Ships on the ocean

Chapter 4

2 months later

Nick woke up at the screeching sound of his window opening. He didn't even bother to open his eyes. He was used to it by now. Thumpings were heard as Simon landed on the wooden floor. Indistinct noises echoed through the room as he threw his jacket on the floor and slid his boots under the sheets , his cold body feeding on the warmth. Nick rolled in his bed, facing his angel's smile.

-What time is it ?
- 2am
- Do we have classes tomorrow ?
- You mean today ? Yeah, it's Friday

Nick whimpered and buried his head in Simon's neck. Simon wrapped his arms around Nick's body and sighed, letting his muscles relax into the soft linen and timing his breathing with the beating of their hearts. It was just perfect, that sole, simple moment. It was all he ever wanted, and he had it. Nick whimpered and they let the moment sink in.
- Can we stay here forever ? Nick whispered
Simon chuckled and unconsciously hold Nick tighter.
- Forever can be long
- No, not if we stay here. It'll be like the blink of an eye. I'll never be tired of being here... with you
- We'll stay here then
- You promise ? You promise you won't go ?
- I won't. I won't leave. I promise
The last words echoed softly as they drifted in a sweet sleep, small smiles barely visible in the darkness of the room, of their world.

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Simon woke up an hour later. The room was still dark and the massive furniture casted impressive shadows. In that bed, he felt safe, like they were a ship navigating on a raging sea, desperately searching for a light in this foggy ocean. When he was there, the breathing of the blonde boy piercing the nightly silence, he felt safe from the storm that was raging outside.

Nick's breathing was steady, each expiration breaking like waves on the shore. He shifted and looked at the clock on the nightstand. When his eyes adapted to the dark, a red 3:08am was glowing. He sighed and looked at the sleeping young man in his arms. His face was relaxed, the phantom of a grin barely visible on his soft lips. His golden hair were messy and partly covering his face. He looked so calm, peaceful. He never realized he missed this expression on Nick's face. Lately, they were always arguing, and he was tired of it. Nick wanted to tell everyone they were dating, but Simon didn't. Maybe there weren't in the 60's anymore, but the opinion of a small catholic suburb sure wasn't favorable to them. He was afraid of what they could do. He was afraid to lose Nick because of some stupid prejudice. But Nick couldn't see that. Each day, he was getting more determined to come out. Obviously, he wouldn't say anything without Simon's consent, but he would start arguing about it almost everyday. Seeing him like that, serene and freed of all tensions, it was fulfilling. He didn't need anything else. He didn't have anything else.

Nick groaned and Simon chuckled softly. He could stare at him all day. Minutes passed and he didn't move or go back to sleep. He was like Nick's angel, watching over him in his sleep.

When Nick finally woke up, it was 4:30am and Simon still wasn't asleep.

- Hey, Simon whispered softly
- You know you're creepy, right ?
- How come ?
- You watch me sleep. Like seriously, you never stop staring at me for hours.
- I need time to record every detail
- Come again ?
- When we'll be 2 old grumpy men, barking at the teens, I'll just have to go back to when we were 16 and I'll be able to see you like you were.
- That's your fantasy ? 2 grumpy old men ? And I thought I was cheesy !

They both chuckled softly and Nick pressed himself against Sim, his face buried in the neck of his angel. They didn't move or say anything. They just enjoyed that little time when they could truly be themselves, when they didn't have to hide. They enjoyed every second, because they knew it wouldn't last. Soon enough, they would hide behind walls of straight and loving glares.