See the Light

Every time Nick laughed, Jeff felt his heart skip a beat, and this time was no exception. Bending his head, he kissed the top of his boyfriend’s head, wrapping his arms around him as he held him close to his chest. “I only speak the truth, you know. At least I’m honest.” He laughed. “I think so too. Making up for lost time. Whatever it is I don’t want it to stop.” Nick’s question landed, and Jeff shrugged. “I…Don’t know. There have been some whispers about something like that, but nothing solid yet. Right now it’s just a press thing. A fan meet up. That kind of thing.” Jeff didn’t want to think about the possibility of leaving Nick for long periods of time, it made him too sad. “You’re right it is. And I know I don’t babe. But I want to spoil you. I want to give you everything. And to have these experiences with you. I want to make these memories. Everything, with you.” Jeff bent forward, nuzzling into Nick’s neck. “Worrying me? Not really. I think I’m just feeling a little bit of general stress. But, it’s alright. As long as I have you, everything will be.” The blush on Nick’s cheeks brought one of Jeff’s own, and he moved to grab Nick around the waist, guiding him back towards the couch. “I love you too, babe. So much. Everything about you makes me fall more in love with you every day. You’re right though, they do, and I’m glad you agree.” Grinning, Jeff laid Nick back across the couch, climbing on top of him and kissing along his cheeks and jaw. “Tell me what you’re feeling. What you’re thinking. How your day was. What you’re most excited for about London. Tell me everything. All of it.”

“Honest is always good.  I want you to always be honest with me,” Nick grinned at Jeff.  “I think we could probably do that for the rest of our lives and it wouldn’t feel like enough.  But I also like living in the moment with you, sharing this with us, right now.”  Nick could tell his question might have landed a little too close to home and he felt Jeff tense slightly.  He rubbed his hands soothingly up and down Jeff’s back.  “Okay.  We’ll take it as it comes, and make it work.  I promise.” Nick shook his head, a beaming smile on his face.  “You are everything.  So I already have that.  And even talking over the bar, or sharing a bottle of wine here at home, and dancing in the kitchen is an experience and a memory with you.  Just like other memories include doing homework, and passing notes in class.  What might seem simple, becomes special, because of the person.”  He closed his eyes groaning softly as Jeff nuzzled into his neck.  “You’ve got me.  I’m not going anywhere.”  

That is amazing! You guys gotta enjoy that time! Have fun! Traveling with someone like him is always a great time.

Honestly I dunno it wouldn’t be til the end of the year, maybe new year I still have so much to think about and do. And maybe we don’t charge a cover we just tell people if they wanna donate they can. We have plenty of time to think about it. Ohhh so others see the greatness in your place that I see? Thats a great thing!

I am very much looking forward to it.  I’ve always had fun travelling with Jeff.  Of course it’s a little different now-- in the best way.

In the new year could work for sure.  It would help that they’re not all together and feels like the bar is losing it’s focus.  Let me know as you know more and we can see what will work.  I would prefer that.  Maybe my staff would even be willing to forgo the tip jar and just make that a donation too.  We can talk about specials where if purchased, we can split the profits.  Yeah, I guess.  And it’s cool.  But that’s not exactly why opened this place and I really want to protect the vibe.

It has, but in the BEST way if you ask me! Blainers invited me out on a family trip, so you could say it’s been incredible. I am always looking forward, ALWAYS. It’s the smart way to be. What do you get from looking back? Nothing, I say. You know, we could make some plans. What do you think about partnering with THE Cooper Anderson at your bar for an event? I’d offer myself up for a dating show at the bar or something. I bet that’d be fun.

I can’t disagree with you there.  I get what you’re sayin about looking back, but sometimes, there is a fondness, a nostalgia that comes from the past.  And thos that don’t remember their past are probably doomed to repeat it.  Besides, I don’t think anyone can set foot in The Commons and not see how much of the past, and a memory, I’ve put into it.  And I’ll never be apologetic about that.  I did what I did for a reason, and I still stand by it.  That is an interesting thought.  I’m getting requests to use the bar for things, and it’s flattering.  Give me some more details, just know that you’ve probably got a couple of things ahead of you.  so if you can hold tight -- maybe we can work it out.   It would be a great time to debut that drink I came up with for you.

You are seriously too good to me! I just talked to Jeff and he said the same thing about treating me. How are things with you two? I was thinking, if you didn’t mind, after my listening party if I could perform my Album at the Commons? I wanted to raise some money for my charity and I was thinking if we promote it and everything then we can split the door?

Pfft.  This is a celebration.  It’s a big deal; I get it.  Jeff definitely gets it.  Things are awesome.  We’re heading off on a little get away, the two of us.  He has some work to do, not in New York,  and we’re going to take a couple of extra days, play tourist and do a couple of things we want to do.  When are you planning on having this?  You’re the second person now to come to me with wanting to use the bar, and while that’s cool, don’t get me wrong-- I am a little anxious about doing too many things all at once. I’ve actually never charged a cover before.  And I know that’s how you plan to raise money for your charity, but maybe we can come up with somethin different?   That and I am no where near ready to plan an even to be at the bar, and not have me on site, and like I said, Jeff and I are getting away.  

It is official! My album is done! Now I may not be touring but I am so proud of this one! So in celebration if we go out, drinks are on me!

@atfgstarters​

That is awesome news Mercedes.  Pfft, I will make sure it’s known to my staff that if you come in, your money is no good for the next little bit.  

I am not looking forward to Fall any more than I am any other season; it is just another season, another month, another day. It is nice to hear you have something so exciting to look forward to. Congratulations to you both. I also have no exciting plans, again no different than any other time or day. Perhaps I will stop by the bar. 

When I wrote that I didn’t have anything specific in mind, just the natural progression of time and the fact that things seem to have settled nicely.  Although yes, now I do have something specific to look forward to; a trip abroad.    I’m guessing that you both is Jeff and I?  I’ll say thank you, for both of us. We’re enjoying ourselves.  If you wanted to change that, you know you could.  But I’m guessing that’s the point.  Wait--- what?  Really?  I’d be thrilled to see you out. 

Alright so go with me on this- I wanted to announce that I’m having a nice little shindig at my place for the long, holiday weekend. I figure we’ll start things up at around 1:30 PM, and go until we can’t anymore! I’ll be firing up the grill, and taking care of all the food and drink items, so let me know if there’s something specific you’ll want. Otherwise, we’ll do the usual- burgers, dogs, grilled chicken, veggie skewers, potato salad, regular salad, slaw, green beans, the works. Of course we’ll have an open bar, so no worries there. I’m asking anyone who wants to, to bring a dessert of some kind, but if you show up empty-handed you won’t be heckled. Let me know if you want to swing by, there’s plenty to do. And, I’ve got a pool, so bring those suits to enjoy one of the last warm days of the year. 

@atfgstarters​

Ah, maybe I’ll see if Jeff wants to join me there for a couple of hours before I have to be at the bar.  Sounds like a chill, fun time.  Thanks for the invite.

Laughing, Jeff mimicked Nick’s motions and rolled his own eyes. “I guess we are then. How lucky for us both. And…” He continued with a wiggle of his eyebrows, “We also get lucky a lot, so that’s, like, double the luck!” The grin that spread across his face was genuine, and he leaned in to rest his head on Nick’s shoulder for a moment, wrapping his arms around Nick’s waist. “You’re right, now you know. I want you around, always. No question, you don’t even have to ask. Wherever I am, I want you to be. Let me know if you need any help making things work, you know I’ll move mountains for you. That’s a fact, you can test it.” Jeff teased. When Nick’s expression changed Jeff couldn’t stifle the laugh that came. “A week in London, baby. You heard me right. Excited, are you?” Jeff asked, kissing Nick once again. “It wasn’t, so thanks for explaining. I’m joking, you know that right? I’m glad you’re so excited. I thought it would be the perfect chance for us to just spend some time. Just us. No friends, no bar, no press or work to worry about. Just us, being us.” Jeff continued, pulling Nick in against his chest, wanting to feel the weight of the other against him. “I do too, that’s funny. It looks like we really are sharing a brain these days. I just couldn’t fathom going to London without you there, by my side, to kiss at the top of the London Eye. In fact, since Times Square, it’s my mission in life to make sure I kiss you at the top of every ferris wheel we see for the rest of our lives. It’s just a rule.”

Nick laughed and buried his face in Jeff’s chest.  “I’d say I can’t believe you just said that, but actually yeah, I can.  I like to think we’re just making it up to teenaged Jeff and Nick,” he winked at his boyfriend.  He looked at Jeff.  “So work in London... does that mean you might have to go there, or to Europe soon, for longer?   Or is this just a good excuse to get away and enjoy Europe and each other?”  Nick sighed softly, a warm smile on his face.  “It sounds incredible. It’s going to be the best time.  But you do know you don’t have to take me far for me to think that.  I just need to be with you Jeff.”  Nick wrapped his arms around his boyfriend’s neck.  “Is there something with our friends, or the bar, or press, or work that is worrying you?”  he asked.   As he settled, resting fully against Jeff, Nick smiled.  “I love you.  I just think great minds think alike.  I fully support this rule by the way.  It sounds really nice.”  His cheeks turned crimson.  

Ollie: Understandable. What about next Thursday, then?

Ollie: Honestly mate, I've never done a damn thing even close to this. I'm just tossing numbers. It'll probably be easier if you tell me what you're thinking, I'm sure we can come to a fair price.

NICK: And here is where you hate me... I'm out of town then, and given it's the first time I'm trying this out, I'd rather I be here.

NICK: If we go another week... it will coincide with the start of Fall.

↳ INSTAGRAM: @warblernickduval UPLOADED A VIDEO: 

I’m not saying that my plan to open a bar was to have my friends around to sing with, but well it kind of was.  Another #VPSUECHALLENGE, this time a duet, with the very talented @STERLINGHEARTSOFFICIAL.  From the minute I saw this live version of the song, something about it struck a chord with me and reminded me of this guy I get to sing with.   #vpsuechallenge  #duet   #shallow   #boyfriends

Oliver: You're the man, Nick! I'm thinking this upcoming Thursday night. I know that's a hell of a time to choose, but I didn't want to have you shut down over the weekend, and miss that busy time.

Oliver: How does $8,000 sound?

NICK: This Thursday? That's quick-- I'm not sure if that is doable.