The following days went normally; school, work with Niels, work at the apartment, study and sleep. Mathias couldn't wait to have time to breathe.

Time passed quickly and Friday came by. Mathias only had a short class in the morning and he did work a bit at the apartment before breaking down and plopping onto his bed thinking about Niels. He could have been leaving Oslo for the beach with Niels at that very moment… and have a good time with him, drunk and laughing by the fire with the smaller man in his arms.

Hey, he knew where he lived… why wouldn't he peek by and at least to say hello or something… maybe convince him to do something a tad fancier?

Taking his coat, Mathias left his apartment, took his car and left for Oslo's dark area where Niels' lived. At first, when the Dane had came back home from their hot night, walking, he hadn't believe Niels, a guy studying in law, could be living in such a rat hole… it was a tad weird in fact.

Mathias parked his car in an underground parking and took the infinite stairs to the man's apartment. In front of the door, the Dane felt his heart trying to convince him to turn around and go back home. Niels had said he didn't want to go to the beach that day… well, that he couldn't, but he clearly stated he didn't want to. Still, Mathias knocked at the door.

Xxx

Eirik jumped at the sound of someone knocking at his door. Rarely did he have friends that were brave enough to venture into this neighborhood and certainly not a night. Taking a knife, Eirik cautiously approached the door looking out the peephole. Scrunching his face at his brother's boy friend he placed the knife on the table and opened the door.

"Niels isn't here." he announced instantly.

Xxx

"Hi there," Mathias said with a smirk, "Yeah, I supposed he wouldn't…" he ended up saying, looking around the corridor and back at Eirik.

"D'ye mind?" he asked, pointing at the door. Eirik let him step in and closed the door behind him, "So, I heard ye got a new game console, uh?" he said, trying to find themselves a conversation. Though, he had also heard Niels mention he needed to buy his brother a game since… well, he had bought him the console, but no game.

Mathias, keeping his coat, walked a bit farther into the tiny apartment and caught yet again the sight of that broken window with paper to block out the chill. He turned to face the boy with a raised eyebrow and asked "How long has it been like that?"

Xxx

"Uh ya... he didn't have enough money for a game so I haven't even taken it out of its box yet." Eirik admitted before flopping down on the couch and flip on the TV. He usually didn't hang out in the living room. It was too cold with that damn window.

Apparently Mathias noticed it too, "About a year, maybe longer." Eirik answered as if it were little importance. He leaned back and looked at Mathias as he inspected the window. "Don't break it more. Niels has to sleep out here." Eirik spoke sternly.

Why was he here again? Shouldn't he be down where Niels worked or something? After all, Niels said he worked at a gas station... "You know Niels is never back until like 3 am or so."

Xxx

"A year?!" Mathias shouted, surprised as he looked at the bored kid, "Damn." And Niels was really sleeping here, in the living room, with that broken not so isolated window? Staring at the window and mentally taking the measurements, he snapped out of his calculation, "Huh? Really, that late?" he said, surprised.

Well, he could understand now why he couldn't come at the beach with him if he was gone until 3 am. Though, he really wondered what he was doing…

"D'ye know where he is?" he asked, still looking at the window and walking by it to look at the model and take some mental pictures of it. He really planned on rapidly going back to his place and take some spare window materials he had in the basement and fix this shit.

Xxx

Eirik wiggled into the cushions of the couch and took a blanket trying to keep the cold out. "No. He said he works at a gas station. But I've never seen him coming home smelling like gas." Eirik froze, realizing he shouldn't be saying things like that. He didn't know this man, and it wasn't appropriate to speak of family issues so openly.

Retracing his steps, Eirik added, "He's never told me where he works and I've never really asked. If you need him, I can pass the message." he watched wearily as Mathias snooped by their window. "Please stop messing with that. Really, Niels will be pissed if more glass comes off."

Xxx

At the boy's words, Mathias pulled away the paper and snatched the remaining glass, "Don't worry kid, I know what I'm doin'," he said, using his booted feet to pull the glass on the floor into a little pile, "So, Niels got two jobs with the school, huh?" he said, looking back at Eirik. Well, sure removing everything now wasn't bright, but Mathias wouldn't take long before coming back with the stuff he needed.

He walked to the thermostat and turned it off, making sure they wouldn't be wasting electricity by the time he would be working on the window and walked to the door, "I'll be right back in a minute boy," and left without a second word.

He went back home, took the stuff he needed in the basement's storeroom with the tools he needed, packed his trunk and went back to Niels' apartment less than half an hour later. He didn't dare to knock as he stepped inside the apartment with a huge piece of glass and went back down a couple of times to fetch planks and tools.

"Aw yeah, forgot to mention my dad was a carpenter and I learned from him… I'll fix that for ye," he laughed as Eirik was coming back from the bedroom since the entire living room had gotten too cold. Mathias removed his coat, dropped it on the cough and began to work. Yeah, it was a tad too late to begin and hit with his hammer, but he had to do it.

Xxx

Blinking a few times, Eirik sat on the couch dumb founded. "R-Really?" he asked in disbelief. As he watched Mathias work he believed him. "Wow, Niels is going to shit a brick." Eirik said seriously. All of a sudden he felt more hospitable to Mathias. "Would you like some coffee or something. I mean..." he just didn't know what to do or say.

Without really waiting for Mathias to say yes or no, Eirk got up from his place and entered the tiny kitchen. If his brother wasn't dating this man, he should be. Niels had been looking so sickly recently, and Eirik imagined it was from the cold and late nights. His brother would sleep at the oddest hours, if he slept. A good man like Mathias could have a good effect on Niels.

Coming back into the living room, Eirik sat back down on the couch. "Last time you said you weren't dating my brother. How about now? I mean your fixing our window." They couldn't even get their landlord to get off his lazy ass to fix it.

Xxx

Taking the back of his hammer to tear off the useless wood and window contour, Mathias momentarily turned around to look at the boy and give him a disappointed smirk, "Nope," he said before backing off with a piece of window, "It's harder than I thought with him…"

Oh yes, it was way tougher than he had expected. But now that he was alone with the problem's little brother, maybe he could help him in something, "Has he ever gotten someone in his life?" he asked, pulling off some other window's piece and making sure most of it was staying close to the wall, "Any boyfriend or girlfriend ye knew?"

It would be a good clue in fact if he knew the man had already gotten into a relation or not before… if he was just some player or if he could eventually seek for a long term relation.

"Has he ever mentioned me?" he asked, finishing to snatch away some useless piece of window before taking his measuring tape and a pencil to report his measures on his materials.

Xxx

Eirik thought long and hard about his brother. It wasn't an easy task for him. When they both lived with their parents, things had been tough and both mainly stayed in their rooms silently. It's what their parents wanted. Two silent sons that they could simply forget. After a moment of thinking he answered, "There were a few girls, maybe a few guys. But none of them were serious. He would date them then they just sorta disappeared."

Taking a sip of his hot coffee, Eirik remembered one time he had walked in on his brother. It was how he found out that his brother wasn't straight. He had only been ten and was so shocked at what he saw that his poor brain couldn't comprehend what had happened until many years later. Trying to get the mental image Eirik started to answer Mathias' second question. "Well you see... him and I don't talk. Niels comes home and maybe eats, then leaves. When he isn't sleeping, he's studying." he started, Mathias seem to look very disappointed but Eirik remembered something. "Oh, but that one night I asked him who you were, he said you were a nice guy. Niels usually doesn't have an opinion of anyone. So that's good."

Xxx

Mathias stopped moving, thinking a bit and gave the boy a gentle smile before continuing to reproduce his measures on the planks. He went silent for a long while, thinking about all this… well, if he did have many people passing by in his life, Mathias was pretty sure now that Niels was simply a player, a hooker who would use his charms to get what he wanted, and with the Dane… he didn't know what it was. Sex mostly, but they hardly had done anything yet except touch and suck off each other two times. And yet, they didn't know each other that much either. They did work together for quite some time, but it seemed Niels had showed interests into Mathias only recently for unknown reasons.

And Niels had given food to the wrong stray cat. Mathias was far to be ready to give up.

Taking his saw and cutting his planks, Mathias asked "Well, d'ye know anythin' he likes? Ye said ye don't talk that much but… ain't anythin' that would really make him happy or somethin'?"

He didn't know how Niels would react in fact with the window, but he sincerely didn't give a fuck; he simply wanted to repair it. He couldn't believe the landlord hadn't made it repaired yet. And well… to get Niels' attention, he was starting to get ready and put forth the effort.

He didn't really realise how eager he was into this, but maybe having a first real relationship with another guy was exciting in fact…

Xxx

Eirik snorted, "Well if you properly install that new window that'll make him happy." Though he knew that wasn't what Mathias was looking for. Taking a sip of his coffee a thought came to his mind. "You're right we don't talk much, but I do know Niels. He likes peace and quiet and he loves just lounging around and doing nothing." Which was true. If Mathias was looking for, 'Niels' favorite color is blue' or anything of that nature, Eirik couldn't help him.

He never really paid that much attention to Niels. "He doesn't like people." Eirik finally added. Niels was quite the antisocial even though people seem to think otherwise, those odd, random people that seemed to call Niels and ask him to go out. Yes, Eirik had heard some conversations from Niels phone. But he never questioned him. "Taking him to clubs will probably turn him off. If you want to impress him, think simple and quiet."

Xxx

Those suggestions from Niels' younger brother took the Dane from behind; antisocial? Peace and quiet places? Really? From what he had learned all by himself lately, Niels was quite the opposite. He himself even proposed to him to go to a club right after their dinner at the Italian restaurant…

Mathias was even more confused. He had thought that asking question to Eirik about his brother would make everything a lot clearer, but it was completely the other way around that was happening in his head. Though, it made the Dane even more decided into seducing the Norwegian, and his brain was actually working full speed to find something, another something they could do together that would please Niels like nothing else.

Nodding, he continued into his work. While installing one plank and preparing himself to hammer it in place with nails between the lips, the Dane flashed, "What 'bout ye boy? What's up? We're talkin' 'bout Niels and all, but yeah… what 'bout ye? Goin' to school and all?" he asked, pinning the plank in place with two strong hammer blows.

Xxx

"Unfortunately I am. I have one more year after this one then I will see about going to college." he huffed darkly though. If going to college meant toiling and working like his brother, forget it. "I think I want to work for a few years before I do though. I'm not one for school." But what the man didn't know about Eirik was he was book nerd. If he entered his room he would see his walls covered in bookshelves that were plum full.

"I usual just stay here all day, though. Nothing really to do in this neighborhood." That was safe he should have added. It was strange going from a clean neighborhood and a rich family to such a dumpy area and home.

"What about you. How do you know my brother and such." he asked mildly. Even though Eirik was used to being home alone at night, he was enjoying his talk with Mathias.

Xxx

Mathias gave the boy a cocky smirk. He would have assumed that both brothers were pretty nerdy though, with what Eirik had said, nothing could show it. Not to the Dane though.

"Met at work, at the library," he said, finishing hammering the plank and returned to another one, "And well, things went cool and all, but he's so confusin'," he began, hammering his plank, "he seemed interested…"

Mathias took some isolation to place it around the window and blocked the holes with parts of sheetrock he began to screw in the walls. After he put the last screw, he passed a hand into his hair and shrugged, "But well, it's not a good time now I guess… we're both in our final exams and don't really have time for each other… and I guess ye have money problems for what I can understand," he said, looking back at Eirik with a sad grin.

Mathias took one of the big glasses and places some sliders on it before placing it on the frame to fix them together and took another glass to do the same thing. He was almost finished.

"Well there, I just need to plaster the wall and paint it, but I think ye can go along with that until I come back with the rest… most of it was rotten, but I got it fixed," he said, gesturing at the window and beamed a big smile at the boy sat on the couch before walking back to the thermostat and starting it. He then plopped himself right next to Eirik and sighed. God, he needed a break…

"So… ye say calm stuff huh… like what?" the Dane asked. Well, his trip to the beach was somewhat a calm thing far from civilization he wanted to do with the man and he had rejected it.

Xxx

Feeling the heat now pouring in and not a bad cold draft, Eirik removed his blanket. "Things like watching a movie, but not in theaters. Niels would much prefer to be at home and do that. I suppose just being home and not doing anything." Eirik said at last. God he sounded as if he didn't know his brother at all.

But with what Mathias said about money issues, Eirik was confused. He knew that they had to pinch their pennies but they had never really been in financial problems. But from what Mathias said, it was a whole other ordeal. His brain was rattled and not knowing about that made him start to believe he didn't know his brother at all. After a moment of silence, Eirik added something out of the blue. "He likes car drives and nature hikes. He's only gone a few times, but it's the happiest I've seen him."

But with two jobs and school, certainly now Niels couldn't go and do that, let alone afford that. Mathias had wanted to know things that his brother liked and that was the best thing he could come up with. "Mathias..." he said after a moment. "What is this you were saying about financial issues?"

Xxx

Mathias felt bad all of a sudden and realized he shouldn't have said that. Maybe it was some personal stuff he shouldn't have mentioned… But, he was better to finish what he had come up with.

"Well, Niels already asked me for money… That moment when ye called and we were… ANYWAY, he had needed money that time I guess," he said, rubbing his face with his hands. Yeah, he shouldn't put his nose in places he wasn't invited sometimes. Eirik didn't seem to know, maybe because Niels didn't want him to.

"Thanks for the tip boy," he said after a moment and pushed himself up, gathering his stuff, "But… don't tell Niels I did that, okay?" he said in a low tone, mentioning the window, "And that I came over…" he said with a grin, "I don't want him to feel like he owe me something, ye see."

Then, cleaning up a bit before putting his stuff next to the door, he opened the door and turned toward Eirik before saying, "Was really nice to talk with ye kid, see ye soon," took his stuff and left.

So, that car ride to the beach was INDEED a good idea according to Eirik. Mathias knew what he needed to do now, oooh yes, he knew. Despite all the confusion, things were a bit clearer in the end, and going back home to end in his bed and soundly sleep, he had a plan for the future days.

Xxx

To say the least when Niels returned home he was trashed. How he managed up the stairs was beyond him seeing how the whole world tried to tip away from him. Not to mention that one of his clients had given him something that had made him trip balls. Sadly, the client then slipped out of the room without payment. Niels had spent a whole night with a man only to not receive a dime. This is why he tried to keep to his regulars and not random men of the street. There was no knowing on what they would do or if Niels would be paid.

Finally reaching his floor, Niels leaned heavily on the wall as he made it towards his door. He was about to open it and go inside, but there was the sound of the t.v. on, as if Eirik was up insanely late watching t.v. This wasn't the first time that Niels came stumbling home, drugged and drunk out of his mind only to have to sit outside and wait for his little brother to go to bed. Collapsing on the floor Niels laid there on the cold wooden walk way. His mind kept thinking on how he would get the money he owed Berwald and how he would get money for food and rent. It whirled and he couldn't get any clear thoughts.

Worst of all, he began to think on his life's decisions. The number of people he had slept with was uncountable. Niels couldn't remember even the face of the man he had slept with that night let alone with anyone he had slept with earlier that week. A disgusted feeling pumped threw his veins as he lay there bitterly. He hated everything he did in life, he hated living like he did, but what choice did he have?

His stomach twisted and Niels struggled to lean his head over the rail to puke. Niels could hear his vomit splashing on the ground seconds later. Crumbling back down onto the ground he laid there miserable and cold. He fell asleep there until the sun came up and he was woken by some poor soul struggling to start his car. Grumbling, he dragged his sorry ass inside. Niels didn't notice the window, all he noticed was his couch and blankets. Curling up again, he hid himself from Eirik by his covers before falling back asleep once more.

Xxx

On the next day, Mathias prepared some stuff he packed in the trunk of his car, like blankets and CDs he put on the front seat. He made a turn to the grocery to get some beer and food and came back to his apartment to make lunches for the evening. Mathias wasn't sure about all of this, how Niels would take it or if he would ever catch the man before he would slip out of his apartment or anything, but he didn't lose anything to try.

A little bit before noon, Mathias left his place to go downtown to Niels' apartment. The Dane didn't work on this Saturday and even if he would have, he didn't care. He had also left before his landlord would call him for some fore reparation. He would do what he had in mind before everything.

When he arrived at Niels', parking his car in the underground parking, he rapidly walked up the stairs and gently knocked at the door. Whatever he would say, whatever would happen, Niels would come with him.

Xxx

The pounding on the door woke the sleeping Niels like cold drench of water. His head seem to rattle with the each knock. Sitting up, he dragged himself off the couch, still wearing last night's clothes that no doubt had stains from many different things. God he smelt like booze and sex. But he really didn't care if Berwald saw him like this. The man knew Niels' trade. Or at least, he thought it would be Berwald knocking on the door.

Opening it, Niels almost wanted to slam it close at the sight of Mathias. But he stopped himself as he tried to get a hold of himself as his hangover began to pulse harshly at his temples. Clutching his head, Niels asked gruffly, "What are you doing here?"

Xxx

Mathias was indeed very surprised to see Niels in such a state. He didn't know what he had done the previous evening, or the entire night since Eirik had told him he often came back during the very early morning, but he had supposed it was due to his second job as the younger brother had said. Worked at a gas station, huh? Though, the stench he had accidently whiffed right in the nose didn't smell like a gas station to be honest… and he didn't really want to know.

Trying to not look too surprised of Niels' brushed head, Mathias raised an eyebrow and gave the man a cocky grin, "Get dressed babe, we're leaving."

Xxx

Hearing those words caused Niels to close the door in Mathias' face and head back to the couch. He wasn't going anywhere, but before he could so much as close his eyes the front door was opened and Mathias standing inside. "Go away." he growled from the couch as he pulled the covers over his head. God he smelled bad, and worst of all his stomach was twisting and turning threatening Niels that it would upchuck whatever was left in his stomach.

Bolting from the couch he dashed into the bathroom just in time to vomit in the sink. Truth be told, Niels wasn't sure what he was given last night, but it sure was doing a number on his stomach. Sure, he had hangovers from alcohol all the time, but usually after he threw up once, he would be good for the rest of the day.

What the hell was Mathias doing here anyways?

Xxx

Seeing Niels dash to the bathroom and hearing his desperate puking sounds made the Dane frown. Well, maybe it wasn't a good idea… Yes it was. Niels needed a break of whatever he was doing, just like Mathias needed one. Fuck school, fuck work, and welcome road and quietness. Niels would come either he wanted or not.

Though, at the moment, Mathias had to help the man get better before even trying to get him into the car. Kicking off his boots, the Dane went to the kitchen to rummage around the cupboards and find a glass he filled with water and went to the bathroom to kneel next to the sick man, putting the glass next to him. He gave soothing rubs on the Norwegian's entire back and waited.

Xxx

He gladly took the glass of water, swishing the cool water around his mouth before spitting it back out. Leaning there of the sink with Mathias soothing rubs was helping him, even though his head pounded. "Do me a favor..." Niels asked weakly. "There's a beer in the fridge go fetch it for me." a little alcohol would take the bite off the hangover.

As soon as Mathias returned with the bottle, Niels chugged it down to half way before stopping. The warmth of the beer seemed to sweep away his hangover, though his stomach still twisted in protest. Stumbling over to the toilet and sitting down, Niels grumpily looked Mathias over. "What exactly do you want?"

Xxx

The more he saw of Niels' bad mood, or well, clearly hangover mood, the more the Dane simply wanted to back off and leave. But no. He wouldn't. He had a plan in mind and as much as it didn't work like he had wished it would, he still wanted to go with it. Sitting in front of Niels, Mathias crossed his arms on the Norwegian's lap to give him a gentle grin and replied "Come with me, that's all I want… ye won't regret it, I swear!"

Or well, he hoped… but whatever would happen, Mathias would work as hard as he could to make the Norwegian smile at least once. He had smiled plenty of times recently, but these smiles were empty… Mathias didn't know Niels all that much, but he was pretty sure his brother was speaking the truth. He had still grown with the man…

Xxx

Narrowing his eyes, Niels crossed his arms. "Go with you where?" he practically seethed. Hadn't he told this man no? Why was he so persistent? But... after last night.. he needed to work for some money. Maybe he could get more out of Mathias. After all he did once.. So changing his attitude just a bit, Niels conceited. "Fine. Just let me shower." he answered before shooing the man from his bathroom.

Turning on the shower, he put it on as hot as he could handle it. Last night had been rough and he felt like he had to scrub it off his skin. Not to mention the foul smell that came from every corner of his body. Disgustingly he felt crusty remnants of cum on his back side. The bastard from last night hadn't even bothered with a condom. Now he would have to get himself tested. Today was shaping up to be a terrible one.

Slipping out of the shower, he tied a towel around his body and exited, where Mathias could see him. Not that he cared. Grabbing out a tub at the end of the couch he rummaged for normal clothes. Clothes he wore when he wasn't looking to be fucked. Though, Niels certainly was but all of his usual clothes were dirtied and needed to be washed. His everyday style was plain and almost geeky. "Turn your head." Niels ordered, without looking over to see if Mathias obeyed or not before slipping off his towel to change.

Xxx

Mathias obeyed just in time. As much as he wanted to look, he still felt like he really needed to respect Niels, for unknown reasons. Oh well, Mathias had always respected people he cared for in general, and why he cared for the Norwegian was out of his comprehension. Turning his head to the window, Mathias let a corner smile graze his lips. He wondered if Niels had noticed…

But well, he wasn't to receive any honour for it since he didn't want. He simply hoped he would be happy with a shutable window now. Well, Eirik seemed and he didn't see why the Norwegian wouldn't.

Peeking at the man to see if he had at least pulled up some underwear and seeing he had, he looked back at him and pushed himself up. Oh, Mathias had planned on not touching Niels from their entire trip, not even before and not after. Or well, alcohol would speak for him until there.

"Hope ye didn't have anythin' planned today, 'cause they're now cancelled," he said in a humoured tone and fetched his coat while putting his boots back on. He was glad he didn't have to use force on the man to pull him away from here. A little bit nervous, the Dane put his hand on the doorknob and waited for the Norwegian to be ready to leave.

Xxx

No he didn't have plans. If he did they were late at night. But if Mathias paid him well, then those would be cancelled as well. Grabbing his coat he left with Mathias down to his car. It had been a long time since had been in a poor man's car. Most that he were in were parked and they werent going anywhere and had a huge price tag on them. Feeling the familiar cushions of cheap polyester seats made Niels feel more at home with himself.

As they began to go further and further from his apartment, Niels noticed they were leaving Oslo. "I don't think I have left this city in five years. Can you believe it?" he said quietly. "Are you going to tell me where we're going now?"

Xxx

The Dane smirked, slowly shaking the head as his eyes staid staring at the road in front of him, "Ye'll see when we get there," he said in a mocking tone, turning the head to wink at Niels and took a turn to go on the highway to the South.

"Ye can take a nap babe, it might take a couple of hours," he almost whispered, gently smiling to the Norwegian. They could have talked during their trip down the road, but knowing the man had just came out of a bad hangover and that Mathias had bothered him into his sleep, it was a way to be forgiven in some sort…

The trip lasted two hours in which they passed through towns after towns. The Dane had also never left Oslo since he was living there, but it had only been two years he was there, unlike the Norwegian. Eventually, they rolled for a good moment in a total desert, or almost, before reaching water. Mathias hadn't turned the radio on during the trip and arriving at the empty desolated beach, everything turned even more silent. Only the cracking of the wheels on concrete could bother someone's sleep as the Dane braked and turned the engine off. Taking a short moment to sigh, he looked at Niels and gently stroked his knees.

Xxx

Hearing the engine turn off, Niels' body automatically woken a tad, and when he felt Mathias' hands on his knees, he jolted awake. It was always in the back of his mind that one of his clients might drive him out to the middle of nowhere and murder him. But seeing the bright face of Mathias, he relaxed a bit. Looking out the front window, he saw the ocean and not a soul around. Because it was winter, the sun was close to sun down rather than high in the sky. But that was okay with Niels.

"A beach?" he asked unsure. So after all Mathias had taken him to the place he said no to the other day. He tried to not look like he didn't like the idea, Niels just didn't like that he didn't know what Mathias was up to.

But he pushed those thoughts away and watched a few birds fly high in the sky and a few waves crash onto the beach. It was peaceful. So much different than Oslo where he was going from man to man for sex and money.

Xxx

Mathias slightly chuckled and opened his door to step outside. He tip toed to look around the beach and spotted one old fire place. Leaning back inside the car, Mathias spoke "I'll start a fire there," while pointing at the spot, "So we can be closer to the water without freezing to death!"

Turning around his car, Mathias opened his trunk and gathered some old planks he had brought for the fire and paper and brought them all to the fire spot, leaving Niels alone in the car. He worked on lighting the fire, though, with the very strong wind and cold air, it was very hard, but as soon as it had caught the planks, the wind only helped the fire to grow and start. Stepping back to look at the crackling fire, Mathias put his hands in his pockets and sighed in relief. He was glad he had managed to get the Norwegian here. Sure, it was a tad cool, but it was only the beginning of winter and there was still no snow around yet.

The Dane turned around to face the open sea and smiled. The sun was already setting down, slowly leaving place to the night. In Norway, it was getting dark so fast in winter, something he hadn't known back in Denmark. It was a tad depressing…

Xxx

Exiting the car, Niels walked up to the fire and settled down. For long moments of time, he sat there inhaling the sea salt air. Even though the wind had a bite to it, Niels didn't mind. It had been such a long time. The rhythmic sounds of the waves crashing were making Niels feel sleeping again. To keep himself awake he began to look at the seashells that were in the sand around him.

This was a wickedly nice thing for Mathias to do, and Niels didn't understand why. Collecting his own pile of shells he leaned back in the sand. The wind still was roaring and cooling his body despite his coat and the fire. "Did you bring a blanket?" he asked.

Xxx

Staring at the ocean, Mathias was brought out of his mind by Niels' question, "Oh, yeah, wait here!" he said, rapidly going back to the car's trunk and taking out two blankets and a bag with their lunch. He left the alcohol in it, he thought it was a tad displaced to bring this up now after having witnessed Niels spilling out his hangover hours ago. He handed one to the man and put the bag down before sitting on his own blanket. He wasn't cold yet and he didn't think he would use it soon anyway.

He had sit on the other side of the fire, leaving the Norwegian his space out of stress. Mathias sure wanted to sit behind him and wrap his arms around his little waist to kiss his neck and warm him up, but he chased the idea away and hummed happily, resting his head on his forearms. After a short moment, he flashed and pushed the bag in the sand closer to Niels, "If ye're ever hungry, I brought food," he said with a large grin.

Xxx

At the word food, Niels' stomach growled painfully. Dear god he didn't even remember the last time he ate. "Ya I am." he said gratefully as he took the bagged lunch. He wasn't surprised to find just sandwiches and chips, but he ate it all quickly. Niels didn't even taste the food. Pulling his blanket close, he stood.

"I know the tide is coming in, but do you want to look for sea shells." it was an odd request, something that guys probably shouldn't do, but he loved finding the colorful objects.

Xxx

Mathias looked at Niels eat like he had never eaten before. His heart clenched painfully; no surprises if Niels was so skinny. But he was happy he would eat. The Dane nibbled on some chips before Niels stood and asked for a walk around the beach to look for shells. Pushing himself up, the Dane jogged to stand by Niels and smiled, "Yeah, why not," and they began to walk, Niels wrapped up in a blanket while the Dane had almost unzipped his coat. He wasn't hot, but he didn't need extra layers.

Sun was grazing the horizon and soon they would have enough light to look around, but they kept they walk slow and calm, looking down for sea shells. Mathias felt like the man standing next to him wasn't the same he had met days ago. Just like there was an Oslo Niels and another Niels he had never known, just like Eirik had described him. Though, Mathias had to admit that he preferred from far this Niels, this very one standing and almost childishly looking down for shells. There was no sexual tension between them and it was soothing not to feel the man all over him trying to seduce him any seconds, or even worse trying to flee him.

Niels had kept his sandwich bag to keep the shells he was collecting and Mathias helped him to fill it. After a while, the Dane had subtly fetched for the Norwegian's hand, giving it a gentle squeeze as he acted like nothing and kept looking down, often bending down to pick some. It wasn't like someone was there and disgustingly looking at them; it was completely deserted. They were only the two of them walking on the sand into the cool evening with a salty wind blowing through their hair.

Xxx

Niels honestly did like the innocent touch of their hands. It was why he didn't jerk his hand away. The fact that Mathias wasn't looking at him like a piece of meat helped as well. Niels had felt the need to try and sell himself to Mathias that night when he had first left Oslo. But now, peacefully collecting shells, he had no desire to ruin their time on the beach by his selfish need and desire for cash.

Once the baggy was full and the tide rush back in, they went back to their smoldering fire. Mathias worked hard to rekindle it back to life. Niels on the other hand started to dig. To Mathias' eyes it must have looked like Niels was planning on building a sandcastle, but Niels had no such goal. Using his hands and the damp sand, he began to shape a large bank. He kept it up until this bank made a horseshoe shape around the fire. Almost instantly things around the fire became warmer as the wind was cut off.

Taking the extra blanket, Niels spread it next to the bank before patting the spot next to him.

Xxx

Mathias gave the other man a corner grin before sitting next to him on the blanket and sighed. Yeah, what a bright guy… Being the one having lived in deplorable conditions where he had to learn how to survive without his parents most of the times, he hadn't even thought about this. But well…

He was really enjoying his moment alone with Niels and he did really hope it was the same for him. A bit selfishly in a way since, yes, it was a way for the Dane to win the Norwegian and also to have a good time. Though, Mathias did enjoy going out and seeing people, unlike Niels it seemed. But Mathias also liked to be alone with someone he liked, thus being here with Niels. They had nothing to say. Though, on Mathias side, it was more like he would force himself to shut his trap around Niels. Eirik had told him Niels liked silence, and that's what he was trying to give him; being alone in calm and silence. Well, he wasn't alone, but the Dane still tried to give him the best he needed.

The heat was really calming and relaxing. With the bank, everything got warmer as the sun left, leaving the entire area dived in moonlight and the fire light. Mathias leaned back and deeply breathed in, fetching for the bag and took the other sandwich to slowly eat it. He passed the bag to Niels for he could eat the remaining chips. The Dane tilted the head, "Got beer in the car if ye're thirsty," he said with a mocking grin, taking a big bite of his meal.

Xxx

Niels had been staring at the fire hypnotically until Mathias broke the silence with his question. He nodded politely before returning his gaze back to the blaze. When he felt Mathias leave, the heat seemed to seep slowly away and he was grateful when the Dane returned with the beer. Popping of the top, Niels took a swig of the warm beer. He didn't care that it wasn't cold, in fact on that chilly night it was best it wasn't cold.

Once Mathias was settled down next to him, Niels tossed the blanket around them, enjoying the body heat that Mathias gave up. With one beer in one hand, Niels reached out for Mathias' free one, comfortably slipping his fingers in between his. He had no idea why he was doing that, but for some odd reason he wanted to feel a touch that wasn't sexual and just there. It was nice, nicer than any of the caresses he received from customers.

Even though Niels knew the answer, he had to ask, "Why are you doing these things?"

Xxx

Under the blanket, Mathias wrapped one hand around the smaller man's waist, slipping their fingers back between each other's and pulled Niels a tad closer. Oh, he had missed this closeness with someone he cared for. Simply being there, calm and silent, without any back thoughts and caressing… It was a girly though, he assumed it, but he had grown liking those moments when he was with his girlfriends and he really missed those.

Keeping his staring on the fire, Mathias brought the beer to his lips, gulping down one long mouthful of the bitter liquid and sighed in relief as he heard Niels' question breaking the creaking sound of the fire. He silently chuckled, "Just felt like doin' so," he said, but noticed how Niels was staring at him and he sighed.

Leaning back a bit after pulling himself together, he looked at Niels with a soft smile, "I really like ye Niels, and I simply hoped our relation would go a bit farther…" he said, and corrected himself, "And I'm not meaning on the sexual plan… but, ye see," he continued, sighing, "it's been a long time I haven't been in a stable relation and I kinda miss it…" he said in a slight giggle and gently stroked the Norwegian's side.

Xxx

Letting out a flat laugh, Niels finished off his first beer as well. "You know you probably picked the worse person to strike up a steady relationship with." Niels said truthfully. But he didn't push Mathias light touches, the man respectfully kept his strokes in appropriate areas of Niels' body. Sighing contently, Niels leaned back and looked up at the dark sky. Niels tried to remember the last time he had actually been in a relationship that meant something to him. After a while Niels realized he simply couldn't remember one.

"I'll admit I miss doing some things like this." he went quiet once more, lightly running his thumb over Mathias' hand. For the first time in a long time, Niels felt how lonely he truly was. These small touches and the comfortable body heat was wonderful. Niels felt like a sponge soaking up this affection. But, he imagined that Mathias didn't really understand this fact.

Xxx

The Norwegian's words pinched Mathias' heart, but he didn't let it show, "I'm sure ye can, anyone can when they can and give themselves a chance," he said cheerfully, keeping his gentle strokes of Niels' hip, "But look," he said, looking back at the fire with a corner grin, "I won't push ye if ye don't wanna be with me… I just… though ye were interested…" he chuckled at his own lameness. He sounded like an old man and it made him laugh a bit more. He down his beer and dropped the bottle right next to his foot.

"Truthfully, I should not get involved right now, otherwise I'm pretty sure I'll screw my schooling," he said, rubbing his eyes, "But damn it…" he then turned the head to face the Norwegian and move his hand to gently caress his cheek and jaw, "If ye want, I'd like to give it a try…"

Xxx

Niels let out a sad smile, he couldn't accept his offer. No matter how nice his touch felt on his cheeks and jaw, no matter how nice of a guy Mathias was, it just simply wouldn't be right. Removing his hand lightly, Niels looked away and back to the fire. "I really can't, Mathias. One day it will dawn on you why." he said lightly as if he were discussing the weather. But he didn't relinquish his hand, because he liked the touch and the attention he had been given.

It was sick of him, even though he was rejecting Mathias, he couldn't fully bring himself to reject him. "Who knows, maybe after school winds down we can try again." he lied. If Mathias approached him again on this matter he knew that he would say no. "I am after all balancing two jobs and school."

He grabbed another beer because they both looked like they needed it. He popped off the cap and handed it over to Mathias before sliding closer to the man. There was an imaginary wind that was blowing, and Niels pretended he was cold. Truth be told he was perfectly warm.

Xxx

Though, Mathias didn't feel like snuggling at the moment. He was feeling like Niels had taken his heart, pierced it and now was sickly stroking it with a knife still stabbed into it. He… he couldn't understand. How someone could be showing affection, attraction, sexual gestures without feeling like wanting to be more with the other person and maybe consider themselves as lovers?

"Is it 'cause ye're not gay?! Look, I don't wanna know…" he said, pushing himself up and walked away. One of his hands came to grab his hair and he sighed, still walking away. He needed a moment to breathe and think, to be away from Niels for a short instant. Why? Damn it, Mathias felt like going to his mom and cry in her skirt, it was mad… He didn't even know why he was making such a scene for something this stupid. He supposed it had been the thrill of trying something knew that had driven him there… he didn't know.

He kept walking, far, still a newly opened beer bottle in the hand. He downed it in one shot before shooting it in the ocean. Fuck, he didn't care. He was so mad at himself at the moment to have let things go this far; not between them, but let his own feelings maybe reaching a state of no-return.

Job and school were no reasons not to engage into a relation. No… Mathias also had two jobs and school, money problems and enough personal problems to convince anyone to give up on life, but he never did and he still wanted Niels. Why Niels over anyone? This question didn't have answer yet.

Mathias stopped, not looking behind at the camp fire and turned to face the ocean. He closed his eyes and deeply breathed out, trying to calm himself down and gather himself back together. He still wouldn't give up. No, he wouldn't. If he had to turn Niels completely mad, he would, but he would win him in a way or another. He couldn't let this chance slip between his fingers, that no.

Xxx

He felt bad for Mathias. Niels had no clue that the man was that mad about him. It was odd to see a man upset because he couldn't have a relationship with him. But he was worried that he wasn't gay? That threw him off. He had given the man head twice, not to mention he had enjoyed it from Mathias. Well sure maybe he wasn't gay, due to his job he went both ways. More revenue that way. If he had a choice he would like solely men. Most likely men like Mathias.

Letting the man have his peace, Niels wrapped the blanket around him like cocoon and laid further down drinking his beer. He downed his second one, his third one, and his fifth before he decided to roll over and try to sleep. What bothered Niels was how could Mathias NOT connect the dots about Niels. By not accepting a relationship with the man, Mathias was avoiding a lot of hurt. One day Mathias would figure out why he said no and then he would thank him.

But it really did hurt to know that a man would thank him for helping him avoid loving a prostitute. Niels sat back up and took out yet another beer. There was a craving in him, he really wanted the numbness of cocaine to rush his senses. He tried to cut down the ache in his heart with beer, but alcohol still allowed him to feel. Stupid Mathias for taking him out here.

It had been a good time until the man messed it up with his stupid feelings.

Xxx

Several minutes passed before the Dane came back by the fire. He had calmed down a bit, though, finding Niels lied with many empty beers around him made his blood boil, and before Mathias would try to drunk himself and leave with the car, the Dane thought more intelligent to leave now while he was still able to walk. Approaching Niels, he bent down, looking at his shameful form under the blanket.

Stretching a hand to caress his cheek, he gently whispered "Niels, we're leaving…" but stayed there, looking at the Norwegian's beautiful face slowly awaking. Despite the deep sadness overwhelming the Dane, he still gave him a soft grin and a wink, still caressing his cheek and hair.

What was it that Niels couldn't be with Mathias? It was so confusing…

Xxx

He shakily stood, the alcohol gone to his head. With dignity he strutted to the car, not saying a word. Niels had completely forgotten that it was he that had rejected Mathias and not the other way around. But the alcohol was fueling his thoughts. Coldly, he entered the car, and slammed the door a little roughly shut. Without saying a word, he leaned his head on the window and closed his eyes, pretending to be asleep.

Niels couldn't stop thinking about his life choices. But he felt no need to talk about it to Mathias. He wanted to go home, take some cocaine, study, the go and find a client in that order. Mathias was not part of the picture and Niels would keep it that way. Grabbing another beer from the back seat he drank yet another one.

Xxx

Mathias was feeling bad, really bad. All the while he was driving with a drinking Niels next to him, he almost felt like stopping the car on the side of the road and resonate the man… he felt retarded and stupid. So many things he couldn't comprehend…

But he didn't do anything. He didn't say anything either. They went into a really tensed silence all the way back home. Mathias didn't feel like going to accompany Niels back to his apartment, but still did it; in fact, Niels was way too wasted to even walk. Parking into the underground parking, the Dane hurried himself to catch the Norwegian before he could stumble out of the car, and he grabbed him in his arms like a child.

It had gotten somewhat late and Mathias didn't know if Eirik was in the apartment, either simply being there or sleeping, but no one really care. The Dane simply slowly walked up the stairs with Niels in the arms, threatening to fall many times and finally reached the apartment. He pushed the door opened and tried to close it as silently as he could, walking to the living room and gently dropped Niels on the couch.

Mathias couldn't be mad against Niels… He had felt furious earlier, but not really against the Norwegian and more against himself. Being rejected was never easy to take, even for Mathias. But still, he really liked and cared about Niels... He sat next to the man, leaning over him, and gently stroked his back. Though, he felt like he wouldn't get anything more from the man tonight and left him on the couch. Though, before leaving, he rapidly peeked around his cupboards, fridges and drawers to inspect them. He had very rarely seen such empty storing in his life… there again, no surprise Niels would be so thin…

Before leaving, Mathias fished in his wallet to pick 1200 kroner and leave them under a discarded glass in a way he would see it only if he moved the glass, certainly in the next morning.

And then he left.

While he went down the stairs, he came across another man with glasses who was getting them up, but paid him no attention and left for home.

Back in his apartment, Mathias took a shower in which he masturbated out of frustration. Being rejected was hard, especially when it wasn't question of sex! With girls, it was the principal problem, but how was he suppose to act with a guy? He left for his bed and found sleep only hours later after another masturbation session.


What is this? No porn? Ya we got some developing coming up in the next chapter too, but soon the smut starts up like two happy rabbits trying to have kids.