#sarahsfic

[toddsfall]

Headfirst Into the Water

I wrote a fic for the @dereknursebirthdaybash

Since the fic is no longer anonymous on ao3 I thought I'd post it here! Check out the rest of the collection too! :)

Ao3 link

Summary: What happens when they actually talk about it?

Rating: Explicit

Relationship: Derek "Nursey" Nurse/William "Dex" Poindexter

Words: 2809

It was a crisp fall day when it finally happened. Samwell's D-men were all gathered in the Haus for an epic Mario Kart showdown. They heard the door bang open, moments later Bitty charged into the room, followed closely by Caitlin. They were both grinning.

In a flash, Bitty had whipped out his phone and he started filming. Caitlin put her hands up to her mouth and announced to the room: “Gentlemen, the time has finally come. Here he comes, your favorite goalie slash our resident angel fallen from heaven. The one. The only. Chowderrr.”

She held her hands up to silence their questioning noises and paused for dramatic effect. “He's not the same. Here before you, you will see Chowder 2.0. You thought this perfect specimen couldn't be improved? Think again.” She slapped her thighs to indicate a drumroll. She pointed at Bitty.

He grinned and said “Y'all. He got the Samwell chop.” At that moment, Chowder finally came into view.

Having all appropriately been riled up by Caitlin's speech, the room erupted into chaos.

READ THE REST ON AO3

[toddsfall]

Oh, what are you willing to do?

Written for day 5 of Nurseydex week :) 

summary: What do you do when your friend is hurting and you're too far away to comfort him?

read on ao3 (which I would recommend doing, since I didn’t copy the formatting on here :p)

It's not like they had never talked before the summer started. Logically, Nursey knew that. Still, he couldn't help but smile at how close his friends felt when he kept in touch with them like this on the daily. Summer in New York away from the guys didn't seem so daunting anymore. It made him feel all warm and fuzzy inside. He was so glad Chowder didn't have the emotional range of a teaspoon. The dude was never shy to let them know how he was feeling. It was one of his best qualities and Nursey loved him for it.

The Frogs B-)

Chowder: I miss you guys :(

Nursey: aw me 2 c

Dex: same

Chowder: What have you been up to?

Dex: work mostly, kinda boring

Chowder: aw no tell us about it! We're interesting. Right, Nursey?

Nursey: sure

Dex: oh okay

Dex: I'm working in my uncle's shop this summer

Dex: it's a hardware store, but we haven't had many customers. so, pretty boring

Chowder: pity :(

Nursey: u should install some games on ur phone

Dex: hmm maybe

Dex: what are you doing, then? roaming around the city?

Nursey: p much, yeah

Nursey: I'm looking for inspiration, trying 2 write some poems

Chowder: cool! what are they about?

Nursey: lots of things

Nursey: the city, my mom, summer, etc

Nursey: I even wrote one about you guys

Chowder: noice

Dex: u should write about the ocean

Nursey: I don't see much of it, but yeah. maybe

Chowder: I have the best view of the ocean anyway B)

Nursey: oh, here we go again

Dex: Christopher Chow I love you with all my heart but you are Wrong

Chowder: :))))

Nursey: pls

Dex: ...

Chowder: I'm going to go help my mom with food

Chowder: we should keep talking guys

Chowder: it feels weird not talking to you guys every day

Nursey: I feel that

Dex: we will C, don't worry. go help your mom :)

Chowder: toodles

The Frogs B-)

Chowder: u know who's really pretty and smart

Chowder: and funny

Chowder: Farmer

Nursey smiled down at his phone. Chowder had many good qualities. Subtlety was not one of them. He was surprised it had taken Chowder a full two weeks before asking though.

Nursey: hmmm

Nursey: are you perhaps trying to ask us if you can add Farmer to the groupschat Chowder

Chowder: ... perhaps

Nursey: go ahead dude

Chowder: you won't regret it!

Chowder: I'm just tired of having to keep typing things in double when I have news to share

Nursey: lol

Chowder added Caitlin Farmer to the chat

Nursey: sup Farms

Cait: hey guys

Nursey changed the name of the chat to Farmer and the Frogs

Cait: oh that sounds like it could be our college band name

Chowder: omg yes! too bad I can't play any instruments :(

Nursey: too bad, we'd look so hot

Dex: oh good another rational person

Cait: hey dex, honored to join the chat

Cait: it's kinda infamous to me now lmao, Chris has told me a lot about it

Nursey: oh no

Dex: not cool c

Dex: what happens in the groupchat stays in the groupchat

Chowder: don't worry I didn't tell her about your embarrassing encounter with that cashier the other day

Chowder: oops

Cait: what happened?

Nursey: Dex stumbled when he got to the register

Nursey: he was holding a very juicy tomato in his hand

Nursey: and he was wearing a white t-shirt

Nursey: it was a very Me move

Cait: oh no :o

Dex: I feel very betrayed right now

Chowder: sorry Dex, I'll try not to do it again

Chowder: but Cait can be VERY persuasive

Cait: *wiggles eyebrows*

Cait: yeah I can

Dex: no flirting in the groupchat

Farmer and the Frogs

Nursey: why did I do this

Dex: what's up Nurse?

Nursey: remember how I thought it might be fun to enter that writing contest?

Nursey: Yeah, it's no fun

Dex: have you written anything for it yet?

Nursey: yeah I have a big chunk of it lined out

Nursey: I just can't bring myself to write :(

Dex: hey no pressure

Dex: I know that's weird coming from me, but putting too much on yourself just isn't going to help right

Nursey: yeah I know, it's just. I wanted to do this

Nursey: make myself proud or whatever

Dex: hey what about this

Dex: you promise to do nothing but focus on your writing for the next ten minutes

Dex: and I'll be proud FOR you

Nursey: aight i'll try

Cait: oh sorry only seeing this now, I was at work

Cait: how's the writing going Nursey? :)

Nursey: I actually made myself sit at myself and write

Nursey: and the chances of me actually finishing this thing are looking a lot brighter

Cait: yay!

Chowder: we're proud of you too!

Cait: you bet :D

Nursey: thanks guys :)

D-menlicious

Nursey: thanks for earlier bro

Nursey: you actually helped me

Dex: you're welcome Nursey :)

Nursey: :)

That night, Nursey went to bed feeling very grateful for his friends. He stared at his phone, trying to see if Dex was going to say something else. When it didn't look like he had anything more to add, he went to sleep.

Farmer and the Frogs

Nursey: do you guys ever think about how small we are and how infinite the universe is?

Cait: all the time lol

Nursey: it's craaazy

Cait: tell me about it

Dex: guys please go to sleep it's 4 am

Nursey: okay but why are you awake dude

Dex: I'm already up bro

Dex: have to drive my uncle around today, we're talking to his suppliers

Nursey: kay, good luck

Cait: night guys

Nursey: night

Nursey: and morning Dex

Farmer and the Frogs

Dex: fuck fuck fuck

Dex: ugh

Nursey: bro?

Nursey: what's up?

D-menlicious

Nursey: Dex?

Nursey: what's wrong

When Dex still hadn't answered after ten minutes, Nursey decided to call him. Maybe he was feeling worried over nothing, but he wanted to make sure. Dex was there for him when he needed him, now he could be there for him too.

Dex picked up after three rings. "Hey Nursey." He sounded tired, but not in a panic or anything. Nursey blew out a breath.

"What's up man? I saw your post in the chat. Sorry I didn't answer immediately, I was writing."

"That's okay. I was just blowing off some steam. Don't worry about it."

"Well, I have you on the phone now. You might as well tell me. C'mon, I'm your d-man. Let me carry the weight, got your back and all that."

"It was nothing major, really. Just one of those days you know?" Nursey hummed, he knew those days well. He was in fact so intimately familiar with those day, that he might as well be in a long-term relationship with them by now. Dex continued. "Like, this morning. I overslept, so I had to rush to the store and I couldn't eat breakfast. Then, to add to my already great morning mood, I dropped a wrench on my foot. Of course, I was wearing work boots. That didn't stop it from hitting my shin, though."

Nursey sucked in a breath. "Ouch, that sounds painful."

Dex huffed out a laugh. "Yeah, it fucking was. And then after my morning in the darkest timezone had finally ended, of course everyone in town suddenly decided to stop by the store. I was swamped all afternoon. God, I'm so tired."

"That sucks dude, but now you're home right? Go rest. Watch some youtube videos of people doing stupid things and falling. Those always cheer you up. Forget about this day for a bit."

Dex sighed. "I wish I could. I got home with that exact plan in mind. But of course my teenage sister has decided that today is the day she's going to rebel against my parents. I heard them fighting when I came in. And now everyone is in a foul mood."

"Yikes. Alright dude. Let's go, you're getting out of the house." Nursey was already getting, putting on his shoes.

"Where am I supposed to go? Nursey, what are you doing?" Dex said, sounding concerned.

"Go sit outside, your yard or your roof or whatever. Just, somewhere without any people around. Can you do that?" Nursey tried not to sound too excited. He was just helping his friend. Not his crush.

Dex sighed again, but Nursey could tell it was the kind of sigh that came before Dex decided to give in. "Okay, fine. I'm going outside right now. Hold on, I'll call you back."

"Aight dude, take your time. I want to show you something."

Nursey went outside, grabbing a blanket as he went. He wanted to settle in before Dex called back.

It wasn't long before he got the call. "Okay, okay I'm on my roof. What now, Nursey?" He could hear the smile in Dex's voice. Good, he was getting him out of his head already.

"I'm going to FaceTime you. Hang up."

Derek Nurse calling

Nursey waved at Dex. "Hey Dexy! Okay, I'm going to show you the view from my roof." He moved his camera around while he went on. "It's nothing special, I know. I just like coming up here when I'm feeling down. Look how pretty and pink the sky looks, though. That's pretty dope right?"

Dex's camera showed his face. A small smile was creeping in the corners of his mouth. "Yeah, it's pretty dope Nursey."

They stayed talking like that for a long time. Nursey felt a little overwhelmed, he hadn't been able to look at Dex's face for most of the summer. Snapchat just wasn't the same. Eventually though, he had to admit that he was getting cold. The sun had set and on the roof, a cool night breeze was giving him goosebumps. "I'm going to have to go inside soon, I'm getting a little cold."

Dex smiled at him, looking infinitely more relaxed than he had hours before. "Okay Nursey. But first, let me show you something too." He turned his phone so Nursey could see the night sky. There were many more stars visible than he could see in the middle of the city.

"Wow, that's pretty cool." The comfort of the moment must have gone to his head, because he added. "Those stars kind of remind me of your freckles."

Dex flipped the camera back around. His blush was visible, even in the low light of his phone. "Oh. Well, thanks. I guess?" His nose scrunched up.

"You're welcome." Nursey smiled at him. He looked adorable.

Dex's answering smile was blinding.

Farmer and the Frogs

Chowder: sooo what's up guys

Chowder: me and Cait are going to the aquarium today :DD

Cait: we're v excited

Nursey: sounds great bros

Dex: have fun

Chowder: thanks! I'm excited to see the sharks

Dex: wow would've thought

Nursey: not me that's for sure

Nursey: I've finished my draft for the writing contest thing btw

Cait: whoooo

Cait: you should celebrate

Nursey: mm maybe I will

Dex: you called?

Chowder: haha wow

Chowder: and you say my jokes are corny

Nursey: oh well, maybe I WILL call you

Dex: oh yeah? and what would we talk about?

Nursey: oh, all sorts of things

Nursey: maybe poetry

Nursey: or sustainable energy sources

Dex: what makes you think I want to talk about those things

Nursey: I can be very persuasive

Chowder: no flirting in the groupchat they said

Cait: hypocrites

[toddsfall]

You’re making a ruin of me

Nursey takes Dex as his fake date to an Andover reunion on his birthday.

Written for day 7 of @nurseyweek (prompt: memories or red) Happy last day guys! This has been so fun to do :D

read on AO3

/////

“Do you think they bought that?” Dex leaned in close so he could whisper in Nursey’s ear. Nursey felt tingles travel down his spine from the tip of his ear, where he could feel the ghost of Dex’s lips, all the way to his toes.

He cleared his throat. “Uhum. Yeah. Uh, yeah that was good. I don’t think they suspect a thing.”

“Good, I’m giving it my all here haha. Guess all those time my sisters made me act out the plays they’d written paid off huh?” Dex laughed.

Of course Dex had to rely on his best acting skills to act like his boyfriend, Nursey thought sourly.

Dex started batting his eyelashes rapidly, in a move that was probably supposed to be sexy but just made him look ridiculous.

Nursey poked him in the nose, which made Dex go cross-eyed for a second. It was stupidly endearing. “Stop acting a fool. You look like I just pepper sprayed you.”

Dex smirked. “Kinky.”

“Oh my god, you’re ridiculous. I’m fake breaking up with you.”

“But then how will you ever show those Andover assholes how well you’re doing now that you’ve moved on?” Dex looked way too pleased with himself. Nursey was just about to hit him over the head for looking so smug when he spotted them.

“Shit, they’re coming back. I thought we scared them off earlier.”

“Yeah, I thought so too. We really went for it! I really thought that was going to work. God, couples who display so much PDA in public usually gross me out. They’re the worst.

Nursey raised his eyebrows at him.

“Right, well. Other couples are the worst. Besides, we’re only a fake couple. That doesn’t count.” He was probably imagining the sad look in Dex’s eyes.

Nursey’s stomach turned. “No, you’re right. It doesn’t. They’re still coming our way though. Maybe we should just go.” He was ready to forget about this entire night.

“Nuh-uh Nurse, I didn’t dress up all fancy schmancy for you to suddenly bail on me. If you want to scare those assholes away, we’re just going to have to step up our game. They’ll get the hint eventually. Trust me, alright?”

Before Nursey could so much as blink, Dex grabbed Nursey by the lapels and kissed him full on the mouth. Nursey couldn’t help it, he melted. He clutched at Dex’s shoulders to avoid grabbing him anywhere else. He didn't want to cross any more lines than he already had tonight.

Dex loosened up on his lips a little and whispered "Follow my lead.".  He went back to kissing him, yanking him even closer. And then he started moaning. Obviously fake, but still. It was kind of turning Nursey on. He felt Dex tug at his hair, egging him on to join him.

God, Dex was going to kill Nursey. Why had he allowed himself to get into this situation?

////

Nursey sighed deeply. It wasn’t trying to get anyone’s attention, he just felt miserable.

“What’s wrong Nursey? You’re sighing an awful lot. I usually run to the kitchen to escape my worries, not create more, hon.” Bitty turned to him, holding his knife up like he was going to personally chop all of Nursey’s troubles in tiny pieces.

“Sorry for bumming you out, Bits. I can go lay on the couch if you want.”

Bitty crinkled his nose. “Now, you know I don’t want that. Spit it out, Nurse. I’ve been told I’m a good listener.” Bitty smiled at him encouragingly.

“Yeah Nursey, tell us.” Lardo chimed in from the other side of the table. He thought she’d been listening to music.

“It’s stupid. There’s this reunion at Andover next week. I RSVP’d a while back, thinking it could be fun. Now it turns out that most of my friends can come, I knew some of my hockey friends have games that night but now apparently my old bestie has to cancel too now. I can’t exactly back out of the event, people have already seen that I will attend on facebook. Before I know it, my mom will be on my case for not socializing enough. Ugh. And now I’m rambling too.” He laid his head on the table, sighing again.

“I’m sorry, hon. I don’t think I’ll ever go to a high school reunion, I’m glad I got away from that place.” Bitty answered sympathetically.

“I’m sorry you feel trapped, bro. I would come with you, but I have a test the next day.” Lardo reached out to put her hand on his shoulder. “Is there really no one there you can hang out with?”

“Nope.” Nursey raised his head. “I didn’t have many friends at that school, and now I’m going to be stuck with those judgmental assholes who liked to passively aggressively chew me out for, well… being me. It’s just going to bring up all these old ugly memories for me.”

Lardo squeezed his shoulder again. “I can help you come up with a better excuse if you want? I used to come up with the most elaborate lies for missing class when I was younger.”

Nursey smiled weakly at her. “That’s sweet Lards, but nah. I’ll just grit my teeth and get through it.”

Suddenly he heard Dex behind him. “What’s the matter Nurse? Someone got coffee on your favorite notepad again?” Sensing the mood in the room, Dex walked closer to Nursey. “Hey, what’s wrong bro? I haven’t seen you this upset since Frank Ocean delayed his album release for the third time.”

“Nursey has to go to an Andover reunion all on his own. Let’s just say there won’t be any friendly faces awaiting him there.” Lardo’s eyes bore into Dex’s, daring him not to make a smart remark for once.

“I’m… sorry man. Uh, can I help? I could go with you for back-up.” He had placed his hand on Nursey’s shoulder, on the spot where Lardo’s had been minutes before.

“Nah, bro. I wouldn’t want you to miss out on a Valentine’s date for me.” Nursey looked down, willing any thoughts of Dex and a potential date out of his head.

“Bro! It’s on your birthday?” Dex said, ignoring Nursey’s statement.

“Uh, yeah? Happy fucking birthday to me.”

“Well, then it’s decided. I’m going with you. As your date. Let’s show those assholes that us 'filthy gays' are not to be messed with.” Dex sneered at the last part. Nursey would have to ask him about that later. Clearly, he had had some issues with bullies in the past too.

Nursey considered it for a moment. Dex. As his date. On Valentine’s day. That might not be such a good idea. “Nah bro, you don’t need to come. It’s okay.”

“What, I’m not good enough to be your fake date Nursey?” Dex teased, the insecurity clear in his voice.

Lardo winked, and said “Yeah Nurse, who wouldn’t want this gorgeous redhead as his Valentine, huh?” The dirty, dirty traitor. She cackled when he tried to kick her under the table.

“Okay. Fine. Let’s do this Poindexter.” He cleared his throat, and tried to arrange his features so he looked solemn as he turned to Dex. “William Joseph Poindexter, will you be my Valentine?”

Dex pretended to swoon. “Why, Derek! I thought you’d never ask.”

Nursey laughed heartily. Then it dawned on him, he was actually going to have to go through with his now. He’d really fucked himself over.

/////

They had finally discouraged the Andover Assholes, as Dex had branded them, from coming over again. They were sitting down with people that Nursey vaguely knew, but luckily not good enough that he felt obliged to make small talk with them.

He felt tired, despite Dex’s best efforts being back at Andover was draining all his energy. They had done the rounds earlier, saying hello to all his favorite old teachers. Also a bunch of people he’d been halfway friendly with, that is to say they had never been outright homophobic or racist in his face. Whatever, he’d shown his face. It had to be enough, his mom would have to understand.

Having Dex around helped more than he would ever be able to express, but it also drained him. It was exhausting having to pretend he had this awesome boyfriend while simultaneously walking the fine line of not acting too convincingly, or Dex would notice that he had real feelings for him. It was, frankly, exhausting. Nursey felt like he was doing a balancing act and he could fall flat on his ass at any time, and everyone would stare and point. Just like old times, then.

He felt Dex nudge his elbow. “Hey Nurse, where’d you go bud?” he asked.

“Nowhere, I was just spacing out a little. I’m getting tired.” He know he sounded snappish and he hated it. Dex had done nothing but be kind to him tonight. He’d gone above and beyond for him.

“Wow, I know I’m a good kisser but I don’t I’ve ever tired anyone out this fast before.” Dex was trying to distract him.

Nursey smiled at him. “Don’t flatter yourself, William.”

“Oh-kay De-rek, I wouldn't dareee. ” Dex pronounced every syllable carefully, trying and failing to speak with a posh accent. It was a horrible imitation of the accent he had heard when watching Downtown Abbey with Holster. Nursey knew he was trying to sound like Nursey did when he talked with his parents, though.

Nursey shoved at his shoulder, grinning. “Asshole.”

“Ha! I knew my ex-ce-llent posh accent would work. At least I got you to smile.” He poked Nursey’s ribs. “I got something else that might cheer you up!” His eyes lit up like Chowder’s did every time he saw a puppy.

Seemingly out of nowhere, he pulled a present for Nursey. Where had he been hiding that?

“Happy birthday, Derek. I might not always understand what you do, but I always want you to feel free to be yourself.”

Nursey tried his best not to rip open the carefully wrapped present. It was a beautiful deep red notebook with his name embossed on the front. “Woah dude, chill. Thanks.” He smiled brightly.

Dex groaned. “I can’t believe I still haven’t managed to erase that from your vocabulary.”

Nursey smirked. “It’s okay man, I know wasn’t for a lack of trying.”

Dex punched him in the arm, lightly. “You just count yourself lucky that it’s your birthday, Nursey.”

////

He fixed his eyes on Dex. They were sitting on the steps outside, waiting for their cab. As soon as Nursey had called, they had decided they didn’t want to stay with any of those people in the same room for a minute longer than necessary.

“Hey Will? Thanks for coming with me tonight. You, uh, really helped me in there. I know you could probably have found more pleasurable ways to spend your evening. I really appreciate it."

“Oh man, what am I supposed to say to that? You know I’m bad at feelings Nurse. Just pretend I said something heartfelt just now.” Dex blushed, but his gaze softened when he turned to Nursey. “But seriously man, anytime. I probably wouldn’t have found anything better tonight. Spending the night shitting on rich assholes with my best friend is a pretty sweet way to spend my evening.” He bumped Nursey’s shoulder with his own. “The kissing wasn’t half bad either” he added in a rush.

Nursey raised an eyebrow. “Really? Spending time with me is always on the table, you know. I guess we could even find some rich assholes to shit on at Samwell.” He took a steadying breath. “And the kissing, that’s uh… that’s on the table too. If you want.” He added the last part, knowing that he was taking a risk. In that moment, he wanted to to be right so badly, he thought he was going to burst from it.

Instead of answering, Dex reached into his pocket. “There was actually something else that I wanted to give you with your gift. I, uh, wasn’t sure.”

He handed Nursey a bright red card, with a heart and hand-drawn hockey sticks on the front. Inside, it said ‘You don’t have to be all bi yourself tonight. Be mine.’. He looked up, confused. His traitorous heart was beating out of his chest, daring him to hope. Dex was looking at him nervously. He’d been right. His heart sang.

He pulled Dex close by looping his hand around his neck. Dex closed the distance between them and then, finally, they were kissing.

He couldn’t stop himself from saying “I see you put your cards on the table for me.”

Dex groaned. “Shut the fuck up Nurse. Are you going to kiss me, or what?”

Nursey was already leaning back in. Dex deepened the kiss and then did something with his tongue that had Nursey moaning loudly. Normally, this would probably embarrass him but he was too busy being kissed within an inch of his life to care.

This time, it was Dex who pulled away. He smirked and whispered “I knew the way to your heart was with puns.” Nursey kissed the shit-eating grin right off his face.

[toddsfall]

At least I’m not as sad as I used to be

written for day 5 of @nurseyweek (prompt: tomorrow)

read on ao3

When he woke up, the first thing he noticed was that he wasn’t alone. Someone had lifted his legs, so they could sit on the couch beside him.

Nursey had come back from class an hour ago, just exhausted – Maybe it was two hours? Naps were always so disorienting right after. But he couldn’t help himself, instant gratification and all. –. His mood had been steadily declining all week and today his energy had dropped to sub-zero. He’d made it back to the Haus and had immediately fallen asleep on the couch.

“Hey Nurse, you up?” he heard Chowder ask.

Nursey grunted in response. Maybe if he could nap just a little longer, he’d feel a little better.

He felt Chowder touching his leg. Hesitant at first but when he noticed that Nursey didn’t protest, he started massaging it more firmly.

Nursey smiled. “What did I do to deserve a trademark Chowder massage, bro?” he chirped.

Chowder looked at him with an amused twinkle in his eye. “You think you need to earn them Nurse? I’m a nice person, you know. Sometimes I give them away for free.”

Pulling himself up on his left arm slightly, Nursey looked at Chowder. “I know that, bro. I uhm still appreciate it though.” He let himself drop back down, looking up at the ceiling.

“You want to talk about it?” Chowder asked.

Ah, so Chowder had noticed his mood. Nursey wasn’t surprised. Chow was one of his best friends. Plus, the boy had a real talent for reading people. He sighed. “Nah, there’s not really anything to talk about. Just a bad week.”

Chowder didn’t answer, just gave him a few affirming pats on the leg.

“Hi boys, how y’all doing?” Bitty breezed into the room, his feet already halfway to the kitchen.

“Hey Bitty!” Chowder yelled, enthusiastic as always at the thought of forthcoming pie. “I’m okay, I think Nurse could do with some cheering up though.” He added the last part with a quick glance thrown at Nursey, squeezing his ankle gently.

“Alright Chow, what’d you have in mind?” Bitty asks, unwinding his three scarfs while struggling to open his coat with his other hand.

“We could bake something? I see that look in your eyes Bits, you’re itching to get in the kitchen.” Chowder smiled kindly. “Maybe chocolate brownies, they’re Nurse’s favorite.”

“Sounds great! Working with your hands will do you boys some good.” Bitty chirped. Ten minutes later, Nursey was looking apprehensively at the pot of hot warm he had been positioned in front of by Bitty. “Are you sure Bits? I can do an easier task, I feel out of my depth here.”

“I’ll guide you through it, don’t you worry hon. Cooking au bain-marie isn’t as hard as it sounds, I promise.” Bitty answered.

Nursey thought back to the few times he’d attempted to bake something in the past. One time at Andover, he had tried to make a mug cake in the microwave. Of course, he’d messed up the measurements and he had had to clean up the giant mess he had created. That was nothing compared to the giant scolding he had gotten from his house counselor. Still, he didn’t want to be a bother so he didn’t say anything.

Chowder must have noticed him tensing up, because he laid a comforting hand on his shoulder. “It’s okay Nursey, we’re here to help you.” He added cheerfully. ”Besides, I’ve messed up plenty of times! Bitty doesn’t mind, does he?”

Nursey could tell Bitty did mind a little, but he was trying to be nice when he said “Oh no sweetie, I don’t mind at all! I live to clean!” And then more seriously “Really Nursey, learning to bake is all about messing up. I’m here to guide you through it, so you can learn to fix your mistakes.”

That made Nursey feel a little better. By the time he was put on the next task, he was starting to enjoy himself a bit more. There was something therapeutic about beating the shit out of some eggs.

It had been quiet for a while, aside from Bitty’s music tinnily playing from his phone. Nursey cleared his throat and spoke softly “Do you guys ever get that feeling in your stomach like something is very wrong, even though you know that logically nothing is wrong?”

He immediately felt stupid for saying his thoughts out loud. Which is why he was surprised when Bitty and Chowder both answered with a sighing “Yeah.”

“I don’t like it.” It felt stupid and childish, but Nursey said it anyway.

Bitty wasn’t a bit hugger, so he just put his hand on Nursey’s own. Chowder more than made up for that by enwrapping him completely from behind. He felt Chow sighing into his back, before squeezing him one more time and letting go.

They finished the brownies in silence, then decided to watch something fun on Netflix while they baked in the oven.

“Oooh, you guys! Let’s build a blanket fort!” Chowder yelled, turning on them with his best puppy eyes.

“Sure, why not. Lord knows it’s been years since I’ve made one, but it could be fun. As long as y’all don’t make me sit on that couch.” Nursey knew Bitty was indulging them, in the spirit of cheering Nursey up, but he didn’t care. Blanket forts were chill.

Later, when they were nestled deeply into their fort, Nursey closed his eyes for a second. In a short while the rest of the team would slowly trickle into the house, filling it up with noise. He tried to savor the moment while he could.

Chowder, who had been leaning on his shoulder, pushed himself up a little to whisper in his ear “Let’s try again tomorrow. I’ll be there if you need me, okay? Pinky promise.”

And even though he was twenty. Even though he was supposed to be growing up. Even though he so desperately wanted to be taken seriously all the time, he grabbed Chowder’s pinky with his own and smiled.

[toddsfall]

Girl I bet your mama named you goodlookin’

written for @nurseyweek day 2 (prompt: simplicity)

read on ao3

in the wild and wicked ways we dance

I find comfort

in knowing the light and love in your eyes

I know myself

in this unending night of nights

we dance our joyous dance

and soar

It’s a typical Friday night kegster. People strewn across the coach and walls. The room tilts sideways and Nursey throws his hands up. Lardo puts her hands on his hips to steady him. Always there to catch him. He grins his toothiest grin and she spins him around. The bass thumps on, as reliable as his own heartbeat. He closes his eyes to feel Lards at his back, swaying them slightly. Her arms circle him and he’s warm all over. They’re the only two people left dancing. It’s that perfect hour of the morning where time doesn’t feel real.

What a perfect little thing their friendship is. It shines through in soft moments like this. It’s quiet and sure, it hides in a lift of an eyebrow, a quirk of a mouth, a breath that signals a laugh, a huff that requires the other to sneer at whoever it was directed at. It’s sure and unwavering, Nursey’s favorite kind of friendship. It hides under his blanket in the corner of Lardo’s room and it hides in plain sight. It’s simple, because it’s true.

He feels love pulsing with every beat. He feels in love, the way you can only be with your closest friends. The intoxicating feeling that comes with being allowed to be yourself completely.

He turns and pulls her close. His heart sings and he calls it happiness. She tugs at his hair. Tugs at his heartstrings. He feels her smile as she kisses him. The night thumps on quietly.

[toddsfall]

Even by yourself, you are something else

Written for Nursey week (prompt: Silence)

read on AO3

Fandom: Check please!

Rating: General Audiences

Relationship: Derek Nurse/William Poindexter (friendship)

Tags: Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Anxiety, Friendship

Words: 1208

Nursey was sitting against his favorite tree on the Lake Squad. The landscape felt perfect for his mood. The wind was whipping harshly around his ears, the ground was a mess of leaves splattered everywhere. The cold was just biting enough that no one else would try to hang out with him here.

He loved to journal his feelings, sometimes he felt that his writing was the only rightful place for the jumbled mess that were his thoughts. His messy mind belonged in a book, it was no one else’s business. Why would he bother anyone with his thoughts when he was perfectly okay just keeping it all in? Bottling everything up was his tried and tested method. It might not have been perfect, but it was what he knew.

Nursey knew it wasn’t very healthy to think like this. He’d been through several therapists already, and they had all tried and failed to make him open up. Years at Andover had taught him that his thoughts made him vulnerable. He couldn’t afford to show any weakness. His best friend growing up, Rami, once told him that being who he was, was already trying enough. He warned him that vulnerability was a weakness that would be taken advantage of. Rami had meant well, he just wanted to protect Derek. But it had stuck with him and over the years, he’d put up walls for everyone around him.

His mom had been happy to hear that he knew someone at Samwell, when he told her that he decided on the SMH team. She worried for him, which he hated. He didn’t want his love for her to be tainted by worry. He resented her for it. If having Shitty on the team would ease her mind a little however, he’d gladly tell her how comfortable he felt with a familiar face on the team and how well he felt like he already fit in.

The truth was that he knew Shitty as a teammate, but they’d never really bonded beyond that at Andover. He’d kept his walls up for everyone.

When he first arrived at Samwell he’d had high hopes for himself. Filled with promises to try harder to fit in, to let himself be happy. But as soon as the other frogs had started bonding, he had closed himself off again. He felt stupid for getting his hopes up like that. He couldn’t function as they did. He’d never be normal like them. Despite the team’s best bonding efforts, he still had only given them the pieces of himself that he had deemed appropriate after careful introspection.

As Nursey thought about everything that had spurred him on to come out here today, his thoughts ran rampant. The shitty weather had only gotten worse. It had started to drizzle softly and the words in his notebook had started to bleed a little. The sudden urge to cry rose from his chest and lodged in his throat. Why had he let his thoughts spiral like that? He was breathing a little heavily when he was abruptly shaken out of his thoughts.

‘Nurse? Are you alright?’ He tried to swallow. Cleared his throat. Tried again. ‘Nursey?’ Dex was talking, his face hovering over him. He had the sudden thought that it looked a little like the moon at night. ‘Why are you out here all alone man? You’d freeze to death if we’d let you.’

Nursey was still desperately trying to dispel the heavy feeling in his chest as Dex rambled on. He felt warmth spreading through his left side when Dex plopped himself down on the ground next to him. ‘Bad day?’ He nodded. His eyes were squeezed shut, he didn’t remember shutting them.

‘I’m just going to put this on you, so you won’t actually get pneumonia. Don’t worry, I won’t touch you’. Dex’s voice had gone much quieter now. Nursey felt his warm breath on his face as he carefully put a blanket around his shoulders. ‘There you go, bro.’

They sat like that for what felt like hours. The drizzle had turned into a heavier rainfall, but Dex had brought his big rainbow umbrella. That boy thought of everything. Nursey remembered that one time on a roadie, he’d even brought spare underwear for Chowder. He chuckled.

‘Coming back to us there Nursey?’ ‘Y-‘ His voice croaked. ‘Uh Hmm. Yes.’ He turned his head, Dex was already looking at him intently. ‘What time is it?’ Without glancing at his watch, Dex said ‘Don’t worry, we haven’t been sitting here that long.’ Nursey felt embarrassed suddenly and his eyes widened ‘I’m sorry Dex, you can leave now. I’m sure there’s more important things that need your attention. We all know you and Jack Zimmerman work harder than God.’ He tried to tack on a joke at the end, but it fell flat. Dex noticed.

‘Nurse. Derek. Look at me. You’re important to me, okay? You’re important to us.’ ‘I, yeah, okay.’ ‘When we noticed you hadn’t come to team lunch, we all got worried. Rans said he found you were upset last week after a phone call with your mom? Everything alright?’ Another heavy pause fell between the two of them, but Dex didn’t get up. He wasn’t fed up with Nursey’s silence yet. ‘I.. uh I’d rather not talk about it. It’s chill.’ He felt Dex squeeze his arm. They were still looking at each other, Dex hadn’t let him look away yet. ‘That’s okay, you don’t have to talk. But I’m here if it’s suddenly not so chill anymore too.’

He squinted. That was definitely a chirp. ‘I can’t believe you’re chirping me right now. You’re the worst Poindexter.’ Dex released him and slung an arm around his shoulders. ‘Yeah well, I can’t be expected to be this good looking and be good at comforting people. That just wouldn’t be fair.’ ‘Ooh, I have some bad news then Dexy, your ugly mug doesn’t make up for your weak chirps. Or your truly abysmal karaoke skills.’ Dex poked him in the stomach. ‘Okay, I see we’re playing it dirty! Maybe I should tell the team about the time I helped you clean up the cake you baked in the microwave then? He wrestled Dex to the ground and held his head in a lock. ‘You promised we would never mention that again!’ ‘Yeah well the karaoke thing was a low blow!’ He released him.

‘Let’s just agree that we’re both irresistible catches and anyone would be lucky to have us?’ Dex grinned and bumped his fist. ‘Samwell’s prettiest d-man team.’ ‘Don’t let Rans and Holtzy hear you.’ ‘Yeah, You’re right. I’m pretty sure they would take more offense to the pretty thing than if we said we were better players.’ ‘Tcheah.’ Nursey stood up and offered his hand to pull Dex up. ‘C’mon man, I’m hungry, let’s see if Bitty has something in the oven.’

As they walked back to the Haus, Nursey realized that the team did know him. He might not tell them everything, but they filled up the spaces that he left empty with love anyway. They had his back. And they were loud enough to fill up his silences every once in a while.

[toddsfall]

I didn’t just come here to dance

written for day 3 of @nurseyweek​ (prompt: challenge)

aka the nurseydex ballet!au no one asked for (read on AO3)

////

‘You did that on purpose!’ Will glared at Derek, rubbing his back.

‘Chill, dude. I obviously underestimated how much room I’d need.’ Derek answered, shrugging. He tried to at least look apologetic. He knew he was failing. 

‘You know I wasn’t trying to hit you with my tendu, bro.’

‘Oh my god, you are such a jock.’ Lardo joked, trying to defuse the situation.

‘Don’t “chill” me Nurse! That’s the third time this lesson alone that you’ve “accidentally” hit me with one of your stupidly long limbs!’ Will’s hand gestures got wider as he started waving his arms around to get his point across.

‘Okay, first off chill with the air quotes dude, this isn’t 2006. Second, if you don’t stop waving your arms, you’re going to poke someone’s eyes out.’

‘Chill?! What did I just say Nurse. What did I just say?’ As Will got steadily redder and redder, Lardo broke them up.

‘Alright children, time out.’ She sighed.

‘Boys! If you don’t stop interrupting my lesson, I’ll send you to the dressing room, you hear? You pay for dance classes, not to stand around gabbling like chickens.’ Their dance instructor was looking at them sternly. Eric ‘Bitty’ Bittle was their tiny Southern ballet teacher. His description made him sound a lot less intimidating than he was in reality.

They both nodded and Derek moved to Lardo’s other side to avoid further conflict. He saw a few of the girls in the class rolling their eyes. He didn’t blame them. This happened way too often.

He wish he knew how to not anger Will so much. No, that was a lie. He wish he knew how to not anger him and enjoy it so much.

They finish the rest of the dance class without any further altercations. The only way Derek knew Will was still mad at him was by the way he kept shooting him murderous glares. And he was pretty sure he saw him chuckle a little when they were doing grand pliés and Derek fell on his ass.

By the time they entered the dressing room, neither boy felt much like talking. They finished changing and Will left without a word. Nursey sighed and picked up his bag. No matter how fun dance class was, fighting with Will always left a bitter taste in his mouth.

/////

Derek startled when he pushed open the door to the dressing room. For the past few weeks, he’d been changing alone because he was the only boy in his class. Now, he saw muscles move under the freckliest skin he’d ever seen. The back had two broad shoulders and smooth white skin that looked like someone had splattered paint all over it.

The back belonged to a redhead, who was now frowning as he looked over his shoulder at Derek. ‘Will you close the door, you’re letting cold air in.’

‘Oh, sorry dude. My B.’ He stumbled a little over his own bag as he tried to hastily shut the door.

The redhead snorted. ‘Did you just say “my B”? Whatever. Never mind. I’m Will.’ His arm moved as if he was going to offer his hand to shake, but decided against it at the last second.

‘Hi Will, I’m Derek.’ He put his hand up for a fist bump.

‘Uh. Hey.’ After a few awkward seconds, Will moved to bump his fist. ‘I’m glad I’m not the only boy here, I was kind of scared it was going to be just me and a bunch of girls. I’m actually here on a dare, I lost a bet. My colleagues challenged me to take this class. They think I’m just some stuck up guy who would never take such a girly class-.’

‘Couldn’t handle being alone with girls, huh?’ Nursey smirked as he interrupted the other boy’s rambling.

‘What? No.’ Will blushed. ‘Just uhm, well you know what they say about ballet dancers.’

‘I don’t know actually. Besides, our instructor is a man so.’ Derek felt himself get irritated now. He held his breath for a few seconds as he watched Will try to climb himself out of the hole he just dug himself in.

‘Oh well, I didn’t mean it like that. I mean – well –‘ He struggled to find words.

‘Okay man, well, I’ll let you think on that one some more. See you in a minute.’ Derek finished changing and stood up. He threw Will a look and left. Maybe he banged the door a little harder than necessary, but he had rightful indignation to back him up.

They spent the entire hour of the lesson bickering as Lardo looked on in despair.

Afterwards, she took Derek aside. ‘Derek Malik Nurse, I didn’t drag you to this class with me just to watch you bicker with the first boy you find.’

‘It’s not my fault! He started it, chill.’ That last part was more directed at himself than her.

Lardo threw him that look that she usually only saved when he came home and told her about yet another unattainable crush. The one that said ‘get your shit together, Derek’. He hated that look, but he also needed it in his life. ‘Let’s go home, nerd. We still have some episodes left in our Gilmore Girls re-watch.’

‘Yeah, let’s see if Shitty wants to join us.’ Nursey felt his mood lift. Who cared if the new boy annoyed him? He had his friends. Will could do whatever he wanted for all he cared.

/////

‘And jump and jump and jump’ Bitty clapped his hands in a tempo that could only be described as sadistic. Nursey felt like his sweat was sweating.

‘Alright class, good job today. See y’all next week! Don’t forget, I’m doing a bake sale on Saturday right here at the studio if anyone’s interested. We’re raising money for some new barres, Lord knows we need them.’ They all laughed and clapped as they trickled out of the room.

A big blond man stood in the halfway yelling at everyone. ‘Get your asses out here on Saturday! Do it for Bitty! That fine piece of Georgian ass deserves to display his glutes with the best equipment available. We didn’t do all those squats for nothing, huh Bits?’

‘That’s right Holster. Bitty smiled and winked. ‘Now move, you big lug. You’re holding up my dancers! If you don’t let us through, we can’t clear the room for your littles to dance.’

‘No problem, brah.’ Adam moved to let them all through, occasionally high-fiving or fist-bumping people he recognized. ‘You seen Justin?’

‘You two can’t spend two minutes apart. It’s sweet.’ Bitty grinned. ‘Yeah I’ve seen him. He said he was going to the Kundalini Yoga class next door.’

Nursey chuckled, the past few months these guys at the studio had really grown on him. They were all starting to hang out together too. He turned to Lardo. ‘Hey Lards, thanks for letting me tag along to this class. I feel comfortable here.’

‘Feeling sappy today, Nursey? Go change. Shitty and I have a date tonight and if you’re late, I’m leaving your ass behind.’ Lardo chirped him, but she squeezed his arm so he knew she was joking.

He walked in the locker room to find Will still there.

‘So, you’re going to the bake sale?’ Will asked.

‘Yeah, I want to support Bitty. I take it bake sales are not your speed?’ He felt tired, those jumps had really taken it out of him. He really didn’t have the energy to start a fight with Will right now.

‘I’m actually going to bring some cookies for Bitty to sell.’ Will raised his eyebrows.

‘Oh, cool man. I, uh, didn’t know you baked.’ Derek said. He felt a bit embarrassed. What did people always say about assuming?

‘There’s a lot you don’t know about me, Derek.’ He smirked and bumped his shoulder against Derek’s.

‘Nursey. Uhm. My friends calls me Nursey. I had some hockey friends in college’ He bumped his shoulder back.

‘I’m your friend now? That’s nice.’ Will smiled at him and Nursey had never seen him like that. Happiness looked good on him.

When Will left the room Nursey called out ‘See you on Saturday!’ and he felt a warm feeling in his gut.

/////

By the time the bake sale had ended, there were only a few dancers left in the studio. They were all hanging around the table Bitty had set up. Holster had produced a bottle of vodka about twenty minutes ago, and now they were all taking turns adding some in their little plastic cups.

‘Thank y’all so much for coming. It really means so much to me. I… uh.. didn’t grow up with this much support in Georgia. Growing up a gay ice skater wasn’t exactly a piece of cake.’ He took a second to chuckle at his own joke. ‘Oh gosh y’all, I remember when I first came out here for college. I couldn’t be happier with my life right now. I get to teach you wonderful people every day. Plus, I’m talking with a nutritionist friend of mine at the Providence Falconers who might have an in for me to teach a class or two to some of the players. They could work on their flexibility.’ His eyes looked a bit blurry.

‘Alright Bits, that was a wonderful speech. Maybe you should stay off my vodka for now, okay?’ Holster moved to put his arm around Bitty’s shoulders. ‘We’re glad to have you here little buddy.’

Justin, Adam’s boyfriend, chimed in ‘While we’re reminiscing, I still remember when I met you Bits. Never been so glad that I decided to be a biology tutor.’ With a sniff he added ‘Tragically, I was already taken when this cute little Georgian stepped into my life’.

Holster protested. ‘Babe! I’m right here.’ But he was smiling.

Nursey took it all in. He knew all this already, from hanging with the instructors after class. But it was still nice listening to their easy banter.

‘You friend isn’t here?’ He looked up as Will approached.

‘Nah, Lardo has an art project she needs to finish tonight. Our entire apartment has been taken over by papier-mâché hockey players. Don’t ask.’ Nursey answered.

Will laughed, his eyes crinkled at the corners. Nursey couldn’t help but think it was beautiful.

‘So, what about you man? I know the story of just about everyone here, but not yours.’

‘My story isn’t that interesting.’ Will looked down at the floor.

‘I’d still like to hear it. C’mon man, I’m an aspiring writer. Stories are my jam.’ He clapped Will on the shoulder and tried to look encouraging.

Will nodded and settled next to Nursey, who was sitting against one of the mirrors. ‘Well, when I was 18, I moved out to Providence with my older brother for a job. The work was alright, we worked for a construction company. When my brother decided to stay here – he had met a girl in an instrument shop he liked to snoop around in – I stayed with him.’

He paused for a second to catch his breath. It was the longest Nursey had ever heard Will talk. He had a nice talking voice. Nursey wondered if it would be rude to close his eyes while he listened.

‘I had to find a job, of course. The construction job was alright but not something I want to do for the rest of my life. I’m still trying to figure all that out, you know?’ Nursey nodded, even though he didn’t know. He’d never had to think too hard about which job he wanted. He fell in love with writing when he was 14 and he hadn’t looked back since.

‘Anyway, I tried out a couple of things but right now I’m working as a musical instrument repairman slash builder. Well, apprentice. Harry, my boss says that stuff takes years and years to learn. But I’ve always been good with my hands.’

Nursey’s entire body felt warm suddenly when Will said that last part. The vodka must have been stronger than he thought.

‘And that’s how I ended up here. I lost a bet with my co-workers and they dared me to take a ballet class.’ He snorted loudly. ‘They really thought they’d done me with that one. You know they actually paid for my classes? Well joke’s on them, I’m really enjoying it!’ He finished with a chuckle.

Nursey smiled at him. ‘Well, I’m glad too, man. Doesn’t matter how you got here.’ He looked at Will intently ‘I know we don’t always get along but –‘. He didn’t really know how to finish that sentence.

‘Yeah. Me too.’ Will said.

Nursey didn’t really know what he meant, but it didn’t matter. He pressed his shoulder closer to Will and they watched the others laugh and tell stories.

/////

The next week, Will wasn’t in class. Nursey felt a twinge of disappointment, even though it meant that he got through the lesson without pissing anyone off.

When he still wasn’t there the next week, Nursey started to worry. He decided to speak to Bitty after class. ‘Hey Eric, can I ask you a question?’ He didn’t know why he didn’t just call him Bitty. Nerves always made him more formal.

‘Sure, hon. What’s up?’ Bitty gestured encouragingly.

‘Have you heard from Will lately? I haven’t seen him in two weeks and I’m getting a bit worried.’

‘Do you want me to give him a call? It would be a tad unethical for me to give out his number without his permission.’ Bitty started looking through his books, which were – as always – a mess.

‘Thank Bits, I really appreciate it.’

After a few minutes, he heard Bitty mutter a quiet ‘Aha!’. ‘Okay, let’s see. William Poindexter. Let’s give him a ring, shall we?’

Nursey fought the urge to bite his nails. It was a disgusting habit that he’d quit years ago.

‘Hello Will? It’s Bitty here. Just calling you up to make sure you’re alright, no one has heard for you in a few weeks. Hmm? Yes. Alright, oh I’m sorry hon.’

Nursey wanted to rip the phone out of Bitty’s hands, an irrational desire that he made sure to repress. He was sure Will was alright, and Bitty was going to tell him what was up in just a min-

‘Oh haha, yes you’re right. He’s right here actually, you want to talk to him?’

Nursey startled. What was happening. Before he could react though, Bitty was pressing the phone in his hands.

‘Hey Nursey. Heard you were worried about me’ Will teased him.

Nursey sighed in relief. He sounded fine. ‘Yeah well, someone has got to make sure you’re still breathing loser.’

‘I’m fine dork, I’ve just had the flu and I didn’t want to give it to you guys.’ He heard Will smile through the phone and Nursey felt the corners of his own mouth turn up.

‘Okay. Great. See you in class next week then?’ He tried not to sound too eager.

‘See you then, Nursey. Oh, and I asked Bitty to give you my number, so you won’t have to bother him the next time you get worried about me.’ He laughed merrily, as if Nursey’s worry was giving him glee.

Nursey didn’t say anything to Lardo as he finally got to her car, but he could tell that she was giving him the look again.

/////

‘This is Derek, I’m not here right now. Leave a message if you want, it’s chill. Beep.’

‘Hey Nursey, Will here. I begged your number off Bitty, hope you don’t mind. I’m guessing you won’t, since I already gave you mine but you never know. Haha. Uhm. Well. I just wanted to let you know that I won’t be in class again. Nothing bad, don’t worry! I’m just picking up an extra shift on Tuesday at Harry’s Music Store, kind of a lame name for an instrument store right? Hah, well. Okay. That’s what I wanted to say I guess. Have fun in class, try not to fall on your ass too hard without me there.’ Click.

/////

The shop bell jingled as he opened the door. Everywhere he looked, there were instruments. There were a lot of guitars, but also violins, cellos, trumpets, clarinets, flutes, keyboards and a drum set. Nursey was immediately transported back to his youth.

‘Can I help you?’ A pretty girl appeared behind the drum display.

‘Hi, I’m looking for Will? I’m Derek, a friend from his dance class.’ Nursey fidgeted with his sleeves, suddenly nervous.

‘Ah, yes. William’s mentioned you. I’ll go get him, he’s fixing something in the back.’ She gave him a once-over before she turned again and disappeared.

Nursey’s heart was racing. Will hadn’t exactly invited him to his place of work. What if he thought it was creepy that he had just shown up out of the blue? Before his thoughts could start spiraling, Will appeared from the same place the pretty girl had disappeared.

‘Uh. Hi Nursey, what’s up?’ Will looked confused, but exactly unhappy to see him. Nursey would take it.

‘Hey Will. Am I bothering you? I can come back another time if you want.’

The silence between them stretched out just a second too long for comfort. Nursey’s shoulders sagged. He started to turn away, but Will cleared his throat.

‘No. Uhm. This is fine. I’m glad you came.’ Will had stretched his arm out, as if he was going to grab Nursey before he could leave.

‘It’s just, uhm. I missed you in class man.’ The English language had never failed Nursey this hard in his entire life.

Will smiled and stepped a little closer. ‘Yeah? I’ve missed you guys too. I’ve missed you too.’

Nursey felt the room grow smaller, the closer Will came to him. With a herculean effort, he unfroze his limbs and took a few steps closer as well. Soon they were almost toe to toe.

‘Care to show me how much you’ve missed me?’ Nursey asked.

‘Is that a dare Derek?’ Will smirked. Nursey wanted to kiss it off his face.

‘Well, it seemed to have worked out for you in the past.’ He tore his gaze away from his lips to look Will in the eyes.

‘Yeah, it seems that way.’ Will chirped as he grabbed Nursey’s hand.

Before either of them could say another word, Will used his other hand to stroke Nursey’s cheek once before leaning in to kiss him. It was short and sweet, in direct contrast to the way they usually interacted. Nursey didn’t mind it one bit.

His brain hadn’t even caught up with his body yet, before Will moved his hands in his hair to kiss him even deeper. Nursey moaned and grabbed Will closer. They kissed until they were both out of breath. In that moment, their thoughts were perfectly in synch.

You’re a challenge worth taking on.