Don't Worry About It (Part 5/5)
Master Post | Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5
Nick ended up calling AJ three days later. He meant to call sooner, but he chickened out a few times. And he was busy with work; a few weeks prior he had volunteered his services to help organize a blood drive that was happenings in just over two weeks. But mostly it was because he got a bad case of the jitters every time he went to pick up the phone and call.
And it’s not like AJ was on the edge of his seat waiting for his call, or that every time his phone rang or received a text message he hoped it was from Nick. Nope, he was busy doing his thing too. He was in the middle of a 10-day substituting gig at his usual high school while the 11th grade biology teacher took off to attend a conference in another part of the country. His play rehearsals continued as well so he had a lot on his plate.
But he was excited when Nick finally called. So excited he had to give himself a mini-lecture about keeping his voice normal before answering. Nick had decided to start off with an easy activity. He suggested they go out to dinner, to a small hole-in-the-wall kind of place called La Rosa Blanca, one of Nick’s favorite Mexican restaurants. It was a casual environment that would be conducive to good conversation and an enjoyable time. Plus Nick had accidentally overheard AJ tell Brian he wanted good Mexican food.
Nick picked AJ up the next night. He was expecting a slight bit of awkwardness carrying over from the other night, but that stage of the night was completely bypassed by AJ dropping his jaw at the shiny black BMW Nick had pulled up in. They immediately began talking about cars they’d owned and cars they’d like to own someday. Nick wanted a Porsche, AJ joked that he’d settle for a Ferrari.
There wasn’t a dull moment at all between the two while they had their meal. Any doubts or anxieties they had before that night had gone away. Or at least they were suppressed while they were together. At the end of the night, Nick dropped AJ off, and they agreed that AJ would plan their next outing and that he’d be in touch.
AJ walked into his apartment to find his roommate and roommate’s girlfriend cuddling on the couch watching TV. He tried to walk quietly to his room, but stopped when Kevin said, “So how was your date?” He snickered until Kristin smacked his thigh.
“Ha, ha. You’re funny, man.” AJ rolled his eyes.
Kristin scooted closer to Kevin on the couch to make room and patted the empty spot for AJ to join them. “Sit down. Tell us about your night.” Clearly Kevin had informed her of the situation.
AJ remained standing. “We went just went out to eat. No big deal.”
“Who paid?” Kevin asked, stifling his snickers. Kristin pinched him.
“We paid for ourselves. Fuck you and goodnight.” AJ slammed the door of his bedroom. He usually didn’t let Kevin’s teasing get to him like that. He always just took whatever he had to dish, if he didn’t decide to joke around with him as well. He did appreciate, though, that Kristin was there to mediate. Kind of.
Of course AJ was attracted to Nick. He liked Nick a lot, but that wasn’t really a surprise to anyone at this point. Problem was he wasn’t sure if there was a difference between the Nick that was his nurse and the Nick that was his new friend. The bigger problem was he didn’t know what was going on with Nick. Did he like him? As just a friend or more? Did Nick even roll that way?
Thinking made AJ’s head hurt so he washed up and retired to bed.
**
Nick entered his apartment, flipping a switch to illuminate his place. He straightened a few magazines and books on the coffee table and organized the blood drive papers into their respective folders. He scolded himself mentally for letting his apartment get so messy, even though what he considered messy was probably still spotless for most normal folks. Really, he just liked things to be neat. That’s why he opted to live alone. He had lived with people before-and they were neat-but they just didn’t do things the way he preferred. How the hell did he still have any friends, he wondered jokingly as he put away things from the dishwasher.
He continued tidying up his home, putting his shoes away and tossing his dirty clothes into his hamper. The thought of doing laundry even crossed his mind as a pant leg dangled over the edge of the container. He then vetoed the idea, regarding it as being too ambitious for almost 11pm. It wasn’t his usual laundry day anyway so why mess with the system?
He changed out of his clothes into a pair of pajama pants and an old shirt and continued organizing his place. Sure he was tired, but his mind prompted him to keep busy.
Probably so he wouldn’t have to sit and think about his night. It wasn’t that he didn’t have a good time. He had a great time. In fact, they both did. And that’s what confused him. They got along and had a lot in common, but Nick thought he might be feeling an attraction to him. He’d felt like something this before, but it was never reciprocated. He just admired from afar. He’d never been in the position where another man actually showed interest in him.
Maybe it was because everyone just assumed he was straight. Not that he’s ever given anyone a reason to think otherwise. Just a few years ago he was a self-proclaimed pussy magnet. But things change, people change. It’s just no one was aware of the change.
Nick finally ran out of things to clean and surrendered his body to the couch, making sure not to disturb the arrangement of the pillows. He fixed his glasses so they sat more comfortably on his nose and reached for the novel he was in the middle of reading. After reading a few chapters, his mind calmed down and he went to bed.
**
The next two weeks consisted of the two alternating making plans. Nick tried to keep their outings low in activity level since AJ was still working toward a full recovery, even though he claimed he felt better than ever. They had seen a play AJ was dying to see, along with a couple movies per Nick’s request. They ventured to an art gallery that had just opened and ate at different restaurants.
AJ took Nick by surprise one day when he suggested they go for a hike. The day before the hike, Nick asked AJ about 100 times if he was sure his body could handle it, and about 100 times AJ assured Nick that he would be fine. On the hike, AJ’s backpack was filled with food and water for the two while Nick’s was filled with bandages, wound dressing supplies, various ointments and skin protectors, epinephrine pens in case one of them had an anaphylactic reaction to a plant or bug bite. He mentioned that he also grabbed a couple of IV start kits and a bag of saline from the hospital in case AJ was to become severely dehydrated. AJ assumed he was kidding until Nick showed him the inside of his backpack. Nick could never fully detach himself from his nurse-mode setting, but it hardly bothered AJ because he knew he was safe.
That was probably the most strenuous of activities they’d engaged in. The thrill-seeker in AJ wanted to do more, but he felt bad for worrying friend. So they stuck to low-key events. Nick sat in on AJ’s play rehearsals when he didn’t have to work. AJ attended Nick’s all-day blood drive event, impressed at how successful it was. Unfortunately he couldn’t participate because he had gotten a tattoo a few months prior. Next time though, he promised Nick.
They had become closer and a lot more at ease with each other. Physical contact didn’t seem to be an issue anymore either when their hands would accidentally brush while they walked. Or when AJ would rest his arm on the back of Nick’s seat at the movies or in the car. Or when Nick would reach over and brush crumbs out of AJ’s facial hair. They were at a place in their friendship where they were simply comfortable with each other’s company; nothing more, nothing less.
Today they decided they would just grab a quick cup of coffee at a nearby Starbucks. Nick had a lecture to attend and AJ had a meeting before his actual rehearsal. They ordered their drinks, AJ thanking Nick for buying his drink, even though Nick was just returning the favor for their last Starbucks trip in which AJ paid.
“Don’t worry about it,” Nick said as they walked over to the bar to wait for their drinks. They immediately began cracking up. Just last week, AJ pointed out that phrase came out of Nick’s mouth a lot. Nick didn’t believe it, until he said it again without thinking. It had become a ritual for them to erupt into laughter every time he said it. Sometimes he didn’t even bother to finish saying it because they just ended up laughing.
Nick’s infectious laugh ceased immediately when he noticed a woman walking up to him, offering a small wave and a faint smile. “Hi, Nick.”
His face went blank. “Melodie. Hi.” His voice dropped down to a stern tone that AJ hadn’t encountered and didn’t even know it existed.
“I thought I saw you so I figured I’d come and say hi. How are you doing?”
Nick shrugged and put his hands in his pockets. He looked away from her. “I’m fine, just doing the work thing.” Reluctantly he added, “How about yourself?”
“I’ve been well. I’m still writing for music magazines. I actually gotta run-I’ve got a deadline in a couple hours-but I just wanted to say hi.”
“Take care.”
“It’s good to see you.” She touched his arm and gave it a little squeeze before she smiled at him again and left. AJ looked over Nick’s shoulder and watched her walk away, her long black hair reflecting the light of the sun. Not bad, he’d do her. Except judging by the exchange he just witnessed, maybe it wouldn’t be a very good idea to pursue. Not that he was going to. Nick and AJ’s drinks were finished and placed on the bar. Each grabbed their cup and chose a table to sit at. Nick didn’t say anything, but just stared at his cup.
AJ took a sip of his beverage and cleared his throat. “So she’s hot. Think she’d be down for a threesome?” Nick glared at AJ. Okay, not a good time to joke. “Ex-girlfriend?” Nick nodded. “The break up was that bad?”
He traced the lid of his cup with his index finger and nodded slowly. “She cheated on me.”
“Sorry to hear that. She doesn’t know what she lost,” he offered sympathetically.
Nick ingested some of his coffee. “It was years ago, but it still hurts.”
“I understand. No one deserves that.”
“It just sucks. I still don’t know what I could’ve done to make her want to do that.” Nick suddenly felt self-conscious when AJ didn’t say anything else. “Wow, didn’t mean to turn into a complete Debbie Downer.”
“No, it’s cool. If you wanna blow off some steam, go for it. I’ll listen.”
Nick took another sip and shook his head. “I’m done.”
“Was she the last person you were in a relationship with?”
“Yup. It was the Nick and Mel Show for about a year and a half. Thought she was the one. Guess not.” Nick played with the hem of his shirt. “Probably why I’ve been pretty iffy about getting involved in another relationship.”
“You’ll be ready again one day.” It broke AJ’s heart to say that because he fell for Nick harder every day, but Nick believed AJ when he said it. He will be ready.
**
A few nights later, AJ went over to Nick’s place. They made plans to stay in and make dinner. Neither of them had ever made lasagna from scratch so AJ looked up a recipe and Nick bought the ingredients. They followed the directions exactly, but still somehow managed to burn it to the point where it didn’t even look like food. They tossed it out and ordered a pizza. At least they didn’t mess up the salad? Or the wine. Very important.
When the pizza arrived, they planted themselves on the couch with their food and wine and popped in a movie AJ had brought over. They sat closely to each other, and once they finished eating, AJ rested his right arm behind Nick’s neck and held his glass of wine in his left hand. Nick looked over as he took a sip. “You’re not on any medication, are you?” AJ raised his eyebrows at him as if to say, Are you serious right now? “Just making sure!”
“Even if I was, at least I’m here with a nurse.” AJ absentmindedly recalled Nick complaining earlier that night of stiffness in his neck and shoulders and began massaging him. Nick closed his eyes to focus on the relief his muscles were getting, letting out a deep breath.
“I have a question for you.” Nick’s eyes opened when his massage stopped. “You don’t have to answer it right now if you don’t want to.”
He rubbed the back of his neck. “Okay? Shoot.”
“This is gonna sound a bit forward, but,” he stopped to organize the words he wanted to say. “What are we?”
Nick pulled away so he could turn and face him. “What do you mean?”
“Just that. What are we?” AJ repeated. Still not getting much of a response, he decided to elaborate. “We’ve been spending a lot of time together, and it’s been great getting to know you over the past month or whatever. I like you a lot, and if I’m interpreting this all correctly, you like me too.”
Nick continued to stare at him, trying to process everything AJ had just said, as well as the entire month and a half they’d known each other. “I do like you,” he started to say after what seemed like the longest period of quiet ever. “I like you a lot.” He hesitated. He knew this talk was coming eventually, but he didn’t know it would be so soon. “It’s just that I’ve never done this before.”
“You’ve been in relationships before, Nick.”
“Not with another man.” He barely got the last word out.
AJ put his hand on Nick’s knee. “It doesn’t matter. If the heart wants what it wants, why try to make it do otherwise?” Nick tried to wrap his mind around that last question. “Like I said,” AJ spoke up, interrupting his thoughts. “You don’t have to give me an answer right now. I just wanted to throw it out there. I should get going anyway.” He stood, stretched, and reached for his jacket, all the while Nick remained seated on the couch. Just as AJ was about to open the door, Nick’s voice stopped him.
“AJ, wait.” He turned and watched Nick get up from the couch to make his way over to him. He had this look on his face, a look of concentration. He stopped in front of AJ, still concentrating on … whatever it was he was concentrating on.
Without warning, Nick stepped forward, gently took AJ’s face in his hands, and connected their lips. Stunned, AJ took a couple steps backward until the door stopped him, Nick still holding onto him and their lips still touching.
Nick accustomed himself to feeling AJ’s facial hair on his face and the texture of his lips. It was different, but a good different. AJ moved his hands to Nick’s waist, pulling his body closer to his. Nick lightly sucked on AJ’s bottom lip before AJ guided their mouths open and slowly slipped his tongue in, tasting the wine that lingered in Nick’s mouth. Nick’s body began to feed off this new energy. He deepened the kiss with his own tongue, pressing his entire body against the other man’s.
AJ was the first to pull away. Or well, push Nick back a little since he had no room to pull away. They stared at each other, trying to catch their breath. Neither of them spoke. There was no need for words after what their bodies had just said.
**
Nick walked down the aisle of the auditorium to the second row where AJ reserved seats for Nick, Kevin, Kristin, and his mom. He found his seat and talked to the others while the house lights were still up. It was the opening night of AJ’s play, and no one was more excited than Nick. For the past two months, he had helped AJ prepare any way that he could, whether it was running lines with him, helping him out with his costume, or even selling tickets to his co-workers. Sure he had been to rehearsals and dress rehearsals, but seeing the play in its full production was different.
Nick was extremely happy where he was at right now. He had a great job, great friends, and a great relationship. He was sometimes still a bit wary when he and AJ would go out in public, afraid of what people would think. But once he was there with AJ by his side, he didn’t care. AJ brought out a side in him he didn’t know he had. He was still the same neat and mildly OCD nurse, but now he now balanced by AJ’s spontaneous, carefree spirit, a balance he wasn’t aware he was missing until AJ came into his life. Nick couldn’t be happier.
Backstage, AJ sat by himself, going over his lines in his head. He had them down, he knew it. Nick was always eager to help him rehearse until he was blue in the face and could recite them in his sleep. AJ never had stage fright in his life; there were times where he was convinced his was immune to it. But tonight there was someone new in the audience. Someone new that he cared deeply about and really wanted to put on a good show. Okay so his part wasn’t the leading role, but he still wanted to do his best. He owed it to Nick. He owed everything to Nick.
Nick enjoyed every minute of the play. All the actors did a great job, but as expected, he thought AJ outshone the rest. There were a few times Nick feared for AJ as he walked across the stage since he had just recently abandoned the cane. Nick was ready to leap over the first row in case something happened, but AJ was fine. Nick just worried too much.
Nick waited in the lobby with AJ’s other guests. There was a round of applause as the cast entered the lobby. AJ spotted his mom first and gave her a hug, then Kevin and Kristin, and finally…
“You were amazing!” Nick smiled widely, holding his arms out.
AJ smiled as he returned the hug Nick seemed to never want to end. He rested his chin on Nick’s shoulder. “Thank you,” he whispered. Nick let go of him while the group stood around and chatted about the production. AJ’s mom left first, bidding them all goodnight before she did. Kevin and Kristin left shortly after for Kristin’s place.
“You ready to go?” Nick asked taking AJ’s hand in his.
AJ nodded. “I’m fucking exhausted.” The drive from the venue to AJ’s apartment was a quiet one. Nick offered several times to stop for food, but AJ declined, repeatedly stating that all he wanted to do was pass out in his bed with Nick.
They reached AJ’s place and AJ headed straight for the bathroom while Nick stopped by the kitchen to fix them a snack. He cut up some fruit into a bowl and took it into AJ’s bedroom. AJ was still washing up so he sat in the middle of the bed and turned on the TV. A few minutes later AJ walked in smelling fresh, only a pair of boxers covering him. “Whatcha watchin’?” he asked, joining Nick on the bed.
“I’m just flipping around. Have some fruit!” Nick pushed the bowl closer to AJ who shook his head at him. Most couples ate chocolate desserts in bed, but they had fruit. Whatever, it was charming. AJ chose a grape and put it into his mouth.
Fifteen minutes and an empty bowl later, they decided there was nothing good on TV and turned it off. Instead they found each other a lot more interesting. They made out, wrestled around in the bed, made out and wrestled some more until AJ had Nick pinned to the bed. “I thought all you wanted to do was pass out?” he managed to ask between kisses.
“Yeah, I’m not tired anymore.” They continued their heated make-out session that became so heated, soon Nick too was only in his boxers. Their bodies were tangled while their hips ground into each other. AJ started to move lower on Nick’s body, and Nick didn’t stop him. AJ didn’t waste any time stripping him of the final piece of clothing and putting his mouth around his cock.
Nick moaned as he tangled his fingers in AJ’s hair. He remembered the first time AJ went down on him. It was, well, it was fucking great. However he was hesitant to service AJ. But AJ didn’t mind, he wanted Nick to be as comfortable as possible. That’s what was so great about their relationship: they moved at a slow enough pace that Nick didn’t freak out, but it was quick enough that AJ didn’t get bored.
Nick bucked his hips up, pushing himself further into AJ’s mouth. “AJ,” he said breathlessly. “AJ, stop for a second.”
AJ did as was asked of him. “What’s wrong?”
“I just-I think.” Nick paused to collect and compose himself. “I think I’m ready.”
“Ready? Nick, what are you talking about?” he asked impatiently, wanting to get back to work so he could get his. Then it all clicked in his head: sex. “Oh. Um. Are you sure?”
Nick nodded. “Yeah. I mean, if you want to.”
“Of course!” AJ realized he probably sounded too enthusiastic and too fifteen years old. Did his voice just crack too? He cleared his throat. “If you’re sure you’re ready, babe, then…” AJ took Nick’s hand into his.
Nick nodded. “I want this.”
AJ reached up and kissed him. “Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
AJ kissed him again. “Positive?”
“Yes.” AJ kissed him again, but Nick pushed him away. AJ waited with a questioning look. “Wait, it won’t hurt your hip or your legs or-“
AJ shut up him up with another kiss. “I’m fine.”
They resumed making out. Nick reached into AJ’s boxers and started getting him off but stopped abruptly, resulting in a grunt from AJ. “Wait, what about like, protection and stuff?”
“I got it, love.”
“And how are we gonna do it? Are you gonna…should I-“
AJ held his finger up to Nick’s lips. “Don’t worry about it.”
THE END.
Master Post | Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5
Nick ended up calling AJ three days later. He meant to call sooner, but he chickened out a few times. And he was busy with work; a few weeks prior he had volunteered his services to help organize a blood drive that was happenings in just over two weeks. But mostly it was because he got a bad case of the jitters every time he went to pick up the phone and call.
And it’s not like AJ was on the edge of his seat waiting for his call, or that every time his phone rang or received a text message he hoped it was from Nick. Nope, he was busy doing his thing too. He was in the middle of a 10-day substituting gig at his usual high school while the 11th grade biology teacher took off to attend a conference in another part of the country. His play rehearsals continued as well so he had a lot on his plate.
But he was excited when Nick finally called. So excited he had to give himself a mini-lecture about keeping his voice normal before answering. Nick had decided to start off with an easy activity. He suggested they go out to dinner, to a small hole-in-the-wall kind of place called La Rosa Blanca, one of Nick’s favorite Mexican restaurants. It was a casual environment that would be conducive to good conversation and an enjoyable time. Plus Nick had accidentally overheard AJ tell Brian he wanted good Mexican food.
Nick picked AJ up the next night. He was expecting a slight bit of awkwardness carrying over from the other night, but that stage of the night was completely bypassed by AJ dropping his jaw at the shiny black BMW Nick had pulled up in. They immediately began talking about cars they’d owned and cars they’d like to own someday. Nick wanted a Porsche, AJ joked that he’d settle for a Ferrari.
There wasn’t a dull moment at all between the two while they had their meal. Any doubts or anxieties they had before that night had gone away. Or at least they were suppressed while they were together. At the end of the night, Nick dropped AJ off, and they agreed that AJ would plan their next outing and that he’d be in touch.
AJ walked into his apartment to find his roommate and roommate’s girlfriend cuddling on the couch watching TV. He tried to walk quietly to his room, but stopped when Kevin said, “So how was your date?” He snickered until Kristin smacked his thigh.
“Ha, ha. You’re funny, man.” AJ rolled his eyes.
Kristin scooted closer to Kevin on the couch to make room and patted the empty spot for AJ to join them. “Sit down. Tell us about your night.” Clearly Kevin had informed her of the situation.
AJ remained standing. “We went just went out to eat. No big deal.”
“Who paid?” Kevin asked, stifling his snickers. Kristin pinched him.
“We paid for ourselves. Fuck you and goodnight.” AJ slammed the door of his bedroom. He usually didn’t let Kevin’s teasing get to him like that. He always just took whatever he had to dish, if he didn’t decide to joke around with him as well. He did appreciate, though, that Kristin was there to mediate. Kind of.
Of course AJ was attracted to Nick. He liked Nick a lot, but that wasn’t really a surprise to anyone at this point. Problem was he wasn’t sure if there was a difference between the Nick that was his nurse and the Nick that was his new friend. The bigger problem was he didn’t know what was going on with Nick. Did he like him? As just a friend or more? Did Nick even roll that way?
Thinking made AJ’s head hurt so he washed up and retired to bed.
**
Nick entered his apartment, flipping a switch to illuminate his place. He straightened a few magazines and books on the coffee table and organized the blood drive papers into their respective folders. He scolded himself mentally for letting his apartment get so messy, even though what he considered messy was probably still spotless for most normal folks. Really, he just liked things to be neat. That’s why he opted to live alone. He had lived with people before-and they were neat-but they just didn’t do things the way he preferred. How the hell did he still have any friends, he wondered jokingly as he put away things from the dishwasher.
He continued tidying up his home, putting his shoes away and tossing his dirty clothes into his hamper. The thought of doing laundry even crossed his mind as a pant leg dangled over the edge of the container. He then vetoed the idea, regarding it as being too ambitious for almost 11pm. It wasn’t his usual laundry day anyway so why mess with the system?
He changed out of his clothes into a pair of pajama pants and an old shirt and continued organizing his place. Sure he was tired, but his mind prompted him to keep busy.
Probably so he wouldn’t have to sit and think about his night. It wasn’t that he didn’t have a good time. He had a great time. In fact, they both did. And that’s what confused him. They got along and had a lot in common, but Nick thought he might be feeling an attraction to him. He’d felt like something this before, but it was never reciprocated. He just admired from afar. He’d never been in the position where another man actually showed interest in him.
Maybe it was because everyone just assumed he was straight. Not that he’s ever given anyone a reason to think otherwise. Just a few years ago he was a self-proclaimed pussy magnet. But things change, people change. It’s just no one was aware of the change.
Nick finally ran out of things to clean and surrendered his body to the couch, making sure not to disturb the arrangement of the pillows. He fixed his glasses so they sat more comfortably on his nose and reached for the novel he was in the middle of reading. After reading a few chapters, his mind calmed down and he went to bed.
**
The next two weeks consisted of the two alternating making plans. Nick tried to keep their outings low in activity level since AJ was still working toward a full recovery, even though he claimed he felt better than ever. They had seen a play AJ was dying to see, along with a couple movies per Nick’s request. They ventured to an art gallery that had just opened and ate at different restaurants.
AJ took Nick by surprise one day when he suggested they go for a hike. The day before the hike, Nick asked AJ about 100 times if he was sure his body could handle it, and about 100 times AJ assured Nick that he would be fine. On the hike, AJ’s backpack was filled with food and water for the two while Nick’s was filled with bandages, wound dressing supplies, various ointments and skin protectors, epinephrine pens in case one of them had an anaphylactic reaction to a plant or bug bite. He mentioned that he also grabbed a couple of IV start kits and a bag of saline from the hospital in case AJ was to become severely dehydrated. AJ assumed he was kidding until Nick showed him the inside of his backpack. Nick could never fully detach himself from his nurse-mode setting, but it hardly bothered AJ because he knew he was safe.
That was probably the most strenuous of activities they’d engaged in. The thrill-seeker in AJ wanted to do more, but he felt bad for worrying friend. So they stuck to low-key events. Nick sat in on AJ’s play rehearsals when he didn’t have to work. AJ attended Nick’s all-day blood drive event, impressed at how successful it was. Unfortunately he couldn’t participate because he had gotten a tattoo a few months prior. Next time though, he promised Nick.
They had become closer and a lot more at ease with each other. Physical contact didn’t seem to be an issue anymore either when their hands would accidentally brush while they walked. Or when AJ would rest his arm on the back of Nick’s seat at the movies or in the car. Or when Nick would reach over and brush crumbs out of AJ’s facial hair. They were at a place in their friendship where they were simply comfortable with each other’s company; nothing more, nothing less.
Today they decided they would just grab a quick cup of coffee at a nearby Starbucks. Nick had a lecture to attend and AJ had a meeting before his actual rehearsal. They ordered their drinks, AJ thanking Nick for buying his drink, even though Nick was just returning the favor for their last Starbucks trip in which AJ paid.
“Don’t worry about it,” Nick said as they walked over to the bar to wait for their drinks. They immediately began cracking up. Just last week, AJ pointed out that phrase came out of Nick’s mouth a lot. Nick didn’t believe it, until he said it again without thinking. It had become a ritual for them to erupt into laughter every time he said it. Sometimes he didn’t even bother to finish saying it because they just ended up laughing.
Nick’s infectious laugh ceased immediately when he noticed a woman walking up to him, offering a small wave and a faint smile. “Hi, Nick.”
His face went blank. “Melodie. Hi.” His voice dropped down to a stern tone that AJ hadn’t encountered and didn’t even know it existed.
“I thought I saw you so I figured I’d come and say hi. How are you doing?”
Nick shrugged and put his hands in his pockets. He looked away from her. “I’m fine, just doing the work thing.” Reluctantly he added, “How about yourself?”
“I’ve been well. I’m still writing for music magazines. I actually gotta run-I’ve got a deadline in a couple hours-but I just wanted to say hi.”
“Take care.”
“It’s good to see you.” She touched his arm and gave it a little squeeze before she smiled at him again and left. AJ looked over Nick’s shoulder and watched her walk away, her long black hair reflecting the light of the sun. Not bad, he’d do her. Except judging by the exchange he just witnessed, maybe it wouldn’t be a very good idea to pursue. Not that he was going to. Nick and AJ’s drinks were finished and placed on the bar. Each grabbed their cup and chose a table to sit at. Nick didn’t say anything, but just stared at his cup.
AJ took a sip of his beverage and cleared his throat. “So she’s hot. Think she’d be down for a threesome?” Nick glared at AJ. Okay, not a good time to joke. “Ex-girlfriend?” Nick nodded. “The break up was that bad?”
He traced the lid of his cup with his index finger and nodded slowly. “She cheated on me.”
“Sorry to hear that. She doesn’t know what she lost,” he offered sympathetically.
Nick ingested some of his coffee. “It was years ago, but it still hurts.”
“I understand. No one deserves that.”
“It just sucks. I still don’t know what I could’ve done to make her want to do that.” Nick suddenly felt self-conscious when AJ didn’t say anything else. “Wow, didn’t mean to turn into a complete Debbie Downer.”
“No, it’s cool. If you wanna blow off some steam, go for it. I’ll listen.”
Nick took another sip and shook his head. “I’m done.”
“Was she the last person you were in a relationship with?”
“Yup. It was the Nick and Mel Show for about a year and a half. Thought she was the one. Guess not.” Nick played with the hem of his shirt. “Probably why I’ve been pretty iffy about getting involved in another relationship.”
“You’ll be ready again one day.” It broke AJ’s heart to say that because he fell for Nick harder every day, but Nick believed AJ when he said it. He will be ready.
**
A few nights later, AJ went over to Nick’s place. They made plans to stay in and make dinner. Neither of them had ever made lasagna from scratch so AJ looked up a recipe and Nick bought the ingredients. They followed the directions exactly, but still somehow managed to burn it to the point where it didn’t even look like food. They tossed it out and ordered a pizza. At least they didn’t mess up the salad? Or the wine. Very important.
When the pizza arrived, they planted themselves on the couch with their food and wine and popped in a movie AJ had brought over. They sat closely to each other, and once they finished eating, AJ rested his right arm behind Nick’s neck and held his glass of wine in his left hand. Nick looked over as he took a sip. “You’re not on any medication, are you?” AJ raised his eyebrows at him as if to say, Are you serious right now? “Just making sure!”
“Even if I was, at least I’m here with a nurse.” AJ absentmindedly recalled Nick complaining earlier that night of stiffness in his neck and shoulders and began massaging him. Nick closed his eyes to focus on the relief his muscles were getting, letting out a deep breath.
“I have a question for you.” Nick’s eyes opened when his massage stopped. “You don’t have to answer it right now if you don’t want to.”
He rubbed the back of his neck. “Okay? Shoot.”
“This is gonna sound a bit forward, but,” he stopped to organize the words he wanted to say. “What are we?”
Nick pulled away so he could turn and face him. “What do you mean?”
“Just that. What are we?” AJ repeated. Still not getting much of a response, he decided to elaborate. “We’ve been spending a lot of time together, and it’s been great getting to know you over the past month or whatever. I like you a lot, and if I’m interpreting this all correctly, you like me too.”
Nick continued to stare at him, trying to process everything AJ had just said, as well as the entire month and a half they’d known each other. “I do like you,” he started to say after what seemed like the longest period of quiet ever. “I like you a lot.” He hesitated. He knew this talk was coming eventually, but he didn’t know it would be so soon. “It’s just that I’ve never done this before.”
“You’ve been in relationships before, Nick.”
“Not with another man.” He barely got the last word out.
AJ put his hand on Nick’s knee. “It doesn’t matter. If the heart wants what it wants, why try to make it do otherwise?” Nick tried to wrap his mind around that last question. “Like I said,” AJ spoke up, interrupting his thoughts. “You don’t have to give me an answer right now. I just wanted to throw it out there. I should get going anyway.” He stood, stretched, and reached for his jacket, all the while Nick remained seated on the couch. Just as AJ was about to open the door, Nick’s voice stopped him.
“AJ, wait.” He turned and watched Nick get up from the couch to make his way over to him. He had this look on his face, a look of concentration. He stopped in front of AJ, still concentrating on … whatever it was he was concentrating on.
Without warning, Nick stepped forward, gently took AJ’s face in his hands, and connected their lips. Stunned, AJ took a couple steps backward until the door stopped him, Nick still holding onto him and their lips still touching.
Nick accustomed himself to feeling AJ’s facial hair on his face and the texture of his lips. It was different, but a good different. AJ moved his hands to Nick’s waist, pulling his body closer to his. Nick lightly sucked on AJ’s bottom lip before AJ guided their mouths open and slowly slipped his tongue in, tasting the wine that lingered in Nick’s mouth. Nick’s body began to feed off this new energy. He deepened the kiss with his own tongue, pressing his entire body against the other man’s.
AJ was the first to pull away. Or well, push Nick back a little since he had no room to pull away. They stared at each other, trying to catch their breath. Neither of them spoke. There was no need for words after what their bodies had just said.
**
Nick walked down the aisle of the auditorium to the second row where AJ reserved seats for Nick, Kevin, Kristin, and his mom. He found his seat and talked to the others while the house lights were still up. It was the opening night of AJ’s play, and no one was more excited than Nick. For the past two months, he had helped AJ prepare any way that he could, whether it was running lines with him, helping him out with his costume, or even selling tickets to his co-workers. Sure he had been to rehearsals and dress rehearsals, but seeing the play in its full production was different.
Nick was extremely happy where he was at right now. He had a great job, great friends, and a great relationship. He was sometimes still a bit wary when he and AJ would go out in public, afraid of what people would think. But once he was there with AJ by his side, he didn’t care. AJ brought out a side in him he didn’t know he had. He was still the same neat and mildly OCD nurse, but now he now balanced by AJ’s spontaneous, carefree spirit, a balance he wasn’t aware he was missing until AJ came into his life. Nick couldn’t be happier.
Backstage, AJ sat by himself, going over his lines in his head. He had them down, he knew it. Nick was always eager to help him rehearse until he was blue in the face and could recite them in his sleep. AJ never had stage fright in his life; there were times where he was convinced his was immune to it. But tonight there was someone new in the audience. Someone new that he cared deeply about and really wanted to put on a good show. Okay so his part wasn’t the leading role, but he still wanted to do his best. He owed it to Nick. He owed everything to Nick.
Nick enjoyed every minute of the play. All the actors did a great job, but as expected, he thought AJ outshone the rest. There were a few times Nick feared for AJ as he walked across the stage since he had just recently abandoned the cane. Nick was ready to leap over the first row in case something happened, but AJ was fine. Nick just worried too much.
Nick waited in the lobby with AJ’s other guests. There was a round of applause as the cast entered the lobby. AJ spotted his mom first and gave her a hug, then Kevin and Kristin, and finally…
“You were amazing!” Nick smiled widely, holding his arms out.
AJ smiled as he returned the hug Nick seemed to never want to end. He rested his chin on Nick’s shoulder. “Thank you,” he whispered. Nick let go of him while the group stood around and chatted about the production. AJ’s mom left first, bidding them all goodnight before she did. Kevin and Kristin left shortly after for Kristin’s place.
“You ready to go?” Nick asked taking AJ’s hand in his.
AJ nodded. “I’m fucking exhausted.” The drive from the venue to AJ’s apartment was a quiet one. Nick offered several times to stop for food, but AJ declined, repeatedly stating that all he wanted to do was pass out in his bed with Nick.
They reached AJ’s place and AJ headed straight for the bathroom while Nick stopped by the kitchen to fix them a snack. He cut up some fruit into a bowl and took it into AJ’s bedroom. AJ was still washing up so he sat in the middle of the bed and turned on the TV. A few minutes later AJ walked in smelling fresh, only a pair of boxers covering him. “Whatcha watchin’?” he asked, joining Nick on the bed.
“I’m just flipping around. Have some fruit!” Nick pushed the bowl closer to AJ who shook his head at him. Most couples ate chocolate desserts in bed, but they had fruit. Whatever, it was charming. AJ chose a grape and put it into his mouth.
Fifteen minutes and an empty bowl later, they decided there was nothing good on TV and turned it off. Instead they found each other a lot more interesting. They made out, wrestled around in the bed, made out and wrestled some more until AJ had Nick pinned to the bed. “I thought all you wanted to do was pass out?” he managed to ask between kisses.
“Yeah, I’m not tired anymore.” They continued their heated make-out session that became so heated, soon Nick too was only in his boxers. Their bodies were tangled while their hips ground into each other. AJ started to move lower on Nick’s body, and Nick didn’t stop him. AJ didn’t waste any time stripping him of the final piece of clothing and putting his mouth around his cock.
Nick moaned as he tangled his fingers in AJ’s hair. He remembered the first time AJ went down on him. It was, well, it was fucking great. However he was hesitant to service AJ. But AJ didn’t mind, he wanted Nick to be as comfortable as possible. That’s what was so great about their relationship: they moved at a slow enough pace that Nick didn’t freak out, but it was quick enough that AJ didn’t get bored.
Nick bucked his hips up, pushing himself further into AJ’s mouth. “AJ,” he said breathlessly. “AJ, stop for a second.”
AJ did as was asked of him. “What’s wrong?”
“I just-I think.” Nick paused to collect and compose himself. “I think I’m ready.”
“Ready? Nick, what are you talking about?” he asked impatiently, wanting to get back to work so he could get his. Then it all clicked in his head: sex. “Oh. Um. Are you sure?”
Nick nodded. “Yeah. I mean, if you want to.”
“Of course!” AJ realized he probably sounded too enthusiastic and too fifteen years old. Did his voice just crack too? He cleared his throat. “If you’re sure you’re ready, babe, then…” AJ took Nick’s hand into his.
Nick nodded. “I want this.”
AJ reached up and kissed him. “Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
AJ kissed him again. “Positive?”
“Yes.” AJ kissed him again, but Nick pushed him away. AJ waited with a questioning look. “Wait, it won’t hurt your hip or your legs or-“
AJ shut up him up with another kiss. “I’m fine.”
They resumed making out. Nick reached into AJ’s boxers and started getting him off but stopped abruptly, resulting in a grunt from AJ. “Wait, what about like, protection and stuff?”
“I got it, love.”
“And how are we gonna do it? Are you gonna…should I-“
AJ held his finger up to Nick’s lips. “Don’t worry about it.”
THE END.
Master Post | Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5