Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Kankrelats and Bloks surrounded the activated tower in the ice sector. Yumi and Ulrich fought through the swarm while Aelita stayed back, throwing an occasional energy field. Jeremie had been unable to reach Odd, and tried calling again with no answer. It seemed like there was an endless swarm of monsters and no clear path to the tower. While Yumi took down several with her fans, Ulrich cut down several more with his sword. Just as a path was opening up, Ulrich was devirtualized from behind by a kankrelat’s laser.

Ulrich stepped out of the scanner and took out his phone to call Odd. “Come on, Odd. Just pick up.” No answer.

At a smoothie shop in town, Odd sat at a table across from a girl he met a few days ago. They were chatting over smoothies, and his phone was on silent in his pocket. The girl stepped away to go to the restroom, and Odd checked his phone. He saw the missed calls and swore under his breath. “Aw, man. What rotten timing.” He called Ulrich back.

Ulrich answered, “Odd, get to the factory!”

Odd sighed, “I even had a date today…”

“Yeah, tell that to XANA. We need you now.”

Odd’s date returned, and he reluctantly told her, “There’s an emergency with my roommate and I have to go.”

Back on Lyoko, Yumi and Aelita were almost to the tower when William appeared. Aelita stood back while Yumi entered a defensive stance with her fans. Yumi called back to Aelita, “Try to make it to the tower. I’ll keep him busy.” Aelita ran off toward the tower.

Jeremie was becoming increasingly stressed out. Although Aelita could shoot energy fields to protect herself, she was still the only one who could deactivate the tower. It was risky to send her alone. Where was Odd? Ulrich had mentioned that Odd was coming back from a date. When would he get there?

Suddenly, Jeremie saw movement on the scan. “Aelita, watch out! There are two hornets heading your way!”

Aelita took cover. “I see them, Jeremie. They’re in front of the tower.”

Jeremie tried to form a plan, but there was nothing he could do. Yumi was still fighting William, and if Aelita tried to get past the hornets, she could be devirtualized.

The elevator door opened, and Odd stepped into the lab. Before Odd could say anything Jeremie spoke up. There was a hint of anger in his voice. “It’s about time! I tried to reach you. This is serious, you know!”

Odd was surprised, but just responded, “I got here as soon as I could. Don’t sweat it, Einstein. I’ll take it from here.”

Jeremie turned his chair to face Odd. “You’re so irresponsible! We needed you. The fate of the world is more important than some date!”

Odd just stood for a moment, surprised by Jeremie’s reaction. Odd opened his mouth to respond, but Ulrich cut him off.

“Hey. Maybe now’s not the time.”

Aelita’s voice came from the speaker. “Ulrich’s right. We need some help.”

Odd still felt hurt but shrugged it off. “Fine, I’m on the way.”

On Lyoko, Odd cleared the way for Aelita. In the distance, William devirtualized Yumi.

Jeremie’s voice rang out, “Hurry up! William’s on the way!”

Odd stood guard. “Go on Princess, your tower awaits.”

Aelita entered and deactivated the tower.

They returned to the lab, and Odd regained his cheerful demeanor. “Another successful mission!”

Jeremie looked tired. “But we almost didn’t make it because you were too busy flirting.”

That stung, but Odd tried to shrug it off again. “But we did make it. Relax, Einstein.”

Jeremie didn’t respond, so Aelita stepped in. “Let’s just go back to school for now.”

As Jeremie and Aelita passed, Odd muttered to himself, “Sheesh, sorry I’m not perfect.”

Jeremie felt a small pang of guilt for his outburst earlier, but said nothing.

Chapter Text

The late-morning sun filtered through Jeremie’s window. His alarm was going off, but he was still slouched forward on his computer desk. He stirred and adjusted his glasses as he silenced the alarm. Then he froze when he saw the time. He had slept through breakfast, and science class had already started. “I can’t believe this!” He quickly got dressed and rushed to class.

Ms. Hertz was in the middle of teaching when Jeremie walked in. She gave him a surprised look. “Well, Jeremie, it’s nice of you to join us. I’m disappointed in your tardiness. Take a seat quickly.”

Jeremie awkwardly walked to his seat as the rest of the class murmured in surprise. Odd leaned toward Ulrich. “Since when is Einstein late for class?”

Jeremie overheard and shot Odd a look before slumping into his chair beside Aelita. Ulrich, Odd, and Aelita exchanged concerned looks, but didn’t say anything else as Ms. Hertz continued teaching.

After class, Jeremie told his friends, “I was just up late working on improvements for Lyoko. I’m fine.” Before they could argue he added, “You can go on ahead. I’ll catch up later.”

Aelita hesitated, but decided to give Jeremie some space. Ulrich followed. Odd chose to hang back while everyone else left the classroom. He watched Jeremie lean forward and rest his elbows on the desk as his head dropped. He looked exhausted. Odd was torn on how to approach him. On one hand, Jeremie was his friend and he wanted to cheer him up. But at the same time, Odd was still hurt by the way Jeremie snapped at him the day before. Odd gave in to his petty side and stepped closer to Jeremie.

“Hey, Einstein. Keep this up and you’ll be a bad student like me.”

Jeremie was surprised that Odd was still there, but answered dryly, “I could never be as bad as you.”

Odd frowned. “Wow, rude. Someone’s moody.”

Jeremie gave him a tired look and stood, pulling his backpack over one shoulder. “I’m fine, Odd.”

Odd leaned forward. “I’m just saying, I guess you’re not perfect either.”

Jeremie’s eyes had a flash of anger. “At least I try to take things seriously!”

“You think I don’t?!”

“No, Odd, you’re always joking around and showing off. You can’t take anything seriously.”

Odd was shocked, his eyes narrowed. “You don’t get it.” His voice was lower and was starting to crack. “If I’m not cracking jokes and acting cool, no one would even want me around.” He immediately realized what he said and looked away. He wanted to be anywhere else, so he turned to leave.

Jeremie’s eyes widened with shock but he was able to reach out and grab Odd’s wrist. “Wait. What are you talking about?”

Odd didn’t respond, he just tried to tug his arm free. Jeremie didn’t let go. Odd wouldn’t look at him. Jeremie spoke again. “You can’t just say something like that and storm off.”

Odd tugged his arm again, and Jeremie let go. Odd was staring at the ground. He took a breath and looked up at Jeremie. “Don’t worry about it, Einstein.” Odd faked a smile. “It’s fine. Catch ya later.”

Jeremie watched Odd leave. It wasn’t even lunchtime yet, and the day was already exhausting. Jeremie realized he hadn’t eaten anything, so he headed toward the courtyard vending machine.

He picked out a pastry and sat on a bench. Aelita came over and sat beside him. “Is everything ok, Jeremie?”

Jeremie looked at her. “I’m fine but… I had a fight with Odd. He said something strange. I’m worried about him.”

Aelita leaned back and looked out over the courtyard. “You’ve both seemed agitated lately. I’m not surprised you had an argument. What did he say?”

Jeremie sighed. “That if he didn’t make jokes or act cool then we wouldn’t want him around. Why would he say something like that?”

Aelita shook her head. “I don’t know.”

For the rest of the day, Odd tried to act normal. He made jokes at lunch but avoided looking at Jeremie. He showed up to class and goofed off as usual. From the outside, nothing had changed. Odd was his cheerful, outgoing, flirty self. But his friends could see the flicker of something else – insecurity? fear? – behind his eyes.

Later that evening, Aelita walked to the rec room to read a book and relax. Odd was already there, absent-mindedly flicking the rods on the foosball table. He looked up when she walked in. “Oh hey, Princess. Here for a game of foosball?”

Aelita walked over. “Not quite. Want to sit with me for a minute?”

“Of course.” They sat across from each other at a booth. “What can I do for you, Princess?”

Aelita smiled. “You can tell me what’s bothering you.”

Odd’s smile faded a little. “Am I that obvious?”

“A little. Your jokes have been kind of flat today.”

Odd gasped dramatically and Aelita laughed.

After a moment, Aelita gave him a serious look and raised an eyebrow. “Well?”

Odd sighed. “Fine, Princess. You win. I said something dumb to Einstein earlier and I don’t want to talk about it, so I’m avoiding him.”

Aelita nodded. She remembered what Jeremie said earlier about Odd thinking they didn’t want him around. She decided not to bring it up. Instead she said, “You and Jeremie have been friends for years. You don’t have to avoid him. I’m sure he’ll talk to you when you’re ready.”

Odd gave a weak smile. “Thanks, Princess.”

Aelita left, and Odd was alone again in the rec room. He leaned back and stared at the ceiling. Aelita’s voice echoed in his mind. “I’m sure he’ll talk to you, when you’re ready.”

Chapter Text

Odd lay on his bed in the dark room and stared at the ceiling. Both Ulrich and Kiwi were sound asleep, but Odd couldn’t turn off his mind. He was thinking about the argument with Jeremie, the moment where Odd said more than he should have, and the way Jeremie stopped him from storming off. It kept replaying in his head, but Odd still didn’t know what to do with that moment. He was frustrated at himself for blurting out something so vulnerable, but he was just so angry at the time. “I need some fresh air,” he muttered to himself as he pulled on a jacket and stepped into the hall.

On nights where he couldn’t sleep, Odd would sometimes sneak onto the rooftop to look at the stars. He quietly made his way to the attic and pushed open the skylight so he could climb onto the roof. The world seemed quieter up here. He leaned back against the slanted roof and looked up at the stars. His mind still wandered, but it was less frantic now, like the night sky was helping him untangle his thoughts. “I wouldn’t have argued with Jeremie if he hadn’t snapped at me before.” But why did it bother him so much? Lately it seemed like any criticism from Jeremie hurt more than usual. It stuck with Odd. The way Jeremie said he was irresponsible and couldn’t take anything seriously. And when Odd got overwhelmed, he blurted out his deepest fear - that his friends wouldn’t like him if he didn’t show off and make them laugh. Odd sighed. Jeremie wouldn’t understand this side of him. No one really would. Aelita’s voice echoed in his mind again. “I’m sure he’ll talk to you, when you’re ready.” Odd closed his eyes and whispered in response, “But I’m not ready…”

After some time, Odd made his way back to his room. Before he opened the door, he looked down the hall and noticed the strip of light under Jeremie’s door. He was still awake, probably working again. Odd hesitated. He wanted to go check on Jeremie and convince him to take a break, but Odd wasn’t ready to face him yet. Sadly, Odd entered his room and plopped on the bed in defeat. What am I supposed to do?

The next morning, Jeremie made it to breakfast, but he was exhausted. His friends greeted him, but he only mumbled in reply. Aelita leaned toward him. “Jeremie, you should take a break. Go back to bed, and I’ll let the teachers know you’re not feeling well.”

Jeremie shook his head. “I’m fine, just a little tired.”

The others exchanged looks, but didn’t press the issue. Odd drew everyone’s attention by proclaiming loudly, “I’ve got a really interesting story about an encounter with Jim yesterday!”

Jeremie poked at his food and tiredly looked over at his friends. Odd was excitedly recounting his story while Ulrich made dry comments and Aelita giggled. Odd seemed fine, maybe even louder than usual. But Jeremie noticed that Odd wouldn’t look at him directly. It was like Jeremie wasn’t even there. Jeremie looked down at his plate. Maybe Odd was still mad at him. Jeremie felt bad about snapping at him, but it just happened. He felt so out of control, like he couldn’t even think. All the late nights were getting to him. He looked up at Odd again and frowned. I really should talk to him, he thought to himself, but he was just too tired.

As the day dragged on, Odd continued to keep his distance from Jeremie, and Jeremie noticed. But Jeremie’s tiredness only amplified his frustration, both at how Odd was avoiding him and his own inability to say something.

By the time they made it to gym class, Jeremie was totally zoned out. He watched as Odd showed off, landing a perfect high jump over the crossbar and making a dramatic flourish. While classmates cheered and applauded, Jeremie just stared at him blankly.

Odd glanced at Jeremie and felt a pang in his chest. Jeremie didn’t look impressed, he had not reacted at all. And that stung more than Odd wanted to admit. His smile faltered slightly as he walked back toward his classmates. Odd looked over at Jeremie again and noticed that he was still just looking blankly ahead. Odd sighed to himself, "This has gone on long enough."

After class, Odd approached Jeremie. “Hey, Einstein. Training to be a zombie?” he joked awkwardly.

Jeremie sighed. “No, Odd. I’m just tired.”

Something about the exhaustion in Jeremie’s voice and the way he was dragging himself forward made Odd soften. He couldn’t watch his friend struggle like this. His voice was gentle, “Get some rest then.”

Jeremie stopped walking, and so did Odd. After a moment, Odd added, “Please, Einstein. Take a break.”

Jeremie managed a tired smile. “I will, when XANA is gone.”

Odd watched Jeremie walk away with frustration and concern. Although Odd was finally ready to talk, Jeremie needed more time, and maybe a good night’s sleep.

That night, Odd lay awake again, staring at the ceiling. He thought about Jeremie’s blank stare in gym class, and how it made him feel invisible. For the last few days, he didn’t know how to approach Jeremie, but the distance was bothering him. Odd thought of Jeremie’s tired face when he didn’t laugh at Odd’s joke. Why do I care so much about how he reacts?

Across the hall, Jeremie was still at his desk, but he was too tired to think straight. He rubbed his eyes behind his glasses. His mind replayed the moment Odd approached him after gym class. After ignoring him all day, Odd had showed up and… expressed concern? Jeremie didn’t know how to process that. He muttered to himself, “Why does Odd have to be so impossible?”

He remembered Odd’s voice saying, "Please, Einstein. Take a break." Jeremie sighed and turned off the computer monitor. As he settled into bed, he made a decision. “I’ll talk to Odd tomorrow.” Within minutes, Jeremie had passed out, finally able to relax.

Chapter Text

The next morning, Odd took Kiwi outside for a walk. The campus was quiet, and the morning sun cast a cool glow over the courtyard. There were no classes today, so most students were still asleep. Odd sat at a bench and threw a ball for Kiwi to fetch. So much had happened over the last few days. Jeremie was working himself to the point of exhaustion, and he seemed so distant. The way that Jeremie was acting, especially toward Odd, was concerning. Odd leaned back against the bench and looked out over the courtyard. He frowned. I should have talked to him already. I have to get through to him.

Jeremie woke up feeling more well-rested than he had in days. He mumbled to himself, "Guess I really did need a break." He sat on the edge of his bed and thought back to yesterday. Odd had tried to talk to him, but Jeremie had brushed him off. Jeremie stood and got dressed. "I said I would talk to him today, and I will." He walked across the hall and knocked on the door to Odd and Ulrich's room. Ulrich opened the door and gave Jeremie a surprised look. "Everything ok?"

Jeremie cleared his throat. "Hey, Ulrich. I'm looking for Odd. Is he awake yet?"

Ulrich raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, he took Kiwi for a walk."

Jeremie nodded and turned to leave. "Thanks, Ulrich. See you later."

Ulrich watched him walk away and shook his head before closing the door.

Jeremie walked through the courtyard and found Odd on a bench with Kiwi curled up at his feet. Jeremie slowly walked closer until Odd noticed and looked up at him. Jeremie shifted between his feet and spoke quietly, "I was hoping to find you here."

Odd didn't respond right away. He was surprised that Jeremie - the person he was just thinking about - was standing in front of him. Jeremie waited for one of Odd's quirky greetings, but there was only awkward silence. Jeremie looked at his feet, suddenly aware that he hadn't planned what to say.

Odd willed his brain into action and gestured at the bench. "Take a seat, Einstein. I'm dying to know why our resident genius is walking outside at this hour."

Jeremie sat beside Odd slowly with his hands in his lap. He looked down as he spoke, unsure why he felt so nervous. "You were right, Odd... I needed a break. I've been pushing myself too hard."

Odd leaned forward and looked closely at Jeremie with a grin. "For a genius, it took you a long time to figure that out."

Jeremie looked up at Odd and smiled. Not quite a laugh, but close. Odd felt a flutter in his chest at seeing Jeremie look more relaxed. Had Jeremie always had that glint in his eyes when he smiled? Odd couldn't remember, but he was glad to see a hint of the old Jeremie in that smile.

Jeremie's expression turned more thoughtful as he spoke again. "I was trying so hard to keep going. I didn't want to... well..." he paused and looked at his hands again.

Odd felt a pang of worry. Oh no, I'm losing him again. His instincts kicked in and he reached over to take Jeremie's hand. Jeremie was startled but didn't pull away. He felt Odd's fingers wrap around his hand and rest against his palm. He stared at their hands for a moment before continuing, his voice clearer. "I didn't want to let everyone down. I thought that if I kept going, kept working, that I would finally be able to defeat XANA. Everyone is counting on me... If I don't find a way to win... then..." his voice dropped to almost a whisper, "then I'll be a failure."

Odd's hand tightened around Jeremie's. "You're not a failure, Einstein." Jeremie didn't look up, so Odd leaned a little closer. "I guess we put a lot of pressure on you to have an answer for everything. But you're not fighting XANA alone."

Jeremie took a deep breath and squeezed Odd's hand. "Thanks, Odd. I've been so exhausted, it felt like I was in a haze. I couldn't even think straight. I can't fight XANA like that."

Odd grinned, “See? That’s what I’ve been saying!”

Jeremie laughed, “Yeah, ok. You were right.” Odd beamed, and Jeremie noticed that he had missed spending time with Odd. These last few days had been difficult. Then Jeremie remembered the day they started avoiding each other, and his smile faded. This all started because I snapped at him.

Jeremie looked into Odd’s eyes, still holding his hand. “Hey, Odd. A few days ago at the factory… when I told you that you were irresponsible… I didn’t really mean it.” Odd stilled, unsure of what to say, but he kept listening. Jeremie continued, “I was so tired and on edge, and I know that doesn't make it right... but I shouldn’t have yelled at you. I’m sorry, Odd.”

Odd nodded and managed a simple, “Don’t sweat it, Einstein.” He hoped that he sounded cool and confident. In reality, it really meant a lot to hear that from Jeremie.

After sitting in silence for a few minutes, Jeremie decided to ask about something else that was bothering him. “Odd…” Jeremie turned on the bench to fully face him, still keeping their hands clasped.

Odd also shifted and gave Jeremie a curious look. “Yeah? What’s up, Einstein?”

“You said before that we wouldn’t like you if you weren’t making jokes. Do you really believe that?”

Odd stilled. He looked away and faked a laugh. “Come on, Einstein. Are you still thinking about that?”

Jeremie’s voice was firm. “Yes, Odd. I want to know why you would say something like that.”

Odd shrugged. “I was angry. I say stupid stuff when I’m angry.”

Jeremie sighed. “Odd, I’ve known you for years. I can tell when you’re lying.”

Odd didn’t look at him, but he slowly let go of Jeremie’s hand while pulling his knees up on the bench. Odd hugged his knees and took a deep breath before speaking. “I didn’t mean to say that, you know. It just happened. I... I do believe that. I feel like everyone expects me to be a certain way, and... sometimes, I’m not funny.” Odd finally looked over at Jeremie, and his voice started to waver. “Sometimes, I’m like this, and no one would like this side of me.”

Jeremie slid closer and put an arm around Odd’s shoulders. Odd leaned toward him. Jeremie spoke softly, “That’s not true, Odd. I like this side of you.” Odd didn’t respond, so Jeremie added, “It’s still you, just less loud.”

Odd scoffed and they both laughed. They stayed like that for a while, Odd leaning into Jeremie’s arm, the campus still quiet around them, Kiwi napping nearby. Eventually, Odd broke the silence. “Who would have thought that our genius could be so comforting?” he joked.

Jeremie smirked and squeezed Odd’s shoulder. “Who would have thought our chaotic Odd had a quiet side?”

“Guess we’re both full of surprises. Just don’t tell the others. It would ruin my reputation!”

“Oh no, we couldn’t have that. They might think you’re a normal person.”

Odd sat up, mock-offended. “It would be a travesty!”

Their eyes met, and their laughter faded into something softer. Neither of them expected to be sitting together this morning, sharing their fears and comforting each other. Odd felt something stir in his chest. He knew this feeling. Am I really getting a crush on Einstein? Really?

Jeremie had similar feelings, but he was slower to recognize what they were. He just knew that he liked being here with Odd, and he was glad they were talking again.

Kiwi stirred and let out a bark. Odd looked down and realized that he needed to take Kiwi back to the dorms. It was mid-morning now, and the campus was starting to come alive with groggy students heading to breakfast. Odd stood and gave Jeremie an apologetic look. “Sorry, Einstein. I’ve got to take Kiwi back. You want to come too?”

Jeremie shook his head. “No, that’s fine. I’ll stay here for now. See you at the cafeteria?”

“It’s a date.” Odd winked.

Jeremie stayed seated on the bench and watched Odd and Kiwi walk to the dorms. He felt lighter and more relaxed after spending the morning with Odd. He looked down at his hand. He could almost still feel Odd’s hand wrapped around his. Realization began to strike. We held hands?! Jeremie’s face felt warm and his heart started to race. It had felt so natural at the time. And I put my arm around him?! What was I thinking? Jeremie willed his thoughts to slow down. It wasn’t a big deal. Odd didn’t mind. In fact... he seemed to like it. And Jeremie realized that he liked this too. Whatever “this” was with Odd. "Don’t overthink it," Jeremie reminded himself. After the emotional roller coaster from the last few days, Jeremie was finally feeling more steady.

Odd returned to his room with Kiwi and found Ulrich getting dressed. He had gone back to bed after Jeremie visited earlier, and he was about to leave for breakfast. When Odd walked in, Ulrich said dryly, “Jeremie was looking for you. It was pretty early.”

Odd replied, “Yeah, he found me.”

Ulrich kept looking at him, expecting Odd to keep talking. He raised an eyebrow. “Everything ok?”

“Yeah, of course it is. Let’s go to breakfast, I’m starving!”

Ulrich gave him a skeptical look but decided not to press. They left the room.

Jeremie was already in the cafeteria when they arrived. Odd sat across from him with a tray full of food. “Hey, Einstein! Fancy seeing you again.”

Jeremie looked up and their eyes met. He managed a simple, “Hi, Odd.”

Ulrich looked between them. “So you two are talking again?”

Odd answered enthusiastically, “Of course we are! Can’t keep us apart. Right, Einstein?”

Ulrich looked to Jeremie, who simply shrugged. Aelita joined them and noticed the confused look on Ulrich's face, and then noticed that Odd was sitting across from Jeremie. She smiled. “I see you finally made up.”

Odd looked up from his plate when he heard her voice. “Oh hey, Princess! You were right, we were able to talk through it.”

Jeremie was surprised to hear that Aelita had talked with Odd also. He was glad to have such good friends. The table settled into their normal rhythm and this time, when Odd told an over-the-top story, he made sure Jeremie felt included.