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Chapter Text

It had been a long year and a half since San Galgano had been defeated by Finn and Chris. A lot of events had taken place, however, most have stayed the same; High Card still operates to protect people from the tragedies of the X-playing cards and Chris’ ability has come to work again after a few months of him on a break. It felt like a fresh, new start of a regular schedule that Finn had found comfort in.

So, how, after everything that has changed, did he end up on mop duty again? Things were finally going places for him, yet for some reason he, once again, got the short end of the stick, by losing rock paper scissors to Chris, and now it was his duty to make sure the Old Maid Branch was sparkling clean.

As per usual, Wendy and Vijay did not raise an eyebrow at the usual sight of Finn tidying up, a pout placed on his lips as he frantically wiped away at the tiled floors. Groaning, he leaned his weight on the appliance, peering over as the duo on the desk noticed how his attention was wavering.

“Whatcha you doin’?” Tilting his head, his blond locks leaned downwards, nearly reaching his jade eyes as he rested his cheek against the mop. 

“Wendy over here,” Vijay gestured to the colleague next to him, her gaze fixated on her laptop, “Is searching for local companies or public places willing to collaborate with us.”

Rubbing his temples, he continued, “As you have probably noticed by now, the Old Maid Branch has not been getting as many sales as usual. We’re trying to promote the shop.”

“We are?” Finn furrowed his brow, he wasn’t that great at reeling in customers, the only person he did was– well Apple… or Flann; he has made successful sales since, but not anyone who was willing to be a regular buyer. Since Chris is usually the man greeting and persuading customers, he hadn’t spotted how their customer count was beginning to dwindle. 

“Indeed we are, my dear Finn!” As if he knew Finn was thinking about him, Chris trotted from the entrance to take up a familiar place next to the blond, Vijay smiled at his entry to the conversation.

“Is the charm of the immortal ladies’ man not working anymore?” Jade eyes were lit up with mischief, as a smirk spread across the blond’s expression. He peered up at the face of his buddy, his arms crossed.

Chris clutched his chest as he leaned back, whining “Oh, how you wound me Finn! do you truly think my talents are that shallow?” A smile played at his lips as his fond amber eyes met his own.

“Chris is not at fault for the lack of customers in the Old Maid Branch.” Bernard explained, his quiet steps going unnoticed, as he motioned towards the silverish-brown haired man.

“Old man? What do you mean?” Finn placed the mop to lean against the wall, as he returned to the group discussion, noticing how Wendy was completely concentrated at the work at hand in front of her; it seemed like she already knew the situation.

Vijay cleared his throat, drawing attention to him “We have a rival car dealership store, from Colvato, stealing our customers.” he gestured towards the entrance of the shop, the glass revealing the brand new building across the street, as if it was glaring right directly at them.

“So… what’s the plan?” Finn’s brows furrowed as he asked, his mind racking for possibilities, if any, to aid Pinochle and High Card, who has always helped him. 

Just as Wendy raised her head and opened her mouth to say something, the bell of the store rang and a customer stepped through, inclining everyone to straighten up at the sound. 

“Welcome, welcome!” Chris speedily headed off to greet the client, their conversation muffled as Finn tuned it out and got back to mopping; he watched as Vijay’s and Wendy’s attention went back to their laptops and how Bernard seemingly disappeared into the back of the store once more. It seems like that conversation will continue a bit later, he supposed.

Chris’ arm slithered around his shoulder as he gestured to Finn, “My colleague here, Finn, will be taking care of you now, as I have urgent matters at the moment!” He smiled sweetly at the customer, charming enough to be able to direct their attention away from the blond’s astonished expression, his jaw was practically on the floor! 

Mumbling, the silverish-brown haired man, clarified to Finn, his amber eyes boring into jade, “It’s the hospital, they called about Michel, I need to go.” 

And, as if in an instant, a wave of understanding had overridden Finn’s annoyance, he patted his buddy’s shoulder and nodded simply, “Go.” 

He watched as Chris muttered to the duo at the front desk and rushed out of the store. 

Putting on his best customer service smile, Finn led his patron over to the newest model of their Pinochle cars, “This model has added cushioning and a built-in AI to help with navigation…”

Groaning into his bed, Finn was struggling to fall asleep, paranoia keeping him up late. It was already midnight and he definitely had work tomorrow, yet his mind couldn’t stop racing with questions and potential scenarios.

What will happen to the Old Maid Branch if we don’t have customers anymore?
Is Chris okay? Will High Card end if we don’t have the shop anymore? Is Michel alright?

It had been a couple of months since Chris had been called to the hospital, as her condition had been recovering rapidly since the blond prevented Chris from sacrificing his life. He’s glad it ended up well, but he’s still worried about their well-being; he’s still worried for the both of them. 

In any case, maybe instead of struggling to sleep, Finn can do something productive like preparing for work tomorrow or ironing his suit or–

Ring ring. Ring ring.

Oh, it’s Chris. 

Finn slumps down, back into his bed, he supposes he won’t be getting up anytime soon and answers. 

“Finn?” Chris’s voice sounds slightly muffled, he’s probably in bed as well.

In response, the blond lets out a small hum to let Chris know that he’s there, he’s tired, his mind may be racing but he just wants to catch some Zs.

“Finn, they're dispatching Michel in a couple of weeks!”  Jade eyes widened as a pang of warmth of happiness bloomed inside of Finn, he felt so blissful, it was unexplainable. 

“That’s great, Chris!” He needed to let his buddy know how truly amazing and joyous he felt because of Michel’s dispatching, he was practically beaming as he stared up at his ceiling, the light being turned off painted everything he could see in a dark shade. 

“They called me just for a basic update on her condition, but they didn’t tell me beforehand so I had to leave really quickly. Sorry if I worried you, Senpai~!” Finn could practically hear the smirk in the silverish-brown haired man’s voice, yet he felt a slight weight lift off of his shoulders; he could definitely sleep now. 

“It’s fine, but you really need to stop calling me that, it’s weird!” Finn heard Chris chuckle softly, he smiled in return as he slowly blinked, yawning simultaneously. 

“I’m going to sleep now. Night, Chris.”

“Goodnight, Finn.”

Beep… Beep…

Finn groaned as he shifted under his covers, which were extra fluffy and warm that morning, making him resist the urge to get out of bed. His arm stretched to grab the phone on his bedside table and cancel the alarm, before laying back in bed and staring up at the ceiling.

Wait a second…

Sitting up, rapidly, Finn peered around the room, to realise that this was not his bedroom! 

His ceiling did not look like that, those weren’t his extra comfy covers since he always bought the cheap and scratchy ones, and he had never set an alarm on his phone, because Chris always woke him up by honking outside of his apartment to go to work, so, where the hell was he?

Getting up, he rushed straight towards what seemed to be a bathroom, and stared deeply into a mirror; into his reflection.

What he would typically be met with, his blond locks and his jade-green eyes, as well as a slight smirk of being fulfilled with how he looked that day, was replaced by a warm, amber-yellow gaze, and an infuriatingly, perfect looking mop of silverish-brown toned hair. He had an astonished expression on his face, his mouth was agape and his eyes were blown wide. 

It was Chris.

Finn raised his hand to his face, watching as Chris’ cheek squished and was pulled, as if it was Chris doing it to himself, to his own face, but in fact it was Finn. Finn was in Chris’ body.

There was only one reason why they swapped bodies. 

They were soulmates. 

It was a commonly known fact that soulmates would on occasion switch bodies with one another, and while it was a little unnatural, most people did experience switching. It wasn’t a bizarre phenomenon, there were even some scientific facts on why soulmates switch, like reaching adulthood, or being separated from across different countries. 

Chris was his soulmate.

Finn let out a sigh of relief as he watched Chris’ eyes crinkle in adoration as he looked at the reflection of his soulmate. He was glad. Ecstatic, even, Chris had always been there for him, always helping him out, they’ve saved each other’s lives; he was his buddy. His first friend in High Card. And now? His soulmate.

The blond was always terrified of waking up in a stranger’s body and not knowing anything about them. Then, having to open up about his life to someone completely new and randomly selected just for him? It was just too much. So, he’s pleased; he’s thankful that it’s Chris.

And Finn thinking that Chris is extremely handsome is just an added bonus, of course.

Slumping his shoulders down, all of the tension in Finn’s (or well, in actuality Chris’) body left, yes, his situation was still confusing, but at least he wasn’t kidnapped or anything. Now, all he needed to do was talk to Chris about it. 

Returning back to the bedroom he awoke in, he grinned as he took it all in. Chris’ bedroom was big; he had a double bed with maroon and grey floral bed sheets with silky dark pillowcases, that took up most of the room. The walls were painted grey, and while they were mostly bare, some pictures of High Card and Michel were hung up as a collage, warming Finn’s heart.

It was all extremely modern, his furniture was white and plain, and there was no mess; the only thing that added a bit of personality was a duty violin on a holder in the corner, and obviously Chris’ walk-in wardrobe that was brimming with clothes and accessories. 

Just then, the phone that had woken him up began ringing, vibrating against the white nightstand, and Finn instinctively peered at the caller, reading his own name.

Chris was calling. Immediately, his hand shot out, grasping Chris’ phone and answering the call in less than a heartbeat. 

“Why hello there my dear soulmate, Finn!” Chris proclaimed, in Finn’s voice, it sounded weird and unnatural, the blond’s voice was always much more rough so having it be heard slightly more silky was an odd experience. Especially when he wasn’t the one speaking.

Clearing his throat, Finn responded, skipping past greetings, “Chris, what do we do?” he began pacing around in a circle before adding, “Do we go to work? Tell Wendy and Vijay?” 

“Finn, Finn… Why so hasty?” Finn could hear his smirk through the phone, “Let’s enjoy this new situation of being each other!”

Groaning, he reached his hand up to feel the silverish-brown hair of Chris, how would he ever survive with someone like him as his soulmate? Replying simply, with a little more pleading in his tone, “Chris.”

He heard the male on the other end sigh, a tease in his tone, “Fine fine, but only for you my dear Finn!” The blond could physically visualise Chris winking flirtatiously at him, and it didn’t help that he was in the other’s body as well.

Getting down to business, Chris explained the plan to his newly found soulmate, telling the other that they both should try to hide the fact they had switched bodies to High Card, since the Old Maid Branch definitely needs all hands on deck currently, with losing customers and it’d be easier to explain once they had reverted back to normal.

It seemed like an easy thing to pull off, but there was a small problem.

“Chris, how the hell do I get to work? I don't even know where you live!”

Chuckling at Finn’s reaction, the silverish-brown haired male on the other line of his phone paused for a second, before giggling out “Good luck, my darling soulmate!”  

Beep. Beep.

He had hung up.

Finn groaned out loudly, this would be a very long morning. 

Chapter Text

In a scurry of searching Chris’ apartment for his suit, guessing his password for his phone and using a GPS to get to the Old Maid Branch, Finn had arrived… fashionably late, as his soulmate would say, to work.

Stepping in, the bell above signalling his entry, it seemed that everyone was already there, including… Chris, who was in his own body. It felt weird, as if he was looking in a mirror, except that the opposite him wasn’t copying his actions, instead he was doing his own, as if the mirror version had a free will, in a way.

Chris was talking to Vijay and Wendy, albeit a bit too smoothly, he was not copying how Finn acts at all! Does his soulmate even know how to behave like him? And here Finn thought he was going to struggle today!

Giggling, Wendy wiped away a tear from her eye, “Finn, that’s such a great impression of Chris!” she let out before her laughter catched up to her, causing her to chuckle even more, her gaze crinkling in happiness. Next to her, Vijay had a finger against his mouth, his eyes closed as his shoulders trembled slightly, holding back his laughter to maintain proper etiquette. 

Oh. I spoke too soon. Finn peered at the both of them, his eyes wide, then to Chris who was looking straight at him, a smirk placed upon his face. (Or maybe actually Finn’s face-) 

Coughing, Finn felt extremely awkward, what would Chris say? , he blurted out the first thing that came to his mind, “S-sorry for being fashionable l-late everyone, but your adored immortal man is here now!”

Biting his lip, Finn struggled to not flush red in embarrassment. How does Chris stay so calm saying stuff like this all the time?

Seemingly convinced with his performance, Vijay turned to look at him, clearing his throat before stating, “Ah, Chris, we were just talking about you.” he paused before raising an eyebrow, “Is there a reason you're late? You usually arrive early or on-time with Finn.”

Finn gulped, trying to stay calm even as he was struggling to keep up his facade, “Uh- sorry, there was some heavy traffic.” He explained, awkwardly chuckling as he tried hard to stay persuasive. 

In response, the male with raven hair’s eyebrows furrowed in slight confusion, but didn’t say anything, deciding to continue to work. “Well, make sure you’re ready to serve customers, even if we aren’t getting many, you're our ace business man, we need you.”

Letting out a laugh, Finn tried to look as calm and collected as he could before responding in the most Chris-way he thought of, “D-don’t worry, Vijay, I-I’ll be able to make sure I swoon over all of our customers that come through~!”

The male in question was pleased with that response, turning back to his work, as he pointed at his laptop, muttering to Wendy. In which, her eyes widened but swiftly she recovered, whispering back to Vijay. 

Maybe they found a lead on how to promote the branch? Finn supposed, rotating, to gaze at his soulmate, in his body.

In return, his soulmate grinned, wrapping an arm over his shoulder. And in that moment the blond realised that Chris is slightly taller than him, witnessing his own body’s height from the other’s perspective, was a bit mind-blowing.

“Hey, Chris, I gotta talk to you for a sec, c’mon.” Finn was dragged away by Chris (and his amazing acting skills! Finn would 100% phrase it like that.) into the spare, cleaning supplies room, the door shutting behind them as he watched his soulmate lock the door, visually slumping after he did.

“My darling Finn,” he felt a bit weirded out, his voice was not made for Chris’ sultry and silky lines, it just sounded wrong . “You're doing a great job at acting, honey, but… ”

Finn let out a sigh, he knew he was going to bad at this, “Just tell me, Chris, it’s bad isn’t it?” 

Chris chuckled, Finn watched his own jade eyes crinkle in amusement as he stared at the man, or well, himself. “Kind of, you definitely need some pointers here and there, like not being so tense, or making my voice all rough; you need to be more calmer, darling… but.”

Raising an eyebrow, he waited for Chris to continue, before imitating him, “But?”

“ But , I’m worried about you dealing with customers; the Old Maid Branch really needs these sales, so are you sure about doing them?” Chris responded, with a frown, gripping Finn’s shoulders to ground him into the moment.

As Finn pondered over the question, he really had no clue, it would be more convincing if “Chris” handled the customers as usual, but Finn wasn’t the best at dealing with buyers, how was he sure they were going to buy a Pinochle car?

With an answer he replied. “No, I don’t think I'd be as convincing as you–” he felt Chris gently rub his shoulder, his gaze widened as he felt the sensation, it felt warm and caring, soothing.

Letting out a sigh, Chris smirked at him, “That’s fine my dear soulmate, because I have a plan!”, he leaned in, muttering into Finn’s ear. 

It had been a strange morning for Vijay; Chris came in late and was stuttering a lot, and while Finn seemed normal, his voice was less gruff than usual. It made the raven-haired man ponder if their relationship had developed to the next level, he always knew there was something between the two of them. 

Watching with his brows furrowed, he witnessed the duo step out of the supplies closet, looking super relaxed and much more chipper. Did they have a quick makeout session? At work?

Vijay knew he was jumping to conclusions, however he truly couldn’t come to a plausible reason for their strange behaviour.

“Vijay! I’m going to teach my dear Finn here, a little more on being a persuasive business man, so~” Chris exclaimed, wrapping an arm around his buddy as Finn looked up at him with a slight pout, he winked at the man behind the desk, “don’t worry about us!”

Definitely had a sloppy makeout session in there , Vijay concluded.

Just as he was going to reply, the bell of the store rang out, notifying everyone inside of a new customer. Approaching them, Chris and Finn put on their best customer-friendly smiles, separating from their contact immediately. With a concerned eye, he watched the two of them, seemingly acting the most normal they have the whole day, it was peculiar. 

Deciding to take Chris’ word for it, he shrugged to himself, looking back down to his laptop, his shift wasn’t done so, he should probably continue working, muttering once more with Wendy about some statistics and such.

Surprisingly, it went well. Finn was practically beaming from ear-to-ear, he did it!  

Or, well in all actuality, Chris did it. 

They had switched back? 

For some reason, his soulmate had researched a bit and had learnt that most soulmates, if their bodies are switched, can swap back but only for an extended period of time, as their own souls must choose to return to their rightful body when they’re ready. 

And, well, if they couldn’t concentrate well enough to switch once more, or– if it was a lie from the internet, they could’ve always explained that well “Chris” was feeling extremely sick and “Finn” had to take over his shift, or something.

It was all just a gamble, and he’s so grateful he took it as he truly did feel the pressure of trying to maintain customers at the Old Maid Branch. Chris was in a stressful situation, but he could handle it. However, Finn couldn't. He just doesn't have the reliable capabilities that his soulmate has. He's glad his buddy was able to save him from a bad predicament once more.

While it felt so great to be back in his own skin (literally), so much that he was practically radiating how relaxed and refreshed he felt, his soul was obviously done with his body and had gravitated to Chris’ once more. He was now back in Chris’ body again.

At least work was over. So, he didn’t have to act like his soulmate anymore. That was an upside.

Speaking of which… Finn peered at Chris, watching his own body step into the front door of his apartment as if he was a ghost watching a day of his life after he experienced a hard day’s work. 

Chris, delicately locked the door behind them, shuffling as he carefully set down everything from his yellow pockets, sitting on Finn’s bed. He approached the other, taking the seat next to him, fiddling with his thumbs, nervously. 

“Hey, Chris–” he started, Chris’ voice rough with tension and anxiety, it sounded odd, “What are we?”

In response, He watched his own jade eyes blink at him, blankly, “ Whatever do you mean, my dear Finn?” 

Sweating, he continued. “I-If your wondering about us, we’re members of High Car-” 

“No Chris, I mean,” Finn sighed, gesturing between the two of them, pointing at himself and then at Chris, “We’re soulmates . Do you know what that means?”

Chris nodded, “Of course I do.” his voice seemed much more dry than before. 

Finn waited for Chris to carry on, to take control of the conversation as he normally always has, but he didn’t. He hadn’t answered the question, but it was alright, he wasn’t going to back down from this. 

“...So?” he frowned at his buddy, his soulmate. “What are we? Friends? Boyfriends?”

Gulping, he replied, his jade gaze ripping away from Finn’s amber stare, “My dear Finn, while being friends with you is great…” 

Finn felt his emotions well up inside of him. 

Feelings he didn’t even realise were there. Feelings that were being torn apart in two just after discovery.

Of fucking course it was, it was always like this with him. Emotions that always are tucked away, or fleeing from him just at the last moments. Just like his complex, mixed sentiments about his brother, his family . His want to rid the world of San Galgano compared with his new found, reunion with someone he didn’t even realise was alive. And in the end he killed him. He killed Flann. 

He wasn’t sure what to feel about his death.

So, of course he didn’t notice he liked Chris romantically, just like everything about his life was tucked away by the klondikes and Zenon. Everything he remembered; everything he felt. Everything about his deeper, core experiences and feelings are always so tightly wrapped, so terribly hidden, so lonely. 

Like a package, filled to the brim with rocks, sitting at the bottom of the ocean, never hoping to be found by anyone, ever.

He’s such an idiot for not noticing this. 

Chris, who gave him a job. Chris, who has saved his life more times than he can count. Chris, who is his buddy.

Chris, who is his first ever love. 

And now it’s going down the drain along everything else in his pathetic life he’s cared about.

“W-would you even consider being more than friends? I’d love to but–” His gaze found Chris’, his fond amber eyes melting with adoration into his own jade gaze. He cupped his cheek, “It’s really if you want to, Finn. It’s your choice.”

His heart skipped a beat. A wave of intense, euphoria filled up his body like a gentle hug from a caring mother. 

He jumped to conclusions too fast, he really should’ve let Chris finish. He couldn’t help but beam from ear to ear.

Wait a second. He was in his own body again? Their souls switched back to normal without the influence of the both of them?

Nevermind that! 

Gripping Chris’ other, free hand, (and practically melting into the hand on his cheek) Finn’s determination set in.

Biting his lip and swallowing, he started, “Chris, I…” his eyes darted away from the amber look that he just recognised was seemingly always pouring infinite amounts of affection into him, when did that start to happen?

He squeezed his eyes shut. “Chris, I-I like you!” exclaiming, he released a breath, feeling a rosy warm blush cover his face as he felt himself warm up against Chris’ cold grip. 

“I feel the same! I want us to try being together!” 

Sneaking a glance by opening a singular eye, he was graced by a wondrous sight. Unlike anything he’s ever seen before. 

Chris. The Chris. Chris, the immortal ladies’ man. 

Was blushing. His yellowish-orange tinted eyes were latched onto Finn, his lips parted, gaping as he stared into his soulmate. A slight pink flush against his cheeks was obvious, despite the setting sun from outside Finn’s window decorating his apartment in a dim light. The blonde felt the hand against him freeze, his whole body looked like a statue.

Did I break him? pondered Finn.

Coughing, Chris blinked back to reality, “A-are you sure!?” His gaze was wide, clinging onto the other, “We don’t have to, i-if you don’t want to, Finn! Don’t feel pressured to do anything–”

Softly, he grinned at Chris, his fond eyes like crescent moons as he giggled against his panicking soulmate. In response, Chris’ breath seemed to come down a bit, but his grip against Finn’s hand was still like a vice.

“Finn,” He rubbed his soulmate’s cheek, caressing it with his thumb, “can I kiss you?”

Nodding, he didn’t want to break the quiet of the moment, slightly wondering if this was all a strange dream and that he’d end up waking to Chris’ car honking outside of his flat. 

Instead, he felt the extremely real touch of Chris’ soft lips against his own.

Oh shit, this was his first kiss. It tasted like sugar and chocolate. Finn deducted, ah, Fudgees.

It was soft and light, a small peck, a touch that was too short for the blond, he wanted another one. He felt Chris smile as he pulled back, their faces inches apart, the warmth of Chris’ breath mingling with his. 

This was probably the best day of his life, even with the rough start of waking up in Chris’ body.

“Be prepared for much more where that came from, my dear soulmate, Finn~” Chris chuckled, as he peered longingly into Finn’s jade eyes. 

Finn felt light, he smiled, he grinned so hard his cheeks ached, as he leaned forward for another kiss.

Chapter Text

It had been a while since they switched back, a week or so. Finn and his new, very secret relationship with Chris had been going fine, their routine had stayed the same, except with some light hand holding and some kisses from Chris. It was kind of gross, like he was in a relationship with himself whenever they would kiss; when he would complain, Chris would just tell him to close his eyes and pretend it was him, so he did.

Finn hasn’t really initiated one, he’s not even sure how to, specifically a kiss to himself. I’ll probably be able to do it once our souls stop switching around , he thinks.

Last time they switched back was the day of their first kiss. It lasted only till the day afterwards, and they’ve been each other ever since, which has been long enough to the point Chris and Finn decided to make a plan of just staying at one of their own apartments together, to not struggle with getting ready for work, or necessities they just had to do as well, themselves . 

However, the day when they had been reverted back to themselves was when neither of them had work, so they couldn’t break the news to High Card that they were soulmates. Which means that Finn has to carry on the charade of being Chris at the Old Maid Branch which has not improved in the slightest, especially with the weird glances they get from Wendy, Vijay and Leo when they leave to go home together.

After blinking his eyes open this morning, a mop of silverfish-brown locks itched against his forehead, reaching down to his eyelashes. Another day of being a dashing immortal ladies man. 

Hopefully today won’t be as bad as the past week.

“Finn. Chris. You have a mission today, we’ve caught attention of a X-card user who's been making innocent people disappear.” Leo sighed as he explained the situation to the duo.

“Unluckily for the two of you, Vijay and Wendy also have a mission today, so the Old Maid Branch will be left in the care of Bernard. My sincere apologies for not having more accomplices available for this, it seems like a hard task, but I believe in the two of you.”

Finn could have not been as wrong as he ever has in his whole life. This week was bad ? Scratch that. This week was great, fantastic even!

Anything would be greater than doing a literal mission in Chris’ body!

While there were fun aspects to being Chris, like learning that his phone is filled to the brim of pictures with Michel and everyone at High Card, or that everytime they stay at Chris’ house, he can recognise a bunch of gifts he has gotten for his birthday or holidays on display dotted around, even if they were chocolates, he keeps the box! 

Including the fact that the one house-plant Lindsey had gifted him when he and Chris visited last year, still seemed extremely healthy. 

It was enjoyable to learn these new aspects of his buddy, (or boyfriend?) the fact his home is cold, and modern; tidy yet empty. The only hints of personality and a breath of life around the place is everything he keeps from the people he holds close to him. It’s sweet, Finn never would’ve guessed that his flirtatious soulmate was so sentimental in secret.

In any case, while that was fun; amusing, enjoyable, great even, this was in fact not!

Blocking a hit from the X-card player to save Chris was much more painful than anything he’s ever felt before. Coughing out blood as he swiftly tumbled on the ground, his arms wrapped tightly around the other, or well his own body with Chris inside. 

His back throbbed with pain, like an icy clutch straight into him, digging under his skin deeper and deeper, as his vision widened and he bit his lip down hard enough to bleed to prevent his scream of pure anguish. 

Locking his gaze with a pair of dilated jade eyes, he felt his soulmate underneath him yell, “Finn! You played Calories High, right?!” 

In response he nodded, feeling the strange warmth of flesh pulsing against his back as his injury was stitched back together. “W-Where do you put your Fudgees?” he asked before climbing off of his own body. 

Chris shuffled closer to Finn, one hand on his shoulder as the other rummaged around his own red suit before handing it over to the other male, “Don’t worry, they taste great .” he smirked, before playing Neo New Nambu and pointing his gun at their opponent. 

“You look absolutely amazing from here darling~! My shot just looks so good being lined up exactly where your heart is.”  His smile grew wider, eyebrows furrowed in focus with both of his hands tightly secured around his weapon. 

Their opponent grimaced at hearing his flirtatious comment, looking around rapidly for any people in the vicinity. His ability was strange. With a living breathing captive, the moment he’d touch them, they’d turn into a deadly weapon depending on how strong that person is. Though afterwards his victims do turn back into humans after deactivating his ability, but he hasn’t done that yet in a couple of days, just like Leo explained to them, before they headed on the mission. 

Swiftly he jumped away, grabbing a nearby trashcan to fling at Chris, making him miss his shot, the bullet scraping the side of his shoulder. As he hissed in pain his gaze darted around, searching for anyone in the nearby vicinity. 

High Card didn’t want their opponent to be in his element, however he always surrounded himself in public places: shopping malls, arcades, city squares… He even stays at expensive resort hotels to sleep at night! 

So, the best they could do was target him while he was at a park, hoping the foliage would make it harder to spot people as well as the fact both Finn and Chris would be using guns should’ve been enough to scare away the public swiftly. 

It truly did work! There was practically not a soul in sight. In fact, their opponent was distracted. But, unfortunately, so was Chris.

His jade gaze was darting around, both of them looking for any nearby souls to protect or use. 

Not a murmur or a word had been spoken, it was as if Finn had put them on pause, their previous fight going unnoticed as their gazes narrowed around, glaring at the foliage.

Grimacing, Finn, stared at his soulmate, the opportunity to take a shot is right there… But if he tells him, the enemy would be on guard, and could probably counter. Then, he was struck with a plan. “Chris! Switch!” 

With widening eyes and a beam sent straight to Finn, Chris exclaimed, “That’s perfect! Of course!”

Focusing, he drew in a breath and felt light headed, as if he was being raised up like a bird taking flight, before crashing straight into his body. 

The player they were against had his eyebrows furrowed in confusion as he darted up, jumping onto a tree, prepared for anything, even if he didn’t know what the duo was going to do.

But, Finn was good at shooting, it was his X-playing card, afterall. Immediately, he lined up and pulled the trigger, the bullet going straight through their enemy’s thigh to immobilise him. Inclining their enemy to fall face-flat onto the gravel path of the park.

Letting out a sigh of relief, Chris looked at him, his amber eyes meeting his own jade ones, making him feel a bit warm, especially when his silverish-brown hair looked that good.

“Sorry Finn, I was worried he could’ve gotten an upperhand…” he trailed off, slightly ashamed as he let out another statement, his gaze ripping away from the eye contact. “And I forgot I wasn’t playing Calories High.”

“Ah jeez, don’t feel bad!” Finn noticed how his shoes seemed to look extra shiny today, and was totally not embarrassed by the fact Chris was apologising so seriously, “At least we got the card–”

But, as soon as both of their gazes met the defeated opponent lying on the ground, it seemed as if a shadow had opened up and swallowed him whole. In an instant, he had disappeared. 

“...What?” Finn rubbed his eyes, his mouth agape as he looked at Chris’ slightly surprised expression, then back to the missing body, then Chris, then the empty gravel pavement, then Chris, then back again-

“What?!”

“Finn, my dear Finn…” he felt Chris’ cold hand on his shoulders, rubbing them soothingly, “Calm down. Because, we’re totally going to get an earful from Leo!” 

His amber gaze stared intensely into his jade eyes, a pout played on his face at the thought of the intense lecture from their team leader, making the blond giggle at the sight. At least they would be together for it.

He pinched the silverish-brown haired man’s cheek, his own brows furrowed, “Don’t look at me like that, you look like a sopping wet puppy I’d find in the rain.” 

Chuckling, his fond expression came closer to the blond, as he placed a delicate kiss on Finn’s cheek. “Anything for my soulmate~”

“You missed.” Jade eyes glanced down, as he felt his cheeks warm up.

“The shot? I’m sorry I’m not as amazing as you with a gun, my dear Finn!”

“I meant the ki–” he grumbled, “Nevermind…”

“Oh my! Finn, did you perhaps want a kiss somewhere else? How scandalous!” Chris failed to hide his smirk, trying to hide it behind his hand, however the blond could still see his gaze creased with pure bliss.

“We’re soulmates…” He responded, slightly bashful to Chris’ teasing, but he couldn’t help but smile.

And then, he felt a pair of soft, warm lips on his, and he practically melted into them. With a ruffle to his blond, messy locks, Chris pulled away, cupping his cheek, “You earned it, you did great today, Finn.” 

“You too, at least you know how to use Neo New Nambu.”

“Hey! That’s unfair, Finn, it works just like a regular gun!”

They both laughed together, walking off to return back to High Card, bantering together as the sun set.

By the time they arrived back at the Old Maid Branch, they had swapped back, and so Finn was once more, in the body of his lover. It wasn’t bad, but the worst thing would probably be…

“You two failed the mission?!” Leo yelled as his teeth gritted together as he massaged his temple, feeling an incoming heartache forming. 

“Well, it wasn’t our fault, a shadow came out of the ground and swallowed him after we defeated him!” Chris reasoned to Leo, his voice was as gruff as Finn’s normal tone, he was getting better at this. 

“Me and Finn just needed a breather and then poof!” Finn exclaimed, his balled fists turning into extended palms, as he nodded along to his soulmate’s statements,  “He just disappeared!”

Leo scowled at the poor attempts to defend the duo as he reasoned, loudly. “Couldn’t you have gotten it sooner? If he was passed out long enough to the point you weren’t focused and then was able to get away, you both could have easily grabbed the card!”

Both Finn and Chris exchanged glances, frowning at one another, they were distracted by the fact they weren’t used to using each other’s powers; Chris even forgot he was meant to be using Neo New Nambu, for god sakes!

Chris, looking at Finn with his own jade eyes, began, “Finn, I think we should tell them.”

“Huh?! For real?” His gaze widened, as he glanced at Leo, his expression scrunched up in confusion as he looked between the pair.

“What are you two talking about? Why did Finn say his own nam–”

“Uh, well you see,” Finn started, his amber gaze meeting Leo’s ocean blue eyes, “Me and Chris are actually soulmates…”

“What? You and who–” Leo looked at Chris, in Finn’s own body, “ Oh. ”

“Hehe!” Chris stuck his tongue out while winking, “Yes, it’s me, the sexiest immortal ladies’ man~!”

Finn grimaced, that was the weirdest expression he’s ever seen being pulled on his own face, and it seems like Leo agrees, as he practically cringes, his expression scrunched up as if he ate something sour. 

“Never do that again when you're in Finn’s body,” Leo commands, his frown growing, “it looks so wrong.”

Sighing, Chris responded, “Aye aye captain.”

Stepping in the room, Vijay peered at the three of them, “What’s going on here? Are you done scolding them?” he asks Leo.

Rubbing his temples, Leo gestures at the red and yellow suited duo, “They’ve just told me their soulmates, which means they’ve switched.” Finn didn’t think it was possible but he watched the leader of High Card frown deepen even more, “And now I feel bad for shouting at them for not being able to get the card…”

“Ah, so it finally happened!” Vijay smiled, clasping his hands together as he watched the two of them, “You admitted you were soulmates, I was waiting for it.”

“What…?” Finn’s gaze widened as his eyebrows furrowed in shock. “I thought we were doing a good job at hiding it!”

Tapping a finger against his chin as he pondered in thought, he replied, “I mean, Chris was doing a good job at acting like you, Finn. However, I think you might need to take some acting lessons before you try to fool me.”

He groaned, raking a hand into Chris’ silverish-brown hair as he slumped in disappointment, and here he thought he was getting better!

“Wait… so since when have you known?” Finn looked up, desperation in his look.

Softly smiling, he replied swiftly, “Ever since you first swapped, I believe.”

Whining, Finn bended down as he wrapped his arms around himself, sulking.

“Ahh, Finn.” Chris patted his back with warm hands, comforting his soulmate, “It’s Vijay; you should know better, my dear Vijay always knows everything!” 

He slumped into himself further. 

“Vijay!” Chris scolded playfully, “Look at what you’ve done, you hurt my poor soulmate’s feelings!” 

The raven-headed man rolled his eyes in response playfully, before questioning the two of them, “You did defeat the enemy, correct? How did the mission go wrong?” 

Clearing his throat in embarrassment as he stood up once more, Finn answered. “A shadow swallowed him from the floor, and took him before we could get the card!”

Rubbing his chin in thought, he hummed, “I believe High Card has come across an X-playing card with those abilities before, but we don’t have it collected…” he trailed off, “I’ll have to ask Wendy about it later.” 

“Anyways, I’m impressed,” Vijay praises the both of them, as he ruffled Finn’s head, Chris’ silverish-brown locks covering some of his eye-sight, “you managed to defeat them. However…”

“You do know your cards are linked to your souls, correct? Did you switch cards as well, even if you can use your own, while in the other’s body?”

“...”

“ What? ”      “ Huh? ”

Chapter Text

Luckily, the two of them hadn’t had any other encounters with X-card players who High Card actively needed the both of them to defeat, it’s been quite straight forward. Just, persuade the dwindling number of customers to buy a Pinochle car and clean up the Old Maid Branch, it’s been a breeze, almost like a vacation. 

Finn is pretty sure it’s because Leo felt sorry about their situation and has prevented them from doing a mission if he can help him, but that’s just a possibility. A game theory, or whatever Chris would say. 

Speaking of his soulmate, Finn is finally back in his own body! Typically soulmates only switch a couple of times before never switching again, and Chris and him have swapped bodies twice already, so it is possible that there are only 3 or 4 times before the blond can actually stay in his skin forever. (Sadly, manually manipulating your souls to switch doesn’t count as an official “swap” so they both have a while to go…)

He’s glad. It’s been a hell of a long two weeks of being in Chris’ body, and frankly, he’s sick of it. 

So, when he woke up one morning, with blond stray hairs, shining golden from the sun beaming down at them, getting in the way of his eyes, he let out a relieved sigh. 

Shifting up from his bed, he glanced around Chris’ room for the man himself, yet he seems to be missing. With a frown, Finn lifted the blanket, just about to step out from practically clouds that he was snoring on, when a certain silverish-brown man stepped into the room.

Without a shirt on.

Straight from the shower.

With steam clouds still clinging to his form.

Dripping.

Finn muffled his heated face into the duvet he was just about to peel himself away from; how, how is his soulmate that good looking? Obviously, he has seen that… chiselled form before, they couldn’t have just avoided peering at each other’s naked form, but the blond’s pretty certain that while he tried to glance away and avert his gaze from places on Chris’ body, that his soulmate 100% is now extremely familiar with areas on Finn. Not, that he really minds but it does end up with situations like these.

With a completely blank and straight expression, only a slight smirk showing his inner feelings, the silverish-brown haired devilishly handsome angel spoke, “Ah, Finn! You’re awake, good morning~”

“Mornin’...” Taking a chance, he lifted his head, his expression rosy and tinted pink, he could literally feel the warmth radiating off of him. This was embarrassing, why was he even reacting this way? He’s seen Chris shirtless before!

His soulmate’s grin grew wider, “Oh my darling Finn, are you surprised to see me?” his gaze looked down at his form, implying his half naked-ness.

Breathing in, the blond responded, less flustered than before. “Mmh…Yeah I guess–” gazing into his partner’s amber eyes he suggested, quietly, “It’s a Saturday, so uh– Can you come back to bed?”

His voice trailed off, muffled slightly by the blanket, “We don’t have work, so…”

With a fond expression, his eyes crinkled slightly, before jumping right onto the blond, “Of course, anything for you my darling soulmate!”

“W-wait Chris! You’re going to crush me!” 

“Nonsense, my love!”

He couldn’t get a reply out fast enough before his lips were engulfed with the ones of Chris.

Stumbling around the city of Shield in search of a nice location for breakfast, (Chris really wanted syrup covered pancakes) they had somehow found themselves in front of Sunfields, the orphanage Finn grew up in. He’s not really sure how they got here, it must’ve been the fact that Chris wished to find some type of back-alley place to dine at and now they’re just in the middle of nowhere.

Glancing over his shoulder, the taller of the two pondered aloud, “Do you think Lindsey would let us eat breakfast?”

Without a doubt, Finn replied confidently, “Course’ he would,” he a frown and furrowed eyebrows the blond gazed over to his soulmate, “Why wouldn’t he?”

Coughing at the response from his boyfriend, Chris awkwardly looked away and gestured to himself. Finn couldn’t have been more disappointed.

“Chris, you literally saved Sunfields, why would Lindsey dislike you?” He exclaimed, questioningly as he stepped toward the other male.

Blinking, his mouth was agape, expression painted with surprise, “He- he didn’t tell you, did he?”

Tilting his face to the side to communicate his confusion, Finn felt some of his blond hairs tickle his eyebrows.

“Uh, I may have…” Licking his lips, his amber gaze teared away from Finn jade eyes, as he gulped, “Imayhaveaccidentallytoldhimwe’resoulmatesandnowhesmadatme.”

“What?”

“ What? I said nothing!”

“ Chris. ”

Sighing, he leaned into Finn, “Lindsey may or may not know that we are soulmates…”

Pouting, Finn asked coldly, “How?” he needed to stay strong for his caretaker and guardian, Lindsey is practically his dad at this point! Finn was supposed to tell him, with Chris, together!

“It’s… a long story.” He winced as he gazed at his soulmate’s disappointed expression.

“Your boyfriend here visited in your body to look after his part of the garden– without talking to any of the other children, or me. The kids got worried that you were mad at them and brought me out to talk with…Chris. Then he got flustered and spilled the beans.” Lindsey calmly explained over the dining table, cutting into his stack of pancakes with a butterknife as he sent a soft but obvious glare towards the silverish-brown haired male.

Trying to defend himself, he started, “I-It was meant to be a simple in and out moment, I wasn’t going to stay long!”

Lindsey frowned, “I was hoping the two of you would tell me together, once you were ready.”

“ Chris .” Finn looked over at his soulmate, how was the most confident and reliable man he knew so clumsy with Lindsey? He felt a little betrayed that he didn’t even tell him too.

He gulped, “I-I said sorry, darling!” 

Lindsey sent a sympathetic glance towards Finn, “Don’t be mad, it was an honest mistake.” offering a smile as he coughed slightly before he began, “Let’s pretend it never even happened– So… Finn I heard there was something you wanted to tell me?”

A wave of slight relief washed over the blond, it wasn’t how he wanted to tell Lindsey, but it was still something, at least he knows his guardian is happy for him. “O-oh yeah! Uhm, Lindsey…”

Gripping Chris’ hand softly, and noting that the other’s hand was much more colder than usual, he responded, his tone gruff, yet confident. 

“I wanted to let you know, that uhm,” He gazed into his soulmate’s amber eyes, a fond smile spreading on his own face, “me and Chris are soulmates– and we’re also dating now...”

Humming contently, his eyes were shut in happiness, satisfied with the duo of them, “I’m glad it was you, Chris.” Lindsey softly spoke, his eyes opening to meet the silverish-brown haired male.

His hand was sweating, Finn noted, “Thank you sir, for your blessing, I-I’ll take care of our dear Finn here!” Chris gestured, his other hand darting around to comfort Lindsey as his grip on the blond’s hand tightened.

“Just Lindsey is fine, Chris, you’ve helped out Sunfields more than we could ever want; you're a part of the family now.” Lindsey smiled, all of the past malice gone, replaced with genuine care and kindness. 

Glancing at his significant other, he wasn’t sure what he was expecting to see, but Chris tearing up was not on his bingo card. His trembling hand shook against the blond’s firm grip, as Finn was startled by the juxtaposition of the moment. Softly, he caressed his thumb against the back of the other’s hand, offering a slight reassurance to his soulmate.

Obviously, he knew about Chris’ dad and how he tried to save him from his own illness, which resulted in his own life being taken from him. He never really tried to hide it from Finn, so the blond knows that he never really had a father figure before.

Suddenly, all of the strange behaviours towards Lindsey from the silverish-brown haired male made sense; he was trying to stay on good terms with him, Chris was trying to make a good first impression. 

The surge of warmth of acceptance from this brand-new parent, must’ve been a lot for his soulmate, something he probably didn’t expect to happen. Chris was strange like that, pessimistic, but always so confident over something; he wanted to stay on good terms with Lindsey but he hadn’t realised what that truly meant.

A tear dropped onto Finn’s hand, making him realise what was currently happening, ah right, he’s never seen Chris like this before. When he was sad, he’d usually have this distance far-off expression, trying to play off his emotions from the blond and pretending he was okay. Now he was unhidden behind that mask, his feelings put under the spotlight for all to witness.

“Ah, Chris don’t cry…”  Raising his other hand, the blond wrapped it around their intertwined palms, while his soulmate’s other arm covered his eyes, hiding his quiet sobs from both Lindsey’s and Finn’s view.

Frowning, the other male put down his cutlery, mouthing towards the other, ‘Did I say something wrong?’

Shaking his head with a slight smile towards Lindsey, Finn shot a thumbs up in his direction to make sure he knew it was fine. His soulmate was alright.

“I-I’m so glad….” Chris sniffled, his arm dropping down to make his watery amber eyes visible, “Michel and I– We both have a family now, huh?” 

Beaming, he was practically shining like a star, with his eyelashes wet from his tears and his lip trembling, but he was smiling . Chris was happy. He was accepted. He had a family .

Glancing at Lindsey, to which the other nodded in response to his question, offering a soft sincere grin. “You and your sister are always welcome in Sunfields to be a part of our home.”

Finn was ecstatic, the two most important people in his whole world were happy with one other. Lindsey was satisfied with Chris, what more could he possibly want? He felt light, like he could fly if he wanted to, maybe he should try jumping out of that open window…

Amber eyes met his own jade gaze, and he could practically feel the extreme bliss radiating from the silverish-brown haired male. He felt a smirk creeping up his own face from just how happy Chris was. Then, he felt a soft peck against his cheek, slightly wet from his boyfriend’s tears, but it was sweet in every way, and in that moment Finn realised, he was so euphoric that if he dropped dead, he wouldn’t even care. He was just so content, so at ease. 

This was possibly the best moment of his life.

After when Chris first kissed him, of course, this was probably second place.

Wendy hummed, a finger under her chin as she racked her brain to remember a X-card player who could manipulate shadows. It was Monday, two days after they told Lindsey that they were soulmates, or well Finn found out that his guardian already knew. 

She had been off on a resort mission with Vijay while Finn and Chris took care of the Old Maid Branch while swapped, and now that she’s back the duo could finally ask her about the X-player who disappeared after they defeated him.

“Mnh, yeah I remember!” Her grey eyes twinkled as she pointed at the both of them, “Me and Chelsea fought a Klondike who had the same powers while we were trying to hide Chloe…” Wendy trailed off, “I think she said her name was Gao Wang?” her head tilted in thought. 

“Ah, Wendy, darling, that’s everything we needed to know! You definitely solved this mystery!” Chris exclaimed, his signature smirk spreading across his face as he patted their co-worker on the back, praising her diligently. 

It was Finn’s turn to ponder, a hand caressing his chin as he asked aloud, “But why was a Klondike at the park with us? How’d they even know we were there?”

Chuckling, Vijay stepped into the conversation, standing adjacent to Wendy, “It seems a new mystery has arisen.” his eyes closed in amusement.

“Oh don’t worry, dear!” Chris reassured, wrapping an arm around his soulmate, rubbing his cheek against Finn’s own, “That player was always in public places; this ‘Gao Wang’ was probably just taking a nice stroll in that same park and we just ruined it!”

Unconvinced, Finn bit his lip lightly, “If you say so…” He didn’t really have any other reasonable leads, but he still found it strange, but as Chris explained, it was probably just a one-off moment. 

“Strange.” It seems Vijay shared his sentiment, “It does not seem to be that serious, however I’ll make sure to inform Leo about it.” he gestured towards Finn, trying to comfort his anxiety by offering a reasonable plan.

“Yeah, thanks Vijay.” Finn smiled softly at the other before pushing away his clingy soulmate away from his face. 

Huffing, Chris pouted at the blond, “Your so mean my love… why’d you push me away?” his amber eyes were wide. He was giving Finn puppy eyes. 

“Chris, we’re at work.” The blond stated simply, rolling his gaze at the other’s shenanigans. 

“Love is free, it doesn’t matter where we are!” He reasoned, puffing out his cheeks as he pretended to be hurt.

Walking into the room, Leo took one glance at the two of them, then at Vijay and Wendy who were awkwardly coughing as they were trying to convince themselves they weren’t in the same room as the lovebirds and simply ordered, angrily pointing at both of them, “Get to work, idiots!”

Immediately jumping away from Finn, Chris smiled at his leader, “Yes boss!”

Seemingly with the fact they were returned into their rightful bodies, Leo instantly took the chance to send off Finn and Chris into a new mission, not like the blond minded, he kind of missed Neo New Nambu, if that made any sense. His card did choose him, it feels as if he has a connection with it.

And so, Finn found himself and his silverish-brown haired, over-confident and flirtatious immortal boyfriend standing straight in front of the casino he first met Chris in. After a casual day of working at the Old Maid Branch, the two of them had driven out to Lozenge and booked a room from a fancy, way-to-expensive-to-pay-with-his-own-salary hotel in the entertainment district, and then drove all the way to the place he had first ever met the man standing next to him.

“Ah~ brings back fond memories, huh Finn? It’s as if fate brought us here.” Chris reminisced with a smirk, as he gestured into the glowing building in front of him, the neon lights dazzling and bright, it was as if this place never slept at night. 

“Back to where it all started, hm?” Finn responded, slightly giddy at the fact that this was the place he met his soulmate practically 2 or 3 years ago if his memory served him correctly, and now they were dating. Together, happy and bonded just as the universe had destined them to be; it was kind of heartwarming to think about.

“Romantic, isn’t it? Why don’t we ditch this mission and just find our X-player tomorrow, Finn?” He offered, his amber gaze meeting the blond’s jade gaze as they admired one another. 

Huffing out a response, “Quit being sappy, Chris, we got a mission to do!” Finn rolled his eyes at his boyfriend’s antics; they could always have a romantic date afterwards.

Shrugging, Chris’ smirk widened, “Fine, fine, I guess I can’t win!” he proclaimed, dragging away his other half into the building.

Finn hadn’t noticed a change in the interior of the casino; it was still huge, prim and proper, with plenty of yellow, warm lights painting the room brightly, as hundreds of different casino games were scattered across the hall, lightened up to attract attention.

Darting their gaze around the large building, it was hard to spot their target, a lady in all red with ginger hair and extraordinary makeup, she was supposing extremely beautiful, so they were hoping she’d stick out like a sore thumb, however it seemed she blended right in with every other guest at this estate.

Offering a solution for the missing woman, Chris gestured to the casino in front of them, “How about we split up, darling? It’d be faster.” 

Nodding, the blond parted from his soulmate, walking off to the right as his boyfriend took the left, this was going to be a long night, but at least he’d have Chris with him.

Somehow, Finn had ended up at a poker table, playing against their target to stall for time.

He… doesn’t know how to play poker.

A strange set of events had led him here, he asked a waiter if they'd seen the X-player to which he was led off to a poker table and was shoved down into a seat. Something about the youth these days needing to learn how to play card games Finn heard from a drunken man as he grabbed the blond. And who could he refuse? This was a perfect chance to snag the X-Card or delay the action for Chris’ arrival. 

Obviously, Chris knew about his predicament, they have earpieces to easily communicate to each other which also meant his boyfriend was trying to help him win at poker, but it was failing terribly, Finn has no clue what the rules are at all!

“Okay Finn, you have a 5 of diamonds and a 2 of hearts right? If there's a bet going on, fold, if not just say check! I’ll be there in a few minutes, just stall for me!” his soulmate exclaimed into his communicator, his voice ringing into the blond’s ear as he felt dazed; the bright lights, the cackles from around the poker table, it was all a little too much for him as he looked down at his cards in his hands, and then glanced around at everyone else. 

“Check.”

“Check…”

Then, in a matter of seconds, all eyes were on Finn, awaiting his move, their gazes scanning him analytically. Geez, how much money was on this game again? There were a plentiful amount of stacked chips next to the dealer but the blond had absolutely no clue on how much it was or what he should do. 

“U-uhm, check?” He nervously gulped, and suddenly everyone seemed disinterested, changing their eye-contact to the man sitting to his left. 

Chuckling he responded, “Bet.” 

Inclining all, including his target to gasp, they had only started this round of Texas Hold’em, how could someone just bet straight away? All around the table seemingly repeated the same action, saying “Call.” with heavy sighs and disappointed glances at their cards. 

Finn couldn’t have been more confused, but Chris did tell him to fold, or whatever that meant, so he stuttered out a response once it was his turn, “Fold–”

And suddenly his vision was bombarded with multiple gazes on him, interested, amused, and the dealer took away his cards, replacing them with two new ones. Groaning internally as he was drawing more attention to himself, he felt like a fish out of water, this was completely not his scene, he preferred those arcade lottery machines, not poker!

It went on like this, round after round, betting, calls, checks, folds, all the things Chris told him to do went through his ear and out the other until once more, the man sitting beside him spoke:

“Play.” 

Instantaneously everyone else repeated the same word he did, some begrudgingly while others did excitedly, including the lady with the ginger hair, Finn’s target and the X-player. 

As she spoke the word, Finn saw her form slash for a split second, before her head rose up and looked around with wide eyes, looking down at her cards and swiftly raising her head to glance at the others around the table; It must have been his eyes playing tricks on him, it had been a long day and Finn just wanted to get the mission over and done with. She was fine, he was fine, everything was great, they were going to get the card with no troubles at all and then Finn and Chris would sleep happily in that fancy hotel room they booked... He knew that was a complete lie, but it made him feel just a little tiny bit better.

A pitter-patter of footsteps rushed up to Finn and he felt Chris’ cold hand gripping his shoulder as he spoke, sweetly “Hey darling,” he grinned at the blond whilst he huffed slightly, “I walked quite a while away, did you miss me?”

Shaking his head, “Nope, but I’m sick of poker!” he referred to his partner, standing up next to him as he pulled out his card, “Play, Neo New Nambu!” he exclaimed, pointing his gun straight at the lady in red.

“Ah, I can’t catch a break can I? Play, Calories High!” Chris sighed as he pulled out his card, preparing a stance as everyone immediately scattered away from the table; rather the poker chips than their lives caught in the crossfire. 

Everyone except two, the lady in red who had her hands up as her wide gaze met Finn’s jade eyes and the male who Finn was sitting next to the whole time he was playing poker. 

His gaze was down at the table as he grumbled out a “Tch, you…” his face rose, glaring daggers at Finn and Chris “I was just about to win! You idiots!” his deep, gruff voice shouted at them.

“Ouch, twice in a day of us being called that, huh Finn? Maybe we are fools!” Bantering with the blond next to him, Chris completely ignored his statement, directing all of his attention to their target, preparing for any attack.

“You were going to win? What do you mean?!” She pointed at the man, his fists balled and shaking with the amount of pressure, “You stole my body! I’m not this woman who has the worst hand in existence!”

“Huh?” Finn’s eyebrows furrowed, stolen body? Were these two soulmates? That would be kind of in their favour then, they could easily snatch the card while the confusion was setting in. 

“Ah, look’s like the cat’s out of the bag now.” laughed out the man, as a cloud of smoke enveloped him, and he had taken the form of the woman in red. Turning around, she faced the duo, standing right next to the other woman, their forms exactly identical, “You’re after my card, correct?” she giggled, putting a gloved hand to her ruby lips, “Catch me if you can.”

And, just like a flash, she and the other…well technically her , spun around in one swift motion, like a dance and as they twirled, she pushed him into a table forcefully, running away immediately as she parted with the now correctly looking man from before and the duo. At least he had his appearance returned to him?

Sprinting behind her was the blond and the silverish-brown haired male, their expressions gritted into frustration as she tapped on people’s shoulders all around her, changing their appearance into her for a split second and diverting the duo’s attention as she cackled, getting away. 

Pausing, she stopped, waiting for the duo to get closer; they were on edge though, standing a good 20 feet away from her. It seemed all the other patrons had rushed out of the way, trying to leave before things got messy, leaving a good opening between the three of them. 

“You just won’t leave me alone, will you?!” She groaned with fury, her stare was sharp like a needle stabbing straight into them as she used her strength to flip a table at Finn, the multicoloured chips and cards flying in the air in slow motion whilst the blond stared, watching it approach, unable to do anything as he wasn’t fast enough to move out of the way. 

In a bewildered tone, Chris called out, “Finn!” as he darted towards his significant other, his arms clutching him tightly as he pushed them both away from being crushed, crashing straight into the floor as they held each other. Hissing out in pain, the man in red rapidly peeled away from Finn, shrugging out his broken foot from under the table, as he searched his pockets for a fudgee. 

Jade eyes were wide as saucers as he gripped his boyfriend’s shoulders, anxiously interrogating the other, “Chris?! Are you okay?” 

“I’m fine, Finn.” He gave his signature confident smirk and winked at the blond, “I am the immortal ladies’ man, afterall, I just need a fudgee or two and it’ll be like nothing happened!”

Huffing, their opponent called out, “Eyes. On. Me!” as a multitude of poker chips was hurtled directly at them, simultaneously. A couple had hit Finn in the face, but he was left unscathed by the rest as he ducked out of the way just before they reached him. However, Chris wasn’t so lucky, his expression practically covered in chips, some of them had even managed to get into his mouth!

He spat them out, scowling at the ginger haired woman whilst his gaze drifted to a dart board, and ripped a couple of them out as he precisely threw one after the other in pursuit of stabbing straight into her skin. Yet, she dodged each just in time, jumping away and running back and forth, chuckling in amusement. 

While she was distracted, Finn crept closer, aiming and shooting his revolver, he shot thrice, only one of them barely scraping her shoulder; it wasn’t good that she was moving this much, but this was the one moment her attention hadn’t been on him or him and Chris together. It was his chance. 

Filled with fury, Chris ran towards her, throwing a punch that landed straight at her face, bruising her pale cheek, and messing up a bit of her makeup. Grimacing, she held the side of her head for a second before extending her leg and trying to land a kick on the silverish-brown haired male. He stepped back just in time, a grin placed upon his lips as he stared her down, before leaning forward and trading blows with her; it was swift, too fast, Finn slightly imagined it to be when two characters in a cartoon were fighting and a puff of smoke covered their bodies. 

In a matter of seconds, the blond was met with two identical men, both of whom were Chris, with the exact same expression. They were going too fast for Finn to keep track of and now they had both paused, looking expectantly at him, like he’d obviously know the difference. Flash news, he can’t! 

He raised Neo New Nambu, holding it with both of his hands as his gun pointed between the two. With all the chaos going on, the casino was practically abandoned. The blond remembers seeing security guards trying to stop all of the violence, however once they had seen customers turn into the lady in red for a split second, it seemed as if they had other businesses to do. Either way, he was in this predicament now, he had to determine which Chris was– well his Chris and which one was the X-card player. 

“Stay still, or I’ll shoot!” he yelled at both of them, gulping as he was about to determine which one to put a bullet through.

Wait a second…

“Finn, don’t shoot, it’s me!” one of them pleaded, desperate for the blond not to hit him.

However, the Chris next to him spoke with an assured tone, “Shoot, Finn, I’ll be fine. After all, I am the immortal ladies’ man, I can’t die!” 

As soon as Finn heard those words, he pulled the trigger before he could even think about it, blasting the bullet straight into the first Chris’ torso. They both stepped towards the man on the floor, bleeding out as he slowly morphed into the lady with the ginger hair with a bruised cheek, her blue gaze angry and bitter while it fluttered closed and she passed out. Her X-card deactivated and laid on top of her, as her gloves disappeared.

“My darling knows me so well~!” Chris chirped delightfully as he wrapped an arm around the other, a sincere smile plastered on his expression, as his amber gaze met jade, he added “I wouldn’t have died either way, but I’m glad you chose me, Finn.” 

“Course, what type of soulmate would I be if I couldn’t tell you apart from someone else?” a soft blush dusted his cheeks as he awkwardly rubbed the back of his head as he responded, a bit embarrassed.

Chris hummed, content with the blond’s response as he bent down to pick up the card and–

Instantaneously, the bullet in the woman’s wound had turned into a spike, stabbing the man in the red suit before he could have grabbed it, while liquid metal encapsulated the card and trailed away, stealing it. 

“Chris?!” The blond rushed up to his other half, the card going unnoticed by him as the silverish-brown haired male had to watch the card swiftly depart from them, unable to chase after it. Finn helped him pull his hand out of the spike, the powers of Calories High still in effect as the wound stitched back together.

He grimanced, a hand in his locks as he gritted out, frustrated, “Damn it…” he glanced at Finn, who was still fiddling with his injury and was pulling out a fudgee from his pockets, offering him one to eat, he took it.

With furrowed brows, Finn looked at the lady, noticing the missing card, “Did you take it?”

In response, he shook his head, retelling exactly what he saw to his partner, unable to do anything but frown, disappointed in himself. They had let the card get stolen, again! And he watched it happen right in front of his eyes.

With a reassuring smile, and a fond look in his gaze, Finn gently patted his boyfriend on the back, “Hey it’s okay, Chris.” his voice was softer than usual, quieter to be much more comforting, “Because... Uhm, we’re totally going to get an earful from Leo?”

Chuckling, he leaned closer to Finn, placing a soft, delicate kiss on his lips. He loved him so much, even in these moments, where he felt his emotions practically boiling over, the blond just seems to make everything that was bad, even a slight bit better.

The day after their failed card-collecting extravaganza, the two of them returned to the Old Maid Branch, in much better spirits than they had been before. It was a bit discouraging, yes, but at least they had each other to share their sentiment; it was a quiet yet comforting drive back to Spada. 

As they stepped into the glass building, the bell jingling, to notify all of their arrival, the duo of them peered around the store to notice how decorated it was. Vibrant party banners were hung from wall to wall, with an assortment of balloons filling up the space of the room. In the centre, a small foldable table was placed in front of the entrance with a white frosted cake placed on it, with chocolate writing, saying: “You both finally got together!”

Next to the table, stood Vijay, Leo and Bernard, all wearing colourful party hats, as soon as they stepped in, the raven haired male let go of a party popper, confetti sprinkling down onto the both of them.

“Huh?!” Finn questioned, his eyebrows furrowed as he glanced at the cake and then at Chris, trying to gouge out his reaction, however he seemed equally as perplexed, his eyes squinting at the sight in front of him.

Vijay smiled, calmly as per usual, he explained, “Welcome back, we decided to celebrate the fact you both are soulmates and happily gotten together! It was Leo’s idea.” he smirked down his president, who seemed to be incredibly stiff and flustered, his cheeks painted with a faint blush.

“Uhm, that’s great and all my dear Vijay, but…” Chris frowned, explaining as he gestured between him and his boyfriend, “Me and Finn have been dating for about– 3 weeks by now, isn’t this a bit late?”

Ignoring his statement, Vijay gestured over to multiple flourishing plants in pots, each of them having the same party hats that the three males all wore, his smile still present, “They were all excited to throw the party, I hope you understand.”

Finn couldn’t help but burst into an uncontrollable laughter at the absurdity of the situation, wiping his tears from his eyes as he stared at the sight in front of him with amusement, “Thanks, everyone!” he let out. His burst of fondness inclined Chris to follow suit, unable to handle how strange their little team was, in that moment they both truly felt loved.

After a bit later, they regained their composure, staring at three before them. Leo looked even more embarrassed, while both Bernard and Vijay just smiled, waiting patiently for them to finish. The blond's gaze drifted around, a fond grin planted on his lips as he realised something.

“Hey, where’s Wendy?” he frowned, if this was a party for High Card members, he’d at least want Wendy to be there. Gesturing behind him, Bernard pointed to the desk, which the woman was peacefully sleeping on, a can of beer in her grip as she rested her head on her other arm.

With a smirk, he gave context, his arms behind his back, “Wendy had gotten too excited to drink, and wasn’t patient enough to await your return, so she drank and ended up passing out.”

Ah, of course . What other reason would there be? Finn’s grin widened, he loved his friends, especially when they pulled weird shit like this, they really did care for him, huh?

“C’mon Finn, let me feed you some cake before it’s all gone~” His soulmate called him over, a beam on his face as he greedily stared down at the cake before him, trying to stop himself from eating it and leaving none for everyone else.

Vijay, Leo and Bernard all seemed content with letting Chris and Finn do their own thing as the male in red immediately shoved a spoonful of cake into the blond’s mouth, the three of them crowding around the table to cut the cake for all six of them, chattering happily with one another and leaving a slice for Wendy. 

He nearly choked on it as he exclaimed, “Ack, Chris, at least give me a warning next time!” 

“Sorry, sorry~” he hummed a response as he fed himself a huge spoonful of cake.

Vijay approached the two, smirking at their display of affection with two plates of the dessert, handing one to Finn. “Is it good, Chris?” 

“Ah, my darling Vijay, you’ve outdone yourself! This cake is absolutely delectable, thank you!” the silverish-brown haired male gleamed, with delight, his face lit up and sparkling. 

His grin widened at the praise, “Thank you, Chris.” He put a hand to his chest, continuing, “I’m glad it’s to your liking.” he stated, before walking off, leaving the two to themselves.

“So… Soulmates huh?” Finn asked, chewing on his own slice, “Glad it was me?”

“Course, I am Finn, you make my days infinitely better in every way, darling.” His sincerity was practically exuding from him, his fondness and appreciation enveloped the blond like a warm hug. He needed to kiss this man right now. So, he did. Softly, he leaned towards Chris, slightly moving away some of his silverish-brown bangs as his jade gaze met his amber eyes, then slowly and oh so delicately, he placed a small kiss to his lips.

He tasted like sugar and sweetness, like he always did, but it was much more since he’d been recently eating cake, his hand trailed down to his cheek as he felt his boyfriend practically melt at the contact, humming contently. Then, Finn pulled back, satisfied with the kiss, he glanced at the other to see his amber gaze completely star-struck, his breath baited and an ear-to-ear beam was plastered on his expression.

He blinked confused, as Chris dreamily uttered, “That…that was the first time you kissed me!”  

Oh.

Oh.

A heat crawled up to his cheeks, as Finn felt extremely hot, and slightly proud of himself, but also embarrassed, as well as incredibly joyful. It was a big hodgepodge of emotions but he wouldn’t change it for the world.

This was probably the best day of his life– for the third time in these past three weeks!

Who knew Chris had such an affect on him? 

From the distance, Vijay stood next to the desk which Wendy was peacefully napping on, with Leo adjacent to him whilst they waited for Bernard to get some tea. They watched the two, satisfied with how perfect they were for each other. With a can of beer of his own, and a juice box from Leo, they clinked their drinks with the one Wendy was still clutching onto.

“Cheers to their happy future.” the raven hair man explained to his boss, gesturing at the duo bickering with one another.

He huffed “Agreed.” 

With a pop, Vijay opened his can and drank, whilst Leo sipped on his juice box and Bernard returned, waking the sleeping woman with a tea for hangovers. It had been a great celebration for everyone at High Card.

Chapter Text

After a couple of days of peace in being in his own body, Finn, three days after the celebration, was returned to Chris’ body. It was a fun time being himself again, but he knew that it’d eventually come back, just like hiccups; at least they’d only switch twice or three times now before he can finally never have to worry about this stuff ever again.

In any case, Leo had decided that the little party at the Old Maid Branch wasn’t enough, even after learning that the duo had failed their mission quite terribly, he huffed and simply explained he had pre-planned this whether or not they had completed their objective. He had given everyone at High Card, including Bernard, a day off, whisking all of them into a little coach to take them all…

To the beach.

“Ahh~, the sea! I love a good beach episode, right Finn?” Chris called out to his soulmate in Finn’s own gruff voice, his outfit something the blond would absolutely not wear, a red and floral button up unclasped giving view to Finn’s full chest, paired with scarlet swimming trunks and sunglasses. As fashionable as Chris would ever wear an outfit, but definitely not suited to the Finn’s frame. 

Scrunching up his face, Finn responded with his soulmate’s smooth voice, “What’s a beach episode? What does that even mean?” He had adorned Chris’ body with plain yellow trunks and a white tank top, something much more him , even if he was in his boyfriend’s body.

Chuckling, Vijay responded, a pink hibiscus tucked behind his ear, his sage green shirt completely buttoned up, no winkles in sight with a matching pair of pine-green swimming trunks. “Finn, a beach episode, is typically used in a show to prevent the plot from continuing too fast for the viewers. Normally it’s called a ‘filler episode’.”  He offered his hand out, while explaining, gesturing towards the beach which was crowded and packed with multiple people enjoying the area.

“Filler?” Finn squinted at the both of them, his amber eyes filled with confusion as he rubbed his chin, darting his gaze towards the seaside in front of him.

Chris sighed, shaking his head in response, “Ah Finn, you’re hopeless. Don’t worry, you wouldn’t get it.” he alleviated, smiling softly as he offered his boyfriend a hand, and interlocking it with his.

Wendy, Leo and Bernard had gone ahead already, leaving the other three behind to find a good, secluded spot, without much of a crowd surrounding them. The black haired woman wore a one-piece grey swimsuit, whereas Leo and Bernard wore swimming trunks in blue and dark maroon, the older of the two covering up a bit more with a simple dress shirt that matched his shorts, both of them were practically vibrating with excitement to enter the sea. (Though, they did mask it pretty well, but Finn had known them better than that, he could see the way their eyes were lit up with anticipation.)

Following behind, they all dropped their bags down onto the laid mat and watched as the oldest and the youngest of High Card both rushed into the water, grins plastered on their faces. The four of them left behind to decide on what to do next.

“Shall we join them?” Vijay suggested as in an instant Wendy pulled him into the water, completely soaking him in a matter of seconds. Startled, he blinked twice for a second before splashing her as revenge, the both of them giggling as they attacked each other with the sea.

Chris hummed, “Finn…” his jade eyes practically pleading, which was weird since that was Finn’s face, but he begrudgingly looked at it, his amber gaze meeting his soulmate’s “Can we go get ice cream instead, my love?”

He sighed, of course, what else would Chris want? Desserts must always be on his mind; he wonders if Chris even thinks about him as frequently as he does with sweets. Walking away, he led his boyfriend to a store by the shore selling ice cream. It had a medium-sized line, which wasn’t that bad to handle especially since they were at the beach, so they got in line.

“Hey cutie,” Finn turned around to see Chris, or well himself, being stopped by a taller male with a hand placed on his shoulder, preventing him from walking. “You with this guy? Why don't you just ditch him, come have fun with me.” The man smirked, a slight blush dotted across his face as he eyed the blond’s body up and down. It felt so disorientating, it was like he was watching himself getting flirted with, which was true but that wasn’t him either, it was Chris in Finn’s body, while wearing the silverish-brown haired male’s own clothes, nothing about that was Finn. So, was it his soulmate’s charisma that just transcended forms?

Chuckling, Chris’ jade gaze lit up, as he swiftly manoeuvred closer to Finn, wrapping his arm around him, “Sorry, sweetheart, but I'm with my boyfriend .” he sing-songed, a smile plastered on his expression. In response, the male clicked his tongue and walked away, his back slowly getting smaller as he trekked into the distance. 

Immediately, his soulmate’s smile dropped, “Finn, I know you’d look good in this outfit, but I didn’t know that other people are into my exact type of men too!” he pouted, “Especially when we were clearly together, no shame!”

Finn hummed in response, still processing what events had just taken place before he glanced towards his own body, asking his boyfriend, “Wait… you thought I’d look good in that outfit?”

“Well yes, of course darling, you’re the most beautiful man I know, so surely you should wear something to match that.” He replied, a smirk creeping up his face, jade eyes glimmering as they stared at his own amber eyes. “Besides, someone tried to flirt with you, clearly the outfit is working!” Chris exclaimed, with glee as he looked over the clothes he picked out.

Finn couldn’t help but feel butterflies, his heart raced as he felt this huge grin spread across his face, his stare crinkling in adoration. Even though it was his own body staring back at him, he knew it was Chris, and he couldn’t help but feel this way about the other, his soulmate was perfect.

Chris didn’t need a response, he knew that. But, he couldn’t help it. He just let out the first thing that popped into his mind, a whisper, like if he was scared that anyone but his soulmate would hear it.

“I love you.” he spoke softly, a murmur as the whole world seemed to stop and his heart raced. Finn hasn’t told many people that he loved them, well out loud at least. He loved High Card but he’s never expressed that in words, more like gifts, or spending time with them, sometimes favours. His memory is a bit fuzzy from when his parents were alive, but he’s sure he has told them both that he loved them, as well as Lindsey. He’s definitely told Lindsey he loves him at least once.

But, it’s never been like this before. It’s never been romantic love.

In an instant, he was staring at amber, and watched as Chris’ expression practically bloomed red, like a flower sprouting its petals, his blush was intoxicating, pure, blissful, and adorable. Finn couldn't get enough of it and his boyfriend, seemingly surprised they had swapped, leaned in closer to look at the blond’s face, memorising each and every feature before peppering kisses all over it.

Cupping Finn’s cheek, Chris beamed at the other, his tone full of relief and joy, “I love you too Finn, I love you so so much.” before he planted a sweet kiss on the blond’s lips.

“Ahem…” A person behind them spoke, and they ripped away from each other as if they were burned, “Sorry to… ruin the moment, but you’re uhm, next in line.” 

Chris’ beam shifted into a sheepish grin “Ahaha, thank you!”, he held the blond’s hand in his as they walked up to the cashier, buying a single ice cream with three scoops of chocolate, with sprinkles, and chocolate drizzle, as well as extra fudge bites. His soulmate was the biggest sweet tooth known to man. Humming, they headed back to the rest of High Card, conversing as they walked through the sand towards the shore. The older of the two devoured his ice cream, leaving practically nothing left, Finn was hoping he could’ve gotten a lick in, but now he supposes not.

“Argh, I really need to change out of this.” The silverish-brown haired man grimaced as he tugged on the white tank top Finn had earlier chosen to wear before they switched back, “No offence, my darling Finn, but this just isn’t my colour!” he exclaimed, reasoning with his boyfriend as they finally reached the mat. 

“It’s fine, Chris.” The blond replied nonchalantly, tugging off the shirt his boyfriend had worn as well as the sunglasses and handing it to him, his chest visible and unhidden. “Now, you can be the immortal ladies’ man.” he teased, a smirk plastered on his lips as the silverish-brown haired man swiftly removed his tank top and gave it to the other.

Vijay approached the two of them, rubbing a towel against his wet hair as his brows furrowed, watching them exchange clothing pieces, “What’s happening here?” 

“Ah, Vijay! My dear, we switched back, it’s me!” he pointed at himself, his signature wink and grin on his expression, “Chris!”

“Oh, I see.” he responded calmly, as usual, “Will the two of you be swimming now?” he pointed at the rest of High Card extremely far out, chatting as they floated in the water, a signature soft smile planted on his face.

And, that is how Finn ended up in the sea, chuckling at Chris’ antics whilst he splashed water on him, play-fighting with his boyfriend as suddenly he felt a shadow loom over him. Glancing upwards, a huge wave was towering over him and crashed down, engulfing him and throwing him off-balance, tripping and falling backwards into the ocean.

Startled, and much more prepared for the wave, the silverish-brown haired male yelped in surprise, “Finn!” however it was too late to save his significant other, he had already been taken by the sea. 

Everything, all of the yelling and sounds of people, families, friends enjoying a simple day at the beach had been drowned out, quite literally, by the water that immediately flooded the blond’s ears. It was peaceful down here, calm and untouched, like a sanctuary he had entered without permission, yet it all ended too soon as he was pushed back into the shore by the sheer strength of the wave, his frame crashing against the coarse sand as he slowly sat up, a little perplexed and disorientated by the sudden whiplash of the sea practically attacking him.

Rushing out of the sea, Chris was by his side in seconds, delicately cradling his face as his concerned amber gaze met Finn’s jade half-lidded stare.

“Darling? Finn, are you alright?” his face inched closer to the blond's, his warm breath a wonderful contract to his freezing cold hands, as he patted the hand on his cheek to reassure his boyfriend that, no, the sea did not conquer him, not today at least. 

He nodded, he felt pretty fine, just a bit out of it, he’d be better in a minute of two, “I’m fine, Chris, don’t worry.” He gave a small sheepish smile, trying to soothe the other’s nerves. However the male didn’t relent, pushing the blond back down onto the sand as he was practically touching foreheads with his boyfriend.

Chris exclaimed, “No, you’re not fine, you need CPR, Finn!” a slight smirk spread across his expression as his lips inched closer to the other’s. Ah, so this is what he wanted.

He huffed in response, “Chris, there’s no water in my lungs, I’m breathing fine!” he pouted as the only thing he could see was his soulmate’s smug face filling his vision as he questioned, his eyebrows furrowed, “You just want to kiss me, don’t yo–”

In an instant, he felt it. Lips on his, soft, sugary and sweet as always and light. Oh, so light, it was as if Finn was kissing a feather instead of a person. It was cute, you would think that a flirt like Chris would be a heavy kisser, overbearing and possessive of your lips, but no, he was alway s so gentle with Finn that it could almost bring the blond to tears if he thought about it too long.

The silverish-brown haired male relented, parting and heaving the other to sit up once more, “There~! Now, you’re all better.” he practically purred, his face plastered with a wide grin as his amber eyes were filled with adoration and pure, unfiltered love towards the man in front of him.

He hummed, “All thanks to nurse Chris!” nodding and smirking playfully at the other, teasing him with an amused look. Darting his gaze away, he saw Vijay approaching the two of them, his usual smile expressed as they both stood up to meet him halfway.

Pushing a strand of his raven hair out of the way of his eyes, he calmly explained, “Chris, Finn, I’m going to rent a boat for two hours to see if I can catch any fish.” his expression seemed to brighten up at the mention of fishing, which was shocking to see as Vijay was much more of a plant guy rather than an animal guy, but, Finn pondered, maybe he’s opening himself up to new hobbies? “I’ll be back before you even notice my absence.” he waved, rushing back up the beach to presumably rent that water vessel he was talking about.

“Can…Can Vijay even helm a boat?” He wondered aloud, hoping his soulmate would have answers, however once he turned over to look at the other, it seemed as if he was as perplexed as Finn was. 

His silverish-brown hair was stuck to his forehead since it was wet, making the blond wanting to move it out of the way, but he resisted the urge, much more interested in his response. “Darling Vijay… fishing?” He tilted his head as his eyebrows furrowed, his mouth slightly agape as his eyes were squinted, as if he was currently seeing a lie and was trying to uncover the truth. “What has the world come to, Finn? Do you think pigs will begin flying?” 

His lips quirked upwards at that comment, chuckling lightly, “Chris, it’s not that bad,” he reasoned, watching the raven haired male walk into the distance, “Vijay is just getting a new hobby, is all. You’re being overdramatic.”

“Oh, but my dear Finn, when have I ever not been overdramatic?” 

“Touché.” he hummed.

They had eventually returned back to the mat, where Wendy, Bernard and Leo sat on, happily conversing about mundane topics, as well as some strange and peculiar interests after they had sat in silence together for a second or two, enjoying the presence of each other and learning more about one another.

Which wasn't a problem. In fact, it was great, Finn was happy they were bonding, ecstatic even! It was just the items placed in front of them, on the mat, that made both him, and Chris, pause and stare directly at the group, utterly baffled.

It was tea . Not iced tea. Not a cool soothing drink for the hot weather. Or a bowl of melting ice cream. No, it was tea. Tea that was visibly emanating steam, stating that the drink was, in fact, yes to your disbelief, hot. Extremely hot. Like, your tongue will be burned numb, type of hot.

“What? Old man?” Finn couldn’t help but furrow his brows as he sat down, staring directly at the multiple porcelain cups of piping tea sitting in front of him. The worst thing about this was that all of them, including Leo, were cheerfully sipping on their cups as if this was a tea party on a windy day and they were in the middle of a park and not, on a boiling day, where the sun was practically out to destroy anything slightly cool, in front of the sea, sipping on steaming drinks.

However, Bernard wasn’t quick enough to reply as Wendy responded “Huh?”, her head tilting to the side as if she was trying to understand Finn’s perspective. “Bernard really wanted to make some tea,” she gestured towards the three untouched, plated and filled cups of the drink, “it’s pretty good!” she beamed, a smile plastered on her face as she watched the duo slowly pick up the cups delicately, it was probably some extremely expensive china, after all. 

Taking a sip, it was heavenly. A fine mix of citrus and fruity flavours, nothing too sour or sweet, with a slight bit of spice to make the drink suit the setting they were in completely. His throat burned, yet it was cold and chilly after he swallowed the drink down, refreshing him as well as hydrating him, this tea had superpowers! In response to watching Finn’s expression change from sceptical to completely bewildered and baffled by just how delectable the drink was, Bernard adjusted his glasses, giving a brief explanation on what exactly the tea was as well as some context on how it came to be. The blond appreciated it, he really did but, it all went through one ear and out the other, he was just so amazed that it partially distracted him from anything else.

It was like that for a while, chatting simply with the rest of High Card while sipping on the tea until Vijay arrived, his head facing down as he practically slumped next to Finn, his typical smile wiped away to be replaced by a single, straight line. “I was unable to catch any fish.” he explained, spreading his hands out as if to communicate how exactly frustrating it was. Everyone else glanced at each other, quiet and all seemingly curious on exactly why it didn’t turn out well.

Vijay caught the memo, he clarified, “I…” he trailed off, frowning, as he looked away from the rest of High Card and instead down into his palms, “I had tried to communicate with seaweed to catch some fish, however it failed terribly.”

Ah, so that’s why he went fishing, to talk to seaweed. Of course. It had clicked in Finn’s head on why exactly the raven haired male had seemed so excited over the prospect of fishing.

“Cheer up, Vijay.” the blond spoke, reassuringly patting the other’s back, “We can always get a pet fish for the store, and the tank can have as much seaweed so you can practise talking with them all you want.” 

Vijay glanced up at Finn, then looked at Leo, hoping for some approval, “Truly?” his brown eyes lit up at the prospect.

Sighing, Leo awkwardly shifted in his seat, he didn’t want one of his oldest friends to feel this down, especially over a type of plant he wasn’t able to communicate the best with. Begrudgingly he replied, “Fine. But, you’re both in charge of taking care of it.”

Vijay turned, grinning cheerfully at Finn who returned the smile, happy to be able to help a friend out. 

“Ah right,” Bernard gestured at the five empty cups and a singular, slightly cooling cup of tea, “You should drink up, before it gets cold.” 

He smiled, nodding simply as he took a precise sip, savouring the flavour in his mouth with delicate etiquette and table manners. Whilst he watched Vijay, Finn couldn’t help but think that he truly was a gentleman, pure at heart and clean and proper outwards, always.

Time had passed, and eventually they all packed up, leisurely and sleepily, tired from the day’s events. It had been fun, the blond thought, High Card was a strange assortment of people but nothing could ever stop Finn from loving them. They were his friends. His new family. 

And when they entered the coach again to head home, before they left, Leo awkwardly went around, handing each of them seashell bracelets, the colours of the shells were trying to imitate the suits they wore on the daily. His face was flushed pink the whole time, but it was something that was definitely important to Leo and therefore, by association, was important to everyone at High Card. They all wore their designated bracelets, cooing and praising the young boy at how beautiful they looked and how well it fit them. 

“This truly was a great filler episode!” Chris sighed out, content as the small coach began to drive them back home, leaning against the seats behind him, his hand inching towards the blond’s to be intertwined with. 

Finn frowned, “I still don’t know what filler is.”

He hummed in response, “You’ll get it one day, my love.”