"Ah, Nick, you are amazing. Don't ever change. I love you, I love you so much. I love you so much that I could squeeze you like a lemon.” Geoffroy whispered, still in his sleepy haze, keeping his eyes closed, stroking his boyfriend's back. Everything seemed so peaceful, so quiet. The early morning was warm, calm, he heard some birds singing on a nearby tree, someone was also working in the garden, the world was living. Their problems were no more, they were two happy boys, adoring all the little things that happened to them recently.

To their surprise, at first it was quite easy to get over the past. They never mentioned anything that happened on Wednesday, they never mentioned Clotaire's name as if they agreed that his chapter was closed already. Figuring out that they can't fix their own failures they decided to carry on, seeking for a new, happy moments they could share instead. Even their dreams were pleasant ones, void of the memories of the recent abuse. Their bodies were slowly recovering, their minds were healing also. A good ending to a decent story, some may say. Or, just a casual, expected ending to an unusual fairy tale featuring two young princes loving each other.

Nicolas was the first one to wake up, hearing his partner's voice. He was surprised to discover that Geoffroy talked in his sleep. Especially, when he noticed that it wasn't all just some nonsense, but a true proof that the blond-haired boy cared about him with all of his heart. Nicolas listened and kept smiling. At some point he wondered if Geoffroy was really sleeping – the young teen was now speaking about their childhood, about some distant memories. Nicolas remembered all of them very well. He laughed as he recalled the day when he and Geoffroy were fighting each other, or when they were having a party, or when their dads played football, or when Geoffroy brought yet another cool toy to the school... It struck him fairly quickly – his life was only about the blond-haired boy he shared the bed with. From the beginning to the end his amazing friend was always there. “I wonder... how long will it last?” Nicolas wondered, looking up at his friend's face.

“Geoffroy, wake up. Hey.” The little boy stated, grasping Geoffroy's arm, shaking him lightly. “Are you okay?”

“Ye-Yeah?” Geoffroy answered, parting his lips slowly as if it was a heroic feat. The teenager was clearly tired and yawned twice before opening his eyes. “I just had the best dream ever.”

“Oh? About me?” Nicolas asked curiously, raising his eyebrows. He knew the answer already.

“Remember when I told you that I want to marry you? I saw it. In my dream, I mean... I mean, we were still kids, but my dad was there and he was happy to... to see that I am happy. And then we had some cake and we were traveling, spending the whole summer together. And then, for some reason, we were back to the school, learning math. But everyone in our class knew that you are my husband. And then... “ Geoffroy paused, trying to catch some breath. “And then... I forgot.”

Trying to cover his face, Nicolas started giggling, wondering what exactly was going on in Geoffroy's brain. It all seemed not possible, surreal, but Geoffroy kept his straight face as if he considered his dream nothing more or less, but a prophecy. Actually, he looked kind of offended seeing that the black-haired boy laughed. And then he spoke, using his unusual, dead-serious voice.

“Fine. I won't tell you about my second dream then! Too bad. It was a good one too. You would love it!” Geoffroy assured his boyfriend, sticking his tongue out and getting up, sitting on the edge of the bed, stretching his arms over his head. He yawned again and then sniffed his armpit. “Alright, let's take a bath, we really need it.”

“I know! You stink!” Nicolas kept mocking his friend. “You are a stinky stinker with a stinky armpit.”

“No wonder. I was the hero. I mean, I really kicked his... “ He paused to bit his lips and then continued, changing the subject. “I have really cool hydro-something-massage tub, you will love it. Come on, let's go, stinky!”

Another five minutes passed. The young teens left their clothes on the floor, walking stark naked to the bathroom, closing the door behind them. They only hoped for a quick bath, they did not want to have the usual fun, they were not even aroused seeing each other naked. It was just an ordinary day, they had no plans, no destination. That is, till another person entered Geoffroy's room.

Charles sighed slightly and shook his head. He was tired, too tired, spending half of the night in the police department. In the end, they cleared up all the mess, but he promised to go there again as soon as possible. “All the paperwork. The damn paperwork.” He thought to himself, looking at the clock. But even his most powerful friends and enemies were not as important as his son. Knowing that he needed to speak with Geoffroy he gathered all the courage, hoping to confront the teenager about the recent events. It seemed complicated, way too complicated for him. Especially now, when Geoffroy was not in his bed. The man knocked twice on the bathroom door and opened them wide.

“Dad! Wait!” Geoffroy's scared voice filled the space along with some gasp. The tone Geoffroy used seemed familiar to Charles, he used it only when caught doing something inappropriate. “We are just taking a bath, really!”

“Son, I know. I need to talk with you, now” The man said, walking inside the steam-filled bathroom.

Both boys were in a huge bathtub, standing against the wall. It was filled almost to the top, full of foam and bubbles. The air smelled like strawberries – it seemed that Geoffroy used his favorite bathing oil, emptying the bottle. Charles inhaled deeply and took a step forward, looking at his son's concerned face. It was blank white as if all the blood drained out of the poor kid. Then, his son stood up in one sudden motion, exposing his fully naked, foam covered, glistening body and opened his mouth, trying to speak.

“D-da I-i can-expla-” The blond-haired teenager mumbled, his eyes full of terror.

“Huh?” Charles narrowed his eyes, encouraging his son to continue. He could barely hold himself from laughing out of loud. Geoffroy looked dead-scared, pretty much the same as Nicolas, who looked down avoiding all the eye contact.

“I'm bathing with Nicolas so we can save the water.” Geoffroy blurted out the first excuse that appeared in his head. “It's important to save it, right? So we are just taking a bath, just that. It was my idea. And can we...”

“Geoffroy, stop.” The man interrupted him.

“... and I wanted to show him the bathtub. It's a nice one, isn't it?” The boy continued, a grimace of embarrassment appeared on his face.

Now, when some of the foam disappeared Charles was able to see his son's body fully – he noticed the fresh bruises almost right away. Two of them were on Geoffroy's arms, one, yellowy-green, on his left thigh and the last reddened spot was located near the teen's stomach. “Were they fighting recently?” A question appeared inside his head instantly. This time he wanted to get the clear answers, there was no escape, Charles understood that this was the moment of the great reveal for them all. So he spoke, making the boys shiver in a cold fear, despite the hot water.

“I know about everything, Geoffroy.” Charles started, locking his eyes on his son. “But I'm more concerned about the bruises on your body. Nicolas has some on his arms as well. What's going on?”

Geoffroy remained silent, fully shocked. His father wasn't even screaming at him, he was not mad or happy, he remained calm as they were having the weirdest conversation in their life. Then, as he finally regained the control of his body he sat down in the water, realizing he was exposing himself in the whole time. His young mind tried to find some quick explanation, something simple yet convincing. Besides, what did his father mean by “everything”. Was it about Nicolas or about Clotaire? Or about them both?

“Dad, Nicolas and me...” The young teen started, looking at his friend, who remained silent, not able to utter a word.

“I know, Geoffroy. I learned the truth the hard way. I know what happened in the doctor's office. And I saw you two showering together just a few days ago.” Charles confessed, watching as both boys' faces reddened, their mouths opened wide. “And I spoke with the lady who does the laundry, she complained that you were changing the sheets like every day. So much for the water saving, huh?” The man joked, hoping that his fear-paralyzed son will finally relax.

“You know about us?!” Geoffroy exclaimed, not sure how to react. “And you aren't mad at me? And you saw us? Oh my god.”

“Can I join you, boys? We need to talk, now. And you won't escape me unless you are planning to run naked around the house.” Charles asked, pointing at the tub.

“I don't mind.” Nicolas spoke for the first time, breaking the silence. Geoffroy was still overwhelmed by his thoughts and the avalanche of emotions - the poor teenager was really, really confused.

Charles undressed rather quickly, taking off his shirt and sliding down his pants, along with the underwear. While the boys pretended to look away the man noticed they were watching him closely, especially when he stripped fully. They were curious, obviously. As soon as he was naked he sat on the edge of the bathtub and then dipped his body in the hot, strawberry water, so it covered him from the waist-down. It was a perfect bath, everything he needed to regain some of his energy. Both teenagers were staring at him as if he was a teacher and they were his students. They waited for a sign.

“There's one thing I need to know, and I hate to ask it.” The man started, looking at Geoffroy. “It all started when you two left the doctor's office, right?”

“Yeah...” Geoffroy whispered, blushing slightly.

“Are you just fooling around together or is it more serious?” The man asked another question, hoping that Geoffroy will answer honestly.

“I...” The blond-haired kid looked at his boyfriend, searching for some support. “I love him, dad. I know, this sounds stupid, but he's very important to me. He's my best friend and he understands me, and he is always there when I need him.”

“I understand. So, what about these bruises, Geoffroy? They look terrible.”

“Do you want me to tell the truth?” The boy lowered his head and hissed, realizing that his story will hurt the man as well. “Nick, can I?”

The black-haired boy nodded his head. A vision of sadness crossed his face as he looked down, at the foam, watching it disappear slowly. Then, Geoffroy started telling the story nobody would believe. The story of an ultimate corruption.

"Our classmate, he managed to get a movie Nick recorded for me. He blackmailed us, telling that he will show it to everyone. I invited him here and told him to record me instead. I know, don't make that face, it was stupid!" Geoffroy shook his head.

"Why you did not ask me for a help? I would kill that damn kid." The man stated angrily, looking at his son in a disappointment. "Is there more?"

"He started blackmailing me then. So... we went to his place. And he..." Geoffroy's voice broke mid-sentence when he heard a quiet sob next to him.

The petit boy was crying, unable to control it. It all returned to him, all the pain and humiliation, everything that Clotaire said and did. He felt so weak, so pathetic, especially now when he broke down in front of his boyfriend and the older man. What would they think? He felt someone's hands, Geoffroy was there, hugging him tightly. It lasted just for several moments, but sensing the deep emotion connecting them Nicolas relaxed. "Everything will be fine now." The blond-haired boy kept assuring him. "Nobody is going to hurt you."

"Did he beat you up?" Charles asked, pointing at Geoffroy's arm. The boy shook his head.

"H-he forced us to... Dad, it's so hard to say, don't be angry, please. It wasn't your fault... h-he abused us."

"What?!" The man shouted, his face was now red from anger as he learned the unexpected news. "And you never said a word? Where does he live? How does he look like?"

"Dad, I can't tell. Please, don't be mad, it was all my idea." Geoffroy exclaimed, trying to calm his own nerves, he was pretty close to crying as well.

"Geoffroy. Listen to me. Give me his address, now. Or you will never see Nick again." Charles threatened the young teenager, expecting a clear answer.

"You wouldn't!" Geoffroy shrieked, bawling now. "I love him, he's mine. Leave us alone!"

So, in the end, it was all the same. It struck Charles pretty fast, as soon as first tears appeared in Geoffroy's eyes. Was he any different from his own father now? Shouting at his kid, scaring and blackmailing him, destroying one perfect friendship? It was all the same story over and over. "My father would be proud." Charles thought, sensing that his fury faded out as he watched his own son crying like a helpless puppy lost in the middle of the dark forest. Nicolas, on the other hand, kept his head low, not speaking, but it became quite clear he was quite depressed as well. The boys needed a professional help, not yet another abuse.

"I'm sorry, Geoffroy. I never saw it coming, it's not your fault." Charles stated in a soft voice, pointing at his son to come over. The man felt that the little, frightened teenager was still shaking as he hugged him the way every father should hug his son. "I would never do that, I would never isolate you from Nicolas."

"Promise?" Geoffroy murmured into his ear.

"I promise. Anything else I should know?"

"Remember that porcelain vase from your room, one year ago? It was me as well." Geoffroy confessed in a rather happy tone. It seemed that his bad mood was over.

"Boys, I still think that you should go to see some doctor, to make sure that your bodies aren't damaged. And Nicolas should tell his parents. But then again, knowing his father it could make things worse."

"But you are a doctor, you almost became one!" Geoffroy protested, getting back to the other side of the tub, sitting next to Nicolas.

"And that's how I knew that you can't get these bruises in a casual fight. I figured out something else happened. Nick, if you need any help or of something hurts you, you can always come up to me. This will stay only between us, alright?" The man asked, trying to act professional, hoping that the black-haired boy will open wide before him.

Nicolas nodded. The atmosphere in the bathroom was no longer tense, yet Charles felt that the boys still had some questions. Geoffroy looked like he wanted to ask something, but he was not sure how to word it. Nicolas, on the other hand, seemed distant, as if he did not want to stay in between them both, father and son, bonding together. “Is it really serious between then? Or should I consider him a part of our family?” The man wondered, looking at the small boy quizzically.

"Dad, what about you? What happened yesterday? You were really nervous. It wasn't about the thugs, right?" The blond-haired kid broke the silence, locking his eyes on a man.

"No, it wasn't. But I think you are old enough to hear my story. Part of it." Charles stated and took a deep breath. "When I was your age I had a friend like Nicolas too. We were having the best of fun, we were inseparable, sharing our happy moments together, playing, laughing, discovering the world. We were lovers as well."

"What? But..." Geoffroy seemed confused as if he could not believe that his father was actually telling the truth. "But mom... you married her!"

"I am not gay, Geoffroy. I was curious, the same way you and Nicolas are. Kids will be kids, forever and ever, you can't stop them from doing stuff, you can just warn them and expect that maybe, just maybe they will listen to you." The man explained, seeing that his son was once again astonished, unable to utter a word. “But after just a few weeks we were separated by my father. And while I managed to get over it, my friend was actually fighting the past, all the terrible things that happened to him. Nobody was able to help him, he could not confess the story like you just did. It destroyed him eventually. You should never hide your feelings.” Charles ended philosophically and smirked, taking another deep breath.

“So, yesterday...”

“I found out he was dead.” Charles stated, trying to remain calm, as he recalled his friend's dead body on the floor. Sure, they cleaned it up pretty quickly, called it a suicide, but the grim truth was bothering him.

“I'm sorry!” Nicolas murmured, finally.

“I'm happy that you and my son are together and I hope it will never end. And if it does – I hope that there will be a happy ending, not a tragic one. There are some bad people out there, while I may take care of some of them you should not give them an opportunity to hurt you.” The man pointed at Geoffroy. “And make sure to come to me sometimes when I'm still well and living.”

“Dad, this is one confusing morning. I mean... geez!” Geoffroy rolled his eyes, scratching his neck. “I don't know what to say.”

Yet, deep inside both young boys understood that this day will change everything forever. They figured out Geoffroy's father was accepting them, supporting their relationship, which was a great deal for them. After all, they were sailing across the troubled waters of puberty, trying to reach the safe point. They could not be certain what was ahead of them, they only had some high hopes that every morning will be as good as this one, full of pleasant surprises. Two weeks passed since their love blossomed, two weeks that made the world spinning for them. In the end, they found what they were looking for – the unforgettable memories.

“Should we tell him?” Charles asked all of sudden, looking at Nicolas.

“About wh... Oh! C'est drôlement chouette, Geoffroy!” The little boy exclaimed, sharing a smile with the man. He forgot about it completely! To his surprise, as soon as he recalled the news he felt better and started giggling, looking at Geoffroy's clueless, confused face.

“Oh come on! No more secrets, dad!” Geoffroy complained, clearly annoyed. “Tell me, Nick!” He jumped towards the little, black-haired kid and grasped his body tightly, shaking it to the sides, creating more and more waves inside the bathtub. Soon, all the floor was wet from the water and the room filled with the loud laughter of both young teens.

“Okay, that's enough Geoffroy. Or I will make you clean up all the mess you made.” The man tried to sound serious, but he was laughing inside, seeing how happy they were together. “Let him be.”

“But tell me!” The blond-haired boy pleaded again.

“We won't spend the holiday alone this year. Someone very special will join us.” Charles stated, unable to hide his grin, seeing his son's face brightening up, a hugest possible smile appeared on it.

Geoffroy's eyes lit when he realized what his father meant. He jumped again, this time towards his father, wrapping his arms around the man's neck. Sufficient to say, he never felt that happy – the sensation was tearing him apart, as if there was a bunch of butterflies down in his stomach, trying to get free. His body was shaking in sudden spasms, and then he started crying.

“Thank you, dad. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.” The boy shouted over and over, bawling and laughing at the same time, trying to hug his father as hard as possible.

Soon, after the bath, they had the world's tastiest breakfast. They were chatting, joking and telling stories, acting as if they were one, big, loving family. Then, Nicolas and Geoffroy spent the time together, doing everything they wanted in their happy boyhood summer days that they remembered for the rest of their lives. Another day passed, then another one. Weeks, months and years...

The end