The return

by fear_mayak

Summary:

Nicky Roth slowly attemtps to get over his childhood traumas. But one day, an unexpected visitor mixes everything up..

Notes:

It is based on HN, but it’s an alternate, good good ending. Basically, an AU like my other works.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
this happens after the original HN game: Nicky has moved back to his house and attempts to start a "new life"

additional info: Theodore is a bit younger than in the game. In the game, he's 47 around act 2, but here, he was only in his late 30's. So, he's in his sixties in this story. Nicky is 30+

this started as a "for fun" fic I started working on last November and yesterday I finally got to finish it. it was quite hard to write it at some point. I hope I can show, how much time passes between each chapter and what is it's importance.

this is a fanfic from 2020. I wrote it recently (see date) but the base plot is from early 2020.

Chapter 1

It was one of the warm days, when the early summer breeze lured people out. Nicky started feeling like he's home again.

The house was about to collapse, but the young man managed to improve the interior. The planks were removed from the windows (and loosely tossed to the small pantry room under the stairs) the carpet wasn't dirty anymore, and he cleaned the dust, after removing the sheets from the furniture. The old sofa received a soft blanket and the rooms started to look like someone actually lived in them.

The boy filled the fridge from his savings, and tried to cook, with more or less success. Rather less.

Now he just finished planting new flowers on two sides of his door. It's not like anyone is coming to visit..it's not like he has friends in the town..but still, at least his house should look acceptable from the street.

 

The opposite house -or rather, the ruins of it- still caused him sleepless nights, despite he told himself he's got over the trauma. He needs some more time to totally overcome, he thought.

Neighbor was still in his dreams, Nicky was always a kid and he always got dragged or ran away from the man.

Nicky was afraid of closed doors, and small spaces. He spent a lot of time in his biggest room, the living room and went outside a lot. He couldn't make the thought of someone watching him go away, even if he was certain about that he's just hallucinating.

 

The young man just bought a bottle of wine. It was his one month anniversary at his old-new home, absolutely on his own, alone.

He gently kicked the door, which slowly closed behind him, and after finally putting the heavy bags down, he sat on the lunchtable. Noone told him where to sit. There was no other sound, than the fridge's buzzing, and the wind outside. The street was always empty, not a single car has passed by all day.

Nicky started to pack the groceries and the milk to the fridge, too busy to hear anything, he's really got into working. He closed the fridge door and started looking for some glass for the wine. It's his anniversary after all.

 

And then, he heard a knock on the door.

First, it was a very small, gentle knock. Then, two heavier knocks followed. It surprised the young man, as far as he knew, every closer neighbour of theirs moved away, when....

He closed the cupboard and headed to the door.

Not even thinking about, who could it be, he swung it open.

 

At the door..right at the door.. Incredibly close to him.. Stood the Neighbor, the man from his nightmares.

 

- Hi, Nicky.

The boy didn't even realize that the scene is real. Only after he looked into the glowing emerald eyes, but he still wasn't sure if it's a dream or not.

He jumped in surprise, lost balance and ended up on the floor. Still backing, like an animal, who's being hunted down, he had to realize: the person who's screaming on high pitch voice, is him.

The man at the door was shocked. He didn't move, he probably forgot to breathe too. His eyes followed the young man's struggle on the wooden floor, embarrassed.

He's over his trauma, huh? He reached the carpet and hit the sofa with his back. The man at the door still didn't move .

- Nicky… -he calmly said, the voice contained rue. The mentioned boy laid on the floor with his back and began crying.

- I want to wake up. This is not real. This is a nightmare.

- Can I-?

- Go away! GO AWAY! Leave, demon!

- Nicholas, PLEASE! Act like an adult!

 

The boy sat up, tears made his vision blurry. He finally came to the conclusion: this isn't a dream. The man is there, alive..?

- Are you a ghost?

- If I were a ghost, you think I'd knock?

- Fair.

- Nicholas, please. I don't want to hurt you. I never wanted. Please, just give me five minutes.

- Not more.

- May I?....

 

The man stepped in, and gently shut the door behind himself. Nicky found a spot behind the couch, he held onto it, like it was a life saver, while it wasn't. Body and voice shaking.

- Don't come closer. Stay there.

- Okay, okay.

- You're.. Alive?

- Yes, sadly. Nicky, please. Look at me while I talk.

The man finally got to see some spiky hair. As the other began examining him, he had to realize: the Neighbor didn't look like the one from his memories. He was taller than the boy, wide shoulders, his smile under the fuzzy moustache felt like he wasn't even the scary Mr Peterson who haunted him in his dreams.

With lack of belly and vest, messy hair and some additional facial hair, the man looked like he's in his late 30's while it was completely impossible. His arms and thin legs gained some muscle, not fats. But those damn gloves.. Torn and dirty, he still wore those. Nicky noticed only now, that the man was talking to him, while he was busy examining his look.

- Listen, I just got back from a long journey and...well, you saw my house, didn't you? You can't live between burned ruins, amirite.

The boy stood up and took a step towards him, just to pretend he's the owner of the house they're in. But still, Nicky shivered every time Peterson moved just a little bit.

- And I've been living in the lighthouse for a while. It's terrible during winter.. I just say..

- Okay, cool, but what do you want from me?!

- I just said. -he suddenly looked away, kind of ashamed. Nicky pretended he was paying attention all along.

- Oh, well. Okay.

- Really? -the man smiled, full of hope, the other had no idea, what caused this sudden mood change. What did he say okay to? - I really want to start a new life. No family..no kids..just me, alone. You're such a kind guy-

He had to ask it.

- Wait. What did I say okay to?

- Oh. So you can't do two things at once, huh? -the man smirked, and it really embarrassed Nicky.

- I'm still in shock, in case you haven't noticed. Suddenly, Peterson jumped in front of him, Nicky didn't have time to run away.

The man fell on his knees.

- I officially apologize to you, Nicholas... I'm sorry, what's your last name?

- Michael.. Roth... - Nicky felt he's blushing a bit in his nervousness. The man looked up at him, their eyes found each other. Peterson's green eyes were still glowing.

- Nicholas Michael.. Roth. I'm so sorry for causing you trauma, nightmares and..what else did I cause?

- I'm.. I'm.. You...- Nicky waved his hand loosely, but at the same time, tears broke free. He saw Peterson's blurry figure standing up. Slowly.

- I never meant to hurt you, kid. I was desperate. Will you accept my apology?

 

The boy wanted to say something, like "I'm over all of this already" or " I'm a grown man, not a boy anymore " but there they stood, in complete silence for long minutes.

- I accept it, but you must tell me two things. One. What do you want now?

- I want to stay for a few days until I get my shit together and can move on. I entirely ran out of...everything. What's the other?

- I'm... Okay, OKAY. -he gasped, his mouth just spoke against him - you can stay here and I'll give you food, but.. Only if you tell me everything. Everything, honestly.

- That's the least I can do for you, I guess.

 

The sun was setting behind the hills, slowly abandoning the house. First, it was in the kitchen, now it was about to leave through the living room's windows. Nicky already drunk the half of his wine alone, the other still refused. He was talking for more than two hours..the boy recognized the same old Peterson, while he told his tragic life story. The worried, depressed dad, who felt guilty and responsible for everything he's said, even though most of the story was pure accident, as he found out. With Nicky sometimes saying "yeah" and asking further questions, which lead the monologue towards new directions.

- That's the story, Nicky.

- Well..khm, well.- He cleared his throat- I wouldn't say I entirely got through the..this whole thing, but..

He suddenly had to look outside on the window. Nicky grabbed the wine glass and drank the rest of the liquid.

- You can stay on the couch, you okay with that?

- Of course, thank you.

- But just one suspicious movement..

- And? -Peterson smirked.

Nicky didn't expect him to ask it. He stood up with the glass and attempted to throw it to the trashcan, while being turned towards the man.

- I'm watching you.

- Okay, but...- the man smiled- may I..use the bathroom? Or you want me to leave the door open, while pissing?...

Nicky frowned. Why is the man so happy? Is he really just trying to move on? "Maybe I should too.."

- The bathroom is that door- he raised his chin, showing the way.

- I know, I've been watching y-...

He finally managed to throw the glass to it's place, but didn't take the eyes off of the elder man,who was heading towards the bathroom.

- Wait, what?!

The man in the yellow shirt turned, a bit nervous, but still happy

- I mean, I've been watching you TODAY... Waiting for the perfect moment to knock... -nervous giggle -I absolutely haven't stalked you, at all. -he whispered in front of himself and shut the door. Nicky washed the glass and experienced happy whistling from the restroom. He was standing in the middle of the kitchen like an angry parent, when Peterson finished.

- And one more thing.

- Yes? -the man asked on low, but warm voice, his chest moving up and down as he breathed calmly. The boy finally found his eyes.

- I know it's part of your brand or whatever.. But the gloves. Take them off.

- Oh yes, of course.

Peterson looked at his gloved hand one last time.

- Nicky...is it okay if I call you Nicky?- he slowly began to remove the dark blue gloves, the young man followed.

- Yeah.

- You can call me..well, whatever you'd like. Theodore.. Peterson.. Daddy... Neighbor...

Nicky nervously gasped

- Not everyone is allowed to call me like that, you know~

- Why are you so different? -noticing the young man's angry and suspicious look, the man sped up with the gloves, finally removing both and revealing his giant fists.

- I'm trying to move on, kid. That's why.

They exchanged a serious look. Then Nicky's eyes wandered to the man's fists again. His hands, which he could've grabbed anyone's neck with, easily. The muscles just made it worse, because the boy realized the man could just simply snap anyone's neck with a single movement. Saying yes to him wasn't such a good idea anymore.

Not like it ever was.

- Nicky..-the man hid his scars with his other hand. - I don't want to seem rude, but.. I haven't eaten anything for two days and..

The young man snapped out.

- Oh yeah yeah. Put yourself on the couch, I'll bring dinner in a minute.

The man obeyed, but the other followed him with his head, until he sat down.

- Hey um..ya have some spare clothes until I wash these? Yknow I'm...

- Yeah yeah sure,.. Neighbor.

Another look at each other. So, Nicky chose that.

- Tomorrow, okay? I'll look for some food now. -The boy's got lost in the refrigerator and his thoughts. "what the fuck does this lighthouse have inside, a gym?!" -I only have microwave stuff, I suck at cooki..- He suddenly looked up from the fridge.

- You want me to help?

Nicky had to jump in pain, it was followed by a scream too. Neighbor suddenly stood behind him and the lack of personal space just simply scared the young man.

- Don't do that ever again.

- I'm sorry, I shouldn't have..

- Just...just sit down, I'll get everything ready.

 

He's come over his trauma, huh?

 

Nicky brought two plates of microwaved food under the name "dinner", handing over one for Neighbor, he sat down and slowly began eating. Then, he stopped. The couch was incredibly small for two.

- What's wrong? -the man asked, chewing a potato.

Nicky silently moved a bit further away from the man, until the other edge of the couch. And continued eating, while keeping eye contact with him. Peterson tried to not notice all of that, he attempted to focus on the boring television news, but he just felt that the boy is burning a hole to his body.

Awkward silence.

The advertisements started.

- So..- Neighbor was about to finish the dinner - you've... Grown, kid.

The entire leaf of salad disappeared in his mouth. More silence.

- You look different. -Nicky said, but didn't continue.

More silence.

- What does that lighthouse have inside, a gym?!

- No, I was just.. Living in the wild for long, heh.

Neighbor looked away. The boy finished the dinner too.

- What did you eat?

- I was hunting.

- Really?

- Yeah

- That explains a few things.

- Oh. Well, I barely survived the winter, so after that, I began to.. I began to learn to live.

Nicky collected the plates.

- Thank you for the dinner.

- Hah, thank for the grocery store.

- No, seriously.

This time, Peterson followed Nicky with his eyes, to the kitchen.

- Thank you.

- You know, what's crazy?- the boy returned, but didn't sit on the couch. He just stood behind it. - After all of what you've done, Aaron just almost blew the house on you

- He was..is...well. Not just almost. I even got burned on the back. But I'm sure you'll get to see it.

- What's with him now?

- I don't know. He doesn't like me, for sure.

- Hey..I'm going to sleep now. You should too.

- Without bathing? -the man smiled . Without topics about the past, it felt like he was replaced with an entirely new Peterson.

- I'm an adult, I do what I want- Nicky smiled and headed upstairs. He wasn't honest with himself. He didn't dare to go to a small room, giving chance for the man to do whatever he was actually planning to do.

Why did he say yes.. He still, still has a good heart.

Too good.

 

Slowly walking up on the stairs, he heard the same old Neighbor's lines.

- Good night, Nicky. Sleep well.

Suddenly, he was 12 again and he was in the basement, locked up. The man said this every night..or day..he could never decide after some time...after he's brought the food for him.

The last three stairs felt like he was running up to a hill. His legs heavy, his entire chest about to explode.

"this is the present."

"the present"

He fell into his bed, left the lights on, he didn't care. He swung his windows open. Tears began rolling down on his cheeks.

- The present. Move on, Nicky. - he mumbled to himself, and repeated until he dared to close his eyes. He was on the edge of falling asleep, when the old wooden stairs creaked. Nicky suddenly couldn't move, his body was stunned before the brain could've told him he actually got shocked. He jumped up, just to witness the door slowly opening.

Neighbor peeked in.

- Oh great, you're not sleeping yet.

- Go away.

The low voice he heard, was his own.

- I just wanted to ask for a pillow, I'm.. Please?

- I said, GO AWAY!

Nicky grabbed a random pillow and tossed it at the man, scared from his own actions, he shut the door himself and turned the key immediately. Tables have turned, now Neighbor was closed out.

- I'm sorry..

He was whispering, but the other did hear it. He slowly left. The stairs creaked again.

- I'm sorry!

This time, louder. He wanted to make sure Nicky hears it.

He was downstairs.

The boy held the door like someone was still on the other side, attempting to break in.

- This is the present, come on.

He turned the key once again.

Downstairs, Neighbor threw the pillow on the couch and slowly laid on it. Unbuttoning his shirt, he stared at the ceiling.

- Stupid kid -he whispered - Don't you know you stole the lockpick from me back then.. I could open any door if I wanted to...

"I wonder if he still has it"

 

 

Chapter 2

Summary:

first night, huh?

The night was heavier than any nights in Nicky's life before. He stared to the darkness, turning from one side to another.
He didn't dare to sleep.
In addition, he soon had to realize, the wine actually wants to come out.

He sneaked to his own door..it felt strange, but he wanted to stay silent.
Completely silent.
He turned the key twice, and gently opened the door.
As a sign of giving in, the wood creaked.

 

The living room was silent. It felt like noone is there, not a single soul, dead or alive.

 

He wanted to avoid the couch in wide range - his own couch - but then he decided to check if the man is even there, or he's waiting for him in the shadows.
The first signs of early summer began to appear in the form of a stronger wind and dark clouds, which hid the moonlight from time to time. In Raven Brooks, this was normal.
Nicky slowly made his way from the stairs, to the couch, where Neighbor slept. He was even snoring a bit, the light shone to the room, his giant shape was recognizable. 

"it wasn't a dream then. He's here. He's actually here." 
The lack of trust almost drove him insane. Even if the man was sleeping on the couch and he saw it, the boy was careful, in his own house. Looking for traps and whatever else.

"you're over the trauma, huh? Biggest lie of your life"

While coming back from the toilet, Nicky had a terrible idea. 
He already felt guilty, just from the thought of it. This man is here because of the young man's good heart. He basically dug his own grave..maybe. 
He kept staring at Peterson for two long minutes. His chest slowly moving, one arm behind his head, on the pillow that Nicky tossed at him, the other arm rested on his body, hand gently placed on his crotch.
What a great pose, Nicky thought with irony.
The man was sleeping like a tired..well, man. 

And he still, still couldn't trust him. 
A cloud must have gotten in front of the moon, because it just turned entirely dark in the room. Nicky didn't take his eyes off of the man. 

 

 

The morning found the boy in his bedroom, on his carpet, which was loosely placed in front of his door. 
He fell asleep while sitting, and leaning against it. 
"hilarious" he thought while rubbing the dream out of his tired eyes. He slowly sat up, almost fell twice from tiredness.
He turned the key once
And twice. 

 

In the living room, Neighbor slowly woke up as well, and with the same movement, he fell on the floor. 
- What the?!
He gasped.

He couldn't put his hands down to defend his face from meeting the wood.
The man attempted to sit up,just to discover he's been tied up with an old rope.
"what the fuck, kid?!" 
He made it to the couch again. The rope held tight, but it was rather just hilarious, than anything else.
"fuck, i need to piss..how an I gonna..goddamnit" 
When he felt safe, he just carefully stood up and got ready.

" I can't believe this idiot tried to stop me with this.... Ugh. At least he didn't kill me in my sleep huh" 
He took a big breath, tensed his muscles, wanted to scream, but decided not to.
- Hnnnnngh....gwahhh.
And the rope fell off entirely to the ground, torn into pieces.
- He really tried to tie me up with this old rope...fucker -he giggled, it was rather a joke than offense.
But with the disruption of the rope, he felt something else getting torn.
First he thought it was the shirt, but no. 
It was the pants, at the worst place possible. 
He looked down and covered his mouth with his fist.
-Fhck..

From the corner of his eye, he spotted the small figure, making his way down on the stairs.
- Oh, you..awake. -Nicky added with disappointment in the voice, it felt like he was saying "oh, you're still alive" 
Neighbor suddenly switched
- Goooood morning, Nicky. Umm..do you have a sewing kit? I've got a bit of a problem. 
- Do I look like a woman?! 
Neighbor smirked, but the sick "prank" really hit him inside. 

What was that good for?! 

- Maybe my mom had one. Why do you need it?
- I accidentally tore my pants while I was breaking free from your fifty-year-old rope. Buy chains next time. 
Nicky blushed again because of anger, and disappeared in the cupboard. 
By the time he's got the sewing kit, the man took his pants off, he wasn't  bashful for sure.
The other rolled his eyes like he was the victim of the situation. 
Maybe, he still felt like one. 

Neighbor tried to put the thread into the needle's hole for three long minutes, then the young man just simply grabbed it from his strong hands and began sewing the pants without a word. 

Silence.

Nicky was halfway. He sewed like a professional, he was actually good on his own, Theodore had to admit.
- Why did you do it? -the elder man asked on serious voice.
The other was suddenly in his childhood again. 
Then, in the present. 
- I wanted to sleep. I planned to wake up earlier and un-tie you before you wake up...
- It was nothing to tear it apart, just saying. 
Nicky swallowed. 
- And I'm just saying... If I really wanted to hurt you, I'd have done that yesterday already. I had, like three or four perfect moments. 
Nicky looked up from sewing, then got back to work. 
- Kid, you told me to be honest. And I was. I am honest. But..are you? 
The young man finished sewing already, but he pretended he's still working. After a sad sigh, and a guilty blush, he just stared in front of himself. 
He really picked the place to stare at. 
Quickly looking up into the man's eyes, he swallowed once again. 
- You're big.
The man smiled.
- Yeah, the pants are a bit tight already. That's how I tore them. 
- I meant. Tall. 
- Oh. 
- Here. You. Go. 

As he handed the pants to Neighbor, the man caught his arm and pulled him from the other end of the couch, dangerously close. 
- Admit it, you're not over that trauma. -the man hissed, with insane smile and fire in his eyes.
Nicky tried to free himself from his strong grip, struggling like some weak prey . 
Neighbor let him go and kept the jeans only. 
The young man ended up on the floor, near crying. 
- Okay..okay, was that a revenge?! Okay, I did deserve it, but don't do this ever again, understood?!!! It's MY house..I'm.. 
- I should've been gone, honestly. It was a mistake to search you.
The man stood up and attempted to shake his body into the freshly sewed pants.
- Nice work, but.. I think it's a bit ..
Nicky opened his arms in confusion. 
- You......you won't go anywhere. I'm.. I actually.. I need you to overcome this. I think I can't do this alone. I need the method you used.
- It's easy, just move on. Tell yourself you start a new life, independent and..ah shit.
The button, which held the thing together, gave in and with a jump, it rolled away, to Nicky's legs. 
The boy picked it up.
There he was in front of the young man, Theodore with unbuttoned pants, and with his giant, tall body. 
The man of his nightmares. 

Still.

 

The Neighbor opened his palm and waited.
Nicky put the button into it, but still kept a distance. 
- Thank you.
- Hmm.
- The key is to..-Neighbor tried to pull the jeans together, but then he gave in- be honest. To yourself and..others.
This time, the emerald eyes burned a hole into Nicky's thin body. 
- Don't do this ever again, okay? 
- Don't sew your jeans?- the young man asked with irony, but as soon as he noticed how the elder man looks at him, he knew there was no place for jokes now. 
- I had a shit ass childhood too, but I moved on. If I could, you can too. 
Now was the moment  when Nicky slowly made his way to the kitchen, pretended to make breakfast for both if them, and tried to sink into the ground from the amount of shame and guilt he's collected together under one single night. 
When he looked at the man, who was still fixing his jeans with the runaway button, he didn't get response. Theodore was too busy with the cloth piece. 
The boy left his eyes on Peterson, still feeling awful for everything he's done. Neighbor let the pants slip off of his body, until the knees, unexpectedly griped his bulge and giggled. He didn't seem to give a damn about any of his surroundings.
- Ah fuck! - The young man finally noticed that he's left his hand at the wrong place and burned it with the hot tea water. 

He nervously began to prepare the drink.
- hey, I'm gonna..take a shower and wash my clothes, okay?- without waiting for confirmation , the elder man already headed to the bathroom. 
- Yeah. I'm afraid I can't give you anything fitting, just a big shirt, maybe.
- It's fine. - and the door was shut. Neighbor opened it a bit - I hope nothing will surprise me here.
Nicky rolled his eyes, but he knew the man was right.
- Nnoooo. 
The old door slammed again. 
Soon, water began flowing from the faucet. 

Nicky already prepared a pretty rich breakfast to the lunchtable, by the time the man finished. The boy sat down, kind of waiting for Neighbor to step out and rate the look of the food.. or whatever..
Seconds later, the man indeed did step out, with a single towel put around his waist, body and hair still wet. He rubbed his face with a smaller towel and made his way to the shocked guy.
- I used a bit from your shampoo if you don't m...oh, what a nice breakfast we got here. You're so fast, I'm surprised. How do you not have anyone, my boy?! 
Nicky let his face to do something unexpected. A shy smile. 
- Well, thanks. I don't have anyone, because I don't want anyone. 
He tried to not look at the man's body, but it was impossible. His strong figure was something that one just had to look at. The water drops stuck on his chest hair, some gently flowing down, towards his belly. He rubbed his muscled arms now, his messy hair kept falling into his face. And the wet moustache.. He carelessly let the towel go and began preparing the food.

- So..-the young man witnessed as Neighbor prepares bread for the both of them, using maybe way too much jam. -You were hunting and living in the woods?
- Kind of, yeah. -Peterson whistled, trying to remember what he told Nicky yesterday. -I ended up in the lighthouse, but I had to hunt to stay alive. 
He was finishing  the fourth slice, when he saw the boy's scared face.
- I'm sorry. You like jam? 
- Yeah, yeah- the other cleaned his throat. 
- It's a dad thing ya know. I do some things without noticing. Your parents.. They died, right?
- Yeh. -and the other forced the half of the slice to his mouth, finishing the conversation with that. 

 

 

 

Notes:

there is a reason (other than fanservice hehe) why he keeps staring at the man so weirdly, but y'all will probably guess it before Nicky finally gets to say it.

Chapter 3

Summary:

soup 🥣

The next days became weeks.

First, the trust was on the same level. Around zero.
Nicky kept locking his door every single night, despite he felt his room awfully small. He left the windows open while sleeping.

Neighbor often laid on the couch, wide awake. 
The young man was on his way to figure out if his happy and sassy personality is indeed not just a mask  he's put on to pretend something. 
But honestly, if the past wasn't between the topics they've talked about, Neighbor was indeed his new and kind self.
Other than buying stuff from the shop, the man pretty much helped with everything. They even painted Nicky's room and the boy began to feel something he never thought would feel again, especially not in the case of a man, like Peterson.
He began to feel a very little trust. But it was so little yet, almost nothing...
And he also noticed a personal distance that the elder man kept from him.

It wasn't the lack of trust, but the man's personal promise of not getting attached to anyone, ever again. 

 

***

 

Theodore kept breaking the promise he made to himself, because his direct personality just completely went against keeping a distance from the other. To begin with, he decided to reveal himself for Nicky and him only, because now he seemed to be the kind of man , who didn't run to alert the remaining parts of he town immediately about his terrible neighbor's return. A loner, with seemingly eventless life, a young man, unwillingly having something in common with Peterson. 
He didn't notice when he's got close to Nicky, or touched his arm by accident. Things like this were just nothing for him. so natural....

"okay, so this..isn't happening. But I won't let him close to my heart." 
This second promise he made one night, seemed to be easier, especially because the young man showed lack of trust towards him, even after a few weeks he's moved in.

 

Nicky started to practice cooking more often. Until now, the spiky haired man simply ordered food and that was everything he ate that day. But Peterson kept himself to eating three times a day and this dragged the other man as well.
This was one of the days when the boy realized: he'll slowly run out of his emergency savings that he put away to be able to afford at least two months of electricity for the house. He had to save up on something else. Eleven o'clock, the thin man was suffering with the ingredients of a soup that Peterson recommended. Since Nicky liked the recipe and never did soups before, he decided to try it.
Theodore sunk in a giant newspaper in the living room, but secretly he kept an eye on the other.

This was the third time the guy nearly cut his finger off.
The elder man frowned.
- Ya need some help, kid?
- No, I'm..absolutely not. I'm fine.
- You've been cutting those ingredients for incredibly long time. Let me help. 
Nicky sighed, put the knife down and rolled his eyes.
He can do it alone, he's not a kid.
- I only want to help, because I want to have lunch in an hour. Nothing else. 
Peterson knew the trust towards each other was still very low, at least from Nicky's side. Without further hesitation, he left the newspaper alone and made his way to the kitchen.
The guy thought Peterson will just show him how to cut vegetables - something he was already doing - but the man had different plans.
- I will now stand behind you, okay? I won't do anything, just stand.
- pff sure, okay, but...- he didn't put the plan together yet.
Theodore's giant shadow gently swallowed his thin body.
- Okay. - Nicky heard the low whisper, right next to his ear. - Now I will grab your hand and show the cutting technique. Stand still.
Now it was clear, how Neighbor's mind worked. His giant, hairy arms appeared next to Nicky's and since he had to lean down a bit, the young man felt the other's breath on his neck.

He was calm and slow. 
After last time, when he surprised the young man at the fridge, he didn't dare to do anything without telling what he's gonna do.
His giant hands gently closed Nicky's shaking ones. The boy began breathing faster, but didn't break out.
He couldn't. 
If the man stabs him now....he totally can.

Theodore carefully made him raise the knife. He fixed the way the young man held the onion, posed each finger on his hand. He made Nicky place the knife and they slowly began cutting the vegetable into little cubes.
- Now a bit faster.
Nicky just watched, what he's creating with the help of the man, but he couldn't fully focus on the cutting, because he just felt the strong body touching his.
Is it on purpose? 
- This is all nice, Neighbor - he started with pretended calmness - But why couldn't  you just show it like a normal human? Why did you have to lean on me to...
He stopped talking, because Neighbor suddenly grabbed a piece of onion and put it into the young man's mouth.
- It's easier for me this way, that's why.
Nicky chewed the vegetable, despite he wasn't the big fan of eating raw onion.
- Moffeefuhher.
Neighbor giggled, he probably understood the word. They finished cutting the onion together, then the man let him go.
The other took a big breath.
Finally, he's free again. 
- I'll gladly help you if you need it.
- No, I'm fine.
The green eyes didn't let him go yet.
-...thanks.
Nicky went onto the salad, but stopped.
Why isn't Neighbor leaving already?! 
- What else do you want? 
- Nothing. - the man finally looked somewhere else and realized, how hard it'll be to get along and earn more trust. 

Nicky messed up the soup at the last moment, silently cursing, he didn't know what to do. There was nothing else he could've put on the table.
- Look.. Neighbor... 
The man's eager eyes made the scene worse. He even put some kitchen fabric to his neck to avoid the soup from getting to his chest..hair.
- I fucked it up.
- What? The good soup? After I helped?
- The salt....
- Oh, I'm sure it's not that b-
After the first spoon of soup, the man became speechless. 
- I'm sorry. - Nicky collapsed onto the chair. 
- Don't worry about it. I'm sure I can fix it up. Just watch.

Under no second, the man's got back to the stove and began wildly mixing and adding things.
The young man watched with sad expression. He just wanted to help and..he thought the man wants to hurt him.
But...what if he adds poison to the soup now?!!!
Theodore turned for a second and smiled.
- I'll put some noodles into it as well. It'll help to...hey, why are you so sad? I'll help fixing it. 
Nicky rather turned back and waited until the final final result lands on the lunchdesk.
Neighbor was about to give him a portion, but he refused.
- You first.
- Hahahha! Why? Ya think I poisoned it or wh-?!
He was joking, but his face became worried under a second.
- you..you think I poisoned it.
And the talk was entirely cut for the rest of the lunchtime.

Theodore gave himself a portion and began eating it..
- Hey, you should try! I fixed it pretty m-- uaaahghhgh! 
Nicky didn't move his head, only looked.
Neighbor slammed the table, so hard, it almost collapsed. And began laughing, but not as loud as the other expected. 
- Hahahahha! You should see your face now! Oh, Nicky... I told you I don't want to hurt you. I never wanted. When will I finally convince you about this? 
The young man was pretty hungry, he kept switching his look between the man and the soup.
He rolled his eyes and finally moved the big spoon to get his own portion.
The taste was wonderful. The noodles added so much..
- Hey, this..this is great! You indeed did fix it up! 
- Told ya. - Neighbor moved an eyebrow, while crossing his strong arms. 
He was rather sad, than annoyed.
Nicky felt kind of guilty for suspecting..such a thing.
- I'm sorry. - the apology finally broke out of it's cage. - I'm so used to..not  trusting in anyone. It's been years.
- I know it's me. I can read your face.
Nicky shyly looked away.
- No, really. It's not just you. 
They ate the soup in silence, mostly  because Theodore was on the right track in head, to figure out, how to make the young man trust him. 

 

Chapter 4

Summary:

although, Neighbor's immediacy is a bit more than surprising in a positive way, Nicky's "frustration reflex" starts dragging him into the most awkward situations. better keep an eye on the man of his nightmares, than letting him hide in the shadows, right?.....right??.....

The first time Nicky fell asleep next to him on the couch, caught Theodore off guard. It was after a long day. They cooked, and cleaned the entire house, even Nicky's back porch. 
The man gladly helped him. 

Then, the men just sat in front of the tv. Theodore was past explaining, why he puts an arm behind Nicky, on the back of the couch, and it was kind of accepted. The sofa was small and the boy was aware. Nothing more to explain.. But still, there was a half person space between the two.
The monotone news on the tv quickly made them get close to the state of sleeping . Peterson was awake, and his eyes entirely widened as soon as he felt the guy's thin body, leaning to his shoulder. 
When looking, he figured out, it's not the sign of trust. It's just Nicky falling asleep. 

Neighbor slided one hand behind his back, and another under knee bands, and gently held the sleeping guy in his arms. The other must have been so tired, nothing could wake him up.
Since there wasn't enough place on the couch, Theodore decided to take him up to his room. He gently lifted him up.. he was sleeping so peacefully... His body was so weak and lightweight... The man had no issue carrying him. 
Neighbor held him close to his chest, while slowly making his way up on the stairs. He sighed at each creak. Why are the stairs against him, what did he do?.. But Nicky still didn't wake up.
When the man carefully put him on his bed, pulled the cover until his waist, he just kept staring at the young man.

Nicky opened his eye a bit, when the other crouched down, near his face. 
His eyes were glowing in the dark. The guy didn't dare to move, or open his eye wider. But his breath betrayed him.
Theodore just stared, he didn't do anything, especially when Nicky began gasping. 
He stood up, raised his eyebrows like he was told some kind of insult out of the blue and without a word, he left the room, even shutting the door behind himself. 
Just as he took a step, he heard a thump and the door's lock, turning twice.
He sighed. 
Nicky recalled the same event from his childhood, but this time, he was in control. 

Theodore was kind of disappointed. He made his way down on the stairs.

The other finally placed himself on his bed, when he discovered: he has to use the bathroom. Once again, terrible timing..
" for fucks sake" Nicky covered the face with his palms and pulled his skin, but if he had to go, he had to go.

After waiting a bit, he quietly opened his door. The house was seemingly calm and silent. Hopefully the man is asleep. What was he planning, if Nicky doesn't wake up? The boy didn't want to know. 

On the way back, the spiky haired man stopped and gently stepped to the couch.
Just a small peek. To make sure he's there. 
Theodore, laying on the back, with arms behind his neck and unbuttoned shirt,.. he indeed slept on the couch. Nicky watched him for long minutes, some parts of his upper body were visible, thanks to the moonlight. 
The young man leaned onto the back of the couch, but then, the man's sparkling eyes found him.
- Are you going to tie me up again? Are you into BDSM, Nicky boy?- he smiled under the moustache. The moon lit up his white teeth, it looked like those are glowing too.
The other backed. Nervousness locked him on the carpet, like he was nailed there.
- No, I'm just... It's... Not that, I'm... 
- My eyes are up here.
Indeed, his eyes were above the uncovered chest.
Nicky grumbled as soon as he realized, it's his own house and he should be the boss..
- Will you watch me all night? I don't mind it, it's not that. You should take a seat then, to not get too tired. Right on my crotch, for example. - Theodore winked.
- Disgusting - the other hissed and left in anger. 
Neighbor sat up and looked after him until the guy disappeared on the top of the stairs.
The door slammed and the lock turned twice. 

" it pretty much fired backwards " the man thought  " it won't be hard to keep the distance this way, indeed" 
In his bedroom, the young man laid on his back, but his soul didn't let him fall asleep. He fisted into the sheets and sat up again. 
- Ah, damn it. - he whispered, and decided to check if the other is sleeping or not.
He made his way down like a weightless little animal. On the couch, Theodore was pretty much awake, not expecting Nicky to come back, he began stroking his crotch, and he was thankful later, he only got this far yet.
- Nicky boy!
- Ew. I just... - The guy waited until the other removes his hand from that area -  I wanted to say thank you for bringing me up to my bedroom. And for your help yesterday as well. 
The man hummed. 
- Anything else?
The feeling in Nicky just got stronger. Lack of trust that is. He won't be able to survive tonight without overthinking and stress, if the man is out of sight..which means..
He angrily grabbed the man's hand (the one which wasn't touching his crotch earlier) and dragged him up to his bedroom. Theodore giggled, and out of curiosity, he allowed everything. What an unexpected turn!

 

They stood by the two sides of the bed. Nicky hopped on his butt.
- Sit.
Neighbor crossed his arms and moved his head a bit.
-...down, please? - the other added.
Now, the man sat on the bed.
- Good. Just because you're still paranoid for no reason anymore, it doesn't mean, we shouldn't keep basic etiquette. 
- Says the guy, who keeps scaring me on purpose. 
- Says the guy, who dragged me to his bed. 
Touché.

Nicky's face probably became as red as a tomato, only because of anger. 
They sat in front of each other, and kept staring. Nicky, with his strict look and Theodore, smiling like a nasty teenager.
After a while, the young man felt he's tired. His blinking lasted longer, but since the "THE" threat sat with him, in the same room, he forced himself to stay awake. He must keep an eye on him, or...
Theodore kept smiling, but then got tired of this game.
- Are we gonna stare at each other until the sun rises?
- Yes. - the reply came on  blank voice.

The elder man touched his own chest and continued unbuttoning the shirt entirely, without looking down. First it felt like he's about to stroke himself. 
- Have fun then. I'm going to sleep. 
The spiky haired man witnessed as the Neighbor slowly undresses, folds the yellow shirt, places it on the edge of the bed and throws his giant, strong body on the sheets. He took the same pose, arms behind his head, despite he felt a very soft pillow under it now. He almost was taller than the entire length of the bed.. 
- Please don't tie me up in my sleep.
That's all he said, Nicky had no clue, for how long will he keep mentioning it...he kind of felt it a stupid mistake as well, but he said sorry, what else does the man want?! 

Theodore felt the brown eyes on his own body . The other indeed did examine him, for quite long time, but he had all night, Nicky thought. Sometimes his vision became a bit blurry, so he blinked quite often.... The Neighbor's chest gently moved up and down as he slowly fell asleep. His chest hair started right under his nonexistent neck, melting together with the stubble he still had... the guy suddenly noticed the moustache, which always, always looked waxed, still.
Back to his chest, and his breasts, the man's had small, barely noticeable scars around the nipples and near the belly. Knowing, where he spent the past few years, it wasn't so surprising. His skin so soft...lines so perfect, so much muscle.. His belly was muscled as well, Nicky's eyes just kept wandering until the old pants, which the man never changed to another for decades. 
The young man leaned on his left arm and continued the examination. He was at dangerous seas, but the man was sleeping already. Except Theodore sometimes opened an eye, then quickly closed it. He kept checking, where the other's eye is, and oh, he was pretty far away from his face.
Nicky noticed his own sewing on the pants, how messy it looked, but that was the best he could do suddenly. Honestly, it wasn't even the sewing that kept his stare down there, it was the man's tight pants in general, that showed so annoyingly much, it was damn disturbing. Did he even wear boxers now?! Nicky shook his head, what a disgusting thought, it only came to mind, because..because.. His hair down there on the skin, just ran under the fabric and....Nicky decided to buy new jeans for the man the next day, in his size.. if he's forced to live here, then at least he should look like a normal living human,....except he couldn't really afford it at the moment...and oh yes, his thin legs, which also gained a few muscles, filling the stripeed fabric entirely, nearly stretching at some parts..
What a tour. So many disgusting things to look at, but at least he stayed awake.

Nicky wanted his eyes to wander back to the man's face, but his look got stuck on two body parts again. Damn it, his sewing is indeed awful..how does it keep the pants together?! When he finally looked at Theodore's moustache , which perfectly hid his mouth - it seemed like the man doesn't even have one - he was already very tired. The whole procedure felt like a long trip.
A long trip he started hours ago, when he stared at the man's body on the couch, and now he finally had the chance to finish it. 
Neighbor almost added "are you done with staring at my cock?" but he didn't want to scare Nicky more that night and the guy wasn't done yet. He liked to embarrass the younger man with his direct outbursts, he seemed to snap out of his usual traumatic perception of life, when Theodore did that.
After all, it didn't disturb the man. Finally, he wasn't alone in the woods and didn't have to be aware all the time. Yet, he was.

 

***

 

His stomach woke up  Theodore earlier. His inner clock told him, it's time to hunt for his breakfast, except he didn't have to do that anymore. It was barely 6 am. 
Of course, Nicky fell asleep on the other end of the bed, he was on the very edge, almost falling off, but there was no force on earth which could've pushed him towards the man just a bit more.
Peterson felt sorry for him, and thoughts ran through his head. Will this always be,like..that? Will this ever change? He still had no clue, how to prove he doesn't want to slaughter the young man.
Nicky's left hand was closer to him, gently placed on the sheets. Neighbor slowly placed his right hand next to it, but he went further with a smirk on the face. "there you have it" and he suddenly slided his own hand under the other's. 

Nicky woke up a bit later, stretching the body for starters and gently holding onto whatever was under his left hand. Still not opening his eyes, he let his fingers run on the given route, ending on some strange, hairy skin-like...what the living fuck was he stroking?! 
He placed his whole palm on it again. Still no clue. Opening his eyes, terror ran through his entire body. He's stroking Theodore's arm, who is laying lext to him, seemingly asleep. 
The young man sat up so suddenly in the companion of a gasp, the other couldn't resist anymore and started giggling. 
He opened half an eye, just to see his terrified, blushing face.
Which turned furious under no second as soon as he realized, he's got tricked once again. 

- You...fffucking get the fucking...get your ass out of my room! 
Theodore calmly stretched his body. He clearly wasn't hurrying anywhere. 
He turned on the back, did the same again, looking up to the ceiling, feeling the soft(er than the couch) bed and the pillow, probably one last time. He exchanged a look with the young man, then sat up, scratching his crotch, then crackling his neck a bit.
Nicky was about to explode, he witnessed all of that in terror, this time, locking both eyes on the man's face. But he realized by that time he can do nothing about the whole situation and the other exactly knows this.
- Good morning to you too, Nicky. Tell me, did I hurt you? 
- Get out! -the other pointed at his door as answer and it was clear that they had no other topic in common.
The man gently stood up, straightening his back.
Neighbor slowly raised his yellow shirt and unfolded it. One arm, then the other. He pulled it a bit near the neck..once again forgot to button it..he is doing it on purpose. Nicky was certain.
Peterson opened the door, which wasn't locked at all. It became clear that Nicky never closed the door before, the only reason why he did that was.. Neighbor himself. 
Stupid kid. Stupid fucking asshole.
He gave up on him a tiny bit as soon as this thought ran through his brain, but covering the sadness, the man just left the room.
Nicky heard the heavy steps on the creaking wood.

He was downstairs.

 

The young man fell back to the bed, fingers running through his spiky hair, and hiding his entire face into his hands..he wanted to scream, but it rather sounded like some kind of weird moan.
Theodore's finished in the bathroom by the time the owner of the house finally came down on the stairs. 
He thought the other just fell asleep again, or something, because half an hour passed. 
Yet another weird confrontation between the two men, but as soon as they both sat down to the empty lunchtable, expecting the other to serve some food from the fridge, Theodore gave one last try on the topic.
It felt like the boy kind of waited for this, or at least, expected it to happen. 

- Nicky, look, I'm very thankful you are allowing me to stay here, but you as well should move on and take things a bit easier. 
The other looked down at his hands, now pinned down by the strong, hairy, scratched ones..anger ran into his brain again, but he finally had to bring the conclusion: the man was absolutely right. 
He lied to himself with this whole "getting over the trauma" thing. Now what if he really tried to do something about it? 
Theodore removed his hands by himself. He gently patted, then stroked Nicky's shoulder, and ..nothing happened. The guy looked into his sad green eyes..he looked back at him. 
- Okay. - a half smile. He looked away, and turned serious.
- Great! - before he could've said anything, Theodore's stomach began rumbling. Nicky smiled again, shyly.
- Um...
- I'll make some breakfast. 
- Thank you.

Chapter 5

Summary:

they go out 🌲🌳🍂🏞🌅🌈

Despite all of what they experienced during the first weeks, Nicky soon realized that his new house-mate requires some kind of attention. 

And more importantly,  the spiky haired man also discovered: he began spending more time with the other, getting into discussions that lasted longer than two sentences. 
In short, the impossible happened: they agreed on things and started getting along. They had the same wounds, stopped at the same time when the topic became unbearable and never had a single big quarrel since Peterson moved in.
Nicky never wanted to make him angry. First, he was afraid the man would kill him if they had any kind of argument. He was capable to do so, when it came to power.

But then, he just didn't want to make him sad. The rule they kept, was that the past is left behind. There was no point to discuss it anymore. And neither of them wanted to.. 

There were so many good things happening. 

 

Theodore actually loved to make useful inventions from basically nothing. He loved showing off his creativity to the young man. He found someone, who appreciated and understood the work behind each invention. 
Not only that, the man knew every single tree and corner in Raven Brooks. One day, he began inviting Nicky for simple walks around the house. The young man agreed to join him, the worst thing that could've happened, was that Neighbor kills him in the woods and takes his house as revenge, but he honestly didn't care anymore. So, he joined the man just to discover: nothing like this was between plans.

They went for the pure discovery, further and further to the unknown. 

Nicky's nicest memory in his new life was when they visited a small creek that was hidden from the eyes and humans in general. It was so deeply in the forest, next to a small field that the young man really liked and he even let the man know during the trip. 
Theodore smiled. His smile just gave the other energy, despite he often got tired while walking and exploring. 
- I like being there. I often came here to hunt, because animals had no enemies at this place. They feared no man, they were easy to catch...
The talk took a dark turn. Nicky didn't respond, just stared and tried not to trip in the small rocks, laying on the road.
- They helped me to survive. I'm thankful for every single one. - Theodore sighed and waited for response.
It was poor consolation for a big hearted man like the guy, who never hurt a single animal ever, but Neighbor's melancholic look confirmed he isn't a monster either. And now..him being here seemed to be more important, than some tasty quails.
- Do quails taste good?
- Oh, they sure do. They are just very small.
They went deeply into the woods. The branches hit the men everywhere, and no matter how Peterson tried to clear the way, Nicky kept getting them to his face as well 
- Come right behind me. 
The younger man obeyed, he even caught the man's hand, and they continued their way like that. 
Nicky didn't read too much into it, it was only a tactical move from his part. That's why he didn't flinch when the other crossed their fingers too. It's fine. 
The man seemimgly didn't care either. He was much more easy going, than..well, anyone he ever knew.

 

They finally reached the creek. The water was clear and it lacked all kind of junk. Small waterfalls could be heard nearby.
Frogs croaking and birds singing on all of the trees. The boy has never been to such a place and he thought he must travel to a faraway country to see anything like this. In short: they reached paradise. Nicky kneed down to wash his hands and face in the crystal clear water. It was nothing like the lake's messy, toxic water, which he had to experience whenever he went to the "beach". 
Neighbor sat on a big rock near him and then witnessed as Nicky goes through a fallen tree. It was probably the leftover of the childhood he took a part from, the man thought. He watched the other being young once again, with guilty face but quickly changed his expression as soon as Nicky hopped next to him. 
- This place is wonderful. How did people not ruin it?
- We took a huge turn around some deadly weeds. Those usually stop humans from coming here.
They sat on the fallen tree together and Neighbor told him a childhood story, where he and his best friend visited this place as small kids.
Nicky listened to him with smile on his face. The whole scene was so calming, there was nothing to worry about. And knowing that even Neighbor had a good friend once, made him more human.

- Hey. Do you remember, what...what you told me once in the basement? 
Sudden change of topic, but the boy wanted to leave this one here, far away in the forest.
- I told you a lot of things, Nicky. 
He talked to him every single day after a while.
- I asked, what are you gonna do with me. Kill me? And you bursted out in laughter and I was so afraid. You're laughing differently now, thank god. 
Neighbor forced a smile on his face, but he slowly made his way further away on the trunk, being scared of the conclusion . 
- Then you said "I wish I knew. You just know too much, I didn't want, but I had to..trap you." something like this.
- Hmm.
- Then I heard a voice. You were near, crying. 
- You heard me crying? -the man gasped.
- I did. And I even heard Aaron saying you're "pathetic for being this weak". Tell me. If he didn't help me escape, what would have happened? 
Peterson hesitated. He wasn't ready for such an interview. 
- I don't know. Aaron set the house on fire a bit later, so.. I would've escaped with you anyway. I wouldn't have left any of you down there, for sure. I saved him, despite he clearly wanted me to burn there.
They exchanged a sad look, but from Nicky's part, the topic was over.
- You once said you have scars on your back. 
- I sure do, kid.
- I'm not a kid, sir.
- I know, I just.. Like to call you this way. Wanna see the scars? Or what? 
Nicky shrugged. If it means more chest reveal...

He had to admit, Theodore looked good. 
It was just an experience to look at him after showering. Muscles and chest hair.. Stuff that Nick wanted, but didn't really have on his own body. But the man always covered his back with a towel.
A bird flew above them, stopping the elder man halfway. But then, he went on.

Slowly stood up, and began taking his yellow shirt off.
He was already half naked, and Nicky entirely got lost on his chest. The man noticed all of that, tore the yellow cloth in one hand and turned. This time, it wasn't for fanservice, but for the sake of a worrying example. 
The giant scar on his back was surrounded by two smaller ones. Skin burnt, still, or entirely recolored. Nicky had to cover his mouth. 
- And this, dear Nicky, is why you don't get kids. 
The moment was over as soon as the man put the yellow shirt on himself, but he just didn't want to button it back. 
The young man just sat there, speechless. He couldn't say anything, there were no right words for that. 

- I'm once again sorry, Nicky. - Neighbor sat back on the tree, but kept staring into nowhere. - I know I took a lot from you, but I'm here to give it back somehow. - He wanted to leave this memory here, just like the other. 
- You do. - the young man replied on blank voice, it was barely believable. 
- After we moved to the city, life was shit. I actually like to explore places the same way we do now. 

More silence. The boy finally felt the man's gaze on his body. 
- Wait until I show where I used to live until your good soul decided to host me. 
Nicky chuckled. His good soul that got him into trouble so many times. But the  vibe was so bad, he had to cheer them up somehow.
- Hey um...next time we should bring some food, don't you think? 
The "next time" made Neighbor a tiny bit happier. So his idea to explore the woods wasn't a disaster. 
Nicky did enjoy it after all. 

Chapter 6

Summary:

nadce.
you can tell, Neighbor is trying to be friendly.

- Hey, kid. - one afternoon, the man came home with a vinyl disc that looked like it was got dug out from the ground. Maybe, it indeed was. - Do you have anything that can play this? 
- I sure do.
Nicky brought out his dad's old player from the pantry.

Theodore stood not far away from him while the spiky haired man was getting lost in the tiny room, just enough distance to spot some treasure. The boy finally appeared with a dusty player. 
- What do you want? A dance competition? You already won, Neighbor. I'm shit at dancing, and even, moving my ass in any direction. 
Neighbor probably pictured the scene and smiled.
- You have no idea, who you challenged, young man. 
- But I didn't.... 

The men made the player work and after rusty noises, the disc actually began playing rock and roll.
- Come on, Nicky ! Noone is watching, now is the chance. - Theodore already dropped sick moves, as Nicky would have worded it . 
The guy rolled his eyes. There's no way on earth..
But seconds later, Peterson dragged him on the dancefloor, which was a carpet-free spot on the parquet. 
The way he moved was honestly exciting and professional. Nicky felt like they're suddenly in the sixties, in a diner, next to a jukebox. And he actually wanted to try it too.
- Just do what I do! 
But the man's dance soon became difficult to imitate. The other somehow made it to the end of the song by repeating a basic movement all along, but he felt uncomfortable. 
- Just enjoy it. That's the point. 
- Says the man, who was probably a number one, king of the dancefloor. - Nicky looked away with fake anger, blushing. He was complimenting the man, even he couldn't believe it. - I hope the next song isn't like this was.

He immediately regretted saying it, because the next one indeed happened to be a very slow rhythm, typically created for..pairs.
Neighbor's smirk didn't help the situation either.

By now, the young man was sure Theodore is enjoying uncomfortable situations - at least the ones Nicky himself didn't like - and he's dragging the young man deeper into hell...
- I'll just... Just... - the boy tried to back off, but the man's strong hands pulled him back.
- Come on, if something, then this one is very easy. It's a few steps only - 
- But god, it's for...couples!! 
- And? 

Indeed.

And? Nicky was already held gently by the waist. Neighbor was barely touching him, there was no place for complaining. He patiently waited with raised arm, for the other to get into position.
The guy placed his shaking hand to the man's strong palm. He knew how it went, but when they did it.. The situation was entirely different. 
Nicky kept staring at their hands, face burning in nervousness, he didn't dare to look into the man's eyes 
- How come you wanted to play this vinyl? 
Raising his look and finding the man's eyes made Peterson blush hard. Memories dashed through the man's brain, his face showed it.
- This music is from my childhood. It's a collection of randomly recorded songs from here and there. - he noticed as Nicky plays with his shirt, while holding his shoulder - We used to listen this disc a lot with my friend. 
- So, I'm replacing him now? - Nicky finally said the conclusion.
- No, absolutely not. Our relationship was unique. He was like a brother to me. The only good memory from my teenager years.

A moment of silence. They found each other's eyes, while slowly moving to the music..at least, attempting to.
- So...who am I replacing then? If not him. 
Theodore shrugged
- Nobody. You are...you.
- Thanks.
- No, seriously. I don't want you to replace anyone. Our relationship is different. 

This time, Nicky broke the stare.
Without thinking, he crossed their fingers just like last time. Theodore participated. They remained close, moving like two drunk men on a ship, who are counting on each other, because everything else is unstable. The dance went off the road, but even the elder man didn't care. 
- Who am I to you, Nicholas?

The boy gulped.
- Hmm, a guy, who's giving me dance lessons now?
Neighbor broke the hand holding and grabbed his waist with both hands, very gently. Nicky put his free hand on his other shoulder. 
- No, seriously. 
The music finally ended and some fast folklore music began playing. 
- ..what the fuck, man, what kind of disc is this?!
- Why do you think it was buried for so long?! - Theodore laughed - everyone around us hated the music of it. So, answer! 
- I dunno! - all Nicky wanted, is to cut the music and sit down, finally. - You're a man that helps me overcome my past. Noone has ever been this direct to me.... Can I just cut this terrible music? 
- Sure.
The man let him go with worried face and Nicky almost tossed the disc out on the window. 

He didn't know, what kind of answer should he expect, but not this.. Or maybe it's once again a good start in Nicky's case?

He rubbed his face, but the other had something else to add, after the music was finally cut off and he could think.
- If this is the real you, then... I'm glad. I'm glad because I finally have someone I can freely talk with, about...well...anything. 
The man smiled and slowly slided his hand down, letting it to swing next to his body.
- Don't tell me you didn't enjoy it... A bit...
- I'm going to sleep. Night.
Without waiting for response, the boy made it upstairs. Neighbor followed him with his head, wide smile on his face. 
- This kid is a terrible dancer, for sure.

 

Notes:

this is actually the last filler that I wrote. I wanted time to pass and show how they get along in everyday life. how they slowly bond in everything, not just in certain topics.
from this point, things will get spicy; right at the next chapter, something important will happen between these two.

Chapter 7

Summary:

👁️

One day, Nicky wanted to see the old lighthouse, and Neighbor, after a bit of nagging, agreed to take him there. 

The path to the building was overgrown by the worst plants possible. Plants with spikes. Plants with giant spikes. Plants with giant toxic spikes. 
The young man wasn't sure anymore if he really should go to the building, but Theodore knew a longer way, which didn't have these kind of obstacles.

As soon as they made it, the boy immediately spotted the dark blue building, with a sword-like metal spike, growing from the roof and pointing at the sky. 
- This creeps me out. How did it not collapse yet?!
- Good question - Peterson added, but the talk ended here.

Nicky went around the building, but turned back halfway, because of the swamp it was partly sunk into.
- It's crazy to think that once people worked in here. That was your shelter, indeed?
- Oh, yes. It actually does have a few safe rooms, which still have stable walls and ceiling. I was living in there. If this dude wasn't here for me - he patted the wall, paint immediately began falling off of it in huge parts - I would've died during the winter. 
- Will you show someday  how did you survive?  The hunting and everything. 
- Sure, why not - Neighbor's warm smile made Nicky question, why are they keeping a distance, still.
He was so kind... The kindest person in the boy's life, and the fact was truly scary.

They climbed a few small stairs.
- This was my sleeping room-
As he stepped in, Nicky ran into a spider web, which he immediately tried to shake off with annoyed movement. Nice welcoming... 
The room was quite small, floor made of rotting planks and dangerously rusty nails. It had a nest-like bed in the corner, made from branches, with some torn clothes on it. The guy discovered remains of the man's vest... 
- I used the rest as bandage when I got injured. And trust me, I got, quite often.
The other was surprised, he actually had no image in head about, how much the man must've gone through. Theodore kicked some junk from the way. 
- First, I was robbing trashcans yknow... But barely anyone lives in this goddamned town anymore.  And they don't really throw any food out.
- Honestly, how did you not go insane here? - Nicky changed the topic 
- You sure I didn't? - the man smirked until the other turned back and examined him for a whole minute. Then he began laughing on low voice, very loud.
Nicky rolled his eyes, but he smiled. 
- I even got a girlfriend. 
- What??? 
From his voice, Nicky just knew the man doesn't mean an actual human, but....

After finding a rotten pineapple with a pink bowtie on it, things became clear.
- Don't touch her! - the man moved towards the young man, but stopped quickly - She may fall apart. She...served well..  
- Wh...? - Nicky didn't get it, or rather, he didn't want to get, what Neighbor was hinting.  
- Just to make it clear, I ate the inside. It was good. - He tried to explain the thing, but the boy already figured everything out. He rolled the fruit with one finger, it fell on one side and revealed nothing, but a huge hole and missing flesh. 
- You were..this lonely?
- Well, it wasn't rotten, when I-......
- Ew. Disgusting. 
- When I got it! That's what I wanted to say. Pervert.
They exchanged another smirk. Nicky really liked the way the other smiled, a tiny movement, yet it told everything. 

He went further, but there wasn't much to see in the room. A hard, towel-like fabric, next to the branches.

Was that really where he slept?
He looked at the man's giant shadow, Peterson moved his moustache a bit and shrugged.
- Where does that door lead? - the young man was already holding the doorknob, when Theodore looked up.
- To the rest of the lighthouse. The office. Dunno. Wait until I get the flashli-
The other was already gone, into the darkness. Neighbor quickly grabbed the self-made flashlight from it's hidden place, and followed.

Nicky could barely see anything, and then, everything was pitch black. 
He tried to follow the wall with his hands, but he kept running into spider webs and who knows what kind of mess, that was on the wall of a fourty-years-old building. He was talking about some  kind of nonsense. Expecting the man to catch up with him, he slowed down. 
- So basically, this leads to the office, right? I've always wanted to see the...
- Nicky, wait up, don't go further. 
- Oh god, I'm not a kid anymore to be -....
The young man was wildly grabbed, he didn't even have time to think and bring back a terrible memory that he's got reminded to. Neighbor wrapped an arm around his fragile body as fast as possible, pulling Nicky to his own. 
The boy could even hear his nervous breathing, straight into his right ear.
Neighbor kept gasping, like he ran a marathon, but the reason wasn't that he ran. No.
He aimed the flashlight in front of Nicky, on the floor, or at least, where floor was supposed to be.
Instead of old wooden planks, a black, cold and empty hole lead to nowhere. 
- You almost fell in that. 

When the boy realized, what he just avoided - thanks to the man of his nightmares - he nearly got a panic attack. He tried to push himself from the hole, as far as he could. He grabbed Neighbor's neck and wrapped his arms around it.
- It's okay, Nicky! It's just a hole, you'd probably end up in the tunnels that we have under the town. Dead, probably. But..it's nothing to be too scared of.
When he heard the other was on the edge of crying, he remained silent.
- Nicky..I was joking.
- I almost fell... I didn't listen to you and I almost fell..
He digged his face to the elder man's yellow shirt so roughly, Peterson had to take a step back and lean against the wall. 
- You're as careless as you used to be. - Neighbor giggled to change  the topic somehow, but this was the moment, when Nicky's first  teardrop began rolling on his face, it could be seen clearly with the man's flashlight. 
- How did that... Thing  happen?! -the boy's voice broke. Entirely. It was so high pitch, the echo that the walls returned, hurt Peterson's ears.
- You never know in case of an abandoned place. When I first discovered the building, it was already here.
- I want to go home. It was enough for a lifetime. 
- Before we do that, let me get something. 
- From where?....- when Nicky was let go by the strong arms, he suddenly grabbed after the man's body, without thinking - don't leave me alone here, do you hear me?! 
Theodore aimed the light at his face. He was crying like a baby. 
- Don't be a pussy, Roth. I'm getting that thing, one second. I was silly I left it there in the first place.
He gently lead Nicky and they switched places. Now the boy was grabbing onto the old and dirty wall, watching as Neighbor jumps over the giant dark hole with a simple leap and disappears with the only light source they have..
The steps became  dull. 
And then..complete silence.
Dead silence.

- Theodore, I swear TO GOD... If it's a joke, I'll fucking... I'll fucking... Theodore.... This is not funny...
Nicky gave up. He fell on his knees, the tears broke free. He didn't even notice he broke his holy promise, where he swore, he'd never call this man by his first name, ever. 
Seconds later, he quickly rubbed his face, even though  he saw nothing and he knew his hands are dirty.
Neighbor's flashlight was moving again, far away in the distance, like a crazy firefly. 
-.....ckin Jesus, what kind of animal is that?! Get the fuck off of me! 
The young man wanted to move towards him, but his brain rang the alarm this time. He froze.
He didn't even dare to rest the arm that he has straightened towards the man.
- Theodore...
Neighbor, as quick as he  went, returned, it felt like the giant, lethal hole is just a little puddle he has to jump over. 

- Look, Nicky! It's the key of the Mayak. Well, I have no clue, what it is actually, but..you still crying?! Since then?! 
He pointed the light at his head, but the young man honestly didn't mind it anymore. Theodore experienced his messy face from close, full of tears and pain.
The guy didn't even care about the key he was showing in the dim light, the key, ending in an eye that Theodore could've sworn, wasn't yellow colored, when he pulled it out if it's place. It was green, just like his eyes.
His glowing eyes, which were so worried, it made Nicky cry harder. 
- Take me home. Just take me home already. 
The boy grabbed his neck, hugged it with both arms, allowing the other to gently lift him up.
They got back to the room they started  from, when Theodore let him go for a moment. The young man's legs were shaking. 
The man sealed the door.

- The fuck is wrong with you?! You didn't die or anything. I thought you love exploring? 
Nicky waited until the other finishes the job and gets face to face.
- Do you remember, how your basement stairs looked like? They  lead into nowhere. Into the pitch black. Into the void.
When Neighbor realized he once again was part of the current trauma as well, he looked away with a sad gasp. 
- I'm terribly sorry, Nicholas-
- But you saved me now. I would have died, if I come here without you. I would've died, if I don't wait for you.
Neighbor cleared his throat.
- I mean, yeah, but..khm..well yeah. - he looked away, speechless. The light was unnecessary, it took him a minute to turn it off.
- Where's that from?
- Oh, I made it myself. -he handed over the machine to the young man. Nicky examined it- I'm.. I found stuff here and..
- That's fuckin cool. You have to show me, how to make something like this.
Theodore hung the key in his neck and hid it under his shirt, between the chest hair. . 
Then their eyes finally  found each other again. 
- Let's go home, okay? 
- Nicky, honestly, you need to be careful. 

 

 

They got home in time, because the storm cloud that was just a single cotton pillow in the afternoon, has gathered a few friends, and by 5 pm, the entire sky was covered in dark black  clouds. A rumble could be heard in the distance from time to time, but it  wasn't near. Yet.
While making the dinner, Nicky almost cut his finger during slicing the bread. He's got lost in his thoughts so badly. On the couch, Neighbor kept examining the freshly collected key.
The eye color was turning red, from yellow-ish. It definitely did change it's color. 
The young man put the dressing on the sandwiches, but kept missing the giant slices, so the ham and the cheese just landed next to it.
"he could've left me to die,but...he didn't. Maybe he has plans with me? He wants my house as revenge?...." 
He spilled the tea, but didn't notice it. He was so lost in thought , focusing on what the man is doing on the couch..he just didn't want to lose him from sight. Neighbor looked at him, his mouth was moving, but Nicky didn't realize it.
- Nicky. NICKY! You're spilling the fucking tea.
A snap back to the present.
- Shit...

The young man served the dinner on the couch, but barely ate anything. He still had a backup idea to figure out, if the man has evil plans, but meanwhile..He's also come to the discovery in head that...the man probably didn't want anything bad. And this conclusion was stronger, it slowly choked the distrust.

He must trust people already. Or at least... Neighbor.
He isn't twelve anymore. 

Neighbor was discussing the key and the discoveries he made in the past half hour, since they arrived..home.
Theodore was about to ask the usual "do you still not trust me?" question that he asked almost daily, then every second day. Then, on weekly basis. Still.

But Nicky interrupted. 
- Hey, I want to tell you something..... Maybe I shouldn't tell it.
- Oh, go on. You'll feel better if you let it out. I won't tell anyone. Especially, cuz..you know. You're the only person I have.
The young man looked up to his eyes because of the wording.
Then, down again. The key's eye, now entirely red, looked back at him. 
- Even my parents didn't know what I'm going to say now.
-.... - Neighbor happily gasped, so it was about Nicky only. 

Nicky remained silent. He obviously didn't think it through. 
Then he looked up again, but this time, he didn't keep any break.
- I'm gay.
Theodore, who kept himself so close to the young man, especially nowadays, suddenly froze. This topic came entirely out of nowhere. 

But his surprise about the wild topic change started an avalanche. 
Nicky forgot to breathe.

Despair sat on his face. Why did he say  it?! There was absolutely no reason to share his secret with someone..with the only person he felt somewhat close to, obviously just physically. The couch was still small for two. There was no other reason behind the.. But He did have to admit it, home invader or not, Theodore was always there for him, and they could discuss almost anything. Especially today. 
Neighbor patted the couch near Nicky's face, where his hand rested.
-...and? That's it, or the shocking part comes now?
Nicky digged his fingers to his own hair in nervousness, tearing some out, he gasped for air and kept looking around for something to  hold on. 
He had no idea, how to deal with such a reaction. Is he hating him now? What is that??!
Their eyes met again.
- That's it, Neighbor.
Theodore kept a moment of epic silence, then his moustache moved. He was smiling. 
Nicky thought he was going to laugh at him, but it was just a gentle smile.
- Nicky, it's okay! I mean, let's be honest, it's...very sudden and out of context, but..Why are you so worried about this topic? 
His emerald eyes suddenly.. Spreaded warmness. Nicky was bathing in it.
- I told you a few days ago, when this topic came up..it's your own business! It's everyone's own business.
- You don't hate me?
- Why would I? - Neighbor laughed and suddenly, they were hugging. Just like in the lighthouse, the young man found protection between the strong arms , again. 
Nicky digged his entire face into the dirty yellow shirt and began crying. But it wasn't pain, he finally felt somewhat free. A tiny bit.
The two men hugged for long minutes, the younger one tried to kill all of his thoughts and trauma. At that moment, he needed someone to cry on the shoulder of. Theodore was simply enjoying it. He forgot his keep the distance idea entirely. 
Neighbor felt as Nicky hugs him tighter and tighter. The boy didn't only tear his shirt, the man felt his teardrops, his hot breathing, but most importantly, his trust. But then, he had to pat his back a bit to stop.

- You really don't have to be ashamed about something which is... It's literally written on you, kid and I'm- 
- Written? Why, are you also-?...it's...no, you are not... - the sweating and the nervousness wasn't over yet. 
- I'm bisexual, Nicky. It means-
- I know what it means- before he could've continued, fat tears bursted out of his eyes. -Sorry, it's...
- Stress. I know. I was hoping I didn't ruin your life by also telling you, what I am. - Neighbor smiled.

But then, he stopped, because Nicky cried like a baby. And he didn't know, how else to comfort him.
When they finally looked into each other's eyes, thanks to Peterson raising the guy's chin with one finger, the other asked on shaking voice:
- Will anything change?
Neighbor shrugged.
- I told you , you shouldn't give a shit about the whole topic..-he patted the boy's cheeks - you really shouldn't worry about everything this much. 
Says the man...
Says the man, who has nothing to lose anymore .

 

Notes:

this chapter was kind of a milestone for me. and for the fic too. by this time, the finale of the fic was concretized, I didn't modify anything after that. I felt like adding the little detail about Nicky - to make sure everyone get's what's up with him and his interests, and to make sure I show him changing his opinion and trusting the man more, despite he still couldn't leave his trauma entirely behind.

I didn't want to write a fic I used to before(sometimes I re-read my old fics, yeah), where they just ah,fall for each other because yes. this time, I wanted to expand reasons and add more detail to everything.

if life wasn't this rough with them, they could be some kind of soulmates in canon too, I still think that.

 

--

additional note: Nicky never told that thing to his parents. they weren't the accpeting type.

Chapter 8

Summary:

that typical summer episode, where everyone's bathing and they serve fanservice to each other.

Slowly, Nicky began to collect good memories of him and Neighbor.
Especially after the discovery, that they have more and more topics in common.

They went as far, as spending time together, in the same room, on purpose.

 

One of these memories was when the young man digged up his old inflatable kiddie pool from the pantry of wonders, and Theodore volunteered to blow it up himself. 
It truly amazed Nicky. He watched as the man takes huge breaths, like a professional swimmer before diving into  the deep blue water - who knows, maybe he was that too - and the pool, with smaller leaks, begins to take a form. They quickly taped the holes and it was good to go to the garden, strictly to the backyard. 
While the man turned on the water pipe, Nicky held the hose. The liquid began slowly flowing, and when the young man shook it a bit, Theodore entirely opened the faucet. 
The elder man jumped back to the scene, just to receive water on his body as revenge, immediately. But it was on purpose. The boy loved to see his chest, shining from water drops, which got stuck on his hair. He's got lost every morning when the man's left the bathroom, and since he wasn't shy..he always walked around almost entirely naked.

Nicky kind of got used to this whole phenomenon.

Theodore enjoyed it too, because he felt pretty hot. Then, he suddenly grabbed the control and sat next to Nicky and flowing the water on his head, making his hair so wet, his spikes entirely disappeared and his short hair nearly covered his eyes. 
The man gave him a kind laugh as a sign of liking the scenario. 
- Hey, stop it, you bitch! - the young man laughed too, but got scared for a split second. Theodore leaned close to his face. - I don't actually mean the bitch part, you know.
- I do. - the elder man replied on his charming low voice which the other loved to hear- The way you say it, tells me. - the young man was fine.

The smooch he gave on Nicky's cheek, lasted for a half second only. It felt like breeze, blowing a dry leaf to the boy's face during an autumn walk, not more. It was the moustache that tickled a bit, and then, it was over. Nicky received a lot of water to his face right after it.. What a nice day, overthinking has no place here and now, he just wanted to enjoy himself, just like the other did.
- Take it! Hahaha! - Theodore yelled, but only until the young man didn't take the lead and the hose back.His hair was entirely different, when it was wet.
The small pool got filled with water already, but they didn't stop the faucet. It began flowing out, but none of them gave a damn; Theodore sat back, resulting half of the pool wall being pushed down and water splashing onto the grass. Nicky, right next to him, because once again, the given space was small. It almost felt like it was happening on purpose.. But taking advantage, he gently placed his head on the man's strong shoulder, under his left arm, which he always placed around him. 

Laying in a pool, full of cool water, in the shadow of his house, during a hot day like this, was the best thing he could imagine. 
- This is life. See?... 
He looked up to Neighbor, who nodded. It felt like, after years, both of them suddenly found inner peace. It felt like they've been living like this for years. 
- I wish it lasted forever.
- Do you want to get stuck in a time loop? - Peterson giggled. 
- Is it scientifically possible? - Nicky began to expand the thought. 
- I dunno, it wasn't proven it's not. 
- It wasn't proven it is. 
- You sure? 
Nicky was left speechless. But he ended up laughing. He put his head back to the man's shoulder and let the moment happen. 
- Have you ever noticed, how much similarities do we have? - Theodore began on quieter tone.
He obviously meant anything, but their past. 
- Well, we both love to invent things, for sure. 
- And you have a bigass chin, like I do. 
- Hey! 
Neighbor smiled. 
- Imagine if we ended up being related haha...
- I don't want to be your son. 
- You don't? 
- No. 
- Oh... - before sadness entirely occupied Peterson's face, Nicky added:
- I want to be what I am now. 
They looked at two different directions, because one more thing they had the same opinion about was having zero idea, what one means to another. 
- Your errrm...frie...bud...guy! Your guy.
Forced laughter.
- You have no idea, right? 
- No... - Nicky's face turned red entirely.
- One more thing in common. - Theodore closed the topic with this, calming the other down. 

Nicky felt like he's slipping out of the pool, so he grabbed onto the man's chest with one hand, movement came so suddenly, even he's got surprised. 
Theodore hummed, but then, they just stayed like this, for long minutes. Enjoying the moment. Nicky knew Theodore doesn't care, so neither did he. More precisely; he tried not to stress it. 

A plane's noise cut the birds' song competition and so did the grasshoppers that sometimes appeared around them, letting the others know with short cricketing, they are nearby. 
Nicky turned his head a bit, listening to Theodore's racing heart...is he always this excited? Is it the hot weather?.. He noticed late, where his look has gotten stuck, while wondering about all of that. On his own red boxers, which was lended for the man, and it was obviously so tight on his body, like everything else..What even was Neighbor's cloth size?! Is it possible to give this man something that isn't tight on him?
...His entire belly and...especially.. What was around the crotch..gently moving as he breathed... How big could he be? Two or three times bigger than Nicky's entire length?.. What a stupid thing to think about, let's hope he doesn't notice...
But he did.
- Do you want to know? 
- Know what. - the young man looked back to the other's eyes, so naturally, like his sight didn't wander to dangerous places a moment before. 
The man's moustache moved a bit again. He smirked, Nicky loved this playful expression. 
He calmed himself down, he's blushing because of the hot weather, not something else. 
- I was only wondering if...okay, that's silly... Are you... Oh god...
- Say it. You'll feel better, you know.
- Okay, are you two or three times bigger than me? 
- Height? 
- Oh, come on! 
Nicky wasn't sure, how to continue. Or, if he should. But then, he did.
- Maybe I don't. It's so awful to be compared. Especially if you're the smaller end.
- It's not good to be big either. Don't think that. 
So he knew he was big. Of course. 

Nicky slapped some water to Theodore's face. The man gave it back. They laughed while splashing everything out of the pool. Neighbor pinned Nicky's hands down underwater, but quickly pulled his own hands away. Still, reflex. The young man  grabbed his hairy arms during the movement and didn't let the man retreat to the other end of the tiny pool.
- Hey um...can I ask something very...weird?
- You know the answer, Nicky.
- .....- the young man took a big breath, but once he started, he started. -...can you tell, how does it feel like to....be with a man? I mean, you have experience, you said yourself and uh...
- So you're a little virgin huh? By the look of things.
- Please don't make fun of me. - Nicky was on the edge of regretting he was entirely honest the other day. He began closing in by crossing his arms in front of his chest.  - I...I couldn't...couldn't tell this thing to anyone, ever. I didn't have the right people to discuss this with.. I had noone to ask.
- I'm not making fun of you. I can tell anything you'd like to know. But before this, tell me, how do you imagine it? I mean, the whole...the first time. - the man looked at him with big, innocent eyes, making him blush hard, despite being embarrassed and still a bit angry - Only if you want to. No pressure. I'm just curious.
- Hmm. - the thin guy scratched his face. He's never thought about..oh of course, he did. But for long time, that significant other in his dreams didn't have a face.....Who knows, how weird his romanticized thoughts are, compared to what really happens between two men - Well, nothing special. I...melt in his strong arms and..he just..enters me and...moves me....hmm...
- Already wrong. - Neighbor snapped him out of the daydream - You two will need lubrication, or it will hurt you very much. Especially you. 
- W..what lubri..oh?... - the young man gasped. Theodore is taking it seriously.
- See? That's why you don't learn to have sex from porn movies. - nevermind.
- Who keeps talking about porn movies, sorry?! You or me??
- That is for different purpose, I just wanted to see if you're -
Nicky's face turned to another shade of red 
- I mean...oh god, that's.. Holy shit I didn't mean it like this. Don't leave. 
- I'm not leaving. - the other just sat on his butt in the pool, which had water boiling in it already.. At least it felt like that. After all..who's watching who after bathing? He is literally peeking at him while lifting weights, and despite they cleared this, the elder man still knows, because Nicky burns a hole to his skin with his look.. Theodore has the right to question it.

Neighbor felt so awkward, the young man could almost touch the weirdness between them. But then, the man took a deep breath and finished what he's started.
- Yknow, kid, when you are..doing that, you...you don't feel anything else. Problems, gone. You just.. Focus on that one thing, the joy that you... 
- I know, I know. 
- Sorry for making you uncomfortable. Nice daydream by the way.
- No, it's my fault, I brought it up. After all...you have the right to...please let me know if I'm acting weird towards you, okay?
Overthinking won, but Theodore smiled. It was his nervous smile.
- You can ask anything if you'd like. I won't laugh at you, Nicky. - the man kept smiling while carefully stroking his naked shoulder. The other honestly felt sorry for him. It turned out more awkward than it should have. 
Neighbor gently pushed his body a bit
- So, to answer your question, I think I'm only two times bigger. - he lied.
The young man gulped. Still a lot..
- But true, don't compare yourself to anyone's sizes. If you'll be there, with someone who really loves you..- he leaned closer - it won't matter. Feelings and horniness will take you two and...it happens. Just let it happen. Don't overthink it.

Nicky returned the man's trustful look and their noses almost met. If something, then Nicky's nose at least beat Neighbor's in size. He quickly looked away, because it was.. Very close. And no, he didn't mind it. He finally discussed the weirdest topic he could think of, and the only thing which ruined it was his own stress.Theodore noticed his nervousness and sat back to his original position. 
With gentle hand movement, he called the young man, next to himself. When they finally returned to their calm chilling activity, Nicky added
- Did I overromanticize it? I just don't want to fuck like an animal.
Neighbor swallowed a laughter and cleared his throat.
- A bit. But I understand you, because so did I. And after my first one, which I actually barely remember... I realized what I just said.. I hope your first time will be memorable and nice. - They exchanged a sad look - whoever it will be. - Nicky broke the stare, but Neighbor didn't - But if the guy disrespects you, I'll beat him to death. 
The thin man didn't reply, he seemingly closed his eyes. 
What a crazy avalanche of feelings. 

Notes:

for some reason, I ended up rewriting this chapter after the last second (while re-reading it before posting)
there is some content I did cut from it, I'll list them below. you can decide if it was cut for good, or it didn't matter at all.

---

- Neighbor treats Nicky like an adult since they met. like someone, his age. he doesn't care about age difference(between adults). since I wanted to bring back the old, original Neighbor's personality, I put some explicit things into the story. one of them is Theodore, talking to the other about porn movies, blow up dolls, etc like it was damn natural. it will make sense two chapters later, nothing special, don't think too much into it. he thinks that Nicky did go through something similar like he did before getting married, but actually, Nicky didn't even dare to touch porn movies. Theodore does see the guy's interest in the topic, but he can't entirely decide, what's going on with him. at that moment, he originally said "oh, the porn movies? I just wanted to see how horny you get" but I realized it's kind of weird in it's context, especially because a part that explains all of this, will happen later. them talking about porn made more sense until I didn't switch the two chapters, this one was later.

- despite Nicky and Theodore settled this whole "staring at the other while being half naked" situation, Nicky still stresses about it. but does it anyway, because he's interested and he is allowed to do it. Neighbor is doing it on purpose, after all. he is like that. as stated, they have no frickin idea, how the other treats them, and how to treat the other. friend? ally? more? less? but as you saw, they at least think about this.

Chapter 9

Summary:

the turning point

The night was one of the hottest post-summer nights in Raven Brooks.

The boys decided to sit to the back porch and just look at the dark trees. Nicky was afraid to do that alone, but since the man was with him, he felt safe.

The unknown was still frightening, but knowing the man is by his side...he just dared to do it.
- ...so I thought, why not. And I went to buy that ugly ass doll, gosh, you should've seen the...
- Is it really written on me? Or only you see it?
- What is written on you? - Neighbor couldn't switch back to the previous days' topics this fast.
- That I like guys.
Neighbor smiled, so nicely, it began burning to other's body. These warm smiles the man gave him were just...frustrating. But in the good way. He was looking at him, and during these moments, there was noone, but the two of them.
- I told you earlier, Nicky.. For a man, like me...yes. But if you go to the grocery, people won't come to you asking it.

Nicky smiled, then somehow became sad. He didn't want to, he should've been glad someone finally openly accepts AND understands the thing. Especially the guy he was forced to live with currently. He could openly bring the topic up in front of Theodore, like it was..something average. There's no way on earth, that anyone else he ever knew, would've handled the sexuality question this cool headed.

He knew can rely on the elder man, no matter what and yet, he still has a bit of fear in the bottom of the soul and he doesn't know how to get rid of it.

The post-stress from their mayak adventure showed on him at the worst moment.

- I'm happy we can discuss the topic, just.. 
- What's wrong? - Peterson immediately asked.

Nicky felt Theodore doesn't just ask it for a reason, but...he actually does care. Or at least, the young man now wanted it to be this way.
During that half minute of silence, many things ran through the their brains. Where would Nicky be, if he's still alone? He has always been a loner, but if Neighbor doesn't return, he would have...
- I actually wanted to travel. See the world. - the guy quickly grabbed one of his long-time thoughts that made him sad nowadays. 
Theodore remained silent, so he went on:
- But...obviously, I...I can't do it. not even if I find some job or something. I just wanted to spend my.. days the way I liked, you know. - he successfully swallowed "remaining" days, not a lucky word in front of a man, who's lost an entire family. 
- Well, you can still travel the world, kid. If you really want to...
- Oh man, you know it's not possible. I'm too poor to do that.
- Hmm. I think we can do something about it. Don't worry about this part for now. Where did you want to go first?
- Dunno, Route 66? ..just dashing through the road with a car, the wind nearly pulls the skin off of my face...what a dream, huh?

The man smiled. It was getting really dark, but his glowing green eyes and the movement of his moustache on the pale skin was still visible.
- I don't blame you. I wanted to do that as well, but...you know. Family.
Nicky suddenly put a hand on the man's arm, which he was resting on the small desk between them for a while. The boy felt like the other was begging to be touched, but he knew it's just his own mind.
- I'm glad you're here.
Theodore smiled wider and didn't know what to say. Nicky tried to explain, what was pushing his heart down. He had to say it.
- I don't think I'd be still alive if I was on my own. - finally, his real reason to be sad made it out  - There's.. I don't see the point of living  when.... -he stopped early, because the night was just too nice to talk about death. Plus Neighbor always sunk into his memories whenever they did that. - I'm really grateful...for having you and I'm glad I can rely on you, sir.
The man gasped. He knew he was the reason of the other's happiness AND sadness. Then gently put a hand on Nicky's, but he pulled it away seconds later. He was simply afraid, still, and it was visible.
- Will you still tell if I'm too much? If I hurt you unwillingly?
- Of course. That's our deal, isn't it?

Long minutes, spent in silence. A car honked in the distance, somewhere a dog barked. The crickets were about to finish their song. Nicky was staring in front of himself, between the dark trunks that hid the sky, but he felt the man's eyes on his body. Theodore wanted to say something, to let the guy know he's very grateful as well, but...he didn't find the correct words.
- Hey um...what kind of men are you into? - Neighbor cleared his throat, he was clearly struggling with topics and timing. Nicky cleared his throat as well in nervousness, but then, smiled.
- I have no clue. I just know for sure, that - a quick look at the man - I just knew I don't like girls at all. I never really did. If something, they were friends for me.. Until they..got tired of me......How did you discover you are bi?
- Haha....I was in high school and...I just loved multiple people. A wonderful, red haired girl, damn...I wonder if she moved away since then. And the school's number one football player. I just wanted to knock him on the floor and...
The young man seemingly imagined the last scenario and blushed, hiding his nervousness behind the palms. 
- I don't want this thing to make you nervous, kid, I keep telling. I'm the same. The guy you.....who wants your full trust.

He knew. Of course, he knew it all along. And it bothered him. 

- I can't forget the fact that you helped me in the past few months. A lot. I'd have never expected someone to return to my life like this and... -he had to take a big breath, but he immediately continued after seeing the man's worried face - ...do so many good things to me. Listening my odd speeches like now...my weird thoughts... - Theodore giggled - I am happy you returned. 
This time, Neighbor wanted to believe it's all true. 
But the honest talk was suddenly over. 

Nicky slowly stood up, his body hurt at many places. The old chairs they sat in were very uncomfortable. 
The boy was happy they finally spoke. He has waited enough, this talk just had to happen. Then he stepped to Theodore, who followed his movement all along. 
Nicky gently placed his hand on the man's shoulder. He didn't return it, only kept the eye contact. 
He wanted to add: you are a good friend. But the man wasn't in the status of a friend. Nicky didn't really know, how it really felt like to have a friend, but surely, the man was already much more. A father? No, neither that, what they discussed in the pool about their relationship was entirely true until the last word. Theodore was something...unusual.
The young man blinked twice, pretending that something flew to his eye. It was so awkward...in front of him..
- I will try to protect you whenever you need it. I promise, I will never hurt you ever again.
- Now I know, you were desperate. And forced. I really, really hope this is...the real you. I like this Peterson a lot. -he closed the man's face between his hands and leaned closer until their noses met, but quickly let him go as soon as he realized, what he was doing.
- It sure is. - the man whispered, and both felt the air getting warmer. 
Nicky gently petted Theodore's cheek with one finger and turned away.
- Don't stay out for too long, man. The mosquitoes will eat you. 
He heard the said man's low tone giggle, but hurried to the living room.
The whole situation was so weird...How could he act naturally, if even he doesn't know, what is this feeling?

That man pulled Nicky like a fucking magnet, without even touching his body.

 

Neighbor was left alone with his thoughts. Unlike Nicky, he didn't have time to actually say them, and now he was stuck between many swirling words. He recalled, how gently the young man has patted his face. He even put a hand on it, gasping. He is so soft and fragile, Neighbor smiled. Skinny guy... the spiky hair fit him, and oh man, the sad brown eyes...
Peterson looked to the darkness. He has to figure out, what's going on with them... He was on his way to completely leave his past behind, with every character. But Nicky...yes, this Nicky was someone new as well. A thin, young man, with cute nervousness, and scratches ...just like him. Someone new, but still having fragments in his personality, from the dark past. And finally, the thought they cured and needed each other, was mutual. He did trust the man, even if not entirely, but....Neighbor could improve the thing in the past months. Progress.
 It wasn't just Theodore wanting to be attached to someone anymore, because he knew he was on the edge of going crazy, when he searched for the right person to join to. The boy, despite joking, felt it right and it was worrying. 
Nicky handled him as someone, part of his everyday life.

But what was Nicky exactly? A son? No way. A friend? No, Theodore had a friend long ago, they were like brothers. And that friend died and took everything with himself. The young man...was something different, he occupied a different place in his heart, a very big part of it. 
Theodore stood up and slowly made his way to the living room as well, where Nicky finished making his couch-bed. He gave the man a new pillow and a lighter blanket, which was unnecessary during a weather like the current, but it's the thought that counts. 

And while watching the other, suddenly Neighbor felt that old feeling, the quick burn and excitement in his chest. It was forbidden, locked away, with past memories, from the times with his family, or...even earlier. The feeling they talked about, from high school times, has just..hit him. They exchanged a look, that look, Nicky smiling with the honest smile he's had...He only started doing this a few weeks ago, when Theodore really made him laugh...finally...
The elder man returned the look and watched as Nicky hops on the stairs, with movement that was light like a feather dancing in the breeze. 
- Good night!
- Good night, Nicky. - the young man turned back towards him halfway up on the stairs, to see something again.
Theodore noticed moments later, why. His own face was burning. 

"There's no way. It's literally impossible, get your shit together already"

" it can't be. "

The night was too hot to fall asleep.

He still heard Nicky's words, recalled how much he wanted to see the world. There's a chance he can help him in that, but... Neighbor didn't want to stay alone. Not anymore. Not after he...finally had someone. He wanted to protect this someone from everything bad. Lend a helping hand whenever the guy just asks for it. 
He covered his face with both hands, but it just became worse. It's too hot inside. The man turned to his left side and stared to the darkness. 

 

Under a second, he was on his feet. Making his way up without a creak on the wooden plank stairs, he tried the young man's door, just like every single night nowadays. It was always closed. 
But now...yes, the doorknob...it turned and...
Complete silence.

Theodore tried to open the door as quiet as possible. He had to...he had to see him. Especially after Nicky finally left the door open...did he forget it? Did he know the man can open it anyway, especially since he just left the lockpick set, which was stolen from his old house...in the pantry?... Maybe the young man didn't even think about the half of these.
Probably.
And more importantly...he probably didn't have the thoughts that Theodore did at that moment. 

He was already behind his bed, making his way closer very slowly. Nicky had a small round rug and the man stood on that, feeling like it was put there for him and him only. 
The young man was asleep, at least it looked like, he is. He covered his half naked body with a light blanket, similar to Neighbor's, sleeping in small boxers only. The elder man's eyes got lost on him. The guy was so calm, he was a completely different person now. He probably wasn't so careful with words in his dreams and he showed zero frustration. Nicky  kept hugging his pillow and smiled in his sleep. 
The whole scene was so peaceful, Peterson wished he could just lay next to him to the comfortable bed and just...fall alseep, hugging the young man, protecting him even in his dreams. Yes, the couch made his back hurt quite often. But still better than the branches... 
- ....you smell so good, .... Theodore.... - Nicky said, very very quietly while digging his face to the pillow under him, but it snapped the man back to reality. Peterson forgot to breathe. Panic occupied him, the lungs and his heart. Does the guy know he is in there?
He didn't dare to move, only after Nicky hugged the pillow more, and digged his mouth to it, like it was cotton candy. He was talking in his sleep. 

But Neighbor turned away and left the room as fast as he could, careful to not creak the stairs. 
"What am I doing?! what the hell am I doing?!" He was already on the couch, thoughts running in his head back and forth. 
- What are you doing?! - he whispered in front of himself, nearly catching the words that left his mouth and swallowing them back - You're lonely. That's all. There's no way...no way I felt that...again....for him?! Haha. Impossible. That burn  in my chest was false....- thinking about the scene and HIM again made the chest do the thing, just as before.

His body betrayed the man.

Another series of aggressively spinning thoughts attacked him. 
Then he remembered, how proud he was, how much he wanted to let Nicky know, that being a man doesn't mean you must love girls. And the boy was so happy, he was so relieved and it just made Theodore calm as well. He freed Nicky from sins that never existed, but the guy thought they  did. 
And the honest smile he received...him only. It was given to noone else, but him...Theodore Peterson, the special one....whose face was squished between this guy's hands, it would've taken a small movement only to stand up and reach his mouth-..
The man leaned forward and hid his face. He was burning, he was blushing, there's no way it could be THAT feeling, but still, the air inside just felt so hot... He didn't want to blink, whenever he closed the eyes, he saw Nicky only. 
He laid on his back, his throat dry, but at the same time, he wasn't thirsty at all. No air, but he could breathe, heart racing. 
Somehow he finally fell asleep . 

***

Theodore didn't even remember his midnight struggle when he woke up. Only after Nicky hopped in front of him, making his way to the bathroom. He was visibly happy for some reason. 
The elder man sat up on the couch, fixing his moustache a bit. His eyes guided the other's fragile body to the small room and waited until he finishes. Nicky was whistling too. He's been affected. 
" Okay. It's now or never, let's make it clear. "
The young man has finished in the bathroom, and now headed to the kitchen. The other's brain unwillingly kept up with the surroundings. 
" What do I feel? What does he mean to me? "
- One egg or two eggs? Ah damn, I must do some shopping today. 
Peterson made a mistake, while looking where the guy stood. Only the tight boxers  on his round, skinny butt and his tighs were visible, as his other body parts got covered by the fridge door. 
He closed it, but Theodore simply froze. 
- What is it?
- N-...nothing. - Neighbor looked in front of himself again, face red like a tomato. 
- What do you need from the market?
The man skipped the question, and only looked up when the other was already standing in front of him with two eggs in hand, in the way, unavoidable.
- Sir? Are you ... okay? What do you need from the market?!
The elder man slowly raised his look until the other's eyes.
- I don't...I don't know, Nicky...
Now the thin man blushed. He had no idea, why Neighbor was in such a dreadful state. 
- Hey, okay. I see I talked too much yesterday. - he giggled, hoping the other will say "noo, not"
- Absolutely not, kid. I'm happy to listen. I just...had a rough night. 
The young man looked back at him, their eyes found each other. With a half smirk, he raised his eyebrows and moved the eggs in his hand a bit. 
Theodore laughed, and so did Nicky. Finally, things were back to normal. 
- I'll go after breakfast. Damn...
- Go where?
- To the market. I just said. 
- God damnit...do you must? I don't want to...stay alone...
- It's like...one hour. I wish you could come with me. 
They sat at the lunchtable and Nicky served the breakfast. Theodore waited until he sits down. 
- Imagine all the people if I suddenly appeared. 
- I honestly want to see their shocked faces.
They laughed for another minute, but when Theodore thought things are getting back to normal once again, he looked at the other and stopped. The spiky haired guy kept laughing for longer than him, not noticing how much the other just left his stare on his body, while not even breathing. 
Then, he noticed and terror sat on his face, thinking he made something bad.
- I like your smile, Nicky. - Neighbor tried to save the situation and it honestly brought the both of them back from some kind of emotional limbo. 
Now Nicky did the same thing, but Theodore didn't notice it. Or rather...didn't want to take it as successful compliment. However...he wanted to repeat it, to see HIM smiling .. 

 

Notes:

as I re-read the whole story once again from this point, adding and taking a few things as I went, I became excited. this is probably one of my most complex english writings, when it comes to storytelling.
I read an old fic from 2019, the topic was more or less similar, but with less action that will happen later, and it was only 20 pages. this one is improvement, compared to that fic. you can't talk about such things as forgiveness and can't show a complex progress in just 20 pages, even if months pass from page to page.
I wrote both for my own entertainment, but I decided to fix this one up and share it.

Chapter 10

Summary:

gentle flirting, but both of them are blind yet.

Yet another usual morning, Neighbor was lifting weights in the living room,because he actually missed all the hunting and running after the prey very much. It was part of his life for years, so he wanted to replace the exercise somehow.
Nicky, quietly sitting on the top of the stairs, leaning onto the wood, has been staring at him since he woke up. He didn't want to disturb the other in such a..nice activity.
He watched as the man's muscles are getting stretched, his hairy arm sweating, along with other body parts. A drop flowed down from his neck, through the shoulder and the breast, the young man lost it around the belly hair.
Nicky began to feel warmness, but then, something invisible slapped him.

Then, the process started over with the next sweatdrop.

It felt good to watch Theodore working out, despite Nicky knew he is weak as hell and even if they exercised together, he still couldn't lift these weights.

But Neighbor..he was there to protect him in need. He was there to open the glass of pickle, which got the top of it stuck on the glass. He was there to help fix anything in the house, to climb up to the roof if necessary, which Nicky didn't dare to do, and Theodore was also there to gladly demonstrate unnecessary things (which he did), like tearing planks and towels into pieces..the young man was still sleepy, but the view was a pleasure. The boy silently sighed, and his eyes got lost on the man's body once again. His gaze, wandering from his chest, to his stomach, belly and...well, the couch still hid the rest, sadly. The entire man was made of muscles, and a damn good runner. Nicky loved when Theodore, after being called for help, made his way from one end of the house, to the other so fast, it felt like he was teleporting.
He was free to look at the man, this was the best in the whole thing. They discussed it, they could discuss it, and even if he was sitting in front of the other, he wouldn't have minded the audience. 

But Peterson wasn't silly either. He still pulled small pranks on Nicky, just like now. He felt his stare for long minutes, that's why he worked a bit harder than usually. 
Still, didn't dare to think, maybe the young man has somewhat similar feelings...
- Will you actually come down today, Nicky? I'd love to eat your world famous ham sandwich, my favorite. 
The fact that Theodore loved Nicky's food just warmed the guy's heart, but then he realized: he has been spotted, god knows, when. The other didn't look at him at all, he was focusing on the weights all along..how?
- Oh, sure, sure. I just woke up and um,...ya know..didn't want to disturb your daily ritual.

The spiky haired man made his way down on the stairs, without a sound. Theodore followed him with his eyes, until the kitchen, after carefully putting the weights down, he loudly gasped. 
Nicky opened a bottom cabinet and pulled a big wrench from it in surprise.
- Um....? This...wasn't here? - he caught Theodore's nervous look, the man turned away to avoid eye contact as soon as the thin guy turned towards the living room - Did you put it here?
- Nnnno...
Nicky shrugged and walked to the pantry to put the wrench back to it's place. As soon as he shut the door, he felt the man's giant shadow, swallowing his body.

But he wasn't afraid now.

- Nicky... - Theodore quickly had to make up something else to divert the other's thoughts, because he knew Nicky will be suspicious about it. There was the hammer last time in the sink, then the small chainsaw in the fridge, now the wrench...well, making order late night, after getting home, tired, was never his thing. Neighbor gently placed his giant hand on the other's naked shoulder, he felt his whole body burning already from this simple touch - Can you please put tomato on the sandwich now? I'm very hungry. 
The thin guy slowly turned his head towards him and shut the door entirely. 
- Sure. I will put extra ham and cheese on it if you're this hungry. 
Neighbor pulled his hand quickly, like Nicky's skin was an oven that burned him.
- Thank you, kid.
- Anytime, old man.
Both giggled and Theodore made his way to the kitchen table, watching Nicky from behind, while making the food for the both of them. 
While making the sandwich, the young man's got lost in thoughts. The only thing he still kept about the man, was this first name thing. Peterson must have been amazed by the variety of names he was called, anything, but his first name. But it was already so awkward..Nicky wanted to look for a special moment, when he finally can call him by his first name, a moment, where the other won't have the opportunity to ask "oh, so now you call me by my first name?"
He placed the plate with the sandwich on it, on the desk. 
- Nicky. Nicky? Aren't ya eating too?
- Huh? - he snapped from his thoughts. It's Theodore he is talking about. The guy who endlessly keeps encouraging him to be himself and don't stress about things. - Ah yeah yeah, I'll..get my part.
He didn't want to overthink anything anymore. It was so painful and it raised walls between them. While overthinking the fact of overthinking, he forgot about his own body. He didn't even notice, when he hugged Theodore's neck gently and pressed his lips on the top of his hair, then went to the kitchen desk to prepare his own sandwich. 
Nicky put the knife down and began shaking, slowly turning towards the man, who dropped the sandwich in surprise.
- I'm so glad you like my food! - he added on girly voice, after his brain played back the events that just happened, like a VHS player. - I'm happy to be useful in something.
Theodore snapped out of his daydream too, his face as red as the tomato that was now on his plate, fallen.
- Nicky, you ARE useful in many things! You don't just make the best sandwich in the world, but you also make the most comfortable couch to sleep on, you also always listen to me when I need it and you also help me with my daily tasks and..........
The young man listened to the other's praising, while finishing his own sandwich. Then they sat down to eat it, Theodore even waited for him to get the first bite. like nothing has happened at all.
And indeed, nothing did. 

 

 

Notes:

this chapter below was originally part of the main story, but I kept modifying things, and it slowly became out of place a bit.
it was meant to tell the viewer, that the relationship of the two men has reached a point, where both of them want to pull very dirty pranks on the other without ulterior motives, also came to the point, where they imagine each other..differently. very differently. it was a step towards the climax of the story.
you can tell, they've changed, but both of them are afraid yet. none of them dares to take an actual step, maybe Theodore, who wants to show his new personality and confirm towards Nicky, that he's a partner in crime.

take it as a spinoff. maybe the story will make more sense with it, maybe it will ruin the vibe. it's up to you.
I deleted any hints to this chapter from later chapters, so if you don't read it, you won't miss anyting.
××
this deleted chapter is extremely explicit. read at your own risk.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NjWg_8sNONy38yPBmPmpfltPpsiBtIgbrj8ZFtmtskU/edit?usp=sharing

Chapter 11

Summary:

oh, we're slowly reaching the finale. this is the most precious and exciting chapter that I wrote in this story.

                                                                                                                                                               

 

Nicky gave different pillow to the man on weekly basis for a while, and he kept the other he used until wash day.

He slept with it.

Those pillows just surprisingly smelled good and were softer after being used. What a great excuse towards himself, the young man thought one night, when he was on the edge of crying. He just woke up from a nightmare.
With the soft pillow, it felt like the man is actually there, protecting him, especially when he had these nightmares..he didn't really dare to ask Theodore to go up to his room and stay there for the rest of the night, despite they did that way earlier..it felt so awkward now...

But at least these nightmares weren't about Peterson chasing him anymore.

It was them in the lighthouse, getting separated.
It was them in the woods, and he just kept losing Theodore.

Every single day, the sipky haired man woke up fully grown, with warmness near the crotch, but he did everything to hide this from the other.
However, once he was about to wake up during the night, maybe he finally learns to control his dreams one day.. and he could've sworn, Theodore's giant body was in his room, watching him, but his feelings about it have changed. The old, traumatic memories were pushed out of his mind by.. Something else. A warm feeling in his chest, which petted his soul, calmed him down, then made him excited, resulting his erection by the morning. But this excitement was good. He wanted it. And seeing the other triggered this feeling quite often nowadays.

One morning, Nicky turned the calendar on the wall, when disturbingly loud whistling hit his ear from the kitchen.
He made his way down on the creaking stairs, just to find Neighbor, making breakfast, while whistling a happy song.
Food was usually made and served by the young man, who seemingly improved his cooking skills since there was someone else to make food for. The creations tasted good, especially when it came to his special breakfast. 
- Good morning, my boy. - Theodore greeted the other kindly. The boy loved to look into his eyes now. They sparked happiness and care.
On the other hand, Neighbor loved to get lost in Nicky's brown eyes. He still found the incredible sadness in them, but when he succeeded in making the boy happy, this melancholy was replaced by momentary joy. He smiled more often.

They both did. 

This is what Neighbor was about to ruin, at least he was certain about it. 

What he wasn't sure about, is how the young man would react to such a shocking thing.
It sure was shocking, right?
Because the weight of his feelings just became heavier and he couldn't carry it anymore. His chest felt so heavy, sometimes it literally hurt..mainly during the night, when he couldn't sleep because of his thoughts.
Whenever Nicky did something that could be misunderstood, Theodore blamed himself for misunderstanding it. He didn't even think about any other option than being rejected, but..he just had to do it.
He had to tell how he feels. Now that he finally knew it.

- You're incredibly happy today, aren't you? 
- Yes, Nicky. I am. Finish the breakfast quickly, I'll take you somewhere. 
The young man had no idea, where the other can take him, which place of Raven Brooks could be new for someone, who's explored most of it. 

 

They left the house through the backyard. Neighbor hated to go out, or cross any path that could lead to his once existed house or yard. 

 

Their way lead through tall grass, which got switched by spiky bushes and giant trees. It was clear that Neighbor is taking another path, the one which no living soul would ever find in the woods, because it wasn't even a road.
Or at least..it wasn't used for years.
Nicky could kind of place himself on the map, but he knew for sure, he could trust the man blindly. When the forest got darker, he stayed closer to him.
Without a word, Theodore felt his hand being gently grabbed.
- It's..very dark in here and I don't want us to lose each other. 
The man nodded and lead the other forward. 
- It'll worth it. - Theodore said, when they were deeply into the darkness -At least.. I hope so.- this second part was rather whispered.
Nicky grabbed his hand stronger.
The man pretty much enjoyed it, but didn't dare to think more into it.

Another wave of spiky bushes, this time they got cut a tiny bit.
- I wanted to make sure noone finds this place. -Neighbor suddenly grabbed the young man and lifted his thin body up, to his arms, to avoid further cuts by the bushes. Nicky hugged his neck in surprise, and could've sworn he'd have leaned even closer to the man's face, if he kept carrying him for two more minutes. 
But suddenly, they were out of the woods.
Their vision became blurry for seconds, Nicky even had to cover his eyes with his hand, the sunlight literally hurt him after they stepped out of the dark forest. 
The man gently put him down.
The other turned, just to discover a small sunny field, covered by dark bushes and giant trees, which surrounded the place like fences. 
Even the grass was greener here. And in the middle, a small carousel stood. Theodore forgot his eyes on Nicky, who now turned back to him.
- Is that?... Is that from the park? 
- Yes. - the man blushed, running his eyes through the fragile body.
The other ran to the attraction like someone, who's never seen such a thing in his life before. Theodore sighed.
This is what he's going to ruin now.

Their entire relationship. 
There's no way Nicky would ever..

- It's the kids carousel! I recognize the base.
- Just partly. I merged everything together that was..that was still there. And useful .. 
Indeed, the carousel looked like it was stitched together. Nicky recognized an old elegant horse from another attraction. The rusty, weird bird figure that he was always afraid to sit on. The horse, which did belong to this carousel, but has always been missing it's head. And the fish..the old yellow fish he was always put on. He could even recall the song, which always played during the rounds. It was there, again. 
- When...when did you bring all of that here? 
- Whenever you went out to buy something. Sometimes at night. This is why it lasted for two months and not two weeks only. 
He stepped to the control panel.
- I've been testing it for days. Because it actually works. Wanna have a ride, Nicky? 
It wasn't even a question, the boy was already hopping on the yellow fish. It was easier with this height. 
Theodore grabbed the mayak key that he's previously acquired and inserted it to the right place, along with 25 cents.
The carousel slowly began moving, sound of rust and years of dust, still. And the old song..the same old song played again.
- Come up! -Nicky shouted when he was halfway turning around with the fish. Theodore shrugged and slowly made his way up to the horse.
- No, no! I mean..sit behind me,...Theodore. 
This time, the man's face turned entirely red from this unexpected invitation.
- You mean..-he stepped to Nicky- you mean, sit behind you? 
- Sure. It can take the both of us, right? 
- Yes...
And he sat up. Being entirely confused, the man nearly forgot, why did they come here.
But Nicky..he finally called him Theodore, on purpose.

He's been waiting for that for months. 

- Is it okay if I grab your shoulder? It's dangerous to not hold onto something at this speed. 
The boy giggled.
- Sure.
Theodore gently placed his hands on Nicky's shoulder, but..he couldn't stop anymore. Moments later, the young man was hugged. There was no other response, but a gasp that's got lost in the warm air. The carousel was still so rusty and noisy..
This is why the elder man leaned closer. So close, his mouth was next to Nicky's ear.
- Do you like it? 
- I do. - he replied on low voice, carefully leaning back to find the man's warm body. They fit together like two puzzle pieces.
The carousel went on.
- How long will it go?
- Two minutes. If you throw in more money it's... Nicky.
- Yes, Theodore? 
- I want to tell you something. 
- What is it? 
He tightened the grip a bit. Nicky put one hand on the man's burning palms. 
Theodore leaned so close, his moustache tickled the boy's ear, who smiled.
- Nicky.. - the man blushed again or still, when the other turned his head to look at him - I love you.
It didn't catch the other by surprise somehow.. One of them finally said it, without knowing the other wants to do the same.. 
The elder man's heart was about to jump out and run away. His hands began shaking, he tried to read Nicky's face but he simply couldn't. Maybe the other didn't even realize, that he was actually confessing his love. 
There's no way he'd have ever thought about such a thing. Right?

- Do you...love me like a father loves his son?
Theodore's voice was about to break, shaking and high pitched. 
- No.
- Then..like a best friend? 
- No. More than that. Much more. 
The man kissed his neck very gently, while keeping eye contact until he could. He wanted to do it one last time. He had to. Nicky allowed.
- Then... You love me..like..a lover? 
Nicky wanted to make sure he understands it correctly. He was about to lean even closer, his brain entirely stopped working, it didn't even give the order to blush. He just kept staring out of his head, because he had never imagined this happening. And it did. It actually did.

- Yes..
The carousel stopped. Nicky broke out of his arms and walked off of it. To the grass. The sunrays nearly blinded him, the warm breeze tickled his face.
- Nicky.. Nicky, say something.. Anything, please... Please...
The young man's brain probably got confused from the avalanche of the most opposite feelings and began to remind him about his past memories and traumas as last warning, memories after each other. The amusement park, then the summer day when he was chasing his ball and when he first met..him.
But he is adult now, starting a new life.

And he loves this man.

He actually does love him, he's just fighting with the overthinking and the remains of this reflex, which poisons this new, fantastic...adult..... The memories with Theodore. Ever since he's returned, this kept repeating. But this man is not the same as..him. Not anymore. He helped Nicky. They got to this point.. Together. The young man wanted to push all of his bad reflexes from this head manually. He didn't need traumas anymore, he needed the man......
- Nicky!...
Theodore jumped off, but he didn't dare to get closer to the young man who seemed quite frustrated.
- I never pictured this scene in my head before. I didn't dare to! 
The man gasped so loud, it hurt the both of them.
That was it. He ruined months of work. 
- I never imagined that a man like you could love a stupid ass dude like me. - Nicky's tears bursted out. His eyes looked so sad, Theodore began crying as well. 
- Don't cry, Neighbor. It's my fault after all. I don't... I don't think I could ever fully trust anyone... Anymore...
The bad memories filled his brain. He could barely see. Terrible timing. The reflex just knew he wants to get rid of it, and stabbed Nicky's brain.
- Then.. I'm going away. Doing what I should've done long ago. I don't want you to feel bad, Nicky. I could never hurt you, I'd rather kill myself if I ever needed to do that. 
The boy's eyes widened after the word, but it happened so suddenly, he didn't even have time to breathe. 
Neighbor grabbed the key from the control panel and ran away.
The young man could finally breathe, barely, like he just ran a marathon.
But he chose to follow him.

Nicky didn't want to think about that either, he didn't want to use his brain at all.. but from this monologue, it was clear, if he leaves the man alone, Theodore won't get out of the woods alive. Maybe none of them will. 
Neighbor ran so quickly, he barely realized that Nicky is following him, through the trees, the branches which hurt like hell when they slapped in their face. And they did, especially the spiky ones.
- Theodore, wait! Wait up! 
- No, don't come after me! I don't want to cause you any more sadness! Please! 
Nicky, fighting with his tears, bleeding, and his burning lungs, tried to not lose him. Luckily, he knew where the man was running. 

He lost the Neighbor at the mayak.
He ran inside the building, to the room, where the man lived before.
But it was empty. 
Something seemed to be different, there was another sheet on the branches that could barely be called as "bed" and empty cans laid everywhere on the floor. 
There was no time to look around now.
He heard the wood creaking.
Turning his head in pain, he spotted the giant shadow of Neighbor at the doorframe.
The man grabbed something sharp after ripping two planks in half, which once assisted as parts of the floor.
It was a knife.
He was holding a knife.
- Neighbor? 
- ...you look so scared, my boy. You still, still don't trust me, see? Why did you follow me?....
Nicky wanted to walk closer, to jump into his arms, but..the man was holding the knife. Strongly, in his..his gloved arms.
- I have no reason to live. Don't come after me. I don't want you to see that.
And with these words, the man disappeared. 
Nicky dashed out and saw him vanishing in the bushes. 

He jumped between them, and finally, finally caught up with the man. Peterson was crying, his entire body shaking, that slowed him down a bit.
Neighbor turned around under a giant tree, and this time, he raised a hand to push the boy away. 
He turned the knife towards himself. Ready to stab his burning chest that started the whole thing. He was just terribly shaking. 
- Nicky..go away. Leave me. 
- I'm not leaving you.
- Nicky!...
Theodore raised the knifed hand to do it, but the other, getting all of his power together, jumped to him and stopped his strong arm halfway. 
- Don't fuckin' stop me, Roth! 
The boy was struggling to hold his arm. He was fighting against it. Which was worse, was the man's other hand, pushing his thin body away..
- Theodore... -he gasped, watching as the man's tears burst out of his eyes, like a river. - If you kill yourself here and now, I will follow you to death right after you stabbed your heart. 
- What..- the man gaped.
- I wouldn't survive losing the ONLY person in my life, who...who was really there for me, when I needed it. You helped me to let the half of my past go. I didn't word it correctly. I need you, so badly. To help me let the entire thing go. -he was about to break, Neighbor still pushed his knifed hand so hard, but at least he stopped pushing Nicky- Theodore... I never thought you'd ever love me the same way I love you... I actually love you, LOVE YOU, it was just so fucking weird to..say..it...- he gave in with a half smile on his face, but Neighbor stopped fighting against his arm. He dropped the knife on the muddy ground and grabbed Nicky's hand along his weak body as well.
- Nicky..you...you mean it? 
- I don't want to lose you! - the young man jumped, right into his arms. The kiss he gave wasn't only passionate, but he wildly bit the man's lips, finally, he's got to taste him. Neighbor, after a second of surprise, returned it, closing his thin body between the strong arms. The elder man immediately grabbed his legs as well, pulling him to be the part of his body. They gasped hard, but kept kissing. Nicky bit him multiple times, licked and moaned at the same time. Both digged their fingers into the other's hair, pulling their head roughly, closer. 
- I love you... I lov..you...- Theodore gasped between two kisses. 

 

They only made it back to the weather station, the man entered to the tiny room where he used to sleep in. The storng push and the knocking sound that Nicky's back gave, made the building echo. Theodore pushed his body at Nicky, squishing him against the wall, still kissing, even wilder than outside. Nicky returned everything. They were both drooling by that time, the hotness the men felt was burning. But the elder man went on.
He tore the young man's jeans off of his ass, and then his, without unzipping anything. He pushed Nicky one more time, just to make him slide down a bit. And then..he entered.
The young man screamed, but that was the biggest joy for the both of them. Theodore eagerly and roughly pushed his growing length inside his tight hole. He was dry and hot, and the pleasure, especially after months of waiting, was incredible. Nicky kept moaning "yes,...deeper!" with every gasp, he actually ran out of air, but didn't care. They kept kissing until the last few inches, which required more concentration from the man. He began playing with him, pushing and pulling it a bit. But every time, he pushed a bit more. And when he was in entirely, he started to move inside Nicky.
The boy screamed, and repeated "yes" countless times. For long minutes, until Theodore's rust completely was gone and he started to actually pound him. 
Both of them came so soon, but Nicky eagerly closed his legs around the man, forcing him to stay as close as possible. Peterson thrusted so wildly, the entire building felt like it's moving. The knocking sounds the pushes gave became more frequent. Nicky held onto his neck, then his shoulder, then he seemed to lose grip. Thedore watched his suffering face with joy, the pleasure lasted for so long, he filled the young man twice, cum flowing on the floor. Then one more push. The biggest, until the balls, and one more joyful scream from the young man. He tore his yellow shirt, deeply into the flesh.
Both of them gasped for minutes. Neighbor was still flowing, for the biggest happiness of Nicky. He enjoyed it so much, he couldn't even tell. 
Between the tears, they finally looked at each other. 
- Theodo-... I love you, daddy. -Nicky gasped. Theodore's excited look made him even happier. 
- What a good boy you are, Nicky..
They kissed again. This time, it was gentle and Nicky ended up hugging him.  Both of them enjoyed the moment and barely moved. 
The young man felt extremely tired.
Theodore stroked his ass and digged under the shirt, to pet his back. 
- Can you take me home, daddy?
- Sure thing. - Peterson gave a gentle kiss on Nicky's face, then on his neck, he rubbed the nose against the hot and sweaty skin.

 

***

 

They've wasted so much time and there was a lot to do.
Under dim light, on the couch they've spent so many evenings together, Theodore just finsihed cleaning Nicky, while kneeling in front of him, enjoying the love the boy's spreaded onto his face. He licked the cum from his shaking tighs, giving the young man the pleasure to witness the procedure. 
Nicky gently petted the man's hair and when Peterson looked up eagerly, the young man went onto his dirty face and his sticky moustache. 
- I love you, Nicky...I think I love you even more than an actual lover. - he digged his face to Nicky's chest when the young man hugged him.
- I love you, Theodore. I enjoyed it a lot. 
Peterson realized, the last person he was kneeling in front of, must've been his own wife, long long time ago. And now here he is..happy again. 
He's got up. leaned above the young man on the couch, and closed his thin body between his hairy arms.
He rubbed his nose against the man's skin, going further, to the neck, giving hot kisses. 
Nicky giggled when the moustache tickled his skin, stroked Theodore's cowlick, then his hair, pulling him close. After closing his legs around him like  before, he let the man enter once again. 

 

They woke up when the first rays of sun tickled their faces.

In Nicky's bed, just like always, when the young man fell asleep on the couch, on the other's shoulder. But this time....finally together. Entirely naked in the warm room. 
- Good morning, Nicky. - Neighbor leaned above him a bit, experiencing the other's surprise, then realization that...it isn't a wishful dream anymore. 
- Good morning, my love. 
Rubbing their noses, the man asked on low voice, which made Nicky damn excited:
- Did you enjoy your first time? 
The answer was an eager kiss on the man's mouth, which another followed. Theodore barely woke up, but already seemed to lose his control. He knew it was a yes, the best yes he could've gotten as response. 
He climbed above the young man and hugged his fragile body.

***

Nicky felt more protected than ever. Theodore whispering compliments and dirty stuff to his ear, still gasping a bit, holding him close was everything he's wanted. After every dirty sentence, the two men exchanged a warm look. 
- You're the braver one, my man. 
- You think so?.. - Neighbor now gave small kisses onto his shoulder. He finally had the authority. 
- You were brave enough to say it. Out loud. - Nicky crossed their fingers, then slowly allowed the other to turn him, feeling the older man is already kissing his back. They just stopped, but he was already horny...

***

It was nearly afternoon, when they woke up to eat some leftovers from yesterday. Kissing more often, than taking actual bites from their food. 

 

Nicky kept rubbing the man's hairy chest - he was finally allowed - in the bathtub. Sitting in the warm water, on his lap..on him... And Neighbor just watched the guy doing that. It was hard to believe this is all happening, but he lived for the moment. They got lost in each other's eyes, Nicky in the thankful green eyes and Theodore in the happy, excited brown eyes that contained no sadness, finally. 

***

Theodore watched him sleeping. The bed was so soft, he was about to fall asleep as well after this busy day, but it was just so calming to watch his love from close... He gently ran his strong hand down on Nicky's arm, careful to not wake him up. He felt like he suddenly became 30 years younger. Happy, wanting to live, because he finally has someone to live for. 
He wanted to tell the young man how much he means to him. He loves him more than anything. Neighbor kept repeating this all day, but he wanted to make sure Nicky knows and never forgets it. His hand touched the other's, and was gently grabbed. He hugged the young man tighter and rested his head behind his neck. 

 

Notes:

also, I never said that they have an entirely healthy relationship. because it may contain some addiction. :)

Chapter 12

Summary:

final chapter, baby!
I liked writing this story, it is close to my heart * sniff *

They spent the next few days like this. Them finally enjoying the other.

Nicky, blushing in the store like he just bought drugs, got some actual lubricate, which they entirely used under a single day. The young man loved how experienced his love is, and Theodore loved teaching him, seeing the joy on his face and well, other things too. The good memories about each other finally seemed to lock the dark past away and the two men focused only on their relationship, which started blooming months ago, with small hints that none of them dared to take as actual signs.. 

 

It's been a week or two, they decided to not count the time. Nicky, tired from riding, collapsed to the couch in single boxers which he just pulled up to his crotch. Theodore sat behind him and served as a huge pillow, while gently hugging him and kissing his neck. 
The young man was about to fall asleep, he clearly didn't pay attention to the boring tv news. The elder man heard it with half an ear, but he was more busy giving his love kisses on his body. 
The fridge just stopped giving the annoying beeping sound, and they finally heard the tv well. 
Somebody didn't find better activity than robbing a local gas station.

The thing has been going on for weeks, noone's got caught yet. 
Theodore turned his head towards the kitchen, to stare at the darkness. He hated to hear the tv's negative news on such a nice evening. He gave another kiss on his love's skin and rested his head on Nicky's back. 

Then, after a few minutes, he noticed something at the window. Or rather..someone. 
A shadow, standing not too far in the backyard, looking at them.
One blink and it was gone.
" maybe I'm tired. " he didn't pay too much attention, only when something visibly moved at the window, which was behind the tv.
He straightened his back.  
- Hey, let's head upstairs. - Neighbor pulled Nicky up to his arms, who was already half asleep. 
- Oh pretty boy, I'm a bit tired. But I promise I'll ride you tomorrow morning. Okay? 
- Of course. I meant sleeping, my love. 
- Okay, Theodore. 
Neighbor stopped for a second when Nicky kissed him on the mouth, but then, hurried upstairs.
They went to bed, but while undressing, he checked every door and window. And near the ruins of his house..he saw the figure again. For a brief second only. And it was holding something in the hand...
It was gone so quickly, Theodore questioned if he saw it, or just hallucinated. 
He woke up often during that night, but he didn't see it appearing again. 

***

 

They spent the next days the same way as before. Enjoying each other's love. Theodore almost forgot about the shadow he saw, but when the night covered the town and slowly excluded all kind of sunlight from their house, bringing cold breeze as the first ambassador of autumn, he began to have a really bad feeling. 
The two men went to bed early.

Theodore still spammed Nicky's sweaty chest with hot kisses, when the man suddenly felt he has to get up and check his surroundings. 
He said he just goes to the toilet, gently covering his love with a blanket, he let the guy catch up his breath again. 
Peterson pulled boxers and his shirt on, unusual during night. Nicky didn't notice, he didn't want him to notice it. 
He sneaked downstairs. 
The living room was unfriendly. This night seemed to be darker than the rest. The wind often blew black clouds in front of the full moon, making everything pitch black. 
Theodore actually did go to the bathroom, that's where he started to smell something unusual, coming from the direction of the opened window.
Gasoline.
And not just a small amount from a car that really, really never passed in front of their house nowadays. It wasn't some leftover, it smelled like a lot of petrol, poured out on purpose. 
He quickly finished his job in the bathroom and hurried upstairs, making sure nobody is standing at any of the windows, or the main door. 

But clearly, someone was there with them already. 
The man opened the other's bedroom door as quietly as possible. 
- Nicky, wake up. 
The other barely fell asleep, now got waken up by the low voice. 
- Hmmm, I just fell asl..
- Nicky. 
He cut the sleepy whining and immediately sat up in the bed. The man spoke to him on his serious voice. It was something important. 
- What is it?
- Dress up and pack the important things together. 
- Why?
Theodore already pulled his pants up with the shoes.
- Do it. 
The thin man knew the other wasn't joking this time. Something was going on.

He did everything as the man told him. As soon as their look stopped on the nightstand, where the glowing lighthouse key was placed, the feeling just got worse.
The key was entirely red, Theodore already knew it predicted huge storm. 
- Take the key too, please.
Nicky immediately grabbed it. 
Neighbor walked until the stairs, but didn't go down. His intuition was right. Someone was standing at the front door. The same shadow he saw before. The same shadow, which robbed the gas station. The same person, who poured gallons of gasoline around the house. 
And now, there were multiple slams on the door. 
- Knock knock, daddy!
The inarticulated voice was somewhat familiar to Neighbor. 

He jumped back to Nicky's bedroom and closed the door. 
Put the armchair in front of it, to lock it more. 
- Theodore? - Nicky asked on shaking voice. 
- Aaron is here. 
The younger man began gasping. 
- Calm down, he wants me. Me only. He was the one, who robbed the gas station. He poured your entire garden with gasoline. 
- What?! - Nicky gaped, but by now, he put the puzzle pieces together. 
It wasn't that Aaron hated the love of Nicky's life and now that he knew Theodore is alive and actually happy, wanted to prevent all of it.
It was that Aaron wanted to see him dead. 
- Open the window. But very carefully. 
Nicky obeyed immediately. Now he smelled the stench as well.
" god fucking....."
He waited for his love to give another order. 
Neighbor listened. The knocking has stopped, and dead silence sat on the house. The wind allowed Nicky to catch the sounds coming from his main door entrace. 
- Fine, then I'll let myself in. 
Two rifle shots and the glasses next to his main door broke. 
- Climb on the roof. - Theodore whispered and the young man immediately did it. He turned back. 
- Come on. 
He raised an arm, but the man shook his head. 
- He wants me. He will leave you alone if he gets what he wants.
- In this state of mind which he has, I doubt. Theodore. Your problem is mine, and mine is yours. We are one now. 
Tears appeared in the glowing green eyes. 
- Nicky..
The guy kept his hand in the air. 
- Theodore.
There was no time to think. Aaron was already crushing everything in the kitchen. 
- Come out, wherever you guys are! 
The voice barely reached them upstairs, but what they heard, freaked the both of them out. 
The men climbed on the roof without a sound. Theodore gently shut the window behind himself to make it look like it was never opened. 
They made their way until a nearby tree that met the roof of Nicky's house. 
And listened. 
- Slide down when I say so. 
Nicky pulled him so close, their noses squished.
- You are coming too. 
- Yes, I am coming. 
He meant it. Nicky knew he meant it. 
- Now. 
The young man already slided down while hugging the trunk, it hurt like hell, but at the moment, he didn't care. Theodore followed him, just at the moment when the young man's bedroom door was shot out and entirely broken. 
- I will find you two! - Aaron screamed out on the window he just smashed the glass of with his bare hands, but nothing in the distance has moved. Even the wind stopped, the entire neighbourhood was dead silent. The man with the rifle looked up to the moon. A cloud decided to hide the light in the worst moment possible - for Aaron. 

Neighbor quietly lead the young man through the bushes. Nicky trusted him with his entire life. They hopped from garden to garden, crawling under the bushes as fast as they could, when Theodore finally grabbed his fragile body in his arms. 
- How will we escape by foot? He will catch up to us. - Nicky whispered. 
They heard an ear-splitting scream, then maniac laughter. Much, much worse than the old Theodore's, in the basement, way back then. Nicky closed his eyes for a second and with that movement, he locked the trauma away entirely. Not here and not now. He hugged Neighbor back, and waited for instructions. 
- I am so sorry... - his man seemed to get emotional too.
- Not now. What do we do?
The man looked at him and he's gained his sanity back. Panic had no place here.
- We go a bit further. 
They arrived at a small hill, which was overgrown by all kind of weeds, of course, the worst ones. 
- Yeah um...last time I still had my gloves...
Nicky struggled a pair of dark gloves out of his pocket.
- Do not ask. Act.
Theodore pulled them up like they were secret power source, which provided him the ultimate force. He easily grabbed the spiky weed from the way, tossing it away, and he cleared the moss at a certain place. 
Nicky witnessed.
The man scratched some dirt from an old lock and decided to pull it off as it was, without opening it with a key. The said lock broke in half.
- Don't leave me now, old friend. - he whispered as the ancient wooden door swung open, revealing his old car in a tiny tunnel. 
Nicky's eyes widened, but honestly? He wasn't surprised. 
- Sit at the driver's seat and release the brake. - he handed the keys to the young man, who immediately did what the man ordered. 
Peterson stood behind the car and began pushing it. The car obeyed too. 
When they were on the road, Nicky quickly passed the driver's seat to his man, who nearly broke the starting key while turning it in the hole. 
The car started without issues. 
- How? - the other whispered.
- I fixed it up a few weeks ago. I worked on both the car and the carousel. I knew this one will come in handy soon. 
The man turned and they left the town as quickly as possible. Strong rumbles hid the sound of the car's engine, then it began raining.
Nicky turned back on his seat, he was allowed to. Theodore was focusing on the road. He didn't turn the lights on, and he drove as fast as he could. 
The young man noticed a light which was much more intense than anything else in the town. It was flickering. 
He turned forward. 
- I'm homeless...- he whispered, on the edge of crying. The man watched him from the corner of his eye. 
- It's all my fault again, Nicky..I'm so, so sorry, I- I will take you far away from this mad man.
Nicky knew there's no place for unnecessary whining now. He loved that house, but this way, they just left their entire past behind themselves. 
With the man he loved more than anything.
The man, more important, than anything. 

Theodore felt himself pretty guilty, but now, Nicky spoke on serious voice. 
- We are finally leaving our hunting past behind ourselves. I just don't know, how will we afford...well, anything. 
- I told you weeks ago that you shall not worry about it. Didn't I?
Nicky did remember, but still didn't know, what the man exactly meant. 
Neighbor, with his right hand, pulled his purse from the pocket and handed it to his man while keeping both eyes on the road. 
- Open it. 
The younger man opened, finding some cash and a bank card in it. 
- Before you escaped and I disappeared in the fire...I left a last will. It was in the Raven brooks bank, in a safe deposit box. They opened it by now. 
- What did it say?
- In case of my death, which probably did happen for them by now, I left all of my money from my bank account, to the only person who I already knew during that time, was worthy. 
- Mya's ghost?
Neighbor smiled. 
- You, silly. I left my money to Nicholas Roth. I only wrote "compensation" as additional reason. 
- Theodore, what the actual-....?
- Do I look like I'm joking?
No. The scene was too serious. 
- But it's...it's...
- I guess they forgot to inform you. That's why you were evicted and had to come home. 
Nicky was speechless.
- Even if you didn't host me and threw me out, I'd have given this card to you, because it will solve all of your problems, Nicky. 
That was it, the young man's tears bursted out. 
- A dead man can't buy gasoline with this card, but you surely can. I know it's a bit forced and sudden, but...now we can travel the world if you want to. 
The young man cried in the remaining half hour, and two hours later, when the trees started disappearing, the road dried up and the environment became flat, the men found a motel in the desert. 
Theodore stopped the car in the parking lot and laid on the steering wheel. 
Tears occupied Nicky's eyes again. He hugged his man and kissed him wherever he could. 
- I really hope Aaron thinks we died in the fire, because for now, I can't drive further.
- I will drive, tomorrow. Now we book a hotel room. 
Nicky booked and paid the hotel with the card and the men collapsed on the soft bed. 
The guy kept hugging the elder one, still crying. Theodore, while wondering, how many liters of tears does Nicky have, lost his calmness as well, and noticed soon enough, that his eyes have become blurry too. 
He hugged his love and they both fell alseep, crying. 

*

With enough petrol in the tank and food for two days, in the morning, the two men began their journey to the desert and towards Route 66.
Nicky made a stronger alliance than marriage itself, promising him and Theodore promising to the young man that no matter, what, they'll support each other in good and bad; being the other's last reason to live, they had a really good reason to do so. 
The man took his love to wonderful places; high canyons and beautiful waterfalls. Nicky enjoyed it a lot, but more importantly, he enjoyed the journey with the man, together. 
By the time anyone could've caught up with them, they were already in the other end of the country; two men without identities, a weird couple that noone has seen similar to, ever. 

 

Notes:

if you liked it, please leave a comment or kudos!

--

I also hope I could introduce this new side of the characters well. ×
if you did a tldr, here's what the story was about:
Neighbor was so damn lonely after fleeing to the woods, he needed to be attached to someone, otherwise he'd have gone insane. he was hoping, that after being honest, the guy will understand his pain and free him from the weight. he didn't expect falling for him, but his care and will to protect Nicky has grown into something stronger than love.
from Nicky's end, first the man was equal with trauma, but the guy has a good heart and he appreciated his honest words, and will to change. Nicky didn't want to throw him out, because Theodore was clearly in pain. he did believe in him, and it was vice versa. he began connecting positive memories to Neighbor's character, and eventually, after seeing that he's similar to him when it comes to love interest, he began trusting him to a level, it has grown into weird love; however, the past didn't let him go for long time, despite he wanted to move on. Neighbor's free lifestyle first disgusts him, but secretly, he was a bit envious, and actually allows himself whenever Theodore wants to make him a partner in crime. they get to know each other to a level, that it's more than intimate - without touching each other yet.
it was only a bonus, that Neighbor was hot af :P

^that was the message I wanted to tell with this story, I wonder if everything is understandable and recognizable inside the fic itself.

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 1 of * THE RETURN *