While the Sun Shines

23.

"No, but really. Cook for me again. I need that cacatoo, whatever it's called that you made tonight, in my life." 

Blake grinned at Nick as he shook off his coat and hung it on the rack. They'd arrived at the apartment a few moments ago, and Blake wasted no time mentioning the food again. It seemed like he'd really liked it and a smile tugged at Nick's lips.

"Cacciatore," Nick corrected. "And, sure, I can make Italian food again." 

Nick didn't expect a follow up on a vague promise of future dinners, since most people would say 'cool' and go on their way. But Blake wasn't most people. He followed up. "Let's say next week same day?" 

"...Well, uh..." No. Nick instinctively wanted to say 'no, I don't think that's a good idea.' But why? He didn't really have a good reason to say no, and he didn't want to shatter the fragile peace they'd established tonight. "Yeah, okay."

"Awesome! I'll do the groceries again, and you'll cook." 

Blake didn't leave any space to argue about their new 'arrangement.' With a smile still playing on his lips, he disappeared into his bedroom. Nick was finally alone again, like he'd wanted all along. But now that he was, the apartment just felt too quiet. Quiet was bad, because it meant he was alone with his thoughts. 

Nick followed Blake's example and went into his bedroom to watch a show—the chances of any homework being done tonight were below zero let's be honest— and took out his phone because he still needed to do something about Sem. When Nick checked his notifications, however, he saw Alex had also texted him while he was at the Ace of Spades.

Alex: Hey! I already miss our board game night :(

Alex: do you want to play a game online together? 

The message was sent around eight. Nick and Blake were long done with dinner and already at the Ace of Spades by then. Unfortunately, the clock at the top right of Nick's screen read 10:43PM now. Way too late to play a game considering Nick had classes tomorrow. 

Nick: Sorry, I didn't see this until now. I was at the Ace of Spades actually.

Nick: But another time I would definitely be up for that.

Next on Nick's list was figuring out what the hell he was supposed to tell Sem about Alex and being bi, but his phone buzzed as Alex already replied. 

Alex: Yeah! I heard from Lara you played Tichu tonight. Together with your roommate too 

Alex: and that she and Carson hooked up. Fucking finally. 

Nick replied to Alex with a laughing emoji while he snorted in real life. He and Alex hadn't talked about Carson and Lara and their 'relationship' much, but literally everyone had noticed there was something going on between them. It was still funny too, in a way, how Nick had started his afternoon just yesterday thinking he'd try and get with Lara himself. He was just glad he felt little about her anymore now. A smile lingered on Nick's lips... until Alex send his next message. 

Alex: So, how about you and Blake huh?

Nick: Me and Blake what? 

Nick felt an embarrassed flush spread across his face. He knew exactly what Alex was hinting at even if he played dumb. What he couldn't figure out was how Alex could even consider the possibility that there was anything like going on.