champagne problems

Louis nodded as the harshness in the man’s tone nearly made him drop the box. He passed over Freddie’s usual sugary cereal, reserved for special occasions, and handed Nick his own cereal he usually had for breakfast. “Uh…right…” he said, looking down at the ground. “I’ll go and put the fire out. I’ll be right back.”

The air was freezing when he walked outside but the fire was still going strong. He put it out and picked up Nick’s guitar case. It felt heavy in his hands and he left it by the door so the boy could take it out in the morning. Or that night if he wanted to. Louis so badly wanted to admit to the boy he had the same feelings back-he felt like that might be Nick’s problem at the moment, maybe the feeling of unrequited love.

He walked back into the kitchen where Nick was still sitting, thankfully and put on the tea kettle. “By the way…” he began. He stopped as he heard the stairs creaking behind them and his son entered the room. Louis chuckled as the boy only had one sock on and had the other one off. He rubbed his eyes and Louis thought he would go up to him. But he didn’t. Freddie spotted Nick and pulled on his pants leg to get his attention. “Up,” he mumbled sleepily as he raised his little arms. As with all things Freddie, Louis felt his heart would burst.

Nick focused on getting the cereal ready. He didn’t know what to say to Louis, couldn’t bring himself to say much else. Because this was it. Louis was going to say that he didn’t actually want Nick. It was going to be like all the other times. Nick avoided his eyes. 

Whatever Nick was fearing never came because before Louis could finish his sentence, there was a tugging on Nick’s leg. Nick looked down to see Freddie, and broke out in a grin. He was in instant uncle mode. 

Nick picked Freddie up without question and put the kid on his lap. “Hey kiddo, you’re up pretty late. Couldn’t sleep?” 

Freddie nodded and buried his head in Nick’s chest. Nick couldn’t help but smile. This was Valentina’s favorite way to sit too. Nick instinctively ran a hand through Freddie’s hair. “I think you take after your dad,” Nick said casually. “When I met him he stayed up late all the time. Now he’s old and boring.” 

“Yeah, I hear ya,” Jensen said as his eyes wandered back to the guitars on the wall, “You gotta think about whether you want acoustic or electric, what brand, budget, accessories. A real pain in the ass, if you ask me.” He turned back to her, eyebrows raised curiously, absentmindedly picking at a thread sticking out from the outseam of his jeans. “So, what’s got you interested in guitars all of a sudden. Christmas gift or somethin’?” He was spending too much time around Misha, obviously – he was usually fairly to himself, reserved, maybe some people might even consider him a little shy. But being around loud mouths Misha and Zayn had obviously helped him in that department.

Then the woman apologized and Jensen’s brows pulled together, confused. “Why? You’re not botherin’ me. It’s not like you ran up to me and started cryin’ into my sleeve or something.” A soft chuckle passed through his lips and he shook his head. “If you had, I probably would’ve let you though. Weirder things have happened.” Jensen shifted awkwardly, clearing his throat again, shoving a hand in his pocket. But he still kept up the small talk, even if he was feeling a little awkward. “Name’s Jensen, by the way. Don’t think I’ve seen you around here. You just move in?” 

“I know who you are,” Barret blurted out. She immediately winced, and bit her tongue. Stupid, stupid, stupid. Who says that to someone they just met? Barrett groaned quietly. 

“I’m sorry. I just mean... I’ve seen your show. My freshman roommate and I watched it every week back when it started until you went to hell and she slept with my boyfriend. Long story. Anyway um... I’m a fan. I mean, I just, like... recognize you and think your work is super cool. I always have Supernatural on in the background now while I’m working. But I’m not a crazy stalker fan I swear. I didn’t like... move here to see you. Not that I think you’re like an asshole who just assumes people show up places to meet you. That didn’t come out right. I just mean, like I’m a fan. I’ve seen your show, but I’m not crazy about it. I just--”

Barrett sighed. She was really putting her foot in it. This was like her worst stage door experiences times ten. When she was nervous, she just didn’t know when to stop talking. 

I hate that as kids you never thought you could say no. It’s horrible what this industry can do to a person but I’m glad you were all able to overcome and be better than ever. Oh no, he’s in good hands with Zendaya. She won’t let him spoil a thing. Mark on the other hand, he’s always excited and ready to share. 

“Of course-you’re gonna have to let me know more about what I can do to help you,” he murmured. He led him into the kitchen. “Is cereal okay?” He asked. “I can make something as well if you need it,” he offered.

He still wondered how the boy felt but decided nothing needed to be rushed. They both cared about one another-that much was clear. However, they had time to navigate things and discuss them and make sure they were both okay with everything that was going on. Lou’s mum was always telling him to put his happiness first, but he knew that there was more than one person involved here.

“Cereal sounds amazing,” Nick said with a grin. “Seriously, as long as it’s calories it’s good. Just let me see the Nutrition facts on the back and we’re golden.” 

Nick sat himself up on the counter, watching Louis bustle about the kitchen. He didn’t know how he was feeling really. He had told Louis he loved him. And Nick realized with a jolt that it was true. Nick loved him. Had probably loved him for years. He traced back through the entire time he’d known Louis. 

They had met when they were both eighteen at some event, and Nick had wanted him almost immediately. But Nick was just coming to really come to terms with his sexuality at the time, and Nick couldn’t bring himself to act on it. And then Louis was always dating someone, or Nick was always sleeping with someone and the timing was just never right. Nick had made himself comfortable with their friendship. But now... now he didn’t know where that friendship stood. 

i don’t even have one so i wouldn’t know, well biological. i do love certain younger siblings as if they are my own though since we really kinda grew up together so i do think i have some kind of younger siblings still. not everything is blood!

“Of course-I just have to get my little man off to school in the morning,” Lou said. “I’m gonna clean up quickly ok?” Lou whispered. He went into the bathroom and was as quick as he could be. He then got dressed in a minimal amount of clothing and held his hand out to Nick softly, wondering how the boy was feeling. “Why don’t I show you up and then I’ll go take the fire out and your guitar in?” He suggested.

Nick nodded, sitting up. “I should clean up too,” he said. “Need to reattach my pump too.” 

Nick paused for a moment, feeling so unsure all the sudden. How did any of this work? How was any of this going to work. He felt lost, and alone. Then he gazed into Louis eyes. Okay, lost maybe. But not alone. 

Nick went into the bathroom and cleaned up a bit, reattaching his pump and checking his sugar levels. He frowned. A little low. He wasn’t feeling it yet, but once the adrenaline wore off, he would be if he didn’t get something in his system. When Louis came back in he asked. 

Yep, it’s been a really long time though so I wouldn’t expect anyone to really know that. I don’t know how you all keep up with those tours, especially when they seem to last for years. You can dream, you’ve just come to the wrong person to try to get them. Ask Mark, he’s good at spoiling things.

oh that’s so nice to have help, it’s only me and gemma so i have been on my own.. which, according to her and our mama was way more than enough so it most likely was good we didn’t have any other siblings.

Lou: Why do you think we didn’t tell you?

Lou: That’s how I get hot boys into my life

I can understand that. Our need for privacy isn’t about those things so much as we just don’t see a need to broadcast to the world. I think for many, that can be freeing and exciting, but for us, it doesn’t seem necessary. More power to those that do though! Thank you. I thought I might be destined to spend eternity as a bachelor but it seems I lucked out with Tom.

that’s very true! the job as little brother is very important. i do the same for my big sister, i love her to bits but i also love to annoy her even more. we were put on this earth to annoy them with our love, nick. it’s the way it is here.

Louis: He loves him actually lmao

Louis: I feel you on the creepy ha. I usually stick him somewhere in the kitchen in plain sight

Nick: Oh so your child is just as insane as his father. Good to know. 

Yep, I was the opener for Jesse McCartney back in 2005. My music career lasted all of a second, but I still remember the touring experience to be a lot. Even at 15. No way! I’m not letting you sacrifice yourself for secrets, Nick. You’ll just have to wait until the movie comes out like everyone else. I am just in the dark about No Way Home as you are. I only know about The Marvels.