OH YES. YES. YES. YES. yes. we are entering rare species in the wild territory: Jens having a bad day and Jesper tapping into emotional intimacy instead of sarcasm (for once). A miracle. A moment. A full NOVELLA.
Let’s split this into two episodes:
EPISODE 1: “When the Viking Broke (and the Swede Did Not Panic)”
Context: It’s a Tuesday in Alkmaar. Jens woke up off. Heavy head, tired legs, spiraling thoughts. Something about training, maybe a call from home, or that one match last weekend where he gave away a foul and blamed himself for the loss. Either way—he’s quiet.
He shows up to training. Doesn’t do the usual locker room joke. Doesn’t ruffle Jesper’s hair. Doesn’t chirp at Milos. Just. Quiet.
Jesper notices immediately.
Sam: “He hasn’t said a word in 30 minutes.” Tijjani: “He didn’t even do that thing where he squints and says ‘bro are you good’ when he’s the one not good.” Yuki (whispering to Sven): “Something is broken in Viking motherboard.”
After training:
Jens isolates. Sits in the locker room, towel over his head, elbows on knees. Breathing deep.
Jesper sits next to him. Doesn’t ask what’s wrong. Just starts unlacing Jens’ boots for him, slow, methodical.
Jens doesn’t stop him.
Jesper: “Can I take you home?” Jens nods.
They go to Jesper’s apartment. It’s quiet. Jens slumps into the couch. Doesn’t say a word. Jesper comes back with a cold drink and a warm hoodie.
Jesper: “Don’t talk if you don’t want. Just stay here. I’ll sit with you.”
An hour passes.
Jesper is reading next to him. Their legs touch. Jens starts crying—quietly, but fully. Like a dam broke. Jesper hears the hitched breath, and turns his head instantly.
Jesper: “Hey. Hey, I’m here. It’s okay.”
Jesper puts his book down and pulls Jens in. Lets him cry into his shoulder. Rubs slow circles into his back. Kisses his temple. Hums under his breath.
Jens: “I just... I’m so tired. Everything feels like too much right now.”
Jesper: “Then don’t hold it alone.”
Jesper keeps holding him. For two hours. Doesn’t make jokes. Doesn’t deflect. Just gives Jens everything he needs.
Later that night:
Jesper makes ramen from scratch (badly, but it counts). Forces Jens to drink water. They watch a comfort movie with no subtitles and no plot. Jens falls asleep with his head in Jesper’s lap.
Jesper sends a text to Yuki:
“he cried. i held him. he’s still a viking, just one who leaks sometimes.”
Yuki:
“honor in tear. warrior cry like rain. cleanse spirit.”
EPISODE 2: “Jesper’s First Cry” (feat. Jens' best Soft Boyfriend Era)
Jesper never cries. He sulks, he broods, he throws sarcasm like knives—but tears? Never.
Until one day... he gets a call. Sweden squad list. He’s not on it. New coach. They want “different profiles.” He hangs up the call, nods like it's fine, then quietly goes to his room.
Jens: “Jesper?”
No answer.
He walks in and finds Jesper sitting on the floor, hands clenched, jaw locked, eyes red. Not crying yet. But close. Teetering.
Jens kneels in front of him.
Jesper: “Don’t. If you say something nice I’ll fucking sob.”
Jens: “Okay. I’ll say nothing.”
And then he just hugs him. Full body. Arms wrapped, forehead against Jesper’s. Lets him fall apart.
Jesper whispers: “I worked so hard. I was getting better. I wanted to prove myself.”
Jens whispers back: “You’re already enough. Always have been.”
Jesper: “Don’t say that, I’m actually gonna—”
And he does. Breaks. Crying for the first time in front of someone. Real, vulnerable, silent tears.
Jens just stays. Kisses his knuckles. Rubs his back. Doesn’t let go for an hour.
Jesper later in bed, hoodie over face:
“that was so embarrassing.” Jens, holding his waist from behind: “it was so beautiful.” Jesper: “shut up.” Jens: “never.”
THE END.