54. Tower
"Nick…I just don't think I can go out with you."
Jeff physically flinched at the heartbreaking look that appeared on Nick's face. However, it only lasted for a few seconds before Nick was able to go into acting-mode and put a quite convincing fake smile on his face.
"Oh…ok." Nick turned and walked away, leaving an emotionally distraught Jeff.
"Wait! Nicky, I…"
"No, it's ok. I get it. I probably have to slay a dragon first? Rescue out of a tower or something?" Nick attempted to joke.
Jeff mumbled something unintelligible.
"What?" Nick asked.
"I just…well that was actually horribly accurate."
"What your fricking Rapunzel now?" Nick asked, his smiling mask cracking slightly into a hurt look.
"My dad could be easily compared to a dragon," Jeff whispered.
"Your dad…your dad isn't the understanding type?" Nick asked, slowly starting to piece together some of the random bruises and how Jeff was always so upset after coming back from a weekend.
"You could say that," Jeff mumbled.
Nick completely abandoned any hurt he had been feeling over being rejected, and it quickly turned into concern.
"Jeff…he never…well it's not really bad, right?"
"I can't say it's good," Jeff said, eyes averted. "But, Nicky…I don't want you to have to get involved. That's why I can't say yes. Even though going out with you would make me the happiest I've probably ever been, I can't say yes."
Tears sprung to Jeff's eyes, which quickly caused the same to happen to Nick.
"Jeffery, I promise that I will get involved if your dad is doing anything to hurt you. Whether I'm your boyfriend, your friend, or your worst enemy, I'll always stick up for you anyway. So, if it really would make you as happy as it would make me, why don't I do it as your boyfriend?"
Jeff could form no words to express what he was feeling. The first time that anyone had ever shown any sort of compassion or caring for him. The first time he had felt any compassion or caring for someone else. So, he simply ran into Nick's arms and embraced him.
"Yes," Jeff whispered, his head buried in Nick's shoulder.
