Love Is Ǝvil

34 Gangsta. #02

Nicolas looked up into the sky, white with clouds. Why had he to pick up groceries today? He hated stores on a normal day, the day after Thanksgiving though was uniquely brutal. But they needed jam, he had to concede, also that he was the one who had emptied the glass. The phone vibrated in his pocket, two distinct vibrations meant Marshall had sent a message. He shifted the paper bag in his arms to better pull the device out of his pants. The message read: I can't do this no more

What had happened now? As far as Nicolas knew, the aftereffect of their highly pleasurable but also abruptly ended night had worn off. It had taken a couple of days, but eventually Marshall had sounded normal again - to say happy would be a stretch even on a good day with the man. However, he would have assumed a whole day with his children would bring Marshall close to that emotion. Apparently, even a day like Thanksgiving couldn't achieve this. One more lie TV had told him. Still, didn't give him a clue on what exactly this text was about. Nicolas replied: what happened? I'm sure, it isn't as bad

Most things weren't as bad as people thought. All a matter of perspective.

A thud into his torso, he looked up from his phone. And raised an eyebrow. What did Nina do here? And why was she running down the stairs without looking? Dr. Theo would chop his head off, if anything happened to her here. The Doc was too protective of his niece.

A short nod, then he walked past her up the stairs to the apartment. Worick stood there only in briefs and his eyepatch, otherwise naked; Alex in her usual provocative outfit - short and tight. He would've ran from them, too. But he squeezed past them through the door and went into the kitchen.

Another message came in: you gonna break up with me anyway, better we do this now before it hurts

Nicolas raised both eyebrows at this. How was a man as stunning, talented and successful as Marshall so insecure? He already told the man numerous times, he wouldn't easily break up with him, but that somehow didn't seem to stick. A suspicion crept up in Nicolas, that some of Marshall's relationships probably broke because of these kinds of statements. He could imagine, most people didn't like to hear accusations about a negative future, they didn't intend to make real. Also, it was annoying. Nicolas replied: I don't see any reason. I enjoy dating you. you don't?

Then he unpacked the groceries. After everything was stowed away, he took a bottle of water and a can of soda out of the fridge.

In the living room, meanwhile, Worick, Alex and Nina seemed to make small talk. Glad, he had not to participate. Coming in with stealth, he put the cold can against Nina's neck. She jerked up. So easy to spook her. »Take this, we ran out of mineral water. So drink this one.«

With slow signs Nina said: »Nico, you always say that. But you always buy one of them for me. Thank you.«

From the corner of his eye, he could see Worick whisper into Alex's ear. "She comes here occasionally to play and she's learning sign language from Nic as an excuse. Isn't she cute?"

Alex seemed touched. She wasn't with them terribly long yet, there were lots of things and many people she didn't know.

As a rebuttal of her cute smile, Nicolas pinched Nina's nose. That's what she got for thinking he was nice to her on purpose.

"So, Nina", Worick started, "What brings you here today?"

"Well", the kid stuttered and ruffled through her hand bag, "Dr. Theo sent me here, along with this medicine." She pulled out two bottles of pills. "He's expecting these to run out of stock soon." Dr. Theo's calculations were slightly off, they were already out of stock.

Nicolas sat down next to her. »Thanks«, and took the bottles from her, inspected them. They looked less full than usual? »He really is the best at cutting corners when it comes to his medicine.«