CLAY
—
It's too early for me to be awake, but I can't continue sleeping because the morning sun's light is beaming directly onto my face.
I rub my eyes and sense George's gentle grip around my waist. A warm smile spreads across my face. It's been a while since I've felt this way about someone.
I delicately remove George's hand from my grasp, allowing me to move freely. I rise from the bed and make my way to the balcony, craving a breath of fresh air.
Nick is sitting on the bench, smoking a cigarette, and looking at the rising sun and its beautiful colors.
"Good morning," I greet him, settling down beside him. He turns toward me, with a nod of acknowledgment, and a subtle, welcoming smile.
I wait a bit before I say "Thank you for helping me and George get out. I'll forever owe you for it."
Nick looks at me and exhales the smoke. "I would have done it over and over again. However, we have to be really careful and armed at all times because Pablo's a fucking maniac and won't stop until he tracks us down."
I nod and turn my gaze back to the sunrise. Even though I was aware of the danger, hearing it from Nick makes the weight on my heart feel all the more real.
"Me and George kissed yesterday," I say.
Surprisingly, Nick's response is nonchalant. He takes another drag from his cigarette and responds with a casual shrug.
"Don't you do that all the time?" Nick asks, his tone initially making me think he's joking. However, a serious look in his eyes reveals he's completely serious.
"What?" I chuckle.
"Aren't you like a couple?" he asks and then turns his cigarette off in the ashtray.
"No, bro," I reply, laughter bubbling up as I shake my head. "I wasn't even sure if he felt that way about me until yesterday."
Nick leans back. "Oh he likes you," he says with a sense of confidence. His eyes meet mine, and he continues, "I don't mean just 'likes you' kind of thing. It's deeper. The way he looks at you, man, it's like he's got the whole universe in his eyes when he sees you. That isn't just liking. I think that's love."
Love?
I shake my head and glance down at my hands, my voice softening as I admit, "I really like him." I say a little quieter and Nick nudges my shoulder.
"You should go for it. He cares for you, Clay. A lot." Nick encourages, his tone earnest. I meet his gaze and find him nodding in affirmation.
Just as I'm about to ask Nick something, Oma opens the balcony door, her smile greeting us. "Good morning," she chimes in, peering out the door.
We exchange smiles and both offer a cheerful "Good morning" in response to Oma's greeting.
"The breakfast is ready. Go wake George up," she says and I nod at her.
"We will. Thank you."
—
YOU ARE READING
On The Other Side
FanfictionClay and George unite through a shared struggle with addiction. Their journey unfolds as they leave their pasts behind and run away. As they cope with their mental health issues and try to hide from the world, their love for each other grows stronge...
