Something Better

Chapter 24

Any worries or regrets that had circled Sheph's mind had been scared off by the loud buzzing of alcohol that seemed to lift him off his feet. Mark and him were both laughing about something they'd already forgotten even if the humor still lingered. Kyle and Phin had left awhile ago and Nik was somewhere in the crowd. Leaving Mark and Sheph alone at the bar.
"Tell me about hero shit." Sheph said with a laugh." Mark stopped for a moment to ponder before he burst out laughing. This caused Sheph to start giggling too until the both couldn't stop. "Alright alright." Mark said between laughs. He looked around for a moment as if he was checking if the coast was clear before he continued. "So-" 
"Are y'all sleeping here or in the ship cause I don't wanna get woken up." Came the sudden and muffled voice of Autzen that almost sent Mark flying off his seat. They both turned to the clearly uncomfortable Autzen who obviously hated the place. Mark grinned at him, having already almost forgotten what he said. 
"What's up Autzen?" Mark said curiously. Autzen sighed and started to repeat himself. 
"I think he said something about wanting to sleep with someone!" Sheph commented excitedly causing Autzen to flush angrilly and turn away from them. 
"Oh shit, good luck out there bud!" Mark called after him before he could dissapeared into the whirl of lights feeling defeated.
"So, keep going with the thing." Sheph started, Mark scratched the back of his head in confusion.
"What was I talking about?"
"Sleeping with someone I think.."
"I think that was Autzen." Mark said in confusion. They both thought hard before zoning out. Sheph let out a yawn that snapped Mark back into reality. FIghting the urge to yawn himself he tried to stand.
"About sleeping with someone, how about we figure out where we're gonna crash." Mark offered. Sheph followed suit and stood up as well however he shook his head.
"But we haven't even danced yet." He said pointedly. Mark chuckled at that and turned to look at the thinning crowd.  "After you then I suppose." He said with a huge grin.

Nik watched the two start to walk towards the crowd he was currently in. Completely ignoring all the other people that might have been talking to him he continued to watch.  They've hardly spent any time together yet they already seem so close.  He thought with a tinge of annoyance. It came so easily to others , but never him.
 He clenched his fist for a moment and thought about trying to make it back to the bar. He took a few staggering steps before giving up the idea. Having made it to the wall he let it support him as he pulled out his phone, and winced at the harsh light that jumped out at him. He quickly turned down the brightness and scrolled through his home screens for a moment before texting Kyle.
Nik: so whats happening
He stared at his phone for a minute, and squeezed it angrily when there was no reply. Without thinking he opened Autzen's chat. Which was essentially empty and started texting.
Nik: what r we doing
He waited for a moment, and was surprised when he got the notification that Autzen had seen the message. Small dots started forming under his text.
Autzen: sleep
Nik: where tho
Autzen: idc literally anywhere that doesnt wake me up
Nik paused for a moment.
Nik: but where tho
Nik grimaced once there was no reply, shoved his phone back in his pocket and looked back into the crowd with a slight glare. Mark and Sheph seemed to be enjoying each other. He looked away and thought for a moment; trying to decide on what to do.. Go hard, or go to bed.. He suddenly recoiled as a hand touched his arm, and growled before realizing who had touched him. He froze when he saw Autzen standing before him, and tilted his head at the sudden appearance. 
"Why are you here?" He asked awkwardly. Autzen looked like he was doing some sort of chore being here. 
"I was making sure you weren't having a shitty time." He said nonchalantly. As if it was normal for him to pay attention to Nik in general. "So are you going to bed?" He continued. Nik was still tired from the battle they'd fought earlier and decided to give in. Nodding he haphazardly followed Autzen out into the chill night air.