Another World

Chapter 3- Shopping

Chapter 3- Shopping

The next day, Nate woke up to find himself alone in the bed. He got up and walked into the living room to see Hunter in the kitchen making breakfast.

"Morning, Nate," Hunter said, not looking away from his cooking. "I got coffee over on the counter. Milk's in the fridge, and Sugar is by the coffee pot."

Nate grabbed a Pokemon coffee cup out of the cupboard, and poured himself a cup of coffee, then sat down. He didn't say much, but Hunter understood.

"Still upset over that dream last night?" he asked, setting a plate of food down in front of Nate.

Nate nodded, and took a bite of bacon.

"It just... It felt like I was back in Orlando," he said. "It was so real."

"I know," Hunter said gently. "And it's okay. I may not be a professional therapist, but I am here for you. No matter how long it takes."

Nate smiled.

"Thanks," he said. "You know, when I found out about the refugee housing thing, I was afraid I'd get some stuffy old couple, but you're pretty cool."

Hunter smiled.

"Thanks, man," he said. "You're cool, too. I'm glad I got you."

The boys spent the rest of breakfast discussing their favorite video games, as well as what there was to do in the city. Once they were done with breakfast, Nate did the dishes, and then the two drove to the mall. Nate got a bunch of awesome video game shirts, as well as a few band tees, and some jeans and pajama pants. Afterwords, they got him a new iphone, and got it all activated. Nate instantly programmed Hunter's number, and Hunter programmed Nate's as well. Finally, they stopped at Game Stop to pick up some more games. Hunter got Nate a Zelda 3DSXL, and a pack of green styluses. As they walked, they passed a music store with a red PRS Mira in the window. Nate looked at it in awe.

"You like that guitar?" Hunter asked, seeing Nate's expression.

Nate nodded.

"Except they don't have it in seafoam green, it looks like," he said softly.

Hunter pulled Nate into the store and asked the man if they had the guitar. Since they didn't, Hunter special-ordered one, despite Nate's protests that he didn't need to. Hunter also bought some new strings for his own guitar.

"You can borrow my guitar until yours comes in," Hunter said.

Nate looked down.

"You don't have to do all this for me," he said softly.

Hunter smiled.

"Nonsense," he said. "We're friends, and friends help each other. Besides, I saw how you looked at that guitar, man. You love that thing. Believe me, I know. I have a guitar at home that I love, too."

Nate smiled softly.

"Well, thank you," he said. "But please. No more spending money on me. I mean it. It's making me feel bad, because I can't do the same for you."

Hunter stared at Nate as he talked. The other boy's lips just looked so soft. Hunter had the strangest urge to find out if they were as soft as they looked. He quickly pushed that thought from his mind.

"Nate," he said. "Don't feel bad. You literally had everything taken from you. All I want to do is help you get things back together, and get back on your feet. The fact that we're friends is enough payment for me. Now, come on. Lets go get lunch. Pan Pacific has the best Japanese food I've ever had. I think you'll like it."

Nate followed Hunter to the food court, where they got some food to share, and then sat down and ate together. Once they were done, they headed back home where Nate began Ni no Kuni, while cuddling with the Zoroark plushie. Hunter sat and watched him, drinking a beer. He couldn't help but think how attractive Nate was. He pushed the thought from his mind and tried to focus on the game.

"Hey, Hunter?" Nate asked.

Hunter looked over at Nate.

"What's up?" he asked.

Nate smiled.

"Thank you," he said.

Hunter smiled back. He liked the way Nate's eyes sparkled when the boy smiled. And that cute little half smile half smirk was just the most adorable thing Hunter'd ever seen before.

"No problem," Hunter said. "I'm gonna go shower real quick. I'll be out in like ten minutes."

He jumped up and tossed his empty can into the trash can, then went into the bathroom and locked the door. He quickly turned on a cold shower and pulled his clothes off, getting in. As he showered, he couldn't stop thinking about Nate. His smile, his eyes, even his adorable little dimples.

"God," he groaned quietly. "What's wrong with me?"