LOVE LOCKDOWN (dnf + karlnap)

13: Golden Boy

The wind rattled the leaves on the tree outside his window. The thin branches rose with it, scratching against the glass. It was the last weekend of April, and May was knocking on the door with a seemingly cold hand.

Nick sat quietly at his desk, eyes focused on the dancing branches. His English essay sat half-written on his laptop - the cursor blinking mockingly at him.

The sheets on his bed rustled softly, bringing Nick's attention back inside. He spun around in his chair to see his boyfriend just waking up from a nap.

"Sleep well?" Nick asked, a little smile pulling at the corners of his mouth.

Karl groaned softly but nodded. "Always sleep better when you're near, for some reason."

Nick chuckled. "It's cause you love me."

Karl peeked at Nick over the edge of his blankets. "I do."

They shared a look for a few moments before Nick spun back around to face his glowing computer screen.

"How's the essay coming along?" asked Karl, sitting up and stretching his hands above his head.

"Dunno," Nick sighed. "I'm stuck. I can't tell if what I'm writing makes sense."

"When's it due?"

"Tomorrow."

Karl tsked. "You're fine then. Come to bed with me."

Nick froze.

Come to bed with me.

Nick knew that he meant so they could cuddle. Karl wanted him to cuddle up close and let himself be held. But knowing that didn't stop Nick's mind from racing.

They hadn't slept together since their first time, and despite how ridiculous it made him feel, Nick was worried Karl hadn't liked it. During it, the other boy had at least seemed appreciative as Nick fumbled his way through a messy first blowjob. And after, when Nick had stared up at the ceiling, wide-eyed and breathless, Karl had pressed a kiss to his sweaty sternum and whispered gentle words of praise.

There were no signs pointing to Karl having disliked it, but why hadn't they done it again?

"Nick?"

Nick rolled his shoulders and spun around in his chair once more. "Yeah?"

"Cuddle?" Karl asked expectantly. He'd gone back to laying down, sheets pulled up haphazardly to cover him.

"Okay," Nick mumbled. He shut his laptop and crossed the gap between his desk and bed.

Karl welcomed him into the warm-from-sleep heat with open arms and a kiss to the lips that Nick happily reciprocated. They sighed in unison as Nick got comfortable with his head resting on Karl's chest and his hand carding through his light brown waves.

"You okay?" Karl asked, softly.

"I'm okay," Nick replied, just as soft.

"You sure? I saw the way you... paused. When I asked you to join me. Did I do something?"

Since the whole... misunderstanding... they had promised to be open and honest with each other. For the most part, they were. Karl gently prodded at him to make him open up, while Nick barely had to give Karl a confused look before the other boy was spilling his heart out all over the floor.

"I- I don't know how to tell you," Nick admitted, face turning to press into Karl's well-worn graphic tee.

"I'm not going to judge. Or leave," Karl assured, nails scratching at Nick's scalp gently. A shiver ran up his spine, making Karl laugh softly.