Chapter 5
For reasons unknown to Nick and Jeff, room 36 quickly became the Warblers primary hang-out spot. Boys would barge in and out constantly, bringing movies, music, or just conversation to the residents. Neither of the boys had the heart to tell them to leave, even if they missed their privacy. Needless to say, they enjoyed what little alone time they managed to have.
Nick was lying in bed, relishing the near silence, and watching Jeff as he wandered aimlessly around the room, not sure what to do without the Warblers there. He finally decided to lie down next to Nick.
Nick scooted over to make more room for his best friend. "What are you doing?"
Jeff grabbed a blanket and pulled it over the two of them. "You looked sad. It's impossible to be sad when someone is cuddling with you."
Nick laughed, but eventually relaxed in Jeff's arms. He had to learn to accept that this is the closest he'd ever get to Jeff. He didn't want to ruin their friendship by telling the other boy how he felt.
It wasn't long before the boys fell asleep in that comfortable position. It was nearly an hour later when Trent, Wes, and David walked into the room, intending to ask Nick and Jeff if they wanted to go to the coffee shop. As soon as Trent saw the boys, he shushed Wes and David, pointing at Nick's bed. "Look how adorable they are!" he practically squealed.
"Take a picture David!" Wes told the taller teenager, who quickly complied. He sent out a mass text to all the Warblers, excluding Nick and Jeff. Did Niff finally get together?
"Guys, let's go, I think Nick is waking up!" Trent told the others, pushing them into the corridor, and quietly shutting the door.
Nick opened his eyes, and nearly jumped out of his skin, before he remembered how he had fallen asleep. Blushing, he gently removed Jeff's arms from around his waist and stood up. Jeff stretched his arms out, trying to pull Nick back to him. "Come back, it's cold!"
"There are lots of blankets on the bed, use those," Nick laughed at the pouting blonde.
"But they aren't as warm as you!"
Nick walked back over to the bed, grabbed Jeff's arm, and pulled him into a sitting position. "Come on, Trent just texted me and asked if we wanted to get coffee. We probably shouldn't keep the Warblers away from their caffeine."
Jeff groaned, but stood up and pulled a sweatshirt above over his head. "Java Central relies on us for the majority of their business, I'm sure. Wouldn't want to keep them waiting."
Nick smiled and led the way out of the room, joining with the other Warblers in the corridor. "Let's just get going."
Later, at the coffee shop, Jeff yawned and leaned his head on Nick's shoulder and let his eyes slip shut. Nick looked down at him and smiled, not caring that the other boys were laughing at them.
"Maybe we should head out before we have to carry Jeff to the car," Trent said above the laughs.
Wes nodded. "Good idea." The Warblers left the coffee shop, with Jeff and Nick trailing behind. Neither of the boys noticed another group of teens coming in between them and their friends until it was too late.
"Hey guys, look who it is! The faggot is back in town!"
The teens laughed as their leader walked up to Nick and Jeff, towering over both the boys. "Haven't changed a bit, have we? Still as gay as ever I see." He spat at Nick and grabbed his collar. "I thought I told you I never wanted to see your face again!"
He threw Nick on to the ground and laughed when Nick put an arm in front of his face as if to protect himself.
He turned to Jeff. "And who are you? His boyfriend?" He grinned evilly, eyes cold as stone. The circle around tightened as the other boys came closer, waiting to see the action.
Jeff straightened his back and glared at their harasser. "Leave us alone!"
Suddenly, a siren was heard from a distance but approaching fast. "Let's get out of here!" With that, he spat at Nick and followed the rest of the teens.
Jeff bent down next to Nick and brushed the hair away from the boy's eyes. He frowned when Nick flinched. "Are you okay?"
Nick nodded, not meeting Jeff's worried eyes, and sat up, but remained silent.
The rest of the Warblers made a protective circle around Jeff and Nick and waited for the police to arrive; it did not take long. When the officer arrived he spoke to Thad, who had made the call, then made his way over to Nick.
"I'm Officer Smith. First, are you okay?" Nick nodded, and still did not look up. "Did you recognize the people who did this?"
There was a pause. "No," Nick's voice shook.
"Are you sure?" The officer frowned and looked at Jeff for confirmation.
"I've never seen any of them before today."
The officer nodded and wrote something in his book. He helped Nick up. "There isn't enough information to do a formal investigation, but I will report the incident and keep an eye out. I have descriptions of the boys from your friends, and if you need anything else give me a call."
Jeff put an arm around Nick, noticing his shaking shoulders and led him to the cars. Once in, he pulled Nick close. "I should have protected you. I'm sorry."
"There was nothing you could have done. I'll be okay." Nick spent the rest of the ride in Jeff's arms, trying to draw comfort from the boy he knew he would never have.
AN: Hope you enjoyed the chapter! Hopefully this story will be updated more often. And FYI, Java Central is Westerville's local coffee shop, it's a real place and I've been there. I've always found it weird that in fanfiction it's accepted that the Warblers drive an hour away to get coffee all the time. Hence the local coffee shop.
