The ginger groaned as a headache was coming on. Work was really taking a strain on his mental health and he was getting far too exhausted. His desk was littered with papers and documents, he couldn’t make out the wood colour of the desk due to the amount of paper. Norman looked at his work. He’s working overtime tonight. Great. He’s already shattered, and all he wants to do is sleep. He doesn’t have the energy to get all of this crap done!
he yawned and eyed the work. That’s it. Fuck it. He got up and grabbed his coat. Norman before would say ‘screw my health’ and push through, but since dating Otto, he’s learnt that mental health is far more important. And he’ll damn the consequences. He didn’t want to be a walking zombie the next day. Norman sent a quick text to Otto before slipping on his coat and stepping out of his office. As soon as he stepped outside, he froze. He saw a young man, who looked far too much like his son for Norman’s liking. He felt his heart drop, the man looked identical. Stop it, Norman he had to remind himself that his son, Harry, was dead
as soon as he got into the mansion, he collapsed, breaking down in tears. What is wrong with him? He curled up into the corner and wept, trying to be a silent as possible. Otto is probably asleep, he won’t wake him up. However, he wasn’t and instead was calling out for Norman. When he wasn’t met with a reply, he went looking for him and as soon as he saw the state of his boyfriend, he rushed to him. Norman cried in Otto’s shoulder, letting Otto pet his hair and shush him gently
“I can’t do this…” he didn’t need a clarification, he knew what he meant “yes you can” Norman hit Otto’s chest and immediately regretted it, staring up into his eyes. He was a mess. Tears streamed down and Otto saw the pain in those eyes. It hurt him “I can’t! I can’t! Harry, my boy!” Otto pulled him in and kissed his temple, rocking him gently “my boy…” the actuators took Normans bag and coat as Otto carried the man bridle style to the couch. Once at the couch, Otto pulled him into his lap and chest
he knew Norman struggled with Harry’s death. He regretted his decisions and behaviour when he was alive, he wished he could go back and change things. He a better father, a better friend. Wish he had been there for him. He’s learning, trying and he wished Harry was here to see for himself that his father was trying to be better, trying so hard. Otto could see everyday that Norman was improving and he was proud of him
” I lost him… Otto, he’s gone!” He stroked ginger strands of hair and kissed his cheek “shh, I know, dear, I know” he didn’t want to believe it. Both men had lost someone far too precious to them in life, and to this day, still have to remind themselves that it wasn’t just a terrible dream. When Norman almost lost Otto, it took 2 months to get over. He never truly got over that accident and still beats himself up over it, but he’s much better than before “please tell me, please tell me that it’s not dead”
Otto sighed. He wanted to take away the pain. Tell Norman a sweet lie to help him. But what good would that do? “I’m afraid he is dead, darling” he didn’t cry or scream, he was just silent in Otto’s arms. He stared off into space “I’m sorry” he grasped Norman’s chin and pulled him in to meet his eyes “whatever for?” Norman gulped, biting his lip and looking away “it was Rosie’s anniversary yesterday and here I am, making it about myself when it should be me comforting you” this was wrong. Norman should be comforting Otto, he was the one grieving. Norman is being selfish
“we’ve talked about this, Norm” he nodded, wiping away tears “I know” Otto pushed him off his lap gently and left Norman puzzled. He came back with a red flower, a false one. Norman always has loved flowers and he keeps false ones because they don’t die. Otto took out his phone and put on a piano version of ‘Once Upon A December’ and pulled up Norman, slipping the flower behind his ear and clipping it in “what are you doing, hun?”
he simply smiled and took Norman’s hands and waist, starting to slow dance around the living room. Norman listened to the soothing music and rested his head against Otto’s chest, humming along to the piano. Otto smiled and guided him, feeling him starting to relax under him. He felt a sense of pride as he managed to get Norman full calm and continued dancing. Knowing Norman loved his singing (even though he believes he cannot sing), he started singing along “someone holds me safe and warm, horses prance through a silver storm~“ Norman smiled as he listened, closing his eyes in content. They danced until the end of the music and once finished, Otto pressed their lips together, stroking Norman’s cheek “thank you, honey”