Chapter Text
BEFORE
Their second date is to a local concert. They each grab a drink and find a seat. The music is just loud enough that they don’t feel like they’re supposed to make conversation, but they still find themselves trying to ask questions or make a comment.
When the last song is played, they head back to Nico’s. Cerberus is more than excited to meet Ethan and he takes to him immediately. It’s not too late, so they head to the park and throw a Frisbee while walking around. Cerberus trots along beside them, occasionally whining if they forget about their game.
Ethan’s fun to talk to and is really passionate. They pass a few park benches and Ethan checks them out, dusting them off and making sure they’re stable.
“The local government wants to install new ones with a handlebar in the middle,” he says. “A cool design to hide the fact that they just don’t want houseless people sleeping on them.”
“I guess that makes sense. But you’re working on that, aren’t you?” Nico asks.
“Yeah, we’re working on this presentation that we’re going to present to the council next week. Hopefully, they won’t have made any decisions by then.”
Nico points out an old gazebo and tells the story of his parents meeting there. They’d both been trying to get out of the rain, and the gazebo was the closest place. The rain had ended up pouring for hours, so they’d just sat there and talked. By the end of it, they’d planned a second date.
Nico wishes he could meet people like that. But it’s working out with Ethan, so maybe he won’t have to worry.
When it gets to be dinnertime, Nico suggests that they go back to his place. There’s a new recipe he’s been itching to try, and he thinks Ethan would like it. Plus, Nico’s always liked cooking for people. Ethan tries to help, but Nico doesn’t know the recipe enough to guide him, so he ends up watching. Which is fine. He puts on music while Nico chops vegetables and eyeballs the spices and herbs.
When the food is cooking, they dance in the living room. It’s goofy, but Nico thinks this is what he’s been missing in his life.
Ethan praises the food and Nico, and Nico can’t help but feel a little shy about it all. But he likes it. They barely get the dishes in the sink before they’re making out. Luckily, Cerberus has fallen asleep on the couch so Nico doesn’t have to worry about kicking him out of the bedroom. It’s so easy with Ethan. He seems to know what Nico likes, their interests matching.
It’s only the second date, but Ethan ends up spending the night. Nico wakes on the opposite side of the bed from his usual, but he doesn’t care when he sees Ethan still asleep beside him. Cerberus is whining at the door for breakfast and to be let out, and somehow Nico thinks it all fits into place.
He gets up to take care of Cerberus and starts on breakfast. Later, Ethan will wake up and compliment the food again. They’ll make out some more before Ethan heads off to work. Nico will clean his apartment and finish up some lesson plans, take Cerberus out again. And then he’ll start planning more dates.
NOW
Will: oh man, I forgot I still had this on my phone
hi :)
For a moment, Nico forgets why this notification is on his phone. Then he remembers and debates whether or not he should just ignore the message or explain that he was drunk. Which would hurt less? Probably a lie. But wasn’t that what had gotten Nico into this mess?
Nico: hey, I was drunk when I sent that, so no pressure to continue this
sorry
He almost regrets the sorry, but he can’t take it back now. Sighing, Nico gets up, rubbing at his face. He feels crusty or something. At least there are no messages from Ethan. He’ll have to tell his friends about it eventually. For now, he’ll just wallow. And eat breakfast. Breakfast is a good idea.
Another message comes through after his second cup of coffee.
Will: it’s cool, we can just talk
long night?
Nico: it was my birthday, but yeah
long story short, my now ex dumped me
Will: yikes, that sucks
you’re welcome to vent to me, I’m bored out of my mind at work
Nico: where do you work?
Will: ice cream place/donut shop
but we have terrible donuts
Nico: are you allowed to say that?
Will: not to a customer, so I think you’re safe
The last thing Nico should do is get charmed by another stranger. But here is he, shoveling eggs into his mouth so he can type back before Will might lose interest. And, no, he’s not about to look up all donut/ice cream shops in a thirty-mile radius.
Nico: now I have to hear why they’re so terrible
Will: only if you tell me something in return
Nico: anything?
Will: anything
Nico: deal
Ten minutes later, Nico finds himself laughing at some ridiculous story Will’s just told. It seems too wild to be true, but he doesn’t even care. His sides hurt and he can’t remember the last time he’s just let loose. (Last night did not count.)
Nico types back what he hopes is an equally funny story. (It is, based on how many emojis Will sends back.)
Nico: by the way, I’m not looking for a relationship right now
Will: me, either
yesterday must have had something against us because I also got dumped
on an unrelated note, is liking cows a character flaw?
in a purely normal way, of course
Nico snorts. He’s pretty sure those two things aren’t unrelated at all.
Nico: cows are amazing as long as they keep to their own business
Will: I live on a farm, so it’s kind of a package deal
guess it took them a year to realize that
Nico: yikes
Will: but now that’s out of the way
friends?
Nico rolls his eyes. He’s not sure this will lead to anything. Will would probably forget about him in a couple of weeks. But it’s fun now. Might as well stay.
Nico: sure
now you have to tell me a secret
Will: I got a tattoo three months ago without my mom knowing
for reference, it’s technically her farm and I still live at home
she’ll probably notice when it gets warmer
Nico: haha why are you hiding it?
Will: got it when I was drunk
it’s not pretty
what’s your secret?
Nico: I’m glad my boyfriend broke up with me
He can see Will start typing a few times before the dots disappear. His phone falls asleep before Will responds. Maybe that ruined the camaraderie. Oh well. He isn’t looking for a relationship.
Will: me, too :)
Nico blinks at the text a few times. Was Will glad that Nico’s boyfriend broke up with Nico? Or that Will’s boyfriend had broken up with him? It’s not really something he wants clarification on, but he is curious.
Will: oh shoot! I meant my boyfriend
I’m sure you’re a wonderful person
Nico: it’s fine, we just didn’t want the same things
Nico’s sure that’s some version of the truth. It doesn’t matter. It’s over and done, and he’s not going to rehash it all to Will. It sounded like Will knew enough from his own breakup.
Will: well, bestie, my shift is over
thanks for keeping company
feel free to text whenever
Nico isn’t sure if he’s going to continue this, but it was fun talking to Will. And it was nice that neither of them was looking for a relationship. Nico appreciates the irony.
Will: oh, and happy birthday, Nico
hope your birthday wish comes true
Nico smiles. His phone is only showing two donut/ice cream places nearby. Maybe wishes did come true.