[ Booker carefully took one of the duffle bags from Nicky and hoisted it onto his shoulder. It felt way too heavy. Nicky must have packed up his whole life.
He took his hand and led him away from the platform. He wasn't alone anymore and whatever bullshit Nicky's dad had put into his head Booker would give him all the love in the world to make up for it. ]
Yeah, probably. We can tell him once you're settled, okay? And we'll both talk him down from doing something stupid.
[ Though Booker really wanted to do something stupid himself once Nicky was looked after.
Someone should teach that coward of a father a lesson and see how he liked getting a black eye.
Booker flagged down a cab and helped get Nicky's things in the trunk. Once they were settled in the backseat he put his arm around Nicky and gave the driver his mother's address. ]
[He had, in fact, packed up most of his life. The two duffles were an even split between clothes and books, and his backpack had his computer and a few other essentials that he hadn't been able to leave behind. Everything else that had been in his room had remained in his room and would remain there until his father decided to do something with them.
Nicky didn't care. He had the important things with him.
Getting into the backseat of the taxi, he let Booker take control of the situation, laying his down on the other boy's shoulder to keep himself grounded. He didn't want to think about how Booker's mother was going to react to him suddenly being in her home. Did she knew they were dating? Did she know they were dating Joe?
He reached up and pinched the yellowed bridge of his nose.]
I love you. I'm sorry.
[He didn't even know what he was apologizing for. Existing, probably.]
[ He kissed the top of Nicky's head and held his hand. Booker dialed his mom with his freehand and let her know he was coming over with his boyfriend.
Of course he had told her about his boyfriend though he hadn't yet told her he was also dating Joe. Booker didn't really have an idea on how to explain that yet.
She was surprised that he was visiting but would welcomed them. Booker didn't say anything about Nicky's injuries yet. He'd explain in person. ]
There. All set. I promise my mom's amazing. You'll love her. She's very nice. Just get some rest right now.
[ His mom lived outside Paris proper so they had a little bit of driving to do. ]
[Despite having apparently slept on the train, Nicky dozed for a good portion of the ride, his head pillowed on Booker's shoulder and the fingers of one hand lightly gripping the hem of Booker's shirt.
If his boyfriend moved, he'd know it. He'd know it and wake up and it was that comfort more than anything that allowed him to really rest.
After a while, though, he finally sat up. He looked a little less like a walking coma patient, though he did take off his glass which did not help his actual appearance. His eye was still a little swollen and the bruise in it's center was starting to mottle.]
I didn't mean to doze off like that. Where are we?
[ It hurt to look at Nicky. It made him ache. Booker wished he'd done more to make Nicky move here. He wished he never sent him back to his asshole dad. He wished that Nicky never got hurt in the first place. ]
You needed to sleep. It's fine.
[ Tenderly he reached up and brushed his thumb along the edge of the bruise. He loved him so much and hated seeing him hurt.
[He flinched a little when Booker's thumb touched his bruise. It didn't hurt, there wasn't enough pressure for that, but having the other boy touch it made it real. Made it something he couldn't just ignore.
Booker's lips on his kept his mind from spinning too far out of control.]
I'm fine, really. This isn't even that bad. It looks worse than it feels.
[But he still winced a little when he settled the sunglasses back on the bridge of his nose.]
She knows about us? Your mother? She is okay with it?
[ Nicky was clearly not fine but Booker wouldn't push while they were in the back of the cab. He'd get the whole story when they were alone together. ]
She does. I told her pretty soon after we became official. She's very happy I've found someone. I haven't figured out how to tell her about Joe though she knows he's my best friend.
[ His mom was pretty much the opposite of his dad which was why they had gotten a divorce. His mom would say his dad wasn't always like that but Booker had a hard time believing her. ]
She's also a fantastic baker so you'll get along great.
Maybe I will be able to pick up a few things. Learn some secret recipe that will win me any argument.
[He was still smiling, but the teasing had no edge to it. Just words to keep the conversation going in a nice, safe direction. He didn't want to talk about things. He didn't want to think about things. He just wanted to bask in the light of his boyfriend's love and soak it in like he was starved for it.]
I won't bring up Joe if you don't want me to, but can we still call him later?
[He'd hidden it from both of them for nearly a week, though that was more because he'd been afraid of Joe getting a plane ticket and Booker missing his first week of classes to come beat up his father. To be honest, that thought was one of the few that let him get any sleep at night while he'd still been there.
Now, though, he just really wanted to talk to the other man that he loved so much.
At the mention of 'settling' him into Booker's room, Nicky looked worried again.]
I really don't have to invade her house, Booker. I don't want to be troublesome and I certainly don't want to just assume that I'll be allowed to stay... What if she doesn't like me?
She'll take one look at what's been done to you and make the offer herself. My mom's got a good heart.
[ Booker got his softer side from his mother. She wouldn't dream of kicking Nicky out when he was hurt and had no where else to go.
They pulled out outside a small two-story house in a little suburb. His mom's place. Booker paid the cab driver and helped Nicky get his stuff. He made sure to take one of the bags and hold Nicky's hand as they walked to the front door. ]
Hi mom! [ Booker called when he walked in.
She was a pretty middle aged woman with the same color hair and eyes as Booker. She was clearly confused as to why her son was home on a weekend but did ask immediately what had happened to Nicky and then went to the kitchen to get some ice for his eye. ]
[There was still tension in his shoulders as they walked up the way to the front door. That tension grew when she started to immediately fuss over him, but he could only stammer a soft 'You don't have to...do..that' after her as she went to get the ice.
Even in America, he'd never been entirely comfortable around parental type people. Even Joe's parents, who'd been nothing but accepting and wonderful. It was a hard mindset to break.
Taking a breath to steady himself, Nicky closed his hand a little tighter around Booker's.]
This is one of those 'shut up and say thank you' moments, isn't it?
[ But Booker could see Nicky was uncomfortable. He took the ice from his mom and explained Nicky needed a place to stay. She agreed just like Booker said she would which gave him the chance to lead Nicky upstairs to his bedroom.
He made Nicky sit on the bed and put the ice on his eye while Booker put his stuff down. ]
Okay, so you can stay here. I'll be here for the weekend obviously.
[ Booker sat down next to Nicky and put an arm around him. ]
We'll figure out what else needs to be done later. Right now, just relax. You're safe and I'm with you. You don't have to worry about a thing anymore Nicky.
[It was perhaps a little stiffer than any 18 year old boy should manage, but he still managed to get it out when she returned to hand him the ice. And, more importantly, he meant it. He just didn't know how to articulate it.
For as loud and large and welcoming as Italian families were supposed to be, Nicky's had been the opposite. He'd brought his friends to meet them, but had only stayed a few hours to let the girls poke through his room and let Joe and Booker go through his books.
In those few short hours, Booker would have very plainly seen exactly why Nicky was so formal with his mother.
Escaping up to the bedroom that he was meant to stay in was a relief and Nicky leaned heavily against his boyfriend, trusting his arm to keep him safe and secure.]
I'm sorry I'm like this... She probably thinks me inconsiderate.
[Maybe Booker wasn't the only one of them that needed to be seeing a therapist. Nicky would never think of it himself, but the signs were there if one knew where to look.
At the question of calling Joe, he immediately nodded, then winced a little as the ice pack was jostled against his eye. No doubt Booker would use a video call instead of just sticking to voice. There would be no hiding, though Nicky was okay with that.
He was done hiding. He wanted his boyfriends, even if that meant Joe's anger.]
[Joe was the passion to Booker's steady nature and Nicky's quiet curiosity. His anger was bright and loud, but it fizzled easily enough. A shaken up can of Coke.
It made Nicky smile with it's familiarity.]
I'm alright, Joe. What's done is done and wasting all that money to come early isn't worth it. Stay there and get your things in order so that when you get here you can just stay and not have to go back. Besides...I'm not going anywhere.
[The unspoken 'I have no where else to go' lingered heavy in the air.]
Booker is fussing enough for the both of you, I promise.
[ Booker ran his fingers gently through Nicky's hair. ]
For you and for him. He needs to see you, right?
[ Joe agreed. He needed to come see Nicky for himself. They're all shaken up by this. Nicky's dad punched him. It's violence against someone they love.
Booker got to hold Nicky and kiss him and be reassured while Joe just had to sit there. It wasn't good for him. ]
I'll help pitch in for the plane ticket and we can see about my mom letting you stay here too so you don't have to pay for a hotel room. We'll spend some time together and figure out what's next.
[ How can they help Nicky? What do they do about his father? There was a lot to face. ]
[They were both set on Joe coming and Nicky couldn't really bring himself to be mad about it. He wanted to be. It was a waste of planning time for their lover, time that could be better used to set himself up better. And all because of a little black eye?
It seemed excessive, but Nicky wasn't really about to argue. A token one, sure, but he wanted to see Joe. Wanted both of their arms around him, wanted to taste Joe's lips and feel his hands. It wasn't even a sexual thing, it was a comfort thing. He wanted to go to sleep between them and know that no one could ever touch him again.
He claimed to be fine with his childhood. He was a liar.]
Okay. I can help with the ticket, too. I just need to get to a bank cause everything I have right now is in my bag. Kinda hard to wire it like that.
[ Booker and Joe shared a look of relief. Once Nicky was asleep though Booker would sneak away to help Joe get a ticket that would have him in Paris before the weekend was up.
He might even skip classes on Monday to spend time with the two men he loved helping Nicky build a new life in Paris. ]
Today, I will take care of you. You don't worry about a thing.
[ Joe promised he would be a text or a call away all day. If Nicky needed him for anything he would be there. He loved him. He loved them. ]
Do you want to tell us what happened or wait for Joe to be here in person?
He leaned against Booker's side as they fussed over him, closing his eyes and letting their voices soothe his frayed nerves. It had been what he'd been doing all week and it never failed to settle the swirling mix of anger and pain and crushing defeat that was in his head.
The question of what happened made him frown though, and he shrugged one shoulder.]
There isn't much to tell. I withdrew from seminary and they called the house to confirm. He took the call and was furious that I had done it. I told him why and he didn't like the answer. That's it. Nothing but a bitter man with hard fists.
[ Booker felt the first swell of rage in his chest. That bastard. He wrapped his arm more firmly around Nicky like he could somehow shield him from an event that already happened.
Joe asked a very important question: did he hit you anywhere else? Shit, Booker hadn't even thought of that. Was Nicky hurt elsewhere? ]
You're not hurt anywhere else, right? No busted ribs or anything?
[ His mind went to the worst options, of course, because that's what Booker did when he worried.
It was stupid though because Nicky wouldn't have been able to carry his stuff or pack with busted ribs. ]
[He fought the urge to roll his eyes a little at their fussing, shaking his head against Booker's shoulder.]
No, miei amori. No broken ribs. He grabbed my shoulders and shoved me around, but those are already fading.
[And just to prove it to his worried partners, he sat up and pulled off the over sized long sleeve shirt he'd been wearing. His skin was pale and unmarked save for bruises high on his upper arms and a few hints of what could have been something on his shoulder blades when he turned to show them his back.]
[ Booker's rage was incandescent for a moment seeing those fading bruises on Nicky's arms and shoulders. It was his worst nightmare come to life just on Nicky instead of himself which made it worse. ]
Oh... Nicky.
[ He would find a way to get revenge for this and make Nicky's dad suffer. It wouldn't be fast. Booker could nurse a grudge for a long time but as much as he wanted to hurt the bastard Nicky needs care first.
Booker leaned in and pressed gentle kisses against his shoulders and arms. It soothed him and he hoped comforted Nicky a little bit. ]
We're going to make sure nothing like this ever happens to you again. I promise.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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[ Booker carefully took one of the duffle bags from Nicky and hoisted it onto his shoulder. It felt way too heavy. Nicky must have packed up his whole life.
He took his hand and led him away from the platform. He wasn't alone anymore and whatever bullshit Nicky's dad had put into his head Booker would give him all the love in the world to make up for it. ]
Yeah, probably. We can tell him once you're settled, okay? And we'll both talk him down from doing something stupid.
[ Though Booker really wanted to do something stupid himself once Nicky was looked after.
Someone should teach that coward of a father a lesson and see how he liked getting a black eye.
Booker flagged down a cab and helped get Nicky's things in the trunk. Once they were settled in the backseat he put his arm around Nicky and gave the driver his mother's address. ]
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Nicky didn't care. He had the important things with him.
Getting into the backseat of the taxi, he let Booker take control of the situation, laying his down on the other boy's shoulder to keep himself grounded. He didn't want to think about how Booker's mother was going to react to him suddenly being in her home. Did she knew they were dating? Did she know they were dating Joe?
He reached up and pinched the yellowed bridge of his nose.]
I love you. I'm sorry.
[He didn't even know what he was apologizing for. Existing, probably.]
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[ He kissed the top of Nicky's head and held his hand. Booker dialed his mom with his freehand and let her know he was coming over with his boyfriend.
Of course he had told her about his boyfriend though he hadn't yet told her he was also dating Joe. Booker didn't really have an idea on how to explain that yet.
She was surprised that he was visiting but would welcomed them. Booker didn't say anything about Nicky's injuries yet. He'd explain in person. ]
There. All set. I promise my mom's amazing. You'll love her. She's very nice. Just get some rest right now.
[ His mom lived outside Paris proper so they had a little bit of driving to do. ]
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If his boyfriend moved, he'd know it. He'd know it and wake up and it was that comfort more than anything that allowed him to really rest.
After a while, though, he finally sat up. He looked a little less like a walking coma patient, though he did take off his glass which did not help his actual appearance. His eye was still a little swollen and the bruise in it's center was starting to mottle.]
I didn't mean to doze off like that. Where are we?
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[ It hurt to look at Nicky. It made him ache. Booker wished he'd done more to make Nicky move here. He wished he never sent him back to his asshole dad. He wished that Nicky never got hurt in the first place. ]
You needed to sleep. It's fine.
[ Tenderly he reached up and brushed his thumb along the edge of the bruise. He loved him so much and hated seeing him hurt.
Booker leaned in and kissed him gently. ]
You're safe now. I promise.
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Booker's lips on his kept his mind from spinning too far out of control.]
I'm fine, really. This isn't even that bad. It looks worse than it feels.
[But he still winced a little when he settled the sunglasses back on the bridge of his nose.]
She knows about us? Your mother? She is okay with it?
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She does. I told her pretty soon after we became official. She's very happy I've found someone. I haven't figured out how to tell her about Joe though she knows he's my best friend.
[ His mom was pretty much the opposite of his dad which was why they had gotten a divorce. His mom would say his dad wasn't always like that but Booker had a hard time believing her. ]
She's also a fantastic baker so you'll get along great.
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Maybe I will be able to pick up a few things. Learn some secret recipe that will win me any argument.
[He was still smiling, but the teasing had no edge to it. Just words to keep the conversation going in a nice, safe direction. He didn't want to talk about things. He didn't want to think about things. He just wanted to bask in the light of his boyfriend's love and soak it in like he was starved for it.]
I won't bring up Joe if you don't want me to, but can we still call him later?
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[ Booker knows Nicky was avoiding the issue but that was fine for now. He'd let him get away with it. ]
Of course we can. I already told him I thought something was up so he's probably waiting for a call.
[ There was no way they'd keep Joe out of this. Booker knew this would only work if they made sure to communicate with each other, open and honest.
He'd be really worried if Nicky suggested they hide it from Joe. ]
While we're getting you settled in my room we can do it.
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Now, though, he just really wanted to talk to the other man that he loved so much.
At the mention of 'settling' him into Booker's room, Nicky looked worried again.]
I really don't have to invade her house, Booker. I don't want to be troublesome and I certainly don't want to just assume that I'll be allowed to stay... What if she doesn't like me?
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[ Booker got his softer side from his mother. She wouldn't dream of kicking Nicky out when he was hurt and had no where else to go.
They pulled out outside a small two-story house in a little suburb. His mom's place. Booker paid the cab driver and helped Nicky get his stuff. He made sure to take one of the bags and hold Nicky's hand as they walked to the front door. ]
Hi mom! [ Booker called when he walked in.
She was a pretty middle aged woman with the same color hair and eyes as Booker. She was clearly confused as to why her son was home on a weekend but did ask immediately what had happened to Nicky and then went to the kitchen to get some ice for his eye. ]
See? Nothing to worry about.
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Even in America, he'd never been entirely comfortable around parental type people. Even Joe's parents, who'd been nothing but accepting and wonderful. It was a hard mindset to break.
Taking a breath to steady himself, Nicky closed his hand a little tighter around Booker's.]
This is one of those 'shut up and say thank you' moments, isn't it?
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[ But Booker could see Nicky was uncomfortable. He took the ice from his mom and explained Nicky needed a place to stay. She agreed just like Booker said she would which gave him the chance to lead Nicky upstairs to his bedroom.
He made Nicky sit on the bed and put the ice on his eye while Booker put his stuff down. ]
Okay, so you can stay here. I'll be here for the weekend obviously.
[ Booker sat down next to Nicky and put an arm around him. ]
We'll figure out what else needs to be done later. Right now, just relax. You're safe and I'm with you. You don't have to worry about a thing anymore Nicky.
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[It was perhaps a little stiffer than any 18 year old boy should manage, but he still managed to get it out when she returned to hand him the ice. And, more importantly, he meant it. He just didn't know how to articulate it.
For as loud and large and welcoming as Italian families were supposed to be, Nicky's had been the opposite. He'd brought his friends to meet them, but had only stayed a few hours to let the girls poke through his room and let Joe and Booker go through his books.
In those few short hours, Booker would have very plainly seen exactly why Nicky was so formal with his mother.
Escaping up to the bedroom that he was meant to stay in was a relief and Nicky leaned heavily against his boyfriend, trusting his arm to keep him safe and secure.]
I'm sorry I'm like this... She probably thinks me inconsiderate.
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[ He pressed his lips against Nicky's temple and left them there. ]
Always thinking the worse. She doesn't. She's worried about you like she worried about me when things were bad.
[ And things were bad. Nicky's spark was real dull right now and Booker hated seeing him like this.
Even if Nicky would tell Joe not to bother he'd pitch in to get their boyfriend a plane ticket to come here. Nicky needed their support right now. ]
Do you want to call Joe now?
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At the question of calling Joe, he immediately nodded, then winced a little as the ice pack was jostled against his eye. No doubt Booker would use a video call instead of just sticking to voice. There would be no hiding, though Nicky was okay with that.
He was done hiding. He wanted his boyfriends, even if that meant Joe's anger.]
Yeah, I really do. I miss his face...
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[ Booker didn’t have his laptop here so he pulled out his phone for the video call.
Joe looked anxious at first and then he say Nicky’s eye with the ice pack. He started cursing and shouting seconds later. ]
Joe. Joe. Calm down. He’s safe now. That’s more important. Come on.
[ Nicky didn’t need more anger right now.
Luckily Joe’s temper burned out fast and he calmed fairly quickly. Then he was all sweet words and promises to come right away. ]
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It made Nicky smile with it's familiarity.]
I'm alright, Joe. What's done is done and wasting all that money to come early isn't worth it. Stay there and get your things in order so that when you get here you can just stay and not have to go back. Besides...I'm not going anywhere.
[The unspoken 'I have no where else to go' lingered heavy in the air.]
Booker is fussing enough for the both of you, I promise.
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[ Booker ran his fingers gently through Nicky's hair. ]
For you and for him. He needs to see you, right?
[ Joe agreed. He needed to come see Nicky for himself. They're all shaken up by this. Nicky's dad punched him. It's violence against someone they love.
Booker got to hold Nicky and kiss him and be reassured while Joe just had to sit there. It wasn't good for him. ]
I'll help pitch in for the plane ticket and we can see about my mom letting you stay here too so you don't have to pay for a hotel room. We'll spend some time together and figure out what's next.
[ How can they help Nicky? What do they do about his father? There was a lot to face. ]
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It seemed excessive, but Nicky wasn't really about to argue. A token one, sure, but he wanted to see Joe. Wanted both of their arms around him, wanted to taste Joe's lips and feel his hands. It wasn't even a sexual thing, it was a comfort thing. He wanted to go to sleep between them and know that no one could ever touch him again.
He claimed to be fine with his childhood. He was a liar.]
Okay. I can help with the ticket, too. I just need to get to a bank cause everything I have right now is in my bag. Kinda hard to wire it like that.
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[ Booker and Joe shared a look of relief. Once Nicky was asleep though Booker would sneak away to help Joe get a ticket that would have him in Paris before the weekend was up.
He might even skip classes on Monday to spend time with the two men he loved helping Nicky build a new life in Paris. ]
Today, I will take care of you. You don't worry about a thing.
[ Joe promised he would be a text or a call away all day. If Nicky needed him for anything he would be there. He loved him. He loved them. ]
Do you want to tell us what happened or wait for Joe to be here in person?
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He leaned against Booker's side as they fussed over him, closing his eyes and letting their voices soothe his frayed nerves. It had been what he'd been doing all week and it never failed to settle the swirling mix of anger and pain and crushing defeat that was in his head.
The question of what happened made him frown though, and he shrugged one shoulder.]
There isn't much to tell. I withdrew from seminary and they called the house to confirm. He took the call and was furious that I had done it. I told him why and he didn't like the answer. That's it. Nothing but a bitter man with hard fists.
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Joe asked a very important question: did he hit you anywhere else? Shit, Booker hadn't even thought of that. Was Nicky hurt elsewhere? ]
You're not hurt anywhere else, right? No busted ribs or anything?
[ His mind went to the worst options, of course, because that's what Booker did when he worried.
It was stupid though because Nicky wouldn't have been able to carry his stuff or pack with busted ribs. ]
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No, miei amori. No broken ribs. He grabbed my shoulders and shoved me around, but those are already fading.
[And just to prove it to his worried partners, he sat up and pulled off the over sized long sleeve shirt he'd been wearing. His skin was pale and unmarked save for bruises high on his upper arms and a few hints of what could have been something on his shoulder blades when he turned to show them his back.]
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Oh... Nicky.
[ He would find a way to get revenge for this and make Nicky's dad suffer. It wouldn't be fast. Booker could nurse a grudge for a long time but as much as he wanted to hurt the bastard Nicky needs care first.
Booker leaned in and pressed gentle kisses against his shoulders and arms. It soothed him and he hoped comforted Nicky a little bit. ]
We're going to make sure nothing like this ever happens to you again. I promise.
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