harold lauder.

Nick: Might be, huh? I know so. Well...That's awful, and just wrong. But, I know I can fix that. Change it, I mean. At least, give things a brighter starting point. I want you to feel the same, too. I'm glad you do.

Nick: I...Am?

Nick: Thanks. I find humor is the best way to deal with just about anything. I'm glad you think so Harold. I think you're really easy to talk to, too. Really easy, actually.

Nick: I have no doubt I'll love it. You will. You're sweet, Harold.

Harold: I think you might be right. You think so? I don't think anyone else has really thought so before. I'm glad you do, though. I want you to.

Nick: Well, to be fair, I wouldn't exactly know. But, I know no one has put in any effort that I'm aware of to let me know.

Nick: Did you make it, Harold? The lasagna, I mean. Please be careful. I'll wait on the porch!

Harold: You're funny. That's surprising, though. You're not hard to talk to.

Nick: I...Do?

Nick: No kidding? I love lasagna! It's one of my favorites..

Harold: Yeah, you do. Has nobody told you that before?

Nick: Yes, I really do. You look really good.

Nick: I'm glad you're glad, in that case. You should be glad. Happy, I mean.

Nick: Really? I'll unlock the door. Just come on in. What did you bring?

Harold: /You/ look really good.

Nick: You are...You look...

Nick: That's a really great picture, Harold.

Harold: You think so?

Harold: I'm glad you think so.

Nick: I know you did. Even so, I wanted to make sure you hadn't changed your mind. Plus, last time, we didn't discuss sharing a bed beforehand. Just pointing that out. Not that it matters, I don't want to be argumentative. No, it doesn't. Not at all.

Nick: I...Have no idea. I'm trying my best not to think about it if I'm being honest. Maybe that's stupid of me, but...I don't want to jump to conclusions. I just hope that whatever is happening stops soon.

Nick: Do you have a theory?

Harold: I don't mind sharing a bed. I'd like to. With you.

Harold: It could be anyone but you, you saw it. Principal Weems. Any of the teachers. Maybe even someone in town. Did you see anything?

Nick: I'm not sure. I think I just wanted to check. To make sure. I wouldn't want you to be uncomfortable. I don't think it's weird to have you over. I prefer it. You're right. That's it. Right.

Harold: I said I would stay the last time I was over. I wouldn't have said yes if it made me uncomfortable. Does it make you uncomfortable?

Nick: Do you think that's...Weird? The offer, I mean.

Nick: I don't either, to be honest. At least, not the stuff most people consider gross.

Nick: Yeah, it is.

Nick: I...What if I did, Harold?

Nick: You're right about that. I've never understood why people seem to look down on some jobs. You're working, that's what matters. And, as much as people may think what they think, at the end of the day they would be really upset if you didn't show up for a day. I'm glad about that though. I'm sure you are too.

Nick: Yeah, it was a little bit of a rough morning. It's getting better now though.

Nick: I would too.

Nick: I was thinking...The couch can't be too comfortable...If you wanted, we could- I just mean there's room in my bed, if you wanted something more comfortable.

Harold: It's just too gross for some people. I don't care about gross.

Harold: That's good.

Nick: Just alright?

Nick: I'm okay, I just wanted to check on you.

Nick: [...]

Nick: Would you like to stay with me again tonight?

Harold: Well, I am a janitor. It's not too bad, though. I know a lot of people that wouldn't have the balls. It's been a few hours since the last time I was called about vomit.

Harold: Just okay?

Nick: Hey, Harold.

Nick: Are you having a good day?

Harold: Hey, Nick.

Nick took a moment to take in what Harold was saying, his brows furrowing with concern. Shaking his head, he scooted a bit closer to the other man, leaning in a bit. “I’m so sorry, Harold. That isn’t okay. But…It’s special to me, having the honor of caring.” The question was one Nick had thought about several times, however he had always found a reason to stop himself, which he always disguised to avoid the fact that he was nervous. Seeing the other so excited brought a smile to Nick’s face, which widened when the offer was officially accepted. “Thank you, Harold. I would like that too. Obviously. I think it will, yes. You…You would? We can do that, yes. What would you like to watch? You can pick something, I can make popcorn if you want?”

The surprise was evident on Harold’s face, bringing a tint of red to Nick’s cheeks. “Yeah, I was. I just…I just wanted to know you were safe. If there’s something going around attacking people…I just worried you might be out. Outside.” Shrugging, Nick smiled softly. “Don’t worry about me, I’m tough as nails.” He joked, attempting to lighten the mood, even just a bit. “I’m okay, for the most part. I’m not…i’m still not really sure what happened. I was walking…Then all of a sudden, it felt like something slammed into me. I fell, but when I looked back, there was nothing. Except…What I saw. At the edge of the forest.” Pausing, Nick shook his head before looking back at Harold. “I can do that, yes.” He nodded, chewing at his lip. “You’d do that? Miss work with me? In that case…Would you want to stay here? Tonight?”