine (I think I’m fine, I have to be), I’m not dying of a broken heart,” he smiles wryly, and Jack smiles back; shot glasses clink and Aaron tips his head, liquid searing his throat and using it as an excuse for the sting in his eyes.
#15 Breathing
“I hope you know,” Jack murmurs into Aaron’s ear, hand resting on his shoulder, leaning in, hot breath tickling his skin, “You are much, much too gorgeous to deserve having your heart broken by someone like him.”
#16 Breaking
Jack stares intently and Aaron isn’t stupid, he knows dangerous territory when he sees it, “Maybe we should go home, Jack,” ignoring the fluttering in his stomach.
#17 Belief
Jack’s fingers clutch at his jacket as Aaron leads the half-stumbling boy out to the fresh air, (“Ah, that’s better,” Jack declares, “I’m fine, look at me, I’m not drunk,” Aaron guides him to the passenger seat of his car, “I’m going to kiss you one day, you better believe it,” Jack vows, eyes half-glazed; Aaron pauses then, looks at the boy who’s watching him, teeth biting against lower lip; Aaron shakes his head and shuts the door, voices in his brain screaming at him to resist.
#18 Balloon
Jack enters the room, half-asleep, eyelashes fluttering to stay awake, hair ruffled and he’s in Aaron’s sweatpants and an old T-shirt; “Hey,” he says softly as Jack joins him on the couch; “Hey, sexy,” the younger boy returns sleepily, dimples showing, fingers reaching to play with the Welshman’s own unkempt hair; something in Aaron’s head bursts, Oh fuck it - Aaron’s hands grab hold of Jack, and he kisses Jack, hard, and Jack responds enthusiastically, delicious little noises escaping his mouth.
#19 Balcony
“This might be the best breakfast I have ever had,” Jack announces, taking a bite of his croissant and chugging down some coffee before he’s even chewed.
#20 Bane
Jack watches Aaron, all nervous and fidgety and all guilty-looking (it’s adorable), barely picking at his food (not that Jack minds, he’ll just finish up for him), “What are we going to do about Theo?”
#21 Quiet
Jack’s thinking (but knowing Jack it’d probably take him a while to figure this one out); Aaron just leaves him be.
#22 Quirks
Jack finally shrugs, “I’ll talk to him about it,” (a half-promise), changes the topic, “This croissants are really really good, you should eat, Aaron, ‘cos if you’re not I’m going to eat your share,” crumbs falling all over the place as he speaks, and Aaron eyes him critically, “Didn’t you ever learn to not speak with your mouth full?”, Jack points out, “But it’s not full,” taking another bite of the croissant and shooting Aaron with a toothy grin, cheeks full and puffed out like a hamster.
#23 Question
At training, Jack avoids glancing over to where Aaron’s still training alone, avoids the glances that read “Have you asked him yet?”; listens to Arsene and keeps his head down.
#24 Quarrel
“Are we fighting?” Theo asks him, “Is there something you should tell me?”; “You’re going to be fighting with me very, very soon,” Jack sighs, of course Theo would know when something was wrong.
#25 Quitting
“Try me,” Theo dares him, “because I couldn’t leave you if I tried.”
#26 Jump
Theo isn't surprised when Jack tells him; somewhere in the back of his mind he supposes he's meant to be raging with anger and jealousy and hurt, but Jack's face is just - he can't.
#27 Jester
Jack thinks Theo is joking when he laughs softly, “What, that's it? It's not like you haven't stopped telling everyone how utterly gorgeous he is ever since he set foot here.”
#28 Jousting
Jack prods him in the side, “Don't joke, I'm trying to be serious”; “Hey,” Theo retorts accusedly, “You can't poke me, I'm already emotionally wounded by your philandering ways”; Jack glares at him “Trust you to not take our relationship seriously,” and stalks off, and Theo wonders how he ended up being the one to be running after Jack, apologizing.
#29 Jewel
“Hey,” Theo’s hand clasps around Jack's wrist, “You’re the one who thought it was okay to kiss someone else, you can't walk away from this, either”; “I'm sorry, I'm doing everything wrong,” Jack's eyes glisten, and that's the last thing Theo wants, Jack crying in the middle of practice; “Hey, it's all right,” he hushes, hand gripping tighter in reassurance, “We're alright.”
#30 Just
“I just, he was there and miserable and pretty and we both drank and- it's not right, I have you, it'll make perfect sense if you leave me, I mean I deserve it-” “Let's just get through practice, okay?”
#31 Smirk
“I promise I'll make it up to you, I stay away from him, I'll-” “Jack,” Theo reprimands, slightly irritated now, “We'll talk after; Arsene's looking at us like we're nuts; Aaron needs you; let's just have make up sex, or something,” Jack stares at him, bewildered; and Theo can't help the upward twitch of his mouth when he realized Jack's stopped rambling.
#32 Sorrow
Aaron makes an effort to speak to them after training, face filled with worry; “I saw on the pitch (Yes Jack, it was that obvious), this is my fault, I should leave the two of you alone,” he declares valiantly, voice strained and sounding like that is the last thing he wanted to do, “I just want to say,” continuing, “I care for the two of you very much, and Jack shouldn't have to choose, so I'm going to back off.”
#33 Stupidity
“Don't be stupid, Aaron” Jack remarks, flatly, “I'm not going to choose between the two of you.”
#34 Serenade
“Really, ‘cos you'll probably have to sing from my bedroom window to win me back,” Theo chimes in, utterly unhelpful.
#35 Sarcasm
“It's clearly apparent how much you want to stay in this relationship, Theo,” Jack sniffs.
#36 Sordid
“You're taking this entire matter way too melodramatically,” Theo retorts, “It's not Romeo and Juliet and nobody is going to die.”
#37 Soliloquay
“I could really use some Baz Luhrmann right now. It is the east, and Juliet is the sun, etcetera, etcetera.”
#38 Sojourn
“Cheer up, Jack, we'll work this out,” Aaron interrupts quietly, “It not like you to dwell”; “He's not dwelling,” Theo says pointedly, “He's moping and feeling sorry for himself,” and Jack glares at him like a spoiled child.
#39 Share
“You do realise I'm quite open to sharing, Jack,” and Jack blinks at Theo like he’s mad, like that wasn't even a possibility that crossed his mind.
#40 Solitary
“Seriously,” Theo presses, when Jack continues to stare at him, agape, “You always said you get lonely when I spend time with Mel,”; “I have Dolly and Rexy,” Jack points out stubbornly, and Theo laughs, “but they’re dogs.”
#41 Nowhere
“Aaron?” They turn to him then, expectant eyes like he’s the easiest solution to this problem and if he refuses they’re back to square one, “So it’s a rock or a hard place, right?” Aaron asks, “I mean I’m probably more comfortable if I just left the two alone-“ “-but then you’d have no friends,” Jack interrupts, and Theo of all people is agreeing, “I don’t have a choice, do I?” “Not really,” “Well, if you’re sure, then, we could give it a shot.”
#42 Neutral
“As long as I’m not in the middle when you two fight,” Aaron adds, as an afterthought.
#43 Nuance
“Oh, and you don’t confuse being Welsh with English.”
#44 Near
“Alright then, there’s one more thing, too,” Theo turns to Aaron, cups his face with both of his hands.
#45 Natural
Aaron’s eyes turn quickly from confusion to shock when he realizes what Theo’s doing, lips pressed against his; “So, er, this isn’t weird at all,” Jack commentates off to the side, “That’s quite hot, actually.”
#46 Horizon
“No,” Aaron pulls away, finally, “This is way too much for me to handle, much much much too much, I can’t do this.”
#47 Valiant
“Oh, alright, I tried,” Theo muses, shrugging in Jack’s direction.
#48 Virtuous
“Don’t worry, Azza,” Jack pulls Aaron away from Theo, “You stick close to me, and we’ll keep your angelic image intact”; Theo snorts, “Like anything related to you is angelic.”
#49 Victory
Jack points to himself, drawing circles around the circumference of his head, “Look at this, isn’t this sweet and innocent to you,” Theo cracks up laughing, “Alright, alright, you win.”
#50 Defeat
“Nah, he doesn’t,” Aaron smirks, “His devilish eyes give him away”, “Oh, you are so right,” Theo laughs again, earning a frown from Jack in return.
The Three Musketeers - End
#01 Comfort
Aaron wakes, head jerking quickly; he’s face-to-face with Theo, who smiles in amusement, “Did I fall asleep?” “Yeah,” Theo replies, “Oh my shoulder, no less,” “Sorry,” Aaron looks apologetic and Theo brushes it off, “It was fine, really” he grins again and Aaron feels his cheeks heating up without reason.
#02 Kiss
Aaron presses his lips to Theo’s cheek; “What was that for?” Theo looks at him strangely; “Thanks, I think,” Aaron shrugs, nonchalant, “I just had the urge to do it,” eyes furrowed like he’s equally as confused.
#03 Soft
Aaron soon falls asleep on Theo’s shoulder again; Theo sleeps as well, head resting over Aaron’s; Jack watches affectionately before he has the (rather brilliant) idea to take a photo to use as twitter blackmail later.
#04 Pain
“Watch it,” Aaron scolds sharply when Theo tries to sit down on top of his feet, eyes glued to the television; Aaron clutches his ankle in reflex to protect it but Theo bounces up, “Oh my god,” he cries, “I nearly put you out of action for another 3 months.”
#05 Potatoes
“I’d rather not spend another 3 months on the couch,” Aaron agrees, curling his feet underneath him.
#06 Rain
Jack walks in then, hair wet and clothes sticking to his body, “It's pouring outside,” he states, like a caption to the image he creates, framed against the door.
#07 Chocolate
“I'm just about to make hot chocolate,” Aaron smiles, getting up on his feet (Theo does too, off to fetch a towel for Jack,) “Want one? And maybe some waffles...”
#08 Happiness
“Oh, waffles, you can make waffles?” Jack asks incredulously, “You look adorable in that apron,” he adds; Aaron glares at him but Jack just beams.
#09 Telephone
Jack tweets “With Theo and Azza,” takes a photo and uploads it before the other two could react.
#10 Ears
“Oh my god, Jack,” Theo exclaims, grabbing Jack’s phone, “I look horrible, I have Prince Charles ears and my genie pants make my thighs look huge.”
#11 Name
“Aren't they called harem pants?” “Genie pants, harem pants, no difference, you're so gay,” Theo rolls his eyes and Aaron is just amused.
#12 Sensual
“Whatever, you like it,” Jack responds, “Besides, I like these pants, and your thighs are hot,” placing a hand on Theo’s leg and giving it a light squeeze.
#13 Death
“You're going to kill me one day,” Theo retorts, swatting the intruding hand away.
#14 Sex
“You know you can't get enough of me,” Jack brags, grinning, winking at Aaron, whose cheeks turn pink as he turns back towards waffle maker, checking that the temperature is set right.
#15 Touch
His kicks are a little off; the ball goes in the wrong direction or bounces away when he catches a pass with his feet; he stretches to meet passes that don’t come towards him as much as they should (or perhaps he’s not running towards passes fast enough), little inches he misses, little inches that scream not-good-enough.
#16 Weakness
He hopes it’s just a little bit of rust, thinks it’s probably just in his head, tries to shake it off, tries harder.
#17 Tears
(There's a little bit of crying when Aaron leaves for Nottingham Forest, even though it’s only a loan, as Aaron assures, and assures repeatedly.)
#18 Speed
He puts the “Slow and steady wins the race” sticker above his new locker, presses down on the peeling edges lightly, thinking of a locker at London Colney, feels a tightening in his chest, sighs and takes a deep breath, putting on his new kit.
#19 Wind
The colder climate is not so fantastic, but it's a good excuse to wear his collection of scarves.
#20 Freedom
When Aaron has the confidence to run full speed, at players and around players, it's the best feeling in the world.
#21 Life
“Enjoying life up there?” Jack and Theo are on Skype, two heads on a pixelated screen, it's hilarious and so ridiculous and Aaron feels his heart swell just a little at the two of them.
#22 Jealousy
Sure Nottingham's great, but it's not Arsenal.
#23 Hands
“You can't hi-five someone over the internet,” Theo states like it's obvious, and Jack replies, “Yeah? Watch me,” turning to the screen, “Hey Azza, hi-five me!” and Aaron rolls his eyes, grinning, palm tapping the webcam, and Theo remarks, indignantly, “Yeah, but you don't get that clapping sound,” and Aaron wonders how they got to this topic in the first place.
#24 Taste
“So um, apparently I can't make hot chocolate like you can make hot chocolate,” Theo whispers sheepishly, in a low voice so Jack in the background can't hear, “Jack doesn't like it,” and Aaron just laughs in reply.
#25 Devotion
When Aaron returns to London and they meet up for dinner, Jack flings a hug at him in a rather public display of affection; Theo clears his throat and Jack moves back quickly, “Nice to have you back, mate,” punching him on the shoulder.
#26 Forever
“Please don't ever leave, ever again,” Theo demands, later, when the trio are at a secluded table in the corner of the restaurant, “I'm having trouble dealing with Jack all on my own,” to which Jack responds by sticking his tongue out (some things never change.)
#27 Blood
When Barcelona beat Arsenal he feels like he could explode, wishing that he could have been there, not that he's at his best now but he's stuck here (and comeon, Cesc isn't at his best, and he gets to go), he's so frustrated and upset and so fucking helpless, he doesn't want to do anything for the rest of the day.
#28 Sickness
“I feel like crap, too,” Theo consoles, over the phone when they talk about it; Jack's pseudo-cheerful face
over Skype only makes it worse, and both are unconvinced when Jack tells them there was nothing they could have done to help.
#29 Melody
Aaron plugs his earphones in when he prepares for the game, blocking out every sound, concentrating: fingers tying knots in his laces, shin pads tight, pulling his socks up, hem stopping just below the curve of his knee, tucks his shirt into the waistband of his shorts; it’s uncomfortable, he pulls it out again, that’s better; Enrique rings in his head, Theo would laugh if he finds out.
#30 Star
So much hype, the press seems to think he’ll save Arsenal in some way, but he doesn’t believe he can do it.
#31 Home
It's almost like he dreamed; coming out of the tunnel, to the cheering and the chanting of his name, Aaron gets a pat on the back from somebody who walks past (Robin, maybe), and feels a lump in his throat, swallows and shakes his head rid the sting in his eyes.
#32 Confusion
“I don't get it,” Cesc announces, after Jack's (long) explanation of how Theo's his boyfriend and Aaron is his boyfriend too but Theo's not Aaron's boyfriend because Theo already has a girlfriend so Theo and Aaron are just friends but it'd be really cool if they hooked up, too.
#33 Fear
“I don’t get it either,” Jack agrees, turning to Aaron, “Threesome, Azza, what are you afraid of?” “Jack, please keep your brain in your head and not your pants,” Theo reprimands lightly, glancing warily over at Aaron’s petrified expression.
#34 Lightning/Thunder
“But that’s the problem, isn’t it,” Aaron bites, bitterly, eyes ablaze, “Jack’s brain is always in his pants,” he glares and stalks off, regretting his words even before he’s left the room, leaving them staring after him, surprise and shock on their faces; "You better fix that before Nicky finds out and blows a fuse on you," Cesc warns; Jack swears, looking at Theo glumly.
#35 Bonds
Jack and Aaron make up over the phone, apologizing repeatedly to each other, each blaming himself (“I’m so sorry, I shouldn’t have said that,” “Not your fault, I shouldn’t have said what I said,” “That’s not an excuse for me being mean,” “I’ve never seen you that pissed, I feel so bad,” “I’m sorry,”); Theo gives up on the two drama-queens and spends the evening with Melanie.
#36 Market
And of course Jack thinks it’s a good idea to reconcile through retail therapy and of course Theo’s the one carrying everyone’s bags.
#37 Technology
When Aaron joins Twitter, Theo has a micro-hissy-fit and Jack whoops in celebration.
#38 Gift
Theo thinks the Ipad 2 Jack gives him for his birthday is just an excuse for Theo to download the Twitter App and for Jack to borrow it and play Angry Birds on the bus rides to away games.
#39 Smile
“So, um,” Aaron’s face is clearly anxious as Theo clutches his gift, wrapped to perfection, hands in his pockets and cheeks pink, “Happy Birthday, Theo,” smiling in that way he does, the small smile that doesn’t show any teeth, (God, so adorable, Theo thinks); he opens it and it’s a new pair of noise-cancelling earphones, “Y’know, when Jack talks a little too much,” he explains, and Theo can’t help laughing.
#40 Innocence
“Also…I know I haven’t been very open to this, but, it’s your birthday, and I want to,” Aaron says slowly, and Theo’s laugh falls, eyes widening, “Are you sure?”
#41 Completion
“Don’t get your hopes up too high, Theo, it’s just a kiss,” Aaron grins rather wickedly then, as he closes the space between Theo’s lips and his, earphones still encircling Theo’s neck; Aaron removes them delicately, placing them on the table, hands replacing earphones, lips never leaving Theo’s; Theo clutches at Aaron, hands gripping thin waist, knowing that Aaron won’t give these kisses easily, takes as much as he can; they need to come up for air and when they break apart Theo’s smiling.
#42 Clouds
“Oh my god,” Theo breathes, his eyes glazed over, “I - wow.”
#43 Sky
Aaron laughs, clicking his fingers in front of Theo’s eyes, teases, “Earth to Theo, Earth to Theo!”
#44 Heaven
“So, was it good?” Jack asks with curiosity, false-innocence in his voice; Theo replies, “But you know,” blushing; “Yeah, I do,” Jack grins at him, “The question now, is whether or not I can do better,” kisses Theo, hard; Theo thinks, this might be the best birthday, ever.
#45 Hell
“I feel like death,” Theo groans in the morning, “I can’t move and I don’t want to wake up, ever,” Jack laughs at him, calling him an old man, “This is why Arsene doesn’t want us to have sex,” he actually chortles with mirth, earning him a pillow half-heartedly thrown in his direction.
#46 Sun
By morning, the trio train with the others; together and separate; as strikers and midfielders; in green bibs and yellow bibs; ninety percent absolute concentration and ten percent mucking around.
#47 Moon
By night, they grab dinner (Japanese or Thai and Mexican on the occasion when they feel particularly bad), or they make dinner (Well, Aaron cooks, Theo cleans and Jack, well, Jack taste-tests, except the days when it’s Jack’s turn to make his famous pasta dishes), they watch whatever’s on television, X-factor (Theo’s pick,) or Eastenders (Jack’s,) or Doctor Who (Aaron’s), and if they can’t agree then it’s Match of the Day, bitching about other teams and other players and who’s looking particularly good, or a movie marathon, which usually ends up with all of them asleep on the couch in a pile of limbs.
#48 Waves
“You three are like the Three Musketeers,” Samir says one day, to which Jack says “I’m the handsome one, what’s his name, Dartangion?” swishing his arm like he’s wielding a sword, “I think you mean d’Artagnan,” Samir replies amusedly, when Theo tells Jack that he looks more like a flailing octopus than a gifted swordsman.
#49 Hair
The hair at the back of his neck stand up when Aaron hears he’s been made Wales Captain for the game against England - so much has happened since last February.
#50 Supernova
Theo, injured, watches Jack and Aaron from up in the stands as they shake hands, sharing a smile, one in red and one in white, one a captain already and one almost definitely destined to be one, senses a burst of pride and a burst of envy, thinks, their world is red and white and it’s as bright as the cameras that flash without pause, as bright as the floodlights illuminating the stadium, as bright as the stars that light up the night sky.
FIN.
Comments appreciated! <3
Pairing: Jack Wilshere/Theo Walcott, Jack Wilshere/Aaron Ramsey, Aaron Ramsey/Theo Walcott
Rating: PG
Notes: 100% for Rachie aka darkblue , who has been single-handedly cheering me on in this ridiculous quest to fill 150 sentences from the 1sentence prompts, Delta, Beta, Alpha. Also, 110% NOT REAL, ENTIRELY FICTION, god.
The Three Musketeers - Beginning
#1 Air
When Aaron Ramsey arrives; all pale-skinned and nervous smile, Jack’s breath catches in his mouth.
#2 Apples
“Why are you paying attention to him instead of me?” Theo asked, kissing Jack’s neck; Jack’s cheeks pink up, replies “but look at him, he’s gorgeous.”
#3 Beginning
Theo’s eyes screw up a little, looking at the newcomer; thinks - well yeah, wow, damn - thinks also - oh shit.
#4 Bugs
Aaron’s stomach flutters oddly as he eavesdrops on the two, who have now started talking about adopting him (Oh dear, when he signed up for Arsenal but didn’t expect to sign for crazy.)
#5 Coffee
Jack Wilshere does know all the best cafes around London Colney; and so, thinking about his failed attempt at weaning off his caffeine addiction with a twinge of regret, Aaron accepts the invitation for a coffee tour of London.
#6 Dark
Theo tags along, and Aaron can’t help noticing Jack’s hand bumping against Theo’s when they walk together, dark skin contrasting against light.
#7 Despair
Aaron soon discovers that everyone in the locker room’s already shortened his name to Azza, and what, he doesn’t like it at all.
#8 Doors
“Oh my god,” Aaron says, shocked, as soon as he enters the room, finding Jack on Theo’s lap, arms wrapped around Theo’s neck (“Oh shit, I thought it was locked,” Jack swears, at the same time as Theo’s “It’s not what you think”, at the same time as Aaron’s “So sorry, that won’t happen again!” and a bang of the door shut, leaving silence.)
#9 Drink
“You look like you saw a ghost,” Nicky observes, when he bumps into him in the corridor, “Do you need a drink?”
#10 Duty
“You know I really shouldn’t, I’m fine really…(Nicky looks at him, disbelieving)…Maybe just one.”
#11 Earth
The world stops when Nicky kisses him.
#12 End
“Looks like someone got there before we did,” Theo comments to Jack, who sighs in defeat as they watch Nicky and Aaron enter the training ground together.
#13 Fall
“Looks like Alice fell down the Rabbit Hole,” Jack says to Aaron when they’re stretching together, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.
#14 Fire
When Aaron wrinkles his eyebrows in obvious confusion, Jack only rolls his eyes, “I’m saying, Nick’s like playing with fire, girlfriend, be careful there, and - me and Theo, we’ve got your back.”
#15 Flexible
“Well I don’t think it’s very serious,” Aaron explains, thoughtful; “but I’ll be careful.”
#16 Flying
Nicky falls asleep soon after they lift off, head resting on Aaron’s shoulder; Theo and Jack are in the seats in front, playing games and laughing, and Aaron wishes he were hanging with them instead.
#17 Food
“If Nicky’s going to sleep the entire time, we’d like to eat his plane food,” Theo whispers loudly through the little gap between the seats; Aaron laughs at the way their faces light up when it gets handed over, bickering over who gets the dibs on a second dessert.
#18 Foot
It was a sound nobody ever wanted to hear, and it was a vision nobody wanted to see.
#19 Grave
Aaron crumples over, pain unbearable; he glances at his ankle, at his ankle snapped and dangling at an unnatural angle like a broken twig, thinks, I mustn’t pass out-
#20 Green
The ceiling is the colour of mint and the overhead fluorescent lights flicker past; he smells sterility like a dentist’s clinic and he resists the urge to gag; “We’ve got you, Azza”; he shuts his eyes.
#21 Head
It is weird, Aaron thinks, when the first person he sees when he finally wakes up is Jack Wilshere, head hovering over him (“He’s awake!”), before his parents rush over with smiles and worry lines on their faces.
#22 Hollow
He feels alright, his foot bundled into plaster and x-rays and ct-scans hung up like artwork along the wall, he thinks suddenly, “Where’s Nick?”; Cesc looks at him with concern and shakes his head, “I’m sorry, he went home, I’m to call him when you woke up-”; Aaron doesn’t hear him, stomach dropping.
#23 Honor
Arsene chooses that time to walk in and ask him how he’s feeling, to which he jokes, “It’s been great playing with Arsenal, boss, but” - he’s silenced with a don’t-even-dare look from Cesc , clears his throat, “What I meant was, I’m alright, I’ll be up and running in no time,” head up and smiling a smile that doesn’t quite reach his eyes.
#24 Hope
There is a collective sigh of relief when the doctors say that it’s not as bad as first expected; Aaron is expected to walk and run and play football again; Cesc, Theo, and the others who stayed behind leave then, needing to subdue Jack who has burst into tears.
#25 Light
The light at the end of the tunnel is very far away at this stage, but Aaron is absolutely, whole-heartedly determined to reach it and stride out the other side, hopefully to a full, cheering stadium with an Arsenal shirt still on his back.
#26 Lost
“I don’t think I can do this right now,” reads Aaron’s text message to Nicky, when Nicky asks how he’s holding up; Aaron presses Send, switching the phone off.
#27 Metal
Aaron can’t help but roll his eyes when Jack and Theo steal his crutches and muck around with them; “Don’t you guys break your legs either,” implores Cesc, and Robin laughs.
#28 New
“I think there’s enough here to last several winters,” Aaron remarks incredulously, at his pile of birthday-slash-Christmas presents, fifty-percent woolen scarves and fifty-percent beanies.
#29 Old
“What’s it like being ancient?” Jack asks, face full of cake; Aaron doesn’t really know how to respond and Theo mumbles something about a sugar overdose.
#30 Peace
Later, when it’s quiet, Nicky arrives and they talk, and when he leaves Aaron thinks it’s for the best.
#31 Poison
“You need to get him out of your system,” Jack Wilshere offers, the next morning, “Come watch a movie with me and Theo tonight.”
#32 Pretty
“Why are you even helping me,” Aaron starts, (wants to add And how did you know we broke up? except the question didn’t need an answer - Jack sticks his nose into everybody’s business); Jack responds, “Have you looked in the mirror? Someone that pretty doesn’t deserve to be unhappy and alone.”
#33 Rain
When Aaron knocks on the front of Theo’s door, rain falling and ruining his new leather jacket, he thinks, 1. This is a very, very bad idea, 2. Why am I doing this? 3. You’re going to be a third-wheel for the next three hours, Aaron 4. Oh, what the hell - shakes his head of his thoughts quickly and rings the doorbell.
#34 Regret
“Hey,” greets Jack, apron-clad and smiling, dimples in his cheeks, “We decided to have movies here instead, are you in? I’m making pasta,” and Aaron shrugs, “Sure, I guess,” and the smile Jack gives him, it positively beams, “You won’t regret it,” he promises, “I make ~killa pasta~.”
#35 Roses
Aaron’s cheeks flush when Theo notices that Aaron was wearing the scarf that Theo got him for his birthday and doesn’t stop talking about it; (Aaron doesn’t have the heart to tell Theo he has no idea who actually gave the said scarves, and that he didn’t realize it was Theo’s.)
#36 Secret
“You should probably know by now that Jack has a little crush on you,” Theo nudges him, as they’re clearing the dishes; Aaron nods slowly, “and you’re okay with it?” Theo gives him a look, like the answer was obvious.
#37 Snakes
Jack clears his throat and announces, “When you two have finished gossiping, we have Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets to watch,” bounding off again; Theo laughs, helps untie the apron from behind Aaron’s neck, “Comeon, mate, he’ll start without us,” takes the popcorn bowl with him; Aaron rubs his hand across his neck where Theo’s fingers brushed against it, even more confused than before.
#38 Snow
“Oh my god,” Theo exclaims suddenly, making the other two jump (Harry is hiding somewhere in one of those dungeon tunnels, basilisk blindly finding him by smell;) “It’s snowing,” Aaron rushes to the window to find his car outside blanketed by a layer of snow.
#39 Solid
“Don’t worry, you can stay here,” Theo suggests, “Jack?” Jack nods, turning to Aaron “You want the guest room? Unless you want to sleep on the floor,” Theo rolls his eyes, “No one’s sleeping on the floor.”
#40 Spring
They bicker; Theo proposes that someone can sleep on the couch; Aaron offers to sleep on said couch and Jack argues, you’re the guest, you CAN'T sleep on the couch, I'LL sleep on the couch; But I’ll be quite alright on the couch, I don’t need a double bed, I’ll be fine, Aaron retaliates; Jack whines, wounded, Are you calling me fat? Theo reassures, No one is calling you fat; Jack scoffs, this could have been solved so much quicker if you invited me into your BED, it’s not like we haven’t done that before - Silence.
#41 Stable
Aaron dissolves into giggles, breaking the awkward, Jack heaves a loud sigh of relief and Theo lets out a derisive half-laugh-half-snort and Jack glowers, “What the fuck was that, Walcott, you sound like a horse,” which just makes Aaron laugh even more.
#42 Strange
Aaron has difficulty sleeping that night, knowing the other two were in the other room.
#43 Summer
They discuss the World Cup the next morning over breakfast, before heading off for training; Aaron realizes that they’ll be gone for the summer, and can’t help feeling both envious and disappointed.
#44 Taboo
“You could come to cheer us on, or something,” Jack mentions helpfully, to which Aaron almost chokes on his coffee, scandalized, “What? A Welshman cheering for England? Never,” but he smiles.
#45 Ugly
Jack sticks his tongue out indignantly at Aaron as some kind of retort, “Oh, that’s nice, very attractive Jack,” Theo laughs, shaking his head when Jack whines, (“But you’re supposed to be on my side!”)
#46 War
“I think I’ll be Switzerland,” Theo continues diplomatically; Jack sniffs, getting up from the table.
#47 Water
Aaron frowns at his car, completely surrounded by puddles of mushy ice half-melted by the unexpected morning sun.
#48 Welcome
“Hop in, loser! We’re going shopping!” Jack yells from Theo’s passenger side; it takes some time for Theo to explain that Jack was quoting a chick-flick and that they were actually going to training (“but if you want to go shop after we can do that, too.”)
#49 Winter
“God, it’s freezing,” Jack shivers as they hop out of the car, fingers tucked inside the sleeves of his shirt; Aaron removes his scarf and wraps it around Jack’s neck, and is rewarded with Jack’s dimpled smile in return.
#50 Wood
“Such a gentleman”, “Theo never lends me his scarves”, “It smells so nice, hey Theo, smell this - (I’m not going to smell it!) - Oh comeon, it’s so nice, like, I don’t know, sandalwood, or something - (How do you even know what Sandalwood smells like?)”; Theo glares at Aaron accusingly, joking, “Are you trying to steal my boyfriend?”; Aaron laughs mercilessly in reply, shaking his head, hands up in surrender.
The Three Musketeers - Middle
#01 Walking
He finds the words, A Journey Begins with a Single Step and Slow and Steady Wins the Race, stuck on the front of his locker; (if he squints it looks like Jack’s handwriting); he smiles.
#02 Waltz
“Oh god, he likes it,” Jack bounces happily, doing a victory dance (Theo, Theo just rolls his eyes at him.)
#03 Wishes
“I just hope he can play with us again soon, him and Thomas,” Theo sighs.
#04 Wonder
Aaron’s bouncing the ball and juggling it between his feet; he jogs and it doesn’t hurt, he dribbles, God he’s missed this, and relief washes over him, he can’t believe he’s doing this right now, he wants to run and he wants to stop and cry at the same time.
#05 Worry
“Don’t overexert yourself, Azza,” Gary warns, and Aaron takes a deep, steadying breath, thinking of the stickers on his locker.
#06 Whimsy
“He is so, so playing with us again this season,” Jack predicts confidently, watching Aaron from across the other side of the field.
#07 Waste
“When you two stop perving on Azza, we can start today’s practice,” Cesc quips dryly; Jack and Theo both look guiltily at their Captain like denying it was never an option.
#08 Whiskey and Rum
When Aaron states that he doesn’t tend to drink, even at parties, Theo exclaims, “High five, man!” whilst Jack looks at the both of them like he’s been betrayed.
#09 War
“Seriously, that stuff doesn’t even taste good,” “I know, right?”, “Are you two ganging up against me, now?” Jack huffs.
#10 Weddings
When Aaron finds out Nick’s engaged to Caroline he phones Jack, figuring he probably needs a drink after all.
#11 Birthday
“It’s for the better,” Jack says reassuringly, looks at him with worry (and a bit of pity - which pisses Aaron off to no end) “At least - at least you don’t have to turn up to his kid’s birthday with some lame ~cool uncle~ excuse.”
#12 Blessing
Aaron snorts unattractively; “Yeah, I guess I’m glad I’m out of there.”
#13 Bias
“Aaron,” Jack begins slowly, like he’s trying to find the words, “you do realize that this is just what I think, I don’t think Nick’s good enough for you, but that's just me, right? Like, don’t be persuaded by me, okay? If you - if you loved Nicky then by all means feel free to mope and be depressed a bit.”
#14 Burning
“I’m not (in love with him),” Aaron fumbles with words, “well (maybe I was a little, before, not now), what I mean is I don’t (not anymore, and it has nothing to do with you), and I’m fine (I think I’m fine, I have to be), I’m not dying of a broken heart,” he smiles wryly, and Jack smiles back; shot glasses clink and Aaron tips his head, liquid searing his throat and using it as an excuse for the sting in his eyes.
#15 Breathing
“I hope you know,” Jack murmurs into Aaron’s ear, hand resting on his shoulder, leaning in, hot breath tickling his skin, “You are much, much too gorgeous to deserve having your heart broken by someone like him.”
#16 Breaking
Jack stares intently and Aaron isn’t stupid, he knows dangerous territory when he sees it, “Maybe we should go home, Jack,” ignoring the fluttering in his stomach.
#17 Belief
Jack’s fingers clutch at his jacket as Aaron leads the half-stumbling boy out to the fresh air, (“Ah, that’s better,” Jack declares, “I’m fine, look at me, I’m not drunk,” Aaron guides him to the passenger seat of his car, “I’m going to kiss you one day, you better believe it,” Jack vows, eyes half-glazed; Aaron pauses then, looks at the boy who’s watching him, teeth biting against lower lip; Aaron shakes his head and shuts the door, voices in his brain screaming at him to resist.
#18 Balloon
Jack enters the room, half-asleep, eyelashes fluttering to stay awake, hair ruffled and he’s in Aaron’s sweatpants and an old T-shirt; “Hey,” he says softly as Jack joins him on the couch; “Hey, sexy,” the younger boy returns sleepily, dimples showing, fingers reaching to play with the Welshman’s own unkempt hair; something in Aaron’s head bursts, Oh fuck it - Aaron’s hands grab hold of Jack, and he kisses Jack, hard, and Jack responds enthusiastically, delicious little noises escaping his mouth.
#19 Balcony
“This might be the best breakfast I have ever had,” Jack announces, taking a bite of his croissant and chugging down some coffee before he’s even chewed.
#20 Bane
Jack watches Aaron, all nervous and fidgety and all guilty-looking (it’s adorable), barely picking at his food (not that Jack minds, he’ll just finish up for him), “What are we going to do about Theo?”
#21 Quiet
Jack’s thinking (but knowing Jack it’d probably take him a while to figure this one out); Aaron just leaves him be.
#22 Quirks
Jack finally shrugs, “I’ll talk to him about it,” (a half-promise), changes the topic, “This croissants are really really good, you should eat, Aaron, ‘cos if you’re not I’m going to eat your share,” crumbs falling all over the place as he speaks, and Aaron eyes him critically, “Didn’t you ever learn to not speak with your mouth full?”, Jack points out, “But it’s not full,” taking another bite of the croissant and shooting Aaron with a toothy grin, cheeks full and puffed out like a hamster.
#23 Question
At training, Jack avoids glancing over to where Aaron’s still training alone, avoids the glances that read “Have you asked him yet?”; listens to Arsene and keeps his head down.
#24 Quarrel
“Are we fighting?” Theo asks him, “Is there something you should tell me?”; “You’re going to be fighting with me very, very soon,” Jack sighs, of course Theo would know when something was wrong.
#25 Quitting
“Try me,” Theo dares him, “because I couldn’t leave you if I tried.”
#26 Jump
Theo isn't surprised when Jack tells him; somewhere in the back of his mind he supposes he's meant to be raging with anger and jealousy and hurt, but Jack's face is just - he can't.
#27 Jester
Jack thinks Theo is joking when he laughs softly, “What, that's it? It's not like you haven't stopped telling everyone how utterly gorgeous he is ever since he set foot here.”
#28 Jousting
Jack prods him in the side, “Don't joke, I'm trying to be serious”; “Hey,” Theo retorts accusedly, “You can't poke me, I'm already emotionally wounded by your philandering ways”; Jack glares at him “Trust you to not take our relationship seriously,” and stalks off, and Theo wonders how he ended up being the one to be running after Jack, apologizing.
#29 Jewel
“Hey,” Theo’s hand clasps around Jack's wrist, “You’re the one who thought it was okay to kiss someone else, you can't walk away from this, either”; “I'm sorry, I'm doing everything wrong,” Jack's eyes glisten, and that's the last thing Theo wants, Jack crying in the middle of practice; “Hey, it's all right,” he hushes, hand gripping tighter in reassurance, “We're alright.”
#30 Just
“I just, he was there and miserable and pretty and we both drank and- it's not right, I have you, it'll make perfect sense if you leave me, I mean I deserve it-” “Let's just get through practice, okay?”
#31 Smirk
“I promise I'll make it up to you, I stay away from him, I'll-” “Jack,” Theo reprimands, slightly irritated now, “We'll talk after; Arsene's looking at us like we're nuts; Aaron needs you; let's just have make up sex, or something,” Jack stares at him, bewildered; and Theo can't help the upward twitch of his mouth when he realized Jack's stopped rambling.
#32 Sorrow
Aaron makes an effort to speak to them after training, face filled with worry; “I saw on the pitch (Yes Jack, it was that obvious), this is my fault, I should leave the two of you alone,” he declares valiantly, voice strained and sounding like that is the last thing he wanted to do, “I just want to say,” continuing, “I care for the two of you very much, and Jack shouldn't have to choose, so I'm going to back off.”
#33 Stupidity
“Don't be stupid, Aaron” Jack remarks, flatly, “I'm not going to choose between the two of you.”
#34 Serenade
“Really, ‘cos you'll probably have to sing from my bedroom window to win me back,” Theo chimes in, utterly unhelpful.
#35 Sarcasm
“It's clearly apparent how much you want to stay in this relationship, Theo,” Jack sniffs.
#36 Sordid
“You're taking this entire matter way too melodramatically,” Theo retorts, “It's not Romeo and Juliet and nobody is going to die.”
#37 Soliloquay
“I could really use some Baz Luhrmann right now. It is the east, and Juliet is the sun, etcetera, etcetera.”
#38 Sojourn
“Cheer up, Jack, we'll work this out,” Aaron interrupts quietly, “It not like you to dwell”; “He's not dwelling,” Theo says pointedly, “He's moping and feeling sorry for himself,” and Jack glares at him like a spoiled child.
#39 Share
“You do realise I'm quite open to sharing, Jack,” and Jack blinks at Theo like he’s mad, like that wasn't even a possibility that crossed his mind.
#40 Solitary
“Seriously,” Theo presses, when Jack continues to stare at him, agape, “You always said you get lonely when I spend time with Mel,”; “I have Dolly and Rexy,” Jack points out stubbornly, and Theo laughs, “but they’re dogs.”
#41 Nowhere
“Aaron?” They turn to him then, expectant eyes like he’s the easiest solution to this problem and if he refuses they’re back to square one, “So it’s a rock or a hard place, right?” Aaron asks, “I mean I’m probably more comfortable if I just left the two alone-“ “-but then you’d have no friends,” Jack interrupts, and Theo of all people is agreeing, “I don’t have a choice, do I?” “Not really,” “Well, if you’re sure, then, we could give it a shot.”
#42 Neutral
“As long as I’m not in the middle when you two fight,” Aaron adds, as an afterthought.
#43 Nuance
“Oh, and you don’t confuse being Welsh with English.”
#44 Near
“Alright then, there’s one more thing, too,” Theo turns to Aaron, cups his face with both of his hands.
#45 Natural
Aaron’s eyes turn quickly from confusion to shock when he realizes what Theo’s doing, lips pressed against his; “So, er, this isn’t weird at all,” Jack commentates off to the side, “That’s quite hot, actually.”
#46 Horizon
“No,” Aaron pulls away, finally, “This is way too much for me to handle, much much much too much, I can’t do this.”
#47 Valiant
“Oh, alright, I tried,” Theo muses, shrugging in Jack’s direction.
#48 Virtuous
“Don’t worry, Azza,” Jack pulls Aaron away from Theo, “You stick close to me, and we’ll keep your angelic image intact”; Theo snorts, “Like anything related to you is angelic.”
#49 Victory
Jack points to himself, drawing circles around the circumference of his head, “Look at this, isn’t this sweet and innocent to you,” Theo cracks up laughing, “Alright, alright, you win.”
#50 Defeat
“Nah, he doesn’t,” Aaron smirks, “His devilish eyes give him away”, “Oh, you are so right,” Theo laughs again, earning a frown from Jack in return.
The Three Musketeers - End
#01 Comfort
Aaron wakes, head jerking quickly; he’s face-to-face with Theo, who smiles in amusement, “Did I fall asleep?” “Yeah,” Theo replies, “Oh my shoulder, no less,” “Sorry,” Aaron looks apologetic and Theo brushes it off, “It was fine, really” he grins again and Aaron feels his cheeks heating up without reason.
#02 Kiss
Aaron presses his lips to Theo’s cheek; “What was that for?” Theo looks at him strangely; “Thanks, I think,” Aaron shrugs, nonchalant, “I just had the urge to do it,” eyes furrowed like he’s equally as confused.
#03 Soft
Aaron soon falls asleep on Theo’s shoulder again; Theo sleeps as well, head resting over Aaron’s; Jack watches affectionately before he has the (rather brilliant) idea to take a photo to use as twitter blackmail later.
#04 Pain
“Watch it,” Aaron scolds sharply when Theo tries to sit down on top of his feet, eyes glued to the television; Aaron clutches his ankle in reflex to protect it but Theo bounces up, “Oh my god,” he cries, “I nearly put you out of action for another 3 months.”
#05 Potatoes
“I’d rather not spend another 3 months on the couch,” Aaron agrees, curling his feet underneath him.
#06 Rain
Jack walks in then, hair wet and clothes sticking to his body, “It's pouring outside,” he states, like a caption to the image he creates, framed against the door.
#07 Chocolate
“I'm just about to make hot chocolate,” Aaron smiles, getting up on his feet (Theo does too, off to fetch a towel for Jack,) “Want one? And maybe some waffles...”
#08 Happiness
“Oh, waffles, you can make waffles?” Jack asks incredulously, “You look adorable in that apron,” he adds; Aaron glares at him but Jack just beams.
#09 Telephone
Jack tweets “With Theo and Azza,” takes a photo and uploads it before the other two could react.
#10 Ears
“Oh my god, Jack,” Theo exclaims, grabbing Jack’s phone, “I look horrible, I have Prince Charles ears and my genie pants make my thighs look huge.”
#11 Name
“Aren't they called harem pants?” “Genie pants, harem pants, no difference, you're so gay,” Theo rolls his eyes and Aaron is just amused.
#12 Sensual
“Whatever, you like it,” Jack responds, “Besides, I like these pants, and your thighs are hot,” placing a hand on Theo’s leg and giving it a light squeeze.
#13 Death
“You're going to kill me one day,” Theo retorts, swatting the intruding hand away.
#14 Sex
“You know you can't get enough of me,” Jack brags, grinning, winking at Aaron, whose cheeks turn pink as he turns back towards waffle maker, checking that the temperature is set right.
#15 Touch
His kicks are a little off; the ball goes in the wrong direction or bounces away when he catches a pass with his feet; he stretches to meet passes that don’t come towards him as much as they should (or perhaps he’s not running towards passes fast enough), little inches he misses, little inches that scream not-good-enough.
#16 Weakness
He hopes it’s just a little bit of rust, thinks it’s probably just in his head, tries to shake it off, tries harder.
#17 Tears
(There's a little bit of crying when Aaron leaves for Nottingham Forest, even though it’s only a loan, as Aaron assures, and assures repeatedly.)
#18 Speed
He puts the “Slow and steady wins the race” sticker above his new locker, presses down on the peeling edges lightly, thinking of a locker at London Colney, feels a tightening in his chest, sighs and takes a deep breath, putting on his new kit.
#19 Wind
The colder climate is not so fantastic, but it's a good excuse to wear his collection of scarves.
#20 Freedom
When Aaron has the confidence to run full speed, at players and around players, it's the best feeling in the world.
#21 Life
“Enjoying life up there?” Jack and Theo are on Skype, two heads on a pixelated screen, it's hilarious and so ridiculous and Aaron feels his heart swell just a little at the two of them.
#22 Jealousy
Sure Nottingham's great, but it's not Arsenal.
#23 Hands
“You can't hi-five someone over the internet,” Theo states like it's obvious, and Jack replies, “Yeah? Watch me,” turning to the screen, “Hey Azza, hi-five me!” and Aaron rolls his eyes, grinning, palm tapping the webcam, and Theo remarks, indignantly, “Yeah, but you don't get that clapping sound,” and Aaron wonders how they got to this topic in the first place.
#24 Taste
“So um, apparently I can't make hot chocolate like you can make hot chocolate,” Theo whispers sheepishly, in a low voice so Jack in the background can't hear, “Jack doesn't like it,” and Aaron just laughs in reply.
#25 Devotion
When Aaron returns to London and they meet up for dinner, Jack flings a hug at him in a rather public display of affection; Theo clears his throat and Jack moves back quickly, “Nice to have you back, mate,” punching him on the shoulder.
#26 Forever
“Please don't ever leave, ever again,” Theo demands, later, when the trio are at a secluded table in the corner of the restaurant, “I'm having trouble dealing with Jack all on my own,” to which Jack responds by sticking his tongue out (some things never change.)
#27 Blood
When Barcelona beat Arsenal he feels like he could explode, wishing that he could have been there, not that he's at his best now but he's stuck here (and comeon, Cesc isn't at his best, and he gets to go), he's so frustrated and upset and so fucking helpless, he doesn't want to do anything for the rest of the day.
#28 Sickness
“I feel like crap, too,” Theo consoles, over the phone when they talk about it; Jack's pseudo-cheerful face
over Skype only makes it worse, and both are unconvinced when Jack tells them there was nothing they could have done to help.
#29 Melody
Aaron plugs his earphones in when he prepares for the game, blocking out every sound, concentrating: fingers tying knots in his laces, shin pads tight, pulling his socks up, hem stopping just below the curve of his knee, tucks his shirt into the waistband of his shorts; it’s uncomfortable, he pulls it out again, that’s better; Enrique rings in his head, Theo would laugh if he finds out.
#30 Star
So much hype, the press seems to think he’ll save Arsenal in some way, but he doesn’t believe he can do it.
#31 Home
It's almost like he dreamed; coming out of the tunnel, to the cheering and the chanting of his name, Aaron gets a pat on the back from somebody who walks past (Robin, maybe), and feels a lump in his throat, swallows and shakes his head rid the sting in his eyes.
#32 Confusion
“I don't get it,” Cesc announces, after Jack's (long) explanation of how Theo's his boyfriend and Aaron is his boyfriend too but Theo's not Aaron's boyfriend because Theo already has a girlfriend so Theo and Aaron are just friends but it'd be really cool if they hooked up, too.
#33 Fear
“I don’t get it either,” Jack agrees, turning to Aaron, “Threesome, Azza, what are you afraid of?” “Jack, please keep your brain in your head and not your pants,” Theo reprimands lightly, glancing warily over at Aaron’s petrified expression.
#34 Lightning/Thunder
“But that’s the problem, isn’t it,” Aaron bites, bitterly, eyes ablaze, “Jack’s brain is always in his pants,” he glares and stalks off, regretting his words even before he’s left the room, leaving them staring after him, surprise and shock on their faces; "You better fix that before Nicky finds out and blows a fuse on you," Cesc warns; Jack swears, looking at Theo glumly.
#35 Bonds
Jack and Aaron make up over the phone, apologizing repeatedly to each other, each blaming himself (“I’m so sorry, I shouldn’t have said that,” “Not your fault, I shouldn’t have said what I said,” “That’s not an excuse for me being mean,” “I’ve never seen you that pissed, I feel so bad,” “I’m sorry,”); Theo gives up on the two drama-queens and spends the evening with Melanie.
#36 Market
And of course Jack thinks it’s a good idea to reconcile through retail therapy and of course Theo’s the one carrying everyone’s bags.
#37 Technology
When Aaron joins Twitter, Theo has a micro-hissy-fit and Jack whoops in celebration.
#38 Gift
Theo thinks the Ipad 2 Jack gives him for his birthday is just an excuse for Theo to download the Twitter App and for Jack to borrow it and play Angry Birds on the bus rides to away games.
#39 Smile
“So, um,” Aaron’s face is clearly anxious as Theo clutches his gift, wrapped to perfection, hands in his pockets and cheeks pink, “Happy Birthday, Theo,” smiling in that way he does, the small smile that doesn’t show any teeth, (God, so adorable, Theo thinks); he opens it and it’s a new pair of noise-cancelling earphones, “Y’know, when Jack talks a little too much,” he explains, and Theo can’t help laughing.
#40 Innocence
“Also…I know I haven’t been very open to this, but, it’s your birthday, and I want to,” Aaron says slowly, and Theo’s laugh falls, eyes widening, “Are you sure?”
#41 Completion
“Don’t get your hopes up too high, Theo, it’s just a kiss,” Aaron grins rather wickedly then, as he closes the space between Theo’s lips and his, earphones still encircling Theo’s neck; Aaron removes them delicately, placing them on the table, hands replacing earphones, lips never leaving Theo’s; Theo clutches at Aaron, hands gripping thin waist, knowing that Aaron won’t give these kisses easily, takes as much as he can; they need to come up for air and when they break apart Theo’s smiling.
#42 Clouds
“Oh my god,” Theo breathes, his eyes glazed over, “I - wow.”
#43 Sky
Aaron laughs, clicking his fingers in front of Theo’s eyes, teases, “Earth to Theo, Earth to Theo!”
#44 Heaven
“So, was it good?” Jack asks with curiosity, false-innocence in his voice; Theo replies, “But you know,” blushing; “Yeah, I do,” Jack grins at him, “The question now, is whether or not I can do better,” kisses Theo, hard; Theo thinks, this might be the best birthday, ever.
#45 Hell
“I feel like death,” Theo groans in the morning, “I can’t move and I don’t want to wake up, ever,” Jack laughs at him, calling him an old man, “This is why Arsene doesn’t want us to have sex,” he actually chortles with mirth, earning him a pillow half-heartedly thrown in his direction.
#46 Sun
By morning, the trio train with the others; together and separate; as strikers and midfielders; in green bibs and yellow bibs; ninety percent absolute concentration and ten percent mucking around.
#47 Moon
By night, they grab dinner (Japanese or Thai and Mexican on the occasion when they feel particularly bad), or they make dinner (Well, Aaron cooks, Theo cleans and Jack, well, Jack taste-tests, except the days when it’s Jack’s turn to make his famous pasta dishes), they watch whatever’s on television, X-factor (Theo’s pick,) or Eastenders (Jack’s,) or Doctor Who (Aaron’s), and if they can’t agree then it’s Match of the Day, bitching about other teams and other players and who’s looking particularly good, or a movie marathon, which usually ends up with all of them asleep on the couch in a pile of limbs.
#48 Waves
“You three are like the Three Musketeers,” Samir says one day, to which Jack says “I’m the handsome one, what’s his name, Dartangion?” swishing his arm like he’s wielding a sword, “I think you mean d’Artagnan,” Samir replies amusedly, when Theo tells Jack that he looks more like a flailing octopus than a gifted swordsman.
#49 Hair
The hair at the back of his neck stand up when Aaron hears he’s been made Wales Captain for the game against England - so much has happened since last February.
#50 Supernova
Theo, injured, watches Jack and Aaron from up in the stands as they shake hands, sharing a smile, one in red and one in white, one a captain already and one almost definitely destined to be one, senses a burst of pride and a burst of envy, thinks, their world is red and white and it’s as bright as the cameras that flash without pause, as bright as the floodlights illuminating the stadium, as bright as the stars that light up the night sky.
FIN.
Comments appreciated! <3