I miss you, I'm sorry

Part 36

The boys had planned to go on a walk the next day, however it was cut short as half way out heavy rain began, causing the boys to get drenched. Aj was the only one smiling as the rain continues to pour, as the boys begin to walk back home.

"Aje why are you so happy,"

Aj does a twirl, before answering with a giggle, "Why not. The rain is beautiful"

Niko looks at the boy fondly, trust Aj to find the best in stupid situations. It just sucked he wasn't able to find the positives in his own life. Niko's heart skips a beat as the rain catches in Aj's eyelashes, making them sparkle. He tries to hide his smile behind his hand. "Hey, Aj," he calls out, his voice a gentle caress over the drumming rain, "What's got you so cheerful today?"

Aj doesn't miss a beat in his dance, his eyes lighting up as he hears Niko's voice. He twirls closer, the rain plastering his shirt to his slender frame, revealing the outline of muscles earned from hours of secret dance practice. He looks up at Niko, his smile as radiant as the rare sunbreaks in a storm. "Rain, Nik," he says, flinging his arms wide, "It's like the world's giving us a free shower and a dance floor all at once!" His laughter is the sound of rain on leaves, pure and unfiltered. "Don't you just love it?"

Niko's smile widens as he watches Aj, the rain seemingly in sync with his every movement. He steps out from under the tree, feeling the cool droplets kiss his skin. "Yeah, I guess I do," he admits, his eyes never leaving Aj. "But it's not just the rain, is it?" He asks, curiosity colouring his tone. "What's the real reason behind your little rain dance?"

Aj's dance slows as he looks at Niko, the rain creating a soft halo around him. His cheeks flush slightly, but his smile doesn't fade. "Well," he starts, his voice dropping to a whisper that seems to carry in the rain, "it's like... when it rains, all the noise just washes away. It's just me and the rhythm of the drops. And today," he says, his eyes meeting Niko's, "today it feels like the rain is celebrating something." He pauses, considering his words, "Or maybe it's just me hoping it's celebrating something." He giggles self-consciously, droplets of water sliding down his nose. "I guess I just like the idea that even the weather can be happy."

Yeah that confirmed everything Niko needed to know.

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The rain continues into the night as the boys continue their routines, and head to sleep, however as the thunder begins crashing and lightning slaps against the sky, Aj can't sleep. 

Aj loved thunder and lightning, the beauty of the sky being painted in different shades of blues, hiding the darkness of the night. The way that even something as scary as a slash, gave so much light and colour into the world.

That didn't mean he wasn't terrified, Aj was always scared of the way the clouds crashed against one another, the loud noise shocking him in every way. Maybe it was a reminder of the way his dad would shout, or the reminder of the constant bashing in his head, unable to make a coherent thought. As Aj curls in his bed, clutching the stuffed animal to his chest he questioned on whether to ask the man for help, see if he would accept him into his heart.

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Niko lay in his bed, curtains open as he was watching the weather contort. Niko never cared too much for natures gifts, but he knew how much AJ loved and cherished them. He hopes in his heart that AJ comes into his room, silently begging to his self that Aj would find comfort in him, and come cuddle in his chest.

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Aj knocks on Niko's door, stuffed animal still in hand as he nervously waits for Nikos response. He lets out whimper at the sound of thunder crashing once again, tears threatening to spill.