Chapter Text
Tick. Tock. Tick...
Everyone has a timer on the inside of their wrist to show how much time was left until they meet their soulmate. So why does the time reset after Michael shook hands with Gavin Free, an artist who was displaying his pieces at a gallery?
Michael stared at his wrist in shock and glanced at Gavin who was doing the same. He looked back down at his wrist and frowned when the clock started rising abruptly. “What the fuck…?” Michael murmured quietly and watched the time stop then for a couple of seconds it started counting down. “What the hell does that mean?”
Gavin shrugged and smiled at Michael, “I don't know, but I'm positive the time stopped when we shook hands. I'm not sure why it's still ticking though.”
“That's weird.” Michael said and lowered his arm to his side, looking up at Gavin who was smiling at him.
“Michael Jones, would you accompany me on a private tour of my artwork?” The artist asked and offered a hand, still smiling that calming smile of his.
Cheeks tinged red as Michael rubbed the back of his neck nervously. He never planned on meeting his soulmate at an art gallery that he was forced to go to by his best friend. He never actually planned on meeting his soulmate at all, but now he has and he doesn't know what to do. His palms were sweating, he's nervous, and holy shit this guy’s hair was so unkempt but he loved it. What did he ask again? Michael, you're so screwed. Oh right, he was going to give him a tour. “Yeah, sure.” He said with a nervous smile. Smooth. He told himself and stared at Gavin who frowned and raised a brow, lowering his arm.
“What's wrong?” Gavin asked.
Oh shit, you're making it seem like you don't want to go. Do something good for once in your life! Michael shook his head, “Nothing, it's just… I don't know.” Ruined it, idiot.
Gavin tilted his head a bit in confusion. Holy shit, why does he look so cute doing that? “Are you okay, Michael?” Oh my god, his name should not sound so perfect on another person’s lips.
Michael nodded, “I just…” Michael sighed and settled on, “My friend brought me here and I kind of need to find him so we’re not late to his performance.” WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! He yelled internally at himself and if he could slap himself right now he would've.
“Oh…” Gavin replied sadly with a frown. Great! Now he's sad that you won't hang out with him. You've done it now, Jones. He’ll never want to hang out with yo-- “I'll give you my number then.” Wait, what? Gavin took a step toward him and gently took his hand, pulling out a pen and uncapping it to write his number neatly on Michael’s hand. “There.” He said with a smile and returned his gaze to Michael who was most likely a more darker shade of red. The artist pocketed the pen, “I'll see you around, Michael Jones.” Then the artist leaned in and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. If Michael could've gone any redder, he probably would have and melted right then and there because it just felt right to be kissed by this man he just met. Gavin started walking away, “Make sure to call me, Mogar.” He turned the corner and disappeared as Michael watched him sadly. He didn't want him to leave.
Michael turned to look at the painting they met in front of and smiled widely. A painting of a man dressed in light brown clothes and a crown placed on his head wielding a shining cyan colored sword stared back at him with a smirk.
Mogar, the Righteous King, the painting was titled.
“Hey Michael!” Someone yelled as Michael turned to see his best friend run over to him. “I've been looking for you everywhere. C’mon, we have to go!” He said and grabbed the other’s arm and started pulling him towards the exit, but Michael tugged his arm back which caused his friend to stop and frown. “What's wrong?”
“Trevor… I found him.” Michael muttered quietly and his eyes widened suddenly with happiness, smiling wide. “I actually found him!”
“I told you it was a good idea to come here. And you had the nerve to question me?” Trevor said with a smile, chuckling.
“To be fair, I don't remember you sweetening the deal about possibly meeting my soulmate here.”
“Fair enough.” Trevor said and looked around, “Well, where is he?”
“Oh, I told him that I had to find you so we can go.” Michael answered.
Trevor stared at him in disbelief and rubbed the bridge of his nose, “Please, tell me you're joking and he's just coming around the corner.” Michael opened his mouth to say something, but quickly decided against it and shut his mouth. “Michael!” Trevor shouted and Michael hurriedly covered his mouth.
“Sh! We’re in public!” Michael reminded him.
Trevor pulled his hand away from his face and spoke quieter, “What the hell man? You had your chance and you ruined it!” Although he was disappointed, Trevor’s voice held no anger.
“I know, I know, but we couldn't be late to your performance, okay? Plus, he probably has a lot of stuff to do and he offered to give me a tour of his artwork. Then I just watched him and almost forgot what he said and holy shit, Trevor, I think I'm in love.” Michael said in realization.
Rolling his eyes, Trevor nodded, “Ya think?” Michael only shrugged in response as Trevor glanced at the other’s hand. “At least you have his number. C’mon let's go before you embarrass yourself more. Also, you're texting him later so you can hang out with him.” Michael groaned and Trevor laughed, “Yeah, it's fate, Michael. You're doing it once we’re at the amphitheater.” Trevor took his hand and pulled him to the exit so they could go home.
“I hate you…” Michael muttered.
“You know you love me.” Trevor said with a smile and pushed open the doors, pulling Michael towards their car and laughing as Michael would occasionally stumble. Glancing at his own wrist, Michael frowned at the timer. When did it get so short? His gaze then shifted to Trevor’s wrist and he felt a pang of guilt run through him. The timer was zero on Trevor’s wrist. It's been like that for eight years as far as Michael knows, but Trevor’s never explained what happened in the six years he's known him. “Michael?”
The aforementioned blinked and looked up at Trevor who was watching him worriedly. “Yeah?”
“I asked if you're okay.” Trevor repeated.
Looking around, Michael noticed that they were next to the car and stopped his searching on Trevor’s worried features. He nodded, “I'm okay… Yeah, I'm okay. Just thinking.”
“About?” Trevor asked softly.
“It doesn't matter.” Michael answered.
Trevor studied him closely before nodding slowly and letting go of Michael to move to the driver’s side. “Now get in before we’re really late. Keys.” Trevor said simply, opening the door.
“Are you sure?” Michael asked with a frown and took out the keys, looking down at them briefly. “In the whole six years I've known you, you never drive. You always tell me to.”
Trevor smiled, “Michael, it's a huge hunk of metal that I control. Nothing’ll go wrong.”
“Do you even have a license?” Michael asked.
“Yes, now gimme the keys.” Trevor stepped on the car and outstretched his arm over the top of the car. “C’mon man, I'll be responsible.”
Michael sighed and handed the keys over, “Just don't get us killed.”
Trevor beamed happily and got in the car, inserting the key into the ignition and starting it as Michael stepped in and closed the door. “Wouldn't dream of it.” He pulled out of the parking lot and drove home. “So, tell me more about him.”
“Huh, what?” Michael asked, honestly hoping Trevor wasn't talking about Gavin.
“You know, tell me about your man.” Trevor said with a smile, keeping his eyes on the road.
Michael watched the other curiously and frowned, “For driving for the first time, you're a really great driver. This cautiousness isn't because it is your time driving on the road, right?”
“Michael, don't avoid the question.” Trevor replied instantly, his smile faltering. “But to answer your question, I have drove many times ever since I was fifteen. I just prefer other people to drive. I don't always walk everywhere, Michael. I do own a car.”
“We live together, I've never seen this car of yours.” Michael stated.
“It's in Indiana.” Trevor answered and turned onto their street. “But in all seriousness, what's he like?”
Michael sighed, “Well, for one, he's British.” Michael answered and continued as Trevor listened with a small smile. “He's an artist, a really great one too. There's really no words that can describe someone like him.”
“Perfect?” Trevor asked with a smirk.
“Yeah…” Michael agreed as Trevor parked on the driveway and switched off the car. They sat in silence for a while not even bothering to get out of the car. Michael kept his eyes on the closed garage and pursed his lips as Trevor stared down at his lap and closed his eyes briefly, taking the keys out of the ignition suddenly and opening the door.
He started getting out, but paused and didn't bother to look at Michael. “You don't have to make it up, you know.” Trevor said quietly. “You'll make me look absolutely stupid and you'll look desperate. Hell, after pulling that you look desperate already.”
“What?” Michael asked quizzically.
“Your timer is still running. Don't make everything up just to make me feel happy for you, Michael. I know you want to find your soulmate, but you don't have to be so desperate. I'm surprised you even stooped that low.” Trevor replied quietly and shook his head.
“Wait Trevor, I did find him. I wasn't lying!” Michael said as Trevor fully got out of the car and slammed the door closed before Michael even finished talking. Michael quickly got out and closed the door, trying to catch up to him as Trevor unlocked and opened the door. “Trevor!”
Trevor turned around abruptly and pointed at him accusingly, “Your timer is running, Michael! You're not fooling me.” He said and walked in the house, disappearing into the hallway probably into his room.
Michael sighed and entered the house, closing and locking the door. He wanted to explain to Trevor why his timer was still running, but in reality he didn't know why. He had never heard of someone’s timer still running after meeting their soulmate. He had to look it up. Michael hurried into his room and turned on his laptop, impatiently waiting for it to boot up and clicking on the browser. Searching for ‘timer continuing after meeting soulmate’, Michael clicked on the first website and quickly skimmed through the article, “More than one soulmate…?” He frowned and continued reading. “Although it is highly unlikely to be destined with more than one, it is certainly possible.” Michael stood and brought his laptop with him to Trevor’s room. The other’s door was still open so Michael peeked in and knocked on the open door, “Trevor?” The other’s back was facing Michael so he couldn't see his current expression.
Pulling on his shirt, Trevor threw his discarded shirt in the hamper, “Yeah?”
“Apparently, I have more than one soulmate.” Michael explained simply, hoping Trevor would understand so they wouldn't have to fight further.
Trevor paused and lifted his head a bit, “I know.”
“You know?” Michael asked.
Trevor simply pointed over to his open laptop as Michael looked over and saw the same website open on his laptop. Michael turned back to Trevor who was looking back at him with a smile. The honest smile that always assured Michael that there was no hate, no anger, nothing. Just a promise that always reminded him that forgiveness would always be given to him. “I'm sorry.” Trevor said, “I shouldn't have jumped to any conclusions.”
“I should've explained first.”
Trevor shook his head and his smile slipped away, “I should've given you a chance to explain. I didn't and I apologize.”
Michael watched Trevor carefully and sighed, “Why'd you drive today?”
“Michael--”
“Just answer me that. Please Trevor.” Michael said quickly.
The engineer pursed his lips then nodded, “It's just…” Trevor sighed, “You just… seemed so lovestruck, I wasn't sure if you would be able to--” Michael rolled his eyes and threw a pillow at him as Trevor caught it and laughed. “--drive properly.”
“C’mon man, I want an honest answer.”
“I know, but sometimes questions don't need to be answered.” Michael raised a brow and Trevor sighed, rubbing the back of his neck, “How ‘bout this? You find your soulmates and I'll tell you.”
“How many do you think I have?”
Trevor shrugged, “Ima say five.”
“You're joking.”
“Hell yeah, I am! That's a whole lotta love you gotta give.” Trevor smiled and continued, “Anyway, deal?” Trevor outstretched his arm and Michael bit his lip before taking his hand and shaking it.
“Deal.”
“Awesome! Am I forgiven yet?” Trevor asked.
Michael rolled his eyes, “My god, you're needy.”
“I just need some love man!” Trevor remarked with a wide smile. “Would you please forgive me?” Trevor asked.
“Forgiven.” Michael replied, returning the smile and glanced down at his laptop. “Shit man! You're going to be late!” Michael ran back to his own room and placed his laptop on his desk, turning it off and closing it.
“Hey, can we get some food on the way?” Trevor yelled from his room.
“Are you fucking kidding me? You have like ten minutes to get there!” Michael shouted back.
“Michael, would I ever joke about food?”
“Yes!”
There was a slight pause, “Good point. But I'm being serious this time!”
Michael picked up his jacket and exited his room, barely catching the car keys that were thrown his way. “Fine, we’ll go get food, but it's not my fault if your boss yells at you.”
“Fine by me!” Trevor said and they both hurried out of the house. Trevor locked the front door as Michael started the car. Once the engineer put on his belt, Michael drove for a fast food restaurant as Trevor sat back and took out his phone to text the director that he'd be late. “What was it like?” Trevor asked suddenly.
Michael glanced at him and frowned, “What was what like?”
“Seeing and meeting him.” Trevor explained simply.
“Oh…” Michael replied and took another quick glance at his best friend. His frown was more apparent when his eyes flicked to the zeros on Trevor’s wrist. “You won't tell me, will you?”
Trevor sighed, but smiled a sad smile. “Maybe one day, Michael. Maybe one day.”
“Okay.” Michael said and drove into the driveway, waiting for two other cars to place their orders. “It was… electrifying, I'd say. It was like I was a cord and was connected to an outlet once we shook hands. Once I laid eyes on him though, it was like a magnet was pulling me towards him.”
“Oh…” Trevor said.
Before Michael could continue, they were next and Michael rolled up to the speaker, turning to Trevor. “What the fuck you want?”
Trevor shrugged, “Just some chicken nuggets with a chocolate shake and fries.”
“You're a complete fucking child.” Michael commented and turned to the speaker as a voice spoke out.
”Yes, I am. Thank you for telling me.” A man’s voice said as Michael’s eyes widened and turned to Trevor who kept his mouth shut and motioned for him to say something.
Michael quickly turned back to the speaker and stumbled over his words, “Sorry, I--I wasn’t directing that at you. I’m really sorry.”
”Hey, it’s alright man. Anyway, what would you like?”
“Uh, can I get chicken nuggets, a regular sized chocolate milkshake, and large fries please?” Michael asked carefully, almost like he was afraid that he would say something wrong again.
”Alright, that’ll be eight ninety two.”
“Thank you.” Michael called, but didn’t receive a reply and he frowned a bit. Why did he want a reply anyway? Michael shook his head and sighed, turning to Trevor who was watching him worriedly.
“Something wrong?” He asked as Michael silently shook his head. Though, Trevor didn't look convinced. Michael decided to leave it be and drove to the next window, quickly collecting the correct amount and rolling down his window. “Michael.” Trevor called quietly as the other raised a finger to shush him which made him fall silent. The cashier opened the window and took the money from Michael’s hands, ripping off the receipt and handing it to him. Michael smiled in response and drove up to the next window, frowning when there was no one there. “Michael.” Trevor attempted again with a little more force, but Michael ignored him. A man appeared in view with a takeout bag and was still collecting some items as Michael’s jaw fell open unexpectedly. There was no way someone is allowed to look that good in a fucking fast food restaurant’s uniform.
Tick
The man opened the window and kept his eyes on the monitor, reading it over a couple of times.
Tock.
He turned to retrieve a chocolate shake, reading the label. “One chocolate sha--”
Tick…
Both times stopped on zero. The man had his arm outstretched with the shake balanced on his hand and his eyes widened comically. After taking the drink from his hands, Michael watched him with wide eyes and studied the other. “Did you--Are you--Holy shit…” The man stumbled over his words and just let his mouth hang open as Michael couldn't think of anything intelligent to say, much less anything coherent. Clumsily, the man took out a piece of paper and pen, jotting down something on the paper and handing it hastily to Michael. “Text me, yeah?” He asked hopefully as Michael took the paper from him.
Wordlessly, Michael nodded and his eyes flicked to the other’s wrist as the time skyrocketed up. Frowning, Michael’s eyebrows knitted together and looked at his own wrist as the numbers changed and stopped once again at a random time. Both Trevor and the unnamed man stared at Michael with wide eyes as he lowered his arm and turned to the employee. “Michael Jones.” He introduced casually as if they all didn't just witness the number fly up again.
“Ray Narvaez Jr.” Ray replied breathlessly and suddenly cleared his throat, “Uh, sorry, I have to get back to work. Text me please.” Ray handed them the rest of their order in a bag as Michael took it and nodded.
Michael reluctantly drove away and headed to the amphitheater as his phone chimed loudly. He stopped at a red light and quickly checked his phone before his jaw dropped slightly and he slowly looked at Trevor. “Trevor…”
“Work?” He asked quietly.
“Look, before you--”
“Shut up.” He said quickly.
“I'm really sorry--” Michael put his phone down and drove when the light turned green.
“I said, ‘shut up’.” Trevor interrupted again as Michael glanced at him to see if he was actually angry or not. The engineer kept his eyes trained outside, his posture stiff and his hand restlessly tapping on the middle console of the car almost like he was sending a message in Morse Code. Michael’s work always seemed to pull him away at the worse times and it made both of them annoyed. The worst time that Michael could think of was when Trevor was graduating from college, but Michael had to miss the whole ceremony because his work had called. It was like his work knew exactly when to call so he couldn't celebrate any of the younger’s achievements.
Michael frowned and turned into the parking lot of the amphitheater, “Please tell me you're not mad.”
“No!” Trevor said swiftly and sighed, looking down at his lap and closing his eyes briefly. He turned to face Michael, “I'm not mad, I know your work is more important.” Those words made Michael feel extremely guilty. “I'm just… trying to understand what's happening.”
“You want to understand why my time's still ticking.” Michael reiterated and turned the car into a parking space, easily sliding in and switching the car off. Trevor simply nodded his head and opened the door, stepping out and closing the door before Michael could say anything else. Sighing, Michael quickly stepped out of the car and walked around it before Trevor walked away, “Wait!” The other stopped and waited for Michael to continue. “I need to know if this is going to be a problem between us. Like if it's going to ruin our friendship or make you jealous--”
Trevor swiftly turned and walked up to Michael, grabbing his shirt and pulling him closer to make him understand. “I'm not jealous, I'm happy for you, really I am. I'd honestly be more mad at your work than be jealous about how many soulmates you have.” Michael thought otherwise. “But I can't help but think someone is punishing me for what I've done.”
“What did you do?” Michael asked curiously as Trevor released him and took a few steps away from him, rubbing at his temple and shaking his head.
“It doesn't matter anymore.” He said quietly.
“If it doesn't matter anymore then why are you still bothered by it?” Michael questioned as Trevor stayed silent. “I mean, you are the one who constantly told me that mistakes in the past make me who I am today and there's nothing that should hinder me from continuing my life because it's my life not someone else’s. I do what I want--”
“--because my own word is truer than someone else’s unless it's harming to me or to others.” Trevor simultaneously said with Michael who smiled when they finished it together. “I know what you're trying to say, Michael, and thank you for making me realize my stupidity. I would love to talk more, but I really do have to go now.” He turned to walked away, but Michael called him again.
“You're forgetting something.” Michael reached into the car and pulled out the takeout bag and shake, handing it to Trevor who smiled.
“Thanks.”
Michael placed a comforting hand on the other’s shoulder, “Good luck.” Trevor simply nodded and walked away as Michael watched him. Even though his best friend was the smartest guy he ever knew, there were times like those that made Michael remember that Trevor was human just like himself. Although mistakes weren't really something Trevor made, Michael was always happy to get the other back on track because it's what he would do for anyone. If anyone asked him if Trevor was his little brother, he'd probably say yes because he'd protect that kid with his life. No matter how smart he was, Trevor was still learning and so was Michael. There was no doubt about it. He just wished they could understand what the fuck was happening with his timer.
Getting in the car, Michael turned the engine over and sighed, looking down at his wrist and frowning when the time was extremely low again. Was another one of his soulmates nearby? He shook his head and backed out of the parking space, glancing at his hand and remembering that he had to text both Gavin and Ray. Shit, what was he going to tell them? Hey, I actually have two soulmates maybe even more. Do you guys want to go to dinner? Michael mentally slapped himself. God, he needed Trevor to help him with this issue, but of course his fucking work has to call him every single fucking time he wanted to hang out with Trevor. His boss said he had a day off too!
Grumpily parking at his work, Michael turned off the car and decided to just text the two now. He pulled out his phone and saved both of their numbers, quickly skimming through his calendar to see if he had anything important to do with Trevor. He saw none and sent a quick individual text to the both of them, asking them if they wanted to have coffee tomorrow morning. Gavin texted back immediately and said that he was available, but since Ray was working Michael knew the other wouldn't answer until he was on break or something. Michael sighed and got out of his car, entering the building that he hated the most in his life.