Chapter 6
Nick was waiting when Dylan got Reggie back to the apartment. He didn’t question how they met, or anything that happened, he just held the door as Dylan led Reggie in. That was the first night since the accident that Reggie slept in bed with Nick, having insisted that Dylan stay for the night since it was so late. When they were climbing into bed, Reggie went to his side instinctively, and Nick tried his best to stay to his own side, but that went to hell when Reggie reached out and wrapped his arms around the blonde. “Reggie?” He called quietly, his voice tight.
“Please, we can-we can talk in the morning. Just for tonight, please. I just want to hold you again.” Nick didn’t answer, but he allowed Reggie to pull him closer, until he was flush against his chest. Reggie buried his face in the back of Nick’s neck, whispering goodnight before they both drifted to sleep.
Reggie woke up the next morning with the worst headache he’s ever had. He groaned, trying to bury his face under the blankets to get away from the sun. The bed was cold beside him, and he frowned, peeking out to look around the room. Nick was gone. Reggie climbed out of bed, swaying in his feet as a wave of nausea hit him. He pushed it down, deciding to head to the kitchen for some water and coffee. He heard voices the closer he got, “Look, man, you know you’ll always be one of my best friends. But I’m not gonna tell you what was said last night.”
“I don’t want you to. I want to thank you for whatever you said. Since he came back, he hasn’t wanted to sleep next to me. And last night you brought him back and he- he cuddled with me. I don’t think I let myself realize how much I missed it because I didn’t want to make him feel like he needed to do it. So, thank you. I know it had to have been weird for you.” Reggie heard Nick laugh under his breath.
“Man, we’re ancient history. We dated for what? Four months? Back in high school? It was hardly that serious. But you two? You’re the real deal, even I can see it.”
Reggie slumped against the wall a bit as the buzzing started to overpower his headache, intensifying the pain.
Reggie was laying under a star filled sky with Luke and Alex. Just pointing out different constellations to them. Alex nudged Reggie, “Hey, Reg, this guy you’ve started seeing, is it serious? Like I know it’s been a few months, but is it serious?”
Reggie blushed in the dark of the night, “I think so. I told him I love him.” Luke looked as if his eyes were going to pop out of his head, and Alex’s jaw dropped. “I know it’s crazy. Me of all people.”
“No, no, and that wasn’t what I meant when I asked. I-ugh.” Alex went quiet for a second, gathering his thoughts, “What I meant when I asked if it was serious, I meant do you think you’ll still be with him? Longer than you were with Douchington?”
Luke reached over Reggie and smacked Alex upside the head, “Shut up.” Reggie laughed, long and carefree, missing the fond looks his friends exchanged.
“It’s been a long time since you’ve been able to laugh like that, Reg.” Alex muttered. Reggie sat up, turning around to face his friends. He cocked his head to the side, urging the blonde to go on. “You just seem...happier.”
“I am.” He answered softly, “I know of all of us, I’m the one that doesn’t believe in love. But when I’m with him, it’s easy to. I’ve never been an easy person, and I think that’s the only reason I stayed with Caleb for so long. We fought constantly, but I didn’t think anyone else would have the patience to love me. But Nick is easy to love. And he loves me like I’m easy, too.”
Luke just smiled, “I knew it from the first time I saw you look at each other, man. You’re the real deal.”
Reggie blinked back to the present, still clutching the wall behind him. He moved the rest of the way to the kitchen, smiling at the men already in there. He grabbed a glass, for the first time not needing to ask Nick which cabinet it was, and filled it up from the sink, slowly drinking the water. Nick came over to him, “Hey, Reg. I made breakfast.” For the first time, Reggie realized he could smell food. And his nausea came back. Reggie set the glass down carefully before running to the bathroom. He didn’t miss Dylan’s laughter as he ran out. Cool hands touched the back of his neck and his forehead as he hunched over the porcelain, and he glanced back to see Nick’s beautiful eyes watching him, fully of worry. “You don’t drink, baby. What happened?”
Reggie heaved again, turning back to the toilet before he could answer. After a few minutes, when he was running on empty, Nick pressed the glass of water into his hand. He rinsed his mouth, looking back at this man that still loves him. “I don’t know. Everything was just a lot. I started remembering everything at once and then my brain wouldn’t shut off. I remember my grandpa dying, and that was how I afforded the store. I remember the fight that led to me finally leaving Caleb. I remember when you planned my birthday party a month early. I remember the first time you said I love you. I just...I remember.” Reggie voice was soft as he continued, “I remember loving you.”