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Deciphering the Bloom

By: seeker71



This is my first submission so constructive criticism is welcome. 

My gratitude to nomoretears00, who sent the email encouraging me to post, and did so much more you are awesome! 

Thanks to Cari Z.

Blackstallion21 is my amazing, talented editor. If there are any errors it's on me, I keep rewriting. 

This is a copyrighted work of fiction by the author seeker71. All rights reserved.




Nicolao scanned the occupants of the bus looking for his usual seat. His mouth quirked sideways in disappointment, the bus was unusually full and he would have to stand until something opened up. Perhaps he would have to forego his morning snooze to work. He grimaced again at the idea, adjusted his bag and began to make his way to the first open pole towards the rear. 

"Um, you can sit here."

Nicolao turned to meet the eyes of the speaker it was the kid on the first seat behind the driver. That was not just who he was today, it was how he identified him in his mind. The small young man sat there every morning, his ears covered by headphones, a cap pulled low over his eyes and his things sprawled next to him, preventing anyone from sitting beside him. 

"Sure, thank you," he responded as the seat was cleared. Once the backpack was snugly settled under the seat Nicolao eased his large frame down and placed his own bag at his feet. He caught the bus driver looking at him in the rearview mirror. He recalled one of his first times catching this bus; a boy got on and motioned for Kid on the First Seat to move his things. The woman's voice was too forceful as she barked a loud no, and directed the other male to open seats in the back. 

Maybe Kid on the First Seat is her son, he thought. 

But that did not seem right to him. The clothes were clean but threadbare, and that backpack had seen better days. Since the driver had no objection to his sitting there and he was getting nowhere with his own musings, Nicolao decided to go fishing.

"Thank you again for the seat, I am Nicolao," he flashed him his friendliest smile and extended his hand. 

"No prob... I mean you're welcome," the young man sighed, flustered, "I'm Davey." He tried to keep his breathing under control. He had offered the god of his fantasies a seat, but he did not think it would lead to actual conversation. 

Thinking is not your strong suit idiot, he chastised himself mentally. 

As they shook hands he met Nicolao's eyes and dropped them quickly to his lap. That small movement gave him hope that Davey was interested in him after all he liked what he saw thus far. Davey was about five foot and seven inches, almost foot shorter than Nicolao, slim, with pouty, pink lips and sad, dark blue eyes he pictured briefly all of the ways he could drive the sadness from his eyes, and had to shake himself to reality. He had to know how old he was before he got ahead of himself.

"So Davey, do you know why it's so crowded?" 

"Oh, it's orientation down at Tech. It gets like this at this time of year. Time for the schools to dump the dead weight, and most people like me scramble to Tech to finish up. It won't last long. Most people will lose interest in a week or two then things will go back to normal." Davey's voice was low, he would go weeks without speaking, and his vocal chords strained to perform when they were called upon.

Nicolao leaned in closer causing the smaller man to swallow nervously. 

"I don't quite understand, what is dumping the dead weight? I have only been here a few months and am not quite familiar with all things local."

"Oh, well um," Davey shrugged, somewhere in this explanation he was going to reveal to Nicolao the god, he was a loser, but at least he could look into those liquid brown eyes for this one morning. "This county has the best school system in the tri-county area based on standardized test scores and stuff. They keep on you about attendance and making improvements on your tests, cause the better the scores the more money and recognition."

Davey furrowed his eyebrows as he paused, Nicolao still appeared interested. "If you miss more than ten days or are not up to your yearly improvements you are either dumped from the rolls, encouraged to transfer to another district, get your GED or do one of the alternative trade schools. This is the week after interim, people know whether they will make it this semester or if times up, so folks are looking at their options." 

"The dead weight dump is the district dumping kids." Nicolao was disappointed, not only was Davey apparently a high school student, but his new home town was as mired in class division as he suspected. "I suppose those with disabilities are also dumped." 

Davey looked at his companion the big man's expression had darkened. "No, actually those with disabilities have a file and their scores are not counted. It only affects people with no diagnosed disabilities."

"And you are one of those dumped kids?"

Davey wished he was invisible, his common prayer to an uninterested God. "I'm in my last year of school and I'm twenty years old, not really a kid." He looked out of the window, he couldn't make out things in the distance without his glasses and he preferred it that way. His eyes naturally obscured the world from him, and the world never took him under scrutiny, so they were mutually blind to one another in his reckoning. 

"But you kept going and soon you will be finished."

Davey returned his gaze to him, unsure if the man was having fun at his expense. He had been talking to a twenty year old high school senior, and still didn't appear fazed. Davey could not process that he still wanted to talk to him, even as Nicolao filled the silence. 

"I have a younger sister, Nieves. She was what, my family just called slow," Nicolao looked upward, visually picturing his sister, the corners of his mouth lifted in a soft smile. 

"I tell you she tried so hard to understand what came easily to the rest of us, and the neighborhood kids were not always kind." He shrugged his broad shoulders, brought his gaze from the past, and winked at Davey.

"The taunts never went too far, I made sure of that. But what I was always so proud of the way she never quit trying, never stopped, even when it seemed to be a waste of effort and time. Nieves was diagnosed with Visual Processing Disorder when she was fourteen. You should be proud you didn't quit." Nicolao held Davey's eyes, and was rewarded with dimples as he smiled.

He could hardly believe it. The object of his crush was not only gorgeous, but he was kind, had protected his sister, and was actually telling him, he should be proud. 

He doesn't know I'm a fag though, Davey told himself. 

Davey was naturally small, which most of the worlds a-holes equated with him being gay. He was not twitchy, but somehow the a-holes always knew, like it was tattooed on his forehead. 

"Did Nieves finish school?"

"No, actually she got her GED, she got knocked up her senior year, but that had nothing to do with her disability." 

Davey cocked his head to the side, not knowing what to say, then joined Nicolao as he laughed out loud; he noted the laugh was near soundless. 

At least he is looking at me now, and he is not jailbait, Nicolao thought.

They were quickly approaching Davey's stop, he wished he had more time. Nicolao was probably not gay, but maybe he could be a friendly face on the bus.

"Nicolao and Nieves what kind of names are those?"

"Spanish, my mother is Argentine and my last name, Evangelista, is courtesy of my Italian father. There are five of us kids all with names beginning with N." 

Davey liked the masculine rumble of his voice, and the slight accent. 

"My stop is next." Davey reluctantly shifted to get his backpack. Nicolao did not move, and the slight man's body pressed against him. A vision of him bent over for another reason, caused Nicolao's chest to tighten. The contact was something he definitely wanted more of. He reached over and pulled the collar of the young man's jacket up. 

"I know I am new to the weather, but aren't you cold?"

Davey's heart caught in his throat. The look from those warm, brown, pools was unmistakable, Nicolao was checking him out. 

"I don't get that cold," Davey muttered, dropping his eyes.

Nicolao saw that the headphones were attached not to an mp3 player, but to a walkman.

"Well, maybe I will see you some time Nicolao." Davey said as he slid past him.

"Yes, I will see you tomorrow Davey. Have a good day my friend." He replied.

Davey blushed as he descended the steps. Of course he would see him tomorrow. They saw one another five days a week. Davey braced against the bone- chilling cold and swung his backpack over his shoulders. His heart fluttered as he thought of Nicolao, and made his way to his first class.

Nicolao was pondering what he wanted from the man that had just left his presence, when her voice intruded on his musings.

"Davey don't have a coat." The bus driver offered; she did not wait for a response, "that's why he sits behind me, so he can warm up with my heater." She made eye contact via the rearview mirror, and inclined her chin toward the small heater, pointing mostly to the vacant seat.

"He's a good kid mister... "

"Nicolao."

"Nicolao, I'm Addie. I look out for him best I can."

If that is true, why let him run around without a coat? He posed the question to himself.

As if she heard his thoughts, Addie shook her head, "The wind breaker he has on I gave him three years ago. I give him coats but the ass who's 'sposed to look after him takes them, to wear them or sell them. Either way he won't take any more from me, it's not like I haven't tried, but he'd rather be cold than have me taken advantage of." 

Nicolao waited for Addie to say more, but that was the extent of what she wanted to share. She wanted to him to know Davey was a good kid, a good, cold kid. He looked down at his own coat. He had paid three hundred for it, an investment he could not regret, the coat fit his muscular frame, was warm, and he looked damn good in it. The cold of February chilled him to the bone. He wondered how Davey made it, every day with only the thin jacket. 

"Well, Miss Addie, I'm a good guy, so we have that in common. But actions speak louder than words. Have a good day." He called out as he exited the bus. The days ahead were full of promise now, and all it cost him was his morning shut eye.

*****

A pattern formed in the following days. Nicolao would get on at his stop, sit next to Davey, and would inquire about how his day had unfolded. Davey would answer, but rarely initiated further conversation. He would either launch into an anecdote about his family, or observations about the city. Once he exited the bus, Nicolao would get more information from Addie. 

She had been driving Davey for six years. He lived in the worst part of town, deemed the Under, as in under the poverty line. He had transferred to the better high school, Wilson, his freshman year, which was why he was on her bus. Addie had two boys of her own, and had taken a liking to the shy teen. She said he would not make it to school for weeks on end, but at the beginning of every school year, he would be back. Things had never been good for the kid, but she noticed it got worse three years ago. He never dressed well, but he had less clothes, and he got skinnier. Then Davey just stopped showing up that winter, and did not reappear until he started the program at Tech, the next fall. Addie offered the theory, that Davey's uncle had gotten more strung out on drugs, but warned Nicolao that he never spoke ill of the man. 

There was only one day until the end of the week, and Nicolao had watched Davey, in the cold, for long enough. He made plans to meet Addie's bus not far from his office on his lunch break. Addie, he thought, was a middle aged woman who had never been pretty, but when he shared his idea her green eyes illuminated. He chided himself.

Addie is quite pretty, you just have to see her filtered through joy, he thought. 

Nicolao shook his head, as he wondered when his mother had taken up residence in his brain. 

Friday morning Nicolao resisted the urge to smile when he saw Davey.

"Looking good in that coat, now I don't have to worry about you getting to cold in this weather," he fingered the sleeve of the brownish orange coat. 

He blushed, "I don't get that cold really-"

Nicolao raised a well formed eyebrow halting the obvious untruth.

"Thanks, it's a loaner coat from Addie, but is sure feels nice...but you should never have worried. The cold isn't that bad." Davey offered.

Of course the coat was his, he had instructed Addie to offer his purchase to Davey, and have him leave the coat with Addie, since he was on her afternoon route as well. The coat would remain out of the uncle's hands, and their little friend would be warm for at least part of the day.

"Does it really look good? I mean the color..." Davey faltered.

"You don't like the color?" Nicolao could not keep the amusement from his voice.

"Oh, no...I mean, yeah, I like the color...but you said I looked good. I would never think of orange is all." Davey wondered why he brought it up, he was happy for the coat. Nicolao was being nice when he said he looked good.

"It's a contrasting color to your hair and blue eyes. It makes your features stand out, and in my opinion you look very good." He allowed his eyes to dance over Davey's body. Davey imagined he could feel Nicolao's gaze on his skin, and his dick responded to the phantom caress, becoming full with each passing second. He was all the more grateful for the coat so evidence his arousal could not be seen. When he got home, it was his daily practice to go over every word Nicolao had spoken, his laughter, and the deep, baritone pitch of his voice was a hypnotic melody he pleasured himself by.

Nicolao observed with satisfaction, the quickening breath, and pupil dilation of his intended. Davey was reserved, but he was responsive. He enjoyed a good seduction, but that did not explain the other emotion tugging at him, as he saw him in the coat. They completed their ride in comfortable silence, as he pondered the nature of his feelings.

*****

It was another week before Nicolao asked Davey out on a date. 

Davey paused so long he thought he was going to be rejected. He wanted to just agree to anything, as long as he got to spend more time with Nicolao, but he had no clothes to wear on a date. 

"Some nights I work on floors... " It wasn't a lie he did earn money occasionally, helping Mr. Ernst, but not that weekend.

"Well, how about lunch? There is an Italian place I love, not far from my apartment, Vesuvius."

Davey nodded, "Yeah, I have seen it."

"How about we meet there tomorrow at noon?" 

Davey beamed at Nicolao, showing his dimples, and he could not help but return the brilliant smile.

"Here is my card in case anything changes it has my cell, and business line." He handed him the card and his own cell, "just dial your number and I will save it." He ordered casually. 

"I don't have a phone." Davey ducked his head, as he returned the phone. 

"Oh, well there just can't be a change in plans. I will see you tomorrow, have a good day." Nicolao called out his usual valediction.

When Nicolao arrived at Vesuvius', Davey was there waiting, without a coat. 

"Have you been waiting long?"

"No, I got here a bit early on the bus." Davey had on a button down, white shirt, and his best jeans. 

Nicolao was glad to see he had ditched the hat, and he could see his hair was a light blond halo of curls, but perched on the bridge of his nose were glasses. He wondered how he had missed that, he looked even more adorable. Without preamble, he grabbed Davey's hand, and led him to a table in the corner. Davey followed mutely, watching the perfect ass in front of him.

If I die now I would have no regrets, Davey thought. 

After they seated themselves, Nicolao waved at the waitress, and pushed his hair behind his ear. For work he kept it neatly pulled back, and tucked in his jacket, but it hung freely, past his shoulder blades. The firm he worked for did think he should have a professional cut, but he claimed it was cultural they dropped the matter, and even offered him an apology. 

"I come here a lot, this is officially my table." 

The waitress brought menus and water. When she returned, he asked if Davey was ready, but he shrugged, and asked Nicolao to order for them both, since he had never been there. Nicolao took the opportunity to order everything he loved from the menu. It was lunch, and he would work it off in the gym later. 

"I didn't know you wore glasses Davey."

Davey chewed his calamari, "I'm near sighted, so I only put them on once I'm headed to class." He decided to not mention his congenital cataract it was not a winning conversation.

"Speaking of class, you will have all of your credits in few weeks. What will you do once you are finished?" Nicolao regretted the question before he finished posing it.

Davey's blue eyes took on their familiar sadness. "I have to get full-time work. There are lots of jobs for drivers, and things, but I don't know how to drive. I have never been good with my hands in fact I am not that good at anything really. I have applications out, but I haven't gotten one email or anything. Uncle Ben isn't trying to make me move, so I will figure it out."

"How long has it been you and your uncle?"

"Fourteen years? My mom died when I was seven. She got pneumonia. I remember the paramedics came, wheeled her out, and I never saw her again." There was a distance he could feel as Davey spoke. His voice was detached, as if hollowed out.

Jesus, bad topic, way to start a date bring up his dead mother, Nicolao berated himself mentally.

"Your dad?" 

Davey shrugged.

Nicolao's large hand encompassed Davey's hand, and squeezed. "It's okay, you don't have to talk about it. I was just trying to get to know you better. Why don't you try your eggplant parmesan, and I will tell you how I know it can get better for you."

Davey picked up his fork, but was surprised Nicolao did not let go of his fingers. "I am not the most successful guy I know. But I am making a comfortable life for myself, as an interpreter, and paralegal." 

Davey wanted to tell him he was the most successful person he knew, but only nodded in agreement.

"When I was twenty I had completed high school, but," Nicolao blew a breath out, and paused.

He's nervous. Davey realized.

"I was in prison."

Davey wanted to snort, and tell him to stop lying to him, but he could see the sincerity in his eyes.

"Why?"

Nicolao relaxed a bit, Davey had not removed his hand from his.

"Ultimately, DUI and cocaine possession, my mother has some displaced warrior theory, but the truth is I was just destructive. I came from a solid family, there is no excuse for what I put them all through, I liked dabbling in dangerous things. After graduation I did not want to work in my father's auto body shop. I took classes at the local college, but I stopped going after one semester. My friends and I would go drinking, and race. Pretty soon, I was using drugs...I never got addicted, but I just kept pushing my limits. One night I was really wasted, I had gotten dumped by my girlfriend and my boyfriend." 

Davey's eyebrow shot up at that statement, he smirked. "I used to only date in pairs...I was such an ass."

Nicolao paused to drink, "I drove and tried to straighten out a curved road. I wrecked, totaling the car Pop and I had restored together. I was arrested for DUI, reckless endangerment, and when they inspected the Impala they found coke, mushrooms and weed."

"Were you hurt?"

Nicolao let out a mirthless laugh, "No, hardly a scratch, I only destroyed the barrier and the car. But I could have killed someone, someone who unlike me, cared if they lived or died, and that is why my parents would not help me. My family showed up for all court dates, but refused to hire an attorney for me. Ma said the only way I would get better would be for me to go through the challenge I had created on my own, I did two years in jail."


Deciphering the Bloom Ch. 02



Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote and comment, constructive criticism is welcome. 

My continued gratitude to nomoretears00, I'm getting better, I will try to not wear out your shoulder! 

Thanks to Cari Z.

Blackstallion21 is my talented editor. If there are any errors it's on me, I keep rewriting. 

This is a copyrighted work of fiction by the author seeker71. All rights reserved.






Two hours passed and Nicolao hung up the phone, it was his third time calling David, going straight to voicemail. He ran his fingers through his cropped hair he knew David shouldn't have left him.

The buzzer for the gate sounded. He found it odd since he had given David all of the codes, he could open the gates himself. He hit the remote opener and went outside. It was the cab, but the back seat was empty, an annoyed Omar stepped out.

"I waited for your little friend for an hour, he never called me and I need to get paid. What kind of scam do you think you're running?"

Nicolao glared at the man, "Stay here!" He ran in the house, grabbed a coat and flew back out.

He pulled out a one hundred dollar bill. "Take me to him, now. I have another for you on the return, one hundred an hour, not bad, not a scam." Nicolao knew his anger was misdirected, he knew he should not have let Davey go.

Nicolao entered the trailer, in spite of Omar warning him against entering the dwelling without a weapon. He had little fear for his own safety. He was shocked by the wretchedness of the place that was Davey's home. There was no refrigerator, in fact no real furniture, as far as he could tell, just giant cable spools and milk crates, it was squalor. He saw blood on the disgusting carpet, and all notions of caution were discarded.

"David! David, Dee are you in here!" He bellowed, frantically he made his way through the trailer. Nicolao saw the crumpled form and his heart dropped. Davey lay on the floor, in a back bedroom. He knew instinctively it was his room the bed was incongruous to the rest of the home, neatly made and clean. Gingerly, he turned Davey over there was dried blood on his face and the beginnings of bruises. 

He pulled Davey into his arm. "Wake up baby, Dee. Dee look at me, come back to me now." 

Davey stirred, his eyes fluttered. "That's it baby, you're alright. Just wake up for me."

Davey struggled in the fog. He was cold, and he hurt. But Nicolao wanted him to get up. Nicolao! Davey surged into wakefulness. Pain was his reward when his arm flailed outward.

"Nic-Nicolao?" Davey looked into Nicolao's face. "You came?" Davey felt the tears and was helpless to stop them. 

"Baby, it's okay, I'm going to take you to the hospital," He hated watching David cry. 

"No, no hospital, please just take me to your house Nicolao. Please, it's not bad, I swear, but no hospitals," Davey sobbed. 

He picked Davey up. He was startled to see Omar at the entrance of the trailer with a gun in his hand. Nicolao nodded in silent thanks. He settled Davey in the back seat, covering him with his coat. 

"Okay baby, don't worry about that now, no hospital let's get you home." Nicolao never used terms of endearment, but found he kept uttering them. 

Omar was at the driver side and shook his head. "Get him away from here, but go gather what he needs right now."

Nicolao peered at him, not comprehending.

"No problem with assisting with him absconding, but you always take your documents. The kid should have a social security card, birth certificates... slave papers, that kind of shit, get it now. He's banged up, but a few minutes won't kill him. Make it a clean break; I'll keep an eye out." Omar offered.

Nicolao asked Davey if he knew where the papers were. Davey gave him the location, and Nicolao emerged minutes later with a milk crate full of papers. When he settled in the seat he wordlessly pulled Davey to him. 

"I'm sorry, Nicolao. Uncle Ben took everything, all the things you gave me. I tried to fight back but he hit me from behind. I tried... " Davey buried his face in Nicolao's coat.

"Dee, I don't give a damn about the phone, or coat, or whatever he took. That man hurt you, and I can't wait to see him face to face to repay in kind," Nicolao imagined smashing the man's face in.

"I bought you a present I just wanted to wrap it for you. I shouldn't have gone home, it's my fault. Let me stay for a few days until he calms down."

Nicolao felt sick inside. Did he really think he was to blame? He swallowed, and pushed his anger aside. David had dealt with a lifetime of rage, and ugliness, more of the same was not what he needed.

He gentled his voice. "It's alright now. You did nothing wrong, and you are going to stay with me. If anything is broken I am sure Jeremy knows someone we can call. Okay baby?"

"Okay." Davey rested his head on his shoulder and cried silently. There were too many emotions to sort through, but in a cab next to Nicolao he knew he was home.

Nicolao offered Omar the other hundred, but the driver refused saying he was glad the "little man" was alright.

Nicolao filled the tub in his bathroom with hot water, and turned the jets on. He began dressing his injuries. The wound on his head was not bad, a small gash, he cleaned, and packed. He helped David undress, the left hand had been stepped on, and the fingers were swelling. 

When he got David's pants off he smiled ruefully, "Dee, baby, not the way I pictured the first time I'd undressed you."

"I'm sorry Nicolao."

"Please don't apologize again," Nicolao's pressed his lips together, regretting his attempt at levity, "You're safe that's all that matters."

Davey had taken most of the damage on one side. He was bruised, but nothing appeared to be broken. Despite the injuries, and his small stature Davey was beautiful. His unclothed body was muscular, likely from the walking and manual labor for Mr. Ernst. His body sported a sparse amount of hair, at his armpits and crotch, Nicolao's attention fell between Davey's legs, to his flawless cock, that was semi- erect and lengthening. He snapped his eyes to dark blue one's that watched him expectantly. Nicolao tried to speak, but his throat was constricted, he tried again.

"Let me put you in the tub to ease your muscles, but I want to keep your hand in ice to keep the swelling down. You don't have any signs of a concussion, but you were out for what an hour?"

"No, I woke up and crawled to my room, I think I was going to my bed."

"But you passed out again in your room?" Davey nodded, "That has me worried."

"I was hurt; it hurt too much to move so I gave up on moving."

Nicolao bent down to pick him up.

"I can walk!"

Nicolao shrugged, easily scooping Davey up. "And I can carry you."

Davey groaned as the water enveloped him, the jet shooting bubbles on his battered body. Nicolao left returning with a bowl of ice, he made him put his swollen hand in. 

"I'll be outside the door," Nicolao turned to leave. 

"The tub is huge... I don't want-"

Nicolao reasoned David was more than a little overwhelmed by the day's events. He undressed quickly and positioned himself behind Davey.

He located a sponge and lathered Davey. He shampooed the soft blond curls, and cradled his head as he tilted back to rinse. Nicolao was amazed, David had been abused, yet he lay in his arm so vulnerable, and trusting.

"You had a present for me?" 

Davey sighed, "Those black earrings you picked up."

"You got me those! Thanks, I don't know if my holes closed, it's been a few years." 

"He took them, and it wasn't as nice as all your gifts, and the flowers."

"I don't know about that. You understood the flowers?"

"I looked it up at the library. The almonds are a promise, the white and red rose together means unity. Was it a promise that we would be a couple?" Davey peered over his shoulder to confirm with Nicolao. 

"Yes, and the rest?

"The weed?"

"The weed, was an Eglantine Rose, you can look it up later. The key chain is moot, since you live here now, but I am going to teach you to drive." Nicolao's chin brushed Davey's head and he could feel the knot.

"We should get out now I think I should put an ice pack on your head."

"A few more minutes, please, my head's thick, it'll be fine." He laughed, but it was flat. He pressed his back against Nicolao chest. "You came for me," Davey whispered.

"I should never have let you go. It scared me finding you like that." He wrapped his arms around Davey as the other cried silently.

"I don't mean to cry like this... it's just, no one has come back for me... ever." His mother, Gayle, and Lizzie had all left, and not come back. Davey knew it was unfair, but today someone returned for him. The years of dreaming, wishing someone would remember him, come for him; the disappointment of their failings and enormity of what Nicolao had done tore at his psyche.

"It's okay, there's nothing wrong with crying. I cry all of the time, you'll see." Nicolao held him a few minutes more after reassuring him. 

He carefully dried Davey, when they exited the tub, helped brush his teeth and put him under the covers of his bed, ignoring any dissent from his patient. After organizing the bathroom Nicolao placed an ice pack on Davey's head.

"Do you usually sleep in those?" Davey indicated the pajamas he had put on. There was no way Nicolao covered up that body, from what he had glimpsed it was a truly perfect.

"No, but the bath took away all of my reserves."

"Who said you needed reserves?"

"I do. You are in pain and I can wait. Before, I said we needed to see if there was something special here, now we know there is. I can wait."

Davey nodded, as he began to cry again. Nicolao would never believe him if he said he hardly ever did. 

He turned the light down, and pulled the covers back to slide in behind Davey. 

"Your shirt?" Davey asked through a sniffle. 

Nicolao chuckled as he removed the shirt. He let his hand rest on Davey's hip, unwilling to touch the exposed side, or press to close because of the bruises. Davey was asleep within minutes. 

Nicolao played the events of the day over in his head. He sent a prayer of thanks for Davey, and Omar's help. He prayed for the strength to be the man David needed, because in the last bout of tears, Nicolao recognized... relief. 

He woke up draped across Nicolao. He could hear the steady beat of his heart. He had abandoned the ice pack on the pillow, and was using Nicolao to sleep on. Nicolao had found him, and was letting him stay there. He had also offered him time. Davey knew the only word for what he felt for him was love. He loved him with everything he was. The only problem was he wasn't much, but Nicolao had come for him anyway. Davey decided he would be happy, it would not be a long time, but until someone worthy of Nicolao came along he would be there. Davey floated off into slumber again, determined to love him for as long as he was allowed.

*****

The big day they had shopped for was canceled, Davey insisted they could have a day out, but it was obvious he was minimizing his pain. Dark bruises were treated by Nicolao, and when Davey napped, Nicolao did more shopping. Monday, when they boarded the bus, they quickly explained the weekend's happenings to Addie, who supported Nicolao's assertion that he should not be up and about. Davey stood his ground; he was not missing any classes. He was too close to finishing. Nicolao gave Davey the house key, and found he fancied the notion the house would not be empty when he got home. Once settled he called Jeremy's assistant to arrange a time for a meeting. 

Nicolao entered Jeremy's office. 

"Hey, he is in a meeting right now, a client dropped in, but they should be finished in a few. Nice haircut by the by," the seated woman greeted him with a friendly smile.

"Thanks, no worries Saint, it gives me more time to be with you." Nicolao sat on the edge of her desk.

Saint rolled her eyes, "What do you want? And who told you to sit your behind on my desk?"

"Just lunch with you and I thought you could show me another video."

"Sure, lunch sounds good, and as much as I love showing off my progeny's work this last video is long. Mr. Mylonas does not cotton to stealing firm time." Saint countered. 

Nicolao liked Saint, she was friendly and as far has he could see, good at her job. But when it came to Jeremy it was as though they were talking about two different people. 

The door to Jeremy's office opened and a man hastily exited. Jeremy was behind him his face registered surprise when he saw Nicolao on his assistant's desk.

"Miss St. James, you didn't tell me Evangelista was here." 

Saint opened her mouth to respond, but Nicolao stood, and began making his way into Jeremy's office.

"I only just got here, and I'm not on the third floor on firm business, so no reason to interrupt." 

Jeremy followed Nicolao into his office, admiring the easy confidence that poured of the man. Jeremy sat across from him trying to keep his face impassive.

"What did you do to your hair man?" Jeremy demanded he found the change in Nicolao startling.

"It's a haircut. What it doesn't suit me?" Nicolao had been grilled about his coiffure all morning.

Jeremy's mouth thinned, he pictured having his hands knotted in the black silky mass, as he pounded into Nicolao.

"No, no it looks fine, but there were things I had hoped," he did not finish the sentence. There was no need to Nicolao's hair had been a key factor in their discussions.

Nicolao leaned forward. "That's why I'm here Jeremy. I have to tell you something."

Jeremy's stomach fluttered. He wanted him so badly perhaps he had changed his mind. 

"I know you are the reason I have the care-takers positions at Hope's Corner, I don't even know who I am caretaking for, but I thought I'd better let you know I have a roommate."

"A roommate, the kind you charge rent?" Jeremy asked, although he knew the answer.

"No, he will never pay rent while he's with me." Nicolao looked into Jeremy's hazel eyes.

Jeremy closed his eyes and leaned back in his chair hiding his disappointment, "You found someone, so there is no chance for us." He ran his hand through his short brown hair.

Nicolao felt a pang of regret. Jeremy Mylonas was the reason he had come to the city and agreed to work for the firm. He stood an inch over six feet, heavily muscled, with angular features and a slow creeping smile that showed off a slightly crooked tooth. They met when Nicolao was called in as an interpreter a year and a half earlier. Nicolao and he went out for drinks where Nicolao openly flirted with men and women. Jeremy had to leave, but they exchanged emails regularly. The messages became intimate, and revealed a longing for connection Jeremy had been in denial of. By happenstance Nicolao had the opportunity to work for his firm, and he took it, but that was as far as it went. They were at a stalemate, and it was Jeremy who had set the board.

"There would never be an, us, if it was going to be your way," Nicolao stated levelly.

Jeremy sprang forward in his seat, "I know, but I thought I had more time. Nicolao there are obligations I have to deal with, then it can be the way you want." Hazel eyes pleaded with his for understanding.

"Jeremy you are wealthy, you have a respectable job, that has nothing to do with that wealth, and yet you choose to stay closeted. For thirty two years you have hidden a huge part of who you are, and until I walked in and refused to go in that closet with you, you never even thought about coming out." 

"Come on Nicolao, my reputation is important to me."

Nicolao shook his head, "And my integrity is important to me. If we are an, us, then you are a part of me. I can't have anything else. Could you walk down the street and even hold my hand?"

"No," they had been over it before, and he could not be who Nicolao needed.

"Time was never the issue. I lost my freedom before, and going in the closet is as good as going back to prison. Is David living with me going to change things?"

"Of course not, it's a job, and you can live with who you like. I told you your family can stay in the other houses. You just keep the place safe and clean. At the very least we are friends."

"Thanks Jeremy."

"What does this David do?" 

"Student."

"Will he walk down the street holding hands?"

"Yes, and I kissed him in the salon," Nicolao raised an eyebrow. "It's new Jeremy, but we are both all in." 

"As opposed to me? I was all in, there would only have been you. But it had to be your way, even at the start. Was it like I deceived you? 

"No, we can only do the best we can, you didn't lie, and I'm grateful to you," Nicolao stood and walked to the door. "Have a good day and thanks again." 

Jeremy Mylonas stared at the closed door for countless minutes. Nicolao was what Jeremy had decided he needed in his life. He had no intention of losing him to some nobody student.

Nicolao went home to Davey, and told him about his conversation, making it clear he was free to call his place home if he so chose. He threw himself in Nicolao's arms as a response; in the ardor of their kiss he felt Davey's body tense. The embrace had hurt him. Nicolao promised himself he would be more careful, until he was fully recovered, Davey pouted, but pants remained on at night. By the end of the week Davey was tired of being treated with kid gloves and formed a plan. 

*****

Nicolao was anxious coming through the front door. David sent only single word responses to his texts all day. When he stepped over the threshold he received the message:

Davey: bedroom 

The sight that greeted took his breath away. David was seated in the recliner, in the corner of the bedroom. His pants were off, and he was stroking himself, blue eyes glued to the door.

"What are you doing?" Nicolao asked, slowly approaching the chair.

"Taking care of myself since you don't seem interested," Davey could not meet Nicolao's eyes. It had seemed like a good idea, in fact, he had planned on sending titillating picture messages to Nicolao throughout the day. But he had lost his nerve, opting instead to yank his pants down when he heard him at the door.

"I never said I wasn't interested. Is that what you're doing? I don't think you are doing it right." Nicolao stood at the foot of the bed, his eyes dark, and hooded. Casually, he removed his tie and unbuttoned his shirt. "Move the chair in front of the closet."

Davey stopped stroking his erection, staring wordlessly at Nicolao.

"Move the chair." Nicolao repeated, his voice was calm, but it was an order not a request.

Davey pushed the chair out of the corner to the mirrored closet door. 

"Good, now take off the rest of your clothes." 

Davey fought with the buttons on his shirt his fingers suddenly clumsy, and graceless. He had no idea what was going on, but it had his heart beating out of his chest.

He removed his own shirt, and stood behind Davey. He could see Nicolao's appraisal of him in the mirror. 

Nicolao licked his lips. "Beautiful, do you know how beautiful you are?" The marred skin did not detract from David's comeliness. There was a light dusting of hair below, his navel lead to a lovely, erect, cut penis. 

Nicolao realized a denial was about to be uttered, and shook his head. Of course he doesn't know, time to begin teaching him, he decided.

"Sit down, and spread your legs, show me all of you," Nicolao took of his t-shirt.

Davey complied, but seeing himself bare he lowered his head, he wanted to cover himself, close his eyes to his reflection.

"Don't turn away, see yourself in the mirror, and know why I need you."

Davey lifted his head. His dick was not shy; in fact, every word from Nicolao's mouth seemed to rush more blood to his aching appendage.




Deciphering the Bloom Ch. 02



"Now show me, let me see how you take care of yourself." 

Davey bit his lower lip; his eyes did not leave Nicolao's in the reflection. He gathered pre-com on his fingers, from his dribbling slit, and began to move his hand slowly up and down his length. 

Nicolao stepped out of his pants, and boxers he remained behind the chair, his own nudity hidden from David's view.

"Talk to me, tell me what you think about as you touch yourself."

Davey struggled to remember speech, "You!"

"Me? What about me?" Nicolao sank down, placing his face next to Davey's.

"I-I imagine you kissing me."

"Like this?" Nicolao brought his lips to Davey's, a gentle brush that caused Davey to whimper. He tried to bite back the sounds.

"Don't stifle; let me hear you, no holding back Dee. What else?" 

"That you touch me." Davey could feel himself getting close.

Nicolao was beside the chair on his knees, he leaned over and captured David's nipple in his teeth. Davey arched toward the contact, his hands moved to grip Nicolao wildly. 

Nicolao pulled away, "Keep your hands on task, unless you want me to stop."

Davey wanted to be angry, what kind of choice was that? He couldn't help himself, he felt like he was going to catapult out of the seat if he didn't grab something. He worried his lip, and wrapped his hand around is leaking organ.

"Are you close babe?"

David nodded, words were gone. 

On his knees Nicolao moved in between David's legs. He leaned forward, and laved the other nipple with his tongue. 

"Remember the Eglantine Rose. Look at yourself, look in the mirror you have to see how incredible you are." 

Davey saw himself in the mirror, his eyes dark, his skin flushed. Nicolao's sculpted body kneeling in front of him, his back forming a V to his round taut ass. Nicolao's arm was moving as he stroked himself, which caused Davey to get harder.

"Tell me you can see yourself the way I do." 

Nicolao's brown eyes connected with inky blue orbs. Davey's entire being burned, all because Nicolao saw him, treasured him, yearned for him. 

"I do," Davey managed to gasp.

"Thank God," Nicolao dropped his head, and drew in David's turgid length groaning, as he savored the taste of his David. 

Davey clutched Nicolao's hair, as he was lost in the scalding sensuous saturation of Nicolao's mouth. Nicolao knew David was close to tripping over the edge, and he would not last long, his entire body was vibrating his balls were drawn tight. He bobbed up and down, applying suction, running his tongue along pulsing vein on the underside of his cock. 

Davey tried to tell him he was coming, but he opened his mouth, and shattered. Nicolao swallowed as David emptied himself. Davey heard, and felt him groan around his sensitized member. Nicolao pressed kisses on his flat stomach, his chest, keeping contact with his skin, as he descended from blissful empyrean. Desperately, David found Nicolao's mouth, tasting his own salty, sweet essence. Never had he come with the touch of another. Fearing the emotions that swelled in him, Davey buried his face in Nicolao's neck pushing all thought away, willing himself to feel, and not ruin the moment. He felt Nicolao stand, and pick him up, he vaguely wanted to object, but could not muster the energy. The best orgasm of his life had left him drained physically and emotionally.

Nicolao deposited him in bed. Davey roused himself, "Is it my turn now?"

Nicolao hovered over Davey, "I wasn't finished." He nipped the flesh between the neck and his shoulder.

Davey rolled until he was on top of him, "Please, Nic I can make you feel good."

Nicolao nodded, he was hesitant not wanting David to think reciprocity was required. He adjusted his back on the pillows, and placed his hands behind his head.

Davey sat up, and drank in the physical masterpiece of Nicolao's body. His naturally long muscles were defined lines Davey ran his tongue along. Davey nibbled the chocolate nipples on his chest, smiling when he heard a low moan. The flat six pack of his abdomen did not get much of a reaction, until Davey bit the juncture between his hip and oblique muscle. With every discovery Davey grew bolder. He followed the line in Nicolao's thigh leading to his manhood, but he would not touch it. Davey had been in the bed longing for Nic for a week, a little payback was in order. Nicolao's long shaft was oozing pre-come, Davey expected him to be long, but the thickness gave him pause. He was not sure he could get all of Nicolao in his mouth. Nic's fat, straight, cock laid full, and heavy against his stomach. Davey nudged it over, and licked up the pool of come off of the flat hairy plane of his belly. 

Davey threw his head back, relishing the flavor of Nicolao, "You taste like heaven." 

Davey grabbed the base of Nicolao's organ, and took him in his mouth. He swirled his tongue around the flared head, soaking his rod in spit, jacking slowly with his hand.

"That's good babe, Dee your mouth is so hot, suck me," Nicolao gripped the bed. 

Davey bobbed slowly testing to see how far he could go comfortably. He kept his teeth hooded by his lips, and pushed forward, lodging Nicolao in his throat. He fought the urge to gag, and blinked away the tears that sprang in his eyes. He pulled back slowly, and surged forward again, burying his nose in thick, black, pubic hairs.

"OhDeeJesuswhat," he choked out. 

Davey began rubbing Nicolao's heavy balls, humming, as he came up for air. Nicolao's body was tense, his hands twisting the sheets. Davey pulled back, allowing Nic to fall from his mouth. He took Nicolao's hands and placed them on either side of his head.

"No holding back." Davey repeated his words back to him, and deep throated Nicolao once again. 

David's offer of his body for his use tempted Nicolao, he wanted to thrust, throat fucking him in un-tempered abandon, but awareness that he wanted more than to just use David overrode his base instinct. Nicolao caressed David's downy hair, as he continued to work his tool at his own pace. He wanted to last longer in the smooth heat of Davey's mouth, but he felt tingling at the base of his spine signaling the approach of the inevitable.

"I'm coming Dee!" He swelled and erupted, each spasm pouring more cream in David's eager mouth. Nicolao pulled Davey up to kiss him gently. 

"Dee, babe I had no clue, no one has ever done that to me before."

Davey smiled triumphantly, "I told you to give me a turn." 

Nicolao cupped Davey's cheek, "So you did." Licking every part of David's body was his goal, as he nibbled on his neck, but the loud rumble of David's stomach interrupted.

"Did you eat lunch?" Nicolao tried to pull back, but Davey held on.

"No, I'm not hungry when I eat breakfast, plus I just got a huge dose of protein. Want to feed me more?" 

"Cheeky! We can eat and come back to bed." 

Davey released Nicolao's neck, "I guess I'm cheeky, and you're smug."

Nicolao laughed sliding out of bed, "Glad you noticed, perfect is just too damn hard to live up to."

Nicolao put together a small dinner. While they ate on the couch they agreed to shop for a dinette set, Nic believed meals should be eaten at a proper table. The week Davey's studies were completed was decided as the best time to make the trip to Nicolao's family. David had not left the city, since his arrival fourteen years before. He decided to make the drive as much fun as he could. Meeting all of the Evangelista's could be stressful, so a long scenic drive could ease anxiety coming and going.

*****

The weekend was spent exploring one another's bodies by touch, and taste. When Nicolao touched his finger to David's rosebud, the tension that arose in his body was obvious. Nicolao kissed and licked David until he was boneless, then climaxed him with his mouth. He fell asleep,  his head on Davey's thigh. Nicolao awoke with his head on David's chest. He worried he was too heavy, and tried to move back, but his lovers arms tightened across his shoulders. He thought himself too big to be cradled, but there he was, and he had to admit it was wonderful. 

Nicolao went over every interaction they had, since their meeting on the bus. Daily, he got to know more about David, his quick wit, excitement over any new thing, and compulsive tidiness. What he did not know was why Davey cried? More than once he had awakened with his chest wet from David's tears, as he cried in his sleep. Haunted sad blue eyes, he knew he could do nothing, but wait for David to trust him enough to tell him why, even at rest, he wept.

*****

For Nicolao work was work... it was not his calling, or something he worried about once he left the building. The firm dealt primarily in international corporate law. It was nothing exciting, he reviewed contracts presented in Italian, and if the need arose he would act as a translator for clients. He was going over a contract when he received a cryptic text from Saint telling him to meet her at her truck, and gave the space number. Nicolao flirted with Saint for fun, he went over all of their interactions searching for any indication he crossed a line, and lead her on. By lunch he had settled on a vague apology for any miscommunication. He found her tan SUV, and opened the door, Saint was already inside.

"Hey, thanks for comin'." Saint gave him a weak smile; he noted her relaxed southern twang.

"That's fine, your text did worry me, is everything okay?" Nicolao closed the door, and adjusted the seat for his legs.

"No," she started then paused, "I know we are work friends, a friendly face in the office you can look to, as you're surrounded by a sea of people you'd never normally deal with." 

He nodded, he didn't think their co-workers were that bad but she was right.

"I don't mean to overstep, but are you and Mr. Mylonas together?"

"Why?" Jeremy was firmly closeted, but Saint had to have a reason.

"Ever since you came by, and we had lunch things have been... odd." Saint started the truck and drove as she spoke.

"Right after you left he came out wanting to know why you were on my desk, saying it was unprofessional."

Nicolao opened his mouth to apologize but she kept talking.

"I told him I was going to show you a video of Averie, by Bud, but we were going to lunch, and I would show you then. He left, and I didn't mention it, figured the stick in his ass was poking something. When I got back from lunch was the beginning of the oddness. He grilled me about every detail of our conversation. He was fishing, but I didn't have much to tell, and I thought that was that. Mylonas then started asking me about the kids, Averie's cello lessons, Bud's videos." Saint frowned. 

"You know me, I thought he was trying to grow a personality, and my favorite topic is my offspring, so I rattled on for a while. He feigned interest, and he learned my kid's schedule, all of the things I have to do after I leave work."

Saint pulled the car into the parking lot of a restaurant and cut the ignition. "I route his calls, I make his appointments, and suddenly there is this transportation contract with a deadline in weeks for a product out of Genoa." Saint exited the truck shaking her head.

Nicolao had no clue as to what all of that had to do with whether he was seeing Jeremy.

When they were seated she continued, as if she had not stopped. "I'm not fluent in Italian. Spanish, I'm your girl, French as long as I can read it, I can handle it, Italian-"she shook her head. "Mylonas said I'd have to work late to go over what I can't understand, and he knows I don't have anyone to help with the kids."

Nicolao began to understand her agitation, her life was a balancing act centered on her children.

"But that is not the only thing, not even the main thing. He calls down to Rothman, and tells him that he is in a bind because I neglected the contract." 

Rothman was head of the department Nicolao dealt with the most.

"I have spent the morning calling the attorney's, and pulling you off of your assignments. You will be working with Mylonas to fix my so called mess, since he knows he can 'trust' you, Rothman was very sympathetic."

Saint's long fingers rubbed at her temples.

"Saint, I am sorry. This is because of what I told Jeremy, but I don't see what he is trying to accomplish."

The waiter took their order, when he left Nicolao told her about his potential romance with Jeremy, and of his relationship with Davey.

Saint rolled her eyes, "All of this is so he can seduce you, and get a second shot at that ass! I mean you're fine and all, but enough to throw me under the bus, I'm really good at this job." 

"I don't see how you can joke, it really isn't fair."

"You think I don't know that? Honestly I'd just load up the Winnebago and drive off, but I want the kids to finish up this term... we'll take off for the summer."

"Saint, do you think he'll fire you?"

"No," her hands flitted in the air, "but I'm Breezy. It's in my nature, I'm a runner, scene gets bad, and I get gone. My real name is Brescia, my friends and family they call me Breezy. You can call me Breezy by the by. I figure if he is in the closet, he's setting the screws to me so I don't spread it around in case you shared. Plus, he gets to try and convince you that you should be his one and only."

Nicolao and Breezy ate; he liked the idea of having a real friend. He found it easy to speak of his burgeoning relationship. She was random, open, and mainly a good listener.

Breezy sat back, her face was expressive, and he could see she was wrestling with something.

"Breezy, if you have something to say just say it."

"We have solid confidentially clauses in our contracts... but I mean we work for lawyers, you know we aren't exactly on the side of angels." 

Breezy noted Nicolao's blank stare.

"So you haven't noticed. Not every one of the businesses we deal with are... above board."

Nicolao shifted uncomfortably.

"It's bound to happen occasionally, you can't know all your clients' shit. But a majority of the clients Mylonas gets is the wrong kind. He brings in more money than any other attorney, he's not a partner, but he's powerful, full partners are on eggshells around him."

Breezy's dark brown eyes held Nicolao's, she was risking a great deal with this conversation, but what the hell.

"With David it sounds like you and he can have a future. Mylonas is a lot more dangerous than what you know... call it the glorified secretary's sixth sense. Don't let him get you tangled up in his world."

"Thank you. Really thank you for the heads up." Nicolao took both lunch receipts to the register.

"I got a free meal, let's call it even."

Nicolao was told to report of Jeremy's office upon their return. Breezy officially informed him that Mr. Mylonas would need his services exclusively for the next few weeks. He did not mind the work, it was Jeremy's machinations that disturbed him, and Breezy's warning of danger. He spent the rest of the day questioning what he knew of Jeremy Mylonas. 

Davey was giddy. He would have his diploma in a few short weeks, he lived in a posh house, with new clothes, and best of all he had Nic. 

He was making dinner, chili dogs and french-fries. Davey did not know how to cook many things, but they had agreed on the menu for the week in the grocery store. Nic even made groceries new, there was so much food in the refrigerator Davey knew some of it would go bad before they ate it. Nicolao was trying to bulk him up, he had figured that out, and he did not mind one bit. Nic even had him exercising with him. Davey treasured everything, for in his heart he was positive it would all turn to crap soon.

Nicolao walked in, debating the merits of telling David about his lunch with Breezy. He could smell David's culinary effort before he opened the door. He had no complaints about sharing his home with David. He longed for more, but going slow was the right call, the only call. Nicolao was greeted with a spicy kiss from his boyfriend who had been sampling his chili.

"Um, delicious," he purred, taking a nip at David's lower lip.

"If it's made with ground beef I can cook it." Davey said stepping back into the kitchen. 

They had an early work-out, showered, and watched the news before dinner. They did not talk much during the news. Days earlier Davey had discovered Nicolao sometimes voted Republican, things had gotten heated. It wasn't an argument, and he agreed with Davey's position. Nicolao was surprised at the depth of knowledge he had about politics, and Davey's reply was still on Nicolao's mind.

"Even accomplished cocksuckers have the right to vote, I try to make good decisions."

Nicolao wished he had not said what he had, Dee was right, he had been condescending. He gave David an apology, which was brushed away as not needed. But there was an unquiet when the news was on, mainly because David's words would come to mind. 

Nicolao insisted dinner had to be eaten at the table with the television off even for a meal as simple as chili dogs and french-fries. 

"I've been recruited to work with Jeremy for the next week or so, I will have to put in a lot of hours." He watched David's face. 

"Jeremy? I thought you said you didn't work with Jeremy?" Davey tried to keep his face impassive. Jeremy was worthy of Nicolao in his mind.

"I never have," the air was heavy. Nicolao knew David believed in him, but doubted how much value he had to Nicolao. He made up his mind to keep Jeremy's scheming from him. "Actually Jeremy's assistant brought me on board. She and I eat lunch together from time to time. We both agreed, I could be the hero, and save her from serious aggravation."

Davey smiled, "You can't help but be the hero," he teased.

"I have to go shopping for a cape." Nicolao offered. 

Davey groaned, "Any excuse to hit the stores!"

They laughed the good natured banter easy for them.

"You can help, be my side-kick."

Davey sobered, "I don't wear tights Nic, my butts to small for them."

Nicolao laughed, "I like your butt, and tights is an idea for later. But no, I was thinking of Breezy, she is Jeremy's assistant, Breezy's kids will be without their mom until we are done. How would you like to babysit for her?"

Davey's mouth hung open. "I don't know anything about kids." He shook his head.

"No, they aren't babies, they are in middle school. There's Averie, she's ten, plays the cello and Abel, he's twelve, makes videos; I think they call him Bud. They are great kids; just watch them until Breezy gets in."

"You've met them?"

"No," Nicolao chuckled, "I've only seen their videos, plus knowing their mom, she won't ask for help, and she can really use it."

Davey agreed to spend time with the children. Nicolao was happy, David would not be alone, now he had to see if Breezy, indeed wanted a babysitter.

"So, she's on her own?"

"Yeah, bad marriage, she ran to Mexico, and lived down there for a while. Now she just loads up her house on wheels when the urge hits her, and moves to a new place. "

"Man, a love story that ended so bad she left the country," Davey picked up a fry, stirring it in chili. "What about you Nicolao? Do you have a love story?" The mention of Jeremy had Davey wondering about Nic's past relationships.

"Other than this one?" 

Davey blushed, Nic was staring at him, the direct scrutiny never failed to unnerve him. 

"Yes, other than this one, I have a love story, of a sort, of marigolds and thistles." Nicolao waited for David to meet his gaze before continuing.

"Augustine Morelos, I met him when I was nineteen, when I went to prison. August was an inmate, and from the first day I was under his protection. I didn't know how, or why, but he shielded me. Don't get me wrong, I was in a medium level facility, not hard time, but these were not model citizens, and prison is prison. Augusts' brother was drug supplier for a Latino gang on the coast, August was their attorney. He had weight behind those walls, and he took me under his wing. He had me moved to his dormitory the second night, and got me assigned to work in the infirmary." Nicolao paused, sorting through the details, searching for the words to convey how much he owed to August.




Deciphering the Bloom Ch. 02



"You became lovers; you met the love of your life in prison?" Davey collected the plates, and went to the kitchen, regretting his curiosity.

"No, you would think but no. He had me moved, got me the job, and trained me to do research for legal briefs, most of the time he didn't even speak to me. I sat with he and the crew for every meal, and none of them would acknowledge me. Then he might say, 'Legs tell us what your first ride was.' I would tell them, a 67 Roadrunner, and then he would ask if I boosted it, I would say Pop gave it to me. Then he would proceed to point out how I was as dumb as a box of rocks or pavo estúpido, turkey stupid." 

David rinsed the dishes, and left them in the sink, his blue eyes round in disbelief. His Nic wasn't stupid, and would never stand for being called stupid. Nicolao was leaning forward, his elbows on the table with a faint smile on his lips. Davey retook the seat across from him, this did not sound like much of a love story, even for a prison love story.

"August did that for the first few months, never letting me forget that there was no real reason for me to be in prison. Eventually, he started to actually talk to me. His life hadn't been an easy one, but he managed to make it through high school with no charges. His brother was deep in the life, and paid for college, and law school. He was so smart, it leaked out of his eyes, and he looked like he was cut from stone. Not what most would call handsome, but I loved him, even when he was calling me turkey stupid. When I was released he swore that if I ever came back to prison, he would kill me, and I knew he was telling the truth."

"When did you become lovers?" 

"Never, the first time August showed me any affection was when he hugged me, before I left to be processed out."

"He wasn't bi, or gay?" Davey guessed.

"No, he was gay, and I offered, hell I threw myself at him, but he declined."

"Nic, that isn't a love story, it isn't much of a story at all." Davey would have made a joke, but Nicolao looked intense.

"Well, I guess not, the way I just told it. I have never spoken about this. August was always sickly he spent a lot of time in the infirmary. My second year in, he went down hard, I would spend a little time with him daily. One day I saw him arguing with staff, and figured out it was about treatment, but he was tight lipped when I asked. I managed to create a diversion and broke into the medical records and read Augusts'. He was presenting, and being treated for Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia, PCP an illness usually seen in AIDS patients. He refused preventive antiviral drugs, or even to get tested, our state had no mandatory test rules for prisoners. I assumed he was in denial, so the next day I let him know what I knew."

Nicolao chuckled, "He called me turkey stupid. He wasn't in denial he wanted to die, because he said he deserved it. In the world, he was a successful criminal attorney, who had no ethical guidelines. August had a trophy wife, daughter, money, drugs and power. He slept with as many men as his money could buy, then he went home to his wife, who was not exactly an innocent. When Mara, their daughter got sick they did everything they could to save her. He likened it to torture, but she died, the doctors determined it was AIDS related. August believed he killed Mara and was going to be the cause of his wife, Ericka's death."

"I told him since neither one of them was tested before, he couldn't be sure it was his fault. He stopped talking, and I left. August rebounded, came back to the dorm, and I wanted to comfort him, to make him not hate himself for a little while. I told him I wanted him, and he turned me down. Called me the dumbest turkey ever, but he did thank me for my friendship. And that became all that mattered to me."

Nicolao wished he had a harder drink than soda, "After I got out I wrote August, Ma didn't like it, but I told her he had kept me safe. Then he told me he was moved to a medical prison facility. Oddly enough, ma had given me a brochure on a college close by his facility that I could begin studies in Sports Medicine, and I enrolled. I visited him every visitor's day, I lived only to see him, I only saw colors when I was on the ward with him, as grim as those colors were, I was dead otherwise. I would mostly read to him, tell him about my studies. He wanted to die, but he wanted to suffer, he lingered for almost two years, wasting, blind. Nothing of his stone strength remained, he was a husk. Is this turning into more of a love story?"

"Yeah, a bit one sided and bleak," Davey could think of no other word for the tale.

"Stories of nobility and pain usually are bleak. After Augusts' death, I transferred the next semester to a school closer to my family. When I got there, Ma had a letter for me; she handed it to me, and then left the room. It was from August, written before he lost his eyesight. He loved me. He had loved me from the moment he saw me, that was why he had protected me. August said he had done so many things wrong, he was determined to love me the right way, the way I needed, and that way was to let me watch him die." 

"I used to watch him pray every day, and that prayer was that he would have the strength to not break. When I offered to be with him, knowing he was sick, he knew that I loved him more than anyone ever had, and he almost gave in. But he couldn't put me in harm's way, he worried I would get careless, or worse yet give myself to him raw as some show of devotion. The saddest part is I probably would have... not after watching him deteriorate, but I would have before that."

"I broke after reading that. I only remember Pop picking me up, and putting me in their bed. I had an Evangelista on either side of me for days, I was a wreck. Ma told me August had written to her before he sent me the letter about his transfer. He knew about the college, and hoped she would help push me to attend, since he noted from my letters I was not letting him go. She said... she said a lot of things, but that she was grateful, she wasn't scared of me running after death anymore. How is that for a love story?" Nicolao forced a smile, but to Davey it was forlorn. Loss was in every posture, every word and movement. 

In response, David walked around the table. Nicolao pulled his chair back to rise, but Davey settled in his lap, and wrapped his arms around him, willing his body, to absorb some of Nic's hurt. They sat that way motionless and silent for countless minutes. Then David rose, taking his hand, and led him to the bedroom. They each removed their own clothing, but Nicolao moved slowly, as if with each article removed he was revealing more of his raw soul.

David stood before him, naked, beautiful. Did he know the feelings he had for him eclipsed everything he felt for August? No, of course not, it was all too soon. Nicolao closed his eyes, concentrating on reigning in his emotions. David was not ready, hell he was stupefied by the depth of his love. What if Davey would not be mended, and sought the darkness as well? Nicolao could not fathom the loss.

Davey studied Nicolao, his eyes closed, waiting. David could not say he knew how he felt, he didn't. He could only imagine what it was going to be like losing Nic, and his heart ached. Davey stood on tiptoe, sliding his arms around his neck, and pulled him into the kiss, an exhaustive exploration of the larger man's orifice. He walked them backward until the back of Nicolao legs touched the bed, only then did Davey break contact, as Nic fell back onto the bed. David draped himself over his body. When Nicolao would cover his body, he never felt more safe and secure, and although he was smaller he left no part of Nicolao's olive skin untouched, he adored every finger, and toe. 

Nicolao was panting his eyes glazed from the amative manipulation, his tumescent cock leaking ambrosia. David had every nerve ending frenzied, Nicolao's body hummed in sensation. He reached in the nightstand removing a bottle of lubricant, and pressed it into David's hands. 

"Fingers... in me." Nicolao huffed at the bewildered Davey.

Davey took the bottle and coated his fingers with lubricant. He licked Nicolao's inner thigh as he warmed the viscous liquid. Davey worked one finger inside of Nicolao's aperture, when the request came, he added another. Davey was fucking him with his fingers, and although his pole was no longer as full arousal, Nic seemed to be in bliss. 

Nicolao rocked up pulling Davey towards him, their foreheads pressed together.

"Baby I need you." Nicolao declared.

David pulled back, intending to take him in his mouth. Nicolao held him firm.

"No, Dee I want to make love, I need to be with you."

Davey was stunned, his time had run out.

"You've opened me up, baby will you make love to me." Nicolao twisted his head, his lips grazing across Davey's lips in a languid sweeping motion.

Understanding dawned on David. Nicolao wanted him inside of him. 

"Nic, I've never-," Davey began in dismay.

"It's alright, I have. It's not my norm, but you aren't ready, and I need to be one with you." 

Davey met Nicolao's eyes in silent agreement. He put a liberal amount of lube on his fingers, and put them in Nicolao, then applied it to his aching pole.

Nicolao placed his feet on the edge, spreading himself wide. Davey stood, as to maintain more control. Even if Nic had bottomed before, Davey knew it had been a while. He lined himself up, and pushed into the puckered entrance. When his head popped he heard Nicolao hiss, and he stopped.

"I'm hurting you."

"No, it's okay, just wait a minute." 

Davey soothed Nicolao, running his hands along any skin he could touch. When Nicolao moved beneath him he pushed further into the welcoming heat, stopping if he sensed any discomfort, and moving at Nic's signal. There was a light sheen of sweat covering Davey's skin when he was completely seated. He stood still, overcome by being accepted in the velvet, hot, depth of Nicolao, awash in the exquisite completeness.

"Dee... move." Nicolao instructed.

David moved, retreating then surging forward, parting and pushing into his lover, each pulse building upon the last. Davey was certain his inexperience was evident, but he held back his orgasm. He was joined with Nicolao, amateurish or not it was profound, it was everything.

Nicolao reached forward, pulling Davey onto him and they shimmied to lie proper in the bed. The movement brought Davey in contact with Nic's bundle of elation nerves.

"Ngh... right there." Nicolao reached between them, and fisted his weeping dick. 

David braced his arms one either side of his head, losing himself with every thrust, tapping Nic's button with every stroke. Words, in English, Italian, and Spanish fell from Nicolao's lips, nonsensical and pleading. Then he was swept away in the volley of ultimate satisfaction. He cried out David's name as he came, covering them both in the visual proof of his rapture. Nicolao's orgasm made his heated channel grab Davey in a vise grip and he sprayed his warm seed deep inside of him seconds after Nicolao came. 

Davey's arms threatened to give way, but he removed his softening member from Nicolao and began to lick the come from Nic's body. After he cleaned him with his tongue they kissed, and Nicolao rolled Davey beneath him. 

"Thank-you Dee, that was amazing." Nicolao kissed David's nose.

Davey could not find the words he wanted. How do you convey that you joined with someone's soul? He said instead, "We were one."

Nicolao nodded, "Yes, one, and I have to tell you... I want you to know what you mean to me."

"What is it Nic?" 

"I told you about August, not because he was the love of my life. I know what love is now, because of you. This is my love story, David I love you." Before Davey could respond Nicolao claimed his mouth, and spent the next hours driving rational thought from his head. 



Deciphering the Bloom Ch. 03



Thank you to everyone for reading, voting and/or commenting. You cannot know how grateful I am. Constructive criticism is welcome.

Huge happy hippie hippo hugs to Klastbreath for emergency editing. As always I tinker, so for any mistakes I ask your forgiveness.

My gratitude to nomoretears00 for always saving my bacon.

AH you are the other set of eyes I needed, I am one blessed hippie.

This is a copyrighted work of fiction by the author seeker71. All rights reserved.

*

Morning came. Davey raised the thin folds of protection that held him in the realm sleep and was greeted by the sight of his dreams made flesh. 

"Good morning," Nicolao murmured before dipping his head and kissing David. Far from a morning peck, it left him breathless, and panting.

"Morning Nicolao," he said as he nuzzled into his lover's body, closing his eyes again.

"Oh no, I've been watching you sleep for half an hour, it's time to get up." Nic slid away.

"You should have gotten me up." Davey liked to snuggle for a while awake before getting out of the bed. Many mornings it led to other activities, but if not he cherished the closeness before facing the day.

Nicolao stood and stretched, "I thought you needed the rest, and I got to watch mi joya que avergüenza el sol.

David wrinkled his brow, "Nic you know I don't understand Spanish."

"Good, because even by my standards that was sappy, though true." Nicolao turned to go to the bathroom. The unfamiliar twinge caused by the previous night's activity caused him to grimace and step gingerly. 

Nic adjusted the water for their morning shower. Davey came in not meeting his gaze.

"I'm sorry." David's voice was barely a whisper.

Nic came closer, and raised his chin until their eyes met. "What are you sorry for?"

"You're hurt." He began to shake thinking he had caused Nic pain.

"I swear to you it's the most pleasurable ache I have ever felt." Nicolao touched his forehead to David's. "I needed you last night. We made love, you can't be sorry for that. It's my fault; the sore muscles wouldn't be so bad if we soaked. But the night got away from me." Nicolao rested his hands on David's slim hips.

"I was okay?" 

"More than okay, the best I ever had, mi lirio de los valles. Now I'm sure I'm not the only one with sore untrained muscles, why don't we see if a hot shower helps a bit." Nic straightened.

Davey followed him in the shower. The pulsing hot water did feel good on his back. "When was the last time you..." he left the question unfinished.

Nicolao shrugged, but kept lathering David's skin, "Bottomed, thirteen years ago, and that wasn't what I meant. I may not prefer it, but last night was you and me. It was special because it was us, making love, top or bottom, and nothing else in my life compares. Dee, you just have to accept that."

Nic turned Davey's body to clean his back, missing the glorious smile that touched David's lips.

After their shower Nicolao called Breezy offering Davey's services. She quickly agreed giving him her address. 

During their morning walk and ride Davey would glance at him, and smile thinking about what had happened. Nicolao made himself completely vulnerable to him, they had made love, and he said he loved him. He hadn't said it back, and didn't know why. Nic was so open with his feelings; he was incapable of being anything less than candid. Davey felt he couldn't afford that kind of honesty.

They parted with a kiss. The next two weeks Nicolao would be spending long days, and possibly nights working with Jeremy. Nic was going to take every opportunity, public, and private to reassure David.

Nicolao was welcomed by Breezy, who followed him into Jeremy's office. 

"Good morning Evangelista, Miss St. James would you go get us some coffee while I get him caught up?" Jeremy rose from behind his desk to a stack of boxes.

"This is a long term contract with Muecci International. The maritime shipping is fine; the products are arriving without delay. The company we contracted with for ground transportation has gone under, and they also held the storage facility." Jeremy moved to the couch in his office. The table was covered in papers.

"Sit down, get comfortable. We have transportation, and storage to work on. This was one of my first contracts. I handed it off years ago, but there has been some neglect on our part. Muecci has very specific needs for its imports; there isn't enough time for mistakes, that's why I tapped you. We have weeks to save this, but I don't want to put a band-aid on it, I want a system in place that they can rely on, not a temporary fix."

Nicolao took a seat across from Jeremy. He questioned Jeremy's assertions mentally, why weeks for what normally took months, and what specific needs? Nic would not have thought twice about it, save for his lunch with Breezy. He took in the stacks of papers on the table. It indeed was going to be a long two weeks.

Davey arrived at Breezy's house before the children did. His stomach had been in knots all day, when he was with Nic it was so easy to forget who he was. But when he was faced with the world away from Nic, he wasn't his David, he was just Davey. What was he doing at this lady's house? And what was he supposed to do with two kids? 

Groupings of children walked past, and he knew the school bus had arrived. He stood, shoving his hands in his pockets. Two figures approached the house, stopped, and stared up at him. 

"Um, hi," Davey greeted them. 

A young boy climbed the steps, he was burdened with his book bag as well as a cello strapped to his back. 

"Hey, David?" The boy questioned, extending his hand. 

Davey took it, surprised by the grip, and serious large brown eyes that held his.

"Abel, so you hanging out with us?" Abel dropped Davey's hand to open the door.

"Rude!" The girl stomped up the stairs, stopping in front of David.

"Sorry, I... "Davey began.

"Not you, the challenged one," she rolled her eyes dramatically. "I'm a lady he should have made our introductions, mom says so." 

"I am Averie," she smiled, "it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance." She curtsied, and then swept past her brother, who watched her with the door open. "Don't bang my cello on the way in." She growled as she walked by him.

Abel met Davey's eyes and shrugged, not disturbed in the least by his sister's antics. Davey smiled, following him inside. The two self-possessed kids were not what he had imagined, lately most aspects of his life weren't, and he was suddenly glad he had come.

That night when they were home David's joy was infectious he related everything he and the children had done. Nic held him as he spoke, then he was sure to add Breezy and her family in his prayers before he slept.

*****

The week blurred, due to the amount of work, and the time difference, work days were twelve to fifteen hours. Breezy took care of the current contracts, while Nic and Jeremy worked together on the Muecci problem. Nicolao was reminded of what drew him to Jeremy in the first place. He was fiercely intelligent, ruthless, and to the unobservant, insensate. His chestnut hair was never out of place, and late at night his clothes remained impossibly neat. Nicolao once wanted to break those controls... no, that wasn't quite right; their mutual goal was to splinter the others will. A compulsion, Nic recognized, as a shadow he was drawn to because of August. 

Unlike Jeremy, David was not an echo of his past. Which was why these long days with Jeremy was beginning to weigh on him. David's last day of class he was working, while Breezy made sure she left early. She and the children not only took him to dinner, she'd had a cake made for him. Nicolao was torn. He was grateful for the time Dee got to spend with them; maybe a bit jealous, and angry he had to miss his David's celebration. And for what, so Jeremy could flirt with him every free moment? He was going to cut this exercise in futility short. He made sure Breezy was on board, and he approached Jeremy when they were eating. 

"Saint and I are going to work through the weekend, when I leave Wednesday night everything should be done except the signatures and filing."

Jeremy stopped chewing, and then swallowed slowly. "You and Miss St. James decide our schedule, I wasn't aware." Jeremy replied the only sign he was annoyed was a slight tightening of his jaw.

Nicolao shrugged in response, he really didn't care. As long as the contract was done and all parties agreed on the terms, Jeremy had no reason to object.

"I put in for time off next week; I'm going to visit my family. We won't take any shortcuts, Saint and I will sleep here in the office if need be. We will have it done by Monday, scanned, and faxed by Tuesday. That should give you time to make any changes, but that shouldn't be necessary. This way I get to see my family, and the Muecci contract will have been handled properly."

"Miss St. James' has children; she's going to spend the weekend here with you?" Jeremy began to suspect the student was not his only rival for Nicolao's affections.

Relieved Jeremy had no real objections, he clapped his back affectionately. "Saint's kids will be at my house, safe and sound. Dee has been watching them for her." Nicolao smiled with the thought of Davey.

The place on Jeremy's back where Nicolao had touched him was warm. The light contact had sent a jolt from his shoulder blade right to his neglected dick. Jealousy roused within him, Jeremy wanted Nicolao's face to light up when he thought of him. He had done everything expected of him, everything. Wasn't his debt paid, couldn't he have just one thing that he really wanted? Jeremy's mind balanced internal scales, in his measure he was due, and Nic was the payment.

Jeremy took another bite of his sandwich, quickly averting his eyes. The enduring despair that rested in his core stirred. Why couldn't Nicolao give him more time?

"Alright, we work through the weekend," he declared, "I would hate to keep you from your family. You have been invaluable this week. I would have been lost without you."

"Thanks Jeremy, you should work on having more people in your corner."

Jeremy crumpled his sandwich wrapping. "Evangelista, let's get back to work now, and fix my life later."

*****

Davey waited for Averie to complete his second look for the day. She had decided her task for the weekend would be to act as his stylist when he mentioned the need for a haircut. 

"Rie, leave him alone, and let him play!" Abel ordered. Davey was trying to play the video game with his sister buzzing around his head.

"Be quiet, Bud! This is working," she stepped back to admire her work. "Mr. Nic is going to love it!" Averie declared.

"Thanks Rie, I'm sure I'll love it too, as soon as I see it." Davey hoped it was better than her attempt to straighten his hair with a flat iron.

"You're welcome," she wrinkled her nose, "maybe I could work on Mr. Justice's look."

Before he was able to answer, the doorbell rang, making the trio jump. Who could have gotten past the gates?

Davey gave the children a reassuring smile. "Hold on for a minute." He adjusted his glasses, and looked at the screen by the door; he didn't recognize the dark haired man.

"Yes, who is it." He called out.

"This is Jeremy Mylonas, and I was hoping to have a word with you."

Davey threw the door open, worried something had happened to Nicolao.

"Is Nic alright?" He barked.

"Whoa," Jeremy raised his hand, "yes, when I left the office Nicolao and Miss Saint James were fine." 

Davey waited, he didn't want to know the reason Jeremy was there. The man was handsome. Of course he couldn't hold a candle to Nic, but there was no denying he was good looking. 

"I came to have a word with you." Jeremy stepped forward, but Davey didn't move to let him in.

They kids had been teaching him the finer points of having sleepovers, point one everyone had to sleep, eat, and socialize in one room. The second point was no cleaning until the sleepover was officially over. He had enjoyed himself so much he could not regret it, but facing the man who he knew would be taking Nicolao from him, he wished he had on clothes; and he could have cleaned a bit. Davey wasn't going to let Mylonas near the kids. They were fully clothed, but he didn't know the man. No, he wasn't going to even see Breezy's kids.

"I'll come outside."

Davey closed the door, and emerged seconds later with Nic's jacket and slippers on, covering his pajama bottoms and t-shirt. Jeremy evaluated his competition. David's styled hair was loose, ash blond curls; tendrils clung to his ears and the nape of his neck, outlining a face of startling pulchritude.

He was a looker, if that type suites you, Jeremy thought. He also appeared to be savvy; Jeremy admired how he would not let him enter his territory, and covered himself with Evangelista's jacket. 

"Has Nicolao mentioned me to you?" 

Davey rested his hip against the railing. 

"Yeah, he said you were why he moved here. In a way I should thank you." Davey's voice was low, reserved.

Jeremy was almost put off-balance by his directness.

"Evangelista is one of my few friends, he means a great deal to me." 

"He means a great deal to me too, but you want him back, and not as just your friend." Davey had tucked Jeremy away in the back of his mind when Nic told him about him. He knew someone worthy was there for Nic, and now he was meeting him.

"That's true, very true, but he doesn't feel the same way about me, now that he has you to take care of." Hazel eyes bore into blue. "I had to see you. I wanted to know why Nicolao won't even try to work on our relationship."

Davey's breath caught in his throat, Jeremy was like August. He wouldn't be a burden to Nicolao, they would be equals. "He loves me."

Jeremy shrugged, in spite of the stirring in his chest, "You work fast Dee. But tell me, how many people love things that are not good for them?"

"It's Nicolao's decision not yours." Annoyance flared when Jeremy called him what only Nic did. He wasn't ready to let Nic go, not yet.

Jeremy was shocked David hadn't denied he wasn't good for Nicolao. "But sometimes, if you love someone you have to be strong enough to do the right thing for them, to face the pain of losing them if it is best. Not that I can't see what he sees in you, you obviously get by on your looks."

Davey straightened, "Are you willing to give up on Nic? You did before, what makes you so sure you're the best for him now?"

Jeremy wasn't ready to comment on his past failings, and voiced no answer.

Davey grabbed the doorknob, but waited for an answer. "Just what I thought, you still aren't who Nic needs, yet." Davey called over his shoulder and went inside.

Jeremy was left to ponder what he meant by yet. He hadn't meant to come to Nicolao's home. But he saw how determined Nicolao was to be done with their project and he couldn't stop himself. Jeremy returned to the office and made a call. The visit yielded nothing, except he liked the student. Davey almost had him convinced he was what Nicolao proclaimed, almost. Jeremy called a number he seldom used; he would find out if he had lost Nicolao to the better man.

Davey returned to find the children cleaning up their weekend disarray. After hanging Nic's jacket he joined them, and they silently restored order to the house. He was grateful to them for their intuitive silence. When they were done they sat on the couch, and put in a movie. Averie and Abel settled in on either side of him. They felt like pieces of his life now, not just Nicolao's. They were the brother, and sister he could have had, if life weren't cruel, it always returned to cruel. Jeremy's coming here was proof; he had come, announcing it was over, his sweet respite.

Breezy picked up the children, and dropped Nicolao off. Davey had never seen him look so haggard. His eyes had dark circles under them, and his clothes were a disheveled mess. 

Davey tried to feed him, but he declined opting for a shower. 

Between stretching and yawning, Nic told him he was satisfied with their progress, and felt they could leave in the middle of the week. Davey decided not to mention Jeremy's visit. He seemed so tired, why upset him? 

Nicolao dragged Davey to the bathroom with him, smiling as he removed his clothes. 

"Nic you look like you're about to fall over."

"Stay, if only to catch me."

Nicolao turned the water on in the shower, and pulled Davey to him. David returned the embrace, but Nic didn't move. He held him flush against him. Nic's chest would expand as he took great breaths, inhaling David's scent.

"God I love you." He declared as they stepped apart. "Very dapper hairdo, Averie's handiwork I assume, she's got talent."

"She said you'd think so." Davey said as the stepped in the shower. 

He scrubbed himself as Nic washed his hair. Davey wasn't tall enough to reach, but when Nic was done Davey cleaned him, memorizing every inch of skin as his hand glided over it. He would remember Nic by sight, touch, and taste until the end of his days. 

Nicolao crawled into bed, his body weary. He ached from trying to rest his large body on Jeremy's couch. David settled over him and drew him into a drugging kiss, his tongue worked in unadulterated carnality. David severed the contact, the kiss left him dizzy, and shaken.

"Nic, I..." His voice left him. He couldn't say any of the things he wanted. Davey's eyes pleaded silently for him to understand, to know, he wanted to tell him, but couldn't.

A smile lifted the edges of Nicolao mouth. "I know Dee, I love you too. And I will keep saying it until every part of you believes it. When that happens, and you trust me completely, you will be able to say anything."

Davey's face contorted. He told Jeremy he was not what Nic needed, yet he couldn't even tell him the truth. The simplest truth he knew. Proof he wasn't who Nicolao needed either.

Nicolao saw Davey's pained expression, and was seized by paroxysms of emotion. He rolled pinning his slight frame beneath him. He nuzzled Davey's neck, inhaling the scent that was his David.

"I missed the smell of you," Nic's voice was a low rumble, the sound made Davey's skin come alive with creeping sensation, as the vibrations travelled through him. 

Their trapped, engorged shafts wept tears of desire that formed a puddle between their bodies. Nicolao ground his hip into Davey's, rubbing their slick members together. Skin slithered on skin, moistened with their own issue, pressing deliciously closer, exacting moans from them both. 

"I missed your eyes, and how they say everything you think." Nicolao continued, his hands on either side of David's head, holding his gaze.

He began to undulate against Davey in earnest. Their rutting bodies moving against one another, developed into two parts of an animated mechanism, driven by the promise of their unfettered release.

"For two days I missed the feel of your skin, so responsive." Nicolao's brows drew together; he wasn't going to last long. Their pre-come lubricated the lair between their stomachs, and the heated friction was fast pulling him over the brink. "The taste of your mouth is divine." 

"The sound of your voice makes me hard, especially when you moan like that... so sexy. You give me so much, you don't know how much," Nicolao paused, the built pressure was about to break. "I'm coming love!"

Nic's hips slammed into David's as cream ribbons erupted from his cock. He did not want to break eye-contact with Davey, but as pleasure enveloped him he threw his head back. The sinewy cords of his neck were on display, as he groaned his satisfaction.

Davey was lost in Nicolao; his eyes held his, his word low and sensuous, his touch hard and heated. Nic's erupting tremor covered him in sticky cream, and then, without him knowing, his own release was there. He began to quiver, and shoot, making desperate sounds in his throat, unable to form words. 




Deciphering the Bloom Ch. 03



Nicolao swiftly cleaned them up. David fell asleep in Nic's arms. His fears of Jeremy securely tucked away in the back of his mind. Nic's words milled in his head even as consciousness slipped away. It was another memorable night in one another's embrace. It was also the night Davey did not cry silently in his sleep. It was the night he woke up screaming.

*****

Nicolao hated going in to work. David's screams had been hair-raising. His body was drenched in sweat, and his heart was racing. Nic gathered in his arms, but did not ask any questions. In spite of himself Nic fell asleep, but judging from David's darkened eyes he had found no such relief.

His day was spent thinking about David. He left the office late that night knowing he had done little to assist Breezy or Jeremy. If he had not been so preoccupied he would have noticed Jeremy's tension. He was on edge all day waiting for Evangelista to attack him for upsetting his twink. When Nicolao left, he accepted that David hadn't mentioned it. The hustler had made a mistake with that, but one he was grateful for.

David and he ate a late supper. Nicolao knew he was retreating from him. Their night was unease. He was back to looking at his lap when he spoke, unable to meet Nic's eyes.

They were in bed when Nic decided he had to say something, "Maybe it would help if you tell me about it."

"There's nothing to tell. It was a nightmare. I'm alright," Davey paused, and swallowed to get the lie out, "I don't even remember what it was about."

Nicolao nodded, and turned the lights out. He didn't know what hurt more, the fact that David was constructing walls, or the lie. He prayed Augusts' prayer that he was strong enough to be the man David needed him to be, then to be spared more Marigolds and Morning Glories.

He awoke to David's shrill screams.

Nicolao left the next morning without waking David. He did not have to be at Breezy's until the children were out of school, and Nicolao wanted him to get some rest. He was at a loss. He had no idea how to help David. Maybe if he would unburden himself, let him know about his past it might help. Nic guessed he had some idea of what it was, but he would have to tell him. Last night David wasn't capable of speech, he kept whispering how sorry he was, as he clung to him. Nicolao held him close, and told stories, much the way he had when he was breaking through David's shell on the bus. Finally, he felt his lean body go limp. Nicolao spent the remainder of nightfall keeping vigil against sinister vagaries.

Nicolao leaned against Jeremy's desk, waiting for Jeremy and Breezy to return. The Meucci contract was all but done. He texted David whenever he could, and even called him, the sleep appeared to have helped. The office was empty, but Nic was confident he would be able to leave before sunset. If he did he would take David to a nice dinner out. Nicolao was lost in his thoughts, he missed Jeremy entering the room, and locking the door.

Nic felt the hard body pressed against him a second before he was forced face down on the desk, his arm twisted painfully behind his back.

Jeremy laid his body over his, bringing his mouth to the edge of Nicolao's ear. "We talked about this Evangelista, me taking your ass on my desk."

"God dammit, the things we talked about aren't going to happen." He was annoyed, but not alarmed; he just had no time for games. Jeremy couldn't dominate him, even when he was available. But the idea of it obsessed the man. 

"They can happen, if you'd forget about that bottle blond, little twink of yours for a while." Jeremy pressed his blood filled length against Nicolao's ass.

Jeremy's words coalesced in Nic's mind, the tension in his body fled, and his words were almost a whisper. "Let my arm go, within the next five seconds, or you will be drinking from a straw when I'm done."

Jeremy straightened immediately taking a large step back. The ominous truth in the declaration couldn't be missed.

"How do you know what David looks like?" Nicolao stood at his full height, his brown eyes narrowed to slits.

Jeremy was tempted to take another step back, but met Nic's stare as casually as he could. "I stopped by Hope's Cove over the weekend. I went to see your student. What he didn't tell you?"

Nic's jaw twitched. If he beat Jeremy into abstract art he would lose his job, and probably go to jail for his trouble. He struggled to control the familiar prickling sensation forming at his scalp, radiating downward throughout his body; the curious euphoria rage, and danger gave him. But standing before him was one of the reasons why David was having nightmares. It certainly couldn't be a coincidence. 

"What did you say to him?"

"That's between the twink, and me. Maybe I offered him a better fiscal opportunity. I do have more money than you." Jeremy shrugged.

"If you say one more rude thing about him, or call him anything other than his name I promise to make the use of a straw permanent. Now what the fuck are you playing at?"

Jeremy closed the distance between them, his own anger and frustration boiling over. "What am I playing at? What the fuck are you playing at? You moved here to be with me, me, a few months ago! That isn't minor, or without implications of some kind of feelings. I know you felt something for me. Then you put a halt to everything after one damned conversation. You won't give me time to fix it, you're being unreasonable." 

Nicolao didn't flinch at the display. "You couldn't tell me how long you needed, a week, a year, five years. I was supposed to what? Fuck you in your office, or have clandestine sleepovers at your place, or is that what Hope's Cove is for? So you can hide your shameful, dirty, queer lover's away."

Jeremy smiled, "That is not what Hope's Cove is for, but nice suggestion," he exhaled. "Who said you were going to fuck me in here?"

Nicolao snorted, this was the norm for their discussions. Reveal genuine emotions, and the topic would invariably swerve away from the issues; everything was glossed over, just like Mylonas. "I was never going to submit to you, you and I both know it."

Nicolao paused, "The one conversation you refer to wasn't the only thing that stopped us from moving forward. It's the whole power dynamic you're a slave to. You were afraid to show weakness, afraid to let me in. You think setting up these competitions where the winner gets to top saves face somehow. You and I both know I would have won, each bet. Because what you want most in this world is to belong to someone. You can't even give that, yielding control, as a gift. You need someone to take it. I admit I was interested in the challenge. But I know I'm not the one for you. Butting heads with you for a lifetime isn't what I want, and I can't live in a room that is four by two."

Jeremy moved closer, there was scarcely an inch between them. Hazel eyes peered up at Nicolao, "What if I submit? What if I trust you with all of the bits and pieces of me? What if you didn't have David where would we be?" He could feel Jeremy's breath on his neck.

Nicolao assessed whether this was once again one of Jeremy's games. The thought of being welcomed in a body gave him pause, but it would be hollow if the body wasn't David's. Nic sidestepped Jeremy, drawing in a shaky breath. "I'm not getting lost in the hypothetical. The reality is I have Dee, and if you can't accept that then when my contract expires, I won't seek to renew it." 

Nicolao walked to the door, and unlocked it, "Look, I'm tired and going to head home. I'll see you tomorrow for the conference call, even though I don't think you'll need me. Goodnight." He left quickly not waiting for a reply. 

Jeremy caught the uneven breath and the slight bulge in Nic's pants before his exit. Hypothetical can become reality, it wasn't over yet he decided. 

Nicolao sent Breezy text messages letting her know he would be at her car waiting for her. He struggled to understand why David hadn't told him about Jeremy's visit. It clearly rattled him; the night terrors were proof of that. Breezy came down a half hour after he sent her the texts, she was unusually silent as she began their drive.

"How much did you hear?" He asked.

"Enough to be titillated, and creeped the fuck out." 

Away from her children, and the office Brescia St. James had a mouth to rival a sailor. 

"Jeremy took it upon himself to see Dee."

Breezy gave him a quick glance, "Yeah, the kids told me." 

"And you didn't think to mention it?"

"Not my place, but the kids did think Davey was upset."

Nic knew she was right. "I know, but he's so..." He hesitated to say fragile, David wasn't weak he had survived too much for that label. But he didn't know how to convey why he needed his protection.

Breezy frowned, taking up his abandoned statement. "Davey is walking wounded, goddamned tattered flesh and soul. As a mother I want to hug him, throw him in the Winnie and roll. Carry him till he gets stronger, the way his mama would've. But he has you, and he's a man, not a child, that's why it wasn't my place to tell you about Mylonas, the jackass."

"I could lose him Breezy. The things in his past won't let him go, I thought I was making progress, but he can't trust me." Nicolao allowed some of the helplessness he felt spill out in his words. Breezy paused wanting to reassure her friend. 

"Wounds scab over, sometimes way before the flesh has healed. To heal it proper, you've got to peel the dead skin off. You ever had one of those hurts? The pain is a son-of-a-bitch, because you have to go in, and clean out the debris, and rot. Now think about it, he's healing, I can see it, so can you. You can't expect it not to vex him, and maybe it'll hurt so much he'll want to run or fold under the pain of it. But that's when you'll be there, in the here and now, rendering the past impotent whispers." They stopped at a light; Nic noted she had as amber glow in under the light.

"That's just my two cents, but if you want, you can slip Mylonas a mickey, and put him in the back of my truck. I'll make a call, and that jackass is gone. Just don't ask me any questions."

Nicolao chortled, "Right when I was about to swear you were a true saint!" He sobered, "You're right about David, I see his pain and I worry."

Breezy nodded, "You're human my friend. It's that you're in it, and it hard to see the progress, but I can. Anytime you need to talk I've got two good ears."

They completed the drive back and forth in companionable silence. Nicolao wondered after she drove away from he and David, how she was so intimately familiar with pain.

Nicolao and Davey settled on take-out for dinner. The distance of yesterday was apparently gone. 

Davey realized, with all of the text messages from Nic, he was worried about him. He wasn't going to let his time left with Nicolao to be anything less than it had been, perfect. Now it was almost over, he had to accept letting it go, nothing good ever lasted long. 

In the shower together, Davey playfully began running his tongue along the defined lines of Nicolao's muscles. It led to a great deal of laughter, his licking post was ticklish. 

"Dee, I think you have a muscle fetish!" 

Davey pulled away from his inner thigh, and looked up at him, "I have a Nicolao fetish." He quipped before continuing activities. 

Nic's body blocked most of the spray. The hot water, and David's puckish attention was close to overloading his senses. For all of his tasting, he had yet to make contact with the part of him that was imploring him for care. If he moved to touch himself he would brush his hand away.

Nic was approaching pain before he spoke, with his teeth clenched, "Love, please I don't know what you have planned, but this is torture."

Davey rose, his eyes smoldering. "The plan is for you to make love to me." 

Nicolao's mouth was ajar in disbelief. Davey pressed against him, grabbing the nape of neck and urged him down to his waiting lips.

Nic's amazement mingled with this desire. He picked David up, and pressed his back against the shower wall. He lost his breath when Davey wrapped his legs around his waist, and began to move in bewitching circles while clinging to him.

He maneuvered to turn the water off, exit, and drape a towel across David's shoulders as he suckled Nic's neck. He managed to dry them, and David was in bed before his lust filled mind cleared a bit. "Are you sure?"

"Nic I want you, please." Davey crooned.

Nicolao's erection could have been used on a constructions site, it grooved in time with his heartbeat. He wished David had allowed him to take the edge off before they got to bed. He needed control, or he would plough into him operating on animal instinct. 

"Lie down."

David lay face down on the bed. Nic reached in the nightstand removing massage oil and lubricant. He leant down, kissed the small of his back, and straddled his body. He coated his back in massage oil, and began with long strokes down his back. Nicolao lodged his cock between his butt cheeks, as he rocked back and forth basking in tactile sensation. 

Nicolao worked his way downward and kneaded David's glutes. He was reassured by the mewling sounds emitting from his lover. He breached him with a lube covered finger, desperate to open the channel up. David's muscles tensed, but he soon relaxed as Nic continued to massage his back and work his finger in and out. He sought the hidden jewel, hoping to stimulate pleasure while opening him. A sharp inhalation let him know he was at the right spot. 

Growing confident they were making progress, he was about to have him roll onto his back. He could take him in his mouth, when he added another finger. David's hands where clenched, and his body began to tremble. Nicolao's gut wrenched, something was wrong. He moved off of his legs and watched in dread as David scrambled to the head of the bed, curling into a ball of flesh and despair.

Davey pulled his knees to his chest, his eyes squeezed shut. He'd fought to keep it at bay, and now he was bombarded by it. Terror clawed through him, robbing him of breath, causing his chest to constrict painfully. He heard Nicolao calling him, much in the tone you would use with a child. Davey opened his eyes to see Nic reaching for him. He couldn't stand for anything to touch his skin; he drew back from his hands. Davey hastened to pull himself up to a seated position. He rested his head on his knees, and struggled to gain control of his body.

Nicolao watched in regret and horror. He had caused this. David was dripping with sweat, and his eyes were open, but unfocused. He had recoiled from him, and he deserved it. He should have moved slower, should have paid closer attention. David obviously wasn't ready, so much for the impotence of whispers.

"Dee, it's alright. I'm sorry, I am so sorry." Nicolao repeated the litany, hoping to soothe him.

Davey fought to speak, "I'm fine, it's fine," he swallowed heavily, his throat was so dry. "Please,I don't want to be alone, please, please Nic. Just give me a minute, please."

Nicolao was at a loss. What was David pleading for? "I'm not going anywhere. And it's going to be alright. We're alright. I love you Dee and I'll not leave you alone."

Nicolao stayed on one side of the bed. Watching as David's breathing returned to normal, when he was sure the attack had passed he carefully enfolded him in his arms. They slept with the lights on, having dealt already with too much of the dark.

The next morning Nicolao called in his apologies to Breezy, and sent the message that if Jeremy wanted to have him terminated that he should see to it. Otherwise, he would return to work on Monday. 

They spent the rest of the morning packing for the short visit. Each stoically fought their shame over failing the other. Davey did roll his eyes when Nic mentioned shopping for a few things. Nicolao picked up the rental surprising Davey with his chosen vehicle, a mini-van. They shared a laugh, when Nic declared it the "the Cadillac of mini-vans." The van was loaded with their luggage, and Nicolao found himself getting excited for David. He hadn't crossed the state line since he was seven. 

Davey buckled in and wondered, not for the first time, what Nic's family would think of him. Would they see him as trash, out to use Nic like Jeremy did? He heard Nicolao sigh.

"What is it? I figured you'd be tired today." Davey asked. A part of him wanted Nic to say he was too tired to leave, and would wait another day.

"No I'm not tired. Dee I know I said it last night, but it feels like there is some tension between us. I'm sorry for last night, love. I went to fast, and I triggered something in you."

Davey was stunned; liquid brown eyes entreated his forgiveness, where none was needed. He bit his lip.

"Nicolao I'm the one who's sorry, screaming like I've been, and waking you up." Davey closed his eyes, and pressed his head back against the head rest. In the silence, Nic admired his long lashes, and flawless profile. 

Finally David opened his eyes, but did not alter his gaze. "I don't want to be this way. I'm trying to be strong. I want to be with you so bad, and I hate myself for not being able to. And it doesn't matter if you say I shouldn't, but that's how I feel."

"I keep telling you, we have time. It's enough for now that I know you want to. Last night you left me, it was as if you didn't see me. Something bad happened to you, didn't it David?" Nic urged gently. 

Davey nodded, "Almost three years ago, something bad, but I can't talk about it, I..." He blew a breath out; the tightening in his chest was starting. 

"We're okay; you don't have to talk about it. I don't need details to understand." Nic grabbed David's hand and twined their fingers together. The simple gesture always reminded David of their first date. He relaxed at the touch.

"I didn't leave Nic. I wasn't asleep, like with the screaming. I was aware it was you, I was so hot for you, and it happened anyway. I freaked out even knowing it was you, and that you won't hurt me. I'm sorry I'm so messed up."

"You aren't messed up. Remember that's the man I love you're talking about, and no one can hate him. And no one will hurt him again if I have anything to say about it." 

Nicolao cranked the van, and then continued, "There is nothing for you to be sorry for. Thank you for telling me what you could. I know that wasn't easy. Now, we have to go to the convenience store, and load up on rotating hotdogs, and stale nachos."

Nic guffawed at the astonished expression he gave him. He had told David many times that those items weren't really food. "Don't look at me like that. It's a road trip requirement, I didn't make the rules." 

They locked the main gate, and began their drive. The specter of discontent not completely banished, but less potent by their accord.

Nicolao avoided the interstate for most of the drive. He insisted they stop and take pictures in front of the state border signs. They ate at a dingy diner, with the best greasy burgers Davey had ever tasted. Nicolao pulled into a lonely shop after four hours on the road. It was an antique store, which also had original glass blown art. Nicolao bought his family gifts from the talented owner, and a few pieces for their house. 

David absorbed the scenery for the entire drive. He wondered what life would be like if he grew up on a farm like the ones they passed. He knew Nic was doing everything he could to make the trip special for him. The shopping, the food, even the music he had on the player was the instrumental rock Davey preferred. For a man who wouldn't own the label of perfection, Nicolao kept demonstrating it with every act.

After six hours Nicolao let him know they would have to get on the interstate, and that he should rest while he drove. David had tell tale circles underneath his eyes, he didn't need his company, as sweet at is it was. The drive finally lulled him into a light sleep, when he was resting his eyes for a moment. 




Deciphering the Bloom Ch. 03



The change in the rhythm of the car roused David. They were in a neighborhood. He sat up and Nic grinned at him.

"Dee, we're almost there."

Davey rubbed the sleep from his eyes. He knew where they would pull in before they did. It was a large house with cars lining the street. The house and the driveway was lit by multiple flood lights, every light in the house seemed to be on. 

Nic pulled, "Pop must have insisted they leave the driveway clear," he met Davey's eyes as he cut the engine. "Are you ready? If not, I can turn around; we can find a nice bed and breakfast."

Davey loved him even more for offering, "No, I'm excited to meet your family Nic. I think you've told me enough to be prepared."

Nic leaned in and kissed him, "Okay Dee, we'd better head in, or they'll all come out."

They exited the van and walked up the steps to the front door. Nic was about to knock when the door opened. A large man, with grey curly hair greeted them with a warm smile. 

"Hi pop," Nic stepped readily into his father's embrace. 

After a moment he pulled back, "You look good Nico. I made everyone wait in the family room; I didn't want them mobbing you."

Mr. Evangelista stepped back making room for Davey and Nic to enter. 

Nic place his arm around David's shoulder. "Pop, this is my boyfriend, David Bradley Collins, Dee that's pop."

Davey moved out of Nicolao's embrace to shake the large man's hand. 

"Natanaele or you can call me Sr., or pop if you like." 

Pop... Sr. ... Mr. Evangelista was a large, powerfully built man. His hands were calloused and rough from a lifetime of work. They followed him to the family room where all on Nic's siblings were. As soon as they crossed the threshold they all surged around them. Nicolao was wrapped in a blanket of arms and kisses. 

Davey pressed back against a wall. Amid the flurry of activity a small woman moved past Nic's greeting mob and approached him. David thought she looked no more than forty. Her long, straight black hair was streaked with grey, and she stood an inch shorter than he. She was stunning, with brown skin and delicate bones structure.

Davey stepped forward, offering his hand, but she pressed into him and wrapped her arms around him. Not knowing what else to do, he hugged her back.

"It is so good to finally meet my other son," she declared and pressed a kiss on his cheek.

When she stepped back, Davey was surprised to see the assembly was watching them. 

"Everyone, this is David, your brother. And this is Hilaria our ma." Nicolao leaned down to hug and kiss his mother.

Davey recognized everyone from photos Nic had shown him. Nicolao and Nieves got their fine features and smaller bone structure from Hilaria as well as their black, straight hair. All of the Evangelista children were gifted with Nate's height, and topped six feet. Natanaele Jr., Nerina, and Narisco all had curly, dark brown hair and thicker bodies. Only Nicolao inherited his mother's watery eyes.

Not long after they walked in the group moved to the dining room. They had been holding dinner until their arrival. Davey felt guilty over their stops, but Nic insisted they shouldn't have waited. The dinner was delicious, and full of stories about Nicolao. David listened, seated between Hilaria and Nic. He had never been witness to such a congregation. They ate, laughed, and conversed with ease, no one tripped over the other, and the invisible lines of kinship guided the right voice to the correct ear. Even Sera, Nate Jr.'s wife navigated the multiple discourses without pause, Davey noted. They had no idea, he was sure; it was all a foreign performance to him. But one he enjoyed none the less.

"How was your drive David? Did Nico stop and make you shop at every shop he saw?" Hilaria asked.

"No ma'am..." he stammered, but laughed when he saw the knowing look in her eyes. "We did a little shopping."

"For you ma! I left the gifts in the van; I'll get them for you after dinner." Nicolao explained, couldn't David and his mother bond over something other than his shopping.

Hilaria rolled her eyes at her third born. "Driving is not bad for you; you do not get motion sickness, or any of those things?" She patted his hand on the table next to hers.

Davey glanced at Nic, but he shook his head. They had established the trip went well.

"No, ma'am, I think I like travelling. It was fun."

She rewarded him with a smile and squeezed his hand, "Good, when we go to Santa Fe you should love it."

"Ma, Dee doesn't have a passport." Nic began, he loved his mother for accepting David as her own, but he knew Dee wasn't fully his yet.

"Nico, the trip is next year, plenty of time for a passport."

Davey was confused. Why did he need a passport to go to New Mexico? 

"We're all going to Argentina next year," Narisco explained from across the table. He was watching his three year old Joshua's handling of a glass of juice. His curly brown hair was cut low, showing off his handsome face, a balanced mix of both parents. Davey noted that when he wasn't focused on Joshua he seemed to be studying him.

Davey wasn't able to mask his shock. Was he going to South America on a family trip? Nic hadn't mentioned it; did he want him to go?

Narisco smiled, his dark eyes kind, "Hey there's plenty of time to decide what you want to do, don't sweat it."

"Of course you do not have to go, but I want you to think about it." Hilaria explained, giving his hand another squeeze. 

"Yes, plenty of time for vacation decisions, but less time for business, Risco." Natanaele chimed in from the head of the table.

Narisco furrowed his heavy brows and picked imaginary lint from his shirt. "I know pop, I'll make a decision soon I promise." He said, giving his father a weak smile.

Nicolao mentally patted himself on the back for moving away. Unlike Narisco, he did not have to endure pop's ever present push for them to all own businesses, preferably Natanaele and Sons garages. Perhaps that was why his little brother was so reserved tonight. His compulsive grooming was a clear indicator that Risco had something on his mind.

"Nate's taking orders from all over the country, another shop would thrive." Natanaele explained to the table.

"Your shop is doing that well Nate?" Nicolao asked his older brother. 

The most reticent member of their clan, shrugged noncommittally. 

"Business is great. Nate and those green ideas of his are really something." Natanaele bragged for his eldest.

"It's not all me pop." Natanaele the younger asserted, obviously uncomfortable with the praise.

Nic nudged Sera with his elbow. "Still humble? After catching you, I'd have thought he would be comfortable with thumping his chest a bit."

"No one is as comfortable as you are with chest thumping. When you caught David I'm sure you put King Kong to shame." Sera elbowed him back. Nate and Nicolao couldn't be more different. Her husband was a reserved, gentle man hidden underneath wild hair, and intelligent eyes. His younger brother was a vibrant peacock, drawing the attention to himself in order to relieve any stress on Nate. Sera smiled appreciatively at Nicolao. 

Nicolao winked, "When you have something great to crow about why be shy?" 

"When are you ever shy?" Sera raised an auburn eyebrow as she ribbed him. 

"I was nervous about approaching Dee."

Davey's face blanched, "When?"

Nicolao shook his head trying to look sincere, "There was a minute there..."

The assembly laughed at the improbable statement. 

Nicolao met David's eyes; to be sure he was at ease with their banter.

"Right after I asked you to sit down?" David said smirking.

"He made the first move? Way to almost blow it Nico." Nieves teased.

"I thought he was untouchable jailbait." He explained.

Nieves theatrically turned her coffee eyes to David. "Yeah, old boy it looks like you're cutting it close."

"I'll be twenty one soon." Davey said, delighting in the fun.

"How soon?" Hilaria interjected in their exchange.

"June fourteenth." Davey and Nicolao answered in unison.

"Nerina I think you should be able to put together a nice party by then." Hilaria suggested to her oldest daughter. 

"Yes ma, that's plenty of time." Nerina assured her with a smile. Her parents had given her the money for her events planning business, Evangelista Event Designs.

David turned to let her know that would not be necessary, but fell silent as he faced Nerina. She was smiling, but it did not touch her eyes. For the first time since their introductions he felt like the outsider he was.

"Does anyone want dessert?" Nerina asked breaking her gaze. 

David shot a desperate look at Nic; he would burst if he ate anything else.

"No Neri, I think I'll head to the van and get our bags." Nic pushed away from the table and stood up. 

David and Narisco followed his example. 

"I think Josh and I have had enough." He explained, swinging the boy into his arms. 

Nicolao knew then Narisco was eager to speak with him, notwithstanding his uncharacteristic silence, his sibling never passed on dessert.

Davey moved to pick up his empty plate.

"No, leave it, this time. You have had a long day. We will clear the table." Hilaria shooed him as she spoke.

Nieves, a tall, youthful replica of her mother winked mischievously at David, "Why do Nico and Risco get a pass from cleaning?"

"That's because you never leave! Why don't you go away?" Nate Jr. offered.

"Will I get a pass when I come back?"

"That depends on if we missed you enough to cut you some slack. Leave for a year or two and we'll see."

"You'd miss Lil' Nico too much." She challenged. Adult eyes rested on her six year old, named Nicolao.

"You can go ma, I'm staying here." The child responded in earnest.

Nate exploded with laughter. He was the eldest, but he and Sera had no children. They treated his nephew like the son they did not have.

"Okay that's Nico and Davey, what about Risco?" Nieves pressed.

"Do you have the money you borrowed from me?" Narisco asked.

"No." Nieves answered, regretting her challenge.

"Then you owe me, I'll deduct twenty." 

The three men left the room as Nieves was questioned about her loan from her brother. Nic turned as they passed the cavernous family room and kissed David. Davey couldn't help himself, and he blushed at the display of affection in front on Nic's family members.

"You're adorable when you turn red like that." Nic guided him in the room and seated him on the center couch, the room had three. He turned the television on and handed Davey the remote. "I'll get the bags, you're exhausted. The nap wasn't long enough, and it looks like it did more harm than good." Nicolao knew David hadn't had enough sleep over the past few nights and he worried over the stress of dealing with his family.

"I'm fine Nic, let's go to the van." Davey said, moving to get up.

"Oh, I'll help Nico; will you keep an eye on Josh for me. If you need something give ma a holler." Narisco deposited his burden on the cushion next to David.

It was obvious the brothers wanted to talk, so he acquiesced. 

At the van Nicolao opened the driver's door and sat. Risco was itching to talk to him about something, more than likely it was pops Nic figured. But Narisco enjoyed working in the garage, so Nic didn't understand his obvious distress. What was more puzzling was his younger brother normally kept his own counsel. The family was rarely consulted about his life inner workings; he acted and dealt with his consequences. When his girlfriend became pregnant Narisco convinced her to not terminate the pregnancy, insisting he would take sole responsibility for their child. Alyssa signed over all parental rights and disappeared. Unlike Nieves, his brother called on the family as little as was necessary. 

"What's up?" He asked when the younger settled in the passenger's seat.

"Man, David's really short." He announced as he adjusted the seat, and then sat studying the arm rest.

"Risco."

"Nico, we never talk about this stuff." He pressed his lips together.

"Risco, we aren't talking about anything now."

Narisco ran his fingers through his short hair. "No one ever talked about the fact that you dated women and men. It's never been a topic of discussion, not once."

Nic wondered if his brother was now some rabid Christian. He doubted he would go to jail if he knocked him around a bit; after all, what good was family if not to knock some sense into one another from time to time.

"Because I brought David home you think this should be open to discussion?" His voice was the same alarming quiet as it was in Jeremy's office.

Narisco realized what the tone signaled immediately. "No! David is a good guy, you can tell. He's something special, his face is so expressive, blue eyes, pink lips, and he's thin, but damned sexy."

Nicolao's head snapped sideways as he bolted upright. He had to look at his brother to know if he was reading him right. Had he been checking out his David?

"I'm not interested; I mean ma said he's my little brother, so I know hands off."

"Narisco, 'ma said', 'ma said', who gives a shit what ma said. Yeah, he's your brother because he's mine!" God his family had boundary issues. "And since when are you into men?"

Narisco plucked imaginary lint from his shirt. "Since always Nico, I've always been scared of standing out; I've never been like you."

Nicolao forgot his annoyance, seeing Narisco retreat. He was twenty five, only four years younger than him, and they had always been very different. Nic was made with a love of danger and excitement. Risco, to any observer, was gregarious and funny, but at his core he was sensitive and thoughtful. 

It never occurred to Nic to hide his relationships with either sex from his family. When asked by his mother if there was anyone in his kindergarten class he wanted to marry he replied yes, Angie Morales. When pressed what he would do if Angie declined, he told her he would marry Charles McElroy. Pop asked if that was a good idea, and he responded why not. That, as far as he knew, was the only time they spoke of it. 

"I'm not confident like you are. I keep thinking how will this affect Josh? I mean dating when you're a single parent is rough, but how many men are up to raising a kid."

"Raising a kid? Aren't you getting ahead of yourself? You have to date woman and men before..." Nic stopped; the smaller man was shaking his head.

"No, Nico, no more women. I'm gay not bi. But I can't do the clubs. I know I want what you and David have."

"What exactly do you think that is?"

Narisco snorted, "Are you kidding me? That kiss was nauseatingly sweet, good move not going for tongue; he'd have died from embarrassment. But you two are talking without saying anything already, you did it all through dinner, and look how you both just left the table. It may be months, but you already have hive mind. You're just like Nate n' Sera and Ma n' Pop."

Nicolao smiled, it was obvious that the only thing he could see when he looked at David was forever. 

"Narisco you know ma and pop will support you. What do you need?"

His brother's eyes were almost black they were so dark, "I need my brother to tell me it's going to be okay. That he doesn't think I'm a coward for not being as honest and brave as he's been my entire life."

Nicolao saw his brother's fear, even in a clan like the Evangelista's the possibility of rejection for one fault or another felt real. Nic reached over and pulled his little brother in a tight, awkward embrace. When he let him go tears glistened in his brother's eyes.

"I haven't told you enough how proud I am of you, for being such a good father to Joshua. You are a good man, one of the best people I know. You aren't a coward; if anything had been done differently you wouldn't be the man you are. And that man is damned impressive. You will find the right person for you because you believe they're out there, and that belief is half the battle. I love you Narisco, and I promise you everything will be alright."

Nic watched as his brother wiped his eyes. He ran away from his family a great deal. They were always there to support him, he questioned if he was as supportive of them as he could be. Narisco was in need of someone to not just accept him, but understand what his challenges would be. Why hadn't he kept in closer touch with his siblings? Aside from the fact Risco admitted to scoping out David as talent.

"You want to talk to the rest of the family?" Nicolao queried, he would stand beside his brother to shield him if necessary. Nerina was consumed by appearances, and Nieves had no clue when jokes became cruel.

"No, this visit is about getting to know David. I needed to tell you first... as always. Come on, let's get these bags out. We've left David in there, and Vess was looking to start trouble." Narisco said as he opened the van door.

Davey found himself alone with Joshua. He could hear the Evangelistas in the dining room and kitchen, either eating dessert or cleaning. He took in his surroundings. The family room was massive, with three sofa and two recliners. Pictures lined the walls and the overall feel was of comfort. The house, much like the family, simply welcomed you. 

The three year old watched as Davey absently changed channels. When a cartoon appeared on the screen he turned his dark eyes on the holder of the remote. He noticed the look and rested the clicker on the arm of the couch. 

"My dad tried to make me drink from a sippy cup." Joshua's r's were not well formed.

Davey nodded his head solemnly, it seemed his choice in entertainment merited him conversation. "I saw you at dinner, you did good not using the sippy cup. You didn't have an accident or anything."

"Yahun, I didn't spill, nobody else has a sippy cup. I have accidents sometime, but I sleep in big boy pull-ups." 

David fought back his smile, the little boy was serious. "I don't have those kinds of accidents, but I do have bad dreams."

"Me too, poppy got me a night light."

"Does that work? Maybe I should get one."

"I can tell Uncle Nico for you."

"Thanks, Joshua." 

They both turned their attention to the vivid colors on the screen. After a few minutes Joshua yawned, stretched and climbed unbidden into Davey's lap.

A few minutes later Nic's parents and Nate came into the room. Davey felt self-conscious for having the child in his lap. But they appeared delighted to see him with Joshua.

"You are a natural David. Joshua hardly goes to anyone but his poppy." Hilaria explained as she sat down.

A natural, Davey thought. The only children he had been around as an adult were Averie and Abel. Breezy said they smelled fear like any animal, the key to kids was not to show fear, and allow them to come to you. She claimed it worked for pets and the young. As usual her quirky logic worked. He would have to thank her later.

Narisco and Nicolao finally re-entered the house. Nic brought in their bags and his brother carefully handled the gift bags. 

Narisco paused when he saw his son settled peacefully on David's lap. Damn if he wasn't Nico's he'd go for it.

"Special." He muttered to Nic as he put the bags down.

Davey heard the one word utterance and raised questioning eyes to Nic. He smiled and shook his head, indicating it was nothing. Davey could feel he missed something. And there was an emotion in Nic's face, he was having trouble placing. That coupled with the long stare from Narisco made him feel unsettled.

Nieves, Nerina and Sera joined them in the family room. Nicolao had David hand Narisco his son back and they gave presents to the females in the family. Nieves punched Nicolao's arm for the gift of the 'prettiest ashtray she'd ever seen'. Nerina squealed with delight over her elephant encrusted music box. 




Deciphering the Bloom Ch. 04



Thank you to everyone for reading, voting and/or commenting. I feel obligated to warn this chapter deals with abuse. It is not graphic, nor is it my goal to offend. If you are easily triggered, then you may not find this chapter to your liking.

Klastbreath you are my bossy pink flying hippo, turtle kisses and hippie hugs. Ladyshellie graciously beta read for me. Nomoretears as always thanks for the shoulder, it should be waterlogged. Edited by BlackStallion21, I love to tinker so any errors are all mine.

This is a copyrighted work of fiction by the author seeker71. All rights reserved

*

Dreaded innate knowing made Nicolao speech slow and deliberate, "What are you doing with that David?"

"I'm leaving Nicolao, I don't belong here, I'm going back to my uncle's."

Once the words were spoken, Davey willed his legs to carry him to the door. He didn't want to explain, he couldn't. He was tainted, stained. Jeremy saw it, so had Nerina, and countless other people. He had almost let himself believe it could be real. That Nic could be his life and the Evangelistas could be his family. He put his head down, unwilling to look at Nicolao. If he could make it outside, he would be able to hurry back to the Under where he belonged.

"Don't scurry out of here, the least you can do is leave like a man." Nic's words were soft and cold. 

Davey's feet stopped moving. The subdued tone of Nicolao's voice warred with agonizing pain they each battled.

"What?" He asked in spite of himself, but he did not turn to see Nic.

"I said leave like a man. Take your things with you; don't insult me by throwing everything I gave you back at me." 

Davey turned to face him. There was a muscle in his jaw that twitched as he clenched it. His entire body was taut, as if he were about to spring. Davey took the sight in, but was not afraid. Nic would never hit him. But he was dismayed to see his eyes, those dulcet brown eyes were dead.

"It's not like that Nic..." He began.

"Do you think you are capable of telling me what it is like?" 

"I never wanted..." again Davey's voice failed him. There was no point in trying to explain. He would rather have Nicolao hate him for running out than know what he really was.

Nic cast his eyes on the bag he had brought in moments earlier. "Come get this suitcase, and I will drive the rest of your things to you later."

Startled, Davey left his backpack on the table by the entrance, where he laid it while retrieving Nic's keys. With no keys he couldn't be tempted to come back. He moved into the living room and grabbed the handle of his suitcase. Nic was staring at him with deadpan eyes.

"I wasn't using you." He offered, not willing to have that misconception stand.

"I know, you're running away, I was told you would." Davey remained on the other end of the living room. 

Nic glanced down at the bauble in his hand; he met Davey's eyes as he held it up. "Joshua's night light, go ahead and take it, to keep away your nightmares."

For Davey it was too much, it was all wrong, he had to get outside; he knew he could not be in Nic's presence a moment longer. He grabbed his suitcase and bolted. Shakily, he rested his head against the door once he had escaped. Panic swept in with the realization he had left his backpack inside.

The door closed, his David had indeed run, he threw the nightlight across the room. Nic's perception swelled and warped, as reality became less tangible Nicolao's body and Nicolao's soul ceased to inhabit the same space. The pain of watching David leave him proved too much. His spirit did not fight, did not reason, it fled. He had watched helplessly as David left. He wanted to go after him, to convince him to stay, but he remained rooted. His soul crashed mercilessly back into him, since he was heartbroken and not dead.

The weight of the knowledge that David did not love him made his knees give way. His two hundred and thirty pound body dropped unfettered to the floor. Alone, grief overwhelmed him, his body was seized by convulsions as tears began to fall. Entangled in the morass of woe he did not hear the door when it opened.

David stepped in, hoping to quickly get his backpack; it contained his bus pass, his way back to his true life. He took in the sight and struggled to comprehend it. He touched the bag, his aim was to claim it and leave undetected, but the posture of the magnificent flesh on the floor screamed of loss, and was weeping. Nic was weeping for him. Abandoning his rationales, he ran to Nicolao, and wrapped his arms around him, needing to ease his sorrow.

"No Nic, no, not for me, please you can't do this for me." He repeated the words, a litany begging him to relinquish his misery.

Nic couldn't think. David had left, now he was holding him, and he wasn't letting him go again. His body felt like lead, but he forced his arms up and pulled him to the floor with him in a steel embrace. His back rested against the sofa and held David; his David was in his lap. He was aware he was speaking, but he could process no words. Eventually the great heaving sobs yielded.

"You can't mourn me like this." David directed.

"Why the hell not?" 

""You can't love me," David stated. "I don't belong here, it's for the best."

"Davey if you are still leaving me then let me lose it in peace." Nic ordered, but he did not loosen his arms.

"You have to trust me when I say I'm not worth your tears or your love... none of it."

"I trust that I love you," Nic paused unsure if he should continue. But if David thought he was oblivious he needed to know he wasn't. "The truth is I think you were raped, but I don't know whether that's it or not; I don't even know where your monsters dwell. There is a huge part of you that has retreated into numbness, and you survived because you avoided all of those feeling. But that doesn't make you unworthy." 

David gave in, he had to explain. Nicolao deserved an explanation. His body slumped; it did not have the strength to war anymore, not even against gravity. He rested his forehead against Nic's. "It's so much worse than that."

David broke physical contact, sliding off his lap, resting his side against the front of the couch on the floor. He dropped his gaze to the floor, pulling the memories from the shadows, careful not to pull too much, to not connect with the feelings only the words. 

David gazed at Nicolao, his blue eyes the color of haunted stormy skies, and when he spoke it was empty of all traces of his Dee. 

"I was born a loser. You know I was behind in high school. The first year was because my grades were so bad. That was when I was diagnosed with congenital cataracts. I couldn't see. The second time was due to my natural stupidity. I didn't know I could get a bus pass from the district. I missed too many days because I was buying the passes with my own money. If I didn't have enough I didn't go. I'm telling you about that because you have to see Nic even simple things are out of my reach. Something is wrong with me, deep down." He paused. Nic was watching him, his face unreadable.

"The third time was three years ago, and you guessed right. Things had been unstable since Gayle left. Uncle Ben got high more every day, sometimes he would disappear, sometimes he would ignore me, and sometimes I was his best friend. I really wanted those times to last when he was good to me. He was all I had, so one day he came back from being gone for days. He said he had work at a bar, cleaning up, and that I could go with him. We went, but it wasn't last call so we sat at a booth and waited. Two of Uncle Ben's friends showed up and they brought over drinks. I didn't want to, but they said no one would know, and he was being so nice. 'Davey boy this, and Davey boy that.' I should've known better, but I drank it." 

"The bar closed and I was trying to clean up like he said. I heard the owner talking to Ben about what he owed, I may have been drunk, but I knew it meant trouble. I tried to leave, but someone grabbed me, and dragged me to the back, to the storage room. There were five guys, maybe more left in the bar. They threw me over a case of liquor, and I knew I was in it deep. I tried talking my way out of there. I offered to suck their dicks... I had never been fucked before, and I didn't want it to be like that. I fought, but someone grabbed my arms, and tore off my clothes, and they fucked me... it hurts so bad I thought I was going to die." David rejected the emotions attempting to break through. He had much more to tell.

"They beat me, even after I quit fighting. I don't even know how many there were, or how long it went on, I shut down. I knew hands were all over me, they bit me, they tore me open going inside of my ass and knocked loose my jaw when they used my mouth. The more I screamed the worse it got. No one stopped them. No one came to help me. No matter how much I prayed for it to stop, God didn't make it stop, so I prayed to die, and he ignored that prayer too. I finally passed out. I woke up, covered in come, blood, piss, and shit. Uncle Ben was carrying me, saying he didn't know they were going to do that. He put his shirt over me and took me to the hospital." David paused, he didn't know when he had started, but he was crying. 

Nicolao listened. Every word spoken threatened to rob him of his reasoning. Rage, his boon companion bucked for entry. He fought against himself and waited for his David to continue.

"Ben told me not to tell about the bar, that the owner would make it bad for us. I was sewn up, and tested. I was black and blue all over, I had broken ribs, my left arm was broken, my eyes were swollen almost shut and dislocated shoulders and jaw." Unconsciously David ran his hand across his jaw.

"Uncle Ben stayed with me night and day. The cops came and I told them I was forced in a car and dumped, but had no memory as to where the attack happened. They were fine, told me how sorry they were, they came by a few times... one had a hard time looking at me."

"One night, I don't know where Uncle Ben was, I woke up and there was a cop by my bed. He said they knew I was a whore who had sold myself, and I just got more than I bargained for. He said Garrett, the owner, gave him a statement that I came in and was giving blow jobs in the back room, and I said I liked it rough; that they would all say it was with my consent. He said I was facing jail time for underage drinking and prostitution. He said to keep my mouth shut and he would let it slide. Then he left, and I didn't say anything, because he was right."

Nic couldn't stop himself he moved to reach for David. But the look from blue eyes stopped him. 

"He was right Nicolao. When I was twelve, Uncle Ben would tell me we needed the rent money or something, and he would have men come by. I would blow them for money. When I turned fifteen Mr. Ernst let me hang around. I started working off the rent, and I told Uncle Ben I wasn't going to do it anymore. He said he'd trained me to be a good cocksucker, and I was going to suck dicks anyway I may as well make money, but if the rent was paid he didn't care. That was why I tried to leave the bar. I figured I was there to pay Ben's debt even if I didn't want to. I hadn't done it for years, but I should have known when Ben asked me to come with him. The cop was right. I don't know how much Jeremy's private detective turned up, so I wanted to leave before he told you." 

Nicolao turned over what he had just heard, his stomach clenched, "David, you said he trained you?" 

David paused, that was something he hoped not to tell, but Nic should know all of it. "When I was eight I had a friend in the park, Alec. We were playing and Uncle Ben saw us holding hands. We were secret boyfriends." A ghost of a smile touched Davey's lips. "When I got in he told me he always knew I would be a fucking cocksucker. It started then, he always called it training. I thought it meant he loved me. He stopped when he had Gayle; but said if I told Gayle or Lizzie they would know it was my fault for being a dirty faggot. Uncle Ben said he wasn't a stupid fairy like me since I sucked him, and because that's all he ever did it was okay. When she left it started again, but I knew it was wrong. By the time he was selling me, he at least left me alone."

Nic eased closer to David, his David. He reached for his hand and he didn't pull away. That touch threatened to overcome David but he couldn't let go of the hand. He closed his eyes, unable to look at Nicolao now he knew the truth.

"You mentioned Jeremy?" He prompted.

"Nerina and Jeremy they know I'm no good. Nerina said Jeremy had a private detective that was going to tell you about me when we got back." David kept his eyes closed.

"Dee, why won't you look at me?" 

"I can't take that Nicolao," David dropped his head to his knee. "For your family, for you to look at me like trash, I can't take that, I just can't! Let me leave, and I can have this one perfect time." His plea rushed out of his mouth, desperate for a last kindness.

Nicolao raised David's hand to his lips and gently brushed the knuckles. "Look at me love. Tell me what you see."

David opened his eyes and was confounded. The judgment and loathing he felt for himself was not evident in the sea of Nicolao's eyes. There was only sanctuary, the answer to every unanswered invocation to a distracted God, was waiting for him. He launched himself, and was pulled into Nicolao's embrace. Nic's strong arms, a place of consecrated safety, opened to him without hesitation; absolution granted without pause. This refuge freely offered was what he had been too afraid to hope for. He gave in to the deluge of emotions as he sobbed. 

Nicolao took a calming breath, "If you leave me Dee, you take with you the best part of my life."

"But the things I did." David's voice was a low whisper in his ear.

"What did you do? Survive? You haven't done one thing wrong. If I could find all of those men who hurt or used you..." Nicolao tightened his grip on David and muttered his truth in his hair.

"You'd what?"

"I'd skin them alive, and soak them in vinegar, Pickled Pederasts and Rapists." The dark vision brought a smile to his lips. He could and would deal with Jeremy and his sister with much more than a macabre fantasy.

"I'm sorry for trying to leave, but I would die, if you ever looked at me like that." David declared.

Nic knew it was going to be a long night; there was so much to say and huddled on the floor was not the best place to talk. 

"Why don't we get off of the floor, get something to eat, and sort through everything?" Nicolao offered.

David nodded; he wasn't hungry, but them ordering food was a return to their normal routine. He moved to get his legs under him so he could stand, when Nic's arms pulled him in again.

"Thank you telling me, thank you for trusting me." Nicolao's pressed his mouth next to David's ear, his voice teeming with emotion.

David felt more tears forming at the sound. He wanted to tell Nic he loved him, but stopped himself. He could say the words now, he could say anything, but the moment wasn't right. 

Nic released him, and they both stood. David went to the kitchen drawer for their menu collection.

"Order from wherever you like, we can pick up or get delivery. I'll be right back." Nic called as he walked in the bedroom closing the door behind him. He then went into the bathroom and turned the water on in the sink, sunk to his knees in front of the porcelain bowl and emptied the contents of his stomach. He brushed his teeth without toothpaste and hoped the water rinse would hide the smell. 

Nicolao studied his reflection in the mirror; his eyes were red and puffy, he looked like hell. He needed to get back to David, but he also needed to hold his emotions back. The questions without answers swirling in his head stoked his agitation. What exactly had his sister said to him? Did Garrett still own the bar? Could charges be brought against Ben? If a junkie just disappeared who would miss him? How had he misjudged Jeremy and how treacherous was he?

Nic left the bathroom, focused on finding out as much as he could about the people who had harmed David. He would make them pay. He leaned against the frame of the door at the sight of his love, dark thoughts of retribution immediately retreated.

David had gathered the pieces of Josh's nightlight while Nic was in the bathroom. He held a broken part in his hand, and was carefully squeezing super glue on the edges. He had captured his lower lip between his teeth, and his brows were drawn together in concentration.

Thoughts of anyone else disappeared from Nic's mind. There was only he and David, his soul's panacea. Watching him with his flaxen head bowed over his nephew's gift was utterly unexpected, and yet typical of his beloved. As if he felt the weight of his stare, David raised his gaze.

David was amazed by the man he caught watching him. The distance meant he couldn't see Nic's face clearly, but he knew what his eyes could not register. There was devotion and acceptance, Nicolao's love was as solid as he was. 

"It broke in three pieces; it'll be as good as new when the glue dries."

Nic walked over to inspect his handiwork, "Do you think the light will work?"

David shrugged, "It doesn't matter. Joshua gave it to me; I just want to keep it. I'm not letting go of the good things in my life." With that declaration David held the pieces together. "I ordered from Vesuvius', you said anything. I'll stay here while you go pick it up."

Nic nodded. Was David planning on leaving after all?

David sighed, "We have a lot to discuss when you get back, don't we?"

"Only if you want to Dee, we have time."

"No Nic, I don't need any more time. I don't want to hide anything from you, but I want to sit here a minute."

"Hence, my drive to Vesuvius." Nicolao wasn't surprised; the upheaval of their homecoming had him locked in the bathroom moments earlier. 

"Hence, Vesuvius, it should be enough food for the next few days." Davey put the mended pieces down. 

Nic kissed the top of his head, "Back in a bit." He left with his heart swelling in his chest. He was proud of his David. 

The staff at the restaurant swarmed him when they saw him. Nic knew he looked bad, but they acted as if he was on death's door. He mumbled he thought he had a bug, and the owner insisted on giving him a quart each of Italian wedding soup and pasta fagioli soup for David and him. Nicolao thanked them and hurried back home.

The brief drive allowed for his nerves to settle. Nic knew if he would have remained at home he would spoken rooted in his emotions. David's trip to the restaurant forced him to think, thinking was good, he had after all lost faith in them not an hour earlier. Which was why his leaving was an exercise in trust, the idea that he was giving David time to run niggled at the back of his mind. He fought the urge to test the speed of his car on the drive home.

David busied himself making their plates for dinner when Nicolao brought in the food. He had changed into pajama bottoms and a t-shirt after washing up. He couldn't help himself; the compulsion to bathe had been irresistible. Nic took a quick shower, wanting to give David space. When he emerged they ate on the couch. Neither one saying much, Nic had questions, but he wanted David to begin. They relocated the food on their plates from one corner to the other, Nic unwilling to risk eating and David found he tasted little.

"There isn't one part of you that's disgusted by me?" 

Nic settled his plate on the coffee table. "No, not by you in the least, that's what you expected from me?"

David nodded.

"How you feel about yourself Dee?" 

David swallowed but he couldn't make the lump in his throat go away. Why was Nic asking how he felt about himself? He thought the focus would be on how Nic was going to get past all of the things he told him.




Deciphering the Bloom Ch. 04



David regarded his lap and forced himself to speak, "Dirty."

The two syllable word decimated Nicolao's resolution to have a rational well thought out conversation initiated by Dee. Every declaration he had made since meeting him had been on instinct and passion. His emoting hadn't scared Dee away yet, and being circumspect was overrated. 

Nic reached for both David's hands and wrapped his own around them. "Yours is the purest heart I've ever met. I can't pretend to know what you feel. You've been abused by the one who should have protected you. Ben is a vile thing, hardly worthy of being called a man. He used your body to fund his habit, until you found a way to pay for your own home. He tried to break your soul when you refused to sell your body. You are a wonder to behold."

David yearned to believe Nic, but years of disappointment and loneliness still held firm.

"You are stronger than I am in so many ways Dee."

David looked at the much larger man incredulously.

"I would have given in, not finished school or fallen into drugs. You kept yourself safe, and you kept moving forward. Somewhere inside you know you aren't dirty, or disgusting. You locked your faith away with your pain. I know it because I see it. You don't really need anything from me. But for right now, if you want to, when you feel like those monsters are bearing down and you're not strong enough to fight them off my strength is yours. When you look at yourself and see anything other than a man most worthy of grace, my vision of you is yours. Anything I have and all that I am is yours, you won't need it for long. Because one day you will be able to leave your hurt in the empty safe place. All of the parts of you that got locked away for safe keeping you'll set free. When that happens, whether it's my family, or me, you will be able to handle that look you feared with at shrug. You'll know yourself so well, that no one will be able to shake your faith in you."

David listened. When Nic let their hands fall he could only look in wonder at the man who shunned perfection, and he smiled. If he believed nothing else, David believed at his core that Nic loved him, faults and all.

"I can't believe I almost walked out of here and messed this up. But I've been waiting for this to be over from the moment it started. Even when you came for me," David's voice got broke, and he stopped to keep himself in check.

Nicolao watched the dimples fade as David uttered, 'when you came for me'. Nic remembered the night in the tub when his battered love said no one had come for him ever. How long had Dee been waiting for someone, anyone to return for him; to save him? The realization lanced through his chest with painful clarity as to how much David had endured.

"Even when you got me out of trailer I convinced myself it would end soon. Then when I was close to thinking we were real Jeremy came here, the weekend the kids stayed over. He accused me then of using you. I don't know Nic. He said he wanted to take care of you and that I was deadweight. I should have told you how I felt, or that he came but he was so... whole. I thought you'd be better off with him." 

"That bastard is a lot of things, but whole isn't one of them, love. I knew he came to you, but I was waiting for you to tell me. I don't care what he said, the simple truth is I don't love him, I never could, because he isn't you."

With that Nic pulled David into his lap. He needed the contact. He settled back with Dee securely nestled in his arms.

"Then the dreams started again. I used to have them all the time right after... I was so scared you'd find out, and not want me. Then your family was so good to me, and I started questioning if they would welcome me that way if they knew. But Nerina came in the garden. And she was everything I was scared of, because she knew. She said Jeremy had hired a private detective, and was going to tell you about me if I didn't disappear. She accused me of trying to get money or stuff from your family. But she also said you weren't strong enough to carry me. She worried that I'd hurt you the way August's death did. I thought if you found out, no, I thought if you knew what I really was it would hurt you that way, so I was going to leave."

"What do you imagine you really are?"

David emitted a harsh breath, the words came quickly, "A worthless, dirty, cocksucking whore, who dragged a lifetimes worth of filth in your life."

Nicolao's grasp tightened as he buried his face in David's neck. The pain in his chest was spreading and all he could do was hold onto the one who was most precious to him. 

"I'm sorry Dee, God I'm sorry you've been afraid and I could have helped. I should've asked, but I wanted you to tell me on your own. None of what you said is true. Not a word of it. My sister is a greedy, selfish woman and I will deal with her. But know that even if she tells everyone in my family, and any or all of them take her view, it doesn't matter. You are my David, my choice above all else."

David did not know if it was the declaration, or the fact that Nic was crushing the air from him, but he felt lightheaded. 

"I love you so much it scares me more than anything."

The pain in his chest forgotten Nic slowly eased his hold and pulled back to look at David's face, his throat was suddenly dry.

"Why scared, love?"

David grappled with himself for a moment. He hadn't meant to say it out loud, thrown in with all of the bad, but he had, to hell with timing. 

"Scared because no matter what you say, if I lose you now there will be nothing left of me, I couldn't survive it." David held Nic's eyes. 

Their truths were displayed, unadorned and naked in each other's eyes. They were more than what they had been moments before, they were new, born of the shared sorrows of their yesterdays, now unshackled and unbound from fear.

"No worries, you will not lose me, I love you David Bradley Collins."

"And I love you Nicolao Felix Evangelista." 

David brought his lips to Nicolao's. Nic opened his mouth and let him explore, he responded tentatively to him at first. The kiss was languid and sweet, a kiss full of the rare gift they freely bestowed on each other.

"Who told you my middle name was Felix?" Nic inquired as they sat forehead to forehead, sharing breath.

"Vess, she wanted to know if I could get away with calling you that."

"Damn Vess and you could."

"I know, but I won't. You are my Nic. Perfect to me, perfect for me, my boyfriend Nicolao." David recited the words of his answered prayer.

Nicolao greeted the declaration with a smile. He was unable to deny the perfection David spoke of, since he was holding perfection in his arms.

They put away the food and put their dirty clothes from the trip in the laundry room. David was quiet and appreciative of Nicolao's allowing him the break from talking, though Nic would touch him every few minutes. He had hurt him by trying to leave, and he vowed he would not do it again. 

The duo was bone weary by the time they made it to the bed. They stripped and welcomed the feel of skin upon skin beneath the covers of their bed. They were asleep within minutes of their heads falling on the pillows. When David awoke thrashing Nic patiently waited for him to quiet himself, and held him as he told him about the nightmare. He fell asleep safe in Nicolao's arms; he was awakened hours later by his cell phone, alone.

Nicolao was startled to see Dee enter his workout room. He was adorable with his hair tousled and eyes still sleep glazed. Nic put the weight down; he had been working off steam for over forty minutes. He was instantly aware he could have soothed his frazzled nerves by going back to bed and holding his David.

"Good morning, love. I didn't think you'd be up yet." He walked over and placed a morning kiss on his lips.

David had on pajamas and Nic's robe, "I didn't wake up; I got a call from ma."

Nicolao's jaw clenched. "That bitch ran to ma and pop, unbelievable," he declared.

"Don't call her that, she's your sister."

"I regret my choice of words only because you don't like cursing, but understand she is not my sister." 

David peered up at the scowling man that meant so much to him, and grabbed his hand. 

"Come on, I have coffee on."

David pulled him into the living room. On the counter the laptop was open.

"Sit there, while I make our coffee." David instructed, pointing at a stool in front of the laptop.

Nic sat, his eyes followed David. When did he get so bossy?

"Nico?"

Nicolao's eyes snapped to the screen. Hilaria's face was staring at him.

"Ma?"

"Nico, I called your phone but you did not answer."

"I turned it off ma, and this is between me and Nerina."

"Nico, you cannot say it is between you and Nerina when your sister is crying."

"Ma, don't you think there is a bit of a problem with a thirty year old woman calling you crying?"

Hilaria's brows knitted as she considered the query, "No, we are a family and we will work through this. That is why I had David call me on the Skype, if you will not see us on the Skype we will drive to you."

"No, don't drive here. It's not necessary, and it's just Skype ma, not the Skype, or the Google." He gave his mother a hint of smile.

"The Skype, the Google, the Facepages is not important. Why did you call Nerina this morning and say such things to her?"

"I told her she was not my sister; it's a simple enough statement."

David stood next to Nicolao as he handed him his coffee. Apparently, while he had been sleeping Nic had made an early morning call to his sister. He was heartened by Nic's desire to protect him and punish anyone who hurt him. But this was also a blow to the Evangelistas, a riff between Nic and Nerina would cause every one of them pain.

"I asked you why Nicolao." 

Nic blew out a long breath, "Do you have any idea what I went through last night because of her and her chicanery? Did she tell you what she did?"

"Nico I was only trying to protect you!" Nerina appeared behind Hilaria, with pop's hands on her shoulders, unsuccessfully trying to restrain her. 

"Protect me! Do you think I believe that, you conniving sow? I could have lost David, lost him, all so I'd be with Jeremy? Then what? He has money then I'd have money and that is one less person you need to compete with for what you squeeze out of ma and pop?" Anger poured off of Nic, but mostly David sensed the injury his sister had caused.

"Nico!" Hilaria reprimanded him. 

"Did he tell you there is proof? Before you decide I'm wrong call Jeremy!" Nerina exclaimed.

Resting his coffee on the counter he pulled David closer to him, in view of the camera.

"Cállate! I know dammit, and I almost lost him, and I will not forgive you. Not that you asked for it. But it's simple, you are not my sister. I choose David, and I am telling you to go to hell." Nicolao's voice was level and emotionless. The tone conveyed a finality that sent chills down David's spine, and the three pairs of eyes staring at them through the screen. 

"I'm sorry." David offered.

"Love no..." Nic began

David smiled gently, turned and cupped his cheek in his hand. 

"You don't have to do this for me, I won't let you. You won't answer any questions to protect me. Even if you don't forgive her, I do. You almost lost me, but more important, because of last night I found myself."

David turned back to the camera, "I'm sorry because this is about me, and my secrets. But I can't have that be a problem."

Nic knew what David was about to do. He tugged him in front of him on the stool, so he stood between his legs and he could wrap his arms around him from the back. In his opinion, peace with Nerina wasn't worth it, but he would honor David's decision.

"The last two days at your home were among the best of my life. Nic's been giving me better and better days. I haven't had a mother in almost fourteen years and ma you welcomed me right into your family. But pop, in the garden when you called me son... when you called me son it was a sound I had never heard. Twenty years and I had never heard any man call me son, and I want to thank you for that. I should have thanked you then."

Natanaele cleared his throat, "You're welcome David."

David smiled and Nic placed a quick kiss on his dimpled cheek. 

"After you left the garden Nerina came outside. She accused me of being after your money because Vess was talking about a car and ma the trip to Argentina. She said Jeremy had hired a private detective, and knew some things about my past. I was told to leave or Nicolao would be told. I was such a coward; I tried to leave last night." David paused; last night seemed like a lifetime ago.

"I was gang raped three years ago. I was actually probably sold by my uncle for the night. He's a heroin addict and would do that from time to time. But I'm not a whore, or a hustler. I was a kid." David surprised himself. He had not stumbled on his words, or broken down in tears. But if Nicolao's arms had not been around him he would not have remained upright, as his legs began to shake.

"Ay, mi niño dulce! Que estalló con la vida, incluso a través de su dolor. Nicolao es socorrer a su corazón. Dav..."

"Ma," Nic interrupted, "Dee doesn't speak Spanish."

"Ay, please forgive me David, I forgot. We will work on your Spanish before the trip. And thank you for forgiving my daughter. A hungry spirit entered her, and it is never full. She had no right to try and interfere. I do not know how she could think try to use your pain against you. Son, you have had far too much pain." Hilaria explained her eyes wet with tears.

He would have to remember to ask what ma meant with the spirit talk. "I forgive her, eventually Nic will to, she and Jeremy both. They were trying to protect him, in their own way." That earned him a harrumph from Nicolao. 

Pop eyed his eldest daughter, when he spoke it was a chilling, quiet voice, "You did that here? To David after we welcomed him in our home and our family? No matter how much we give it is never enough for you. If you would have really looked at him you would see he isn't like you, not a malicious bone in his body. Nerina leave, I have never felt more shame than I do right now. I can't stand to look at you. We'll call you in a few days." 

Nerina gasped loudly, "Ma?" 

The single word plea for assistance caused Hilaria to shake her head,

"We will see you in a few days Nerina," she confirmed.

Nerina moved in the background, gathering her purse and belongings. 

"Now you see, all settled with the Skype and no long drive home," Hilaria declared.

"All settled, but I don't know when I'll be able to let go of this." Nic told her honestly.

"It is alright, David has, and so will you." Hilaria smiled knowingly.

"I'm sorry for all of the trouble boys."

Natanaele's voice was back to normal, David noted with relief. The low menacing voice he and Nic used was far more disturbing that the most raucous screams.

"We will talk to you later. We love you both." Pop continued.

"Love you too pop, ma. Try to have a good day, goodbye." Nic hit the disconnect icon, once their cyber visitors were gone Nic turned David to face him.

"You are the most amazing man."

"Monster's aren't so scary once you pull them out of the dark, huh?" In spite of himself, David's voice was shaky. 

Nicolao stared intently into dark blue eyes. He was going to mention it at a later date, but now was better, as usual, with his David. "No, they aren't, but I was thinking that you may want to talk to a therapist, a professional when you think you're ready."

David nodded and Nic pressed his lips to his forehead.

"Come on, our coffee is cold. Let's make breakfast, and decide what to do with the rest of our day." Nic said, grabbing for his chilled coffee.

Nicolao decided on a fruit salad with whole grain bagels. 

"Do you want to go to go for a movie, or maybe we can call Breezy and the kids, make a day?" Nic questioned once they were seated at the table.

"I don't want you to go after Jeremy." He announced firmly, ignoring the question.

"I'm not going after anybody, he and I are going to have a little chat."

David shook his head, "A little chat like yours and Nerina's where you called your sister a bitch and disowned her?"

"Love, they were wrong, I don't care how you look at it. There was only the assault and where you come from. I'm sure that cop who came to your room knew Garrett or wasn't an officer at all. The proof was your attack and they wanted to use that against you. Besides that Jeremy may be dangerous, I'm thinking we should cut ties here."

David smiled, "Who says I'd leave town with you?"

Nic chuckled, "Bossy and contrary. You're right; if you want we can live here, I don't care as long as it's you and me."

"Exactly," he sobered, "babe I want to enjoy this for a while. Being with you, in a place where I'm happy. You don't work for Jeremy and I can talk to him, with you there," he added when Nic opened his mouth. "I can't fault him for loving you and trying to keep you."

"Alright, we'll speak to Jeremy, it will be very civilized. But Breezy thinks Jeremy has some unsavory ties, a fight with him wasn't what I was looking for. I will make it clear, again, that I have no interest in him, and you can confirm how understandable it is to be enthralled by me. You two can commiserate."

"Ham!" 

They laughed easily, and Nicolao grabbed David's free hand in his. He held on tight as the mirth faded. He was his. David was his David as much as he was his Nicolao. They had a real chance.

David studied him, "I love you Nic."

"I will never tire of hearing you say that, Dee. We are going to be alright you know that?"

"Yeah, if I can learn how to drive, see if I want to try going to college, and I still need a job," David groused.

"My God, it's always going to be something!"

"Happily ever after isn't for people who don't work on it."

"So we are working on happily ever after?" Nic asked, squeezing his hand tighter.

"Yup, no running, no hiding," David spoke with a confidence he did not fully possess, but he had faith that he would grow stronger in his new life.

After breakfast Nic urged him in the bathroom with him. They had not been able to enjoy a bath together in weeks. Nic quickly removed the stubble from his chin while waiting for the tub to fill. 

"Hey maybe I should stop shaving like Nate."

"You want a soul patch?" 

"I'm capable of growing a goatee!"

"Sure you are babe," David said turning away from him to add more salts to the water, his tone indicating he doubted Nic's claim.

They bathed one another in turn. Both of them admitted the world held no appeal for either of them for the balance of the day, not even shopping.

Sitting with his back against Nic's chest was heaven, David thought of the first time they bathed together. Nic had brought him into his home, unquestioningly, into his life. As cherished as that memory was, it was laced in fear; his entire existence had been controlled by that emotion. 

David pulled forward away from Nic and turned. He cocked his head sideways as he took in the sight of the handsomest man he had ever laid eyes on. Nicolao's skin was not as dark as his mother's but his hue was a light nutty brown, and his nipples dark chocolate pebbles, encircled by hair. He had very little body hair, a light covering on his forearms and legs, and the trail that led from his stomach to his trimmed pubic hair. 

Nic watched with growing curiosity as David sat motionless and studied him.

"What are you thinking?" Nic asked.

David moved towards him resting his knees on either side of Nic' thighs, "I was thinking about how much I like looking at you." He pushed his hips forward, rubbing his hard member against Nicolao's.




Deciphering the Bloom Ch. 04



Nic moaned, "Is that from looking at me?"

"Na uh, that happens every time I think about you." David reached down and gently fingered Nic's growing erection.

David was on his knees, making them the same height. He leaned forward and kissed Nicolao thrusting his tongue in his welcoming mouth. David's hands travelled along his slick wet flesh, he adored the sculpted muscular physique. He broke away from him and began biting and kissing his neck. David got to his chest and took a brown nipple in between his teeth and applied pressure. Nic's hand shot around him, but not before David noticed his cock jumped.

"Time to get out of the tub before we prune," Nic declared, moving to stand up.

"Let me taste you first." David responded.

Nicolao hesitated a moment, but gave in to David's ardor, the blue eyes looking at him appeared black in his lust. He sat on the ledge of the bath, his back against the wall for the shower, and spread his legs wide.

David wasted no time positioning himself between the long muscled legs. Nic's skin glistened wet and clean. He pushed Nic's cock upward towards his stomach. He ran his tongue along the perineum, before gathering the balls in his mouth. They hung loose from Nic's body from the heat of the water. The moistened skin was smooth as he sucked on it; he would roll the orbs in his mouth before popping it out and pulling in the other.

Nicolao wrapped his long fingers around his rod and began to stroke. "It feels so good Dee... that's right suck my balls... oh God that's it... your mouth is so hot..."

David relished in hearing Nic's blather, it was verbal fucking. He could tell by the increased tempo Nicolao wasn't holding back and would come soon. He pressed his nose into Nic's sac with as much force as he would dare then increased his suction on the sensitive flesh, luxuriating in the feel of them on his tongue. The first blast landed on David's back. He swiftly brought his head up and clamped his lips on the erupting head. Come clung to his lips and cheeks. 

"So damned sexy," Nic proclaimed as he gathered the come on his fingers and David licked them hungrily. He cleaned him up and hustled him out of the bathtub, knowing that if he didn't Dee would begin cleaning the tub. 

Nic picked him up and carried him to their bed. 

"Nic I can walk."

"But I like carrying you." He responded holding David in his arms.

"You don't have to take care of me."

"I know love; we'll take care of each other. But some days I'll need to, today I need to take care of you." Nicolao knew only that he wanted to touch every part of his body. As if by his touch he could rub the hurt away, a ridiculous notion, but one that held sway over him.

Nic's fluid brown eyes beseeched him. He could feel Nicolao's heartbeat, the steady strong rhythm kept time with his own. The bright world beyond their walls ceased to exist. Their universe formed in each measure. Nic was the protector and would hold him safe in this, their space and time.

David nodded his agreement, not trusting his voice. Nic settled him on his stomach.

"Don't move." Nic gathered massage oils. He positioned himself at the foot of the bed and poured some oils in his hands. "Relax for me, if you start to feel panic or anything, talk to me." He instructed as he gently ran his hands on the sole of David's foot. 

There was hardly any pressure as the long fingers worked steadily over his skin. It wasn't unpleasant, but hardly what David would consider a massage. He closed his eyes and enjoyed the slow light touch. He felt warm tingles wherever the small pressure was applied he moaned softly. He began to feel himself drifting and soon was asleep. 

Nic continued his ministrations moving along his prone body. He began working on his sacrum, in the lower back when David awoke.

"Nic!" David could feel the strange coil his stomach, but it felt as if it was being pulled with every swipe of Nic's fingers. "I feel funny."

"Panic, or a new feeling?"

"Different, n-new."

"Shhhh, it's alright," Nic soothed, not stopping his work. "Don't tense up, let go of it love."

Rationally David had no idea what Nic meant, but he let out a long breath as his body began to shake uncontrollably. The knot in his belly that was always there fluttered and was creating heat in his back. Absently it registered his arms were wet with tears. He tried to speak to Nic but found himself laughing uncontrollably. All the while Nicolao gently rubbed his back, after twenty minutes the sensations began to subside and David began to gain some control.

Nic helped him roll onto his back. 

"What are you doing to me?" His skin was still tingling and it was spreading as Nic placed his hand on his face.

"It's called a cranio sacral message. I learned a little bit about it in school. It helps your body forget trauma."

David thought that was unlikely, but the emotional release he's just had came from somewhere. "You want my body to forget?" Davey nuzzled his cheek into the palm on his face. "Make love to me Nicolao."

Nic reared back as if he had been doused in cold water. He had not expected Dee was ready, and the last time he had move too fast still haunted him. 

"Nic look at me." 

Nic complied then followed David's eyes, adjusted his gaze and gasped. David's erection was divine; his smooth rod was of average length, and curved upwards slightly. Pre-come was leaking from the slit of his mushroom head. 

"I need to be touched inside me. Please, can we try; I need to feel you in me."

Nicolao let go of his momentary trepidation. He had to trust David. "Anything you want, but don't try to hold off the panic. You must tell me right away."

David nodded. Nicolao reached into the nightstand for the lube, and admired the man on the bed. David's ash blond curls where loose from still being damp, and clung to his face and neck. His pale skin stretched over defined small muscles. Nic drank in the site of him, lust flushed, raging hard-on, and pink pebbled nipples. David was his irresistible male aesthetic.

Nicolao crawled over his body, and hovered over David on all fours, if he allowed full body contact he was sure they would explode. He brought his tongue to the gentle slope of his lover's ear earning a moan.

"Oh mi más preciado, could I ever say no to you?" Nic's voice was a low growl that sent shivers down David's spine. He licked and kissed his way down the quivering flesh below him. When David moved to pull him towards him Nicolao easily held him in place. "Not too fast mi amor." He tasted every inch of skin, avoiding only the steely member. 

Only after he had baptized his entire body in either oil or saliva did he relent. "Breath David, don't stop looking at me love. Let me take care of you." 

David groaned his compliance. 

Nicolao slid a pillow underneath his back, and then urged his legs forward. He lowered his face to his goal, the pink flesh of his puckered entrance. The initial contact of his mouth on the nerve filled satiny ridges caused David to lunge upwards, his hands grabbed for Nic's hair. Nic would not move he fluttered the threshold with his tongue, causing Dee to fall backwards. He grabbed handfuls of the sheets and thrashed. Grunts, moans and groans greeted every sweep of his warm wet muscle.

Nic bit at the rosebud, willing it to open. His guttural utterances rose in the air. He stiffened his tongue and probed it into the loosening orifice. He was rapidly becoming painfully aroused, whether it was the sounds Dee was making, or the fact that he had his tongue buried in his lover and he tasted the unforgettable flavor that was his David.

Inside David felt a slow burn, Nic had caught the entanglement of dread within him on fire. "Please... please... help me," he managed. He didn't know how Nic could help, but he was burning. He was so lost he screamed in protest when the warm wet appendage went away. 

Nicolao pulled away, David's pleas and outcry drove him to swiftly cover his fingers in viscid fluid, and easily pushed in one finger. David squirmed, it wasn't enough he was still burning.

"Let me in love, feel my fingers inside of you." Nic pumped his finger.

"More," Dee intoned.

Nicolao added more lubricant and more fingers. He wanted it to be painless of David, but he was so tight, the third finger had caused him to flinch in discomfort. 

"No more fingers, I need you... now." David was lost in a fog of lust, and desires for something beyond his knowing.

The desperate quality in the plea forced Nic to coat his aching cock with lube. He feared it wouldn't be enough; he was well above average. Nic placed David's feet on his shoulders as he lined himself to breach the narrow strait. 

David couldn't focus. Every one of his senses registered only his man. He still tasted him in his mouth, his words he didn't understand filled his ears, his aroma surrounded him, he couldn't look away from the beloved man between his legs, and he could feel the repeated attempt of the cockhead seeking access.

"Open up for me love, let me in, let me love you." Nic thrust past the resistant sphincter, lodging himself in David.

David gasped at the intrusion. The burning and stinging was immediate. He willed himself to relax and accept Nic within himself. He did not break eye contact with him; he witnessed the strain in Nicolao's face as he held himself still, as well as his search for any signs of distress in him. He was finally with Nicolao; there was only pleasure even in this discomfort.

Nic forced himself not to move, waited and watched. He was in the hot, blood filled channel of his lover, locked in the communion of their flesh. When David nodded, only then did he move. He sank into his body, a slow amorous sojourn. When he was fully seated Nicolao stopped and savored being bonded to his David in the most intimate of ways. As he pulled back he brushed the bundle of nerves and David wailed. His leaking cock dribbled more come. Nic leaned forward, placing his body over David's as he began to pump in and out of him. Dee was so tight and hot, nothing he had ever felt compared to making love with him. 

David dropped his legs and locked them around Nicolao's waist. He was broad; every stroke sent another jolt from his prostate, adding to the uncontrolled fire that was raging within him. Nic's solid body felt so good on his and he was so full, David thought he might die from sensory overload. But it was caressing that place inside of him that yearned to be touched. He could feel it growing, brighter, and hotter with every stroke... it was going to kill him, he was certain.

He opened his mouth to speak but he wailed in euphoria instead. This paired with Nicolao's constant petition of, "I love you... take all of me in... oh God Dee... so tight," made a chorus most pleasing in the world, the sound of creation.

David hearing their hymn, surrendered to the inferno, abandoning his fear, allowing the flame to envelope him, what remained succumbed to seizures of pleasure. He cried out as he came, shooting his hot seed against their throat and chest.

Every lustful movement and sound from David fed Nicolao's rapture, and as he came his muscles clamped on Nicolao's dick, trapping him in excruciating pleasure. Nic swelled inside of him and coated the innermost part of him in hot sticky essence. He collapsed on top of David as the orgasm engulfed him, threatening to pull him from consciousness. 

They lay entangled in one another, panting, from the force of their loving. Nic pulled his softening shaft from David eliciting a moan and an audible pop. He rolled and brought David to his chest, claiming his mouth in a searing kiss. 

"We should get cleaned up." He suggested his eyes feeling heavy.

"Yeah, we should," Dee responded, snuggling closer to him.

They both went to sleep, the want for anything, including words, sated and therefore gone. 

Spanish and Flower translations: 

Pheasant's Eye: Sorrowful Memories

Cállate!: shut up!

Ay, mi niño dulce!: Aye, my sweet boy! 

Que estalló con el vida, incluso a través de su dolor: full of life even through his pain

Nicolao es socorrer a su corazón. Nicolao is the succor of his heart

oh mi más preciado: oh my most precious one



Deciphering the Bloom Ch. 05



This is a copyrighted work of fiction by the author seeker71. All rights reserved

Thank you to my beta readers. Deja it was incredibly kind of you to be my second pair of eyes on this. I have no editor, so as usual all mistakes are mine. I know the wait was insane, but for now life has returned to manageable chaos. I try to respond to all correspondence, save anonymous, but to everyone who reads and write my sincerest appreciation for your time. All comments are welcome. 

They lay entangled in one another, panting, from the force of their loving. Nic pulled his softening shaft from David eliciting a moan and an audible pop. He rolled and brought David to his chest, claiming his mouth in a searing kiss. 

"We should get cleaned up." He suggested his eyes feeling heavy.

"Yeah, we should," Dee responded, snuggling closer to him.

They both went to sleep, the want for anything, including words, sated and therefore gone. 

****

They slumbered for a few blissful moments, their bodies in the posture fashioned by lovers. Nicolao stirred and studied his sleeping beloved. They had made love in the light of day. Somehow to Nic that seemed more right. He clearly saw everything in his lover's eyes, every expression that crossed his face; nothing was left in the shadows. David had been hurt so much in life, but he still loved, he still trusted. Nicolao promised himself to always honor that gift. He was 'pinned' by David. His lithe torso was molded against Nic's side, his pale legs was slung across his own muscular brown thighs. He threaded his free hand in David's hair, simply enjoying the feel of the blond curls around his fingers. 

"Wake up Dee," he urged. When David didn't move, he leant down and bit his earlobe.

Nicolao laughed at David's yelp and subsequent scowl.

"I'm hungry," he announced.

"So you decided to eat me?"

"I'm going to heat up something to eat. You need to go soak before you get sore." Nic slid out of bed.

David buried his head further in his pillow. "I'm not sore, and I'm comfortable. I'm not getting out of bed."

Nic shrugged. "Alright."

David eyed him suspiciously as he pulled the covers back and crawled towards him. Nicolao's muscles rippled as he slowly crept forward. A more stunning predator did not exist in David's estimation. And by God he was elated to be his prey.

Nic hovered over him and captured his lips in a crushing kiss. David moaned as Nic suckled on his lower lip, and as his body began to respond he moved to pull the larger man's body flush against his. He let out a gasp when Nic stood up. 

"I don't think you can say you're comfortable." He smiled; looking down at David's hardened shaft. "So how about getting up and soaking, while I make lunch. If you want I'll bring you your food while you're in there."

"What, eat in the tub?" David grudgingly got out of bed. 

Nic laughed, "If you haven't noticed, we can do pretty much whatever we want." He steered David to the bathroom.

"You know what I meant." 

"Yes, I do. It's a bit hedonistic, but who cares?" He sat on the edge of the tub, and turned on the water.

David considered it. "I'll eat after I'm done."

Nic adjusted the water while David waited patiently for him to finish fiddling with the bath, noting the brown eyes remained rapacious whenever they landed on him. 

When he rose, he pulled David flush against his rapidly filling length. Nicolao devoured his lips and his hands roamed down his back until they covered the mounds of his ass.

"¿Sabe cómo tu irresistible que eres?"

Nic's voice rumbled from his chest traveling through David; the familiar vibration sent more blood to his cock. 

"Are you clenching your ass trying to keep me inside of you?" 

David could only whimper and nod his head in the affirmative, both embarrassed and aroused. 

"... me consume... me estoy ahogando en que...," Nicolao licked and nipped his way down the front of the younger man's body. He maneuvered David's back against the wall as he tasted luscious alabaster skin. 

Nic dropped to his knees, his face inches away from his goal. Though they had coupled, he was not quite ready to be away from David yet. Dee's muscles quivered with every touch as he lost himself in the haze of pleasure in Nic's ministrations. His large hand easily encircled the fully erect penis; he ran his tongue along the slit, then along the mushroom shaped glans, tasting the freshly formed drops as well as the dried issue from earlier. 

David's moans and squeaks filled his ears, "Please, babe, please." He made out between ragged breaths. Nic took all of him in his mouth, pulling back slowly, hollowing his cheeks as he did. He felt David's knees buckle and without breaking contact he placed his legs over his shoulders and palmed his buttocks. 

David knotted his hands in Nic's hair teetering on the edge of his orgasm. One of Nicolao's long fingers entered his tender hole and he came with a long keening scream.

Nicolao swallowed the offering and waited for him to come back to him. David had pitched himself forward and his upper body was thrown over Nic's head. He pulled himself upright, still lost in an erotic fog. 

Nic placed his feet on the ground and stood up; his body pressed against Dee's making certain he would not fall. It had only taken a few minutes, and the feel of his fingers in the slick covered channel was amazing. But David had tensed with the introduction of the digit, confirming that what he really wanted to do was out of the question. 

David leaned in his chest and peered up at the handsome face, "I'm irresistible?"

Nic chuckled, "As if you don't know. Now, in the tub."

Nicolao cleaned himself in the sink as David luxuriated in the bath. He dressed and busied himself warming up their leftovers. It was only midday but he knew he would have to return to work and deal with Jeremy. Dee's notion of talking to the man was admirable but he doubted it was realistic. Saint had warned him, calling him dangerous; in fact she implied he was very dangerous. He decided he needed to speak with her and find out if her warning was based on more than a sixth sense.

Satisfied the food was edible he turned the pots down and waited for David. He mused only months ago he would have said how much he liked the solitude of his life. Eating alone, sleeping alone, beholden to no one to account for his comings and goings. He would have professed happiness. But of course he had no idea what he was missing. His David. As if his thoughts summoned him, David walked out of their bedroom. He only had on pajama bottoms that hung low on his slender hips.

The large man gazed appreciatively at how well his lover's body was filling out. The needed weight was being sculpted by their workouts. David's body was so tight and welcoming; Nic was flooded with the memory of being inside of him and the growing urgency to feel that again. 

David exited the kitchen with two bowls of soup only to be arrested by the liquid fire of Nicolao's eyes. The burning brown flame scorched his flesh as Nic made no effort to hide his avid craving. 

"You need help?" Nic asked not altering his gaze.

"What? No, I've got it." He was the object of abject love and desire; it would take a while for the knowledge of it not to bewilder him. David shook his head and made the short journey to the table. 

He placed the bowls down and seated himself, dropping his head, unable to meet the other's gaze. Nic grabbed his hand.

"Sorry, I'm like a man in the desert that found something to quench my thirst. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable my Lilly of the Valley," Nicolao offered.

David shook his head and turned a brighter shade of crimson as he met Nic's eyes. "Babe, I wasn't uncomfortable. I was probably thinking about the same thing as you the entire time I was in the bathroom. I was more, startled. Hard to stay rooted in this reality." He paused and took a mouthful of soup.

They ate. Then Nic removed the bowls and brought in two plates. David wished he could express himself the way Nicolao so easily did.

"My life before you has only been filled with the loss of things I had only clues existed, and now it's... full." David shook his head helplessly and smiled. "That's not what I want to say. I guess I'm like Pop, I don't know the language for all the things I want to say."

"No worries, we'll make our own over time. Plus I think I understand you perfectly," Nic assured him as he watched David eat; he still took joy in seeing him ingest food.

"Really? Because I don't always understand you and I really don't follow Ma. Does she think your sister is possessed?" David asked, suddenly recalling the odd assertion Hilaria made.

Nic ran his hands through his black hair. "Yes and no. I keep telling you, Ma is peculiar. Well, a part of that is her belief in spirits. It actually got us kicked out of the church. But it isn't like what you may be thinking. Ma is "Qom' pi", a member of the people. Or what others call Toba Indians."

David nodded. 

"Grandfather was a Spanish ethnologist, an anthropologist, and her mother Ánote was Qom. Ma lived with the tribe until she was seven years old, till Ánote died. Grandfather Blas took Ma back home to Spain and left her there with his mother and father. I can't say I understand what he was thinking. He left her alone in a new country with people who referred to her as their savage to tame, su salvaje para domar. She was genuinely unhappy there. She never connected with anyone, except for the moment she saw Pops, but that's another story.

She hated Catholicism, and they called her beliefs ignorant, which made her hold on to what she remembered all the more. Qom believe that spirits enter a person and cause illness, or death. Ma took that and went a step further. She decided spirits enter people as gifts or guides. No matter what the spirit is, it's there for a reason and should be understood. She pegged me as a warrior, Nate a pathfinder, Narisco a shaman, Nieves a seeker and Nerina a hungry ghost."

David's mouth formed an O in silent understanding. 

"I told you, peculiar."

"Maybe I don't know enough about religion, but it fits. That got you all kicked out of the Catholic Church?"

"More like it was suggested we may not want to continue going." Nic smiled. "Could you imagine me having to attend parochial school?"

"But you pray all of the time."

"Faith has little to do with church, love. The divine for me is in the most human of things." The heat had never left Nic's eyes and the flame seemed to flare with that statement. 

"You Evangelistas are extraordinary."

Nic smiled, glad he hadn't said insane.

"Now why do you call me your Lilly of the Valley?"

"It's my way of saying you are my happiness. I can stop if you like."

"Don't. I love the way you talk to me," he cocked his head to the side, "the way you look at me, the way you touch me, the way you feel when I touch you." David slid his hand up Nic's thigh.

His fork clanged on the plate as blood rushed to his lower pleasure seeker. "Lunch is over," Nicolao declared.

David withdrew his hand. "No, I'm really hungry." He took another bite of food.

"Dee!"

He winked, "Now you know how I felt when you left me in the bed!"

Nic sputtered, "But before your bath-"

Blue eyes mirrored Nic's fevered gaze of earlier. "You left before I could touch you; I need my turn."

Nicolao ran his fingers through his hair. "Understood." 

He watched as David continued to eat, debating his response. Bending him over the table until both of them were spent was a natural inclination; that should not happen with Dee. An image of him, helpless in a bar storage room, popped unbidden into his head, dispelling any thoughts of ratcheting up their play. It had taken months to get this far.

"Did you ever find out what the Eglantine Rose meant?" 

David stared blankly at him, wondering where that had come from. "Yeah, I cheated. Pops told me. It means wounds healing."

"Ever since I found out there were so many ways to express--" Nic was interrupted by a song playing and the unmistakable buzz of a phone on the end table. 

"That's Averie," David explained as he made his way to the phone.

"Hello."

"Are you back?" Averie's voice was a low whisper.

"Yeah we're back. Rie, why are you whispering?"

"Oh... no reason, just wanted to know if you were home. I gotta go." As her words rushed through the end of the phone he clearly heard Breezy bellowing in the background.

"I know you didn't call them when I told you not to. Give me that phone!" 

There was some rustling and Breezy's voice not much lower in his ear. "Hey Davey, sorry about that. The kids wondered why you didn't text them to let them know you were alright."

"Us. You were worried too!" Averie protested.

"Little girl, don't make me lay hands on you. Go to your room."

David chuckled, imagining Averie's petulant face at Saint's empty threat. Nicolao began clearing the table.

"Sorry again." Breezy offered.

"It's okay. I'm sorry for worrying you. It's been an eventful few days."

"Is everything alright?" The sudden unease in her tone was evident.

"Yeah, everything is great. Nic's family is everything you said they'd be. They gave him a car."

"Us a car," Nicolao corrected, wrapping his arms around him from behind. 

"Well hell!" Breezy declared. "Go outside and send a pic. I do like shiny, chromy things."

"Alright, I'll send it right away. Here's Nic. I need shoes and a shirt." He slipped out of his arms as she declared him to be scandalous. 

"Hello Saint."

"Evangelista, congrats on clearing that hurdle."

"Thanks. I have some questions for you."

"Oh just drive to work and we'll work on the parking pass. Bring proof--"

Nic admired how quickly her mind worked. "No, not that. Can you pick me up in the morning?"

"Sure." 

He loved her for not asking questions. "Thank you Saint."

"See you in the morning and tell Davey I am waiting on the pictures."

After the obligatory pictures to the St. James', Nic had David crank the car and move it in and out of the driveway, urging him to get a feel for the vehicle. Every misstep caused him to declare he wasn't ready to be behind the wheel, while Nicolao soothed him. Hours later David went online, reading about the rules of the road.

"Don't fret over it Dee." He was adorable with his brow furrowed in concentration and glasses resting on the bridge of his nose.

"Yeah, but that's over 5000 pounds. If I cause and accident or something I could kill someone. Or just mess up the car. It's expensive! I looked it up. Restored Impalas sell for twenty to fifty thousand dollars."

"Fifty thousand if it was restored to stock set up. It's custom, plus purists hate what Nate's doing. But yes, the car is more than a couple thousand dollars but you aren't planning on wrecking it are you?" Nicolao pulled him off of the stool and away from the counter. "You're brooding over a car. I can give it back or you don't have to drive till you're ready." He held both of David's slender wrists. "Time for a distraction; television or chess?" 

"Movie, but you pick," David answered as they went to the couch. 

David sat with Nic's arm on his shoulder barely taking in the story unfolding before him. It looked like a great flick, but he didn't want to watch a movie, play games , or study. He slid onto the floor, on his knees between Nicolao's long legs. Without a word he leant forward and began pulling on his waistband. The pants slid off easily as Nic lifted his hips. David sat back on his heels and let his eyes wander.

He had seen Nicolao's body many times, but was mesmerized by the physique that was the result of sculpting and genetics. David discovered he could study the long thin feet and see the beauty in them; even if the second toe was the same length as his big toe. He silently scrutinized every part of him.

"Dee?"Nic asked after minutes passed. 

David shrugged, "I found a distraction I like." He surged upwards grabbing the edge of Nic's t-shirt and removing it. He ran his tongue and hands along the newly exposed skin.

Nic fought to remove his shirt. Taking the hint, David stood, stripping as swiftly as he could. He placed his glasses on the end table then uttered, "Oh." He ran into the bedroom, reappearing with a bottle of oil. 

"You shaved?" Nic's voice was heavy with desire.

David had shaven his pubic hair in the bath while he was cleaning himself. "When hair gets caught in your throat it kinda sounds like a cat. Do you like it?" 

Nic stared at the displayed skin and the unyielding flesh extending from it. "Yes, why don't you run around the couch a few times? I think you stumbled onto a dream I had."

"Mine first," David quipped and lowered himself onto his lover's lap. He allowed his hands to roam as he kissed Nicolao. Seated he was not limited by his height and could touch all parts him freely. 

Nic acquiesced until his own avidity engulfed him. One strong arm wrapped around the slighter body, and with the other hand, he reached between them and lifted his engorged flesh upwards, aligning their tumid shafts. His long fingers held them together and Dee, enflamed, sought to stoke the blaze, undulating his hips. Nicolao shuddered and began stroking and petting them further into searing bliss. With the hand on his neck he pulled David into him and consumed his mouth until he felt Dee pull back.

"No," was said against his lips.

Nic didn't move. David was in his lap with his forehead pressed to his. The word uttered, from the pink, kiss-swollen mouth against his own lips.

"I want you inside of me Nic." David's eyes appeared black, reflecting his need.

"Love, you're sore. It will hurt."

David groaned in frustration, "Nic I'm not that sore. It's all I've thought about all day. You said you trust me. Trust me. I'm fine."

Nicolao moved his lips over his in a ghost of a kiss. "Glad to know I wasn't the only one."

Dee stretched and retrieved the oil from the couch cushion. He covered Nic's shaft with the slick lubricant. Nic's expression was unreadable as he held himself still while David lowered onto the tip of his stiff cock. He made no move to guide him, wary of conjuring dark shades twisted by his past. 

David's eyes grew large as he felt the thick head make contact with the sensitive nerve endings of his entrance. He lowered himself further, willing his muscles to settle back and savor the incomparable feeling of being breeched. The sybaritic delight tinged with the pain of their union was so intoxicating he felt he would tip over. 

"I don't want to come yet," he panted, stopping his descent.

Nicolao tightened his hold on his waist and his other hand gripped the back of his neck. 

"Why don't you want to come?" Nic eased David down, centimeter by centimeter pressing into his channel. 

David spasmed as a wave of ecstasy rolled through him; his mind numbly processed that he hadn't ejaculated and Nic was questioning him. 

"Why don't you want to come? Don't you want to come for me love?"

"No... yes, too soon." He could barely form coherent thoughts, how the hell was he supposed to talk? He steadied himself on his knees and began to meet Nicolao's steady upward thrusts, to his glee causing the big man to hiss and throw his head back.

"Nunca es demasiado pronto, but always for me... when you come, you come for me," Nicolao brought his head forward, the liquid orbs lust ridden; the tightly held reigns of his control slipping with every reunification of their flesh. "If you come I will make you come again and again, una y otra vez, mi amor." Nic guided David's face to his own and sought to claim his mouth. He was buried deep inside of him as they kissed, inching in and out of the depths of his love.

David pushed back against the hand on his neck. "More."




Deciphering the Bloom Ch. 05



"Dee, more what?" 

David only shook his head in response.

"More what?" Nicolao stopped moving. His strong arms held David firmly in place. "I can't know unless you tell me. Tell me what you want love."

David ran his hand along Nic's jaw line. He was right. He had to say it and Nicolao wouldn't do it otherwise. 

"I need more, harder; I want you to fuck me Nic." He dropped his eyes to his own pale hand resting on brown skin. Silence enveloped the room. He was afraid he had made a mistake as he brought his eyes to Nicolao's. 

The side of his lip lifted in a feral grin. "Compromise- you fuck yourself on my dick," he paused as he adjusted his hips. "Another dream I've had."

David hesitated then abandoned himself; he lifted himself up and slammed down, while Nic watched him. He did it again and again, establishing a rhythm he knew would bring himself to completion. Nic began to control his drop with his arms as he plunged upward. Their merging bodies' cadence reverberated off of the walls. 

"God... Nic... yes," David loosened his hand from Nic's shoulder and began to stroke his leaking cock. 

"Paseo me... cualquier cosa que necesites..." the clenching spasms of David's hole informed Nicolao of what he had lost the ability to say. Warmth spread across the hard lines of his abdomen as David spurted his release. Nic stilled until the blue eyes opened. 

"Ahí estás, stay with me, love." Nicolao's hips set a new pace, while never breaking David's gaze. Long, leisurely strokes that promised to take Dee to the brink again until the pace quickened becoming erratic. David's voice joined Nic's as he felt him expand inside of him before his release. Then he was filled with warmth. 

Nicolao let his arms rest against David's thighs, waiting for his eyes to focus. 

"Thank you." 

David's words hung between them, leaving Nicolao speechless. 

Dee kissed him knowing his love and gratitude could not be conveyed in that kiss. But if they were to make their own language, he reckoned it to be a good start.

****

Breezy arrived early, took a quick look at the car, gave David a kiss, before she and Nicolao left for work. 

After he got into her SUV, Nic decided he was really going to ask his friend more than what he thought she might be willing to tell.

"Saint, obviously I could've driven but I want to ask you some things."

Her response was a slight nod of her head.

"You mentioned that Jeremy had unsavory ties. What kind of ties were you talking about?"

She pursed her lips, but didn't look at him, "Why?"

"Because if he turns those against me, I need to know if I can protect myself and Dee. I just want a clearer picture of who the man is. I obviously misjudged him. He hired a private detective and tried to use what he found out to scare David off. I mean what kind of mind does that? I made it clear where we stood months ago."

They stopped at a light before she responded, finally turning her large brown eyes to his. "I told you, Mylonas is an ass. That sounds like something an ass would do. I have my suspicions about how deep he runs. Off the top of my head, I'd guess we help clean obscene amounts of money, for dirty companies."

"Come on Saint, it's a law firm."

"Not the entire firm, we're talking about Mylonas." 

"Are you sure?" 

"No, but I'll do my best to connect some dots for you."

"If he's that connected, maybe we should just leave."

"I'm a runner Evangelista. It just ain't in you or Davey for that matter. Let me get you more than my best guess and then you can decide from there."

"Thanks Saint. But you will be careful."

A smile played at the corner of her mouth, "Aw Evangelista, don't worry about me. A little carnage is my modus operandi. No worries, I got this," she assured him as they pulled into the garage. 

Nic did not know whether to be grateful or concerned. 

He took the elevator to the third floor during lunch at Saint's behest. She called moments after they got in with the news that Jeremy was not going to be in. Nic's conversation with the man was inevitably delayed. His fingers itched to call his sister and find out if she had contacted him.

Breezy was not out front. He ventured into Jeremy's office and he found her at his desk. 

"Saint."

Her somber expression and furrowed brows let him know she did not like what she was reading. He closed the door and took the chair across from her.

"I've gotten some research done. On the surface everything looks above board. I would love to tell you I was wrong." She worried her bottom lip and shrugged.

"But," he prompted.

"But there are some hidden files and they're encrypted. I may be able to get into them, but there's a possibility I could trip security measures. Actually, I don't think so; Mylonas doesn't seem to be concerned about protecting his information from me. Otherwise I wouldn't be reading his personal journal."

"Saint what do you have to tell me?"

"He's not who I thought he was at all. You talking to him might be the best thing. Whether you know it or not you're the first person he's vibed with in a long time. I guess kind does know kind." She glanced at him and leaned back in her chair. "Sorry, getting a glimpse into Mylonas' mind wasn't expected. I do have the name of the private detective. He refers to people by initials, but it syncs up to payouts from his bank account." 

Nicolao knew that whatever she had read was powerful if Breezy felt sorry for her boss. He was tempted to turn the screen and see for himself, but he trusted her. "So Dee was right," he said. We should talk to Jeremy."

"You both were right. Mylonas is a criminal, albeit a lovelorn criminal. He seems to have conflagrated what you saw as a potential relationship into The Relationship. He was changing his entire life for you."

Nicolao stared at her in wide-eyed disbelief. "But he never indicated anything like that."

"Maybe he didn't want you to know. I don't know. I think we're over thinking this. What say we go to lunch and leave Mylonas' private thoughts private? I have a friend I can send the files; he can definitely tell us what's in them." 

"Lunch sounds good. Let's leave Jeremy's files alone as well." Nicolao was reeling. Is that why Jeremy only ever begged for time? "Thanks Saint." 

"You're buying lunch again. That's thanks enough." Saint rose grabbing her purse.

****

The next four days were free of Jeremy. Saint would have a list of what she needed to do in her inbox, but there was no direct communication. Nicolao called but was forced to leave a voice message. Against his better judgment David did as well with the same result.

Sunday they invited Breezy and the kids for dinner. Nicolao insisted on buying a fire pit and patio set the day before. Although winter had not relinquished its grip, David loved to spend time outdoors.

David practically danced around the kitchen. He could still feel reminders of him and Nicolao's carnal activities, but it was truly a pleasurable ache. He belonged, he was home, he was happy, and now he was going to be happy with Breezy and the kids.

Nicolao found his mood infectious; it was the first time all five of them would spend time together. When Saint arrived with Able and Averie he understood why David was so excited. He knew Dee enjoyed the St. James family's company but seeing them together it struck him how much they genuinely loved him. David was easy to love.

The trio went out front to look at the car and Nicolao joined Saint in the kitchen. She had on jeans and a t-shirt. Her hair was down and she had adorned herself with wooden jewelry. She looked like the beatnik Dee spoke of.

"You need help?"

"Yeah, I need a pitcher for the tea." Nic reached in a cabinet too high for her to get to and pulled out the pitcher. 

"How the hell is Davey supposed to reach that?"

"He doesn't make tea. Besides I like getting things for him."

She snorted, "That's love logic for you. Hey, I've got a decent Corvina Veronese, want to imbibe while the under aged are out of the room." She went to one of the bags she'd brought in and pulled out a bottle.

Nic opened the bottle and poured the red wine, watching as she swirled the liquid expertly and inhaled. "I didn't know you were a wine connoisseur." 

"Hell man, ain't no such thing. Any wine you like is the best wine. I learned that in Napa Valley. My ex and I would go to the festivals and did a lot of the tours." 

Nic sipped his wine, "Balloon rides?"

"Yeah, we did the whole romantic thing." Breezy's face took on the expression she had in Jeremy's office earlier that day. "I still have my love of wine, so the west coast wasn't all bad. Parasailing sucks, so does sky diving, basically anything I've done which requires me to lose contact with the ground is on my never gonna do that shit again list." 

Nicolao was treated to Saint relating stories of her disastrous adventures; most of them involving alcohol or a dare. They were interrupted by the sound of loud hooting coming from outside. He followed her outside to find a scene that defied logic. Averie was cheering and doing cartwheels on the lawn while David eased the car back into the driveway.

Breezy laughed, "Okay Rie, why the ruckus?"

"David drove around the circle! Able did it two times before he convinced him he could do it, and he did!"

"Oh, good job! You'll get that license in no time." Breezy called.

David looked up, flashing the assembly a triumphant smile. Nicolao was shocked. He hadn't been able to get him to move beyond forward and reverse in the driveway.

"Um, Breezy... Able drove?" Nicolao wondered at everyone's sanity.

"We travel alone, Evangelista. If something were to happen to me they have to be able to get to safety. So yeah, my twelve year old knows how to drive... stick too." 

"Lord woman, you and your logic turn the world upside down."

While the exchange was going on David and Able exited the car. 

"Did it feel alright?" Nic asked.

"No, but Able is persuasive." The two unlikely drivers bumped fists.

"Come on, dinner's ready."

They ate outside around the fire. When it was time for clean up, Saint insisted they help. Nicolao watched as David put a CD in and order was restored by swaying bodies. After the chores were completed, Nic and Breezy drank wine while the trio sang "Limetree" by Trevor Hall. Dee and Averie joined in the chorus, but Able was the surprise. The boy of few words had an amazing voice. David and Averie did an impressive lip sync to the Jack Black and Alicia Keyes duet. The best part of the entertainment was watching David dance. His slim hips did more than shimmy; he pivoted and spun his body in a way that showed a natural grace Nic had no idea he possessed. The night ended with the five of them dancing and singing to Florence and the Machines, "Dog Days Are Over." If they had neighbors Nicolao was sure he would have much explaining to do. 

After the St. James family left, they showered. It wasn't late, but much to Nic's astonishment David went back outside. 

He slipped into his coat and gritted his teeth against the cold. The smile that greeted him banished all traces of cold. 

"Today was fun; the St. James's are a musical bunch." He sat beside David throwing his arm across his shoulder. 

"Breezy says everything goes better to music."

"And you, I didn't know you could dance. We are definitely going dancing next weekend. You looked incredible."

David's smile got wider at the compliment, "It's a date." He did like to dance, and Nic hadn't thought he looked foolish, and wanted to go out. He leaned forward and kissed him with no preamble, but when Nicolao's icy nose touched his he laughed. 

Nic sat up and chuckled but was not swept away in the mirth that gripped his beloved. His blue eyes sparkled in the firelight as he explained.

"I keep smiling because it's like joy just bubbles up. My heart, it's so full of love it feels like it's too big for my chest. Everything, everything right now is so good I can't help but laugh." David shook his head, sending blond spirals awry. "Does any of that make sense?"

Nicolao laughed, though his mirth was nearly silent. "Mi lirio de los valles, I understand, and I feel the same way." 

There was no pact, pledge, nor petition unanswered in that moment. They were simply carriers of the divine, relishing in bonded joy. He pulled David to him, and with teeth and tongue and lips, beneath fire and moonlight they loved, overflowing.

****

David stared critically at his reflection; his hair was getting too long. He was going to cut it. The curls made him look younger than he was. He turned sideways studying his profile the best he could. He was going to take the test for his permit. Nic had gone through the milk crate early that morning and found not only his birth certificate, but a photo of him as a baby with his mother. He looked like his mother, except for the curly hair. Her flaxen hair hung straight, he even had her dimpled smile. 

There were more pictures but Nic had to go. After work, they were going to go through the contents together. And if Breezy did what she said she would, and pulled Nic into her office to work for her, he would be home at any moment; which was why when the door opened at 11:15am he thought nothing of it.

"I guess Breezy being Jeremy's secretary has lots of perks," he called out. He left the bedroom with only his jeans on. After all lunches at home could be a new benefit that came with car ownership.

He stopped at the threshold of the door. Without his glasses he knew the figure at the door was not Nicolao; the smell, the posture, the man's menace announced him as Benjamin.

David's mouth was flooded by the taste of pennies. Uncle Ben was in his house, but that was impossible. There was a code for the gate and the door was locked. Nic always locked the door. For a moment his harried mind grasped at the idea he was dreaming, but he knew he was awake, and paralyzed. Because the fuzzy outline that was moving closer to him held an element not common in his nightmares, a gun.

"What, nothing to say to your uncle, Davey Boy?"

David stood mute, contemplating the feasibility of running and locking the door. He doubted he could outrun the bullet and what if Nicolao did come home early? An unconscious shiver ran through his body. He had to get rid of Benjamin before Nic arrived.

"Oh, don't do nothing stupid Davey. I can see you thinkin' and we both know thinkin' don't suit you." Benjamin advanced on him. One hand held the weapon; his other hand held a key with a paper attached which he shoved in his pocket.

"No, I ain't much of a thinker Uncle Ben. You're right about that." He was surprised with how normal he sounded.

Benjamin eyed him with suspicion. "Good, you're gonna be reasonable."

David nodded.

"Seems you got yourself into a mess, made yourself an enemy, but that's what happens when you forget your place." 

His uncle was standing directly in front of him, his finger on the trigger.

"I wasn't trying to make trouble, for anyone Uncle Ben. I'm just getting by."

That was the cue to raise his voice. "Gettin' by! You ungrateful faggot. Ehat about me? You leave me with no way to pay rent or electric. You sittin' here, fuckin' some rich guy's toy and he sends me here to take care of your sorry ass."

David's heart sank; Jeremy had sent his uncle to kill him? "What do you want me to do Uncle Ben?"

"Pack your shit and leave. That's what lover man is payin' me for. He wants some time alone with the other shit packer and needs you gone. Hell, I figured after all the shit I told them about you, he'd have kicked you out."

"Nicolao already asked me to leave." David walked by a stunned Benjamin making his way casually to the sofa.

"Stop lyin' you little shit. You thought I was him, and it damn sure didn't sound like you was talkin' to someone who threw you out." Benjamin stood above him, his finger still on the trigger of the small gun.

David rolled his eyes, "I thought you were his replacement. He works at the firm and I may be able to move in with him. He said he'd try to come by for lunch. Besides even if Nicolao came home early from work, I figured I'd try to convince him to let me stay. That private detective called him, and things haven't been good since." He hoped the lies sounded convincing. Channeling Averie may let Ben see him as who he thought him to be. He needed him to believe him and to leave. 

‎"You fuckin' slut." Benjamin looked at him. 

Bile rose in David's throat when he recognized the look of lust in his Uncle's eyes as he appraised him in his semi-nude state. He fought to keep the smirk on his lips and not drop his eyes.

Benjamin licked his lips. "Well, I'll find plenty of ways for you to make money. You're comin' with me Davey Boy. Garrett still asks after you. Now go get dressed and take anythin' that's worth somethin'."

"Sure Uncle Ben. There's a bank card in my wallet, and there's some jewelry on the dresser." David led Benjamin to his room and went in the closet leaving the door open. He slipped on a shirt while Benjamin rifled through his drawers. 

There was no way to leave a message or a sign. His only hope was to get to his phone. If not, he'd go with Benjamin; at some point he would score, lose consciousness and he would leave him then. He put on shoes content with his plan to get the insane man with a gun away from their home and any chance of harming Nicolao. 

"Okay Uncle Ben." He stepped out of the closet. 

"Is that all you're takin'?" Benjamin no longer had his finger on the trigger, but held the gun in hand. 

"If you want me to disappear, we have to go before Bud gets here right?"

Benjamin gave him a hard stare, weighing his sincerity, then nodded. 

They both startled as a car door could be heard closing. 

Nicolao was home.

"Ben let me handle it." David ran past his Uncle, ignoring the gun. He had to keep Nic safe. He threw the door open and darted outside. 

Nicolao stepped towards him, but David shook his head. Puzzled Nic stopped and waited. For a moment they looked at one another. Nicolao expected nervous chatter from his boyfriend. David contemplated if it could be the last time he saw him for a while. His body of its own accord leaned toward Nic's direction; prompting Benjamin to come through the open door and stand directly behind his nephew.

"Nicolao I'm leaving with my uncle, just like you asked." David's voice sounded distant to his ears. "If you can forgive me for the things I've done, maybe we'll talk in a few weeks. Just let us leave now."

Nicolao stared at the broken man at David's shoulder. There stood the man he yearned to mangle, coming from inside their home and too close to his David. "I don't want you to go Dee. Why don't the three of us go inside and talk it out?" 

"Naw you heard Davey he's leavin'." 

"Oh but he's not going a goddamned place." Nic stood next to the car hoping to goad the man into an attack. 

"Why not? Hell when I got here he was waitin' on some other fag. The boy's a whore mister; I'm just takin' him home."

"Home? That tin rat-trap you aren't even man enough to pay for?

"You don't know shit about me." 

"No, you're not Uncle Ben, the one who pimped out his own flesh and blood? But of course not before partaking yourself, right? I have to ask what level of inept sick fuck has to get off on children? Dio aiutami; you can't really like the forced attention of a child. Was it the power? Did it make you feel like a man taking advantage of a kid? Your only nephew." As he spoke Nicolao strode closer to them. 

"Shut the fuck up Geronimo, and you lyin' shit stain. What'd you tell him?" Benjamin kicked David in the back of the knee sending him down. 

The gun was then visible to Nic and Ben raised his arm aiming to hit David in the head. Nicolao ran to tackle the man but was stopped in arms reach as the gun was pointed at him. 




Deciphering the Bloom Ch. 05



"Nic no, no." David begged on bended knee. Nicolao was going to get hurt trying to protect him. 

The large man cast his eyes down at his cherished. "I swear I won't let him hurt you."

"Ain't you a dumb sonofabitch. How about I just shoot you?" 

"You can't hurt him Ben, Jeremy wants him. If you shoot him, you won't get paid." 

Benjamin's hands shook, he needed to get well and everything was going to shit. He kicked David in frustration. He was right. All of this was for Mylonas, but that Mexican Indian mother fucker was fucking everything up. 

Nicolao closed the distance between them. Ben swung the gun to hit the charging man's head, with his finger on the trigger. The sound of the gun was as it was always, loud and life ending.

In the ringing silence of stereocilia breaking, David watched as Nicolao fell, blood pouring from his head. His mouth opened with no scream. He was dumb, but he scrambled to him. Then pain, as Benjamin hit him with the gun. Stunned, he fell on the motionless body. 

Ben pushed David out of the way and rifled through Nicolao's jacket pocket, until he found the keys. Maybe they would blame the shooting on Davey. No one knew he was there, and if the rich asshole told about him he would be in trouble too. Benjamin looked at his nephew. The car and David would keep him flush for a while. He grabbed the young man by the hair and dragged him to the vehicle. 

He shoved him in the back seat. Ben bound his wrists with the chord of the cell phone charger he found on the front seat, cranked the car, and backed out. 

When the car began moving David's voice returned. "Please Ben, call 911. Get him an ambulance, please." David could see Nic on the ground, a red corona around his head.

"The dead don't need 911, Davey Boy." 

They drove out of Hope's Cove, away from all of the things that were David's life.

Justice ducked down when the black car drove past with only one of his friends inside. He knew the sound of gunfire, intimately. Something was wrong in the special place. He focused on what he was supposed to do when things went wrong. Jeremy. He was to get Jeremy. 

The keypad had been left open by the man he didn't know. Which was good, he didn't have to look for the key. He punched the number to the office, with ease. 

"Hello?" A woman answered. 

"Get me Jeremy; tell him it's an emergency." 

"He's not in-" 

Justice pressed the red button, ending the connection. The link was only from the keypad to the office. He had a cell phone. He pulled it out of his pocket, hoping it was charged; he used it once a week. He dialed one of the five numbers in his contacts, the number that was for emergencies only. 

"I need you, at Sybil's place."

He put the phone in his coat, and ventured a look in the open gate. He was not supposed to get involved with things anymore. Jeremy told him he had to wait, and he would fix it.

Justice shook his head at the idea. He didn't wait on other people, that boy had it all confused. He walked through the gate, for the first time in years.

Nicolao opened his eyes. He was on the ground. He began a swift self inventory. He was on concrete and bleeding. He placed both hands in front of him and pushed himself to his knees, blood ran from his head into his eyes. Dee? Where was David? He turned his head and saw the car was gone. A groan of frustration came from his lips. 

He had him. Benjamin had taken him, he had let that vermin take him. Nicolao lurched to his feet with purpose. He had to get to a phone. The pain in his head caused his knees to buckle, as he stumbled he felt arm on his torso steadying him.

"Slow down, young buck." 

Nic stared in Justice's face, as the old man threw his arm over his shoulder and began moving into the house.

"Justice, he has David. Call the police." Nic fumbled for his phone.

"Calm yourself. I called. Work on getting inside, you're too big to carry if you fall out."

Nic allowed himself to be lead inside and pushed on a stool. 

Justice removed his tattered gloves and washed his hands in the sink. He filled a bowl with water and grabbed dish towels. He explained while he worked.

"I heard the gunshot and saw the man leave with your boy. I called, so help's coming. It's been a few minutes just keep focus and clean some of that blood off your face." Justice handed him a wet towel, while he scrutinized his cut. 

Gingerly the homeless man examined the wound to Nicolao's scalp. 

"Looks like the bullet grazed you."

"The gun went off when he clubbed me with it." Nic listened. "Justice, there should be sirens, who did you call?"

Both of them turned to the sound of squealing tires. Jeremy ran through the open door. 

He stopped and took in the scene before him. Justice was fine, he was doctoring Nicolao.

Nic stared at his former friend. His head was throbbing and he struggled to discern what he knew: Justice was sane, David was gone and Jeremy was there. The world had switched to reverse and the elementary logic of the new land confounded him.

"Someone took David, and gave him a permanent part. Stole that black Impala they just got. We still run passage here?" Jeremy nodded, "Call in with a description." Justice looked down at Nic, "He had the code and key, a friendly. Where do you think he took him?"

Nicolao didn't change his gaze. "It's his Uncle Benjamin, they may be headed to the Under."

Justice raised an eyebrow at Jeremy. "This doesn't have anything to do with us then. Good. But make the call."

"Right away," Jeremy got his phone, "Justice are you alright?" 

Justice shrugged, "Adrenaline maybe. I'm here for now."

Nicolao held the cloth to his head and listened as Jeremy called in the description of the car and David. 

He hung up and approached Nicolao.

"The entire place is sewn up, especially if they head back to the Under. We need to get you to the hospital, but Nicolao what exactly happened?" 

Jeremy was standing in his home, his home with his David and he was asking for an explanation.

Nicolao stood, letting the blood soaked towel fall. "What happened? You gave a rabid animal access to our home, and act surprised when it attacked?" His voice was calm, unnervingly even. "Did you even call someone or was that for show?"

Jeremy stepped back, "I called, of course I called." He sighed, things were going to hell. Nicolao obviously knew he had sent the uncle. "None of this was supposed to happen. Ben said that he would talk to him. I only wanted to protect you, and preserve us. I needed time, your time so I could explain." 

Nicolao battled silently for control, internally searching for the voice of his prayers, but found silence. Despair rose from the depths of his soul stripping him of the safeguards of intellect and reason.

Jeremy mistook his stillness. 

"I never meant for you to get hurt." Jeremy stepped closer and touched Nicolao's discolored bloody temple.

The contact unhinged him, his mouth filled with wretchedness, and he howled. Nicolao grabbed the offending hand and struck Jeremy in the jaw with the other. Jeremy spun with the hit, managing to pull his arm free.

"Nicolao wait! Let me explain." Jeremy faced him palms up, he knew how to defend himself, but he would not unless he absolutely had to.

Nic charged, pinning him against the wall in the living room. His right forearm pressed against Jeremy's neck and holding one arm while his other hand gripped the other arm.

"Explain? What can you explain? You had some P. I. tell you lies fed to him by Benjamin. A sack of shit, heroin junkie, that molested the only good thing in his life. "

Indignant anger left Jeremy's hazel eyes.

"Then sold him, and offered him up to men to use. While good people like you, did nothing, made him feel like he was trash. When it's you that's the real filth, you commit crimes in thousand dollar suits, and hope the money makes you clean. The day before I came to you I found him beaten in that hell hole and you send that lunatic here." 

The truth of his words was evident; he hadn't wanted to see it. Jeremy did not struggle against Nicolao's grip. Nicolao let his arms go, but continued to talk.

"We tried; he wanted to talk to you, ojete. You only had to call; he was going to tell you himself. But you didn't. You sent him. He could kill him, my D-"

Forming the name of his most dear slipped the final bond of civility. 

"David!" 

Jeremy blocked the first hit, but the unrestrained force took him to his knees. The next blow had blood filling his mouth. Jeremy fell to his hands then raised himself onto his knees. His hands limp at his sides. The bones of his cheek fragmented under the next hit and sent him to the carpet. 

Nicolao grabbed him by the collar, his pain demanding more retribution.

Justice threw himself between him and Jeremy's body. 

"No more, no more! Please, don't hit my son anymore."

Nicolao stared. In order to get to Jeremy he would have to harm Justice. They were all mad he decided and let go. Jeremy's limp body fell into the black man's arms.

He walked to the counter in the kitchen. His head and hands throbbed, where were the police? Feeling drained he rested his head on the counter, that was when he noticed Breezy standing in the open door.

Breezy watched the peculiar play she had walked in on. Nicolao took notice of her and she forced herself into action. She took a clean towel from the counter and went to the freezer. She made a quick ice pack and placed it on Nic's wound. 

She did not like the look in his eyes, it was unsettling. She spoke softly, as she held the ice in place. "Nicolao, tell me what's happening."

Nic closed his eyes. He had no real answer; it was all loco. "Jeremy let David's uncle in here while I was at work. He was kidnapping him at gunpoint when I arrived. I charged and got this," he raised his hand to his head. "He stole the car and took him while I was knocked out. Justice helped me, and then Jeremy showed up. They keep saying they called the police, but no one's come but you."

"Alright, do you need an ambulance?" She stepped back as he held the makeshift pack to his skull.

"No ambulance. Saint I have to find him. I need your truck." 

Breezy nodded, "We'll go look for him. I swear." She went to the refrigerator and pulled out a bottle of water and more ice. "Let me talk to them for just a minute. Find out who's out searching. Here drink this water for me," She put the ice in another towel. Nic's eyes made her afraid for him. Whether shock or trauma or loss the man was on the edge.

She walked over and squatted beside Justice in front of Jeremy, offering him the ice pack. When he made no move for it, Justice took it and placed it on his cheek. Jeremy's face was swollen and bloody. His left eye was blood red and closing fast. 

"Did you let Benjamin in?"

"Yes."

"Mr. Mylonas we have to find him. Nic thinks David is in real danger. You can't think to hide what you've done, or that Evangelista's gonna let this slide. You did call the police, right?"

"I told him," Jeremy winced as he tried to open his mouth, "I called."

"He called our people, a good piece of the highway department and troopers are ours. We still own the roads. They can't have gotten too far. We'll find him." Justice offered.

Breezy did not hide her incredulity, "You've got people?"

"Lil girl, you work for Hale, Loundes, and Drewery that means I got you."

"Pardon?" 

"Ethan Hale," Justice said his name; he had not been himself for so long, it felt good. "I think a smart lady such as you understands what that means."

Breezy looked at her boss and hearing no denial took the man's words as truth. He was retired Judge Ethan Hale. Her agile mind processed the information. "Fuck." 

The three spoke in hushed tones, Nicolao watched them with growing unease. He had to leave to find David. "Saint!"

"Coming now." Before she got to her feet, Jeremy's phone bleeped.

He removed it, but it was evident speaking was becoming difficult. 

"Yeah, I'm handing you off. Talk to her."

Breezy took the phone, "Secretary... Brecia." She stood a smile coming to her face that faded as quickly as it appeared. "I'm still here. Peltier?... Headed there now." She walked toward Nic. "Thank you."

"They found Davey. They were on the interstate. The trooper had just spotted them when the car lost control; he's been transported to the hospital. We have to go to Peltier right now."

****

David heard nothing Ben was saying. 

"They will say you shot him for tellin' you to leave. I'm gonna take care of it, get you somewhere safe." But Davey had seen him shoot someone, and if he died his nephew was the only witness. Davey had a bank card. Why hadn't he gotten the big man's wallet with the keys? He sure as shit wouldn't need it. He would drive a few hours out. Get the money and find a taste. Then sleep in the woods. Benjamin took the interstate ramp, eyeing his nephew in the backseat. What was he going to do with Davey?

David looked out of the window, wrestling with his thoughts. The image of Nicolao falling replayed on a loop in his mind's eye. God is senile and life a sadistic bitch, he thought, trying to connect to his old truth. But even with the certainty that his soul no longer had a home he could not regain that truth. It had been his truth, until that morning on the bus, but no longer.

He had spoken to the most beautiful man and had been rewarded with... everything. He had love and that was the truth of it. Every day was a blessing. All life was filled with so much beauty; Nicolao had shown him how to know it. Riding behind the ogre of his childhood, he still knew it. Cars drove along the same roads leading to everywhere. The world kept spinning in orchestrated chaos. The sun's rays still warmed all, and Nic was bleeding on the concrete. The workings of life were all around him. He would have none of it, if he could no longer share it with Nic.

David shifted his lower back onto the backseat. He drew his legs to his chest and kicked. 

The impact caused Benjamin's head to snap sideways, reflexively he jerked the wheel. The black 1967 Impala shot across the interstate, ploughed through the grass median, across the lanes of oncoming traffic, tipped down the slight embankment, then stopped.

... final chapter soon 

Flower and Language translation: 

Phlox: Souls united

¿Sabe cómo tu irresistible que eres?: Do you know how irresistible you are? 

me cosume: I'm consumed 

me estoy ahogando en que: I am drowning in it.

Nunca es demasiado pronto: It is never too soon.

Una y otra vez: again and again...

Paseo me: ride me 

cualquier cosa que necesites: anything you need

Dio aiutami: God help me (Italian)



Deciphering the Bloom Ch. 06



Thank you to everyone for reading, voting and commenting. Your emails and votes have meant a great deal to me over this almost 2 year period. I am truly grateful for the time you devoted to reading my work.

I have no editor or betas so I ask your forgiveness with my mistakes. All comments are welcome.

This is a copyrighted work of fiction by the author seeker71. All rights reserved

*

Nicolao had Breezy repeat the short conversation three times as she drove to Peltier Hospital. She obeyed no laws of traffic and ignored him the last time he posed the question. She raced along the streets and pulled haphazardly into the parking lot.

Nic's long legs carried him through the halls of the hospital. He paid no attention to the looks he received or that Breezy was jogging to keep pace. At the emergency department desk he stuck his head in the glass opening, startling the clerk.

"Sir, fill this out and I'll get you back right away." She grabbed a pen and clipboard.

"No, I'm looking for a patient, David Collins."

"We can find him after you get that examined." She handed him the clipboard and pen.

Nic laid the papers down, "I'm fine!"

Her eyes flickered over him, a belligerent patient. "Sir, you're covered in blood. You certainly don't look fine."

Breezy nudged in the window. "Of course we'll get that taken care of. But the police called and told us to meet them here. It's a young man who should've arrived by ambulance a short time ago, a car accident."

"Yes, we've got him. I'll let the officers know you're here. You can help by giving me his medical history. And what is your relationship to the patient?"

Breezy picked up the clipboard. "--medical history and payment information, sure. Will you tell the officers Mr. Mylonas' secretary is here?"

The clerk turned to speak to her coworker.

Breezy saw Nic was about to say something more and tugged him away from the desk.

"I know you want to see David. But hang back a little alright?"

"Saint, he's here I don't have time for this. " Had the woman lost her mind?

Her eyes narrowed at his annoyance, "Time for what Evangelista? Think. Did you hear the question? What is your relationship to the patient?" Her voice was sharp, as she slowly repeated the question. "The moment you answer boyfriend access is cut off, you'll be burnt. This ain't warm and fuzzy. Its elephant man fucked up, but this has to be my play. You have to trust me. There's nothing I won't do for family, you're my family. Trust me."

Double doors opened. The clerk pointed, directing two officers to them.

Breezy turned again to face him. "Give me time to maneuver and don't say anything about Mylonas. He's the only lev we've got."

Officers Ennis and Smalls took Nicolao's statement. The look that passed between them was unmistakable when he and David's relationship was revealed. It occurred to him that they both regarded him with disdain and yet they were owned by Jeremy, paradigms of integrity. He had nothing left over from his despair to feed his anger and he retreated from the exchange. Breezy gave a bare-bones account of what happened and pushed for information about David. The officer said he was unconscious at the scene. When she asked they be taken to his room to see him Officer Ennis declined, David was in the hands of the trauma team. They let them know detectives would be contacting them and turned to leave.

"Officers wait. Where's Benjamin?"

"Sir, we only had your friend at the scene. An ATL will be issued. The detectives will be contacting you; they will be of more service than we can be."

His head and body ached. Ben was not in custody, only an order to attempt to locate. Smalls barely kept the contempt out of his voice as he said 'friend'. He had no way to make them do their job.

Nicolao stared at the door after the two men exited. Saint had said Jeremy was their lev, their only leverage. That notion was repulsive, but nothing compared to being denied contact with David. He was hurting and alone.

Leanne, the clerk had been standing next to their seats.

"Mr. Evangelista, come on back." She laid a hand on his shoulder and her voice dropped. "Mr. Collins is stable. We're taking good care of him. Now let's go get a look at your head."

Nic stood. The unexpected sliver of news from the kind young woman was overwhelming. The absence, the inky nothing of being away from one another could not be all that remained. Nic was certain neither one of them would survive it. Yet he was helpless, reduced to stolen snippets of information. The day had morphed into a twisted reality one in which he did not have dominion.

"Nicolao give me your cell." Breezy rose with him and was pinned by the intense gaze of her companion.

"Do what you have to Saint. I have to see him." He was entrusting her to return to him the marrow of his life.

The only response was her hand, waiting for his phone. He placed it in her upturned palm without question.

Breezy's dark brown eyes were fierce as she looked up at him. "Nicolao, I promise I've got this."

He followed Leanne behind the double doors.

Brecia exhaled and collected her thoughts. A lesson learned young came back to her, men were weakest when losing what they love, but they were never more dangerous. Winners exploit the weakness and redirect the danger. "Thanks mama," she quipped to the air then set to her tasks.

Nicolao forced himself to answer the questions of the medical staff. The young woman was friendly and efficient. He wondered if the trauma team had one person there who would spare a smile for Dee when he awoke. David hated hospitals. He grimaced at his thoughts.

"You're very lucky."

Nic focused on the speaker.

"The contusion's discoloration will fade in weeks and maybe you'll have a small scar. You're walking away from a showdown with a gun. That's a good thing."

Instead of pointing out all of the ways she was wrong Nic nodded and withdrew to his own ruminations.

Breezy sat her down with the children in the waiting area. She had only spoken with them briefly after she had the car pick them up from school.

"Alright gang I'm going to need your help. Davey's been in a car accident like I told you on the phone. I think he'll be alright, but no guarantees." They knew death was an inevitable part of life; she paused to gauge their reactions.

Abel shook his head, "He wouldn't drive the car. How'd he get in an accident?"

"His uncle stole the car and hurt Uncle Nic in the process. Davey told you about him right Abel?" She held her son's eyes, as he nodded. The lies of protective parenting she'd abandoned years ago. The world was simply made of too many hard truths. "I'm working on a way to be able to see him. Right now we can't, only family can."

"He doesn't have family, only us and Mr. Nic. That uncle's not real family!" Averie interrupted.

"I know Rie, but you know people have rules. The rule is blood relatives only. I have to make a way for your Uncle Nic and the three of us to be able to help him, and protect him if need be."

"Can you?"

She raised an eyebrow at the question, "Yes, Abel I can. But it may change our plans. You know when we leave town it's the wrap up routine. This is the opposite of that, this in entanglement."

"I never wanted to go." Averie announced.

Abel shrugged, "I don't mind staying."

"Good, now Uncle Nic should be coming out soon. Just sit with him, I have to leave for a bit; take him to the chapel or something."

They settled in and waited for Nicolao. The children played cards while she used the phone and laptop to fill to further her work.

Nicolao stepped into the lobby. He seemed a different man from the one she knew. Nicolao was normally the beacon in any room, now the light was lost. She trembled at the thought of him losing something so precious. Breezy stood. "I'd make the sky burn for you two you know."

Abel looked up from his cards, "Yeah we know mom. But we don't need you to right now. Go set some fires for Davey." He ordered casually, accustomed to his mother's odd sentiments of affection.

Breezy evaluated her friend as he approached them. He held an ice pack in his left hand. She had managed to pay for some information on David, but decided against full disclosure.

"Nicolao, the kids are gonna sit with you. He's in surgery right now."

Nicolao spun, his feet seeking David, but he stilled. There was nowhere to go.

Breezy waited for him to focus on her again, "His leg, tibia is broken and he had a wound glass or metal. The good news is no internal injuries."

Nic collapsed in a seat by the children. "No internal injuries?"

She pressed her lips together and shook her head. If he was thinking clearly he would have called her on the lie. "Now, I've gotta go. When I get back I'll make good on my promise." Breezy gathered her things and headed for the exit.

"Uncle Nic, does your head hurt?" Averie asked as she took over icing his swollen fingers.

"No I'm alright Averie. There's no need to worry about me." Nic reassured her. She eyed the blemish but allowed her focus to remain on his hand.

Abel made trips to the vending machine. After an hour passed the two asked him to take them to the chapel. It was easier if he focused on them instead of himself or David so he complied. The siblings seated themselves on the first row, but did not bow their heads. Abel folded his legs with his eyes closed and Averie took Nicolao's hand in hers and did the same as her brother.

Hospitals are temples to many gods. Pain, hope, and joy find supplicants on every floor, every hour of every day.

"When are you and Davey going to have kids Uncle Nic?" Averie queried with her eyes still closed.

Nic stiffened at the strange question. What children were they going to have if David never made it out this hospital? Silence was the only answer he could provide. He turned to the tug on his other arm.

Abel's dark serious eyes gazed up at him. "You can't think about him not being okay. That's the possibility you can't bring into being. See you and mama worked together, then you met Davey, and he met us and now we're family. Of all the possible outcomes, even improbable ones, you should call to you good ones. Because we are meant to be here, right here for each other. Miracles happen every day, when thought makes fate. Rie what are you asking for?"

She turned her dancing eyes on Nicolao. "I see us all together, just like last night, but this time at a house on the beach, since Davey's never seen the ocean. Abel you can surf good and you're teaching a little boy who looks like Uncle Nic. And me and Davey and a girl with curly blond hair are dancing, I like it when he dances with me. Mama and Uncle Nic you're having your serious talks still, since you both like to talk. I think that would be a good time. I'm asking for a tomorrow where we can be happy together again." Averie turned her head and closed her eyes, building a nonexistent day into a prayer.

He hadn't prayed, afraid he had always been talking to himself. But they were both right. They were bound together and Averie's future was one he wanted to come true. Queer coincidence and everyday miracles had changed his life and it was enough. It was enough, but he needed more. He tightened the grip on her small hand and bowed his head.

Consciousness affecting fate, God granting a prayer was all the same thing. "Please," was all he managed, a monosyllabic petition for mercy.

When the three of them went back to the waiting room Nicolao felt more himself the detached expectation of dread left in the small chapel. It was enough that David was alive, even if he had failed to keep him safe.

They resettled in the waiting room. Nicolao lost himself in conjuring the children in Averie's wish. He sensed a change in his young companions' focus and followed their curious gaze. He stood and waited. When Natanaele's arms wrapped around him he let himself rest in his father's sure embrace.

"Hi Pop." He muttered as they parted.

Natanaele paused, eyeing injuries to his son, swallowing the distress of how close he had come to losing his third born. "You look---", he faltered and offered a slight smile. "Nico."

Nate, Narisco and Lil Nico hugged him in turn.

"Your mother and sisters are driving up with Joshua. They have a few more hours. We came as soon as we got word."

Nicolao was about to ask how they had gotten word, when Breezy stepped out of the elevator and approached them.

"The Evangelistas I presume?" She smiled at her friend. "I'm Brecia St. James, we spoke on the phone."

Introductions were made and Breezy returned Nicolao's cell phone, with an admonishment to lock it. "I called your family and chartered a plane for them. I would've had them here sooner, but neither city is major hub."

"You all can head up to the fifth floor. David will be in 503. If you like you can get settled in the common area. The nurse's station has all of your names." She paused to turn to Nicolao, "And Nic can go back to see David, he's been out of surgery a good while now."

Nicolao was stunned. His mind raced with questions, Saint had made a way for him to go to Dee.

"Pop why don't you go upstairs and take Lil Nico and the kids. Call Ma and tell her what's happening." Narisco suggested.

Natanaele got in the elevator with his grandson, Averie, and Abel. As soon as the doors closed Narisco turned to Nicolao.

"Lil Nico is amped but...the plane was Piper PA-12. I think Pop needs a drink."

Their father was an "engines man", for a time airplanes had caught his interest. He had always referred to the small planes' engines as hopped up lawn mowers.

"He flew in that? He didn't have to, none of you had to." Pop definitely had to white knuckle the flight.

Nate sighed. What lead his brothers choose dreary desolate roads? "We know that. We're here because we want to be Nico. Pop wasn't going to ride in the van with Ma; you know he couldn't get here fast enough."

Breezy looked up at the three men. Her desire to speak to Nicolao alone was in danger of not happening. "Um, Nic we need to talk." She turned and walked to the end of the hall, willing the newcomers to stay put, but by the footfalls she knew she was out of luck.

She eyed the two brothers flanking Nicolao, "Alright, first let's cover the police. The detectives will be contacting you. Mylonas is not a topic, plus it wouldn't go anywhere if you did bring him up. They're looking for Benjamin; they don't think he's a danger to you or Davey after the accident. He's likely injured and on foot. But if you want I can hire private security. The Hope's Cove compound is having new keys and security installed as we speak, I'll be sure to give you the codes and new keys."

Breezy had a stack of papers under her arm and pulled them out. "Now to the second and most important bit; these papers grant you medical access and control over David's care." She shook the papers, "I had to get creative and there wasn't a lot of time."

Nicolao marveled at how that big statement yielded so little information. "Saint."

To his surprise she flinched.

"I forged an adoption agreement, complete with new birth certificate. Legally you can't get married here, so that was no good. This took care of everything. There won't be any billing or insurance issues. Payment comes directly from an account I set up. This is strictly to get past hospital scrutiny. If it needs to go further, I'm confident by tomorrow I can set up a better paper trail that shows you as David's father. But with no insurance fraud, and money for the right hands, it should be fine."  

"Can Nicolao go to jail for this?" Nate asked pitching his deep voice lower as if the wall were conspiring to listen.

Breezy shook her head, "No, why should he? I signed his name. No matter what the relationship or why I did it, I did it. I even have myself down as your health care proxy in case you want to distance yourself from this."

Nic did not hesitate to assure her, "Not happening."

"Good, you're officially in charge of his medical care. But before you go back there I have to tell you one more thing."

Breezy dropped her head, studying the floor. "He's in a coma. David was never con—." Nic stepped toward her, and to everyone's surprise she maneuvered backward.

"I didn't want to tell you and you be locked out. In case I couldn't pull this out of my ass I sent for your family." Words sprinted from her lips. Hiding the truth was lying and in her mind should cost her Nic's friendship. She shrank further away only stopping when Nicolao's arm encircled her.

He did not release her until some of the rigidity left her body.

"I did alright?"

Nicolao moved back to peer at her unsure face, "My Saint you did more than alright. How couldn't you know that?" He kissed her on her wrinkled brow as he posed the question. "Thank you my friend. Can I go to him now?"

"Yeah, through those god damned double doors, CCU. They're expecting you." Swearing allowed her to project the strength she feared her display had cost her.

Nicolao made his way down the corridor, thankful that part of the nightmare was over.

Nate scrutinized his brother's friend. "You falsified legal documents. Why'd you go so far?"

"Because I could, and the look in his eyes--," she paused as she visualized her motivation. "They're my friends, and I made a promise. I never break a promise."

Nate placed a steadying hand on her shoulder.

Breezy smiled at the reassuring touch.

Narisco winked at his brother's pretty saint. "I think it would be my pleasure to get to know you better."

"Careful what the hell you wish for Evangelista the Younger. You know what Nicolao didn't, I have criminal tendencies." Breezy straightened her shoulders, "Let's get upstairs. I have food coming." She turned on her heels for the elevator.

The smell of the Critical Care Unit assailed Nicolao's nostrils. He sound of his feet hitting the polished floors reverberated in his ears. He had walked that walk before. Existence shaped by the senses; he subsisted at two point of time as he made his way to David. When he entered the room he stood at the foot of the bed, absorbing that moment, rooting himself to the present, to David.

David's face had very little bruising, just slight scratches on his left check, his left leg was in an immobilizer and a cold pad. He was intubated, there were wires going to flashing monitors, a horror show to the uninitiated. The bed was inclined at 20 degrees. The injuries and mechanism attached to him belied the peaceful stillness of him.

Nicolao forced himself to accept the absoluteness of this familiar yet foreign geography. David shouldn't be battered and he was. He should have been able to prevent this, yet he hadn't.

The nurse took David's vitals, explaining they were strong, and the doctor would be in to speak with him soon. Nicolao did not acknowledge him. He remained standing at the foot of the bed, mapping out the landscape

Samuel shook his head. You could never predict how people were going to react. He liked mute, it was better than hysterical screamers any day. He wheeled the blood pressure monitor away from the bed and grabbed a chair pulling it beside the bed.

"Sit down Mr. Evangelista, and talk to him. Some patients say they hear everything. Let him know you're here."

Nic finally looked at the lanky man in blue scrubs and sat as he was told. He took David's hand and began to appraise the damage to the fair skin. His wrists were bandaged were the cords had cut into the flesh. His arms had taken the brunt of the damage, as he had shielded his face. The forearms were black and purple.

"I should tell you first about your big sister, our big sister. Saint's really remarkable--" Nicolao began to speak, determined to fill every minute with words, if there was any chance that was all Dee had to cling to in the dark.




Deciphering the Bloom Ch. 06



He watched it unfold before him, a movie but full emersion. This was not two dimensions with sound all of his senses were engaged. David knew the brightly colored furniture and sat on the pale blue recliner. He could see the woman in the kitchen.

Waist long hair the color of corn silk obscured her face as she removed milk, eggs, butter and orange juice from the refrigerator. She turned to the cabinet for the flour, baking powder and sugar. Lastly she placed the bowl, mixer, and measuring utensil out and sat at the tiny kitchenette. She smiled and seemed to be waiting. He knew who she was, the face from his picture, a memory misplaced.

He willed her to turn her head, to look at him, and then he heard the gentle footfalls in the hall. His heart swelled as she rose and picked up the small boy with ash blonde curls. She laughed as she half spun him, the melody of merriment shared between the two of them.

"Davey, you finished your nap already?"

He saw his round cheeked self nod, a combination of yes and no. This was their game on her days off. He never took a nap. He would lay down dutifully for what seemed an eternity then cautiously make his way to the kitchen. Some days she would be in her bedroom and he would creep beside her, she would cradle him and they would sleep together.

David, the observer, leaned into the chair and inhaled. It smelled of her. How could he have forgotten? This had been his entire world for seven years. His babysitter was Mrs. Graham who lived down the hall. His first school was down the street. He had been safe, he had been loved. How could he not have remembered?

He watched knowing every step. They made orange scones, his favorite. She would measure out each ingredient and let him put it in the bowl. When she removed them from the oven they shared one and a glass of milk. He longed to taste their baked treats again, the final faculty experienced. There was a murmuring in the background, distracting, but he could not tell where it was coming from.

She stood up carrying her three year old son with her into the living room. She did not take notice of the chair. But David knew what was next. She would sit on the couch and he would fall asleep listening to the steady beat of her heart. He closed his eyes, evoking the sound he had lost. The feel of lips pressed against the top of his head caused his eyes to snap open. He lifted his head and was greeted by her smile. Her eyes were the blue of fairytale skies, impossible, yet he knew this recollection to be true.

"Mommie?"

"Never forget that I loved you then, I love you now, and I love you always, my sweet beautiful Davey."

The murmuring grew louder as darkness filled the room. His mother and his home filled with yellows and blues turned to black. Alone in the caliginous gloom he heard Nicolao.

Nicolao. He had to tell Nicolao. She was beautiful and she smelled of lavender and scones; in his safe place was his mother, and she loved him.

Nicolao held David's hand as he spoke. The only break he allowed himself was when the doctor came in to speak with him. David was being treated with diuretics to lessen any swelling of the brain. His tibia was fractured in the crash, but would be cast after the swelling had lessened. The surgery was a repair to five inches of torn flesh along his left lateral side; a minor procedure that had been completed, as requested, by a plastic surgeon.

Nic listened intently. The truth was David's fate was out of the doctor's hands. There was nothing he could do, not even venture an estimate for David's awakening. He wanted the doctor to leave, so he could talk to him. Talk to him for the rest of his days, if there was a chance he could hear him.

David was engulfed in the dark. He focused on the sound of Nic's voice. He fought for consciousness mired in the space between the realm of the torpid and revival. Nicolao's warm, solid body greeted him each day upon awakening. He loved to lie in bed and revel in that glow; he searched for that heat and found it in his hand. Nic was holding his hand.

Nic felt it. The limp fingers curled, squeezing his. He lunged forward to hover over the bed.

"Dee love, open your eyes, please."

David clung tighter to the fingers, he needed Nic to know he was trying, but he couldn't talk. His body wouldn't listen to him. He was exhausted. Floating away back into the black appealed to him. He would talk to Nicolao later, but Nicolao was imploring him--begging? There was something in his throat, stopping him from talking. Fright flung him into full awareness. His eyes snapped open and his arms shot out as he clawed at his own face.

Nicolao's elation fled as he watched Dee spiral into frenzied terror. The heart monitor alarmed as the clip was dislodged.

"Dammit Dee look at me!" He grabbed both wrists, angling his body over David's. Preventing him from pulling at the tracheal tube

The bellow caused the blue eyes to meet his, but the alarm was not contained.

"That's right, mi lirio de los valles, look at me. Calm down, I'm here with you. You're safe now." Nicolao heard the hospital staff enter but spared them no attention. "Love you're in the hospital, with a breathing tube."

Reflexively David's hands jerked toward his throat, but Nic held firm.

"It's alright. It'll be removed right away. Be still or you'll hurt yourself. Okay?"

David listened to Nic, impossibly incredible Nicolao. Why or how he was in the hospital mattered less. Nic was with him. He relaxed into the bed, drained. Nicolao stepped out of the way and nurses filled the space. He ignored them and kept his eyes on Nicolao. He tried to stay focused on those brown eyes, but he wafted away leaving Nic and the nurses behind.

Hours passed before Nic left CCU and caught the elevator to the fifth floor. David slid in and out of consciousness. Samuel assured him that was not uncommon for a brain injury and the drugs for pain management were also a factor. While the staff prepared to move Dee he left to give his family an update.

The fifth floor looked nothing like a hospital floor. As he stepped through the double door Nic was reminded of a hotel lobby. He approached the circular desk gave his name and was directed to Suite 503. Each room of the fifth floor had a private lobby for guests equipped with couches and a television. When Nicolao entered dinner conversation ceased as the eyes of the gathered rested upon him. He stared back, finding his throat suddenly constricted with emotion.

"He woke up. They're bringing him up in a few minutes."

All of the bodies in the room moved at the same time. The four children shared whoops, Lil Nico taking the moment to hug Averie the love of his young life. Nicolao was surrounded by the wall of Evangelistas, Nieves and Hilaria included.

"How are you Nico?" Hilaria asked after they embraced.

"I'm fine Ma, really."

She reached upward, and instincts of childhood lead him to her hand. He bent downward as his cupped his face, studying his eyes.

"We could have lost you." Her fingers went to the wound only hours old in his scalp.

"I'm fine. I could've lost him Ma. I keep having to fight to keep him."

Hilaria looked into the eyes that mirrored her own, "To lose him would be to lose you as well Nico. You were born to fight, maybe for him is why."

Nic stood out of his mother's grasp, her touch and her words filled him with truth.

Saint was seated behind the children and his sister was beside her.

She rose when he made eye contact and approached him. The rest of the family went back to their seats, not everyone thought she should have come, but she had insisted.

Tears streamed down her face as she drew closer.

Nerina is still an ugly crier, Nic thought, but he made no move to her.

"If you'd have died—pft," she choked down a sob.

Nic waited.

"Nico if you or David would've died, I'd never be able to tell you both how sorry I am." She shook her head wildly, "I don't need you to forgive me. I have to be here for you, in case you need anything. Someone to yell at, or vent to or shake, I'm tough, I won't break. I don't deserve to be a part of your life, but I cannot bear not being your sister. I'll be whatever you need till I earn that back. Nico I'm so sorry. "

He had been shot, David had been in a coma, Saint made miracles, and Nerina was in front of everyone vulnerable. If he looked out of the window he was certain rainbow colored rain would be falling upwards. This day had no plot.

"Rina." Nic sighed.

Nerina stepped into his arms. She had a growing suspicion about her reaction to David that left her ashamed. But she would be better, there was no other alternative.

David was wheeled through moments later the stern staff stopped to raucous a greeting. They swiftly moved to his room. Much to Nic's surprise he was awake. His nurse, Charlotte came in and requested that only two family members enter the room as to not tire out the patient. They waited until the aides left and Nicolao opened door.

"Pop, why don't you come with me?"

Natanaele was taken aback. He expected Hilaria to go in the room Nico normally called on his mother, but he quickly recovered. "Sure Nico." He followed his son in the room to check on his newest family member.

Everyone rotated in the room, taking brief looks at David. Nicolao refused to leave the room, but Hilaria convinced him to come into the common area to see his family members and friends off. She insisted he eat some of the food left over from the meal Breezy had delivered. Nieves who had remained behind rubbed his neck and shoulders while he ate. He allowed himself to be pampered, his mother feeding him and his sister easing his aching muscles. Nicolao was teetering on sleep when he bolted upright, startling the women. He had left David. He opened the door to the room to be halted by what greeted him.

When Nic entered the room Natanaele was rubbing lotion on Dee's hand, "—ago, you had no one to call. You won't feel that again David; we have years of gardening to do me and you."

Natanaele turned his attention to his son standing in the door, "You know your mother always said people's skin dries out in the hospital. I thought his hands looked dry." He explained placing the sleeping young man's hand back on his chest.

"Sure Pop, I'll be right back." Nic backed out of the room and sat down next to his mother.

The entire damned day had been too terrible and too wonderful. He dropped his head in his hands. He wept. His silent tears born of fear and gratitude were a thankful remittance to a receptive God, because he lacked words. And as always on his hardest days there was an Evangelista on either side of him.

The last of his family left for Hope's Cove an hour later. Nicolao sat in the recliner chair he had moved next to David's bed and watched him sleep. He was beautiful, even in the eerie lighting of the machines. David had no remembrance of the day. He wondered about Benjamin finding Dee, but he couldn't be insane enough to come to the hospital, and the floor was secure. The fifth floor provided care for those who wanted more than a standard hospital stay, and who could afford to pay. Cameras lined the halls and between the common area and patients room was another camera monitored by the nurses. Nic's thoughts wandered to the cost of everything, but before his musings went far he was asleep. He woke up a short time later from a familiar feeling.

"Hey."

Nic straightened, "Hello to you. Shouldn't you be resting?"

David looked at him. His throat was still sore, and when he spoke it was slow, and deliberate. "Was in a coma you said. Think that was my rest for today."

"Funny." Nicolao declared and he forced a wan smile for Dee's effort. He leaned forward and grasped his hand.

"You sleep, I'm okay." David squeezed his fingers, hating the change he saw in his lover.

"That's my line, and I was asleep."

"Bed."

"I won't fit, but I did think about trying."

"Nic—", David tried to shift his weight, and he grimaced with discomfort.

Nicolao was on his feet immediately, "Are you in hurting? I'll get the nurse she said you can have more meds to manage the pain."

"No more." David wanted to explain his fear of too many drugs, but couldn't connect with the words. "Sit. Sleep."

Nic acquiesced. He watched as David's eyelids closed. "Thank you for coming back to me. Bossy."

"Had to. I love you. Ham." Dee didn't open his eyes, but smiled.

Nicolao did laugh at his retort and eventually leaned the recliner back and joined David in slumber.

The long cast for David's leg was signed by everyone before they left for home early Sunday. Natanaele Sr., Hilaria, and Nerina stayed behind the first week; Nate, Nieves, and Narisco the next. Their attention was overtly geared toward David but Nicolao, they feared, would neglect his own needs so they equally cared for him. Under their constant attention grated against Nic but he knew better than to resist. He did balk when Narisco or anyone would pick David up. The bulky cast provided him opportunities to carry Dee without protest.

David had to adjust to his existence. Benjamin had shot Nicolao and wrecked their car almost killing him. His agonizing headaches mercifully lessened as the weeks progressed. But he tired easily, and thoughts were sometimes as hard to hold on to as water in his fist. There were doctor's appointments, therapy sessions and Evangelistas in every waking hour.

Nerina was a stern caretaker who took any opportunity to put things in his mouth, food, tea, or medicine. Her kindness held the same intensity as her disdain. Nieves gave him mani-pedis and insisted they watch horrible movies. Nate read to him, he would nod off to awaken and the gentle voice would pick up the narrative upon his stirring. Narisco told outlandish stories that often left them laughing at some shared memory. David's struggles with his injuries were made easier as he was buoyed by the nurturing of a family. Without their constant presence the schedule would have taken a horrible toll on Nicolao. He learned his place in his new family. The question that plagued him was where was his place with Nic?

Nicolao hadn't touched David as more than a nurse since they returned to their home. He never missed an opportunity to touch him, but it was not as a lover. David had a fair amount of bruises and attributed it to Nic not wanting to cause further injury. After the bruises began to heal he thought it was the full leg cast; it was cumbersome. But after the third week and he sported a short leg cast Dee knew there was a deeper reason. Nic would help him bathe, and get dressed with such care. They slept in pajamas, because of the family's occupation, as Nic called it. He did not doubt that Nicolao loved him, but there was a distance between them, greater than physical injury or layers of fabric. David did not fret, he had things he hadn't shared with Nic either. He was sure they would overcome the schism of unsaid things when the time was right.

The seventh week came and to Nic's relief the removal of David's cast marked the end of the family vigil. The Sunday his two brothers and Nerina packed up the van to not return for a few months filled him with anticipation. He was weary of their attention. He looked forward to washing his own clothes, dusting, doing the dishes, all of the mundane activities that constituted life. He had not used the Volvo Pop left in the garage to do anything but take Dee to his appointments. Whether he had a job or if Jeremy was going to throw them out of Hope's Cove were all unknowns.

David stood next to Nic watching the gate close behind the van. They stood in silence then David pivoted on his crutches and looked up at his boyfriend. David's blue eyes shimmered in the sunlight. Nic watched him marveling at the strength of the gorgeous small man.

"So that's what it means to be a part of a family." David said, smiling.

"Yes, exhausting isn't it?"

David laughed. "It's nice, better than I would've ever imagined. But for dinner can we get take-out, like we usually do?" He asked as he headed for the entrance.

"I wondered if you missed the restaurants as much as I did." Nic made his way in front of him opening the door.

David went into the dining room and sat down. Nicolao brought them some tea to drink and sat across from him. The appointment had been set without them speaking it, there was much to discuss.

They sat in silence. Nicolao wrestled with the wisdom of what he was going to propose and David was fairly certain Nic's reaction to his news would be fierce.

"I told you I heard you in the hospital?"

Nic nodded.

"There was not light, nothing but my memories and your voice." David sipped his tea; memories were a good place to start. "I remembered Hannah, my mother."

Nicolao's brow wrinkled, Dee previously only recalled his mother being taken away in an ambulance.

"I know it wasn't a dream. She had long hair like Ma, but blonde and fine. And she would put me down for naps, only I'd get up and she'd be waiting for me. We'd make scones and I know what her heartbeat sounded like. Our apartment was blue and yellow and it was my babysitter, Mrs. Graham who called the paramedics. I even know my first school. Nic I remember." It was imperative that Nicolao understand him, though he knew his explanation was not doing it justice. He had found a missing part of his core self.

Nicolao smiled at him, the smile when all of his joy is focused on the receiver. It never failed to make David's breath catch. "That's great, you knew since the hospital?"

"Yeah, it's special for me. And I only wanted to share it with you, if that makes sense."

"Of course, more than enough sense." Nic assured him, it was good to know he was not the only one yearning for privacy from the Evangelista Brigade.

"Strange to think all of the harm Ben caused and me trying to kill myself gave me back something so good."

Nicolao's smile disintegrated. The silence gained tonnage with each passing second. David tried to read Nic's face, and waited to field questions.

"Lirio, getting your mother back, I understand what that means to you. I want to know every detail about her; she must've been amazing to have made you. But what do you mean you tried to kill yourself?" Nic's eyes bore into his.

David had begun to recollect bits of the day by the third week of his recuperation. "Everything happened so fast. I heard the gun go off and you fell, there was blood coming out of your head. When I got to you, you were still." David's voice fell, the agony of the recollection demanding an echo of the visceral response.

"Love."

David shook his head. "I thought you were dead. Uncle Ben told me you were dead. And I was in the back seat in the light." He paused, reaching for the words to make Nic understand.

"You pulled me out of the shadows and surrounded me with life. Every ordinary day is full of extraordinary things. Being with you showed me that, but I can't face that without you. I kicked him from the back seat. I made him lose control of the car. I wasn't going to live without you, I caused the accident."

Nicolao stared at David. The face of the one he treasured was across the table from him waiting. He sorted through his emotions endeavoring to keep anger at bay, but he was fast failing. He had to leave.

"Dee we'll talk about this later." He announced standing.

"No. We're talking about it now."

Nicolao did not move from the table, but did not sit. David maneuvered out of the seat grabbing he crutches. He went the short distance to stand close to Nic; he could see his jaw was clenched as he fought with himself.

"Babe for God's sake say something." He demanded.





Deciphering the Bloom Ch. 06



"Say something? Dio cavolo!" Nic turned to face Dee. "Dammit, what is there to say? You tell me! What do you want me to say?"

"Something, anything, be honest. I remembered everything and I wanted to tell you the truth. Remember no secrets, no lies between us?"

"You tried to throw your life away! Because of me? If I died right now, I'd want you to keep on living! Ma, Pop, Saint, the kids, everyone would be there for you!" Nicolao heard his voice boom from his chest. He was yelling. He was losing control.

Nic was inundated by fear and guilt. David was looking up at him, with the serenity of a Buddhist whilst his emotions roiling within.

"You're right. I have them in my life, but that's not enough. You were willing to give up your family if they didn't accept me. Right?"

"Right, of course, right."

"They're a different part of you. They're a different part of me. I faced a life without you. I told you this before and I meant it. Nothing has meaning without you. If I hadn't made it what would you've done?"

Nicolao dropped his gaze. He knew what he would have done. They both did. He would have found a way to stop living. Drugs, alcohol, reckless sex, he would have courted danger until death was his final suitor.

"All of this is my fault." Nic declared.

David blinked in surprise. "How's that?"

"If I had taken care of Jeremy the night I found out he came here or gotten the gun from Benjamin this could've been avoided. I couldn't protect you, I didn't keep you safe."

"Whoa, damn near got a hole in your head trying to protect me even when I begged you not to! And it all did happen so what's the point of these 'what ifs'?"

Nicolao paused. He admired Dee's certainty, it was typical of him. He was all straight lines and easy logic that would let Nic think he were truly alright. However Nicolao knew despair and fear rested firmly in Dee's heart. In their bed David did not scream but spoke and whimpered as he dreamed nightly; a fresh unseen scar.

He sighed, "The 'what ifs' have been in my head because I know what this is. But I've had other things before and you haven't." David had cut his hair, but it had not met the aim of making him appear older. He looked like what he was, young. "I don't want you to miss anything or look back and regret being with me. Maybe you should go off to college and date. When you've graduated you can tell me if you still want this, gain more life experience." Nic felt nauseous. He did not want David to leave, but they had become the center of one another's world, perhaps too much so.

David straightened from his leaning position against the table. He left the right crutch and moved the few feet between him and Nicolao. When he looked at him his eyes were a dark stormy blue Nic had never seen before. He pulled his fist back and swung. The blow landed on Nicolao's chest. The pain in his hand made David wish he had slammed it down on the table instead or maybe bashed Nic's foot with his crutch.

Nicolao stepped back, clutching his chest. "What the--"

"Who the hell do you think you are? God! Yeah for a while I thought of you as this perfect god in my head but I'm way over it! You've been strange for seven weeks and all for guilt over shit that's not your fault? You're not even ten years older than me, so get over yourself. You've got to be shitting me? You can't be that thick, pavo estúpido!"

Hearing the insult he endured from August caused Nicolao to snap. "Thick?" Nic leaned downward bringing his face an inch from David's. "I'm trying to build a healthy future for us, one where you don't cry every night in your sleep!"

Dark blue eyes blinked back at him. "Really, so you came up with that? Why not say something and I start therapy?" David poked Nic's chest. "My experiences! Renting my mouth out to scum and gang raped in a bar, I've had enough experiences! Having someone, anyone else touch me is something you think I want? I'm not going anywhere other than where you are, even if that's the grave. Stop trying to fix every god damned thing! Even right now you're holding something back and we're fighting! I finally find word-- I even hit you for being an idiot and you're still holding back. Stop it. I need you to stop it." David's voice dropped, his anger depleted but the confusion remained.

Nicolao straightened. David, his David wanted the truth of it. After having danced through the gauntlet, there was no more hiding this revelation. An accepted part of himself but something he held back, never certain David was ready. He cast his eyes to the table top then looked directly at his idée fixe.

Nicolao's liquid brown eyes fell on him and all things disappeared from his perception, there was only Nicolao. Those eyes inexorably pulled everything into them. Black holes could not withstand their draw, of that David was certain.

Nic leaned into him, their bodies touching heat merging. David turned his face upward and was unable to suppress the shiver that ran through his body. Nicolao radiated emotions David realized he had only scratched the surface of up until then. The looks he would glimpse occasionally from Nic were precursors.

"Do you know," Nic's rich low timbre was at odds with the fever of his eyes, "that from the moment you told me your name you've been My David? Mine. As much mine as this body's blood and bone. If Justice hadn't been here I would've beaten him to death for taking away the only thing in this world I can't do without."

He paused, it was an ugly truth, but Dee needed to see him clearly. "You say I made your life better, but I was chained to my past. Drugs, flipping the car, even obsessing over the memory of August were attempts to find the part of life I was missing. Every day with you highlights how lost I was. This isn't another relationship. It's the last one for me. And yes I did hold back because you weren't completely mine. You needed time. This will not do for right now it never was. I can only see the rest of my life with you in it."

Nicolao's words made David's heart flutter. The concept of speech escaped him. Nic was talking about building a life together, with him. He had been content to be in Nicolao's life moment for moment, but Nic was offering him everything. Did Nic think he would run away from that? He was mortified to remember that he had done just what Nic feared.

"I like being your David." He simply stated.

Nic lowered his head, pulling and turning David as he did. He plundered his mouth in unrestrained hunger and ferocity. David was dimly aware of being lifted and lowered on the table. Nicolao was touching and kissing him everywhere. His clothes disappeared easily; because of the cast he had break-away pants and no under wear. Nic pulled back to remove his own clothing when it occurred to him he was naked on the dining room table but any notion of shame scurried to a forgotten corner with the sight of Nicolao's body. He took in the display standing between his legs. Sculpted muscles, nut brown skin; it ceaselessly thrilled him to look at Nicolao, his Nicolao. The heavy rod of throbbing flesh jutted out from trimmed black hair. The noise that erupted from David was involuntary; a needy repine that triggered more vital fluid to fill Nic's cock.

Nic covered his body with his. He savored the feeling of skin against skin. He sucked and kissed Dee's sensitive spots as he coated his over sensitized member with olive oil from the cruet. He noted the shaking of his hands as his long fingers entered David's blood hot channel. Seven weeks ago he would have taken in every sound his lover made, every note feeding his own pleasure. But it was not seven weeks ago and he simply could not savor the margins of lust.

Nicolao stood and pulled until David's ass was off the edge of the table, his placed his casted leg on his forearm and rested the other foot on his chest. He held himself at the star shaped entrance and peered down on his soul's lone purpose to find Dee's eyes glazed with unrestrained yearning that matched his own. He pushed into him, the grip on his hip bruising as he halted to give David time to adjust. The nonverbal indication Dee was ready came and he surged into him. David purred, being stretched and filled never failed to overrun his senses.

Nic slammed into him quickly and completely each time; every thrust connecting with the heat of his David. As he was impaled David stroked himself. The room filled with the consonance of their bodies joining and inarticulate intonations. Dee basked in Nicolao's relinquishment of control; abandoning restraint for raw and visceral fervor. David tightened his inner muscles and his back arched off of the table as a seizure of pleasure overtook him. Nicolao growled as the motion tripped his orgasm. There was no stopping his seed filling his lover; Dee's body had ripped it from him.

David hissed as deepest self received Nic's warm cum. He watched his handsome face as pleasure overtook him. He would get to see that forever, it was exclusively for his eyes only.

The endorphins faded enough for Nicolao to focus. David hadn't come.

"Que no se hará." He moved his hips in slow shallow thrusts. He replaced David's hand with his own and jacked his leaking cock. "That will not do, love, come for me."

That strong hand stroking him and Nic's voice sent David into bliss. As he was coming back to himself he was more aware of the hard table beneath him, and he was grateful Nic had made such a tall and sturdy purchase.

Nicolao put both legs on his forearms as he continued to move in and out of David, continuing their primal melding. Dee's body beckoned him. Watching his orgasm filled Nic with the need to remain buried in exquisite calidity.

"Tú eres mía, mine. My David."

"Yes," he was his David, and he was his Nicolao, but the one syllable was all he could manage.

When Nic swelled inside of him and filled him again David was past organized thought.

Nic cleaned them both. Clothed they settled on the couch.

"Sorry I hit you."

Nicolao chuckled and picked up his hand.

"It's alright. How's your hand? Lirio, the look on your face! I could see it hurt." His voice was light as he rubbed his thumb. "You had your thumb tucked in, that's a good way to break your thumb."

"I'll have to add boxing lessons on my to-do list right after finding a therapist."

Nic's smile faded, "You really want to find a therapist?"

David shrugged, "I don't think it will hurt. I was pissed when I suggested it, but I don't see the harm."

"I've saved quite a bit of money, so we should be fine until I can find another job," Nic paused, "or we can move back home with Ma and Pop, they did offer."

"What are you talking about? Are you fired?"

"Love, I don't know. My usual paycheck's been deposited every payday. But I beat the firm's founder's son to a bloody mess. Even if I'm not sacked I don't want to work there, not with Jeremy or Justice Ethan Hale." Nic spat the names out.

"Okay," David drew the word out. "Babe why didn't you just call Breezy or ask her about it?"

Nicolao pressed his back into the couch. How could he explain all of his fears for Brescia Saint James?

"Dee, Saint did the impossible and she did it for us. There hasn't been a doctor's bill or prescription that I've paid for and I have no idea how she did it. She said it's not through any insurance; I didn't even get a bill for my head. That means she's routing the money from Jeremy or the firm. In either case I don't know if she has permission or if she's just doing what she thinks is right. Saint should be moving on but the kids said they are going to family for the summer while their mom stays here. There are things about Jeremy she warned me about and now I fear she's gotten herself entrenched."

David listened. After learning the entire story of what had happened, Nieves had gotten curious about Ethan Hale and his son Jeremy Mylonas Hale. It was mostly rumors, but what was undeniable was his client list. When he was actively practicing Ethan Hale's clients were dangerous.

"You think Breezy's in trouble and you didn't call her?"

"Of course I called her, and tried to approach her every time she came to see you or drop off the kids with Narisco. But she only says she's got it and not to worry. That I had to see to you and she would handle everything else."

David scoffed, "And you listened to her?"

"I had other things on my mind." Nicolao looked at him pointedly.

"Oh no, don't put that on me. But we need to know what risks she's taking and stop her."

"I wasn't saying it was your fault. But it's been a trying two months."

David's cheeks flushed. It had been a hard few weeks, and apparently made worse by more of his night emoting.

"We'll call her tomorrow morning and tell her we're stopping by the office after your cast removal. Agreed?" Nic squeezed his hand.

"Agreed."

Nicolao peered at him, "You're sure about all of this? Averie is actively waiting on the day when we have kids, she's become obsessed."

David laughed, "She's probably made plans to name them." He sobered, "I honestly hadn't planned that far ahead. I could barely believe you wanted me each day I woke up next to you. But I don't think I ever planned on going anywhere, there was no need for you to try and send me away."

"Love, you are my obsession. The very fact that I think of you as belonging to me should send you screaming for the hills. It isn't healthy, but it is how I feel."

David shook his head, "And you were deciding for me what's healthy and what's not." He motioned and was helped into the bigger man's lap and rested his head against his shoulder. "I like being your obsession. From the moment I saw you you've been mine." He nuzzled Nic's neck.

Nic placed a finger under his chin. David followed the motion of his hand until his face was directly in front of Nicolao's. "I suppose we're equally screwed." As he spoke, their faces were so close his lips brushed against Dee's.

"Not equally, you're one up and it's too soon to try and even it out."

Nicolao turned predacious, "Lirio, let's test that theory."

****

The cast was removed early in the day. David could hardly believe the level of muscle deterioration. His dread was short lived; his powerhouse boyfriend began planning a workout regimen as soon as he mentioned it.

Nicolao walked into Hale, Loundes, and Drewery hoping there was a notice of termination waiting for him. Instead when he bumped into Ari Rothman the man said he was looking forward to his return. Rothman's smile was tight, but he extended an invitation to David and he to a gathering at his home. He surmised that Saint had somehow secured his income for the time being. They proceeded to the third floor to Jeremy's office.

Breezy was sitting on her desk when they entered. Nicolao noted her personal items were gone, he hoped that meant her days at the firm would soon be over.

"Hey!" She greeted them both with hugs.

She stepped back beaming at David, "Look at you! You'll be back to dancing in no time." She turned and led them to Mylonas' office.

"Where's Jeremy?" Nicolao asked after they were all seated.

"He's taken a sabbatical from his duties here." She smirked as she gave him the public line. "Honestly, I don't think he'll be returning."

"So you'll be leaving soon?" David queried.

"No, I'm going to stay on for a bit more. The man has quite a few accounts to settle," Breezy cast her gaze from across the desk on them in turn. "I'm sure you didn't come here to get the low down on my travel plans. I'm happy you called; I do need to discuss something with you both."

"Saint, actually we did come to find out what's going on with you. Don't you think making a break from here is best for all of us?"

She shook her head at him, "No Evangelista, it's not the best thing for me right now. And you two can make that decision after you hear me out." She furrowed her brows as she thought. "Well, I suppose the first thing we should get out of the way is who we've been dealing with. Jeremy Mylonas is the adopted son of Sybil and Ethan Hale, an orphan from the Weeds."

"He's from the Weeds?" David repeated the statement incredulously while Breezy nodded in the affirmative. "The Weeds are a part of the Under. It's not really an incorporated part of the city." He explained to Nicolao.

"He was poor, I don't see the relevance."

Breezy rolled her eyes, "I've got a lot of miles to cover in this story, but if you want to skip out on my fascinating tale go make us coffee."

Nicolao ignored the order and she continued. "By all accounts Sybil Hale was an amazing woman, Ethan referred to her as Hope. He was by any estimation a genius. Ethan's father owned a trucking company. After he graduated high school at sixteen, he convinced his father to hire him and immediately began trafficking illegal cargo. By the time his father found out it was too late. He watched as his son, with the drug syndicates backing took over his life's work. He broke his father by the time most kids get their first job. Ethan expanded the business, buying other long and short haul trucking companies and went on to college. He got his law degree and by some miracle was appointed a judge."

David and Nicolao glanced at one another. That did not sound anything like the man they knew.

"Think about how powerful he was and the connections he made. He stepped down from his judgeship and began this law firm. Then Ethan married Sybil, his Hope for happiness. She found Jeremy and Ethan had two things he loved. He made the decision to steer the firm and his life in a legitimate direction. There were some major busts of his business associates and the possibility of him coming under some scrutiny of a RICO investigation. I guess I should've mentioned Ethan was brilliant, but eccentric.  

Soon after the course correction, Hope became pregnant. Ethan Hale was going to have everything he wanted. One morning she began vomiting. He left her assuming it was a pregnancy symptom, even though it was her second trimester. Jeremy called him about her being ill, but he didn't come home. Confident the maid or Hope would call if he were needed. When he did get home Hope was unconscious and their maid was gone. She was rushed to the hospital where they tried in vain to save mother and child.

Jeremy and Ethan believe she was poisoned. The maid never returned to work, and one of his scarier associates let it be known that nothing about his business practices was going to change. Ethan went as clean as he could. He had power, but not enough to withstand a war. And his eccentricities grew over the years. He would forget who he was or who he was speaking to. It could've been trauma or his minds attempt to block out his guilt. His periods of lucidity became shorter and shorter. That was how Ethan Hale became Justice. He's Ethan now and working with doctors to remain so."

Breezy picked up a folder on her desk and pushed it toward the pair. They leaned forward as she opened to a handwritten letter. She began paraphrasing the upside down message as they read.

"All of that leads us to this. Ethan Hale recognizes that his son has caused you egregious harm. This pains him; he considers you and Davey as true friends. Watching you utilize Hope's Cove the way it was meant to be, he feels, you brought a piece of her back to him. He rationalizes he wouldn't be himself if you hadn't moved in. For your friendship and as restitution he had these papers drawn up. All they require are your signatures." Breezy moved the letter. "He is giving you Hope's Cove."

David leaned back in his chair. He turned to Nicolao.

Nic studied the papers. He could feel Dee's eyes on him; he knew he wanted them to sign. But accepting could lead to far too many complications.

"We can't afford the taxes on that property," Nicolao declared.




Deciphering the Bloom



"So you aren't perfect?"

Nicolao let go of the slender fingers he had been grasping, as he threw his head back and laughed. 

"God no, Davey, I am not perfect, no one is. I know things for you aren't the best. But don't think you aren't good at anything. I think you are, maybe you just don't know what it is yet. While I was locked up I grew up. When I got out, I enrolled in college, and earned a degree in Sports Medicine. But I wound up doing a lot more work translating, and eventually meditation. My point, other than getting my skeletons out in the open, is that you have to have faith in yourself, you never know when or how things will turn around."

Davey wanted to tell him that he had no real hope for that kind of turn around, but decided against it. He really just wanted to enjoy their time together while it lasted. He was certain Nicolao would lose interest at any moment, but not before he could feel his hand in his again. Davey savored every bite, the food was delicious.

"Most of this stuff I have never had before... it's really good." 

"I am glad you like it. If you are adventurous, we can try a different type of cuisine at a restaurant neither one of us has had." 

Nicolao looked at the check, and reached for his wallet. The waitress, unbidden, brought boxes for the left-overs.

"So you think you want to go out with me again?" He asked the question with his head down, not willing to look up.

"Good God Davey, you really don't get it? I thought that would be obvious, I don't tell my dirt to everyone I meet." He regarded his date, and wondered if things had gone as well as he thought. "Yes, David Bradley Collins, I am interested in going out with you again."

"When?"

Nicolao allowed all of the levity to leave him. "How about tomorrow, and the day after that, and the day after that, and the day after that, for the foreseeable future."

Davey wanted his mouth to stop moving, but his traitorous orifice would not stop now that it had someone to listen to it. He wanted to look into those soft brown eyes, and just be, but his mouth insisted on asking questions.

"Why?"

"I want to be your friend, and I hope you want to be mine, because I'm attracted to you in a way that is quite startling to me. You are on my mind every day, and I need to know if you think of me. If you do, is it as more than just friends?"

Davey sat suddenly rendered mute he could only shake his head in confirmation. 

"Can we spend the day together tomorrow? I was thinking we'd just get hang out at my place, watch a few movies, and get to know one another better."

Davey realized he had stopped breathing, and sucked in a long, jagged breath in.

"No pressure..."

"No, I'd really like that. I want to see you tomorrow." Davey confirmed.

"Good," Nicolao responded. He paid for their lunch, and walked Davey to his stop. Davey gave him a quizzical look when he told him where to meet him, but he did not press. Nicolao sighed he would have to explain about the circumstances of his home. The bus approached, and he gave Davey all of the boxes explaining his place was full of left overs. 

Davey knew the bus would be there momentarily. He wished he had not implied he had to go to work. "I haven't really eaten at many restaurants, so almost everything will be new to me. I'll see you tomorrow?"

And the day after that, for the foreseeable future, thought Davey.

"Tomorrow," Nicolao confirmed. He watched the bus pull away. He had not intended to offer a relationship during a lunch date. But he had and was pleased.

Davey stepped in the trailer, and deposited his burden on the counter. He was filled with relief to see that Uncle Ben was not home, which morphed into guilt. Uncle Ben had taken him in when his mother died, instead of letting him go to foster care. Maybe Ben was not always the best parent, but he did the best he could, he was steadfast in that belief. His wrongdoings were only because of the disease, drugs made him do things he would not normally do. But that did not make him a bad person. Davey's mind flitted through all of his defenses for his uncle, and then he thought of Nicolao.

What will Nicolao think about Uncle Ben? Will he understand? He questioned himself.

Davey recalled his Uncle holding him, sobbing over him in the hospital, his greatest proof of his Uncle's love. Nicolao had shared so much with him today, He wondered if he should tell him about that horrible time. The thought of it caused the room to go out of focus, and Davey gripped the edge of the laminate counter for support.

Why ruin things? There is no need to let him see me as even more pathetic. Davey settled his internal debate.

He looked at the remnants of his lunch, happy it would be enough for his and his uncle's dinner. 

Nicolao sat on the toilet, removing his sweaty workout clothes. His muscles were fatigued from the extra reps. He hoped exhaustion would help his jumbled nerves. He was on edge, and that was something he was not accustomed to. He opened the shower door, and got under the spray. He scrubbed himself thinking of Davey. He had been attracted to him from the moment he saw him on the bus, so the idea he was just grasping for a relationship because his plans for one had flopped was not accurate. He usually was sure of everything. Once he decided he wanted something he went after it with confidence. Davey was now one of those things, but Nicolao was left wondering at the damage he sensed in him. Davey was broken. All Nicolao wanted to do was help repair the residual scars, and protect him from any that would do him harm. He recognized that when he saw him wearing the coat. Nicolao was glad to have been of help, but the fierce desire to protect that blossomed took time for him to accept. 

The why of it was puzzling, Davey was not what he normally was attracted to. Nicolao was drawn to tall, muscular, dark eyed, dark haired men like him. Davey came to his chin, with pale alabaster skin. He wondered how it would feel to have his lithe body pressed against his, his chin resting on top of ash blonde curls with his legs clasped around his waist. The fleeting thought, caused his cock to jump. There had been a persistent tingling in his lower extremities since he saw Davey in the restaurant. When he held his hand, the warmth that spread from the contact promised combustion. 

Nicolao grimaced he needed a release, but was reluctant to bring it to himself. He had spent too many nights making love to his own fists... for four years, while watching August waste away. A vision of Augustine, August, extinguished his ardor, and he finished his shower. He settled in his bed making mental notes of what he wanted to pick up for the next day, as well as what he wanted to say. He prayed silently before he went to sleep, thankful for his learned patience, the gift of love from his family, August, and the possibilities of tomorrow.

Chapter 2

Davey sat exhausted on the bus. His Uncle Benjamin had come in late last night, but wasn't happy about the food he had left out for him. Davey pretended to be asleep, when the curtain that lead to his room was snatched open. He heard his uncle mutter the words, 'cocksucking faggot, getting food for riding dicks', and braced for a tirade, but none came. Uncle Ben stayed in his room for a few, agonizing moments, and then he left. He tried to go back to sleep, grateful the truce was left intact. He and his uncle rarely interacted, equally avoiding one another. However, his sense of peace was shattered, and sleep was out of reach for the remainder of the night. 

He was invigorated when he saw Nicolao waiting at the stop. 

"Hey, David I am so glad nothing changed." He pulled him in for a quick hug. "I don't live far from here but put this on." Nicolao held out a black, leather jacket he had tucked in the crook of his arm.

Davey opened his mouth to protest, but Nicolao put his hand on his shoulder and said, "Please, for my peace of mind. I know you don't get cold but in my head it is freezing."

"Okay Nicolao." He slid on the jacket that swallowed him; it was obviously Nicolao's. Davey fixed him with what he hoped was a hard stare, but he only got a huge smile for his effort, perfect white teeth against olive skin. He zipped the jacket up, and let the soft leather surround him. The supple leather smelled the way only hide does, and of Nicolao. Davey inhaled deeply before he realized how odd it may look.

"Um, where do you live, I thought these were business suites?" He had wanted to ask that when Nicolao told him which stop to exit the bus. 

"Ah, it will be revealed shortly. What do you think you want for lunch? There are a few places on the way or we can get something delivered." He grabbed Davey's hand, and they began walking. 

Davey was eager to see Nicolao's home. "Let's get delivery okay?"

"Delivery it is. I thought after eating we can either go out to a movie or watch something at my place." 

"Um, that sounds fine." They walked passed buildings Davey knew were businesses, or restaurants. Nicolao did not appear self-conscious at all about the outward sign of affection, as he held Davey's hand. Davey pulled the captured appendage free, causing his companion to stop. Davey then reached for his hand, and threaded their fingers together a shy smile spread across his lips.

"I'm right around the corner." They started out again. 

When they turned the corner Nicolao shook his head, as he saw a man approaching. 

"Hey, young buck!" The dreadlocked man hailed.

"Hello Justice, I thought you were going to go get something to eat." Nicolao and Davey stopped in front of the man.

He was old, in his sixties at least Davey thought. Even his grey beard was matted, and locked. "I am I am," Justice bobbed his head, "you gave me ten dollars for the good word of the day, now that's too much. I owe you more than a word, ten dollars I owe you wisdom."

"I am always in need of some wisdom, but my friend and I are getting a little chilled... "

"No, I am fine Nicolao I think you don't like the cold weather." 

Nicolao smiled, "No, I can't say I do... okay Justice some wisdom for my friend David and me, if you please."

Glassy brown eyes peered at them. "Wisdom for today comes from a man that never lived. When I was a young man I lived for a tomorrow I wanted to reach, and now I'm old I spend every day in the past of all that I missed." He waved vaguely toward their hands. "Cherish the feel of his skin on yours right now... in this moment. If you do that, connect to that then you have real power, real strength, and real life. You can call on that touch to give you light on the darkest night, it will fill you up better than food, with that remembrance nothing will break you, and you won't end up like me an old man who never cherished the right things." 

Davey stood shocked. Justice's voice was saturated with regret, and he could see unshed tears in his eyes.

"Thank-you Mr. Justice, you're right and I'll do my best," Davey said, "and maybe it's not too late for you."

"Oh it is young man, it is. I can't recall how her skin felt on mine, and I barely recollect what the baby looked like. It was before either of you were born, things were different then. I couldn't accept the need for the anal probe, seems like such a small thing now."

Davey looked at Nicolao wondering if he had misheard, but the smug smile and squeeze of his hand let him know he hadn't. He was too shocked to speak.

"Where were your woman and child at, Justice?" Nicolao prompted.

"On the exploratory ship, they would beam me up most nights. The probes were for research, but after the exams I could be with my wife. I started refusing the research, and they wouldn't come get me anymore." 

"It'll be fine Justice, maybe they'll come back one day, I am sure they miss you as much as you miss them. Why don't you go get yourself something to eat, and maybe go to the book store for a while, get a good book?" He suggested.

"Yeah, I think I'll do that young buck." Justice stepped around them without meeting their eyes, lost in his mind. "The thing is; I miss the damn probes as much as I miss her, they were like one and the same."

Nicolao chuckled out loud at the last offering. "Get warm and be safe." He called to the man's back. He lead Davey around the corner to what Davey assumed would be and alley. 

"You knew he was going to say that." Davey accused Nicolao; he knew his face was flaming with embarrassment.

Nicolao winked at Davey, "Count yourself lucky he did not go into detail about the semen extraction methods he endured to have his daughter."

Davey laughed in spite of himself. 

They approached a privacy fence with a circuit locked box. Nicolao released Davey's hand, and fished a key out of his pocket, opened the door revealing a key pad. He entered a number, and the audible release of locks could be heard. Nicolao pushed, and what appeared to be fence swung open.

Once through the gate Davey was startled to be on the side of a house. They made their way to the front, and Davey counted five houses, arranged in a semi- circle. There was a common green area, encircled by a street that branched into driveways, leading to garages. 

"What's this place?" He finally asked, as Nicolao opened the door.

"Executive housing," he responded, as he turned the lights on, "Jeremy calls it Hope's Cove, as you can see there are five bungalows, my best guess is that they were built to house families of top executives who were here for long stays. It's located near everything anyone would need." Nicolao hung up their coats. "Here let me show you around."

Davey followed him, as he gave him a tour of the 'bungalow'. It was a modern two bedroom house, with one bedroom filled with exercise equipment, and the other had the largest bed Davey had ever seen. The living room was furnished with an oversized leather couch, a recliner, and a 60 inch flat screen television, on an entertainment center. Overall, there was an element of comfort and success Davey was not accustomed to. 

"Make yourself comfortable, and I'll get my collection of takeout menus together." Nicolao interrupted Davey's thoughts.

Nicolao gathered the menus, and rushed to Davey's side. He could sense his nervousness from the moment they entered his home. He fanned pamphlets on the table, and waited for Davey to look them over. 

Hesitantly, Davey picked up a pizza menu. "For lunch can we just get pizza?"

"Stuffed with everything?"

"Sure."

"Then I'll call it in." He slapped Davey's thigh, and grabbed the phone. 

"So what do you think?" Nicolao pushed his back into the couch, and turned on the television.

"It's nice, really nice. Do you have neighbors?"

"Other than Justice no, this is the only inhabited spot." 

"Justice and me, man you sure like charity cases," Davey said, he thought it would be funny, but he heard the bitterness, as the words made their way in the air.

He felt Nicolao sit up, and move closer to him, so close he could smell the clean scent of his soap. He rested his hand on his leg, "David, look at me."

Davey lifted his eyes. The handsome face that he could never get off his mind, was peering at him. There was nothing soft about Nicolao; he had a strong, square, jaw, with wide full lips. His eyes were watery, brown orbs Davey could lose himself in, that at the moment were narrowed at him intently. Nicolao in Davey's estimation was walking perfection, and he was just Davey, Davey, who had just pissed off his only heart's desire.

"David, you are not a charity case and neither is Justice. I thought we agreed yesterday that I want you to be my boyfriend. Justice was at the gates to this place when I moved in. Jeremy, set it up for me. But he let me know that Justice stays in front of here, and no one is to disturb him and no one does. With all of the businesses around here ignoring him, and knowing Jeremy, I would say Justice is homeless by choice and not much else" 

"Boyfriend?"

"Boyfriend, I don't like to share, that's why I can't live around my brothers and sisters they think everything is community property." 

Davey could not stop himself, he was grinning like an idiot, and he knew it. Nicolao vowed silently he would do more to see those dimples.

"You don't have to decide right now or anything. I was planning on waiting, but you got me all wrong. I am not looking for redemption by doing good deeds, I don't want anything to happen to you before I get a chance to see if this is going to be something special," Nicolao paused, "Which is why I bought you the coat that Addie keeps for you."

"What!"

"I bought it so you wouldn't freeze. It took me hours to settle on the burnt sienna for you, and it would have been weird for me to just give it to you." Nicolao offered. He felt guilty for his deception, especially now he knew Davey saw himself as a goodwill recipient.

Davey thought for a moment. It was the nicest thing to be done for him in such a long time. The new orange---burnt sienna coat was warm, and it was a gift from his first boyfriend. Davey rested his hand over Nicolao's, "Thank you." He tilted his head upward, as he murmured his thanks.

He resisted the urge to lean in, and suck on his lower lip, as he thought of doing whenever he looked at Davey's mouth. He raised the hand that was resting on his to his lips, gently caressing the knuckles with his mouth. "You are most welcome, David," he husked. His eyes never left Davey's, and the shudder the light contact caused gave Nicolao a jolt of satisfaction.

Davey swallowed the lump in his throat. "You call me David, no one else does."

Nicolao relaxed dropping their hands between them. 

If I touch him whenever I want something it seems to go my way. Good to know Nicolao thought.

"If you don't like it I can stop."

"No, I like the way it sounds when you say my name, it's just new to me. All of this is new to me." Davey hoped Nicolao understood what he meant. He had never had a boyfriend outside of his dreams, it was all surreal.

"It's been a while, and I'm starting to feel like I'm going too fast. I honestly want to get as much out in the open as I can, so there are no misunderstandings. And because it isn't new to me, I have a lot of things I have to clarify."

"It isn't too fast Nicolao if you waited for me then I would have only sat beside you that day on the bus." Davey confessed. 

"So you have never had a boyfriend," he shook his head, "girlfriend?" Again Davey responded in the negative, this time blushing slightly.

"David, are you a virgin?"

His eyes got large as he shook his head vehemently. "N-no I am no virgin, I just haven't done anything like this..." Davey's voice faltered, he pulled his hand into his lap, and found he was afraid to glance at Nicolao. 

Not a virgin, but never a boyfriend; he knows, he knows I am just a cock sucking piece of trash, if he suspected before, then now he knows. Davey's internal voice berated him.

"I am no virgin either so there is that, but I would like for us to get tested for HIV. If or when the time comes for us to be together, best to be safe." Nicolao refused to touch David, this was not the time for coercion, and he had to choose. 

As the silence stretched Davey worried his lower lip with his teeth. Finally, he raised his head, and did not shrink from the hunger that he encountered in his Nicolao's stare. "Okay, that sounds, perfect." 

"No such thing as perfect."

Davey traced the line of Nicolao's face with his finger. "Perfect to me, perfect for me, my boyfriend Nicolao." The barely audible words were a prayer, a petition, to any interested divinity to make that true in his lonely life.

Nicolao leaned into the caress, and everything fell away. There was no need for words, or thoughts, there was only Davey's longing, calling to Nicolao's soul to assuage. Their bodies came together, he pulled Davey into his lap, nuzzling his neck, and Davey's hands raked in the mass of black hair. They both jumped from the sound of a buzzer. The spell broken, he moved to disentangle himself from their almost kiss, but Nicolao's arms held him firmly. He took two long breaths against Davey's throat. 




Deciphering the Bloom



"I'm going to the gate for the pizza. You can get a drink from the refrigerator." His lips brushed against Davey's skin, causing his light burden to tremble. Nicolao released him, and headed out of the door, grabbing only his wallet. He could have buzzed the food in, but he needed the cold air to cool his blood. He and Davey had time, this was not going to be a meaningless sexual tryst, especially since that appeared to be the only thing he had ever had.

When Nicolao returned with the pizza, Davey was standing in front of the refrigerator holding a cola. 

"There are so many boxes in there, we really didn't need the pizza."

"True, but I don't have any leftover pizza, so I ordered. Can you grab a soda for me? Let's just eat in the living room."

Davey watched as he toed off his shoes, and he followed suit. Nicolao sat cross legged on the couch, and reached for his food. His flexibility Davey found wholly unexpected.

They ate, exchanging positive head nods, as to confirm their lunch choice had been a good one.

"I'm stuffed." Davey proclaimed.

"Stuffed? You only had one slice. Try to eat another, if not then I will eat it, and gain even more weight."

"Nicolao you aren't fat."

He patted his flat stomach. "True, but I have gained ten pounds it's all of the takeout I know. I pay only for the utilities and they pay me as caretaker. I figured, I could treat myself a little, but I have to cut back." He grabbed another slice of pizza, and was glad Davey took a second slice. Davey was too small, he suspected before, but fully realized it when he held him.

After eating, Nicolao put the box away, and they picked a movie from his collection. When the movie started Nicolao stretched his arm across the back of where Davey sat, soon Davey pressed into his side, resting his head on his shoulder. Nicolao dropped his arm, and pulled him in closer. 

"I fit." Davey quipped.

"I was thinking the same thing." Nicolao said, resting his chin on Davey's head. 

Davey reveled in the feel of Nicolao's hard body against his. He wanted to concentrate on the movie, but couldn't. Nicolao was his boyfriend. How or why was a question, as was how or why he had said what he had, speaking his mind was not something he had the luxury of doing. But his words lead to him being in Nicolao's arms. If honesty netted him such rewards it was something he would do regularly. He was tired, full, and Nicolao smelled good. He's so warm, was his last conscious thought.

When he woke from his nap Nicolao had one leg on the floor the other leg was stretched out on the couch, Davey was between those long legs. His back was resting on a powerful thigh, his head cradled in the crook of one arm, and the other hand was on his chest stroking the skin through his shirt. His host was watching television the volume so low Davey was certain he was reading lips.

Nicolao glanced down at him. "Sleep well?"

Davey blushed. "Yeah, sorry." 

"No need for you to be sorry, I napped for a bit myself." He took note of the time, "It's not late we can go somewhere, museum or mall." He suggested.

Davey pulled up, shifting his body to face Nicolao, placing his arm across his chest to support his upper body. "I don't want to be anywhere but right here, if that's okay."

Nicolao closed the distance between them, kissing with chaste tenderness, until the hand on his chest slid behind his head, urging Nicolao closer. He ran his tongue along Davey's lower lip, then drew it into his mouth, suckling as he had desired for weeks. Davey's mouth parted for his demanding tongue, he let him in, and he explored, delighting in every taste and texture. His moan was swallowed by Nicolao; the sound encouraged him to deepen the kiss. Not that encouragement was needed, Davey returned every nip and taste, each equally enraptured with the aim of learning the other. 

Davey was flush against his chest, and he could feel Nicolao's heartbeat stamping out a cadence in concert with his own, their bodies vibrated in burgeoning want. They broke apart due only to oxygen deprivation. 

As insecure as Davey was, he knew Nicolao wanted him. He was pressed against rapidly hardening proof beneath him. His own erection was becoming painful, pinned in his pants.

"Better than I imagined." Nicolao eyed the kiss swollen lips of his David, as he spoke.

"It wasn't just me?"

"No David, it was not just you." Nicolao removed his hand from Davey's hair, and moved to sit up. He immediately wanted to regain the physical contact, but his growing member was warring against his good intentions. He chided himself for acting like a teenager.

"I have to pee," he announced, "if you have to go, the guest bathroom is right there." Nicolao pointed, while making is way to his bedroom. 

After relieving himself, Nicolao found his purchase from earlier in the day and brought it out. He placed it on the coffee table in front of Davey.

"I want you to take this." He said simply.

Davey eyed the cell phone, and dropped his gaze as was his habit, but not before Nicolao read his face.

"Again it's not noble; I want to be able to get in touch with you in case something comes up." He began then, shook his head that was a lie, he would not manipulate Davey. "I want to talk to you sometimes, just to see how your day is going, and tell you about mine." He admitted then paused, "I realize how it looks, but I'm not trying to buy you, I wouldn't do that." He needed Davey to understand.

Davey picked up the phone recalling his commitment to speaking his mind. "I can't pay for anything, and you are giving me really nice stuff. I don't think you are trying to buy me, but I do feel embarrassed."

"There's no need for that."

Davey finally met Nicolao's eyes. "You want to go out to different places, and I want to go, but look at me. Look at my clothes, now look at yours, it would be like you dragging a Raggedy Andy doll around with you."

Nicolao winced. 

"Even if you don't mind, I hate getting looked at that way, being spoken to that way."

"What way?" He asked.

"Like poor, white trash."

"You are not trash!" Nicolao felt tendrils of rage begin to embrace him.

"Not to you, or I wouldn't be here, I get that, but I know what I am. I love the Mercer Art Gallery, but people like me aren't welcome. I have not been welcomed in a lot of places you think nothing about going into. I'm also weirded out, because it's obvious, I will only ever take things from you. I mean, as a man, shouldn't this all be, I don't know, more fifty-fifty?"

Nicolao blew out a long breath. "First of all, I don't know about people being trash, but if I ever catch anyone treating you that way I promise you, it will be their last time." 

Davey was taken aback by the genuine anger in Nicolao, there was a dangerous promise in those words, but instead of being scared, he was touched.

"Second, if you had a great job, with loads of money, the truth is I would pay for everything and buy you things. I know it is not forward thinking, but I do like to take care of the people in my life. It's who I am, and how I am built, not only as man but as a person. It isn't like you aren't a man I know what gender you are, so if you can be okay with it then it's not an issue. Third, think you l look fine. Of course, I would love to take you shopping, clothe your hot little body, and go to every hot spot in town. But if you aren't comfortable with that we can stay in and avoid the night life. It cuts down on the chances of someone stealing you from me."

Davey turned beet red from the compliments. 

Nicolao pulled Davey into him, and after some maneuvering they were seated the same way as when they napped. Davey rested his head on his chest, and they started a new movie. Periodically, Davey would raise his head, and they would kiss, gentle kisses, unrushed and precious.

Their dinner was scrounged out of the leftovers in the refrigerator. While eating Davey was overcome with the desire to know what Nicolao tasted like. The sudden urge to grab the generous bulge, he felt at times, was so strong his hands shook.

"Do you think we can have the HIV tests done tomorrow?" He blurted out.

Nicolao choked on his low mien. "After your last class, I can meet you at the clinic, I will just take lunch then so we can go together, or you can go alone?

"No, together is fine." Davey resumed eating. 

When night fell, Nicolao walked him to the bus stop. Davey insisted he would be fine, not allowing him to call a cab. After the bus pulled away Nicolao sent a text.

Nicolao: Thanks for coming over had a great time. Forgive me for being overbearing. I'll see you tomorrow. Sleep well my David and maybe dream of me. I know I will dream of you.

Davey read the text all on the way home. Before disembarking he quickly sent back.

Davey: Thanks for the best day of my life. Your boyfriend, David.

*****

Davey filled out the paperwork at the clinic, and waited for Nicolao.

His mind taunted him with cruel questions. What if he doesn't show? What if this is all some cruel joke? The 'what if' monster, had been plaguing him most of the day, he had received a text letting him know Nicolao would be a little late, and that had ratcheted up his anxiety.

Davey knew that he was avoiding the true, 'what if'. What if he wanted to have sex? Could he take him inside of him? The idea Nicolao being inside of him caused Davey's stomach to churn. It was what he wanted, and dreaded most, yet he had asked they come to the clinic today. His desire overrode his fear, because he was falling for Nicolao, and that frightened him most.

Did Nicolao have a clue as to how big an impact he was in his life? Davey doubted it.

Nicolao's voice pulled him from his own thoughts. He got his paperwork from the window, and sat beside Davey. 

"Hey, sorry I'm late. Jeremy called me in on a conference call." Nicolao began to explain. 

"It's okay. I didn't have anything else to do today. I do have some work with Mr. Ernst tomorrow, which should put me three months ahead on rent." Davey smiled.

"You cover your rent?"

"Yeah, Mr. Ernst is the owner of the trailer park I help with repairs and stuff. We also wax floors for the bowling alley, and grocery store. He gives me some money, but mostly I have him put it on the rent."

Nicolao swiftly filled out the history forms they turned them in at the receptionist's window, and reclaimed their seats.

"You live across town, how did you decide you wanted to go to school over here?"

"Across town, you mean the Under?"

Nicolao nodded.

"When I was around ten, I guess, Uncle Ben had a girlfriend, Gayle. She had a daughter, Lizzie. Lizzie went to Wilson High." Davey stopped speaking, and Nicolao thought that was the end. Davey was always hesitant to talk about his own life, so he knew little. 

"Lizzie was pretty, and smart not that Gayle wasn't. But Lizzie was Gayle before she lost it to drugs, and drinking. I think we were together every day, not that they lived with us, but they came over all the time. We would eat together, and Lizzie would help me with my homework. Things got better... no things were good, really good. Uncle Ben worked regular and on weekends Lizzie would take me to the museum and planetarium... always something."

"One day, a lady at Mercer said we had to leave, they were going to have a private showing. But just loud enough for us to hear, she said, Under trash, and niggers should know better. Lizzie took me for ice cream, and that's when Lizzie said I had to finish school. She said with an education no one could ever shut us out again, and that we could walk through any door we wanted to, Lizzie was fearless."

"Then one day, they came over and Gayle and Ben started arguing. She wanted to move back to her hometown to be with her family. Her parents had promised they would pay for Lizzie to go to college if they came back, since she was clean. Gayle wanted us to move with them, but Ben said no." 

The sadness in Davey's eyes was evident it was as if he was reliving his loss as he spoke. A ghost of a smile touched his lips. "Then Gayle asked if she could take me, she wanted me to go with them, but he said no...she wanted me though, she would have taken me with them." 

Not knowing what to say Nicolao squeezed Davey's shoulder, he did not need convincing that Davey had been wanted. 

"Things got really bad again, real quick after that. But the things Lizzie and Gayle told me I remember. One was that it was important to go to Wilson, to not get trapped into believing I belonged in the Under. And that's how I started school at Wilson High." 

"Gayle and Lizzie were very important to you it sounds like you lost a mother and a sister." 

"Yeah, two mothers and a sister in the loss column," Davey confirmed, "It's the way of my life. Unlike you, it isn't a bad period waiting for a turn around. It's all loss, a gain, then a bigger loss." 

Before he could respond Davey's name was called, and he followed the nurse behind the door. Nicolao contemplated Davey's words, if Davey's life was a deficit, then it was time for a surplus, he mused. Then he decided it was time to call his mother. 

Nicolao glared at his phone; did he really need to talk to his mother? The phone rang in answer to his question. 

"Hello, Hil," he quipped.

"Niño travieso," Hilaria chastised, "you are too old to call me ma now?"

"Never ma, I was just about to call you, how's everyone?"

Nicolao and Hilaria spoke about the many goings on in their clan. He missed them, but knew being close to his family was far to suffocating. Hilaria was the only person he leaned on, for him it was embarrassing. But she knew when he was troubled or upset intuitively, if he did not open up to her, she did not shy away from forcing it out of him. 

"Now Nico, tell me what is going on." His mother's voice was tense.

"I met someone."

"Oooh," Nicolao knew his mother was smiling, "tell me about him or her, Nico."

"You thought I was in trouble!" He gleaned from her change in tone. "Ma, I'm a grown man!"

"You are my Nico, now tell me about your love."

"Love, I don't know if I love him ma, we've only kissed, and it's only been a few weeks."

Silence, Hilaria had made up her mind.

"Tell me about him Nico." 

Nicolao shared everything he knew about David, even his growing suspicion that his life was much worse than what David let on. 

"When can you get time off, and bring him here?"

"What? Ma I never said I was bringing him anywhere. I don't want to pressure him, and you think I should bring him to meet the Evangelista's?" Nicolao began pacing in his living room. Hilaria usually calmed him down, but tonight she was on the wrong page.

"He will come with you when you come get a car from your father. You have a license, and it makes no sense for you to continue not driving. You will get the car, and teach David how to drive. He is going to be a part of your life Nico, for who knows how long. But you should not hesitate, it is not like you." Hilaria told her son what he would do.

Nicolao sighed, when he thought there was something between him and Jeremy he had dropped everything, moved in a matter of weeks, so, no he was not indecisive. "Ma, when I look in his eyes there's so much...hurt. He's not the most open person you'll meet, I don't want to rush him, but I am fighting the urge to save him!" He ground out the last two words. Loving someone who would not be saved made him a better man, but it had almost destroyed him.

"Nico, Nico, so that is what it is? Why are you fighting yourself? You have been fighting your whole life, and now you want to turn over a new leaf? You are not interested in him because he is in pain, correcto? You care for him, and you want to ease his burden. That is love Nicolao, do not turn away from who you are, it sounds like he needs a warrior on his side. His are not silly windmills, this is real, and the sin would be for you to be too afraid to try."

Nicolao let her words sink in, "Gracias mamá. ¿Qué haría yo sin ti?"

"You will always be fine, ciao Nico."

"Goodnight ma, I love you. I'll call with details of when we can come down to pick up the car. Tell pops thank you."

Chapter 3

Davey and Nicolao communicated throughout the days, with quick text messages. The test results came back as negative, which was expected. But Davey's work with Mr. Ernst kept him busy after class, so they only saw one another in the mornings. Nicolao noted that Valentine's Day came, and went with no more than a shy good morning from Davey. When Davey got on the bus that afternoon, there was a small basket on his seat. He raised questioning eyes to Addie.

"Don't look at me, open it up!" She ordered.

Inside, the basket overflowed with chocolates, almonds, what Davey assumed was a weed, one red rose, one white rose, a key chain and a note.

Happy Valentine's Day,

I hope you like chocolate, and almonds they are for you, share with Addie. This is a Valentine written in the language of flowers, so you will have to decipher the meaning. I will tell you the almonds are a promise. I promise you much but just for the holiday I promise to take you shopping Friday. I have a big day planned for Saturday saying no is not an option, unless you don't want to be my Valentine.

Your Nicolao

Davey had no idea what the language of flowers was, and neither did Addie. 

"Are you just gonna eat chocolate, or are you gonna call Nicolao, and let him know you got the Valentine?"

Davey fumbled for his phone, and sent a text to Nicolao.

Davey: Happy Valentine's Day thank you for the basket

Nicolao: Does that mean we are on for tomorrow? 

Davey: Yes guess this means I am your Valentine.

Nicolao: That is EXACTLY what it means

Davey was not quite sure what to do with the flowers. He did not have a vase, but he placed them in a cup of water. If Uncle Ben had something to say then so be it. Tomorrow, he would try to go the lab, use the computer, and learn what the heck, was the language of flowers.

*****

The next morning, they confirmed their meeting place, and time once again on the bus. Once he was gone Addie questioned Nicolao.

Addie nodded, "I knew you would be good for him." 

"Thanks for your faith Addie, and everything else." Addie nodded her head once again, but did not speak. Nicolao was not certain, but he thought he saw a hint of tears in her eyes.

Davey could never have imagined what shopping with Nicolao would be like. He was meticulous about every article of clothing. The belts, the shoes (he insisted Davey had to get two pair), jeans for the casual part of the day and slacks for dinner. He thumbed a shirt in passing and Nicolao had the salesman add it in; it cost seventy five dollars! Davey insisted it was all too much, Nicolao would only agree, and they would go into another store. That was maddening, but what was worse, was when Nicolao would disappear. There were too many bags for him to be certain, but he thought things were being purchased behind his back. 

They went into stores, that up until Nicolao bought something, he would have declared useless. Finally, Nicolao announced they had one more stop before they could eat.

"I want to go in for a quick haircut." 

"Haircut, like a trim?"

"No, haircut, I grow it out and donate the hair to cancer patients for wigs. I don't have to, I get the impression you like my hair."

"I do, it's sexy."

"I am a sexy man." Nicolao put on a lecherous smile and winked.

"I think you will still be sexy after you do this wonderful thing," Davey winked back, "maybe even sexier." 

Did I just wink? I'm delirious from shopping, Davey thought.

It only took a few minutes. Nicolao's ponytail was cut, and his luxurious black hair quickly styled. It was still long in the front, and hung just below the nape of his neck, if he combed it back. When Nicolao began buying hair products Davey decided he had a problem.