A/N: Eleven days missing and I swear this was suppose to be longer, but it just didn't work out that way. I'm sorry! On the bright side, I think I finally got a handle down on Simon, so maybe there'll be faster chapter updates in the future? Also, finally a chapter title that somewhat fits the chapter! *le gasp!* And I apologize if I got Caleb's quote wrong. It's been awhile, yo. Hope you enjoy!
DISCLAIMER:Sorry, peeps, but I own nothing but a finally beginning to boil plot and a touch of humor.
Chapter Seven: Sooner or Later
By some strange occurrence, Nick had ended up on the floor while Caleb took the bed. Well, Nick couldn't really call it strange. He couldn't help feeling that Caleb was hurt because of him, and that guilt made it hard to argue any point against him. Though as Nick laid on the hard floor, we was beginning to think of some winning arguments. The main one being it's my bed! To get that across without sounding like he was whining was another thing however.
"Go to sleep, Gautier," Caleb's drowsy voice floated from the bed.
Nick had to smile at how adorable he sounded. Normally Caleb was all edges and acid, so Nick was really able to appreciate this new side of his friend. Didn't mean he couldn't push it, though.
"I can't sleep laying on this hard floor," Nick replied, trying to sound like a four-year-old.
Caleb was silent for a good five minutes, and Nick was certain that he'd fallen asleep. He nearly jumped out of his skin when Caleb finally spoke. "Then get up here."
What?
What.
What?
Nick's mind couldn't process Caleb's words, and he was quickly beginning to think that Caleb was one of those kinds of people when he was sleepy. The kind that said things they didn't mean when they woke up. Because there was no way that Caleb Malphas would ever invite someone like Nick into his bed. Well, technically, it was Nick's bed but that argument was so far from his mind at the moment. Then get up here, Nick repeated in his head.
Then.
Get.
Up.
Here.
"Are you coming or not?" Caleb growled lazily, and Nick immediately shot up and crawled under the blankets where Caleb had made room. The spot was still warm from Caleb's body heat, and Nick's face immediately flashed red. He turned his back to Caleb in case the daeve could see in the dark. No need to get kicked out of the bed a second after getting invited in.
Just go to sleep, Nick, he thought. And pray you don't dream. Because he knew full well who and what he'd dream about if he did, and he'd be mortified if Caleb woke up and found him in that state.
Caleb woke up early. He could hear Cherise shuffling around in the kitchen and had to remind himself of where he was and why. He yawned and started to stretch when he realized something was laying on his arm. He turned to see a heart attack in the making.
Nick was curled in a little ball against his chest, completely oblivious to the world. His dark hair was sticking in every direction, and his real pillow had been forsaken for Caleb's arm. He rolled over so that he was facing Caleb, and he opened his eyes drowsily. It took everything Caleb had not to kiss him on the spot. Nick gave a sleepy smile as if he could read his guardian's thoughts. Could he? Caleb wondered. He really hoped not. At least not at that exact moment.
"G'mornin," he yawned and then snuggled in closer against Caleb. He mumbled something incoherent before going back to sleep. Caleb cursed him internally. He needed to flash to his house to get cleaned up and get ready for school, but all he wanted to do was watch Nick sleep. He was infinitely cuter when he wasn't running his mouth or causing him to have to lay his life on the line for him.
Before he knew it, Caleb was running a gentle hand through Nick's hair. The sleeping boy gave a blissful sigh that nearly killed Caleb. He couldn't. Caleb knew he couldn't. He couldn't feel what he did for Nick so many reasons. He knew that. But knowing that didn't change the fact that he did feel something for the young Malachai. It was just like back when he was with her.
"Old enough to know better, young enough to do it anyway," Caleb mumbled to himself. Why not?
He gave Nick a quick kiss on the forehead before he flashed to his home to get ready for school, and to figure out how to tell Nick how he felt.
And finally we start getting to the fun parts! Thanks to all those who have stuck with me and please continue to do so! Thanks to gothpandaotaku, Random, and CheyRain for reviewing, as well as to all those who have favorite/followed this fic and me! It always makes me so happy to see that I've got a new review or a favorite! Also, hopefully I'll have something interesting to post in a few days! Please continue to read and review! Keep rocking!
