Work Text:
During this calm Friday afternoon, Timmy visited him yet again.
Another week in a row.
Not like Jimmy minded, of course. He knew his friend's routine pretty well. During weekdays he would go to school, eventually hang out with friends from his dimention - A.J. and Chester, whose Jimmy had pleasure to meet a few times. When Friday comes, Timmy's first station is the restaurant SpongeBob works at. They catch up a little and after (overpriced) dinner, Turner jumps to visit Jimmy and stays here for the rest of the day. The very next day he is bothering Danny instead.
Of course it's not always perfectly timed. Jimmy sometimes wonders if Timmy knows little but useful thing called a clock.
The average boy used to spend each day of the weekend with different member of The Nicktoons (how come that this name lasted this long? Who even came up with it?), but lately Sundays were occupied by his holograms for some reason. Anyways, no matter the day, it wasn't a time when he didn't greet his friend with open arm for a suddenly needed sleepover.
And although he noticed how frequent this was becoming, he tried hard to ignore the fact that Turner clearly didn't want to spend any more time in his own home than necessary.
He let out a sigh and started to wipe the oil off from his new invention. A few unwanted questions in his mind.
His companion was sitting on one of the large beanbags that he himself insisted on getting (alongside with few other things now sitting in Jimmy's lab) while doing something on his phone. It was pretty dark in the lab today, the main source of light was above the table that Jimmy had worked on few minutes ago. It was enough to make his eyes a bit tired, but it was fine.
He couldn't explain it, but he had a feeling that the other boy wanted to say something. And being the genius he is, the hunch was obviously right.
"Sooo...." Timmy turned off his phone and put it away, his eyes now focusing on the fudge-haired scientist. "You remember Dib?"
Jimmy raised an eyebrow, confused a little. "Membrane?" He asked just to be sure. Before the other could answer, he was speaking again. "Last time I saw him was two years ago. But yeah, it's a persona hard to forget."
"Great! I thought about inviting him to our next group meeting."
Jimmy was now intrigued. It was logical that Turner would seek his approval first, considering the genius had somehow become the leader of their team, but that didn't change the fact that he hadn't expected proposition like this out of the blue. It's not like he wouldn't like to see Membrane again, even if his feelings towards the goth were associated with jealousy (he couldn't get used to no longer being the only scientist of the team for some time) they found some common ground after all their disagreements. Not only that, this boy was clearly rich. And don't get him wrong, he was never looking at somebody's wealth while considering possible friendship, but not gonna lie, the resources this guy had were very helpful at times. And he finally had someone who not only listened to his mad rambles but also understood them. Sometimes he even brought his own thoughts (the ones that made sense) and it was enough for Neutron to give him a chance.
But even that didn't change the fact that two years had passed since they last spoke.
"Can I ask why? I'm all for it, of course, it just seems pretty sudden" he said, after throwing the dirty piece of cloth in the corner, where a box with many of it's kind was sitting.
"Being totally honest? It feels horrible with how lonely he is. It's been haunting me for weeks." Timmy confessed. Something felt off, but the older boy couldn't put the finger on it. He trusted his friend a lot, but somehow it felt like he wasn't telling him the whole truth. "Ay, he is perfect in-between of me and Danny when it comes to age. Also maybe he will teach me how to do that sick eyeliner of his."
"You say?" Jimmy let out a soft chuckle. "I thought you would learn how to do it yourself. Weren't you using make-up since you were ten?" All the younger did was shrug at the question, so the scientist decided to continue "As song as he doesn't mind, I don't see an issue."
"Awesome. It was Wanda's idea by the way" The boy smiled more sincerely as he was mentioning one of his holograms (..his friend? Mother figure maybe, from what Jimmy suspected) "And so was dyeing my hair, but you haven't told me any compliments yet. I should be offened."
Jimmy did notice. A week ago. It was quite clear that bottom part of Timmy's not-so-short hair was suddenly pink one day. He even complimented that it looked great on him.
He tried hard to not notice his friend's ever-worsening memory. It was always small things he forgot, but just how often it was happening lighted up some red bulb above his head.
Of course he wasn't planning to let that slide for much longer. He was already planning to do some tests just in case something bad was happening with his best friend. But he didn't want Timmy to worry about that for now.
"She sure has only the best ideas, am I right?" By that time the teenage genius finished washing his hands, which he started doing in the middle of the conversation. "Speaking of which, where are your holograms?" He took off his googles, touching his hair in process. The touch lasted less than a second but he could say it was a tangled mess.
"Poof's birthday is in few days!" The younger's eyes lighted up again. "They are preparing everything. It's gonna be the best birthday the little guy ever had!" He threw his hands in the air while talking and Jimmy thought just how little the boy has changed since they were children. And oh gosh, his smile was blinding.
"Oh, I see" That's all Jimmy could say, stating that the average kid does not need to know the details of his thoughts. The mini hologram, as he liked to call it in his head, was true mystery to him. But not one he dared questioning. He knew the little thing was like actual baby brother to Timmy. And who was he to talk while having Goddard under his roof (and in his heart as well). "Can't believe the little guy is turning seven already. I believe he wasn't even born when we first met."
"No, you're right, he wasn't. And I don't think I will be able to hold back tears this year."
"What a crybaby you are." Neutron said with a slight snort.
...
Alright. So Turner really came here alone.
As much as he liked the presence of Cosmo, Wanda and Poof he was fully aware that all three of them just loved eavesdropping and and a good gossip. And well, he really needed a heart to heart talk with someone he trusted.
On the other hand, was he really about to ruin such a peaceful moment with his stupid conflict of thoughts?
No, often their days were way more chaotic, too much to even care about peace. This was such small thing compared to catching ghosts, dealing with aliens or fighting a kraken.
So why was he so nervous?
He guessed it was probably embarassment. And fear of the thought that told him that Timmy is going to judge him.
And as soon as the doubt crossed his mind, looked directly at the source of his worry. After short analysis he realized that actually, he had nothing to worry about. Because in this case, just one glance was enough to conclude that Turner has no say in the matter. If he would, he should look at himself first.
Alright, now or never. He just had to act cool. If he takes it casually, his companion probably won't make a big deal about it either.
"Um, uhh.. Timmy?" Yep Neutron, you totally nailed it. You didn't sound like a bundle of restless nerves, not at all.
Worst of all, Timmy seemed to notice that as well. And his legs started to feel weak at the realization, so he decided to half-sit on his working table, possibly worrying confusing his friend even more.
"What's wrong?" The half-pink-haired boy asked, sitting straight (as much as he could at least).
"Have you ever.. I dunno.." Jimmy awkwardly scratched his neck. Alright, he already started. There's no way out. "..this is ridiculous. But have you ever questioned your sexuality? Just maybe?"
C'mon. Timothy Tiberius Turner was probably the best choice he could find. Probably because he was fulfilling the stereotype of bisexual man. And it's not like Jimmy was a fan of stereotypes, of course, it's just.. they were sometimes worth considering..
Or maybe it was just the fact that Timmy was his best friend with whom he had many deep conversations with. Over the years, his companion became more.. mature? No, Timmy was anything but that. Emotionally aware? Maybe? Understanding and sympathetic. Yes, these words sound better. Turner was far from perfect, so it was subtle change, but at the same time it was like a bucket of cold water from the team's point of view. But back to the topic, if it wouldn't be him, then who? He was the best option he could think of.
"Oh." The other boy's face was stuck in suprise. Luckily he was easy to read, so the other teen could guess that he was just thinking on what to say. "Not really, I suppose."
...
Oh shit.
He felt how his heart just dropped.
He already regreted opening his mouth in the first place. Why though? It's not like the other said anything bad. Maybe it was guilt? He judged his friend's.. taste purely from his looks. If he tried to explain this, will Timmy conclude that Jimmy thinks he dresses out of the norm? Again, it's not a bad thing, but what if will sound like it? Thinking about it made him feel worse. Sick even. This spiral of thoughts didn't even make sense anymore, he already got lost.
Jimmy suddenly felt so small and unsure. And it was AWFUL. And he knew he shouldn't, he knew Timmy for so long and he knew the average boy wouldn't be offended by such thing. But he just couldn't stop these feelings, he was more nervous than he was prepared to be.
It was untill the other suddenly opened his mouth with a pop, followed by loud and suprised "OH!" Like he just now had a thought for the first time since he got there. "Sorry, I didn't really got it. What I meant is that I never really questioned it because.. Well, I always kinda knew I'm pan, I guess?" He laid back again, eyes looking wherever they could. He did look tiny bit more relaxed though. "Like, when Sanjay asked me out for the first time. I rejested him not because we're both guys, but simply because I wasn't feeling the same way. And I was eleven at the time. So when Tootie told me about pansexuality I just went 'Huh, guess that's me' without much struggle."
"Ah, I see." The genius said with the calmest voice he could muster. But his leg was bouncing, so that gave him away. "UGH, wish I had it this easy.." He put his hand on his face and hunched over. Yes, it was nice finally telling someone - his chest was much lighter, but man how many nerves it cost him? And most importantly, what now? "You know, I never thought about it since recently."
"Ooh.. Lil baby's first boy crush?" Turner giggled a bit.
"That's the thing! It's not!" He responded, louder than it was necessary. He was quick to realize that and he started talking again only after he cleared his throat. "It's not like I wouldn't want to date a guy. I just never liked one..? But again, it's not like I was ever in a relationship before. I don't really have a reference, if you get what I mean."
"Damn, alright. I need to find a way to help you then"
"I don't think it's a good idea."
"I haven't even came up with the idea yet."
"Exactly."
Timmy let out an offended exhale. "That hurt. But I'm still helping you, you want it or not. I'm not leaving you like that."
"Like what? It's not even that impo–"
"SHH..!" The boy made a sound way louder than necessary. Sounds like both of them had problem with determining their volume. "I'm thinking." He stated, closing his eyes and focusing.
Jimmy let out another tired sigh. But he did listen, he knew how pointless agruing with the other was. "Be careful, your vein might break."
They sat there in silence. Timmy opened his eyes again and now was quite literally just staring at him. And when Jimmy noticed a small twinkle in the younger's eyes, that's when he knew the other had another thought and now he just needed to choose the words again. And by the way, two thoughts a day? Jimmy has to go get his callendar and write down the date.
He couldn't say he wasn't curious what Turner was about to say. So he was giving him all the time he needed. Because, well, some help would be really nice. What else he was supposed to do?
"First of all, treat me seriously there." Timmy started, and Jimmy already knew it was something stupid. Good, he might even get a laught from it. "Have you ever kissed a guy? Or like, anyone."
"Huh? What?!" Jimmy felt how his cheeks started to warm up. He didn't like the feeling, it was like.. like he was caught doing something wrong. And of course he didn't do anything to be ashamef of! Just.. it was embarassing topic. Private, too. But he was the one who asked for help after all. "Sorry, I just- You caught me off guard. A few times, I suppose..? Mostly because of dares. But no, it was never another man."
"Stay with me here, and listen." Turner suddenly found the ceiling even more interesting than before, but pretty quickly realized he should probably look at his friend directly. Jimmy figured ages ago that unlike him, the bucktooth kid had really hard time focusing on one thing at the time, so you could say he got used to the weird behaviors. One of them being the eyes traveling everywhere. "This might sound weird but the end justifies the means. So like. Uh. I never really kissed anyone, ever. Fear of intimacy and all that." He waved his hand a bit, like he was swatting away a fly. "Each time I was afraid it would be wrong person and I would regret it.. So yeah."
Now, James Isaac Neutron might not be the best when it comes to emotional intelligence, but he wasn't stupid enough to not read the message between the lines. Not this one at least.
He looked for any sign of humor on the other's face, any indication that it was a joke. But he found nothing. "You mean.. Hold on, I'm not going to do that. How can you know that you won't regret this one?"
Timmy gasped and made the most offended face he could. "Nerdtron, is being besties not enough? I thought our feelings were mutual!" He said with hand on his chest, jokingly of course. "But seriously now, for me it would be best option. I'd get it over with, I mean, I won't regret it if it's you." He shrugged, clearly not aware how it sounded like. "We have been friends for years. It's fine for me. But we don't have to if it's weird for you, obviously."
"I.." Jimmy's lips formed into a thin line and now it was his turn to look away. "Alright, but how do I know if.. I'm into it?" He decided to phase it like this and his gaze awkwardly landed on some poor wall, or rather the stains that were on it. He soon realized he really needs to clean this whole room. "I see your point, but how do you think this is going to work?"
"Because you will feel it, I guess? Or rather you won't feel like it bothers you. Like in uncomfortable way. I think?" The other boy didn't look so sure, but somehow.. it did make sense. Just a little, but it did.
And well, there weren't many guys who would agree to do such experiment just to help the young scientist discover something about himself. And Jimmy didn't want himself to be the only thing he might not know something about.
There were some advantages on both sides after all. And that being said, he decided to agree.
"Your stupidity is contagious, you know that?" Timmy just giggled at the statement. "Can you at least get up? I don't want it to be weirder than it already is."
The other boy stopped making any more noises. He stared at the teenage genius like a deer in the headlights and only after a few seconds he connected the dots. And yet again, Jimmy ignored how slow his friend was. "Oh! Oh man, alright. Let's do it!" The younger jumped off the beanbag quickly with new found energy (that action resulted in mild head spinning, but that's not important) and made few steps forward. He still kept the distance though. "Just don't laught at me. I seriously have no idea how to kiss."
"It's not like I'm much more experienced, to be honest" The genius laughed awkwardly. The whole thing.. felt weird. Funny. He felt way more nervous than when he did that before, from what he remembered. Or maybe it was the same level of nervous, it's just the last time he was more impulsive? He remembered thinking 'The sooner it starts the sooner it ends' or something along the lines. Now, however, he had all time in the world.
His stomach felt funny, too.
Still, it didn't take him much to notice Turner's hands shaking. "Are you completely sure?" He asked calmly. Making his friend uncomfortable was the last thing he wanted to do after all.
"YES, dammit, of course! I suggested it!" He answered suspiciously loud, again. Looking at Neutron's face, he realized it frankly quickly. "Sorry, just. Little stressed, you know? And it's not like I'm rushing you, but if you will keep me waiting too long I might actually pass out, my heart is beating like crazy."
"That's understandable." He gave a little and short but honest laught. A giggle even, and he himself was suprised by that. "And completely okay too. But I have to admit you are hiding it well."
"No shit." Timmy grinned a bit and stopped playing with his hands - it was a habit he somehow picked up, along with biting his nails. The scientist guessed he wanted to unlearn the later and that's why he started to paint them. "So, um.."
"Yeah, let's get this over with" Jimmy himself closed the extra distance and just then he realized he had no idea what to do first. Should he cup the other's face? Hold hands on his waist? Wouldn't it be.. too intimate?
He was sure Timmy could feel how fast he was breathing with how close their faces were. He tried to control it, hopefully doing a good job.
As he carefully placed one of his hands on other's cheek, the other closed his shiny eyes. Jimmy almost missed seeing the details of Turner's irises that he could stare at for much longer than he would like to admit.
The younger of the two had a round and a bit spotty face. However - according to Neutron - it didn't take away from his charm at all. He thought that Timmy was still good-looking and if the spots disappeared just as his eyes did, the scientist figured that he would have missed them as well. Same thing applied to the bucktooth and that stupid snickering of his.
He used to wonder why centrain parts of Timmy's face were covered in thin layer of glitter every so often. He figured out it's probably from spending so much time with his holograms, as they seemed to have glittery.. well, everything. Everything in the boy's dimention was so colorful and pretty, so Jimmy figured it might have taken a part as well.
...He moved his hand just the tiniest bit and he could feel his friend's hair. It tickled a little and it almost made him shilver.
"Alright.. Here goes nothing" he said just in case, as if trying to losen up.
His eyes closed without much a thought and he leaned forward, which wasn't a hard task considering they were almost the same height.
Their lips met, and he could swear the other stopped breathing for a second.
From this distance he could smell and feel the cheap lip balm. Waxy and sticky, but really smooth at the same time. He also felt how Timmy carefully wrapped his arms around his sides in really gentle hug, while leaning his head to the side - into the scientist's hand.
Jimmy figured he didn't mind it at all.
His entire body felt warm with some weird kind of joy. He placed his second hand on Turner's other cheek, now caring less about the now nonexistend awkwardness.
The younger boy's face was warm too, and his skin's texture was really nice to touch. He suddenly felt like exploring Turner's face with his hands and his eyes would be a nice thing to do for hours.
He could smell many things from the pink-hat-wearing boy. There was a bit of cologne he was always using, but he could smell little bit of sweet, fruity perfume as well, which absolutely didn't make any sense. Why would Timmy use both at the same time? Ah right, maybe because he was Timmy. Of course he was smelling little bit of salty sweat too, Turner was an active guy after all. He was everywhere at the same time, and he didn't need his holograms' help with that.
..The mix didn't disgust him at all. Usually Neutron wasn't a fan of strongs smells, or the ones that didn't feel like they should be present at the same time. This was mostly because of his work with certain chemicals, he also remembered aftermath of few P.E lessons in highschool, where he had to hold his breath while entering the changing room.
This.. wasn't the same. All the smells fused together and created a picture of someone familiar. It made his brain blessed and his heart melt. He couldn't image these smells separate now. He figured he really liked the final result of the mix, like he could spend time around it forever. He felt like he could call it his favorite.
The young scientist had to mentally count to three, otherwise he would never get himself to pull away.
So he did. And he didn't like the fact he had to. He missed the soft feeling on his lips and warm, comforting feeling in his chest.
It took Timmy few miliseconds longer to open his eyes. Jimmy was glad he could see this stunning light blue shade again. "So?" The boy asked with mischievous look on his face. "How was it?"
Jimmy almost forgot that he was supposed to note his own feelings during this utterly stupid experiment in the first place. All this time he was thinking of Turner himself, but he would sooner eat mud then admit it.
As soon as Neutron's hands loosened and let go of the boy's cheeks, Turner tilted his head to the other side playfully. He also shifted his hands and placed almost his whole arms on Jimmy's shoulders, who definitely did not see that coming. "Need another one? Not like I would mind" The younger pressed their foreheads together, still smiling like an idiot to a block of cheese.
Just for a second the teenage genius thought that maybe he is seriously planning to kiss him again. Whatever was the sparkle he felt inside him, he didn't want to call it hope.
He realized franky quickly that something felt off. He could smell the nonsense in the air. "Turner? What are you- AA"
This idiot threw himself backwards with his full weight and before the scientist could react they both fell on the gigantic beanbags. All Jimmy could do is somehow land on his knees and palms. "ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND?! I COULD HAVE CRUSHED YOU, TURNER!"
And the mentioned boy laughted so hard he could get a hiccup any moment. "OH GOSH YOU LOOKED SO SCARED" he didn't stop laughting, but he took few longer breaths to calm down. "And I'm sure you wouldn't. Shortyy"
"Oh wow, you are towering above me with a whole two inches." Neutron rolled his eyes. "And I'm not sure if you noticed, you dork, but I weight a bit more than you. I could break your stick-looking arms by accident."
"HEY! I've been working out, you know! It's not that invisible!" Jimmy didn't realize Turner still had his hands around his neck until the younger took them away to lay them by the sides of his head. And Jimmy tried to just.. not think about it. "You are so rude to me, Nerdtron. After all he have been through."
"Suffer." Now it was his time to give a short laught. He tried not to think how warm his face still felt. "You are so stupid, I swear." he moved a little so now he was next to his friend, and not above him. But even like this they were sitting (in Timmy's case - laying) quite close to each other.
"I give your life some flavor. I know you love it" The boy turned to lay on his side, resting his head on his palm. "You had that face you do when you think too much."
"Ah, I see. In that case, thank you."
"You still didn't answer my question tho"
"Oh, right." Jimmy shifted his gaze from Timmy to the ceiling. He didn't have to think about it much. "It didn't feel wrong. Not at all, actually." He shrugged and smiled, not sure if to himself or the other. "I liked it a lot"
"Oh really?" The smug in Turner's voice was loud and clear.
"Really." The scientist admitted. He layed on his back and decided to ignore his folding lab coat.
"Would you do that again?"
"If given a chance, yeah"
"Not really 'We are just friends' of you to say."
"..That's some internet quote isn't it."
"Maybee" The boy giggled, while Neutron let out a tired, overdramatic sigh.
It didn't take long for a question to form in his head. "How about you?" He asked, genuinely curious.
"Huh? Me?" Timmy's eyes got a little wider, not like anyone from distance would notice. "Not bad. 8/10, would be perfect if my hands weren't shaking and sweaty."
"How is this my fault?"
"Well-"
They heard knocking from the other side of the room. Seeing Jimmy's mom, smiling and leaning against the door frame, they both quickly sat up.
"You two, supper is ready." She said as soon as she saw the teens were finally paying attention to her. They both wondered how long she has been standing there for. "Also, you shouldn't leave this little guy alone." She gestured at a child standing next to her, looking not older than average preschooler.
"Timmy!!" The kid called with big smile, energetically waving his hand and holding Goddard with the other one. Which obviously wasn't an easy task considering his size. It didn't take long untill he started running towards the younger teen.
"Poof? You should be at the spellementary!" The boy sounded a bit worried, but still greated the soon-to-be seven year old with a crushing bear hug. "Sneaking out at this age? Even I didn't do that!"
The child processed to hug Timmy tightly, giggling. But as soon as he saw something on Jimmy's face, he stopped just to stare at him. Just like in Turner's case, there was a twinkle in his eyes suggesting a thought, but Jimmy noted it was something more of an curiosity and confusion. And since out of everyone preschoolers used the social filter the least, everyone in the room could notice it as well.
"I found him in our backyard playing with Goddard" His mother informed. "Make sure you will come in less than ten minutes, otherwise the food will be colder than it already is." And just like this, she left the lab.
"Alrighty, thank you!!" The younger teen yelled back, and Jimmy could hear the woman's gentle laught behind the door.
He was glad they got along. Timmy didn't make a good first impression all those years ago after all.
..The teenage genius still could feel Poof's piercing gaze on him. It was a bit uncomfortable.
"What's wrong, Poof?" Timmy asked as soon as he noticed it as well. He picked up the little one and put him on his lap. "Jimmy here doesn't have a stashe, I'm not sure what you are looking at"
"He has your lip gloss." The kid stated all of the sudden. There was a few good second of loud silence untill he made the most disgusted looking face a romance-spiting seven year old could make. "EWww.. You were KISSING?!"
Jimmy opened his mouth in panic to say something, but words died on his tongue. Even if he did come up with something, there was no point in lying. Not when his friend's holograms seemed to be experts when it came to glitter.
...He was pretty sure he didn't hear his mother leave the corridor. Not like he had anything to hide, but he felt a very awkward conversation coming.
The bucktoothed teen's gaze was shifting quickly between his brother and his best friend. He clearly didn't know how to react either. "I- Uh. Erm.. Don't tell mom and dad, alright?"
Jimmy decided to remain silent about the fact how often Turner referred to Cosmo and Wanda as his parents. You could argue that he was saying that for Poof's sake, but he knew better.
Because Jimmy noticed just how easy it was for this boy to say it.
Yet he still didn't want to mention a thing, and all he did was smile.
Poof, however, looked unimpressed. "What's in it for me?"
It took Turner a second, but after exchanging a glance with Jimmy, he smirked. "Oooh you will fall victim to the epidemic. The LOVE epidemic!" He processed to pull the kid into a big, unavoidable hug once again and the youngest squeaked in suprise. "I love you both sooo muchh! I'm gonna give you sooo many hugs and kisses!" While the tiny hologram gave muffled sounds of protests, Timmy leaned his body against the scientist's.
"Nooo! You are just like mom and dad! You promised you won't be!" Poof tried to push his brother away, but he obviously struggled a lot.
Jimmy couldn't help but let out a quiet laught, suddenly forgetting about the embarrasment he felt just few minutes ago.
And somewhere in the back of his mind a thought arose that he would like to stay like this forever. By the side of a person who allowed him to forget about his stress and problems. Thanks to him, he became as carefree as a child.
Jimmy didn't believe in soulmates. However, if his own walked on Earth, he would know perfectly well who it was.
Jezz, when did he become so cheesy?