For transfuge

[peace_inthe_violence]

[Yep, still empty.]

Comments

001

[peace_inthe_violence]

An AU is born

002

[peace_inthe_violence]

[The late August sun was less intense than Nicky had expected, a cool Parisian breeze keeping the worst of the heat away. It was a wonderful break from the temperatures he'd left back in Genoa, and he took a moment to lean against the side of the half empty U-haul pod.

It was a good day to be moving Booker into his new dorm.]

You know, we could not have picked a better day for this. But it does look like it will rain later...

[His French was rusty and a little stilted, but it was getting better as he used it.]

[transfuge]

[ Nicky's French was getting better but he still couldn't quite get the vowels sounds right. The Italian kept getting in the way. Booker's was a little less rusty. ]

The university assigned this day. Don't blame me.

[ He wiped the sweat from his forehead with his shirt and grinned at Nicky. They still had half his stuff to move but he was really glad to have his friend here. He still had a pretty raw ache in his chest from leaving the others behind and Nicky helped. ]

I'm just glad I've got a single room.

[ The idea of rooming with some stranger had messed with his head so Booker fought really hard to be alone instead. ]

[peace_inthe_violence]

[Booker had family to keep his French true. Now, Nicky would have Booker. And maybe Joe, if the other man's plans worked out.

He tried really hard not to think about Joe. Leaving him and the girls at the airport had been almost as hard as getting on his own flight at the end of the summer before.

At least this time, he had Booker to help.]

I'm glad, too. Not sure if a roommate would appreciate the fumes of spray paint as much as the rest of us do..

[He grinned, shoving himself off the pod and back up onto his feet so he could start building another tower of boxes to take inside.]

You are feeding me after this, right?

[transfuge]

[ Shit, he hoped Joe's plans worked out. It wouldn't be everyone but Booker would feel a lot better with the other man here in Paris. Then they could try and convince Nicky. ]

I can't paint the walls. They'll fine me.

[ Which really sucked. Booker might have to paint on canvas which would seriously limit what he could paint. They just weren't big enough. ]

Yes, yes, I'll feed you.

[ He grabbed a stack of three boxes and instantly regretted it. He found his books. Probably shouldn't have packed so many but he loved reading. Booker huffed up the stairs dodging other students also moving in. ]

[peace_inthe_violence]

[Booker without books wasn't Booker. Besides, it wasn't like he could have left any of his things back with his dad. And having all of Booker's things here meant that it felt a lot more secure. Like his friend wouldn't just randomly get tired of being here and putting up with him showing up.

Not that he was really that concerned about that, but after their last weekend with Joe and all the wonderful, amazing things that had happened, Nicky had found himself being a little more clingy than usual.

Picking up his stack, he grunted as he hoisted it up to get a better grip on everything. Oh yeah...they'd reached the books. Following Booker up the stairs, he waited for the other man to put his boxes down before he bent to stack his next to them.]

A handcart would have been a great idea...until we got to the stairs, anyway.

[transfuge]

It's good exercise.

[ It wasn't all his books. Most of his stuff was with his mom in the suburbs of Paris. He had maybe brought a little bit more than necessary because he liked his creature comforts.

And books.

They were almost done, anyway. The last few boxes were clothes and school supplies. Computer science shouldn't come with more books hopefully but he would probably jump around subjects. ]

You're still going to seminary?

[ He had to ask at least once every single time he saw or talked to Nicky. ]

[peace_inthe_violence]

[He asked at least once and at least once Nicky felt the bottom of his stomach drop out. His reply had always been a soft laugh and a 'Yes, Book'...but now? Now, he closed his eyes and remembered the way Booker's hands had felt on his skin and how Joe's lips had been so gentle and now he didn't know.

He loved God and the church. He wanted to make a difference in the world, wanted to give at least one person a chance to grow up feeling like God loved them just as they were. He'd never felt that. Until he'd spent a summer course in America, of course.

Flicking his gaze over to Booker, he shrugged a shoulder and looked away.]

Classes will start soon. When do yours start? Do you have your schedule, yet?

[transfuge]

I have an email with my schedule.

[ He could sense Nicky's reluctance and it made his heart twist a little. While he wanted his friend to do anything else but be a priest he still felt a little guilty to see his reluctance and uncertainty.

Booker sent over to him and gently slid a hand across his shoulders. He wanted to give him a little comfort and touch. He missed touching Nicky like they had over the summer. ]

My first one is next Tuesday. But I'm going to talk to a counselor and see if I can test out of some of these introductory computer courses. I know this stuff already.

[ Booker drew away because it kind of felt like cheating to tempt Nicky away from the priesthood with physical affection meant to comfort. ]

003

[peace_inthe_violence]

[Goodbye always sucked. It had sucked when he'd flown out of O'Hare to start his last year of high school. It had sucked when he'd dropped off everyone but Booker at Cristoforo Colombo at the end of their summer road trip of the Mediterranean.

But most recently, it had sucked leaving Booker behind on the train platform in Paris.

It sucked more when he'd been home for all of three days when his dad had came bursting into his room, demanding to know why he'd withdrawn himself from Seminary. The resulting fight had been loud and long and....and the nightly calls between the three of them had been voice only and much shorter since then, Nicky staying quiet and mostly just listening to Joe and Booker's voices.

He hadn't made plans to be back in Paris for almost a month. Time to give Booker a chance to settle into his classes, time for him to think about the direction he wanted to take himself now. Time for Joe to get accepted into his art program and get there. The plan had been to talk every night and text every day and to suffer the distance until they could all meet again.

So Booker getting a text Friday afternoon after his last class of his first week was not part of the plan.]

Can I come up this weekend?

Re: 003

[transfuge]

Of course.

[ Booker had adjusted slightly to being on his own. He had made a few friends in class and honestly, the intro computer sci courses were all stuff he already knew, so he was kind of coasting along.

It was fun for the most part but he missed Joe and Nicky. He missed having someone to sleep next to and no kisses every day was rough. But they had calls. Joe got into one of the best art schools in Paris so he would be joining them soon. ]

Everything okay? Need me to send money for a train ticket?

[ It was short notice which wasn't usually Nicky's style. They always planned things out to make sure Booker could get him from the train station and he got permission for Nicky to stay with him in the dorm.

This was kind of unusual. ]

[peace_inthe_violence]

No, I already got it. Thank you. I'll figure out how to get there, don't worry about picking me up. I love you.

[It was very odd, but he didn't elaborate anymore on it. Doggedly refused to answer questions, instead always turning the conversation to Booker's classes.

He sent a text near midnight to say that he'd gotten onto the train just fine and that he was going to get into the station at around 3pm. He sent another around 9am to complain about sleeping sitting up. Otherwise, he was quiet.]

[transfuge]

I love you too. What's going on, Nicky?

[ It was odd enough that Booker let Joe know something was going on with Nicky and he didn't think it was good. He wished he could tell Joe more but Nicky was stubborn and there was no way to make him talk.

Booker's anxiety was a little stronger than usual now. He just felt a little on edge with worry. Something was wrong with his boyfriend and he couldn't make it right.

He was on the train platform at three even though Nicky had said not to pick him up. There was no way he could sit around his dorm and wait for him. He needed to make sure Nicky was okay. ]

[peace_inthe_violence]

[Normally when Nicky traveled, he traveled light. Even going over seas for three months, he'd only brought two duffle bags. He was a simple man and didn't need a whole lot of extra things. Most weekend trips saw him with only a backpack slung over his shoulder.

He got off the train with his backpack over his shoulders and a duffle hanging from each shoulder. All three bags were full.

He also got off the train with what a black eye that covered most of the right side of his face that was only just starting to yellow around the edges. He wore sunglasses to try and hide the worst of it, but they didn't do a whole lot.

Spotting Booker waiting for him on the platform, he paused mid-step and waited for the fireworks to begin.]

[transfuge]

[ There were no fireworks. Booker spotted him then spotted the black eye and his heart broke. He knew instantly who caused it but could only guess why. ]

Oh, Nicky.

[ He went over to him and pulled him into his arms, holding him tightly. The anger would come in a few hours when he knew for certain Nicky was safe. Right now, it was just heartache. ]

We're not going back to the dorm. We'll go to my mom's place. You can stay in my room.

[ And his mom would look after Nicky. Nothing would happen to Nicky under his mom's watch.

It would also keep Nicky from the gossip of the dorm which was very invested in their relationship for some stupid reason. Booker figured Nicky didn't want a bunch of people staring at him right now. ]

[peace_inthe_violence]

[There was no anger, only a hug and Nicky felt all of the tension of the last week leave his body in a rush as he leaned against the sturdy frame of his boyfriend. He didn't cry. He'd cried himself out and now all he was was tired. Tired and angry.]

I don't want to impose on your mother, Booker. I'll be fine.

[He'd just hide in the dorm and not deal with people. Totally an option, right?]

I'm sorry for dumping all of this on you. I just...I didn't know where else to go.

[transfuge]

You're not imposing. I promise.

[ He rubbed his hand against the back of Nicky's head gentle and slow. Booker wanted to do whatever he could do to give him some sort of comfort. ]

You can always come to me. I love you. This is what you do for the person you love. No questions asked.

[ Booker leaned back and kissed Nicky's temple gently. He was no where near the bruise spread across Nicky's face but he still wanted to be tender and careful. ]

We'll go catch a cab and go to my Mom's.

[transfuge]

[ It was the end of another school day and Booker didn't have a shift at the University bookstore. That meant he got to go home which wasn't the dorm anymore. Home was a studio apartment in the student district between his University and Joe's. It was slightly bigger than his dorm room and felt especially crowded with the three of them living together.

Booker wouldn't have it any other way.

He was excited to go home and see his boys. Joe might still be in the studio at school though. Nicky shouldn't be working today but Booker wasn't sure of that. He was very good at his cafe job and they called him in whenever they needed someone reliable. And of course Nicky always went.

If they weren't home Booker would start on his homework and sit around like an excited pet waiting for his owners to come home.

He was out of breath after going up the five flights of stairs but he was so happy. This was the life he wanted. Well, with a bigger place, but this was good for now. ]

Hey, I'm home!

[ He took his shoes off by the door as he stepped inside the apartment. ]

Anyone home?

[peace_inthe_violence]

[Nicky was, in fact, not working today. In general, he would always come in if his boss called, but Wednesdays were the one exception to that rule. He had therapy on Wednesdays and it always left him a little too rattled to deal with the constant wave of students that frequented the little shop.

So, as Booker came in and announced himself, he was greeted to the sight of Nicky moving around the kitchen. He was dressed in pair of sleep pants and Joe's hickey from the night before. A wireless headset was resting around his neck, providing music while he cleaned if the sway of his hips could be believed.

It seemed like Joe wasn't quite home yet.]

[transfuge]

[ Nicky would go deaf listening to his music that loud but he was so adorable dancing around in the kitchen Booker smiled warmly.

He made his way over and caught Nicky around his waist. He pulled him back and after a few seconds picked up the rhythm of his hips. They knew how to move together. ]

Hi, Nicky. How are you feeling?

[ They could both get a little off after therapy. He was very glad Nicky kept going even though it was emotionally draining. ]

[peace_inthe_violence]

[He jumped a little when Booker was suddenly behind him, reaching up to pull one of the earbuds from his ear.]

Hey, you. Is it that late already? I must of lost track of time.

[But even as he was smirking at himself, he was slotting his hands over his lover's and letting their bodies sway together.]

You're a giant sap and I love you. I'm okay. A little tired, but okay. How was your day? The test?

[transfuge]

It's not too late.

[ Now that he had Nicky's attention Booker pressed a kiss over Joe's hickey. ]

I love you too. [ There was no point in arguing the sap part. He was. Joe was too. ] The test went fine. I don't think I'll fail.

[ A passing grade was good but the University making him take courses in subjects he didn't care about was still bullshit in his mind. ]

Need me to do anything around the apartment before I crack down on homework?

[peace_inthe_violence]

[He made a small sound of contentment when Booker kissed that little ache, smiling as he let his head fall back against the other man's shoulder to give him all the room he wanted.]

I doubt you'd fail, I just wanted to be sure you didn't just crumple it up and throw it in their faces out of spite.

[He smirked, turning his head to kiss the corner of his boyfriend's lips before finally pulling away.]

Go, do homework. I'm about done anyway and I want to get dinner going. I'm trying out a new recipe.

[Because stress cooking is a thing he did pretty much every Wednesday.]

[transfuge]

No, I didn't do that. Even though Kant is an idiot.

[ Philosophy was a mixed bag for Booker. sometimes he liked it and other times he hated it. He argued a lot with his professor and ranted at home about it. It was probably smart of Nicky to ask. ]

Ooo, new recipe. I'm excited.

[ They got to reap the benefits of Nicky's stress cooking. As long as it wasn't incredibly stressed cooking Booker was okay with it.

He would eat anything Nicky made. ]

Could you make me some tea? I don't want to get in your way.

[ The kitchen was tiny just like the rest of their studio apartment. ]

[peace_inthe_violence]

[It had been a while since Booker and Joe had gotten home to Nicky incredibly stressed, but it was still nice to hear that Booker acknowledged and looked out for it. Even if he was excited for the new recipe.

Though, to be fair, Nicky was also excited to try it.]

Of course. Chai? Or some of that orange clove that you liked so much the last time I made some?

[He was already moving to fill the kettle.]