#settling in

He pulled out a can of your favorite soda from his fridge and held it out to you.

You took it from him and cracked it open while he settled next to you at his kitchen bar. He held up his own can and tapped against yours before taking a healthy swig.

"Besides, it's nice having someone from back home around again. Vegas has its attractions and distractions, sure, but sometimes it's not enough to ease that gnawing homesick ache, you know."

You nodded.

You did know.

Texas hadn't exactly felt like home since Nick had left it some years ago. Sure, you could find plenty to do in some of the bigger cities, but it was never quite enough to each your own ache at his absence.

The two of you had been part of a larger friend group in school, but you'd quickly found yourself paired off with Nick whenever your group was doing couple-y things. At least, you did until Nick found himself attached to someone else. The girl had been sweet enough, but it'd put you as the odd one out in the group more often than not.

When you would've pulled away from the group, it was Nick who kept you anchored to it, reaching out when he didn't see or hear from you. He'd been your safe place back then, and he was proving to still be your safe place now.

A part of you worried you might be using Nick's sweet nature to your advantage.

After all, you did seek him out when you got to Vegas in the hopes of having one friendly face you could count on. Granted, you hadn't exactly begged him for a place to stay, having booked a hotel room for yourself until you found a more permanent solution. No, staying at his place had come from him directly, especially after hearing the name of your hotel. You didn't think his mouth could set into a firmer line than it did at that moment.

Then, he'd shaken his head at you and offered up his spare room for your use. He'd actually insisted when you tried to turn down his offer, going so far as putting his key in your hand and closing your fingers over it.

"Stop it," he commanded softly.

"Stop what?"

His grin didn't lessen as he took a sip of his own soda. "You're biting your lip. You only do that when you're feeling guilty or feeling like a burden. You have no reason to feel guilty, and you could never be a burden. So stop, please. For me?"

"For you," you said, biting back your own smile.

His knee nudged yours, and the two of you settled once more into a comfortable silence.

That was what made seeking him out so right in your mind. He never failed to make you feel safe, feel seen, in your younger days. It was going to be nice having him back in your life as you settled in Vegas, settled into your fresh start.

The silence continued until you finished your soda.

Taking his empty can with yours, you moved around the counter and dropped them into his recycle container.

"When do you start your new job again?" His voice came out casual, almost too casual.

"In a few days." You turned towards him with a quirked brow. "Why?"

Nick's grin bloomed again. "Just wantin' to know how long I get you to myself, is all."

You didn't know what to say to that. All the reasons he could want to know your work schedule, him declaring that wasn't one of them. It was enough to have your heart rate kick up in a way it hasn't since you both graduated high school. Though, it felt a bit different than it did back then. Something deeper, more meaningful than your old crush would've dictated.

"Come on, let's get you settled." Nick clapped his hands as he pushed himself to his feet. Grabbing your bags, he headed towards his spare room where he called out, "After we get your stuff put away, I'm treating you to dinner. It's my treat, so don't bother bringing your wallet. You won't need it."

Oh, you would be bringing your wallet, but the evening would end the way Nick promised it would. He paid for dinner and insisted on treating you to dessert as well from a nearby ice cream shop.

Whatever your fresh start held for you, you knew you'd be fine with Nick Stokes back in your life again.