Nick wiped the charcoal off his fingers and onto his cutoff shorts and stared at the portrait critically. "What do you think?" he asked finally, when no one said anything. He was pretty sure he'd heard someone come in behind him, but which one of them it was, he wasn't sure. He hadn't been living there long enough yet to be familiar with how different people sounded on the stairs.

"Nick?" It was Joey. "Um. Please tell me this is *NOT* the guy that sat for your class the other day. Please please *please* tell me that. In fact, lie to me, if not. Lie big, and lie well."

"This is definitely *not* the guy who sat for my class the other day," he said instantly, turning around to look Joey in the eye. "He didn't stay in this position for almost the whole class and I definitely didn't stare at him the whole time, trying to map out his lines. Nope, not him. Why?"

"Oh, good." Joey was already dressed for his second job, the tight black tee shirt of a club bouncer that stretched over his arms when he wiped his forehead in relief. "So what you're saying is that this is just a guy you dreamed up that randomly happens to bear a freakishly identical appearance to one of my old school friends that I haven't seen in forever and would give me an actual aneuryism if I found out he was modelling nude because ew? That's good. That's a relief. Good to know, Nick."

"That's right." said Nick, nodding his head at him firmly. "And if you happened to want to meet this lovely figrment of my imagination, you should drop by my class on Thursday. I may be able to make him manifest in front of the class again. I take it I did a good likeness of him, then?"

"Oh, god," Joey moaned, covering his eyes. "Oh god oh god. No. No, I think I will certainly *not* be stopping by to see that. Although I may make you, as the rookie of the house, introduce yourself so you can give him our number and I can yell at him for being a slacker fuckwad for never calling me after we graduated." He took a breath, still blocking his view. "But if I could look at your picture again without being completely weirded out, then yes. I would tell you that you did a good job." He shivered exaggeratedly.

"So you've seen him naked, then," said Nick, smirking, turning back to the drawing and feeling a little more satisfied with it now that he had a -- somewhat -- positive reaction. "I may possibly already have *his* number. In my back pocket. From when we talked after class. If you're not too big to give my imaginary friend a call, that is."

"I have *not* seen him naked!" Joey gasped in protest. "Except for the time with the piggy bank and the bloody marys, but you can prove nothing, and he'll keep his mouth shut if he knows what's good for him." He lowered his arms, though, and gave Nick a friendly smile. "Fuckin' Chasez, man. No shit. And you got his number? Without having to tie him up?"

"Well, I did have to *promise* to tie him up," said Nick, looking back of his shoulder at Joey again as he reached back and groped for the slip of paper he'd gotten JC's number on. He hadn't called it yet, but he'd been planning to. "Here. And don't lose it either, I want that back."

Joey shuddered again. "Do *not* joke like that, I mean it, man. And if it's not a joke I don't wanna know." He covered his eyes again playfully and didn't reach for the paper. "Just keep it. Seriously, if you're gonna see him, or whatever, I'll run into him sometime. No big deal."

"And here I thought it was an interest in my sex life that made you guys offer me the attic room in the first place, when it came free," teased Nick, tucking the number away again and reminding himself to call that night. "Now the truth comes out. So, what, you guys were good friends? Just lost touch?"

"Actually, that was back when we thought a stud like you would be bringing by lots of hot chicks for us to mack on. Little did we know." Joey grinned and cuffed Nick's shoulder. "You know I'm kidding. And C? Yeah. We were pretty good friends. But, you know, you're young, you skip reunions people move, blah blah blah. He's a good guy, though. Good luck."

"Yeah, well, I'm sure I'm not the only one in the class he gave hisnumber to," admitted Nick grudgingly. "He didn't seem really discriminating. But we'll see. Now that I know you know the guy, I'll have to get him to come by here at least." He began putting things away, and moved his easel over next to the wall before lifting the blind on the small window and letting the last of the daylight in. "I'm not above namedropping."

"One of my favorite techniques," Joey grinned. "But interesting, that he did that. Huh. When I knew him, he was ... well. I gotta run. You can pick my brain about him later if you do decide to take him out or whatever." He turned but paused at the door. "Nick? It's a great drawing, really."

"Thanks," said Nick, giving him a grin and then a once over. "You look hot tonight, Joe. Now get outta here before you're late again -- I'll probably still be kicking around when you get back. I got a couple other projects I want to finish up tonight. So bring back some takeout, yeah? And we'll talk?"

Joey blushed a little and smoothed his hand over his torso. "Cut it out, man," he said, then grinned. "Takeout it is. Just don't hold your breath for the piggy bank story."

"I'll take all the dirt I can get," laughed Nick. "I'll need to have something good to start a conversation with, after all. I want to be memorable." Not that he didn't already think he was, but a little something extra never hurt anyone. And JC was just exactly as good looking as Nick had drawn him.. "Have a good night, Joey. Be safe."

"You too," Joey said jokingly. "Watch that ... charcoal ... mess. Don't want to inhale any of that." He slapped the door on his way out, and Nick had to wonder if it would be before 3 in the morning by the time he saw that takeout.

He washed his hands up as best he could in his tiny bathroom, leaving just traces of charcoal in the lines of his hands and under his fingernails. Good enough, though. They probably went well with his paint-daubed shirt and charcoal-stained shorts. Dropping the filthy towel in with the rest of his laundry -- he was really going to have to wash it, one of these days -- he drank a mouthful of water from the sink then wiped his mouth with his sleeve and headed downstairs.

"You know, if I ever see you in anything other than dirty jeans or dirty shorts, I may have a heart attack."

Roommate #3. The one that even Joey called "the Timberlake." Justin was smirking at him from where he lounged against the counter, obviously dressed to head over to the club where Joey worked later -- since Joey would let him in. Once it was late enough to make an entrance, of course.

"I could come downstairs naked, next time, if you like," he said dryly as he opened the fridge and looked for something to eat. "Just for variety. But of course, I'd hate for you to have a heart attack. Just your exes alone would overfill the church at your funeral; we'd never be able to find a place big enough. It would be a logistical nightmare."

"It would be," Justin agreed, like he was actually thinking about that. "But probably the best-looking bunch of people assembled in one place, outside of the Oscars or something, too, so. You wouldn't complain. Even you could find a date in that bunch."

Nick snorted and opened an old takeout container, then closed it right back up again when he couldn't identify the contents. "A pool of Timberlake rejects is the last place I'd go looking for a date, I'm afraid," he said, trying another. Rice. "Thanks for the thought, though, that's awfully generous of you."

"It is," Justin agreed again. Sarcasm tended to be lost on him. "But if you really are gonna count anybody I've ever gone out with out, you're really limiting yourself around here. Just so you know."

"You need to find yourself a bigger pool," said Nick, setting for the rice. At least he knew it was safe. Did rice go moldy? He poked at it a little, but it seemed okay. "If I'd have trouble finding someone you haven't gone out with, I can't imagine who *you're* sleeping with these days."

"Very lucky people," Justin grinned at him, and damn him, it *was* a gorgeous grin. "And anyway, I'm not like that anymore. Sleeping around that much. I even go out with the person a few times first, and, like, date them. The last guy I fucked? We were together for two months!"

"Wow, a whole two months?" said Nick, counting on his tone going over Justin's head again. It was a shame the pretty ones weren't also the bright ones. In the ways that meant something to Nick, anyway. "He must've been a real special guy."

"He'd take me to New York all the time," Justin said, like that would explain it. "Anyway. My point is that there are always new people to meet, if you know how. Just with you sitting around here all the time, or at school, or at the coffeeshop ... you won't meet the *new* people. You'll just meet the people that dated me. Or, you know. Wanted to."

"Well, you never know," said Nick, polishing off the rice quickly. It was going to be a long time before Joey was home. "Stranger things have happened. There might be a few around that never fell for the Timberlake charm."

"Maybe," Justin shrugged, and this time all his tone said was that he surely doubted it. "You can go change and come out with me if you want to, man. I *could* introduce you to some good guys. Some cool girls, too, except that you're not into them, right? Just guys?"

"Girls make great friends," said Nick with a wry smile, mostly for himself, as he dropped the empty container in the trash. "I have some stuff to finish here, though, and plus -- " He pulled the number out of his pocket again and looked at it. " -- there's this guy I met that wants me to give him a call. So I'm gonna have to pass."

Justin blinked at him and slid closer, trying to look at the paper and not even bothering to be subtle about it. Justin got subtlety like he got sarcasm. "Yeah? who is he? Maybe I know him. How'd you meet him?"

"He took off all his clothes for me," said Nick, folding the paper back up again before Justin could get a good look. "It was the beginning of a beautiful relationship. I don't think you know him, he didn't really seem like your type."

"Sorry," Justin sniffed, although he did look at Nick a little more speculatively. "Well, I'm out. I'm supposed to go pick up a friend on the way and actually have to be at work *early* tomorrow, so. Next time, maybe? There's this bartender, and even Joey thinks he's good-looking ... "

"Yeah?" said Nick absently, unfolding the number again. "What's his name?" He had no more intention of going with Justin next time than he ever did, but the guy always asked. Like being next to Nick would make him look even more desirable. Whether it was by association or by comparison, Nick didn't really want to know.

"Hmm." Justin's brow furrowed. "Adam? Alex? Some A-name; I can never remember. I think Joey just likes his ink. But next time!" He nodded like it was decided, and grabbed his keys. Like Nick had the first clue where he'd put them in those pants. "And don't wait up!"

"Never do," murmured Nick, briefly considering braving the fridge again for something more to eat, like something would've magically appeared in the last ten minutes. "Have a good night, Justin."

He waited until Justin was gone before heading into the living room and shoving some books off the couch so he could sit down next to the phone. He didn't think anyone else was home, which meant he could even have a bit of privacy when he made his call. For once.

He dialed JC's number carefully, smoothing the paper out on his thigh. Not even sure if he should expect the guy to be home or not. But *someone* picked up; Nick just couldn't tell from the breathless "hello" if it was JC or not.

"Hi, is JC there?" he asked, playing it safe, still smoothing the piece of paper over his thigh long after he dialed. Sparring with Timberlake always put him just a little on edge about his own charms.

There was a pause. "Yeah, just a sec."

It was more like three minutes, though; enough to make Nick even more nervous except that whoever had answered hadn't even asked who was calling. When JC got on the phone, though, Nick was surprised he'd thought the first person could have been. JC had a distinctive voice. "This is JC."

"Hey," he said with an inward sigh of relief. "How's it going? It's Nick. From art class." Just in case he was one of many Nicks that JC might have met in the last few days.

"Oh. Nick. Hello." Nick could hear rustling and a door close. "Hey. How are you doing? It's cool you called. How's the drawing coming?" JC hadn't wanted to see it. In fact, he hadn't even said he'd want to see it when he was done.

"It's finished," he told him, wincing a little as he said it. He was superstitious about saying things were finished; he would probably march straight back upstairs after talking to JC and tweak it a little. "The first one is, anyway. So how've you been?"

"Already? Wow." JC actually sounded impressed, and Nick had to wonder how many times he'd modeled before. He also noticed that it was the second time JC hadn't answered the question about how he was doing. "WIll you start another, the next class? or were you calling to tell me you were done and so you won't be showing up, and for me not to be offended or think my body scared you away."

"I already have another one started," said Nick slowly. "From memory. Your body definitely hasn't scared me away, JC; I won't be missing any classes. I was just calling to ... get to know you better. So. Who was it that answered the phone? You have roommates?" It seemed a good, safe place to start.

"I live with my brother," JC replied. "Or, well. He's letting me crash here, is more accurate." He was quiet for a second. "I was just joking, before, too. About scaring you away. I guess it wasn't very funny."

"Oh, I know," said Nick, wincing again. It wasn't a great start to the conversation, but it wasn't the worst he'd had either. Not by far. "I thought so anyway. I was just trying to be. Um. Flirtatious, actually."

"Ahh," JC said, which didn't give away much, except Nick thought he sounded a little more lighthearted when he spoke again. "Good to know. And ... from memory, huh? That's. I'm glad I made an impression. I think. Although it's a little weird."

"A little weird?" said Nick, settling back into the couch now that the conversation seemed to be a litlte more on track. And digging one last book out of the cushions that had been digging into his tailbone. "How come? That's the whole reason you were there, right? Besides, I did a bunch of preliminary sketches while you were stil posing."

"Just because I was there doesn't mean it's not ... *very* strange to be naked in front of a bunch of strangers," JC said, and that was stiff all over again. "But you sound like you know what you're doing. I wonder how they'll want me to pose next time."

"Hard to say," said Nick thoughtfully. "Probably something you're reasonably comfortable with, though. Do you ... ? You don't do that much, do you. The modeling thing I mean."

"Never," JC said softly. "I mean, it was my first time." Which surprised Nick a *lot*. Not that he seemed practiced at it at all, but. Normally, the times he'd seen people sit nude for the first time? They wouldn't sit like JC had.

"Wow, really?" he said aloud. "You did a really good job then. You looked pretty relaxed while you were doing it. Well ... as relaxed as anyone ever is, naked in front of a room full of strangers, anyway." He hoped JC could hear a smile in his voice. "What made you decide to do something like that, then?"

JC snorted quietly. "Why do you think?" He sighed, then continued. "I'm not ... that might have sounded rude; I didn't mean it to be. I need the money, and after hearing 'you could be a model' enough times, I guess I kind of bought into it. Except, you know, this seemed a little less like selling out. Like, I'm helping people, right? helping you? so."

"Yeah, you really are," said Nick, treading carefully on the topic now. "It's really important, that we have people willing to sit for us in class. And hey ... it's no big thing, you know. I've done it too, for extra cash and when they're short of art models. I know what it feels like up there. It's totally not selling out, man, it's art."

"Have you?" That actually seemed to make JC perk up. "Huh. Cool. Anyway ... thanks. It wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. But I kind of ... this sounds dumb, but I pretended I was someone else. Like, just acted completely opposite of what I'd normally do. To get through it."

Now *that* was interesting to note, especially given how Joey had reacted to how Nick had described JC -- like he didn't quite believe it. Joey! Right. "That's a good way to handle it, I bet," he said, "and I just remembered ... I turns out we might have a friend in common. I was just finishing up my drawing earlier and my roommate Joey, he came in and thought maybe he recognized you."

"From your drawing, someone recognized me?" JC asked, surprised. Then: "Wait, Joey? Not Joey Fatone. You *live* with him? Wow." Then, almost right away, he added "I suppose it would be too much to hope that this drawing was just a head shot, huh. Since I know I you had a, um. Frontal view, instead of a. Rear view. God."

"Sorry, no," said Nick, unable to help smiling a bit at what seemed to be JC's shyness. "I think the view traumatized him. But yeah, Joey Fatone, I live with him and a couple other guys. He said you guys went to school together? That you were pretty good friends."

"We were," JC said, sounding a little lost. "Wow. Joey. That's ... he's still the same as ever, I bet, huh? I'd actually thought about him a bunch when I was ... well. Wow. What's he up to now? Oh, wait, I'm sorry. That's so rude, you didn't call to have me ask about him."

"No no, it's fine," said Nick, a little resigned to the topic of conversation. He was the one who'd brought it up, after all. "He was pretty interested in you, too, when he realized who my model had been. Said something about having you over here to see you. He's just ... working. As a bouncer, in the evenings anyway. So he's out right now."

"Ah," JC said. But he didn't follow up on it. "Um, and what about you, Nick? what do you do? when you're not drawing pictures to frighten old friends of mine, that is."

"He did say it was a really good picture," Nick defended himself, but he was just as willing to let it go, now that JC was asking about *him* a little. "Me, well, I have classes of course. And then I work in this coffee place, too, when I'm not in class. Keeps me busy. What about you? Other than the modeling thing, I mean."

JC laughed lightly, and finally, Nick felt comfortbale that he'd called. "The modeling isn't a thing. I don't ... I'm not sure if I'll do it again, after this. I was kind of surprised they wanted me to begin with, but ..." He trailed off. "Anyway. What do I do? Kind of ... I just got back in town. So. I actually substitute teach at this elementary school, right now. I haven't figured out what I'm gonna do for real yet."

"Oh yeah, really?" said Nick curiously. "Joey said you guys had lost touch, after school, he wasn't sure what you'd done with yourself. Teaching? Really? That's ... pretty cool. What do you teach?"

"Um, elementary school?" JC repeated, then giggled a little. "Which, you know, just means I try to be friends with the kids so they don't switch names on me and stuff. It's not what I wanted to do with my life, but ... well. I'll figure that out sometime. Soon, before Tyler kicks me out, I guess."

"Just something you fell into, huh," said Nick, knowing all about that. "You know, you shouldn't give up on the modeling thing so quick -- you're really a beautiful guy, you know? And it can be a ... it doesn't have to be a cheap thing. It can be really beautiful. Like, you could be a photographer's model, too. Stuff like that. And it's good money."

"No," JC said quickly. "No, nothing ... nothing printed. Nothing, um, published. Unless ... no, not even then." He was quiet again. "But thank you. That's ... really, that's the nicest thing anyone's said to me in ages. An actual nice compliment. Where you're not trying to grab my ass."

"Well, you're welcome," said Nick awkwardly. "You know, you should come over. So I can compliment you some more. And ... get your story, maybe? Yeah. I think you really should."

"Right now?" JC asked curiously. "Or, no, sorry. I'm stupid. You don't mean now. Are you sure that ... you know what? As much as I'd like to see Joey again, I normally don't, like. Go to people's places, the first time I go out with them. Will you think I'm a total, total dork if I ask if we can meet somewhere? even just for coffee."

Nick actually *had* meant now, but he didn't think there was any point to saying that now. And besides, JC had used the phrase 'going out with' which was a step further than Nick had done.

"Coffee is good," he said agreeably. "Going out just means I have to put clean clothes on, is all. I'm sure I have some somewhere."

"They looked pretty clean yesterday," JC said softly, in a way that Nick recognized meant he was too shy to make it sound like the come-on he might have wanted it to be. "So, um. When were you thinking, then?"

"Well ... is tonight *bad*?" he asked, running through which things he owned both weren't paint-splattered and weren't already in the laundry. It was slim pickings. "Or ... I work tomorrow, but I'm off at seven. If you wanted."

"You *did* mean tonight," JC said, sounding surprised. "I didn't ... it sounded like it but then I realized that would be so, like, lame of me to assume. I'm actually busy tomorrow so if you wanted to, I could ... I could meet you. An hour? do you know a good place?"

"Yeah, well, I don't really have anything planned for this evening -- " If he was going to be waiting up for Joey, his other drawings could wait a few hours. " -- and I thought it might be nice to see you. Do you ... there's this place, called the Rogue's Gallery. It's this coffeehouse-slash-art-gallery deal. Do you know it?"

"I've seen it," JC admitted. "I mean, enough to know where it is and get there and stuff. Wow. So, I'm glad you called, I guess. I'm a little surprised, but glad."

"Yeah?" said Nick, grinning into the phone and running through the list of clothes that *Joey* might have in his closet. He was gonna need to borrow. "Good. I'm glad, too. So I'll see you there in an hour, then?"

"Okay," JC said. "I'll be wearing jeans and a red tee shirt, and I have a necklace that ... oh." Now JC just sounded very, very embarrassed. "I guess you'll recognize me just fine, huh."

"Well, I will now," said Nick. "It'll be different, with clothes on. But I do have a lovely charcoal drawing of me for reference. You'll be able to find me okay, you think? You haven't spent nearly as much time looking at *me*, after all ... "

"A blond tree," JC said quietly. "Right? 'Cause, wow, that could be really embarrassing if the guy I'm talking to is totally not the one I thought I was talking to."

Nick couldn't help laughing softly when he heard that. "Yeah, that's me," he admitted. "That's just about the exact same thing Joey said about me when we met, actually. So I'm pretty hard to miss."

"I doubt Joey meant it the way I mean it," JC said, even softer still. "I mean, wow, unless he's *really* changed since the last time I saw him."

"No, he hasn't changed that way," said Nick, thinking about all the women that Joey had loved since he'd known him. Then letting himself bask in JC's gentle flirtation. It was really ... nice; it made him feel good. "I should go shower. I'm covered in charcoal."

"Mm, okay," JC said. "Me too, maybe. Which means I may or may not be wearing the red." Nick could hear his smile. "An hour, then?"

"An hour," agreed Nick, already feeling a bit of an excited tingle about it. Screw Timberlake, there were still guys around who preferred someone like Nick. And JC seemed to be one of them. "I'll see you there."

* * *

Nick looked at his watch, then at his almost-empty cup of coffee, then at the door. And sighed. "I think I've been stood up," he admitted finally, leaning against the counter and talking to the guy behind it. "Damn. And I really liked this guy, too. I should just ... go home, finish up what I was doing." He didn't feel much motivation to finish a portrait of JC now, though. "Look ... don't tell Timberlake, okay? You'll probably see him tomorrow before I do. It's bad enough without him ragging on me about it."

"Hey, sure, man," Howie said gently. "Except, are you sure? You haven't been here that ... oh." He stopped when he looked at the clock on the wall.

Nick was about to reply when the little bell above the door rang for the first time in twenty minutes, and there he was. In a ski cap and a red t-shirt, as promised, and a bit of a dejected look on his face.

"JC," he said, but it came out too softly and he had to try again. "Um. JC," he said, waving at him a little to try to get his attention. "I"m over here." Relief mixed with concern was already flooding his body, and he didn't trust himself to stand up.

"Oh, Nick!" JC said, and his smile was bright like sunshine right away. He crossed the room. "Hi. I'm ... oh, I'm glad you're still here. I'm sorry. My brother left when I was in the shower with the car and I had to take, like, three buses to get here and. Hi." He looked up and noticed Howie watchihng in amusement. "Hi."

"Hi," Howie said. "I'm just gonna. You let me know when you're ready to order."

"Thanks, Howie," said Nick, giving him a little wave but not even looking up from JC's face. "JC ... I'm sorry, I had no idea how far you'd have to come to get here. I should've picked somewhere else, this is just ... where I work. And where I usually hang out. But I'm really glad you came."

"Oh, it's not." JC waved him off. "I just was so afraid you would have thought I stood you up." He smiled again -- pretty smile, pretty mouth, emphasized even more by the way that his hat covered his hair -- and climbed onto a stool next to Nick. "Hello. This is where you work, really?"

"Yeah, this is where I work," said Nick, looking around the place. It was a *good* place to work, he liked it a lot. "And I ... I kinda did. Think you stood me up. Sorry, it was just getting so late and all. I'm really glad I was still here."

Just like that, JC's face fell. Something in Nick's voice, or something. "I'm ... sorry, I said I was sorry," he said. "I don't have a cell phone and even if I did, I didn't have the number here. I tried calling you but you must have already left; your house, there's a message for you on the machine. I'm sorry. Let me ... I'll call Tyler. He can come get me"

"JC," said Nick, staring at him in confusion and even laying a hand on his arm so he couldn't go anywhere. "I'm glad I'm here. I'm glad *you're* here. Why would you leave now?"

JC didn't pull away from his touch, so that was something, but he still looked a little like a kicked puppy. "I wouldn't; I wouldn't stand you up, I don't do that. Ask Joey, I ... that's not me. I just thought, you wouldn't think that. That you thought I was nice."

"I just don't know you yet is all," said Nick carefully. "I mean, we only met the once. If it helps, I was really disappointed when I thought you had cause I wanted to see you so much. And you didn't, and I know that, and it's all okay, right?"

It must have been okay, because JC certainly didn;t look like he *wanted* to leave. "Sorry," he said quietly. "The whole thing was just an accident and can we start over? Please?" He looked down, at Nick's clean khaki's that he *had* stolen from Joey. "You look nice. No charcoal."

"A little bit of charcoal," admitted Nick, holding up his hands so JC could see the faint stains still on them, the still-slightly-grubby nails, "but I cleaned up best I could. You ... you look really good, JC. Even better than I remember you."

He did, too. Bright blue eyes that hadn't looked quite like this in the fluerescent lighting in the art class. Those lips, and nice hands that looked gentle. Cheekbones that only stood out more when JC blushed. "Thanks. I mean, I think, since, clothes and all."

"Yeah," said Nick, gesturing at his face vaguely. "More focus here. I'm liking it. So can I buy you a coffee? Or something to eat, maybe? You had an awfully long trip getting here, sounds like. You're probably hungry."

"Oh, no," JC protested. "No. I realized that I ended up asking you out, so. I should pay. And i just want coffee, yeah. Maybe, um. What are you having?" He leaned forward a little, into Nick's space and glanced in his mug.

"It's just coffee," he said with a little smile, breathing deeply when JC was close enough to smell. "French vanilla, lots of cream, lots of sugar. I wouldn't mind another. I'll keep me up all night, but I'll be waiting up for Joey anyway."

"Oh, you ... you do that? that's nice." JC sat back up slowly, and smiled when Howie reappeared. "Hi. I'll have what he's having, and he wants another. But no sugar or cream. In mine, not in his. I mean, not in mine. I mean ... " He blushed when Howie just arched an eyebrow and Nick had to giggle. "Um, we put that in ourselves. Right. I know. Nevermind."

He sighed when Howie left again to get their drinks.

Nick couldn't help smiling at him, though. He'd had no clue JC would be like this, when they'd first met. Or even when Joey had talked about him a little. He was gonna have a lot of questions for Joey later, that was for sure.

"Relax," he said softly, leaning in toward him. "I'll let you in on a secret. I already like you. So you have nothing to worry about."

"Oh, I'm not worried," JC said automatically, then his eyes widened. "I don't think I meant that that way, either. It's just. The guy you talked to before, you know, model-me, that was fake-me. And you were supposed to like me. But this" -- he gestured at himself -- "this is normal me. Not even nervous."

"Okay," said Nick softly, nodding his head. Definitely not someone Timberlake would pick, and Nick considered that a good thing. "I was just worried I was making you nervous or something. Especially with the whole standing-me-up thing, which ... I mean, I wouldn't have even thought that, if it hadn't happened to me before. So it's not you or anything."

"Well, you *are*," JC said, and laughed. "Making me nervous. I didn't mean to imply I'm not. Just. I'm like this when I'm not, too. I'm just warning you." He laughed again, and turned slightly so his knee touched Nick's leg on the stool. "This is weird."

"This, being out on a date with me, is weird?" asked Nick, looking down at where they were touching. "I'm not really that weird, honest. I'm just arty. That's what Joey tells me, anyway. I think he thinks that's a nice thing to say."

"He does, he does think that!" JC laughed louder, almost like a hyena. "Oh, gosh. He does. It's his best compliment. And no, not the date with you part. Just ... the date part. Dating. Me dating. Is weird. I haven't in a while is all."

"But you gave me your number anyway," said Nick, smiling happily at him. "So I must be something special. Um. How long *has* it been, since you were on a date? Not that it matters or anything, I'm just curious is all."

"Oh, since before I went to California," JC said, his brow furrowing as he thought. "And not since I've been back, so ... wow, a little over a year? for a real date. Like this." He smiled up at Nick, though, still sweetly, and didn't seem to have any hesitation about telling him that.

Nick's smile stayed on his face as JC told him all of that; it was hard not to feel really desirable when someone who hasn't dated in over a year picked *him* to give his number to. "So it's a fun kind of weird, then?" he asked. "An exciting kind of weird? Because that's not necessarily a bad thing. I'm glad that you're excited to be with me. If you are. I haven't been on a real date in a while either. Not as long as *you*, but, like, a month at least."

"Ooh, a whole *month*," JC teased, and it was an eerie echo of what Nick himself had said to Justin earlier than evening. "And ... yeah, it's fun-weird. I mean. It was part of the whole thing, you know? the modeling thing. To actually talk to people afterwards, to meet people. I realized I couldn't just sit around; I had to force myself to do it."

"You mean force yourself to be sociable, not force yourself to go out with me, right?" said Nick, accepting his coffee. "Because the going out with me part is, I hope, more voluntary than that. Was the modeling really that hard for you? I mean, I remember it's a little awkward, but it wasn't so bad when you realize that people aren't looking at you dirty."

JC's head jerked up a little bit before he relaxed again. "I'm really, really shy," he admitted slowly. "A million times better than I used to be, but ... yeah, it's always a real challenge for me to talk to anyone. To know people are looking at me at *all*."

"Then you did really good," Nick assured him. "I wouldn't have guessed you were shy at all, when we met. You seemed really ... confident. Friendly. That's what I told Joey about you when we were talking, and he seemed really surprised. Now I know why, though. You were probably at your shiest in school, or something, right?" He eyed JC's untouched coffee. "If you want something else, we can get it for you," he offered. "Just because I live on this stuff doesn't mean everyone else has to."

"No, no, this is good!" JC insisted, sipping at it tentatively. "Sorry, I'm just so distracted." He smiled again, turning even more on the stool to face Nick. "And, you know, about being confident? It just helps to have someone seem really interested in you. The first guy I talked to, I think I probably was a little less nice."

"What, you mean I wasn't your first choice?" teased Nick lightly, reaching out and just barely touching JC's knee. "And just so you know ... I don't go hitting on all the models for class or anything. I just ... you seemed interesting, to me. Maybe I could see a spark of who you really are underneath that stuff, even then.

"I didn't approach *anybody*," JC reminded him. "I just ... didn't run away when people came up to me. So I should really be teasing *you* about why I didn't see you first." He smiled broader and didn't move his knee. "I would love to know what you thought seemed so interesting. Besides the um, the obvious."

Even Nick blushed a little at that one. "That's not why," he assured him quickly. "I mean, it was lovely -- you were lovely, I mean -- but ... " He shut himself up with a sip of his coffee. "Can I start over?" he laughed a moment later. "I just got this vibe from you. And your smile -- I can't remember who it was, but someone said something to you, and you smiled and laughed and it seemed so sweet. So genuine. I think that was what made me get off my ass and actually say something to you."

"Oh, hey," JC said, looking pleasantly surprised. "I forget that girl's name, but ... wow, okay, now *that's* the nicest compliment I've gotten in a while. And still no ass-grabbing." His eyes gleamed a little. "It feels good to laugh, though. Really."

"I'm saving the ass-grabbing for our second date," said Nick to him confidentially, then winked. "You really do need to come over some time. Not just for me, but I think Joey's really looking forward to seeing you again. He sure did recognize you awful quick. Of course, that may just show how talented an artist I am -- " He grinned, just be *sure* JC knew he was kidding. " -- but still."

"Well," JC said, sipping his coffee again. "We *were* good friends. I just ... maybe he's thought about me too, or something, since. So we'll see." He didn't seem willing to commit to it, though. "Good to know about the second-date thing, though. That ... yeah. That might work for me."

"But I suppose it's inappropriate to have a second date the same night as the first," mused Nick, touching his leg again. "So I'll have to ask you out another time. Or you could as me out, if you wanted, but I think it's my turn. Do you like the coffee?"

"It is, it is, and I do," JC said, before slipping his hand over top of the one Nick had on his leg, resting his fingers between Nick's. "We'll just have to do it again. Do you ... what else do you like to do, where else to you like to go? Like, the last person -- guy? -- you dated, where'd you take him."

"It was a guy," Nick confirmed for him, unselfconsciously. "It's always been guys. Hmmm ... lemme think. Well, we came here, obviously. Some galleries. The park. My place. His place. A couple shows some friends of ours were doing. Just stuff like that. Do you like any of those things?"

"Yeah, I like his place a lot," JC said, so innocently it took Nick a second to realize JC was joking with him. "I'm just kidding. I don't ... I don't know a lot about art," he admitted. "But I like being outside."

"I think you might learn a lot about art, being with me," admitted Nick. "Whether you want to or not. But outside is good, outside is great. I ride my bike everywhere, so I'm outside a lot. So you should tell me more about yourself, JC. I'm really interested to know."

"What do you want to know?" JC laughed. "You knowmore about me than I do about you. Grew up here, mostly, went to California for a while. Left. Came here, I've been crashing with my brother and substituting and trying to decide what to do with my life. I swear, I'm boring. That's it."

Nick laughed and shook his head and licked the edge of his cup to get the last of the sugar off it. "That's not everything." he insisted. "And you know *lots* more than that about me. What did you do when you were in California? Were you there for a long time? Did you go to college? Oh, you must've, if you're subsituting. But where? And ... " He grinned. "See? There's lots of stuff."

"Yeah, lots of stuff," JC said quietly. "Okay, here's the thing ... I like you, too, Nick. Just ... let's save the what-JC-did-in-California story for another day. And I promise, I don't even know that much about you. Like. How did you meet Joey? At the club he bounces for?"

"Oh, okay," said Nick, filing that one away. Right up until that point he hadn't even caught that JC didn't want to talk about it. And he called *Justin* thick. "No, I don't really go to that club a lot, not really my thing. One of our other roommates -- Justin. Timberlake. -- he does, though. No, me and Joey just ended up having some mutual friends; I go to school with one of his ex-girlfriends. Who's also a roommate, but it's cool. They're cool."

JC nodded at that, and grinned a little. "Typical," he smiled. "Only Joey would end up *living* with an ex-grilfriend. Of course, knowing him, there probably are very few girls of acceptable age around that *aren't* ex-girlfriends. Unless, again, maybe that's changed too."

"Maybe a little," Nick told him with a little smile. "Getting his own heart broken changed him a little, I think. Now he leaves that kind of thing to Justin. Which isn't to say he doesn't get *around* -- nobody changes *that* much, I guess -- but he's a little slower about it. "

JC looked at him sharply, again. "He got his *heart* broken? How did that happen? and when, when? Joe, he was always so ... was this recent? Is he okay?" For someone who hadn't seen Joey in years, it sounded like, he was awfully concerned.

"Last year," said Nick, nodding his head. "Before I knew him really well. I guess him and this girl got serious, and she wasn't the right one. Cheated on him, I think. He doesn't talk about it much. I mean, he's fine, you don't need to worry. He's just more ... he doesn't burn through women as fast, now. But he still loves them. I've never met anyone who loved women as much as Joey does."

"Me either," JC replied softly. "He's ... he always had the biggest heart of anyone, and a lot of love to give. I'm sorry someone took advantage of that." He sighed, but then Nick felt him squeeze his hand. "What about you? Any broken hearts?"

Nick gave him a shy, rueful smile. "Maybe not broken," he said. "Maybe just beat up a little, but it recovered just fine. Ready to love again. You? You know anything about that?"

"Mmm," JC said, like he honestly had to think about it. "I've been hurt, but it's not ... I wouldn't say someone else did it to me. Well ... not in the way I meant when I asked you. But I'm ... " -- he blushed *beautifully* -- "what you said. Ready to love."

"That's good to know," said Nick softly. JC's hand was still wrapped around his so he squeezed back. "Oh, you're out of coffee. Do you want another? We can just call Howie back, he can get us something. Or something to eat, too, did you say you were hungry? I can't remember."

"I said I wasn't," JC laughed. "I think. And actually ... actually, I should get going. It'll probably take me twice as long to get home as it did to get here. And now I've met you and decided you're not likely to kidnap me if I come over to your place for, you know, second-date stuff. So."

"I'd give you a ride if I could," said Nick apologetically. "But all I've got is my bike. You're okay to get home? And ... when do you want to get together again? Because you said you're busy tomorrow, and then after that I see you in class again, right? So ... you tell me when's good."

JC blinked and sighed again. "Um, I don't know. I'll just ... maybe we can talk in class. Or, you know, you have my number." He waved at Howie. "Can I get the check, man? Thanks."

Howie looked over at Nick, questioningly.

"Hey, coffee's on me," said Nick, waving him off. "I work here, remember? It's gonna cost me, like, a nickel. If that. So ... yeah, how about I call you, then, and we can talk and figure it out. I'm ... I really had a good time, JC. I'm glad we did this."

JC smiled at him, but slipped his hand out of Nick's, too. "Okay. Me too. Just ... " He dug in his pockets. "Here, here's a five. Please, come on, I asked you out. Basically. Just take it."

Nick didn't want to fight with him so he took the five, but promised himself he would spend it on JC. He needed money, sure, but he bet JC needed it more. Waving Howie over, he gave it to him, for show at least. "Thanks for making me the boy you wanted to ask out," he said softly. "It still makes me feel special. You have a safe trip home, okay?"

"Okay," JC said, climbing off the stool. He leaned over and gave Nick's cheek a surreptitious kiss, then pulled his hat down low as he waved and walked back out of Nick's coffeehouse without saying anything else.

Nick watched the door for a few moments, a smile still plastered on his face, then turned around and gestured for Howie to bring him another coffee. And himself, for a few minutes at least.

"So, he's ... skittish," Howie said, obviously settling on that word. "Cute as hell, though, honey. Where'd you meet this one again, and does he have a brother?"

Nick laughed and looked back over his shoulder at the door again. "Would you believe he was the model for my art class? Hard to picture now, huh. I never guessed him for being that shy. But wow, isn't he the most adorable thing *ever*?"

"Just face, right?" Howie asked, then squeaked at Nick shaking his head. "*Naked*? *Him*? No way." Howie glanced at the door too, like JC would reappear for *either* of them. "Um, need me to pick you up from class next time, then? A little early, even?"

He laughed again -- at the look on Howie's face if nothing else -- and shook his head. "I really don't think he likes doing it much. It's just for the money. He seems *so* shy. And ... yeah, skittish. He says he's just like that, though."

"Well, he *is* sweet," Howie said, turning back to him. "And he liked you. He really did. Didn't take his eyes off you once, I don't think. So please tell me you're taking him somewhere else next time."

"What, so you actually remember to serve other people than just him, especially now that you're gonna be picturing him naked?" teased Nick. "Actually, he's coming over next time, I think. So unless you're planning a surprise visit, you're safe. Or were you worried he was gonna ravish poor li'l ol' me right there?"

Howie chuckled. "No, no. I'm just saying. You should actually try and *woo* this one, Nick. Treat him well. He looks a little ... burned, maybe? And I know you're about the nicest guy I know, so ... shouldn't be too hard for you."

"It was *his* idea to get coffee," Nick defended himself. "But trust me, Howie, I'm gonna treat this guy right. He hasn't dated in over a *year*. That's a big thing, I think. Especially that he picked me to give his number to. I want to make sure he knows it wasn't a mistake."

"A year?" Howie sputtered. "Jeez. Yeah. So, yeah, treat him right in *all* the ways you know. Man. A year. How horny must he be." He grinned again and leaned over the counter to pinch Nick's cheek. "And how lucky are you."

Nick swatted his hand away in embarassment. "I'm not gonna roll him first chance I get or anything," he said. "Everything I'm getting from him says I need to be taking this slow. But ... I guess I'll see. Oh! Did I tell you he's an old friend of Joey's, turns out?"

"Fatone?" Howie said, grabbing a dishcloth and swiping off the counter. "No, cool. Man, you're so in. And I don't mean that in a perverted way, although." He winked.

"Yeah you do," snickered Nick. "You know you do. But I dunno ... there's some history there. I'm gonna ask Joey about it tonight, when he gets in." He sipped his hot coffee carefully. "I really do like him, Howie. Smack me if i start messing it up, okay?"

"I'll just pinch your cheeks some more," Howie promised. "You won't mess it up." Nick would certainly try.

* * *

"Nicky!" Nick heard Joey bellow from downstairs, which meant he must have left Justin *and* Britney out somewhere else -- so much for Justin working early. "Nicky, I got your take-out! C'mon, come and get it. While it's *hot*," he added, growling, then laughing at himself.

Nick didn't think Joey would appreciate it if he flaked watercolors into his food so he gave his hands and face a quick wash before dashing down the two flights of stairs to the kitchen. He just hoped Joey hadn't woken Chris -- if he'd even gotten home; Nick didn't hear him come in -- but then, Chris slept like the dead anyway.

"What did you bring me?" was the first thing he asked when he spotted Joey.

"Pizza," Joey admitted, shrugging. "I stopped by the pizzaria, you know that's the only thing open this late on my way. But no meat on your half; you see how much I like you?" He looked completely awake, and not for the first time, Nick wondered how he held down both his jobs too, and dating, the hours he kept.

"I could *kiss* you," he said, grinning happily as he dug in. He made loud smacking noises with his lips in Joey's direction. "So how was work? Any gruesome stories to tell me tonight?"

"Hmmm," Joey considered, reaching for a beer out of the fridge and holding one up for Nick questioningly. "Work was good. Wait, do I got a hickey on my neck? This one chick, she was *maybe* 19, *maybe*. Trying to get in. Man."

"And did she?" asked Nick, taking the beer as he looked more closely at Joey's neck. "Manage to slip by the bouncer while he was busy melting?" He doubted it, though. Joey loved women, but he was also good at his job.

"Hell no!" Joey insisted. "Plus, man, she looked like a really, really young Kelly. So, you know. I let her give it her best shot and then enjoyed shooting her down." Joey gave him an impish grin and clinked their bottles together. "So seriously, man, is there a mark? I gotta date tomorrow."

"Not really," said Nick, touching his neck gently. "It's a little red. The kinda thing that'll fade overnight. And if not, just borrow some concealer or something, but it's really faint anyway. Who've you got a date with, anyway? You never said."

"Kay," Joey murmured, forgetting about it, and hopping up on the counter. "Mmm, who? this girl I met when I was working last weekend. And she *was* legal. She brought me some water from behind the bar, you know, when whoever's working usually grabs Justin or Brit to get it to me? I thought that was nice. Her name's Mandy."

"That's sweet," said Nick, smiling at the though and still riding the high of his date with JC. "This you first date, or did you go out with he before and I didn't know about it?"

"No, no, first date," Joey said. "Definitely first date. She's ... you know, she's a real darling. I gotta be PG-me." He paused. "Well, maybe PG-13 me. But in any case, yeah. Flowers and stuff. She's that type."

"Hey, that's great," said Nick, reaching for more pizza. "That's really great, Joey. I, um. I went out on a date of my own, tonight, actually ... "

"You *did*?" Joey said. "Wow, that's ... I had no idea you had a date tonight, man. How'd it go? Who was it? Was it the guy you were talking about last week, that friend of Howie's? or someone you met at school? Brit didn't mention seeing you with anyone ... "

"I called JC," Nick said softly. "After you went to work, I called JC. And we talked, and then we got together for coffee. And he was really cool, Joey."

Joey put down his beer. "Oh. huh. I guess I ... when you said you were calling him, I didn't know you meant tonight. Wow." He chewed on his lip for a second, then shook his head and grinned. "Well? how the hell is the guy, Nick? C'mon, don't make me beg here."

"You never *told* me he was so shy," Nick accused him, pointing at him with his pizza. "I had no idea. But ... oh man, Joey, he's *such* a sweetheart. What was it Howie called him? Oh ... skittish. Yeah. But sweet. I think I really like him, Joey. For real."

"You never asked!" Joey protested. "I *told* you I thought it was weird that he was modeling. I know I did. That's just ... not the JC I knew. So, well, good to know he hasn't changed, then. Skittish, yeah. Sometimes. He'll ... if you're nice to him, he'll calm down. Which, okay. You like him? Okay."

"Yeah," said Nick. "I like him. He says he's modeling for the money; he's really not comfortable with it. As wonderful as I think he's doing, I hope he doesn't have to do it for long. He seemed a lot happier with his clothes *on*. Oh, but he's *so* beautiful, Joey."

"He never knew that," Joey said quietly, biting a thumbnail and then taking a long, long swallow of his beer. "Hmm, I guess that was one thing I hoped *had* changed. And money? he didn't look sick or too skinny, or anything, did he? I mean, your picture, he looked thin but not *hungry*."

"He says he's living with his bother, so I'm sure he's being fed," said Nick, thinking back on the conversation. "Plus, I offered to buy him something but he insisted on paying for coffee. I really didn't want him to, but he insisted. He's *thin*, but he ... he looks okay. Did he used to not date much, when you guys knew each other? Like, is that a normal thing for him?"

"His brother's -- Tyler? He's *younger* than C," Joey said, not really sounding relieved. "But ... no, you're right, I'm sure he's eating. And dating, I." He actually looked uncertain about how to answer that. "Well, he was kind of exploring his se-sexuality, when I knew him. So. Plus, he's picky. So. Why, does he not have a boyfriend? That's good for you, right?"

"Not only doesn't he have a boyfriend, I'm the first guy he's dated in over a year," admitted Nick. "I guess he's *very* picky. I should be flattered, huh?" He gave Joey a questioning smile. The way Joey was answering him -- there was something there, that Nick didn't know about. Maybe a lot of things that he didn't know about.

"Wow, I guess yeah," Joey said, and downed the rest of his beer. "Look, Nick ... we *were* good friends. But you probably know as much about him now as I do. I have no idea where he went, what he does ... I'm really a bad person to ask. I can just say that I think he's one of the nicest, most honest people I've met, and I hope that hasn't changed."

"How come you guys lost touch?" asked Nick finally. "If you were good friends and all. It just seems ... kinda not like you, really. You keep your good friends close."

Joey looked back over at Nick, then closed his eyes. "Well," he said quietly. "That's kind of a long story. We *were* close, then it was ... hard for us to be friends. And he left town, and I never knew where, and didn't have any way to get in touch with him. I mean, I *could* have, but. It was kind of obvious he didn't necessarily want to be found."

"He said he was in California for a while," Nick told him, helping himself to more pizza. "I don't know how long. Joey ... I can't imagine how it was hard to be friends with someone. Especially for *you*."

"Yeah?" Joey challenged gently, grabbing another beer. "Well, it happens. Haven't you ever been ... embarrassed? and thought you would just die if you had to see the person you'd embarrassed yourself in front of again? and then if it went both ways? No matter what kind of history you have, that can make it hard."

"So are you gonna tell me or not?" asked Nick, pushing the issue. "If you're not gonna tell me then just say you're not gonna tell me and don't hint around the issue like that, Joey. Though if me and JC get more serious ... I'm sure I'll find out what your story is. It sounds ... " He actually looked at Joey in concern this time. "You okay?"

"Yeah," Joey muttered, wiping his face with his hands. "Look, I don't ... I don't know if he'd want me to tell you, Nick. Maybe he's even forgotten. And then it might be this thing that shouldn't even be a thing. It won't come up, I don't think. Okay? It'll just be good to see him."

"So it's nothing I should, like, know about him?" asked Nick, very sure that it was something that *would* come up, sooner or later. "Okay, then. But you *do* need to spill about him, Joey. I'm counting on you."

"I'll tell you whatever else you want to know," Joey tried to compensate. "But that's ... it's kind of personal. And it was a while ago and I just, I can't tell you without knowing if he's cool with it."

"It's fine, it's okay." said Nick. "Really. I just ... you're both a little awkward about each other. Like you really want to see each other, but you're worried at the same time. It's gonna be cool, right? When I bring him over? Things aren't gonna get all weird?"

"He was awkward about me?" Joey said, whatever was left of his smile fading. "Oh. No, we'll ... no weirdness. I promise, we left on good terms. No fighting, no ... we never disliked each other, Nick. So don't worry. If he wants to see me, it'll be great to see him."

"He does want to see you," Nick assured him. There was no way it wasn't going to be weird, not with a reaction like that. He just had to hope that it wouldn't end up being *too* awkward a reunion. "He'll probably be coming over, in a few days. He said he doesn't go over to boys' houses on the first date, but the second date's okay."

Joey shocked Nick by bursting into laughter. "He still *does* that? Oh, man." He grinned and chuckled to himself before he finally explained. "That's ... I *taught* him that. Back when he kind of ... figured out he liked guys, wanted to date guys. I told him the stuff I'd do to really make a guy fall. You know, all the stuff that makes *me* fall? So yeah, that was one of the things. I can't believe he still does it."

Nick grinned at him and blushed a little. "I though he was just shy," he admitted. "And making sure I wasn't an axe murderer too, I guess. You *taught* him that? Freak. I coulda had him *here* tonight if it hadn't been for you ... "

"Yeah, but he has you wanting more this way, doesn't he?" Joey said, spreading his arms out like it proved his point. "And he is shy, about *dating*. He takes that part seriously."

"I don't need to be played, Joey, I already like the guy. Obviously." He smiled as he tossed the edge of his pizza crust back in the box. "He coulda come over and I stil would've wanted to see him again. And we both would've gotten laid and how can *that* be a bad thing? It might shut Timberlake up." But the thing with JC had nothing to do with Justin. "So you think he really is interested in dating me?"

"I would say you're his type," Joey admitted. "Unless that's changed. And you're super-nice, so why wouldn't he?" He started wringing his hands a little. "So, so you think he woulda slept with you, if he'd come over? really?"

"That was kinda a joke," said Nick, punching Joey's shoulder lightly. "But you think he wouldn't?" He looked down at himself. "I look all right, right? Nothing he wouldn't want?"

"God," Joey rolled his eyes, but was grinning. "I swear, this house. I got you, not thinking you're as good-looking you are, and then the Timberlake, who thinks he's better-looking than he is." He ruffled Nick's bangs. "He wants you. If he went out with you all last minute? and gave you his number? he does."

"Well, then he might've slept with me, when he came over," said Nick firmly. "If we'd wanted to. If I cleaned my room up a litlte. Damn. I should probably do that. You *know* what it looks like up there. And I *know* I look fine, I just didn't know if I'd look fine to *him*. I think my definition of 'fine' might be a little off." He flaked a bit of paint off his nails, as if to demonstrate.

Joey was still smiling, but he didn't really respond to that. "I don't know. I mean, you talked to him and saw him and, whatever, but I just ... before, he wouldn'tve fucked someone on a first date. Not JC."

"Well, it's a good thing we've already had our first date then," joked Nick, but he wasn't even close to serious about it. He wasn't Justin. He wasn't even Joey. *He* didn't even usually have sex on the first date, if it was someone he was actually interested in. And he knew Joey knew that, too, had known him long enough to know *that* at least. "I'm really glad I met him. He's not like anyone else I've known."

"He's special," Joey agreed. "Well ... I gotta get to bed, man, if I'm gonna get up for work. Just. Let me know whe he's coming, okay? Anytime except for tomorrow, 'cause I've got that thing with Mandy. But anything else, I'll reschedule for it. Okay?"

"Okay," said Nick. "He's busy tomorrow anyway, and I have to work. I'm just gonna clean this up and head to bed, too. Night, Joe. And thanks, man. We'll have to talk about him more another time."

"Anything you want," Joey said, although Nick knew that wasn't true. Now he knew, at least. He just didn't know if it was something he'd try to pursue with JC or not.

* * *

"Garcon! Garcon!"

Nick looked up to see Britney standing at the counter, grinning at him and snapping her fingers in mock impatience. "I'm sorry," he said sweetly to her. "We don't serve your kind here. Am I gonna need to call security, ma'am?"

"Once I start kicking your ass, you might," she retorted, sugary-sweet herself. "What's this, me having to hear from *Joey* that you had a date last night? do you not understand the way the house system works? you knew me first, therefore, I get all the gossip *first*."

"And if you'd actually come *home* last night, you might've heard," said Nick, flicking water at her before drying his hands off. "Joey, however, not only came home but brought me pizza. Sorry girl, no contest. The pizza wins every time. So what did he tell you?"

"That the hot naked guy in that picture you drew in your room is an old friend of his and you took him out," grinned Britney, completely unapologetic about staying out all night. "Shit, maybe *I'll* start taking art with you."

"Yeah, that about sums it up," laughed Nick. "He gave me his number, I called him last night, we got together for coffee. And that's it so far, so stop thinking those dirty thoughts that I *know* you're thinking right now, Miss Britney."

"I don't know why all you guys think *I'm* the perv," she pouted, although she definitely deserved the reputation, Nick knew. She liked hearing the play-by-plays of everyone's dates more than *Joey* did. "You're seeing him again, right? Joey said you were."

"Yeah, I'm seeing him again," said Nick. "Wow, you just know everything, don't you? I don't know when, then, I gotta give him a call, set things up. So you want anything, while you're here? I should probably at least look like I'm working."

"Yeah, some hot tea," she said, scooting up on the stool. "Thanks. So what's he like? Joey wouldn't spill. And where'd you take him last night? Joey wouldn't tell me that, either."

"I took him here," laughed Nick as he got her drink for her. "He wanted to go for coffee, and this is the best spot I know. He's ... oh, he seems like such a sweetheart. Shy and nice and it seems like he really likes me too."

"Oh," Britney pouted. "Nice like you? Does this mean no good sexy details, then?" She stirred a bunch of honey in her tea. "But that's good for you. I like the guys you talk to at school and all. Not like the Timberlake. He has awful taste. Course, he dates guys just like him."

"There will *be* good sexy details!" said Nick, rolling his eyes. "You and Joey ... you think I never get laid or anything?" He was just well behind the pace of the rest of the house. "I was talking to the Timberlake last night, before I went out. Told him I wouldn't touch his exes with a ten-foot pole. More or less. He took it well, I think."

Britney laughed lightly. "He still asked you to come out with us, though, didn't he," she guessed. "He's such a freak. And I'm just giving you a hard time, Nicky. I know you have sex. I just haven't heard all the noise from the attic I would've expected, given how many people I see hit on you in a given day at school."

Nick snorted and shook his head. "No, not hitting on me, asking me for my notes or something." he corrected her. "And maybe I just have sex quiet. You ever think that? Not everyone's a screamer like you, Brit. Or like -- dear god -- the Timberlake. If only he wasn't screaming his *own* name ... "

"He does *not* do that!" she laughed. "Promise me you haven't heard him do that. And I don't scream. I just. Express my enjoyment. The guy's gotta hear it, right? don't tell me you don't like it when you have someone in your bed that just can't keep quiet."

"I like all kinds of things," said Nick enigmatically. "And he *so* does! Haven't you ever heard him? *Not* that I was listening, but he's right below me and there's a vent and ... you see where I'm going with this."

"Yes, yes," she said, snorting delicately. "Sheesh. I swear, and he still tries to hit on me. As if." She leaned across the counter and brushed Nick's bangs out of his eyes. "Anyway. You know I try to spend as many nights out of the house as I can, Nick! I'd rather not bring a guy home to you freaks if I can help it. With Joey being all ... ex-y, and the Timberlake, and Chris being so. Strange."

"He's a writer," snickered Nick. "Of course he's strange. And I know you don't, hon, you know I'm teasing. The Timberlake would drown you out anyway, on a good night. I think this is the first time in my life that *I've* been the normal one, though."

"Yeah, yeah, rub it in," Britney sniffed. "I'm not so bad, anyway. So. Tell me more about this guy! What's his name, does he have a straight brother ... or at least one that can be swayed my way ... "

"His name is JC," said Nick, resisting the urge to sigh a little like a teenager with a crush. "And he has a brother, but I don't know anything about him. And you *do* don't need me to set you up with anyone, either. He's ... I don't even know much about him yet. He's shy. But I really like him."

"WHy?" she pressed him. "What about him? I mean, besides how you already saw him naked, and so no worries about scary surprises when you get in the bedroom. He seemed. Um, nicely-gifted. Unless you were being kind in your drawing."

"I draw what I see," said Nick with a little smile. "And I don't know what it is about him, Brit. He just ... there's something there. He's beautiful and sweet and -- did I mention this? -- interested. And Joey has all kinds of good things to say about him. He just makes me feel good. I can't explain it."

"Well, Joey's one of the good ones," she said easily. "So if he says good things, that's enough right there. And I think you need a sweet guy," she added squinting. "A sweet screamer would be best, but."

"Well, we'll just have to find out about that," said Nick. "I'm sure you'll be the first to know. You'll probably be standing right outside my door the first time I have him over. But yeah ... sweet. And that's a really good start, I think."

She just grinned cheekily. "You'll be lucky if I don't have little scorecards waiting when you leave the room to take care of the condom," she teased. "Now. When are you calling him. DO you need my help? I am, after all, the only person in the house you can trust about dating. You know this."

"I know this," Nick agreed solemnly. "I do. And I was going to call him tomorrow, because he's busy tonight. Oh, and plus, I'll see him in class, too. I actually do know how to date. I've done it many times before. And occasionally it was even successful."

"Hey, I'm not saying you're not," Britney said, holding up her hands. "I know you've done it; did I not JUST get through saying I see guys hitting on you all the time? I was just. Trying to be nice, nevermind."

"Sorry Brit. I was just getting it from the Timberlake and even kinda Joey, yesterday. I may be the new kid, but i'm not a *kid* and they could kindly remember that sometimes. I get around, in my own time. So what about you? Any prospects?"

"Eh," she said, grabbing a muffin. "The guy last night was nice at the club and then a real jerk this morning, so whatever. No. Although you think I'm kidding about your boy's brother; I'm not." She licked some crumbs off her thumb and stood up. "Well, I got class," she said. "See you at home for dinner tonight, or no?"

"Yeah, I'm off at seven," he said, glancing up at the clock. It was nowhere near seven yet. You cooking for me, babycakes? I'll be your best friend ... "

"Yep, lost a bet to fuckin' Joey, so yes," she sighed. "There'll be plenty. Burgers and ... I'll pick up some veggie burgers. That good?" She blew him a kiss, and then threw another at Howie at the other end of the counter. "Bye hon. And remember, next time, you give *me* the gossip first."

"Thank you," he said. "And I told you, if you'd just come home, you'd be the first to know. See you later, sweetie."

* * *

Just like the night before, Joey'd already left for work with Britney and Justin in tow. And Nick had no clue where Chris was, except he wasn't answering the insistent pounding on the door, so Nick had to jog all the way down from the attic to answer it.

JC was standing there, drenched, with his arms wrapped around himself. "Can I come in?" he pleaded. "I'm sorry. Please?"

"Shit!" was the first thing that came out of Nick's mouth as he flung the door wide and wrapped an arm around JC's shoulders, pulling him inside. "JC, you're freezing! We need to get you dry." He didn't even wait for him to answer, just closed the door with his foot and started leading him to the downstairs bathroom.

"I'm not that cold," he insisted, even though his thin frame was shaking from *something*. "Just wet. Had to ... you know, buses. Hi Nick." He went willingly enough, though, and even leaned into Nick's body.

Nick laughed nervously. "Hi JC," he said, flipping the light on. "You're gonna need to take your shirt off so we an get you dry here. Damn." He brushed JC's hair off his forehead and met his eyes. "Wow. You're *here*."

"I'm sorry," JC shivered again, reaching for the bottom of his sweatshirt. "I just ... it was a bad night, and I'm so sorry for showing up uninvited, and I hope you don't think I'm too much of a stalker that I knew your address, and just ... you were nice yesterday and sorry."

"Don't apologize," he said instantly, grabbing the first towel he could reach and rubbing down JC's body with it. It wasn't even sexual, he just wanted to get JC *warm* again. The guy was shaking. "I'm really glad to see you. Surprised, but glad. Um. You should probably take those pants off, too, really. They're soaked."

JC blushed furiously but shucked them off, along with his sneakers and socks. "Can you close the door?" he whispered. "I know you've seen me, but your roommates ... "

"No one's home," Nick assured him, but he closed it for him anyway. "Joey's working and Justin and Brit are out and Chris is antisocial." He dropped to his knees to keep on drying off JC's body, concentrating on the task at hand. "So JC ... what's wrong? What happened?"

"I got caught in the rain," JC said. Like that wasn't obvious. "I was just ... I was out somewhere and I got caught out and I didn't think, you were just. Your place was closer and I wanted to see you. Sorry," he added, for the third time.

"You don't need to be sorry, JC," insisted Nick, standing up again to dry JC's hair. "I'm really glad to see you. I'm just worried. You're okay, though? For real? Where were you?"

JC nodded, then wrapped his fingers around Nick's wrists. "Nick," he said, then pulled his face down with surprising strength to kiss him; a little desperate, soft open mouth.

Nick was so surprised he almost stumbed against him, then just naturally started kissing him back. A little whimper escaped his throat as his brain caught up with what his body was doing.

JC wouldn't let go, shifting against Nick; even his mostly-bare body getting Nick's clothes damp. He moved with him, insinuated himself between Nick's legs, finally loosened his grip on Nick's wrists only to wrap his chilly fingers around the back of Nick's neck.

Nick didn't let his confusion stop him from just going with it. He wanted JC, and JC wanted him, and there was nothing wrong with this. Nothing at all. And hell, he'd have something to tell Britney later that might even impress her a little. If he told, which he wasn't sure he would.

JC was getting warmer the longer they kissed, too, so Nick could even convince himself a little that he was doing this for JC's health.

He made soft noises of his own, these sweet, gentle little mewls -- then started backing up against the sink. Effectively pinning himself against it, with Nick's body. It had to be digging into his back, but he just kissed Nick more enthusiastically.

Nick wasn't sure what he was supposed to be doing, but he knew that his clothes were getting in the way. He managed to strip his shirt off with one hand and finally felt his own skin pressed up against JC's. There was definitely heat now.

"Where's your room," JC finally whispered, never pulling his lips away for more than a second. "Can we. Your room, Nick." He dragged his fingers down Nick's back and pulled him even closer.

"Upstairs," he mumbled. "Top floor. Attic. Not far." He didn't pull away either; it was getting harder and harder to even move away long enough to talk. "No one home. Dash up."

"Attic?" JC questioned softly, but he was pushing at Nick, nudging him toward the door, still keeping their mouths pressed together like he was drawing breath from it. "Okay." Nick touched JC's hip, felt the wet cotton of his underwear, wanted those off too.

"Yeah, I have the attic room," mumbled Nick against his lips. "It's good, it's warm." He hoped to god Chris really *wasn't* home as he opened the door and they both tumbled back through it, leaving a pile of clothes behind. And hoped that JC would continue to shut him up like he was, because everything that came out of his mouth ended up sounding so stupid.

"Warm, warm's good," JC whispered, crawling closer into Nick's arms until they'd stopped still all over again in the hall. His hands were clammy, not cold, but they felt amazing running over Nick's bare back, then dancing over his ribs.

Nick let JC press his shoulders against the wall as they kissed and just kept kissing like stopping would kill them. Part of him was desperate to get upstairs, but another part wanted to stay right where they were and keep doing this and keep feeling good and safe and ... good.

"We need to get you warm," he mumbled finally. "I'll get you warm."

"Yes," JC whispered, pinning him there gingerly like he knew what he was supposed to be doing but hadn't ever done it himself. "Need that."

Nick was a pretty big guy, and JC looked like he'd be pretty light, and so before he could change his mind or start to think rationally at all, Nick just reached around JC's body and lifted him right up and tried to coax JC's legs around his body as he started for the stairs. "Better in private," he mumbled in explanation, then found JC's lips again.

JC went surprisingly easily, wrapping his long limbs around Nick and holding on, but not clinging. Nick could feel the heat and hardness beneath JC's underwear, flush against his stomach. Still kissing, kissing, and he groped for the stairs blindly.

"Private with you," murmured JC in reply, slipping his tongue into Nick's mouth for only the second time. He hitched himself up closer and made a slow roll of his hips.

It was all Nick could do not to drop him right on the stairs as they made their way up. JC made him want this more with every move he made, every time they kissed, every time Nick even *looked * at him. He made it up faster than he imaginedhe would and shoved the door open desperately.

"This is it," he said, not even letting JC down as he headed for the bed. "Underwear off now. They're wet."

"Okay," JC allowed quietly, but Nick was still holding him, and he couldn't let go to take them off himself. "I'm sorry ... making such a mess." He moved his mouth to Nick's cheek for a split-second, but just as soon was sucking gently at his lower lip.

"You're not," said Nick as he let him down gently next to the bed. "Need to get you warm again." He kept kissing him, though, both of them just standing there and holding each other and not wanting to stop.

It was strange that *now* JC started shivering again, now that they were in a warmer room, and now that his body had to be flushed from what they'd been doing. "Did you want ... ?" he started, then Nick felt him start to push at his own underwear. "Want to watch?"

"I want to do," said Nick, reaching down immediately to help him. "And then I want you on my bed and I want to *be* with you JC." Once he got the rest of his *own* clothes off, anyway. And got JC under the covers with him, which was a step he normally didn't bother with.

"Oh," JC breathed, resting his hands on Nick's shoulders and watching with big eyes as Nick worked the wet material down over his skinny legs and knobby knees. He stepped out of the underwear carefully, and reached behind himself to ease down onto the mattress. "Oh."

Nick pulled the blankets back for him, then quickly stripped himself of the rest of his own clothes. He'd seen JC naked before, but not like this -- damp and flushed and very, very hard for him. He couldn't wait to touch him, kiss him again, feel him all over. "Oh JC," he said, finally reaching for him. "Oh wow."

JC was staring at him, too, at how aroused *he* was, and reached up to meet him. "You ... " he babbled quietly. "So gentle, and the kissing ... s'more turned on than. Please."

Nick gently pushed him back into the bed, and joined him there, pulling the covers back overtop of both of them. "There, that's better," he said softly. They could hear the rain, up here in the attic, pelting down on the roof overtop of them, but that was the only sound now other than the ones the two of them were making. "I'm glad you came over, JC," he added, then kissed him again so he'd have to stop talking.

He gave a little choking laugh, then wrapped his hands around Nick's neck again, holding him close. He had this sort of persistent strength, even though he was so skinny, so bony under Nick's body. "Just don't stop kissing me," he pleaded.

"I don't plan to," murmured Nick, kissing his lips and then up and down over his jawline and neck, too. "Feels so good, kissing you." JC's body was still damp but warming up at least, even though he still shivered from time to time. Nick pressed his erection against JC's hip and rubbed against him carefully, slow teasing strokes. "I like kissing you. A lot."

JC gasped a little and Nick wanted to know what it was, what he'd done to get that reaction. But then JC was tugging at his hair insistently, drawing him back up to his lips, and Nick wasn't sure he'd ever been with someone so intent on being kissed like that. Like it had been forever since he had. Nick could even feel the way JC hardened more, when he slipped his tongue in *JC's* mouth.

He didn't even try to talk this time, and was thankful there was no need to. Kissing JC was an amazing, all-encompassing thing. It was like he could be happy just laying here and kissing him all night, and would probably even come as a result of it, without anything else. And would happily deal with the swollen lips afterwards; it would be worth it.

JC touched his tongue to Nick's, teased it a little, and when Nick opened his eyes again he couldn't tell if JC's cheeks were pink from arousal or pink from embarrassment. "You should tell me," he started stiltedly, spoiling the easier silence. "Tell me what, what you like."

"I like this," said Nick, trying to kiss him again. "I like being with you. I like ... I'd like if you told me what *you* like," he said finally. It had been so, so long for JC, and Nick wanted to make sure he enjoyed this as much as possible. And since there wasn't really much Nick didn't like to do, it was no hardship for him to cater to JC's wants this time.

JC nodded, almost as if he expected that, but was still happy to hear it. "Just use a condom," he finally said, almost bluntly. "Please."

"I always do," Nick promised him, kissing him again. And again. And he did always use a condom, without fail, ever since he'd started having sex. It was way more normal to him than not. "Does that mean you want to bottom?" he asked, running his hand along JC's back to his ass, trying not to feel weird about having to talk about it.

"I know, I know you did," JC told him. "Liked me, yesterday, I mean; I wouldn't ... I wouldn't have come here. Come to you, after what ... today, if I didn't think so. Nevermind. I'm stopping." He gave him a striking smile, and slipped a hand down to the back of Nick's thigh. "I don't think either one of us needs to be talked through this ... ?"

"I hope not," mumbled Nick, finding his lips again and kissing them both silent. His body knew what to do here, even is his brain was still somewhere pre-downstairs-bathroom, reeling from the fact that JC was even there in the first place. Condoms were close at hand but there were other things to take care of first, like just touching him and feeling JC pressed up against him like he was. He still thought he could keep doing that for a long long time and never get tired of it.

JC spread his legs easily, flexibly. Not at all like it was something he wasn't practiced at. But he also reached down and pulled the covers up from where they'd slipped down Nick's back as they moved, wrapping an arm around his shoulders and holding him tight.

"JC," Nick breathed as JC settled against him again. Things moved fast again, like they had in the beginning when JC had kissed him. Nick's hands were all over him, stroking him, touching him then almost pressing inside him. And they moved together, rubbing against one another like it was all they had. Fast, so fast.

"Or," JC panted softly, like he wasn't sure how loud he could be. "We could do this." He bucked up to meet Nick every time he squirmed against him; bent one leg at the knee when Nick reached down to push it open wider.

"We could," said Nick, stifling a moan. "And me, with my fingers ... yes. He pushed on finger gently in, just up to the first knuckle, giving JC a chance to react. To respond. "Anything, JC. This is good." His last word stretched out in to the moan he'd been trying to repress and he closed his eyes.

JC gasped softly, and flinched a little, but he was also ... he was also slick? Already stretched, Nick's finger had gone in easily ...

"JC?" he said softly, pressing his cheek to JC's so his lips were almost against JC's ear. He stilled, leaving everything just the way it was. "Where were you before you came here?"

JC was still too, his fingers gripping Nick's shoulders tightly. "Out," he said. "Out in the rain." He didn't ask why Nick asked, didn't seem confused. Just a little anxious.

"What was the thing that happened, that made you so upset?" he went on, kissing JC's skin gently and carefully, still not moving, not changing his position at all. "That sent you out in the rain, to come here?"

"Um," JC said, and then he was moving, squirming out from Nick's hold, twisting until he was sitting up. "Nothing. Nothing sent me out in the rain, I was ... I was already. I mean. I was out and got caught in it, like I told you."

Nick pulled him back down, until he was at least back under the covers and pressed against him. The last thing he wanted was for JC to think that Nick didn't want him there. "I guess I'm just ... trying to figure out if you already had sex tonight. And it's totally none of my business and it's perfectly okay if you did, but I just ... I'd feel better if I knew."

For a long while, Nick thought JC wasn't going to answer. But then he took a deep breath, and held on to *Nick*, like he thought Nick was liable to leave. "I, um, I started to, but. It's not ... not what you think, Nick. I want you. But, I think maybe ... " He trailed off, and started blinking. "I wasn't thinking, when I came over."

Nick lifted his hand and started stroking it up and down JC's back again, assuring him that no one was going anywhere. "You want to tell me about it?" he offered, only a little awkwardly. It couldn't have been what he thought because he had no idea *what* to think, about that. "I'd like to know. And I'm still glad you came."

JC looked pained. "I'm." He shook his head, bit his lip, and it looked harder than anything for him to get his words out. "Someone was. paying me. I was in his car, I hadn't ... hadn't done it here. Before, but ... then I couldn't, because I left that. I tried to leave that. Going on a date, you, I was supposed to have something else."

Nick was speechless for a moment, pulling his head back to stare at him. JC looked miserable. "Oh JC," he breathed. "God, do you really need money that bad? Let us help you out, you don't need to be ... doing that." It hadn't excaped him that it was something that JC had done before, but he wasn't even processing that yet. Of all the things he never, ever thought he'd hear JC say ... "You do have something else now."

"No, but ... they haven't needed a substitute all week," JC said, throwing an arm up over his face. "And. I have to eat, I, my metabolism. I eat a lot. I can stay at Tyler's but I can't *tell* him, tell him that." He exhaled again. "I've done it. I did it. Plenty. I just though leaving meant leaving."

"Please," said Nick, trying to reveal him again. "You don't have to do that. Let me help you. We don't have a lot, no, but we always have enough to get by. I work ... you could work somewhere like that, too. It won't be glamerous, but it'll be money. And ... oh, JC." He bit his lip. "What do *you* want to be doing?"

"Nothing," JC whispered, and then tried to push Nick away. "I have to go. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have come by. I'll ... can I just borrow a sweatshirt? I'll, I'll drop it off, or give it to you tomorrow in class, or. I should go." He tried to push him again, then started sliding out from beneath him.

"Please don't go," said Nick, pulling him back again. "We don't have to do anything, I just ... or is that why you came? Because you wanted to have sex with me? Because ... I would, if you wanted. I still ... you're really attractive, to me. But I don't want to ... anything you don't want. I want to be different."

JC laughed hollowly. "God," he said, slumping back on his back, his elbow over his eyes again. "So, really, this not-dating-in-a-year thing shows. I can't do this. I can't do this to you, Nick, I ... please let me leave. Please. Please ... let me just show up to class tomorrow and that'll be it, and ... " He trailed off as something over Nick's shoulder caught his eye.

"What?" said Nick, unable to see, quite, what JC was looking at. Not and still be able to keep him from leaving. "JC, please don't go now, at least let us talk about this. I still want to date you, this doesn't change that." It changed a lot of things, but not his desire.

"That." JC pushed Nick harder, almost shoved at Nick's shoulder until he could crawl out of the bed and walk, naked, to the corner of the room. "That's ... that's me. That's." He leaned over, squinted at the finished charcoal that Nick had left out. "Me. Nick."

Nick hesitated a moment, then got up and followed him, wrapping one arm around JC's from behind. "Yeah, that's you," he said quietly. "That's what I drew, for class. Well, um, one of them anyway. I did a few, of you. You're really beautiful. I was sure I could capture you better than anyone else, cause I know that spark you have inside."

JC fell carefully to his knees and reached out a finger, tracing it over the lines of his hipbone and his thigh in the drawing. Not quite touching. "I don't. Look like that, I don't. And. When did you do this one? I didn't pose, like that."

"From memory," said Nick, a little shyly, letting him go. "I watched the way you moved, in class and, um, when we were out together. I can't help it. And you *do* look like that. That's what I see when I look at you. What ... what do you think is wrong with it? What part doesn't look right to you?"

"I'm not that innocent," he said. "I'm not. Even naked, you drew me. Nice. And I'm not." He actually touched the drawing this time. "You shouldn't," he added, and it wasn't at all clear what he meant, but Nick thought it wasn't the drawing.

"No, you are," insisted Nick. "Not ... innocent, no. I know that. Me neither, JC. Not in the same way, but me neither. But you *are* nice. And sweet. And I still like you a lot, no matter what. I guess there's probably a lot of stuff you've been through that i just know *nothing* about, but don't push me away, okay? I like you."

"Why?" JC challenged him, moving his thumb over the drawing-JC's face. "Why. I'm. I don't have anything, Nick. I like you back but I tried to sleep with you because I wanted to feel safe and that's so, so bad."

"I'll make you feel safe without having to sleep with me," said Nick, wincing inside as he realized that might mean he wasn't going to have sex in quite a while, yet. "I'd like to try. I already told you the reasons I like you, JC. You're interesting and nice and attractive and you seem to like me back. I want to date you. I want you to let me."

"I shouldn't have come," JC mumbled again, struggling to get to his feet. He still didn't seem ... even as there as he was the night before. "This is stupid; you don't know me. I. The bus, the bus stops running a midnight. I have to go."

"Stay," said Nick, taking his arm. "The bus runs again in the morning, you can catch it then. Stay, JC. We don't have to do anything at all, we can just lay there or sit there and talk. And in the morning, once I *do* know you, and you know me, then you can decide. Is that fair? Can you do that?"

"You have *school* tomorrow," JC insisted, but he slumped against Nick's legs. "I don't want to have to do that anymore, Nick. I don't. It's kind of messing me up."

"Do what?" said Nick. "The ... what you were doing, before you came? Because you don't have to, you won't be doing that again. Let me help you. Let *Joey* help you, even. Just ... let's talk. About ... about anything. Everything. I can go to class exhausted, it won't be the first time. And it'll be worth it."

"No Joey," JC blurted, looking up at him. "No, no. You swear, you better *swear*, Nick. I. No. You cannot tell him. I'll, do not. I'll do anything." He slid his hands shakily up the inside of Nick's thigh.

"JC," said Nick softly, capturing both his hands. "I won't tell him. I promise. But would it be so awful to tell him you're broke and need a little help, at least? God knows we've all been there. *All* of us. You don't have to -- " He lifted JC's hands and tried to get him to his feet. "You just have to ask."

"I've done it," JC insisted stubbornly, but he followed Nick, insinuated himself back between his legs when they were both standing. "It's. It's money, and not depending on someone else, and. I could work, work in a music store or McDonald's if I didn't still try and sing. So I do this."

"Sometimes you just have to ... do something you don't like, to get the stuff you do," said Nick with a little shrug. "And I don't mean like that. I mean ... like how I work in the coffeeshop. I don't *like* it, but it pays for my home and food and supplies and I can still go to school and draw. How did you ... how did it start, JC?"

"In California," JC mumbled, leaning against him, still so, so naked. "Needed money, was. Encouraged, this one time. This other time ... and. They liked me. I wouldn't kiss them but I'd do stuff."

Nick smiled at him shyly. "Is that why we kissed so much?" he asked. "Because that's ... because that makes it different, with me, than that other stuff?"

"Nick," JC choked out, slumping against him. "Yes, it's different, I. You are. That's some of it but what I did with you, felt with you, that was ... just natural, just wanting. I wasn't trying to. Seduce you." He pressed a tentative kiss to Nick's chest.

"Maybe we shouldn't tonight, anyway," suggested Nick carefully, guiding him back toward the bed. "Just to ... so *you* know that's not all I want. You're beautiful and you turn me on *so* much, JC, but ... I think we could be more. I'd like to try."

"Kiss me more, then," JC demanded, falling back on the bed and curling up in the blanket. "Kiss me more," he repeated, and it was a sudden demand delivered in a sweet voice. "That's all."

"Kiss and talk?" offered Nick, climbing back in with him. "And then I'll know you better and you won't be able to tell me that I don't, anymore?"

"Mm," JC said, pulling Nick close and pressing those sweet, full lips to his own. "Kiss. I. A year, that's not right, Nick." He sucked gently at Nick's lower lip, then nipped at it playfully. "Tell me about your roommates."

Nick wanted to kiss him a little first, now that they'd started; it felt even more special now, that JC wanted that with him. He was really gonna have to jerk off soon, to take the edge off. "What do you want to know about my roommates?" he asked finally. "They're all freaks and I love them lots."

JC kissed him again. "How long have you lived here?" he whispered. "How long have you know Joey, who else?" he kissed him deeply, then moved up to drape himself across Nick's chest. "Do they like you, like me?"

"Joey ... about a year, maybe?" he suggested, stroking his fingers along JC's skin, soothingly. "Britney, longer. Justin about as long as Joey ... no, a little less. And Chris only since I moved in. Four months or so now, I guess. He's really weird. But cool."

"Weird?" JC echoed, squirming against him. "I know Joey, and Britney ... I don't. But. Justin and Chris, do you ... do you fuck them, have you gone out? I don't know you, Nick, I don't know what you do. Besides fuck on the first date," he smiled, and it wasn't mean. "I wanted to, with you, and you told me to go."

"No," said Nick, frowning a little. "I've never ... not with anyone in the house. I'm usually pretty happy to fuck on the first date, but I'm usually not expecting it to turn into anything serious, either. Are you going to tell me something about you, JC? It's only fair."

JC kissed him again until he felt the frown ... if not disappear, then at least lessen. Even though he wasn't sure how JC remembered that, because as far as *he* was concerned, it was JC that had been insistent on not doing anything the first time they got together.

"What do you want to know?" JC agreed lightly, bumping his nose against Nick's.

"Anything you want to tell me," said Nick easily. "Anything ... tell me about your music. Or about your life. Or about your family. Or just ... tell me what your favorite thing in the world is. I want to know it all."

"Okay," JC said slowly, slipping his hands between then. "Hmm. I, I grew up here, which you know. And went to school, and met Joey. And then, then I went to California, to try and just do my music, make a living at it. And there're just so many people doing that, and I ... I have a lot to learn, still. So I came back to try and start over." He sighed a little. "My favorite thing in the world? Christmas. I love Christmas. I love giving presents. I ... I just hope I can do it this year, you know? it's soon."

"It's soon," agreed Nick. "These things always sneak up on you. But if you want to be able to, you'll find a way. It must've been ... hard, in L.A. It sounds like it was. Do you still perform? What kind of music?"

"I just sing," JC explained awkwardly. "I'm not much of a writer, turns out. So when I perform, it's mostly other stuff. And so ... no, not really. I'd do open mic stuff, out there, but even open mics aren't really open. But I'm still trying, trying to get better at writing. I really should just get a real job. But if I can make ... no."

"You can do both," said Nick again. "Just because you're working as a ... whatever -- substitute teacher, or waiter, or bookstore clerk -- doesn't mean you can't do your music too. It's not an either-or thing, you know? Like ... I love my art. But I know I can't make a living at it yet. So I work at something else until I can."

"No, I know, I just," JC mumbled, burying his face in Nick's neck. "It's bad that it's easy to. Do the other. Not *easy*, but ... it takes fifteen minutes, maybe, and that's a day's work somewhere else. But then I can't be with someone for me."

Nick fell silent again, pressing his cheek to JC's hair and really thinking about it. "I don't know what to say about that," he said finally. "I don't ... I can't imagine being able to do it. And you seem really miserable that you feel like you have to, easy or not. And I don't feel like I have the right to tell you not to do it but ... I think you would be happier if you stopped. Even if it meant working all day."

"I ... tonight? it was like I couldn't. I couldn't do it out here, I couldn't do it ahaving met you even though I'd already set aside tonight to do it. Like that was part of what I did in California but here, here I'm not supposed to have to. Which is why I left, left and didn't get any money, and." He sighed shakily. "Maybe I should go back to California. Maybe that's the answer."

"I don't think so," said Nick. It felt so awkward, to have known JC only a few days and be offering this kind of advice. But if there was one thing he was sure of, it was that JC didn't really want to go back to that; it was just what he knew. "If you wanted to be in California, you would have stayed. You wouldn't have come home again."

"Yeah," JC said, pressing his heated cheek against Nick's collarbone. "Don't tell Joey, Nick. or even your other roommates, okay? I'll. I'll even understand if you just want to be friends with me, or not even that, just. Could you please repect my privacy, if I'm allowed to ask that?"

"I promise I'll never tell Joey about this," Nick swore to him. "That's your business, if you want to tell him once you guys are reaquainted. I still ... I still want to date you, JC. I still like you. You've, well, you've got some baggage I wasn't expecting. But that's okay, everyone does."

"*You* don't," JC guessed. "It's okay, Nick. I know you weren't expecting this. I know ... I think that's probably why I came, not thinking, tonight ... just subconsciously hoping maybe we'd sleep together, and then you'd fall for me or something and I could tell you and you'd stay with me? but now. It seems so wrong of me."

"Well, it's not gonna happen *exactly* like that," admitted Nick. "For instance, I'm not gonna sleep with you tonight, and you've already told me. But it's entirely possible I'm gonna fall for you. And I think I'd like very much to stay with you. So a lot of good came from tonight, I think."

JC didn't really reply to that, he just sighed again and cuddled against Nick. "I should go, then. You probably ... you shouldn't even touch me. I can't believe I came over like this."

"What?" said Nick softly. "I don't understand, JC. What part of what I said made you feel like you should go? Which, incidentally, is the *last*thing I want right now."

He could tell JC wasn't listening, though. The whole evening, almost, it was like he was just predicting Nick's reactions and acting as though he'd done what JC predicted, instead of what he did in actuality. JC sighed again. "You won't want to sleep with me, so I shouldn't even stay."

"You think that's all you are to me?" asked Nick, not letting him go. It was too late for him not to fight for this now. "Is that all I am to you?"

"No!" JC said. "No. But you're ... look at you, you should get to be with someone where you can. Where you want to. We can be friends, Nick ... I can use a friend. Then you don't have to worry."

"I'm not worried," insisted Nick. "I'm just not gonna have sex with you tonight so you'll know that I want more from you than that. Is all. Do you understand? I want to be different. I want to be special, to you. We can have sex tomorrow."

"Why is tomorrow different?" JC asked, and finally, it seemed like he was listening. "Why will I know that, tomorrow?"

"Or we can have sex next week. Or -- " NIck sighed inwardly. " -- next month, next year, if you want to wait that long. I just ... I want to prove to you that it's not all about sex. Us. That I don't want you just for sex."

"Oh, Nick," JC laughed softly. "I do, I do know. I know. That's ... I know you don't. I'm messed up about being a whore but not to the point where I'd be so blind that ... I know." He pushed himself up on his hands and knees, hovering over Nick. "Just tell me it's because I was already ... tonight. Just tell me."

"I didn't want to be after someone else," admitted Nick, a bit shamefully. "I just ... maybe that's *my* thing. That I need to be special, to who I'm with. And I didn't know at first that it wasn't ... that it was what it was. I was worried there was someone else."

"Is that what you thought?" JC murmured, his face falling a little as he kept bracing himself like that. "You thought ... someone else like you, you mean? a boyfriend? Oh, Nick."

"I thought ... yeah, I guess." It felt even more shameful to admit that, now that he knew. Even though it made perfect sense to think of that, given what he had to work with. "Thought maybe you'd found someone better. See? Everyone's got baggage. I told you. Even me."

"Why would I have come here, then, and ... and thrown myself at you?" he shook his head. "I've messed up so bad. I know I have. Just. Nick, I really, I should leave you alone."

"No, you really shouldn't," said Nick. "I didn't really think it through, then, that was just my first instinct, JC. And I know I was wrong now and ... you should really stay. I really think you should stay."

JC bent his head down and kissed Nick softly, the type of kiss he wanted from JC from now on, it felt like. "I'm just dumb," he whispered. "That's all. I was thinking of you and my legs brought me here, and I shouldn't stay." He kissed him a little deeper. "Shouldn't stay."

"You're staying," insisted Nick. "Not only are you staying, but you're staying right here, you're going to sleep with me here in this bed right now and I can take you to class with me tomorrow. And that's it. You just are, JC. You have no reason to go."

"I don't want to sleep right now," JC smiled, but finally, finally he was shutting up about feeling like he needed to leave at least. "Does that count as a reason I should go?"

"No," said Nick firmly, but he relaxed his grip on him now that there seemed to be no danger of fleeing. Um ... are you hungry or anything? Do you want to shower? I guess I'm not a really good host, keeping you all in bed like this. I don't know if you've eaten or ... or anything."

"Can I?" JC asked quietly, his smile gone again. "Shower? is that okay? I'll, I can wash your towel for you after, I just. Could I?"

"Well yeah, of course," said Nick. "And I could ... I mean, if you wanted me to, I'd like it if ... if you wanted, I could join you. In the shower."

This time, JC's smile was big, approaching a grin. "You *are* already, um, dressed for it," he murmured. "So, um. You wanna?"

"Yeah," said Nick grinning back and finally feeling comfortable enough to get back out of bed again, to let JC go. "I just need to ... my towels are by the sink here." He pointed at the bare sink and mirror that were all he had up here. At least there was running water; pretty imp ortant, for an artist. "I have extra; you don't need to wash anything. They're a little ratty, but they work just fine."

"Ratty's okay," JC promised, kneeling up and letting Nick sit up. "You're sure you don't mind? I ... this'll be nice. I haven't done anything like this, in. Ever, actually."

"Like what, exactly?" asked Nick, turning to give JC another kiss. "Showering? I certainly *hope* you've showered before ... " And he gave him a cheeky grin.

"Nick," JC protested, but he tried to hang on to him when he pulled away. "You know what I meant. With someone else. Like, sexy. Or. Is this not sexy?"

"It could be sexy," ventured Nick. "With us being all naked and wet and slippery. It definitely has the potential to be sexy." He reached for JC's hand and helped him to his feet, hanging on to reassure him more than anything. "I'd like it to be, in between getting you and me all clean."

"I was naked and wet and slippery, earlier," JC said softly. "Remember? That was ... you undressed me, and that was sexy." JC took Nick's hand and wrapped it aound his own waist.

"That was really sexy," agreed Nick, stroking JC's skin with his thumb. "I wanted you so much. I still do. It was so hard to concentrate on getting you warm. In the shower, I won't have to worry about that ... "

"You're so gentle with me," JC agreed, stepping closer, looking up at Nick. "You concentrated well. I totally couldn't help but kiss you, though, even then."

"It's good to hear I'm irresistable, sometimes." said Nick, his smile getting as gentle as JC thought he was. "Especially from someone I'm really interested in. It's not something a guy should take for granted. Do you want to .... ? The bathroom is on the second floor."

"Oh, right," JC said, taking a towel from Nick and wrapping it modestly around his waist before stepping out onto the stairs. "Wow, I totally missed all of this, coming up here," he laughed. "I like your house."

"It's old, but it's big," said Nick, looking around appreciatively. "Would have to be, to hold all of *us*. Could probably hold more, if we needed it to. Take a left at the bottom of the stairs. I promise this bathroom is bigger than the one on the ground floor."

JC didn't catch the hint, or if he did, he didn't respond to it. "Doesn't need to be too big," he said softly, smiling. "Kinda defeats the purpose." He flipped on the light and dropped his towel right away, before Nick even closed the door.

"But enough that you won't injure yourself on the edge of the sink, anyway," said Nick, closing the door behind him and hanging his own towel over the rod. "Big enough that I can grab you and twirl you around and kiss you before we get in the shower."

"Big enough for that, yeah," JC breathed, letting Nick take him into his arms. He tilted his head up and kissed Nick carefully, then more and more hungrily, wrapping his own arms around Nick's back.

JC couldn't seem to stop being just overtly sexual, and under the circumstances Nick couldn't bring himself to mind too much, but he hoped it was genuine interest and not just habit. He hoped that JC wasn't this way with everyone.

"Let me turn the water on," he said when they paused for breath. "Let me get us wet."

JC grinned and settled back down from his toes, stepped away and held up his hands. "I won't stop you," he said smoothly. "I'd like to see you ... Wet." He evn licked his lips, but he looked so *happy*. It couldn't be an act.

"And bent over?" teased Nick as he gave him one last kiss and then bent over to turn on the taps in the tub, testing the water. "Just give me long enough to get the shower going, then you can do whatever you please."

"Let everything ... heat up?" JC teased back, rolling his eyes. "I think I sound like Joey. Or how Joey used to sound." He touched Nick's back, but high on his shoulderblades, not down any lower. Not presuming, manybe.

"How Joey still sounds," Nick assured him. "Around us, anyway. Do you like it hot, JC?" He looked back at him over should shoulder and grinned sheepishly. "I mean the water. I wasn't even trying to make a double entendre that time."

"I do," JC laughed, "but just make it comfortable for you, man." He rubbed his back gently, then stood up to slip inside first when Nick held the curtain open for him. "Mmm."

Nick was close behind, close enough that they never had to stop touching. As soon as his hands were on JC again he lost all interest in getting clean and just wanted to touch him and hold him and kiss him some more under the warm spray.

JC was responsive, *so* responsive, kissing Nick deeply and then watching his hands move over Nick's chest, watching his fingers tug at one of Nick's nipples. Water dripped off his hair and his eyelashes and the tip of his nose, and Nick wasn't surprised to see his erection again.

"I haven't done this in a long time," he blurted out into the silence between them. "Been with someone like this. This intimate." It was a little bit intimidating, but not so much that he even slowed down, let alone stopped. "Can I go back on my vow not to have sex tonight? We can ... we don't have to fuck. We can do other stuff."

JC laughed shyly. "I never ... I would never have held you to that. I wanted it when I got here and I want it now, and none of what we talked about changes that for *me*." He rubbed his thumb over Nick's hip. "What would you want?"

"I might go down on you," mused Nick, ducking his head to keep the water from flowing into his mouth as he spoke. "I might just ... drop down on my knees and go down on you, all of a sudden. Yeah. If that's cool."

JC gasped a little, and from the way he held his head, Nick could see the effect his words had on JC's cock. "What if I ... god," JC choked out. "Um. It's. If you want."

"I think I do," said Nick, and didn't hesitate to reach out and touch JC, to stroke him slowly. "I think I will, soon. Is there any particular way you like it, JC? I want it to be good for you."

"Um," JC said. "So, just, remember that whole ... it's been a year," he said, swaying into Nick's touch. "So. Um. If I come in your face don't hold it against me?"

"We're in the shower," said Nick with a little laugh. "So I don't think I'll mind at all. But I don't think I'm going to let you ... I'd *really* rather you came in my throat, JC, if you think it's at all possible ... "

"Oh," JC moaned, and actually pushed on Nick's shoulders. Tentatively, but he did it. "Better ... better, um, hurry then."

Nick gave him another swift kiss before he did, water flowing off the edges of where their mouths met. He wanted to do this so much, for himself and for it to be something that would make JC feel good, feel desired and not used. He didn't dare tease anymore, just closed his mouth around the head of JC's cock and sucked gently.

JC cried out, and true to what he'd warned, he was coming. Coming before Nick could even suck him deep; coming hard and hot and salty on the back of Nick's tongue. Coming with his head thrown back into the spray and eye his shut tightly.

Nick vowd to himself to make it better the next time, as he swallowed convulsively and tried to take it all. JC deserved that. The more he learned about him, the more he believed that JC deserved all kinds of good things in his life. He just hoped that he could be one of them.

* * *

Nick could smell something cooking even all the way up in his room, which meant that at least one someone else was up already, and probably more. And that he should probably get his ass out of bed, too, and start getting ready for his day. But he didn't want to, especially not with a beautiful, sleeping JC still laying beside him, curled up under the covers with one arm possessively around Nick's waist.

Nick leaned in to give him a delicate kiss on the lips and carefully extricated himself, pulling the blankets all the way up once he was gone so JC could stay warm. Nick might feel the need to be up, but there was no need to make JC get up too; he looked like he needed the sleep anyway.

Pulling on just a worn, stained pair of jeans -- one of many he owned -- he quietly headed downstairs.

The Timberlake looked a little worse for the wear, sipping at a mug of coffee and blinking blearily, probably figuring he was supervising Chris as he cooked. Nick wondered if Justin knew how to turn on the gas for the burners. He still managed to arch an eyebrow.

"Go out last night?" he asked lightly. "Tripped on some wet clothes in the bathroom down here, Nicky. Funny thing, the pants looked a little. Small. For you."

"Funny, that," said Nick dryly. "Maybe the water shrunk them or something. You think?" He went on a hunt for his own coffee, still watching for Justin's reaction. "Or maybe I stayed in, and someone came to me. Morning, Chris."

"Morning," Chris said, almost as fakely innocent as the Timberlake, who crowing "I knew it, I knew it! I fucking told you, I don't care if you were here and didn't hear anything, you freak." He turned to Nick. "Okay, who was it, and was he good, in that order. Actually, no, switch the order."

"Yes, and none of your business," said Nick, unable to keep a smile off his face in spite of his best efforts to be nonchalant about it. "Actually, it was my boyfriend. Keep your voice down, he's sleeping. Did you drink the last of the coffee?"

"Oh, sorry," he said, actually bothering to lower his voice. "Um, but I'll make more." He stared at thecoffee pot. "Chris, can you make more coffee, please?"

Chris rolled his eyes and finished spreading the bacon out on a paper towel before grabbing the coffee out of the fridge. "I made plenty," he explained, "and this one spilled half of it trying to pour it. Sorry. Now. Boyfriend? I know I don't bother with the rest of these freaks' love lives, but this is new, no?"

"Yeah, new," said Nick, still smiling as he hopped up on the counter and watched Chris make the coffee. They didn't make Nick make coffee anymore -- too many "incidents". "Really new. He's great, though. So ... you were here last night? For real? You musta had your headphones on, man."

"Mmm," Chris said non-commitally, and busied himself with the filter.

"Were you loud?" Justin blurted. "You're, like, never loud, man. Also, he didn't even stay over? That's not like you."

"Or he's still upstairs, dumbass," Chris told him. "Some people let people sleep when they stay over, and don't kick them out of the house before they can think about kissing you good morning."

"That happened *once*," Justin said, "And she was WAY uglier in the morning, man."

"I didn't say I was the one who was loud," Nick reminded him, rolling his eyes. Justin wasn't the morning-after type. "And I meant more when we were going up and down the stairs, anyway. We did that a few times. He'll probably be up and about later; we both need to get to class."

"You met him at school?" Justin pressed nosily. "Wait. Was this the guy that Brit said you took to the coffee shop? Joey's friend?" He got even more interested. "The model? man. How'd you get him to agree to be your boyfriend? He's hot. From your picture, anyway. And also, verrrry nice. No wonder you were loud."

"Shut up," murmured Nick, looking away. "Yeah, that's the guy. And I didn't ... he didn't necessarily agree to be my boyfriend, yet. I mean, we didn't talk about it. But he just kinda *is*, now. Sometimes you don't need to agree to these things, they just are. He's nice. Not just sexy nice. *Nice* nice."

"*You* shut up," Justin shot back. "God. I was just trying to show some interest."

"Shut up, Justin," Chris interrupted. "Seriously. No one should ever talk to you before one in the afternoon. How do you keep a job." Justin stuck his tongue out at him. "Right. So ... Nick? That sounds nice, man. You seem pretty happy. You happy?"

"Yeah, happy," Nick had to agree, kicking the lower cabinets lightly with his heels. "Happy, happy. It's ... well, you're *always* supposed to be this happy when it's new, right? No matter how complicated it might be?"

"Sure?" Chris said, and Justin just looked confused. Complicated for him was probably someone who wanted to swtich topping and bottoming. "But if it's new, how come it's complicated?"

"Long story," said Nick, waving the question off. There's no way he'd ever say anything with the Timberlake right there; he bet Chris knew that, too. "Still getting to know each other. Oh, JC's probably gonna want some breakfast when he gets up, I should cook some more of that bacon, maybe." He fully expected to be stopped before he could get anywhere near the stove, but it was worth a shot.

"I made plenty!" CHris said quickly, shielding the pan. "And there's melon left. Your skinny boy won't starve."

"There's melon?" Justin piped up, after scooping more sugar in his coffee. "Where?"

"For our *guest*," Chris said. "Man, don't you have to go shower for work or something?"

"I don't think he ate yesterday," admitted Nick. "I'm not sure though. Maybe he had something at his brother's. Anyway, yeah, I just wanted to make sure there was lots, just in case. I don't even know how much he eats in the morning or anything. Yet. I'll drop some extra cash in the pot this week for groceries, to cover. I might be selling a painting, so I'll have it."

Chris stood back up. "I was ... sorry, joking." He looked distinctly uncomfortable for a second. "With the starving thing, I ... Timberlake!"

"What?" Justin whined, rubbing his hand where Chris had smacked him as he grabbed for some bacon.

"Seriously, go shower. Go. So Nick's ... boyfriend ... can have some hot water when he gets up. Go!" Chris's eyes followed Justin's lazy gait out of the room, like he expected him to sneak back in at any moment his back was turned.

"He's like a ten-year-old," murmured Nick. "You practically have to hold him down and scrub him. Unless he's going out, in which case it's hard to get him *out* of the damn shower." That wasn't the point of kicking Justin out, though, and he knew it.

"He's just ... " Chris started, then shook his head. There really were no words for the Timberlake. "So, sorry about what I said. I haven't seen the guy, haven't even seen the picture you did, I just. Timberlake was talking about how his pants were a smaller size than he wears and ... sorry."

"No, don't worry about it, Chris, I ... I think he's just like that. He's not starving or anything. So you didn't fuck up or anything." He gave Chris a crooked smile. "He is kinda a skinny guy, but so beautiful. The kind of person you want to make life better for."

Chris smiled slowly. "You like him," he acknowledged. "Cool. You wanna talk about it?"

Nick hesitated, then nodded slightly. "I like him a lot. I'm kinda surprised by how it happened, but I do. It's probably gonna ... be a little hard, though. He's had a hard life. He's an old friend of Joey's but I'm pretty sure Joey doesn't even know the half of it."

Actually taking that at face value -- even though he had plenty of reasons to be skeptical about a 'hard life,' Nick knew -- Chris nodded. "Is everything in the past, though? or is it stuff that's still happening?"

Nick shifted uncomfortably, almost sliding off the counter, and looked a little guiltily back at the stairs. JC could be down any time. "Still happening," he said finally. "Even though he's trying hard for it to be the past."

"So it's something that's bothering him, too, and not just you," Chris nodded. "Well, that's good ... that means you can help him. Is it family stuff? or work, or ... he's not sick, is he?" He walked to the fridge to grab the melon he'd mentioned. "If you even want to say."

Nick looked at the stairs again, then down at his feet. "I'm not supposed to say," he said quietly. "Except I think i do. Need to talk about it. Some. He's not sick though, I'm pretty sure. He would've said, if he was."

"But he might be?" Chris frowned, leaning against the refrigerator door. He followed Nick's eyes. "Look, I'll see him if he's coming down the stairs. Him or the Timberlake. If you need to talk, talk, babe."

Nick nodded and kept staring at his feet. "Just ... don't tell anyone, okay?" He already knew that Chris wouldn't. "He's ... he has sex. For money. Because he needs it. Or at least, he used to, and then last night he tried but he says he couldn't go through with it and he came to me instead but I still feel kinda weird about it even though I still like him a lot. So ... yeah."

He heard Chris make a little strangled sound, but when he looked up, Chris's face was almost expressionless. "That's ... okay, I can see how that would be complicated," he said carefully. "Why did he stop? Because he met you?"

"No, he stopped because he wanted to stop," insisted Nick. "He was ... he lived in California for a while. And he did it there because ... I don't know why. He was trying to make it as a musician and I guess he ran out of options. And then he came back here and he stopped but ... I guess he needed the money. And so last night he was going to ... and then he didn't. And he came here. And that's why I think maybe he hasn't eaten. Because he didn't get any money."

"Does he have a place to live?" Chris asked. "I mean. How bad is this, Nick. Does he have a job? How many days does he go without eating? Does he need to crash here? Or. I mean, is that why you let him stay over?"

"He's staying with his little brother," Nick assured him. "I'm pretty sure neither of them is happy with the situation, though. He says he's a substitute teacher, but they haven't needed him at all this week, which is why ... last night. And you know about the modeling for my class, but that doesn't pay a whole lot, and it's not very often. I don't *know* what that means yet, though. He's kinda hard to get information out of him, about that stuff. I don't know what he needs, I'm still trying to figure that out. It could be anywhere from mildly bad to really bad."

"Okay," said Chris soothingly. "Okay. Well, we're all here for you, and here for him if you want us to be, so just. Let me know what I can do to help, once you figure out what that is. What does ... Joey doesn't know, does he. Are you going to tell him?"

"No," said Nick firmly. "He *begged* me not to tell Joey. And I promised I wouldn't, so I can't. But I needed to tell someone because this is ... I'm not sure the right way to handle it. I don't know what it's like, to need to do that. I've been really poor before, but we always found a way, and now that i'm on my own I do okay."

Chris nodded. "Me too. Of course, no one would ever solicit *me*, so. Who knows. You know? It's been bad enough that maybe if someone suggested it to me, knew how it was done? I could see trying it. Trying anything." He glanced back up at the stairs. "I think you just need to ... maybe borrow one of our cars, and help him look for another job with a flexible schedule? That's ... that's what I would do."

"I'm trying to convince him of that now, that he can do that," said Nick, nodding slowly. "So I guess that's the right thing, then. Make sure he knows he has options. And that he has me, and knowing that about him hasn't made me want to go away. Yeah? And hey ... " He gave Chris a shy grin. "I'd've solicited you. If, you know, it wasn't dirty and I was into that kind of thing. You were cute. Are cute."

Chris just rolled his eyes, but Nick could see him fight a grin, too. "Yeah, yeah. Look. I think you'll handle this great. You've got the biggest heart of any of us, man, and he's ... he's real lucky to have you looking out for him. Definitely lucky it's not the Timberlake instead."

Nick followed his eyes to see Justin walking back in the room, still pouting, or pouting again. "Who's lucky what's not me? and. I still don't get why you guys call me that."

"JC's lucky he got me instead of you because I have a bigger dick," said Nick, sliding off the counter and onto his feet again, finally. Justin, he knew how to deal with. " And I just realized *I'm* hungry. You guys let me talk too much."

Chris cackled and Justin sputtered and Nick felt pretty good about himself, and sometime during all of that, JC slipped into the kitchen blinking sleepily and draped in one of Nick's tee-shirts that absolutely swallowed him. "Um, hello," he said quietly.

"Hey!" said Nick, smiling broadly the moment he saw him, He didn't even realize he was doing it until it was already on his face. "Hey, good morning, did you sleep well?" Chris and Justin might as well not have been in the room anymore for all he was noticing them.

"Um," JC said again, his eyes darting back and forth between Nick and the others. "I did, I ... you could have woken me up," he insisted, still quiet. "Thanks, though. Then I heard a lot of noise and then I smelled ... so. Good morning."

Nick glanced at where his eyes finally rested and saw Justin looking sheepish. The kid couldn't do *anything* quietly.

"I wanted to let you sleep," said Nick softly, reaching out and just snagging the hem of his shirt. "Oh, um, thi s is ... Chris and the ... and Justin. They live here."

"Hi," said Chris, moving the bacon to the table with the melon and the covered plate of something else that Nick hadn't examined yet. "We're just starting breakfast, have a seat. Do you want some coffee with it?"

"Oh, um, no," JC blinked again, swaying a little into Nick's space. "I don't drink it. I'll just. Water's fine." He started a little when he turned his head and saw Justin standing right in front of him. "What?"

"Hello," Justin said, taking his time looking down at JC's legs. "Hello. I'm Justin. You're ... JC?" He gave him a bright, fake grin. "I'm *so* sorry if I woke you up in the shower. I usually sing. These guys are used to it."

"Justin," snorted Nick. "Down boy."

"We pretty much only have tap water," interrupted Chris smoothly, getting JC a glass of it. "I hope that's okay. It doesn't taste bad or anything."

"Or ... is there any juice left?" asked Nick. "I can't remember. I think Joey might've finished it, but if he didn't you're welcome to it, JC. Go ahead, sit down." He rested his hand against JC's hip to guide him.

"Thanks," JC said, sitting with his hands in his lap, still glancing warily at Justin. "The water's fine, it's great. Thank you, um, Chris." He sipped at the glass he was offered and then set it down carefully, looking up at Nick. "Is this ... everyone that's home?" he asked awkwardly.

"Everyone who's awake," Chris corrected him. "Joey should be down in about an hour and ... " He looked at Justin. "Did Britney come home last night, or stay out?"

"Try the bacon," Nick encouraged JC. "And ... oh, did you make eggs, too, Chris? What *is* on the mystery plate?" He reached out to take a peek.

"How should I know?" Justin sulked, slipping into the chair across from JC when Chris blocked him from sitting next to him. "I'm not her dad."

JC shyly reached for a piece of the crispy bacon and chewed on it slowly. "Five people, that's a lot. You guys gets along good?"

"Except when we're not," sighed Nick, pulling out a piece of toast from under the foil and breaking off a piece for himself. "Mostly yeah. It's not really that many people. My family was bigger and we had a way smaller place to live than this."

"Mine too," put in Chris. "Nick, you want some eggs, you make them yourself," said Chris, knowing damn well he wouldn't. "And there are toaster waffles in the freezer. I'm sure you can handle those. And Justin ... " Chris tapped the back of his head. "If she didn't come home with you, she probably didn't come home at all."

"She was talking to some guy," Justin finally admitted. "I told her he was kind of bossy in bed but she was talking to him anyway. Whatever. She can do what she wants."

"But you guys cook for each other," JC went on, even quieter, to where Nick could barely hear him. "Roommates don't have to do that."

"I think it's mostly because they don't let me cook," said Nick with a grin. "Start *one* little fire and you're banned from the kitchen for life. But no ... I mean, yeah, we do all get along like that. They don't let just *anyone* live here."

"Which fails to explain how Justin wormed his way in," said Chris, filling his own plate. Nick noticed that *he* already had waffles on his. "Go ahead, have some more, JC. There are actually waffles on the plate, which Nick would have noticed if he'd actually taken the foil right *off* of it."

"No, I couldn't," JC whispered, clutching his hands in his lap tighter as Justin sputtered again. "I ... the water's fine. I'm not a big breakfast eater. But ... the bacon was good." He looked up at Chris for a split-second. "You made it? it's good."

Nick knew he wasn't remembering wrong when JC had told him he was a big eater, even if he hadn't seen evidence of it yet. So he filled up JC's plate before grabbing a couple waffles for his own. "Eat what you want, leave the rest," he said softly, reaching out to grab JC's leg. "We'd never leave a guest unfed."

"Don't forget the melon," Chris reminded him. "It's ripe, it won't last another day. Someone needs to eat it."

"Want to split it, JC?" Nick looked up at Justin to see just exactly what angle he was playing this time, but he looked like he was honestly offering with no other motive. "I'll spinkle some cinnamon on it, it's good."

JC ducked his head after giving Nick a little bit of an uncertain look. "That sounds ... good, Justin, thank you. Thanks." He reached out and nibbled on another piece of bacon but refused to look back up.

"So Nick tells me he met you in class," said Chris, as he made his way enthusiastically through his breakfast. "And the guys are raving about his portraits, even though I haven't got my butt up to the attic to see them yet."

It almost seemed like JC wouldn't answer at all for a moment, and this, *this* must have been what Joey was talking about. This was almost painful shyness. "Nick's really good," he admitted, swallowing a little. "I was. I'm lucky I saw them, it's just. I guess you never really know what you look like to other people."

"No, I guess you don't," agreed Chris. Nick was pretty sure he noticed JC's reluctance, but he wasn't giving up on him. "But sometimes that's cool, too. You get to learn things about yourself."

Justin started humming to himself, obviously bored with the conversation but, Nick had to admit, at least being polite and not making it about him.

"Yeah, I learned I have chicken legs," murmured JC, then he smiled shyly.

Chris grinned back at him, the let out a little laugh. "Have some more bacon, then," he encouraged him. "Nick seems pretty smitten with you anyway, though."

"Chris!" said Nick, jerking his head up from his breakfast. It was one thing for him to tell JC about how he felt; it was another for someone else to say. Especially to someone as shy as JC. "I mean, I am, but ... " He blushed and gave JC a smile. "I may possibly have gushed about you this morning. A little."

JC looked *extremely* embarrassed, but not mortified, or insulted, so that was good. "Not about my legs, apparently," he tried, and Nick glared at Justin when he caught him nodding in agreement. "Um, that's. It's. I kind of am, too, so I guess that's good. Smitten, the smitten part."

Nick's smile grew and he looked down at his plate so he wouldn't have to see the expressions on Chris's and Justin's faces. He was sure he'd be hearing about it quite enough later.

"Good," said Chris in return. "Good, because Nick's a good guy. He deserves to have someone smitten with him. Have you tried the melon yet?"

"It's great," JC said, a little more enthusiastic to be talking about something less embarrassing. "Thank you, Justin. I haven't had ... I've eaten so much peanut butter the past week or so, the fruit's great."

"You know, peanut butter isn't bad," Justin mused. "There was this one time, this guy had some in his dorm room, and we tried this thing were we got naked and ... "

"Thanks for sharing," Nick interrupted him. "I always wanted to know all the kinky things that Justin Timberlake can do with peanut butter."

"The smooth kind or the crunchy kind?" asked Chris.

"Smooth," Justin said, sounding like it was the dumbest question ever. Which never fazed Chris. "Crunchy? That's disgusting."

JC, on the other hand, seemed to have shut up again, concentrating on his fruit and drinking his water.

Chris just shrugged and didn't say much one way or the other on the subject. Which never failed to infuriate Justin -- though he'd never admit it -- making him wonder if there was something really cool out there he was missing.

Nick grabbed himself another piece of toast and watched JC eat, making sure he *was* eating it all. Once JC got started, he seemed to be going at a pretty steady pace. "I can make more toast, too," he said, the first thing that had been said aloud in a few moments, when he realized he'd taken the last piece.

Nobody really said anything until JC glanced up. "Are you talking to me?" he asked quietly. "I ate too much of your food already. I'm ... " He pushed at his plate. "I'm totally full. Thanks. Thanks, Chris, and Justin, you guys too. You're all ... really nice." He stood up and started clearing dishes.

"Sit!" insisted Nick. "You're a guest, don't be ridiculous. Besides, it's Justin's turn to clean up and we like to watch. Are you sure you're done? There's still bacon and stuff left. Help yourself."

"Absolutely," said Chris. "There's always enough food. And if you're coming over again tonight you can bring popcorn, because it's Joey's night off so it's movie night. And if they're dragging me out of my room to join the, then everyone has to. It's a new rule."

"Oh, um," JC said, standing awkwardly with the plates balanced in his hands. "I don't ... don't mind. Helping, that is. Helping Justin. And, tonight, I don't know, I ... " He looked at Nick for rescue. "I don't think we've discussed. That."

"Well, are you busy tonight?" asked Nick carefully. "Cause if you're not ... I'd like it if you came. I can even steal a car and pick you up, maybe, if you don't want to come back with me after class. But ... well, we can talk about it alone if you want," he finished, giving JC an out if he needed it.

"I don't want to impose on a house thing," JC said, turning back to the sink and grabbing a sponge while Justin watched. Probably poised to take over if Chris glared at him, though. "I ... I forgot about class."

"When you're invited, it's not imposing," said Chris easily, yanking Justin up by the collar. "You're Nick's boyfriend, of course you'd be welcome. Even if you don't bring the popcorn. Though the popcorn would probably get you a seat on the couch and not on the floor or on Britney's scary chair."

"Britney's ... boyfriend?" JC dropped the sponge. "I mean, not her boyfriend. *Your* boyfriend?" He looked at Nick in confusion. "I'm. What?" He wiped his forehead with the back of a soapy hand.

Nick glared at Chris for a moment, who certainly didn't look sufficiently guilty. "I'll take care of cleaning up today," he said. "Justin, you owe me one. Now both of you give us a minute." Justin didn't hesitate to disappear from the room for once, probably staying within earshot if Nick knew him. Chris took a little longer to amble out. "Um. So. About that ... " he said awkwardly.

"I can clean up," JC said, turning back to the sink. "It's only fair, since you guys fed me breakfast." He scraped at a plate methodically. "What else did you tell them, Nick?"

"Look, I was excited," he said softly, touching JC's back and trying to get him to stop. "I was really happy that you were here, that you wanted to be with me. I might've said boyfriend ... I know we haven't talked about it ... "

"We just *met*," JC said, his voice hitching a little. "And I like you, and ... last night was, you know. Even if we didn't ... it was still. I haven't even *dated* in a year, Nick, no way am I ready to be someone's boyfriend. Even if, even if you're the only person I see, and it's every day."

"Oh," said Nick softly, letting his hand fall away. "Okay, that's ... of course I understand. You don't want to ... I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you with it. I'll just tell the guys that ... that you're not. I was just being stupid and excited anyway, it was no big thing or anything."

"You *didn't* upset me," JC cried, then caught himself and just bit his lip. "It's ... it's a very big thing, it's a nice thing. I still can't believe you even want to look at me after what ... what I told you, but I can tell you do. So it's not not wanting. It's not feeling ready to have the pressure. Can't we just?"

"You wanna come over tonight?" offered Nick. "Maybe hang out with me and my friends for a while? They already know I like you, but it's no pressure or anything. It's just fun. It's not serious."

JC sighed and turned back to the sink. "Maybe," he said finally. "Maybe. Sometimes, after class, I ... I need to be alone. Let's just see how it goes. But. Thank you for the invitation. I ... I have some popcorn at home, I think, I can bring."

"You don't really have to bring popcorn," said Nick, smiling at him. "Chris was just saying that. But if you want to, you can. Joey makes sure there are lots of snacks available on movie night, so we won't be lacking anything. You ... you know you can talk to me, right?" he added. "When you're upset or whatever? No matter what it's about. I hope you know that."

"If I come, I'll bring something," JC said firmly. "And I know I can talk to you. After, after last night? I feel like I can say anything. You're a great listener, Nick, a great guy. No wonder Chris says you deserve someone good."

"He liked you, I think," said Nick with another little smile. "No, not just think. He liked you. He thinks you're the someone good that I deserve, and so do I. So I'd really like it if you'd come tonight and be my date and have some fun with us. And plus, Chris said you have to. So, you know, you *have* to."

"Nick," JC said evenly. "I will *try*. But I won't promise. Can you ... can we leave it at that? I was a little, you wouldn't have wanted to be around me after the last class, even if you liked me the few seconds we talked. When I got home, I was ... no. Okay? Just please trust me."

Nick bit his lip and nodded. "Okay," he said. "I'll trust you. Would you ... would you be offended if I didn't draw you today, though? It's ... I know what you look like, when you're comfortable now. And I know how *not* comfortable you are modeling for my class. And it would feel really weird, to be drawing you." He shrugged a little, hoping that explained it. "And after ... I mean, you could come to me. Let me help you through it a little, if it messes you up that much."

"You're not even going to be there?" JC asked, dropping the plate he was washing into the sink with a clatter. "You're not coming? Did you just decide this, I thought, i thought last night you said we'd go together!"

"No, I'll *be* there," Nick assured him. "I'm not gonna bail on you, JC, I'll be there, we'll go together. "I just ... now that I know how much you don't want to, I hate that you have to do that. It's not supposed to be a scary uncomfortable thing. I'll be there, I just don't want to record the moment."

"Okay, I understand that, I guess," JC said, picking the plate back up and wiping it off. "That's ... thank you, that's nice. It'll just help to have you there, too, though. Just." He blushed a little; Nick could see it on his ears even though his back was to him. "I'll have to try not to think of you. You know."

Nick laughed gently and put his arms around JC's waist from behind "Yeah that could get a litlte awkward," he admitted, kissing his neck. "But you'd live. You know, you really *don't* have to do those dishes. At all. Justin doesn't do enough around here anyway."

"He shared his melon," JC murmured. "Nick? you ... you really told them I was your boyfriend? even after what I told you last night? you slept on it and it still doesn't matter to you?"

"I really did tell them that," Nick confessed. "It just kinda came out; I didn't say it to put any pressure on you, JC. The stuff you told me ... I'll be honest, I'm still kinda dealing with it, but it doesn't change how I feel about you. It doesn't change the fact that I want to go out with you."

"Okay," JC nodded, tilting his head back in an obvious invitation for Nick to kiss his neck. "Okay. So, um. I guess maybe repeating our shower habits from last night might be out of the question this monring, huh?" Nick could hear the wistfulness, too.

Nick kissed at his neck happily and slid his hand up under the T-shirt to touch JC's stomach. "We could," he said slowly, "but we'd have an audience. And I'd like to keep that part of things between us private, as much as we can in *this* house, anyway."

"Me too," JC shivered, placing his hand over Nick's carefully and then arching his back a little, bringing his ass against Nick's hips. "Just. I liked it. What ... how long do we have, until we have to leave for class? is it a long walk?"

"It's about a half hour walk, I think," said Nick thoughtfully, before kissing JC's neck again. "I usually take my bike. So we wouldn't have to leave for an hour or so, unless you need to get there early. Do you need to get there early?"

JC shook his head, and coaxed Nick's hand higher under his shirt, the dishes pretty much forgotten. He was warmand soft, and smelled good in Nick's arms.

"Then maybe we could go back upstairs, take care of a few things so you're less likely to have trouble in class?" The way Nick moved against him make it pretty clear what he meant by that. "I'd stay here, but the Timberlake could come back ... " He didn't move away, though, caressing JC's skin and nuzzling his neck and holding him close.

"We have to be quick," JC whispered, rocking back against him slowly. "If we both have to shower ... I have to shave, too ... shit! borrow a razor, and ... "

"Not a problem," Nick assured him, pushing back against him again and using one hand to brace himself against the counter. "I have everything you need, and I can do quick. Any time, anywhere."

"Nick, not this," JC breathed. "Not. I don't want to rush that, not at first, our first ... " His ass fit deliciously in the curve of Nick's groin, though, and JC covered Nick's other hand with his own to brace himself, too.

"We'll save *that*," Nick promised him. "I'd love to save that for a special time. But this ... we can do *this*." He started dragging his hand lower, over JC's stomach again and closer to his groin. He pressed his face to JC's neck and just breathed, waiting to be stopped or be given silent permission to go on.

JC sighed softly, and when the head of his cock bumped the back of Nick's hand, already escaped from the slit on the front of the boxers JC must have borrowed, Nick knew he was allowed to do this.

"Shhhh," he said softly, kissing his jaw as he curled his fingers around JC's erection. "We'll have to be quiet, not get anyone's attention ... " He rubbed himself against JC"s ass again and *he* was the one in danger of making too much noise.

Whimpering quietly, JC's head fell forward, his chin to his chest, and his grip loosened on Nick's hand. But he still covered it, almost as if he wanted to be able to stop him immediately, if someone came in.

"Feel so good when I'm with you," murmured Nick, stroking him at a steady pace, not too fast but not teasingly either. "Just want to always be touching you. Looking at you. Talking to you. Listening to you ... " He gasped softly as sensations started to build in him, and ended up pressing them both closer to the counter.

JC started pulling at Nick's hand, and it took him a moment to realize he was trying to get him to let go. "Me too, me too," he insisted breathily. "But ... Nick, please, I'm ... I'll come everywhere, I'll be so embarrassed ... "

"Shhh, no, it's okay," breathed Nick urgently. "It's okay, it's okay, it's just me, and me too, and there's towels right there, and no one will ever know but us." He bit gently at JC's earlobe and tried to get JC to let him finish.

JC gave a full-body shudder right when Nick bit him, but dropped both his hands to the counter in surrender. "Just, your hands ... s'what made me kiss you first, last night, having your hands trying to get me warm."

Nick let go of the counter and slid the other hand back up under JC's shirt again as he continued to stroke him. "Okay," he whispered. "Okay. Yes. Oh, JC ... "

"Nick!" JC cried out, probably too loud, but it sounded so good to Nick's ears that he wasn't about to stop. He could feel the rush of blood through JC's body everywhere he touched him.

"Shhh," he murmured, barely audible as he licked and sucked at JC's jaw and jerked him off. His own hips ground against JC's ass in the same rhythm and he knew he was gonna make a huge mess soon. And he didn't care.

"Nick," JC gasped again, then arched his back and started coming over Nick's fist. "Nick, Nick!" It did amazing things to Nick to hear him say his name like that. He didn't want to think about how long it had been for JC to have someone pay such attention to *him* getting off.

He held onto JC's body, pressed up tight to his, and thrust against him until he came. Maybe he could tell people he spilled paint thinner on his pants. He didn't care, he didn't care, it all just happened so fast. "Oh, JC," he breathed again, just holding onto him gently now. "Oh, JC."

JC brought one hand up to his own face and covered it, so shy. "God, I can't believe ... anybody could've come in." His breathing was fast, though, and shallow, and Nick knew he'd enjoyed it. He wasn't trying to move away at all.

"But they didn't," murmured Nick, groping for the drawer next to the sink and pulling out a clean dishtowel. "Here ... we can clean up. Just like that."

JC carefully cleaned off Nick's hand, first, then rubbed at his own cock not even as gently. He tugged the shirt back down over his hips and twisted in Nick's arms. "My ass is all wet," he pointed out, and even grinned a little impishly.

Nick let out a soft, involuntary giggle. "That was fun," he confessed. "Now we have to get upstairs without getting noticed." He glanced at the door, then back at JC. "Just remember, they tease because they love."

JC giggled too. "Well. I mean. If I'm ... if I'm gonna come over a lot, then. They'll probably see a lot worse at some point." He blushed and reached for Nick's hand. "Right?"

"Right," said Nick, smiling and leaning in for a kiss. "They're not so big on personal space. Except Chris. Come on ... let's go get showered."

* * *

Nick was just giving JC a little space, after the class was over, to put his jeans back on and the rest of clothes. But already, there were other people that weren't. One of the other guys, Kevin something, went right up to him in the corner where JC had folded his clothes, before he'd even tugged his shirt on, leaning into JC's space and smiling. Saying something to make JC blush.

His grip on his bag tightened, and before Nick knew what he was doing he was already striding over there, ready to step in. He told himself it wasn't jealousy, he just knew how uncomfortable JC had to be right then, knew how much he needed *not* to be approached.

"Hey," he said to JC, all but ignoring Kevin's presence. "Are you almost ready to go? Need me to carry anything?" He was pretty sure that JC was still going home first, and not back to Nick's, but Kevin didn't need to know that.

JC was ducking his head, smoothing his shirt -- Justin's shirt, actually, that he'd let JC borrow -- down over his stomach. "Hi, Nick," he said quietly. "I'm, yeah."

"Hey," Kevin said mildly. "You guys getting some coffee or something? I didn't know, man, sorry. You gonna be busy later, though, JC? I thought, some dinner or something."

"He's gonna be busy," said Nick, equally mildly, not setting this up to be confrontational if he could at all help it. Kevin wasn't a bad guy, as far as he knew, but now wasn't the time. "I keep him pretty busy." He only really realized after saying it that maybe he should've let JC answer for himself.

"Oh," Kevin said, not exactly impressed. "JC?"

JC sighed. "Can I just ... can you guys just give me a minute? Please?" He looked at Nick almost like he told him so, and then walked out into the hall.

Nick closed his eyes and shook his head for a minute, not really interested in explaining to Kevin what was going on. "He likes to be alone, after doing a session," he said finally. "Helps him regroup. I just wanted to get him out of here so he wouldn't have to talk to anyone. Nothing personal, man."

"Yeah, sure," Kevin shrugged. "That's cool. You just kind of ... I must have misunderstood. What you said, it kind of sounded possessive and all. I'll just call him later."

Nick bit his tongue to keep from telling Kevin he *couldn't* call JC later -- that wasn't his call to make. But he damn well wanted to. "We already have plans for tonight," he ended up saying finally. "Me and JC. So, I mean, you can call but he probably won't be around." That didn't come out *quite* the way he meant it to.

"I'll leave him a message, then," Kevin said, his eyes dark. "Unless you're trying to tell me that he probably won't be around a lot. Which ... if that's the case? why'd he give me his number last class?"

"I'm hoping he won't be around a lot," said Nick, his voice getting only a little harder. "It seems like it's going in that direction. But ... I can't stop you from calling, Kevin, and you know it. He's hi s own man and all. If he gave you his number, then ... " Nick didn't know what. But JC had made it pretty clear that he wasn't Nick's boyfriend. Still, that didn't mean Nick had to make it *easy* for anyone else to date him.

"Yeah," Kevin said, and might have said something else if JC hadn't slipped back in, his collar and bangs wet.

"I'll see you guys later, okay?" he murmured, ducking away from Nick's look. "I gotta ... go catch a bus." He pulled on a sweatshirt, and that was Nick's.

"Just ... just a second," said Nick, trying not to get too close, trying not to spook him. He looked over his shoulder at Kevin, who hadn't gone anywhere. "I'll call you? About later? Work everything out?"

"Maybe," JC said softly. But at least he met his eyes. "I told you maybe."

Nick figured at least he left without saying goodbye to Kevin.

* * *

Nick had been hoping that JC would call him to let him know what time he would be coming over, but as it got later and later he finally just dug up JC's number again and crept down to the living room to give *him* a call. He just hoped that the others would give him a little privacy while he did, before they all descended on the room for movie night.

At least JC answered himself, this time, but he sounded drawn and tired. And shy, again. "Oh, hi, Nick. Um. Sorry about disappearing like that, but I warned you ... "

"No, it's okay, I understood," said Nick, trying not to think back to that moment. "I'm sorry I ... did whatever I did to spook you. I didn't mean to get into it with Kevin like that, he was just gettting all pushy, and ... um ... I was just calling to see when you thought you might come over tonight. For the movies."

"Oh, oh," JC said. "Nick. I ... maybe I shouldn't, tonight. Like, if Joey's gonna be there, I should ... I think I want to meet him again under better circumstances. You know? And I promise it's nothing you did. I'm just." He sighed softly. "Tired."

"Oh," said Nick softly, slumping back into the couch. "But ... are you *sure*? Because tonight would be a really good night, everyone's gonna be here and it's completely casual, and ... I promise I won't do anything like call you my boyfriend again. It would just be cool."

"No, I know, but. Maybe I should sleep in my own bed. I only have one more sitting for your class and then I'll get better. I'll have to get better. And, and. There was a message on the machine, they need me to substitute tomorrow, so." He was quiet for a second. "It's not about you, Nick. Promise."

"Oh," said Nick again, even softer. It was hard to believe that it wasn't about him, at least in part. He worked the next day, too, and it wasn't keeping him from wanting to be with JC that night. "Well. Um. I can't *make* you or anything. I had a really great time with you, though, JC. I'd like to do it again some time, if you're still interested."

JC didn't reply to that right away, either. But when he did, Nick was relieved at his words. "Nothing I said to you last night has changed, or this morning, either. I still ... you're not giving up on me, are you?"

"I wouldn't," said Nick immediately. "I wouldn't, JC. I like you too much not to try, try really hard for this. Even though it's a little complicated and different from anything I've done before. Um. So when do you think I might see you again?"

"I'm not sure," JC admitted apologetically. "I have to ... I have to do some stuff around here tomorrow, for my brother, after work. Maybe Saturday? But I'm sure you're really busy, you work so much, and have to finish those pictures ..."

"I'd make time," Nick interrupted him. "To see you, I'd make time. I really wish you were coming tonight, JC, but ... I understand. I think. You'll call me? Soon?"

"I don't have your number," JC admitted softly. "I'm ... I'm sorry, that's so awful, but I don't. Can you give it to me?"

"I thought I ... " began Nick, then shook his head. He was sure he'd given it to JC when they'd first gotten together. He just gave him the number and hoped that JC *would* call him. It would mean a lot. "I'm looking forward to talking to you again."

"I can't wait to *see* you again," JC said, sounding sincere and hopeful and maybe not as sad or withdrawn as he had earlier? "Wish me luck, for tomorrow?"

"Good luck," said Nick, even smiling a little. "I'm glad they called, that you're doing that. I'll, um, talk to you soon then?"

"Yes," JC said. "Yes. And, um, maybe say hello to everyone for me? Even Justin. And apologize to Chris and make sure ... make sure he knows it's not because of what he said. Make sure *you* know it too."

Nick shrugged slightly, even though JC couldn't see. "I'll tell them," he promised a moment later. "I'm sure they know. And ... take care of yourself tonight. Get some rest. It'll all work out okay for you."

"I won't go out," JC said, a little awkwardly. "Tonight, I mean. I'm not ... not blowing you off for that, Nick."

"I know," said Nick, promptly hating himself for lying about it. But then, he wasn't sure JC wasn't lying too. "I know you're not, JC. I'm just looking out for you."

"Okay, I know," JC said softly. "Um. Thanks. I'll call you. And ... goodnight, Nick."

"Good night, JC," he said back, and hung up the phone a little numbly. That wasn't exactly how he'd expected the conversation to go, and he wasn't sure what he was gonna tell everyone else now, when he'd already pretty much said that JC was coming. He'd been so sure that he would.

He wasn't even sure how long he'd sat there when he felt soft fingers start to rub his neck gently. "Hey, boy," Britney said. "I heard we're having a guest for movie night? But you look ... hmm. Are you okay?"

"Hey girl," he said, leaning forward and shifting over a little to make room for her. "You heard wrong. No guest. Just us regulars."

Her fingers dug a little deeper. It felt good. "But Justin said ... okay." She didn't press it. "Wanna talk about it? or, tell me how class went?"

"Class went fine," he said dully. "I didn't do anything. Maybe I'll paint something tonight, before I go to bed. Maybe not. How was your day?"

"Um," Britney said slowly. "It was fine. I had class, too. Actually ... actually, I think I saw your JC afterwards. I mean, just kind of recognized him from your other ... from your charcoals. He was kind of. He looked like you feel, you know?"

"Yeah, I guess I kinda fucked up a little," said Nick, staring at his hands. "Pushed too hard or something. He decided not to come tonight after all. So. Yeah. That's why."

"Oh, honey," she cooed, and it wasn't even annoying, really. "I'm sure it wasn't that. Didn't you say he's really shy about posing? Maybe he just was really embarrassed to do it in front of you, since. Since what you did last night."

"Oh, he was," said Nick immediately. "He was, he's embarassed about it anyway. But that isn't ... he just needed time alone, after class. But something happened and I didn't give it to him and now he doesn't want to come see me at all. It'll be okay, I just ... I feel stupid."

"You didn't give *what* to him," Britney asked, confused, before figuring it out. "Oh, space. Oh, honey, why? He asked you to and then you didn't anyway? Well. I'm sure it's not that he doesn't want to see you. He probably needs to take that space now, then."

"Something happened," said Nick, sighing. "Someone else was bugging him, and I tried to get in between them so JC could have some time alone, but ... it just didn't work out that way in the end. I'm sure I'll see him again some time. I just ... don't know when. I was really looking forward to seeing him tonight, too."

"I'm just glad you're not upset with Chris for inviting him," she murmured, continuing her little massage. "And I'm sure you'll see him soon. Chris said he was really ... like, he looked at you like you were special. He liked him."

"I thought he looked at me like I was special, too," murmured Nick, worrying all over again about what JC would really be doing that night. Whether he was still hard up for some extra cash and willing to do what it took. He could feel his shoulders tense up under Britney's hands. "I'm not upset with Chris. Nothing that hppened was his fault."

"I don't think you should be upset with you, either," Britney added. "Why do you think Nick is mad, or avoiding you? Just because he's not coming? Chris also said he might not. So."

"I thought he liked me," said Nick, shrugging again but not hard enough to shrug her hands off. "I thought he'd go out of his way to spend time with me, the way I want to for him. It's just dumb, Britney. Joey'll come home with some comedies and I'll snap right out of it."

"I just don't ever see you like this," she explained. "I think ... I think you have to be patient with him. I could never take my clothes off like that. I'm not surprised it takes him a while to get over it. Just ... how did you leave it?"

"I just ... " said Nick, gesturing at the phone. "I just talked to him. Things are okay. He says he'll call me soon and all. And that it's not my fault. But ... " He sighed. "I'm a simple kind of guy, and it's a complicated kind of relationship, and I'm not used to that."

"Well, you have to trust him to call, then." She wrapped her arms around Nick's neck and it was nice. "Like, give him a chance to prove that he *does* want to go out of his way. Why's it so complicated, anyway?"

"I ... can't say," he said reluctantly. "There are things I promised I wouldn't say. I guess we just ... two very different lives. Very different worlds. And he's, you know, skittish. And I'm *so* not skittish, at all, ever. It's not all straightforward."

"Then, give him a chance," Britney said, thankfully not pressing it. Although Nick figured she'd probably get it out of him, or someone, eventually. "If proving himself to you is what it'll take, then let him do it, but don't give up before that."

"I'm not giving up," said Nick, leaning back into her hands again. "I'm moping and whining. There's a difference. Just because I've never moped and whined to you before doesn't mean I haven't got it in me." He looked at her over his shoulder and gave her a tentative smile. "I'm just nervous, about the whole thing. I've got a lot to be nervous about."

"What," she said, smiling back. "What do you have to be nervous about. He *likes* you, Nick, and I've never met a gay man that didn't anyway, and that includes the Timberlake. He slept with you after one date. You're totally in."

"The Timberlake," said Nick, and snickered. "Right. Anyway ... he did, you're right. But that's part of ... that's part of the stuff I can't talk about. I'm sorry. I would, but I think it might be one of those unforgivable things that *would* mess things up forever."

"Honey, I understand, and you know I admire it." She kissed his forehead and then twisted around to settle in Nick's lap. "You're sweet, and he's lucky to have you, and until I get to meet him that's my position on it. Plus, it gives me something else to fight with Justin about, since he keeps saying you're lucky to have *JC*."

Nick smiled at her, a little wider. "Thanks for being so cool," he said, wrapping his arms around her. "I know it'll all work out somehow, I just don't know how."

"Like everything, just give it time," she said, and gave him a quick peck. "Okay, lemme up. I gotta go shower before everyone shows up and takes all the good seats."

Nick snuggled her for another moment before releasing her, feeling at least a little better than he had before she'd shown up. "Thanks, babycakes. I think I'm gonna be parked right here for the night, now."

"Well, maybe *all* the good seats won't be taken, then," she winked. "I gotta take advantage of JC not being here as long as I can, I guess."

"I don't think you're gonna need to fight him for my attention or anything," said Nick, a little sadly. "Even if he does ever want to come over. Anyway. Hurry back!"

Britney looked like she wanted to argue about that, but just shrugged and waved and jogged upstairs, leaving Nick to have to explain three more times why JC wouldn't be coming.

Nick sank back into the couch again, and avoided looking at the phone. The more time that passed since the phone call, the worse he was feeling about it, despite Britney's best efforts. He wasn't doom and gloom enough to thing that JC wanted to end it, but he still worried about what was really going on. He wondered if he would ever really understand.

There was a racket on the stairs and then Chris was jumping in Nick's lap, in the space Britney had left. "Hey!" he said brightly, then repeated it a little less brightly when he looked around. "Um, hey. No JC after all?"

"No JC," said Nick, sighing again. "He decided he didn't want to come after all. So sorry, no popcorn for you tonight."

"I bought some," Chris said quietly. "I stopped on my way home and got some ... I was kidding about the popcorn. That's not why, right? Because he thought he'd have to bring popcorn??"

"No, that's not why," said Nick, shaking his head. "I told him he wouldn't have to anyway, but I bet he would've. Um. If he'd wanted to come he would've, anyway. But he didn't."

"Huh," Chris said, huffing a little. But not meanly. "I thought he did want to come. I mean, I know he didn't promise, but. He seemed pretty happy about how things were between you guys. Happy as you, maybe. Maybe more."

"Yeah, I thought ... " began Nick. "I mean. I guess I was smothering him or something. He needed to get away. And plus. Um. I think maybe he was going to work tonight."

"Work?" Chris echoed, curious. With a little frown. "I thought you said he substituted. Taught. Why would he do that at night." Nick suspected Chris knew what he meant, but was making him say it anyway.

"The *other* job," he said, giving him a significant look. "The one I told you he didn't want to do anymore. I guess giving it up's not as easy as I thought. Good money. Good hours."

Chris's lips pressed into a tight line. "And you're letting him? You're just ... you know he is, and you're not riding your bike over there or borrowing Joe's car or something so you can sit with him? Maybe look through want ads with him?"

"He didn't say for sure he was," said Nick. "And I don't want to be an asshole and assume. But I have a feeling, right here," and he rubbed at his chest awkwardly, "like it's not gonna be that easy for him to stop. He doesn't want to get together tonight, Chris, he made that clear, and I might just push him away if I push too hard."

"Huh," Chris hummed, non-committal about that. "Well. You're gonna handle it the way you think is best, I guess. I'm sorry he won't be joining us. And I hope you're wrong about the reason."

"So do I," whispered Nick, looking away from him for a moment. "I *don't* know how to handle it, Chris. But I know that whatever I did after class today was wrong, and what I did was not give him enough space, and so I have to make up for it now."

"I think, maybe, it's not about giving him space, except. When he asks for it, you know?" Chris looked a little confused, like he was working it out himself. "Like, if you pushed it when he asked you not to, you shouldn't push it tonight, I get that. But maybe if that hadn't happened, you could push it. Don't let him say no too much? I don't think he wants you to. If I was him, I wouldn't want you to."

"I don't want him to say no at *all*," said Nick. "But I just talked to him, and he says tonight's just not good. And I did push, after class. I didn't meant to, it just happened. But the effect is all the same, no matter why it happened, I guess."

"Well, after class," Chris tried. "It seems ... well, okay. Whatever. What happened, happened. I *am* sorry he's not coming, though. Maybe you can call him, between movies? Just. Just to check on him. That wouldn't be pushing." It was also practically the exact opposite of what Britney had suggested.

"Maybe," said Nick, giving him a little smile. His friends -- always trying to be helpful in their own way. "Maybe I'm scared to find out if he's not home."

"Won't it be better to know for sure?" he pressed, and Nick knew it was just because Chris liked him, was looking out for him. "Not ... then you can help, is all. Or I could drive you, if you wanted to look for him." They heard someone else on the stairs and Chris slid to his feet. "Well, think about it."

"Thanks, Chris," he said, and hoped he sounded sincere. Maybe he *would* call because Chris was right ... it was better to know. He couldn't live with just worrying about it forever.

Chris just nodded, then grinned a little softly when Justin pranced into the room with an immediate pout when he saw that everyone wasn't there already. He liked entrances.

"Where *is* everybody?" he whined. "Nick, where's your new boyfriend?"

"He's *not* my boyfriend," snapped Nick. "And he's not coming, so you can stop trying to impress him or whatever the hell you were just doing."

Justin blinked at him and even Chris gave Nick a little sidelong 'what was that for?' look. "Okay, jeez, sorry. I just thought you guys seemed ... I don't know, cute, or something. What did I do wrong?"

"Nothing," muttered Nick with another sigh. "Nothing. He's just ... he's not my boyfriend, is all. He had other places he wanted to be more, tonight."

"Oh," Justin said, ducking his chin and looking guiltily over at Chris. "Um. Okay, is this where I'm supposed to apologize for, like, apparently staring at him too much or something? Because it's been pointed out to me that I wasn't being ... "

"Subtle," Chris supplied.

"Subtle," Justin struggled over the word.

"Or hospitible, but that's another conversation," Chris added.

"You could," said Nick acceptingly. "It had nothing to do with you, but I'll accept the apology anyway. Just sit down, Justin. It's not big deal."

"Well, fine," Justin huffed, and did. "What's it have to do with, then? is he working or something?"

Nick closed his eyes briefly. "Yeah," he said finally. "Yeah, Justin, he's working. Can we drop it now? Please?" He hardly ever said please to the Timberlake.

"Nick," Chris said, a little hesitantly, but Justin interrupted him.

"Sure," he said, his own voice much kinder. And not even fake, it seemed. "Are we waiting on Joey and Brit for popcorn? Because Brit's in the bathroom doing her hair. Even though I asked her why she needed to do her hair for *us*."

"Yeah, I know where Brit is," he said. "We're just waiting for Joey." Nick had never been sad or upset on movie night before; he didn't get sad or upset much at *all*. And he found he didn't like it much. "He should be here any minute."

"I was just gonna offer to make it, if you wanted," Justin added, glancing at Chris with a little frown. He *did* make the best popcorn, for some reason. He had a sixth sense about when to take it out of the microwave.

"Oh," said Nick, looking at him apologetically. He sat up straighter and tried to cheer up a little. He didn't need to inflict his mood on the rest of them; they were used to him being a lot more cheerful. "Actually, that would be really cool, thanks."

"It's no problem," Justin said, unfolding himself from the couch and smacking Joey on the ass as he passed by him on his way out. "Hey man. Thanks for getting the movies."

"No problem," Joey said, tossing a beer to Chris and Nick, and setting one down for Justin. He had a hard lemonade thing for Britney, and was left with an extra beer. "Hey. Didn't you say JC was coming, Chris?"

Nick sighed and met his eyes and shook his head. "Not this time, Joey," he said, hoping he wouldn't be too disappointed.

"He ended up being busy tonight," added Chris, leaving it vague. "Maybe next time. So what did you get for us?"

"Oh," Joey said, sitting down in a slump. "Um, I dunno, just some stuff that Mandy recommended. Nick?" He waited for Nick to look at him. "Does he not want to see me, or something? Because ... I don't know, for any reason, or maybe something that happened a while ago?"

Nick hesitated, then shook his head. "It's not you, Joey, it's me. I messed things up a little, and ... it's just not you, at all. I don't know what happened between you guys a long time ago, but you're not the reason he's not here. I promise."

"Okay," Joey nodded, not even looking relieved. "What did you do to him?" He must have realized how that sounded, though, and rushed to correct it. "I mean. Was it just a misunderstanding or soemthing about the plans?"

"I think misunderstanding might be the best way to put it," said Nick slowly. "Something happened to make him uncomfortable and he's -- I hope -- just taking a little time to himself to, um, correct the imbalance. Or something like that." Or he's out working and didn't want to say.

"Oh, um, okay," Joey nodded. "So next time. Maybe." He sighed a little and squeezed Nick's knee. "Did you, um, have a nice time last night, at least? I'm sorry I wasn't here to say hello at breakfast."

Nick smiled in spite of himself. "I had a great time last night," he said, sighing happily and then blushing.

"And by great time he means *great time*," Chris put in cheerfully, putting the last two words in finger quotes. "Though not great enough that I could hear him over Rage Against the Machine."

"I thought you said they didn't fuck," Justin said accusingly, addressing Chris as he came back in the room. "When you told me to forget the dishes, you said that."

"Lord," Joey murmured, covering his ears.

"I'm a filthy liar," said Chris, without a hint of shame.

Nick laughed softly, letting his friends lift his spirits again, and pulled Joey's hands away from his ears. "No, no, we're not talking about that. I just really like him a lot, Joe. I hope I didn't mess things up for real. I hope ... tonight will be a good thing. I really want to see him again soon."

"Wait, I thought he wasn't coming?" Joey asked, squeezing Nick's hands in the friendliest way. "What's gonna be good about tonight?"

"Well, he's not," said Nick slowly. "But maybe having the time to himself that he needs will smooth things out again. That's all I mean. Maybe him not being here tonight is what's best for him. I really, really want him to be, but ... he's not. And I have to make the best of it."

"Ahhh," Joey said, nodding, then shifting over when Britney came back downstairs. "Hey girl," he said casually. "You smell good."

"Yeah," Britney said, looking at Nick carefully. "Sorry to keep everyone waiting. We ready?" She grabbed one of the throw pillows and tossed it in Nick's lap, then draped her legs over Joey's and put her head down happily.

"Looks like you got the most comfortable seat in the house after all," said Nick, smiling down at her. "Yeah, I think we're ready to go."

* * *

The knock on the door surprised all of them. Nick would've gotten up, except Britney was still stretched over top of him and Joey. And Justin stood up anyway, after everyone shrugged and, it seemed to Nick, try not to look most questioningly at him.

Even though he deserved it when Justin came back in the room with an obviously-embarrassed-again JC in tow.

He blinked a few times when he saw him and opened his mouth to say something but nothing seemed to come out.

"JC!" said Chris, jumping up enthusiastically when Nick didn't. "You made it! C'mere and take Justin's seat before he sits his butt back into it.

"JC," breathed Nick, staring at him, and suddenly he was grinning widely.

Britney sat up right away, though, and crawled over into Joey's lap completely. "No, come sit here, on this couch," she insisted. "We're just getting to the good part."

"C?" Joey said quietly, just as pinned as Nick felt. "Wow, man, it really is you."

"Hey, Joey," JC replied softly, after giving Nick a small but promising smile. "It's been a while."

Nick licked his lips and reached out a hand to him, still not sure what to say, He still couldn't really believe that JC was there, after saying he wouldn't be. He just hoped it wasn't anything like the reason he'd come over last time.

"Or yeah, you could go sit with your-- with Nick," agreed Chris, settling back into his seat before Justin could take *it*. "If you really wanted to."

"Hi, Chris," JC said, laughing a little, then waving at Britney. "You must be Britney. You can ... you can sit how you were. I'll just sit on the floor." He gestured at it, then before anyone else could say anything, curled up between Nick's legs.

Nick immediately curled his fingers in JC's hair. "You came," he said incredulously, his voice soft. "JC, you came, that's ... thank you. For coming. To see me, or to see Joey, or to see the movie, of whatever reason made you decide to come. I'm glad you did."

JC didn't really respond, just hushed Nick and kissed his knee, staring at the screen. Until he finally looked back over at Chris. "You starting this or what?" he said bashfully, and it was obvious that he didn't want anyone to make a big deal out of him being there right then.

"Right, right," said Chris, fumbling for the remote. "Watch now, catch up later. I gotcha. I got the plan."

Nick grinned and looked over at Joey as they all got comfortable again. He was watching JC, which was no surprise, but Nick couldn't read the look on his face.

He finally glanced away, but not before picking Britney up and moving her off his lap, once it was plain that JC was sitting where he wanted to sit. And then just chewed on his nails.

JC, for his part, snuggled back even closer to Nick, wrapping an arm around Nick's calf and resting his cheek on Nick's thigh, apparently serious about watching whatever stupid movie was on.

Nick didn't care about the movie anymore, even less into it than he had been when he thought JC was off somewhere else, with someone else. He just wanted to watch JC, wanted to be able to ask him what the hell was going on, what had made him decide to show up after all. The more time he spent with JC, the more confused he got.

He knew he was fidgeting, and knew JC felt it, especially when he stood up and shyly asked if he could get anyone anything from the kitchen.

Joey stood up with him right away. "Want some help?"

"Yes, he does," Chris answered for him. "Go. Be gone. Take your talkative selves into the kitchen and let the rest of us watch the movie. Oh -- " He gave JC a sweet smile. "And I believe I was promised popcorn."

Nick ran his hand up JC's arm, then just hung onto his hand loosely. "Want me to come?" he asked, glancing at Joey and back at JC again. "Or maybe not?"

"Um," JC said, ducking his head. "Joey? do you mind if I just talk to Nick for a second? I'll, I promise we can catch up. We should catch up. But I think I owe him ... anyway. Is that okay?"

"Sure," Joey said, a little shortly, sitting right back down again. "You know, whenever you have the chance, C. It;s just good to see you."

Nick gave Joey a nervous, apologetic look and hoped JC really did mean to catch up with him after. It seemed to mean an awful lot to him.

"I still can't believe you're here," he said when they left the room and were almost out of earshot, as long as they spoke quietly. "You said you weren't coming."

"Do you ... should I go?" JC whispered back, finding the lightswitch and grabbing another bag of popcorn. "I thought you were happy. You seemed happy, when I walked in. I'm ... I guess I should have called first, huh."

"No, JC, stop," said Nick immediately, grabbing hold of his shirt and tugging him closer. "I've been a real jerk to everyone all night because I've been missing you so much. I'm *glad* you're here, i just ... what made you change your mind?"

JC shrugged, but Nick also saw him grin before he hid his face again. "I just. I was at home feeling sorry for myself, and Tyler brought someone home and it, like, gave me this excuse to go out. But then I didn't want to, I wanted to ... I wanted to see you. Like, badly, and just touch you and stuff. Have you hold me, maybe, like you did last night."

"That's exactly what I want to do," said Nick, sliping his hand down to JC's waist, grateful JC had come to *him* instead of going to anyone else. "Hold you and touch you and kiss your neck. And just have you here. Everyone was looking forward to seeing you, you know, it wasn't even just me. Especially Joey ... I think he's really looking forward to talking to you again."

That made JC hide his face again, but into Nick's shoulder this time. "I know, I know. Soon. I guess ... we should go back out there, huh? Get Chris his popcorn?" He didn't move, though, obviously *very* happy about having Nick hold him like he'd said.

Nick ran a hand up and down JC's back, holding him there. "We have a couple minutes," he promised him. "A couple minutes to ourselves. Are you, um, staying here tonight? With me?"

"Am I staying here tonight?" he asked back, his voice muffled. "I. I brought a bag, it's in the hall. But I don't have to. I know you said you have work tomorrow too."

"I want you to," Nick told him, smiling to himself and even swaying from side to side a little as he held him. "I want you to stay. With me. With us. It's good you brought things, they'll fit you better than mine. And if we're up early enough, I can borrow a car to get you to work ... what school did you say you'd be subbing at?"

"Glenview," JC mumbled, hugging Nick back. "That would be nice, but ... you don't have to. I mean. It's so nice of you, though." He tilted his head up and kissed Nick's jaw. "I like the way you smell."

"Yeah, for once I don't smell like paint thinner," said Nick lightly. "I like the way you feel, JC. You belong here, right here. And it's no trouble, in the morning, getting you to work. I wouldn't mind making a habit of it, really."

JC shivered, a little, but he didn't pull away. Maybe Nick *wasn't* smothering him. "And you'd tell me if I was in the way. Or, or making a nuisance of myself. Right?"

"I would," Nick promised him. "But you're not. I want you here. I want to be with you. I like you a lot, JC, whether you believe it or not. You seem like a really good person. And more important, a really good person *for me*. Okay?"

"Okay," whispered JC, holding Nick tighter. "I'm glad I came tonight. I'm glad to see you. I'm ... I'm just sorry I'm not in a more social mood. I feel bad."

"You'll get used to them," Nick said. "Having them around like this. They're all *good* people, JC. And they like you. Even Britney, and she only *met* you tonight. Me talking about you all the time was enough. It's okay not to be social all the time -- Chris locks himself in his rom for days on end sometimes. You don't have to be sorry for it. Do you mind sitting and watching movies with us, though? As long as I promise to hold you?"

"Of course not," JC said, finally pulling back and getting the popcorn out of the microwave. "I was fine before except you kept squirming. And I could feel you, like, staring at my neck." He gave Nick an impish grin, then blushed.

"I'm gonna keep staring at you," said Nick, leaning in to give him a soft kiss. "Just so you know. You're way more interesting to me than anything else in there right now. I can stop squirming, but I'm not gonna stop staring. You're beautiful."

"Nick," JC protested softly, his blush spreading. "You don't have to say stuff like that. I just, I mean, I like it. It matters to me that you think so. But ... okay, this is lame, but I feel that you think I am, when you touch me. The way you touch me. God." He grabbed the bowl and busied himself with salting the snack.

"I don't *have* to say stuff like that, no," agreed Nick. "But sometimes I like to. Sometimes I like you to know *exactly* what I'm thinking and how I feel, when I'm around you. But I'm glad you still know, even when I'm not telling you, because I'm always feeling that way. I'm a lucky guy."

"Okay, now you have to stop," JC insisted, laughing a little self-consciously. "If you want me to come sit with you in front of them. Because, it's just, you're so nice to me and when you are all the time, I want to be with you all the time. Like, in a private way. So stoppit."

"Okay," said NIck, kissing him one more time. "We'll have to be together in a private way later. For now, we have to be together in a public way. Is it okay if I make you blush, though, just a little? Because it looks really good on you."

"Nick!" JC exclaimed, but he laughed and shoved at him. He seemed so much more lighthearted. "Not in front of them! Come on. And don't forget that finsihing the movie was *your* idea."

"A little in front of them," teased Nick, running his thumb over JC's hot cheek. "Just a little blush for them, because it looks so sweet on you. Don't be embarassed, JC, it's like family. You ready?"

JC shivered again, and turned his face into Nick's palm, kissing the heel of his hand. Then quickly, too quickly, letting his tongue dart out to lick him. "What if I don't *want* to look sweet for them?" he teased shyly.

"Then you crawl up onto my lap and kiss me dirty," said Nick with a grin and a wink, fairly sure JC wouldn't be comfortable with that. Not that *he* would mind. "They like you anyway."

JC handed Nick the bowl and then buried his face against Nick's back, wrapping his arms around his waist from behind and walking them out into the other room. Obviously intent on everyone else *not* seeing him blush. Which was even more adorable.

Nick was looking back over his shoulder and grinning at him and that was exactly what everyone saw when the two of them came back into the room.

"Awwwww," said Chris, and right when Nick was gonna tell him to shush before JC got even more embarrassed he went on, "you brought me my popcorn. How sweet. Now gimme."

JC giggled from behind him as Nick handed Chris the bowl, then waited for Nick to sit back down before crawling into his lap this time instead of sitting on the floor. He also didn't look at Joey, Nick noticed, and after a minute, Joey stopped looking at him.

Nick slid his arms around JC's waist and kept them there for the remainder of the movie, holding him close and trying to prove to JC that he was wanted there, and Nick didn't want to let him go.

* * *

Nick yawned and stretched and leaned over to kiss JC's cheek as Justin got up noisily from his chair to bring the empty bowls back into the kitchn.. "So what did you think?" he asked, knowing full well that JC probably didn't even know what movie they were *watching*, let alone have an opinion about it. That wasn't entirely what he was asking.

"I liked it," JC replied earnestly. "With the ... the lead guy, he was good. He did a good job." He grinned and kissed Nick back, coaxing a soft sigh from Britney.

"You guys are really sweet together," she said shamelessly. "When are you coming back, JC, to hang out for real?"

"This was real," protested Nick, giving JC a soft smile and not even looking at Britney as he spoke. "And besides, you'll see him at breakfast if you get up early enough. Is that soon enough for you?"

Britney threw Joey and Chris a look, then just grinned wider while JC squeezed Nick's knee. "That works. You just looked like you were about to give some fake yawns and say 'oh, I'm SO tired. See you in the morning' to us."

"You're staying over, JC?" Joey asked, looking like he was trying to hide any expression.

"I ... I thought I would, as long as that's okay," JC said. "Nick offered to take me to work tomorrow ... "

"Of course it's okay," said Chris, giving Joey a look that Nick couldn't read. And if Nick couldn't read it, then he was sure JC couldn't. "Does that mean you're borrowing the car, Nick?"

"I was hoping, yeah," he said, only a little awkwardly. "If that's okay."

"I can drive him," Joey offered, surprising Nick, and Chris, and obviously JC. "I can drive you, JC, on my way. What time do you need to leave?"

"Um, six-thirty," JC admitted, "but ... "

"That works perfect," Joey said firmly. "I can drop you before I get groceries. And we can catch up!"

Nick looked at JC. It was his call, but he really wanted him to do it. As much as he wanted to spend those extra few minutes with JC in the morning, Joey had always been a great friend to him too, and he got the feeling they really needed to have that talk.

"Well, that all works out perfectly, then," said Chris, like it had already been settled.

"But ... " JC started, looking back at Nick until Justin came back in. "Okay. Thank you, Joey."

"Sure," Joey said, and Nick knew him at least well enough to tell he was acting more casually than he felt. "I'll see you in the morning, then."

"In the morning?" Justin echoed, looking at JC and Nick together. "You're staying again?"

"You got a problem with that, Timberlake?" asked Nick, just a tiny bit menacingly. Not enough for Justin to really take seriously. "I promise we'll only keep you up for an hour or two." Which, even if it was true, was more consideration than *Justin* ever gave.

"Looks like I get to slap my headphones on again," said Chris cheerfully. Nick knew he was probably gonna write for at least a couple more hours before he slept, if not more. If he didn't stay down here to watch another movie.

"It's not like you didn't get out of doing the dishes last time because of it," JC retorted, then looked surprised at himself while the rest of them laughed. "And anyway," he continued, blushing adorably, the way Nick liked -- "anyway, we're not ... I mean, he's. It's. We haven't ... "

"Shh," said Nick, giving him a little kiss. "So we'll see all you guys in the morning?" He spoke to everyone, but he was looking at Joey when he said it and he smiled encouragingly.

Joey gave him a bright smile back, but his look at JC was still much more hesitant, much more ... something. Assessing, maybe. It was weird, and he just hoped it would all be helped by them talking.

"Is it time for the fake yawns, then?" JC said, climbing to his feet and still ducking his face. "Um, thank you guys, for letting me watch the movie with you."

"Stop thanking us," said Chris firmly. "You're welcome here, any time. We like you."

"See? I told you," said Nick, whispering in his ear. Then he yawned widely. "*Boy* am I tired. I think I 'm gonna head to bed now. Night, guys!"

"Me too," JC said softly, burying his face in Nick's arm again as they started out of the room. "Goodnight, everyone. Nice to meet you, Britney."

"Night, JC," Britney called. "You too."

"You still smell good," JC said even softer, once he seemed certain they were far enough away that no one would hear.

"You always think I smell good," murmured Nick as they headed upstairs. "You won't be saying that once I've gonna on one of my little day trips and come home dirty and stinky and covered in paint. Just you wait and see."

"No, those days I'll like better," JC admitted, wrapping his arms around Nick's waist. "Because. Then we can take showers together. You know. Like we did last night? Except ... except then with me being you and you being me so it'll be me on my knees. If that's okay."

"LIke you even have to ask," he said, stumbling over the next step as he thought about it. "Um. Oops. So ... that's a yes. For anytime you want." He stopped them right where they were and gave him a lingering kiss, even though there were people heading up to the second floor behind them.

"Maybe tomorrow morning, even," JC whispered, biting Nick's lip quickly before giving him a little push. "Now come on. We gotta get up early, too, and ... I want to make the most of tonight. I want to have that private time."

Nick grabbed hold of JC's hand and jogged up the rest of the stairs to his room. "It's the most private room in the house," he said as he closed the door behind him. "Which isn't saying much, but it's something." He let go of JC and looked him up and down and smiled. "I'm still amazed that you came," he admitted. "You have no idea."

JC smiled and hugged himself. "Yeah? I mean. I'm sorry I made you worry that I didn't want to. It was never that. I just ... this is the first time I realized I'd be happier if I was *with* someone, than by myself."

"With a lot of someones," said Nick. "But mostly ... wtih me?" He was smiling, too, feeling more confident about this all the time. JC hadn't gone out with someone else. JC wasn't rejecting him. JC really just did think he needed some time alone. And that was okay.

"Definitely mostly with you," agreed JC. "I ... I mean, I like all your roommates, but. Well, it's just what I said before. Tonight, that's not why I came over. I just. I think I needed you."

"It's okay to need me," said Nick, then all at once he just stripped his shirt off to have it out of the way. He wasn't even trying to suggest anything, he just wanted them to be comfortable. "I wanted you here tonight. Are you having a good time?"

JC just nodded, staring a little. "You smell good," he mumbled, somewhat randomly, and reached his hand out to Nick's chest. "Were you worried about me?"

Nick was silent as he nodded, let JC touch him gently. He *was* worried, about a whole bunch of different things. Most of them he didn't need to worry about anymore, now that JC was here with him. But a few of them he still did.

"Why," JC breathed, spreading his fingers and covering Nick's breastbone with his palm. He started unbuttoning his own shirt with his other hand, and toeing off his shoes.

"Because the last time I saw you you were upset," he whispered. "Because I know doing what you did today makes you really uncomfortable. Because I don't know what you do with your time alone, and I didn't want to be here without you. Because you've had it rought, and I want to make it better. Because I don't know you as well as I want to ... but I'm working at that, JC."

"You already know me better than anyone else right now," JC replied earnestly, even though he kept his voice soft too. "Better than *anyone* else. You're so ... honest, and good. And I don't feel like you'd ever trick me or lie to me or cheat me or cheat *on* me. You know what I'm scared of. Isn't that a lot?"

"It's a lot," agreed Nick, grabbing hold of JC's open shirtflaps and tugging him toward the bed. For JC, it was a lot. "But it's not everything. Do you want to tell me about you and Joey, maybe?" He wasn't sure JC would, yet, but he wanted to give him the opening.

JC let himself be pulled, and even giggled a little breathlessly, but he still shook his head. "Why did you let him be the one to take me, tomorrow?"

"Because he really wanted to, JC," he said honestly. "He really wanted to be the one to do it, and ... I want to be with you, but I want to do the right thing, too. He was really looking forward to seeing you."

"What if I'm scared to talk to him," JC replied, shrugging his shirt the rest of the way off. "What if there's stuff I don't want him to know and he makes me tell him because he's Joey and he can convince anyone of anything? or he could, at least."

Nick helped him with the shirt, then ran his hands soothingly down JC's arms. "You're going to be seeing him a lot, I think," he said after a moment. "And you're probably gonna get to know each other pretty well again. I'm sure he's gonna have questions, and you're gonna have questions, and ... I think maybe you just need to deal with it, JC. Just remember, I'm totally there for you. But Joey ... you know Joey's a sweetheart. It won't be a bad thing, you guys talking."

"I know," JC said, just letting Nick touch him. "Can we not talk about it, though? Now, I mean. I'll ... we can definitely talk after work tomorrow. How late are you working, anyway?"

"Five," said Nick, beginning his tug back onto the bed again, gently. "Ish. Pretty early, anyway. You'll be done by then, right? You're done when school gets out?"

"I'm done by then," JC agreed, smiling gently. "Do you have plans for the evening?" He tumbled onto the bed and rolled to face Nick expectantly.

"I don't know," said Nick, smiling up at him. "Do I? I didn't five minutes ago, but there's this guy I kinda like and I think he might be almost gonna ask me out ... "

JC's face flushed pink again, but Nick was proud of how he didn't hide his face. "I wish I could take you somewhere nice," he got out. "I can't, right now. And I wish I could offer to come over and cook for everyone but I don't even have the money to buy groceries for that. But ... if you can help me think of something, this is me asking you out. Yes."

"You wanna go for a walk?" asked Nick with a little shrug, like it didn't matter what they did as long as they were together. "I'll buy you ice cream. It'll be fun. Don't worry about the money, JC, it doesn't matter."

"It *does* matter," JC disagreed, but he didn't seem to act like it was something to even talk about either. "A walk would be nice, though. I'll pick you up? Figuratively? Or. I could come meet you at your coffee shop again." He crawled closer, almost on top of Nick.

"You could come meet me, for when I get off work," suggested Nick, spreading his legs so JC could curl up between them, if he wanted. "We could do something from there. We could even get something to eat -- you'll have been *teaching* all day. Teaching kids. You'll probably be really hungry."

"I don't get paid tomorrow, though," JC reminded him, climbing over Nick's thigh to do exactly what Nick had wanted him to do. "We could walk around, though, and I can be all nervous that you won't let me spend the night again and then you'll be typical, cool you and make me relax about it."

"If I say yes now, will that save you from having to get nervous?" said Nick, kissing his nose. "And I told you not to worry about the money. I get by. I can get you something to eat after work, JC. And your brother ... you don't like living at your brother's, do you." It was hardly even a question.

"He doesn't like me living there," JC said, even though that didn't really answer the question. "And ... I'm not going to let you do that, Nick. Buy me food and stuff. I'll make ... oh, shit." He frowned. "I was thinking I'd make a sandwich to take for lunch but I forgot I'm not going home first." He sighed and looked absolutely miserable about that.

"JC," said Nick firmly. "I'll let you have your way a lot, about your privacy and what you do and don't want to do and everything. I'm a pretty easygoing guy. But you *will* let me buy you food and stuff. That's just ... it's non-negotiable. Okay? You will let me make sure you always have a roof over your head, and clothes to wear, and food to eat. Even if you never let me do anything else for you."

"I'm not your responsibility," insisted JC, even though he looked ... grateful. And almost like he was about to cry. "I'm my own responsibility. I know you're this amazing guy but you have to take care of yourself."

"I'm taking care of myself just fine," said Nick, gesturing at his bedroom, then down at the rest of the home, the friends he had, the life he led. "And part of taking care of me is making sure that you're in my life. You're your own responsibility and you make your own choices, JC, but you can't tell me not to make sure that you have the, like, basic things you need to live. I'm going to do that for you. I just am."

"Let's talk about it later," JC sniffled quietly, resting his cheek on Nick's bare chest. "Can we? was that enough ... getting to know me, and me letting you in, for tonight? I don't think I'll ever understand what I did to deserve you but I don't really want to question it."

"Then don't," said NIck softly, pressing his face to JC's soft hair. "Don't question it, JC, just accept it. That I want you here, right now and in general. I want you with me. I *like* you. You don't have to understand it, it just is. Do you want to ... should we get undressed, the rest of the way?"

"Please," JC whispered, but he didn;t move much. Didn't raise his head. Just started unbuttoning Nick's pants from where he still laid on top of him, his fingers working between their bodies. "One of these days I have to do something nice for you."

"I can't believe you don't know you already do," said Nick, lifting his lips to let JC do the work. "It's just just *having* you, JC. You're a nice person, and I like the way you treat me. That means something to me."

"I'll always treat you the way you make me feel," JC whispered seriously. "So if you like the way I treat you, it's just because you know how to make me feel good and happy. Mostly. Lift higher." He pulled Nick's shorts down over his hips and tried to drag them down over his ass.

"So what could I do to make you good-er and happier?" asked Nick, lifting up more so JC could finish stripping him. He didn't think JC would tell him, because JC never asked for anything, but part of him hoped he would. That JC would be comfortable enough to just tell him how he liked things, tell Nick what he *could* do, instead of what he couldn't.

He giggled a little, and finally sat up to pull Nick's pants off the rest of the way. Then he stayed kneeling over him. "Take my clothes off?" he asked, bashful as ever. "Do the thing where I know you think I'm ... I'm beautiful, because of the way you watch yourself touch me?"

Nick wasn't sure it was a "thing" at all, it was just the way he always looked at JC, especially when he was focused on him to the exclusion of anything else, focused on the way JC's body reacted to being touched by him. He almost rolled them over and straddled him to do it, then decided he wanted to let JC stay on top, in control, even as Nick ran his hands down JC's chest and slowly undid his pants.

Muscles in JC's neck and stomach and legs twitched as Nick undressed him, and when Nick managed to tear his eyes away from the body he uncovered he saw that JC was just watching his face. And gave him an even more bashful smile when he got caught. "Like that," he encouraged.

"I can't help doing that," said Nick, sliding down the bed a bit, beneath him, to pull the pants and everything else right off. "I can't help seeing you -- seeing us -- that way. I guess ... I'm an artist. I know a beautiful thing when I see it."

"I think I'm just beautiful with you," JC said decidedly, reaching for him. "Like." He nodded across the room at the newest drawing, that he hadn't known he'd have to put away either. "See? the new one, it's. More me."

"Because I know you," said Nick, looking at the real JC overtop of him and not just at the picture. "Because I *see* you ... you let me see you like other people don't get to. It's ... it doesn't capture all of you, just a piece of you that you've shown me. But it's a start. *I* think you're beautiful. Always."

"You need to know how lucky I feel that I met you," whispered JC, looking at him seriously. "Before we do this you have to promise me that you know I think I'm lucky."

"I know you think you're lucky," Nick promised him, trying to draw him closer. He was taking it seriously, but he still wanted to feel JC against him. "I think I'm lucky too. I think we're pretty lucky to have found each other, because it's working."

"It is, it is working," JC nodded. "I didn't think ... because it had been so long for me, and because ... well, you know why I wasn't sure it would. But it is, so thank you. And, just, please. Okay. Touching now?" He chuckled and gestured at himself, at his erection that was so big in the air between them.

Nick grinned back, because JC was just *so* adorable and he didn't even know it. Didn't even believe it about himself. "Closer," he said, pressing a hand on JC's back to draw him down on top of himself. "I want to feel you."