Sturniolo Triplets One Shots

Tokyo Lights, Distant Hearts (Nick)

Nick Sturniolo leaned against the balcony railing of his Tokyo hotel, his gaze drifting over the glowing city below. The neon lights were mesmerizing, but they couldn't distract him from the gnawing homesickness that had taken root in his chest. This was his first time out of the country, and while the excitement of being on Madison Beer's tour had initially been thrilling, the reality of being so far from home had started to weigh on him.

After wrestling with his thoughts, Nick finally caved and opened up FaceTime. He tapped on Matt's contact and waited for the call to connect. When Matt's face appeared on the screen, his usual grin faltered as he took in Nick's downcast expression.

"Nick, man, you okay? You don't look so great," Matt said, his voice filled with concern.

Nick tried to smile, but it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Hey, Matt. Yeah... just trying to take in the view."

Before Matt could respond, Chris's face popped into view, squeezing in beside Matt. "What's up, dude? You look like you've been hit by a truck. Everything alright?"

Nick hesitated, his voice shaky. "I'm just... I'm really homesick. I didn't expect it to hit me this hard. I miss you guys so much. And... I keep worrying that maybe Madison regrets inviting me. I feel like I'm just a burden here."

Chris's expression softened, and he exchanged a glance with Matt before leaning closer to the camera. "Nick, you're not a burden, okay? It's totally normal to feel this way. You're in a different country, away from everything familiar. But that doesn't mean you're dragging anyone down."

Matt nodded in agreement. "Yeah, man. Madison invited you because she wanted you here. She values you. You're going through a lot, and that's okay. It's okay to lean on us."

Tears welled up in Nick's eyes as he struggled to find the right words. "I just... I keep thinking I should be more composed, more supportive of her. Instead, I'm just a mess, and I don't want to bring her down with me."

Chris gave Nick a sympathetic look. "Nick, you're allowed to have emotions. You're allowed to struggle. That doesn't make you any less important, and it doesn't mean Madison regrets having you here. She's your friend, and friends stick by each other through the tough times."

Matt chimed in, his tone gentle. "Exactly. And we're here for you, too. You don't have to go through this alone. Madison understands, and we do too."

As Nick wiped his tears, Chris discreetly pulled out his phone and shot a quick text to Madison.

Text to Madison:
"Hey, Madison. Just wanted to let you know that Nick's feeling really homesick and worried he's being a burden. He's missing us a lot. I know you're busy, but if you could give him a little extra reassurance, I think it would really help him out. Thanks for looking out for him."

Nick sniffled, trying to compose himself. "I didn't realize how much I needed to talk to you guys. I feel a little better now, but... I don't want this call to end. It's really helping."

Matt and Chris exchanged a glance, both understanding how hard it was for Nick to let go. Matt spoke up, his voice reassuring. "We get it, Nick. But remember, you're there to have an amazing experience. We're not going anywhere. We'll always be here when you need us."

Chris nodded in agreement. "Yeah, man. We want you to enjoy this trip. Talking to us is great, but don't miss out on everything Tokyo has to offer because of homesickness. You'll regret it if you do."

Nick looked conflicted, biting his lip. "I know... I just... I'm not sure I'm ready to hang up yet."

Matt's voice was gentle but firm. "Nick, we love you, and we're proud of you. But it's important to push through this and make the most of your time there. You can always call us whenever you need to. But right now, try to focus on where you are and who you're with. We'll be here when you get back."

Chris added with a grin, "And you better come back with some awesome stories to tell. We're counting on you."

Nick took a deep breath, feeling the warmth of his brothers' support. "Okay. I'll try to focus on the experience. Thanks for being here for me, guys."

Matt and Chris both smiled, their love for their brother evident. "Anytime, man. We love you. Now go out there and enjoy yourself," Matt said with a final wave.

Chris echoed the sentiment, giving Nick a wink. "Yeah, and remember, you're not alone. We've got your back."

Reluctantly, Nick ended the call. He stared at his phone for a moment, feeling a mix of comfort and sadness. He knew his brothers were right, but the ache of missing them still lingered.

A knock on the door pulled him from his thoughts. He opened it to find Madison standing there, her stage outfit catching the light from the hallway. She looked at him with concern, clearly having seen the signs of his recent tears.

"Hey, Nick," Madison said softly, stepping inside. "Everything okay?"

Nick hesitated, but then nodded. "Yeah, I just talked to Matt and Chris. They helped me a lot, but... I'm still feeling a little homesick."

Madison gave him a warm, understanding smile. "I get it. Being away from home can be really tough, especially when it's your first time. But I'm really glad you're here with me. You're not a burden, Nick. You're my friend, and I want you here. We all have tough moments, and it's okay to feel what you're feeling."

Nick's eyes met hers, and he felt a wave of gratitude. "I was worried that I might be bringing you down, with how I've been acting."

Madison shook her head, her voice gentle. "Not at all. I'm just glad you're here, and I want you to enjoy this trip as much as possible. If you ever need to talk, I'm here. Don't hesitate to reach out, okay?"

Nick smiled, feeling the weight on his chest lighten. "Thanks, Madison. That means a lot."

She reached out and squeezed his hand. "We've got a show to catch, and after that, maybe we can explore the city a bit. I promise we'll make this trip something you'll never forget."

Nick nodded, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. "I'd like that."

Madison's smile widened. "Good. Now let's get out there and make some memories."

As they stepped out into the vibrant streets of Tokyo, Nick felt a newfound appreciation for the city around him. He knew he would continue to miss his brothers, but their support—and Madison's reassurance—had given him the strength to embrace the adventure. With each step he took, he felt more connected to the experience, determined to make the most of it and share every detail with the people he loved when he returned.