Archive of Our Own ^beta

Wan…

…Wan?

Wan.

Tul was sure he’d heard that name somewhere before, but couldn't for the life of him remember where.

After overhearing his online friend’s conversation, Tul hasn't been able to stop thinking about it. It was made worse by how determined to remain tight-lipped Wan was, refusing to give anything away when asked.

Tul has always been a nosy person, he’s always wanted to know as much as he can about as many people as he can, but for some reason Wan’s situation has been especially playing on his mind. 

He’d spent all day trying to convince himself it was normal to be thinking about it this much. He’s been speaking to Wan online everyday for months. To suddenly have him become a real life person with real-life problems? Why wouldn't Tul be thinking about it?

It was when he was in the vegetable aisle of the supermarket that it hit him. 

He cares.

All day he’d been wondering how Wan is feeling, whether he’s okay, whether he’s feeling too stressed or too pressured. All day he’s been counting down the hours until they’ll log on and game together as they always do. 

He’s always been up in everybody’s business, but never before has Tul cared this much about how they might be feeling.

The realisation sends him spiralling as he stands next to the peppers, shaking his head in genuine disbelief.

Why would he care about Wan? 

Wan who he loves picking a fight with, Wan who has one of the worst tempers he’s ever encountered, Wan who very clearly doesn't want to share his personal matters with Tul.

He stands in silence for what feels like forever, his thoughts racing, eyebrows furrowed as he tries to figure out how this happened.

He manages to convince himself he just sees Wan as a friend. A friend he’s overly concerned about because he doesn't have the full story - it’s simply his curiosity not allowing him to move past it, to think of anything else.

Tul’s inner conflict is interrupted by the sound of his phone.

Are you online?

Wan’s familiar gamer tag appears on Tul’s screen and his feet immediately take him towards the checkout.

Halfway there he catches himself, stopping so abruptly that he nearly takes out the old lady that was walking behind him.

Tul doesn't like the way his stomach jumped at the sight of Wan’s message, or the way he immediately wanted to rush back to his computer as fast as he could.

Curiosity.

That’s all it is. 

At least that’s what he tells himself as he once again begins to rush towards the checkout.

Give me half an hour.