Chapter Text
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Nick had always known that he’ll never fully relate to the relationship that Matt and Chris have. He was ok with that, because he knew they all had a special bond, and it didn’t mean they loved him any less. In some aspects it was a blessing. He didn’t have as much unhealthy attachment to his brothers as Matt and Chris did. Besides, he knew how much Matt and Chris appreciated him. He was the smart one, the reliable one. Even though Nick would never admit it, he loved how much his brothers depended on him. Being the one they would always come to for help or support, it meant everything to him. So the moment he realised that there was something his brothers were hiding from him, he was concerned.
It all started with a joke. “Chris has a crush on Matt”, they all played along with it. It was funny, it was innocent, cute even. At first Matt didn’t seem to mind. He himself was always the one hyping Chris up and being his biggest fan. So if Chris wanted to make a few jokes at his expense, he’s ok with that. Annoyed look, a nervous laugh and a hint of blush across his face. That's the reaction Nick started to expect from Matt. Until the shift happened.
Gradually Matt seemed more and more uncomfortable with Chris’s “jokes”. When Nick noticed that, he started to tell Chris off, showing his disdain in hopes that he would eventually leave poor Matt alone. “Can you stop being weird?” He would say to Chris and the boy would either stop or double down, depending on how chaotic he was feeling that day. During that time Matt was in a bad spot in general, his mental health has been at its lowest. So it made sense to Nick that he wasn’t in the mood for Chris’s usual shenanigans.
And Then the jokes stopped. They all grew up it seemed. Chris mellowed out, Matt got a handle on his “Mattitude”, it was all going well, Nick thought. Too well even.
It was the little things that made Nick realise something was off. Like Chris choosing to spend nights in Matt's room and not Nick’s like he more often would if he didn’t wanna be alone. Not to mention all the times Nick saw the boys coming out of the bathroom at the same time, both freshly showered. And of course, the lingering touches that seemed to increase despite always being a common occurrence. It all seemed too familiar, even for them.
The last straw for Nick was tonight. The three of them were watching a movie on the couch in their living room. Chris often cuddles up to someone, the boy can’t live without physical touch. Tonight, like most nights lately he chose Matt as his victim. Matt was lying comfortably in the corner of the couch, wearing a big black tshirt and his cosiest pyjama pants. His ruffled hair and a light stubble definitely added to the comfy vibes that oozed from him. His left arm was wrapped around Chris, who was laying on top of his chest clinging to Matt’s torso for dear life. His blue hoodie was riding up revealing the low of his back and his leg was also hooked over Matt's body, making his already short pyjama shorts reveal way more thigh than Nick was comfortable seeing. Nick himself was situated on the other side of the couch, under a blanket with a plate of snacks in his hands. Happy as a man can be.
Throughout the movie, Nick kept glancing at his brothers, who seemed to be periodically whispering to each other. Once in a while Nick would hear Matt telling Chris to stop wiggling or to “cut it out”. They shifted their position a few times by that point, now Chris was basically sitting on Matts lap. His legs were swung over Matt’s and his hand was wrapped around his shoulders. One of Matt's hands was hugging Chris’s waist and the other laying on the younger boy's leg, idly moving up and down as if he was comforting him. They must’ve thought Nick wasn’t looking. It was dark and they were watching a movie after all. But Nick saw. He saw everything. He saw how Chris turned to face Matt and buried his face in a crook of his neck. He saw how he stayed there for an uncomfortable amount of time, his head moving slightly. He saw Matt looking like he was trying his hardest to keep a straight face, hyper focusing on the screen. If it wasn’t his two triplet brothers Nick would think that Chris was giving Matt little kisses or/and nibbling on his ear. But that would be crazy, right?
“Chri..chris.” Nick heard Matt exhale quietly. Though it sounded more like a moan. Which was followed by a sheepish giggle and soft “Sorry babe.”
Nick was not able to enjoy the rest of the movie, he couldn’t even recall how it ended. His mind was racing, he had to talk to his brothers and figure out what the hell was going on.
“That was fun” Chris exclaimed followed by a big yawn. He was now detached from Matt sitting upright ready to stand up.
“I thought the plot could have been more interesting.” Matt said with a thoughtful expression, clearly ready to have a discussion if the others are up for it. It was apparent neither of his brothers were.
“It was alright.” Said Nick still feeling out of it. “You guys going to bed already?”
“I am. I am tired as fuck.” Said Chris.
“Wanna sleep in my room?” Nick asked what appeared to be an innocent question, but in reality it was a way out. Last chance before he really acts on his suspicions. If Chris agrees, NIck decides he is gonna forget all about it, and just let it be what he hopes it is. Two brothers who are a bit too comfortable around each other. That's all.
“Don’t worry Nick, Matt said I can stay in his room tonight.” He looked at Matt with a smile. Matt was only just getting up from the couch, sleepily rubbing his eyes.
“You guys gonna cuddle?” Nick asked with a teasing tone, making a joke but also trying to carefully lead to the topic of concern.
“Maybe.. You Jealous?” Chris says with a smile, clearly reading this as their usuals banter.
“You guys have been getting along recently, huh?” Nick asked with his usual sas, giving them a side eye. Sort of half joking.
“We fought like five times today, what are you talking about?” Matt asked, already sounding defensive.
It was true, the bickering never stopped. Sometimes Nick thought they were arguing even more about the stupidest things. But they would also cool off very fast, as they all always did. Not being able to be mad at eachother for longer than a few hours.
“I don't mean in that way. I am talking about how close the two of you’ve been recently. More than usual. Hugging, touching, being all lovey-dovey.”
“Lovey-dovey is crazy.” Matt scoffed.
“Is it crazy Matt? Is it really? Because that's exactly what it looks like from the outside.“ Nick didn’t even notice how he started to raise his voice.
“Dude why do you even care?” Chris asks clearly trying to get the heat off of Matt. “You're jealous, aren't you?” Chris starts giggling and poking Nicks stomach in hopes of making him laugh. “You know I love your cuddles.” But Nick just swats his hand away. “Stop making jokes Chris, this is serious.”
‘Serous?!” Mats asked, clearly riled up from being accused of God knows what. “What exactly do you think we are doing?”
“I don't know Matt but it sure doesn’t look too good from where I am standing. When was the last time either of you had a girlfriend? Or even talked to a girl? Whatever this shit is…” He wiggled his finger pointing in between Matt and Chris. “…It’s not healthy.”
All of them stayed silent for what felt like minutes. Nick’s heart was racing. Did he take it too far? He could have been more gentle, less accusatory. What if it’s real, what if it is happening. How would he expect them to react? How is he gonna react?
“Whatever it is, it’s none of your fucking busness.” Matt said angrily, breaking the silence. “I am too tired to deal with your shit, I am going to bed.” he said a bit more calmly but still stern. He grabbed Chris by his wrist and lead him out of the living room. Chris just gave Nick a sad look, as if saying “I am sorry” or “What else did you expect.” And followed his brother to his room.
Now Nick was standing alone, in the middle of the kitchen, in pure disbelief. How the hell was Nick the one feeling guilty now? He was so shocked by what had just occurred. It would probably be abundantly clear to anyone else, what exactly is going on between the two of them. But Nick still had his doubts. He just couldn't believe his suspicions were justified, he didn't wanna believe it. And who can blame him. Part of him wanted to forget this conversation had ever happened, and move on with his life with a blissful ignorance. But he knew he wouldn't be able to do that. He needed to find out the truth, all of it.
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