Chapter Text
“Hon’ hon’! Bee’ Bee’!” came the excitable shouts of a little Nelson as he drove his miniature Lightning McQueen and Mater cars over his papa’s thighs.
Nick ruffled Aaron’s pale blonde hair and repeated back the words, emphasising the missing consonants at the end of each word. “Yes, HonK, HonK, BeeP, BeeP! Can you say it with me?”
He listened as he repeated himself, waiting for Aaron to enunciate the sounds as they’d been practising in his speech sessions. Nick was gentle and calm, careful not to frustrate Aaron too much and have him give up. As Aaron repeated the words with the sounds, Nick smiled.
He looked up from the front step where they were sitting and enjoying the temperate autumn day. The apple tree in their garden bowed with fruit, while the hazel tree out the front was laden with nuts. The sun filtered through the branches, dappling the fair skin of father and son. Nick sighed contentedly.
“Papa, ‘mm cars!” Aaron said, pointing at the vehicles driving down the street. He waved broadly. “All the cars!”
“Oui, mon chou, that’s a lot of cars,” Nick replied.
He thought of his late wife and how she had loved the season, gulping away a sob and taking a deep breath as he hugged their son to his side. Kitty had been a wonderful partner in the four years they’d been married, and she would have loved Aaron as much as he did, if she hadn’t gotten sick and passed away so soon after his birth. It had been so sudden, the shock of it all sending Nick into crisis mode for the first year of Aaron’s life. If not for the regular presence of his mum, he didn’t know if he’d have been able to get through it.
In the three years since Kitty’s passing, Nick had begun the painful work of adjusting to life without her and becoming a single parent. He moved from their flat to his current home, enrolled Aaron in nursery, and went back to work as a primary school teacher. In time, he joined a grieving spouse group, but soon left after finding the flirtations of some of the members ghoulish and jarring. He had no plans for dating. In truth, he couldn’t imagine finding anyone who interested him enough to fit them into the complex jigsaw that was his life with Aaron
For now, he was content to enjoy his time with his son, practising his speech exercises, helping him with schoolwork, and focusing on keeping him happy and safe. Nick smiled and closed his eyes as the sunlight danced across his face. In spite of it all, life was feeling good.
“Loo’, Papa!” Aaron said, tapping Nick’s arm and breaking his reverie. Nick covered his eyes and followed Aaron’s arm and gaze to the driveway across from his. The house had sat empty for months. The owners had tried to sell but had struggled to find a buyer, but today, a car and a moving van were parked and people were carrying boxes and furniture into the house.
“Looks like we have some new neighbours, kiddo,” Nick replied, brightly, trying not to stare. A petite woman with long, dark hair and a taller man with wild, warm brown curls exited the house. Maybe it’s a young family, Nick hoped. Aaron could use more friends.
They watched as the couple picked up some boxes — did that say drumkit? Nick wondered — before noticing a third person. He looked similar to the long-haired woman but cuter. His curly black hair was closely cut on his temples but long on top, cascading down one side. Even from across the street, Nick could see his blue eyes shining as he laughed and dimples popping when he smiled. His lithe body and sinewy arms flexed as he flipped a suitcase onto his shoulder. A hint of his toned waist and treasure trail flashed as his shirt rode up.
Nick inhaled through a rising sense of panic and his heart stopped momentarily as he ogled the man before exhaling and shaking his head. Focus, Nick! Don’t stare.
“Hi!” Aaron called loudly, waving before repeating his greeting even louder. “HI!” Nick blushed and grimaced. Way to be subtle, Aaron. You really are my son.
The three people looked over. The blonde man smiled and waved back. The woman stared and blinked. The curly man’s eyes lit up, and his smile grew larger. He waved back, and Nick felt his insides churn. Be cool, Nick. It’s fine. It’s only the most beautiful man you’ve ever seen.
Nick lifted his arm meekly and wiggled his fingers, hoping he didn’t look as dorky as he felt. He saw the curly-haired man cover his mouth and giggle and felt his stomach flipping as his heart fluttered. The new neighbour was stunning, and Nick immediately came up with a plan to meet him.
“Hey, buddy,” Nick started, rubbing Aaron’s back gently. “Want to help me pick some apples and bake a pie for our new neighbours?” Aaron nodded, and they went through the house to the garden to gather the apples as Nick’s plan went into effect.
As the pie cooked and cooled, Nick repeatedly looked out the front window, eager for more glimpses of the man. He brought a book and his mug with him so he wouldn’t seem as creepy as he felt if the man happened to notice him back. It’s not creepy, he chastised himself, I’m just curious. He’s new. They’re new. It’s natural to want to know more. Like their names. What they do. What they smell like. If they’re single. Natural. Chill.
Nick took one last look out the window as the autumn sun began to set, the orange light shining into the house across the street and showing the man and his companions sitting on a sofa. He wrapped the pie in his best tea towel and, holding Aaron’s hand, walked quickly across the street.
He let Aaron ring the bell and, as they waited for an answer, Nick took several deep breaths to calm his beating heart. He felt his hands growing damp, and he quickly released Aaron’s hand to wipe his on his joggers, conscious of not wanting his first impression to be sweaty palms.
The long-haired woman opened the door, her face dour and serious. She looked at Aaron and then him, her eyes dark and probing. Nick felt as if he were being assessed… and found lacking. “Yes?”
“I made a pie to welcome you all,” Nick stammered, holding the dish towards her. She looked from it to his face and back to the pie. Nick stood silently, unsure if he should place it on the ground as an offering and back away slowly, before a genial, energetic man swooped in behind her.
“Hi! Thank you for the pie! I’m Michael. This is Tori, my partner. Charlie, her brother, is somewhere, but please come in!” The man said, guiding Tori away from the door so Nick and Aaron could enter. Nick could feel Tori’s eyes boring into him as he slowly passed her. Michael took the pie from his hand, chattering pleasantly about the house and how moving in had gone.
“Um, hi, thank you! I’m Nick, and this is Aaron. We live across the street and wanted to introduce ourselves,” Nick said when Michael finally stopped talking, pulling Aaron closer to him. Michael leaned forward and met Aaron face-to-face.
“Hi, Aaron! I’m pleased to make your acquaintance,” Michael said warmly, holding out a fist for Aaron to bump. Instead, Aaron hugged Nick’s leg, hiding. Nick started to apologise, but Michael shushed him. “There’s nothing to be sorry about. I can be a lot!”
He laughed heartily, and Nick started to laugh, too. Okay, so far, he’s friendly. That’s cool. She’s a little scary, though. I wonder where the other one — Charlie? — is. Does he live here, too? God, I hope so.
“Victoria, have you seen my blue and yellow jumper, I–” Nick turned towards the voice and saw the dark-haired man standing in front of them. An involuntary gasp snuck past his parted lips. He’s even more beautiful up close!
Nick tried his best not to be too obvious as he quickly absorbed the man’s appearance. Shirtless and barefoot, only a pair of ripped skinny jeans on his body, he was towelling his hair, and Nick surveyed his lean, defined chest, memorising the swirls of dark hair that covered his breasts and the fine line of hair splitting his defined torso. A rainbow ring tattoo circled his belly button, and the barest hint of the waistband of a pair of pink pants peeked over the denim. And he’s apparently queer. I’m in danger.
“I didn’t know we had guests,” the man said, wiping his hands before offering one to Nick. “I’m Charlie. I take it you’ve met Michael and my sister?”
Nick nodded dumbly, looking at Charlie’s outstretched hand. Say something. But not too silly or foolish or too forward. Don’t be too much.
“Hi,” Nick said, his voice quiet as he fought to keep it from shaking. He took Charlie’s hand, gripping firmly, letting their hands remain together longer than he probably should have. He couldn’t help himself.
“Hi,” Charlie replied, smiling. Nick thought he felt Charlie squeeze his hand before releasing it, and he melted at the touch. His hands are strong, and his skin is rough. What does he do with those hands? What could he do with them? Stop! Focus Nick! “So… you are?”
“Sorry,” Nick stammered again, blushing. I’m crushing this meeting! Nick for the win! “I’m Nick Nelson. This is my son, Aaron. We live across the street. We’re the ones who waved earlier. I made a pie. Apple. From our garden. I like to bake. I suppose I should have asked if you like pie or apples or desserts before I brought it, but, oh gosh, I’m rambling now.”
Charlie laughed and gently put his hand on Nick’s shoulder, the touch instantly calming Nick’s anxieties. “You’re fine. Thanks for the pie. That was very generous of you. And you, sir!”
He knelt down and bowed to Aaron who giggled and hid behind Nick again.
“Did you help?” Charlie asked Aaron, smiling warmly. The boy nodded. “I can’t wait to taste your daddy’s pie. I bet it’s sweet.”
Nick blushed harder, heard Michael guffaw, and felt Tori’s eyes on him again. He scratched the back of his head. Was that flirting, or am I just that out of practice? Do I flirt back? How do I tell him I’m bi without it being awkward? And in front of his sister? Ugh!
“Papa,” Aaron corrected. “He’s papa. Mum’s not alive.”
Nick closed his eyes as he felt his body grow cold, Aaron’s admission a bucket of ice water on his growing crush. Charlie’s smile faltered briefly, but he nodded knowingly at Aaron. “I’m sorry, friend.”
“S’alrigh’,” Aaron said, shifting away from Nick’s knee. “She died. She was nice.”
Nick smiled awkwardly. Kitty’s death still hurt, but he could talk about her without crying. Even so, he didn’t want to burden his new neighbours with her story. They hadn’t asked for this information, and the little Aaron had shared had already dampened the mood.
“It’s okay,” Nick reassured, turning fully to Charlie. “She died soon after he was born. We’re okay now. I’m raising him. It’s just him and me.”
Charlie tilted his head to the side, and Nick braced himself for the inevitable onslaught of pity. This is a disaster. How do I exit gracefully and make sure he doesn’t think I’m a complete loser?
“That’s very brave of you, Nick. It can’t be easy,” Charlie said, touching Nick’s bicep and locking his eyes on Nick’s.
“Thanks,” Nick said softly, scratching the back of his head. “Anyway, I, that is, we should go. Please enjoy the pie, and welcome to our neighbourhood.”
Nick scooped up Aaron and put him on his shoulders as he made his way to the door. “Okay, buddy, we should go and let them unpack in peace.”
“Yes, please,” Tori said, opening the door for them. Nick saw Michael give her a look. “Thank you for the pie.”
“Please come by some other time,” Michael offered. “I’m sure we’re going to be good friends.”
“Oh, sure, thank you,” Nick said. He turned to leave, ducking under the door as Aaron tapped it. “Well, goodbye.”
“Nick!” Charlie called, and Nick spun around quickly, holding Aaron’s legs as the boy laughed and grabbed his hair. Nick watched as Charlie moved closer and stood in the doorway. “We’ll see you around.”
Nick blushed and nodded. Charlie smiled back and closed the door. Nick walked backwards, watching the door and smiling. God, I hope so.