Nick woke up to the smell of bacon. His mouth automatically started watering and his stomach grumbled. He sat up, looking around the hicks' bedroom. He had almost forgot that he was sleeping in a bedroom that wasn't his. He saw a few band posters on the walls, a few more of them damn graphic novels on the bedside table and a few car magazines. He rubbed his temples and stood up stretching.

"Nick, you awake?" Ellis called out.

"Yeah."

"I made breakfast, come eat. I gotta get to the garage and get it open."

"Right. Garage. Car. Work. Food."

"You certainly didn't sound that crazy yesterday" he joked.

"Shut up Ellis." There he went, being an asshole. He was surprised to see Ellis smiling when he walked into the room.

"How many eggs'd you like?"

"One."

"Bacon?"

"I probably shouldn't. It isn't healthy."

"Jeez, live a little would you?" Ellis chuckled. "I'll give you a couple pieces. I's real nice bacon too. Promise."

"I believe you kid."

Ellis passed him a plate with toast, eggs and bacon. Lots of bacon. Nick sighed. It is only this once.

Ellis sat next to him with a huge amount of food.

Nick frowned. "Just really quick, how the hell do you eat so much junk food and all this greasy shit and… well, stay so fit you know."

Ellis looked thoughtful. "Y'know Nick, I ain't never thought 'bout that shit before."

"Figures."

"Why do you mind anyway?"

"Do you work out?"

"I try to fit in some exercise time, sure."

Nick nodded. Impressive. He quickly eyed Ellis' torso again. It was like he was made to be a model. There was not one bad thing about Ellis. If there was, Nick couldn't place it. His face was nice, his eyes were nice, hell, even the shape of his nose was nice. And those lips. Damn. That there was that perfect body.

Ellis looked at Nick. "How is your food?"

"Good. Do you eat this for breakfast every morning?"

"Naw, usually I have pop tarts at the garage cause I oversleep. Today I set an alarm so I could cook you somethin'."

"That's really nice of you Ellis."

"Thanks." He ate the last of his food and stood up. "You wanna stay here?"

"I will come to the garage if it isn't bothering you."

"Course it ain't. Well, when you're ready."

Nick noticed that Ellis was dressed, bar his shirt, but even his shoes were on. "I will try and be quick."

"Don't worry none, I mean, I will leave in about ten minutes. How's that?"

"That will be fine."

"What brings you to Savannah Nick?"

"Gambling."

"Oh yeah?"

He nodded. "Yep." He took another mouthful of food.

Ellis sat down on the lounge, pulling his shirt on, and opened his laptop. "What do you listen to Nick?"

"Music you probably don't know."

Ellis chuckled. "Okay." He started typing.

"What are you doing?"

"My friends ma owns this shop an' I need a present for my ma y'know, cause it's her birthday soon and I think I left it a bit late."

"Well, at least you buy your mother presents Sport. I don't think she'd care if you bought it last minute or not."

"Yeah, my ma is pretty chill 'bout that kinda thing, but still. She deserves it. She's a single mom y'know? Didn't help that she had me at eighteen too. But she is the best ma in the whole world. Y'know, she is good to me. An' my friend Keith."

"Has she ever been for a massage?"

Ellis shrugged.

"You should get her a gift voucher for a spa or something."

"You think?"

"Course. My mom used to spend her days at the hairdresser or the spa. My ex's both did the same thing. Must be a secret lady thing."

Ellis chuckled. "Maybe it is. Well, there is a day spa here, but I don't know… if my ma'd go."

"There is a first for everything, right?"

"Yeah… damn Nick, you're good. I see how you're a conman. You got yourself a way with words."

Nick chuckled. "Well, thanks Ellis, but… I want you to know me… as a person, not just as a conman."

"I get it. Don't worry."

Nick smiled. "Thanks Ellis."

"I like that… when you wanna be 'sincere' with me, you use 'Ellis'. When you're jus' bein' you, you give me nicknames."

"Sorry… sometimes the nickname thing just slips out."

"I gathered that. You almost ready? I can't be too late now. I got your car to fix an' shit."

"Right. I will just get dressed and clean my teeth."

"All good. If you wanna borrow some o' my clothes instead o' your suit, feel free."

"I don't wear jeans and a tee champ."

"All good." Ellis cleaned his teeth and waited in the other room while Nick debated over trying on some of Ellis' clothes. He ended up trying on a pair of jeans but they were a bit tight, and the legs were too short. He decided on just wearing his pants and shirt, minus the jacket. He cleaned his teeth and they left, Ellis chatted about Nick's car. He was still so excited to be working on one that it was the only thing they, well, Ellis, spoke about.

Nick smiled and listened to Ellis, who had now turned to stories about his buddy Keith. This Keith guy was even more nuts than Nick had originally thought.

"So, that is how that happened" Ellis said, turning into the garage and parking his car. The glove box fell open and emptied several junk food wrappers onto Nick's lap.

"Oh, sorry 'bout that" said Ellis, blushing. He reached over to pick them up, brushing Nick's thigh, and sending a slight jolt through Nick's body.

"It's okay, I will get it." He grabbed the rest of the wrappers and passed them to Ellis. He closed the glove box and got out of the car. "You are definitely a single man in your early twenties Ellis."

He laughed awkwardly. "Yeah? Now that's embarrassing."

Nick chuckled. "Hardly. Being single is fun. Being married and doing the things single people do is really frowned upon."

Ellis rolled his eyes. "You don't say." He unlocked the garage.

Nick followed him in. "Well, I already knew it, I just couldn't stand the women I married and there were people everywhere looking to get laid" he shrugged. "I know you said you didn't, but you can be honest with me Sport, ever had a one night stand?"

"Almost."

Nick frowned. "What do you mean?"

"Her boyfriend came back."

"Oh, well shit."

"Yep. Keith an' Dave still give me shit about it. My ma found out and said that I deserved the black eye."

He smirked and raised a brow. "He punched you?"

"No, she did. For not sleeping with her before he came back. I jus' told my ma he did it."

"Oh my god Ellis."

"Bad, ain't it?"

"I don't know what is worse, not having the expected sex or being punched by her cause you weren't quick enough. That is just…"

"Shameful, init?" he unlocked the staff room and walked in, checking the phone for any messages. Seeing there wasn't any, he nodded.

"A bit, yeah. But you have gone all the way, right?"

"Not exactly."

"Wait…" Nick looked at him. How the hell could someone this attractive not have been in a sexual relationship?

"Don't judge me Nick, I know you are."

"I was just surprised. I mean, you are… well, good looking, y'know."

"Well, sometimes I think I mustn't be."

"You are. Trust me."

"Trust you hm?" he chuckled. "Okay, whatever. I'll trust your judgement this once." He turned on the lights in the garage.

"Yes. Believe me when I say it."

"Say what?"

"Oh, hey there Keith" smiled Ellis, turning to look at Keith.

"What y'all talkin 'bout?"

"Stuff that jus' don't concern you. By the way, you think ma'd like a spa treatment?"

"Probably. Don't they jus' massage your back or somethin'? I think she'd like it, sure."

"Okay. I'll go get that. Now that you're here I'll duck up the street. If them parts come holler, yeah?"

"Will do El."

"Thanks." El walked back out to his car.

Nick looked at Keith.

"Mornin' Nick. You stay at The Vannah?"

"Nah. I stayed at Ellis'."

"Oh yeah?" Keith raised a brow.

Nick nodded. "I did. You got a problem with that?"

"Nope. Say, where'd you get your car?"

"I beat some guy for it. We were gambling and next minute I won and got the car. It was either his car or my apartment. He will tell you a different story."

Keith frowned. "How different can it be?"

"He will say I stole it. We were pretty drunk and we literally filled out the paperwork, put it in my name, and the next morning he called the police who tried to get me for grand theft, but it was in my name. But I have been done for grand theft before"

Keith nodded. "Seems legit man."

"It was." Nick looked at his car. "Don't wanna give this one up too soon."

Keith nodded. "Not gon' chuck it in like your past relationships. I jus' wanna know… what is goin' on between you an' El?"

Nick frowned. "You do this to all of Ellis' partners or something? Well, we aren't together and as soon as my car is done I am out." Remember the plan. Remember the plan.

Keith seemed to relax. "Okay. Cool."

"Don't you want Ellis to be in a relationship?"

"Not with someone like yourself."

"What are you implying?"

"You don't care 'bout no one but yourself. And you're a slut."

"Listen here you dumbsh-"

"Sorry Keith, I got'cha at a bad time?"

"Nah, you got them parts?"

"Is that a '65 Thunderbird?"

"Yessir. That is what the parts are for."

"You're fuckin' kiddin' me."

"What? El called your guys yesterday."

"They told me it was an Escort."

"Fuckin' what? Shit man, this guy wants to haul ass outta here."

"We don't even stock them parts no more. Not for years."

"Shit. Can't fuckin' believe it."

Nick bit his lip. He was slightly glad. He could spend more time with Ellis.

"You the owner Sir?"

"Yeah."

"Nice car you got."

"Thank you."

"Well, I will go call 'round to see what I can find for you Keith."

"Thanks man, appreciated."

The man left, taking the wrong parts with him.

"Sorry 'bout that Nick."

"All good. I will just have to stay here longer I guess."

Keith nodded. "Coulda been worse though. Your car may've been jus' a write off."

"True."

About ten minutes later Ellis arrived back, singing another radio song.

Keith joined in.

Nick wanted to cover his ears at their awful duet, but decided against it.

"So, how'd we go with gettin' them parts? Heard anythin'?" Ellis asked, finally finishing the torturous duet.

"Wrong fuckin' model. And year."

"Fuck, what?"

"They done sent the wrong parts."

Ellis groaned. "Fuck no."

"Yeah, they left not even fifteen minutes ago."

Ellis sighed. "Even if they find the parts today they probably won't get here til Tuesday at best."

"Jus' been thinkin' that." Ellis turned to look at Nick. "So… I guess you're stuck in Savannah a little longer."

"It's fine."

Ellis nodded. "Okay."

Keith groaned. "How shit is that- whoa she is pretty" he smiled, looking at the lady who had turned up. He walked over to greet her.

"I thought you said he had a girlfriend."

"Oh, they were gon' get married and he was a runaway groom. He decided he didn't want to marry her."

"Right. Your friend is all levels of weird."

"Don't worry none, he thinks the same of you."

"Wait, how'd you know? Did he say something?"

"Nah, I've known him long enough to be able to read him."

Nick nodded, feeling slightly offended.

"So is your friend over there single?" the girl asked Keith.

"He is, but he is gay."

Nick looked at Ellis. "Wait, what?"

Ellis looked at Nick. "What?"

"Didn't you hear what Keith said?"

"The gay thing? What of it?"

"Well, are you?"

Ellis frowned. "Why do you care?"

"Is that his boyfriend?" she asked, looking right at Nick.

"Probably" said Keith. "They had a sleepover last night."

Nick could have punched Keith. God he was obnoxious.

"Okay. Well, I will do dinner with you tonight. But I need my car done ASAP."

"Don't worry, it will be done."

Nick pulled Ellis into the staffroom. "I wanna know."

"Wanna know what?"

"Are you gay? Keith used that as an excuse to get pussy."

Ellis grimaced at the term. "I wouldn't have dated her anyway. I don't care what Keith says."

"Is it cause its true?"

"Nick, jeez, I don't know why you care. Do you hate gays or somethin'?"

"No, not like that at all. I was… curious."

"Why does it even matter?" Was Ellis admitting he was gay? He was unsure of what Ellis was suggesting.

"I guess it doesn't."

Ellis bit his lip. "So, you don't care?"

"Course I don't care. You can like whoever you want."

"Thanks for your permission dad."

"Oh god Ellis, we aren't doing this are we?"

He shrugged. "Never thought my sexuality'd be a big deal with you." He walked down to Keith.

Nick was a little excited at the possibility that Ellis could potentially like him. Okay, he definitely had to start by not being a total asshole.

"Y'know, I don't really get Nick" he heard Ellis say. Ellis was quiet, but he could hear the slight echo.

"Well, if he'd been in the car when they crashed into it, it may've knocked some sense into him" Keith said.

Ellis sighed. "Wouldn't bet on it."

Keith chuckled. "Funny El."

Nick didn't appreciate being picked on by two hicks, but he couldn't help but listen in.

"Keith, don't judge me none-"

"You like him?"

"I want to bring him 'round to ma's tomorrow night for dinner."

Keith shook his head. "Why?"

"Well… I want her opinion."

"I will give you mine. No. Jus' no. I can't believe you let him bum at yours. Jesus Christ El. He ain't a good guy. You don't need someone like him in your life. I wanted those parts to be in so bad jus' so we could get rid o' him."

"I think I really like him Keith."

Nicks' heart skipped a beat.

"Now, how many times have I heard that?"

"Keith, you don't understand. You an' Dave both get girls, he is in a relationship, you meet pretty girls all the time. An' I am jus'… lonely."

Keith sighed. "I get it. Well… if you think he is worth it, I ain't gon' stop you. But if we hang out he ain't showin' up."

"No, you're gon' have to like him."

"Fine."

Ellis punched his shoulder. "I wanna ask him out. I think."

"I don't want you gettin' hurt El."

"I won't. I mean, I will be fine."

"El, your heart gets broke more often than your car. An' your cars a piece o' shit."

"No it ain't!"

"El, y'know how many times we have had to fix it this year? Twenty times! It's only fuckin' April."

"Well, ten o' them times was in January, so it don't count. Anyway, when I save up some more I'm gon' buy a new truck."

"What I'm sayin' is jus' be careful El."

"I will. I got this."

Keith just nodded. "Okay."

"An' if he don't like me, no harm done. I'll fix his car when them parts come in an' he will be gone anyway."

Keith looked at him. "And I'll kick his ass for being an insensitive dickhead."

Ellis just chuckled, not realising that Nick was standing close enough, hidden by the staffroom, listening to them.

Nick smiled. Ellis liked him. He could have laughed. But he smiled, happy that Ellis was interested after he had been such an asshole.

Remember the plan, fix car, leave Savannah.

But did he really want to leave?

Maybe the plan was now, don't worry about car just yet, win Ellis' affections, get his ma to like him, move in with Ellis. If he was lucky.

He doubted that he would be that lucky. Luck hadn't exactly been on his side the last few months. The car being smashed in was just the icing in the cake of a ridiculously messy divorce.

He walked down into the garage.

"Hey Nick" smiled Ellis. "You okay?"

"Course. Just wondering where there is a place I can get something to eat."

"There's a real nice bakery up the road" suggested Keith.

Ellis nodded in agreement. "bout' a ten minute walk."

"Thanks guys."

"Did you want to borrow my car and go back to mine?"

Keith looked at Ellis. "Look what happened to his own car."

"My truck might be a Ford, but it ain't worth as much as his, so if it gets crashed, I'll be okay."

Keith nodded but wasn't all impressed.

"It's okay guys" said Nick. "I will just come back here."

"You sure?"

"Yeah Ellis."

He nodded. "Okay. See you when you get back."

Nick nodded and walked out.

Getting food was easy, trying to leave the shop was the hard part. The lady there had decided to dump her life story on him.

"An' then he cheated again."

"You should leave him" Nick said earnestly. "Because he will keep doing it." He needed a cigarette. He hadn't smoked in the presence of the mechanic, but now he needed one bad.

"I would if I could afford to live by myself."

"That's… one of those things where you just… have to try." Now it was Nick's turn. "I was married. Twice. The second one also ended in divorce because… I was that person. I cheated, stayed out late and was just an asshole. She left me, and the only thing I kept were my clothes and my car. She got this house, the apartment and a hell of a lot of my money. So you might be lucky like my ex. I am homeless and currently carless."

She frowned. "You do have a good point. But there are kids involved."

"He will have to pay child support regardless."

She nodded. "Are you a lawyer?"

"No."

"Okay."

"But I know a few."

"Local?"

"No. My wife chose to settle in New York."

She nodded. "Didn't think you were from 'round here."

"Guess… it's a little obvious."

She nodded. "Well, I should let you go, but thanks for listening."

"No problems." He walked out. Jeez he had been in there for half an hour. He walked back to the garage.

Once inside he noticed Keith and Ellis sitting down in the staff room.

"Hey, brought morning tea" said Nick, setting down a large apple pie.

"Aww yeah!" Ellis grinned. "Thanks Nick!"

Keith nodded, impressed. "Nice choice. Glad I didn't leave jus' yet."

Ellis chuckled. "He didn't buy it for you" he grinned.

"Whatever El."

Ellis chuckled and walked over to the fridge, getting a can of coke out.

Keith walked out to greet another customer.

Ellis walked over to Nick, blushing slightly. "Uh… if… if you're still here tomorrow… you wanna come for dinner at my ma's?"

Nick smiled. "I would like that."

Ellis smiled. "Great. Man, this is real nice of you. I mean, don't feel pressured none. If you don't wanna-"

"Ellis" he smiled. "It's okay. I would honestly like to."

"Well, its jus' that, you're leavin' soon an' all… well, as soon as we get them parts."

Nick just nodded, hoping to be vague, which helped cause Ellis looked a little confused.

"Well, thanks" Ellis decided on, still smiling.

God he had a beautiful smile. And a beautiful personality. God, everything about him was perfect. Fuck the plan, it was out the window.

New plan. Stay with Ellis. If Ellis really liked him as much as he had admitted to Keith that was.

Keith walked back in and cut a surprisingly small slice of apple pie. "Well, I am gonna haul ass. See you Monday El."

"See you."

Nick nodded.

Keith looked at him, brows furrowed and walked out.

Nick sat down. "I don't think your buddy Keith likes me much."

"Sure he does. He jus' has a hard time tellin' people how he feels, y'know?"

Nick raised a brow. "Sure kid."

"Anyway, why'd it take you so long to get an apple pie?"

"The lady at the bakery wanted to tell me her life story."

Ellis nodded. "She gets pretty lonely though. Cause her husband cheats. Shit, if my partner cheated on me it'd kick 'em to the curb."

Nick nodded. "That's what my ex did."

Ellis nodded and averted his eyes.

"It was for the best. We fell out of love."

"You seems to be good at that."

"Ouch."

Ellis shrugged. "Y'know when you're a kid and you jus' have these expectations of what you want in a partner?"

"Not really because I didn't exactly have the best role models as my parents."

Ellis nodded. "Ah well. Better get back to work. Got a couple of cars to do work on-"

"Do you want a slice of pie?"

"I should since you went to all the effort to get it" he smiled. "Thanks Nick."

"You're welcome Ellis."

Ellis smiled and cut a slice of pie. "Thank again." He ate it as he walked back down to the garage. He paused, and looked back around. "Nick, jus' quickly… I ain't like… mad at you none about the… y'know, your past relationships an' that."

"I know I am not a good person."

"Y'know, I think you are." He finished the slice of pie and walked over to one of the cars.

Nick leaned back on the chair. Well he had to do was be charming. And really nice to Ellis' ma tomorrow night.

At five Ellis locked the staff room and garage. "Tomorrow is my day off" he grinned.

"What are you gonna do?"

"Usually I hang out with Keith, but I will hang out with you instead. So, whatever you wanna do."

Nick chuckled. "I have no idea, you are a local so it's up to you."

"Man, there is so much we can do!" he grinned, practically bounding over to the truck.

"I bet there is."

"Well, I gotta go to church in the mornin', but that's only an hour, then we can hang out. How's that sound?"

"You gotta go?"

"Yeah. Well, I am-"

"I get it."

"I got some books you can read. Then we can hang out, then go to my ma's."

"Okay Ellis."

He grinned and unlocked the truck. "Tomorrow is gon' be great." He jumped in and started the car.

Nick sat down, doing up his seatbelt. "Are you always like this?"

"What do you mean?" Ellis asked, reversing out of the car park. He done up his seatbelt and drove into the street.

"Are you always this enthusiastic?" Nick asked curiously. He hadn't seen the mechanic not enthusiastic. Or chatty.

"Well, I guess. This is jus' what I'm like. Do… you not like it?"

"I do. Whatever. It's fine."

"I can tone it down for you Nick."

Nick chuckled. "I bet you you can't."

"Aw, ye of little faith."

Nick chuckled. "I think I just know you well enough."

"Maybe you do Nick. I'm a pretty open kinda person."

"I'm alright at reading people-"

"Guess you'd have to be."

"Hm…" he looked out the window. Ellis hadn't exactly said a lot about Nick's gambling or conning past, but he knew that Ellis wasn't the least bit impressed by it.

"Well, back home" Ellis smiled, pulling into the trailer park.

"Do you ever get lonely?"

"Hm… not really I guess. I mean, I see Dave and Keith almost every day and my ma lives nearby. But if you mean relationship like girlfriends or boyfriends kinda thing, then yeah, sometimes I wish there was someone." He parked his car and turned off the ignition.

"Boyfriends huh?" Nick smiled, curiously, raising a brow.

Ellis blushed. "Yeah" he shrugged. "What of it? Think cause I'm Southern I can't bat for both teams?"

"No, course I don't think that." Ellis, I am ecstatic that you admitted that to me. Date me.

"Okay. I was about to punch you" he chuckled. He unclicked the seatbelt and got out of the car.

"You wouldn't" said Nick, getting out and following him up to the door.

He leaned against the door. "Nah, that'd be rude o' me. I don't like it when… people don't think people down South here are all… like, y'know… hatin' on gays an' shit like that. I mean, sure there are those who do. But they are everywhere."

"Sorry if I offended you at all. I didn't want to do that."

"You apologizin'? God you really are full o' surprises" he shook his head, smiling, and unlocked the door.

"You think?"

"I do." He sat down on the couch. "Want me to order a pizza? Or a you gonna be the healthy kind?" he chuckled.

"If you order it I will eat it."

"Okay" he smiled. He reached into his pocket and stepped back outside.

Nick looked around the trailer. He could easily call this home if he was with Ellis. He smiled. Even though Ellis had said to Keith that he liked him, would he ask him out? Nick highly doubted it. He sighed and Ellis walked back in.

"They will drop 'em off in about half an hour." He sat down. "Y'know, its nice havin' you here. Like a sleepover" he chuckled.

"I like being here" he smiled.

Ellis smiled, pink dusting his cheeks. "Thanks Nick. Y'know, if… y'know, when you leave and that, if you ever come back you… you'll visit me, right?"

"Of course I would."

"You still in a hurry to leave?"

"No. I'm not actually."

Ellis smiled. "I would like to think you'd stay for a bit… if you got the time."

"Let me… tell you something."

Ellis looked at him intently.

"I don't really have anywhere to be. I lied. I was gonna drive across to Vegas and stay in a hotel there. You know when I said I got divorced? Well, I was left with nothing. I had a house and an apartment, and she got both. She got my other car and a hell of a lot of my money. So all I have is my car and my clothes and… well, that's about it."

"Shit Nick, she musta hated you somethin' bad."

"Course she did." He sighed. "So, yeah, I am sorry I said I had places to be. I don't have anywhere to be."

"Well… you can stay here as long as you need Nick."

"Ellis… I can't thank you enough. I mean it."

Ellis just shrugged. "Even if you don't… I like havin' you as company Nick."

"I do mean it Ellis. This is… it's been amazing, y'know."

"Amazing?"

"I'm sure you know what that means."

"Pfft, course I do. Jeez. I jus'… I meant that is a real nice compliment."

"You put up with me. I guess you deserve it."

Ellis chuckled. "Aww, I think I could put up with you longer Nick. You definitely ain't bad company."

Nick smiled. "Thanks Ellis."

"Y'know, you can call me El… um… if you wanna."

"El? Like what Keith calls you?"

"I's like a nickname. Jus' like yours is Nick."

Nick chuckled. "True. Let me try it out. El. I like it. Suits you."

Ellis smiled. "I like the way you say it."

"El. I like the way it suits you."

"You think?"

"Absolutely."

"Well, thank you Nick."

"Just don't start calling me Nicolas" he joked.

"Nicolas jus' don't have the same ring to it as Nick."

Nick chuckled. "I guest it doesn't."

"Would you like a beer Nick?"

"Sure."

Ellis got up and walked to the mini fridge.

"El."

"Yeah Nick."

"Have… you ever lived in a house?"

"No? Do you think I'd like it more or somethin'?"

"No. I was just wondering… curious."

Ellis nodded and passed him the beer. "Uh… sorry if you don't like the brand none."

"Hell, I can't be picky. I'm technically a sort of guest"

Ellis chuckled and nodded. "Fair enough. But I'm jus'… happy that you're here."

"I'm happy to be here" Nick admitted.

Ellis leaned a little more against him. "Nick-"

The knocking on the door snapped him out of it, and he quickly got up. "Hey man" he greeted the pizza guy.

The guy looked in and saw Nick and smiled. Nick nodded before looking back at the beer.

Ellis paid the guy. "Keep the change, yeah?"

"Thanks Ellis."

Ellis closed the door and sat down again, setting the pizzas on the table. "Well, dig in Nick" he grinned.

Nick looked at Ellis. "Do you know the pizza guy?"

"Yeah. Kinda" he shrugged. "He ain't no one important. I guess I jus' order a lot o' pizza."

Nick raised a brow, but nodded regardless.

Ellis reached over and opened the pizza boxes. "You can have some, y'know."

"I should've paid for them."

"What?" Ellis looked at him. "Why?"

"Well, I am just staying at your place, eating your food, drinking your beer-"

"You want some sweet tea? It'll make everythin' better."

"Wait, what? No, I mean, you are putting me up here and I should at least pay for something."

"You bought dinner last night."

"You get the drinks for free, which could have ended up the most expensive part of the night."

Ellis shrugged. "Don't bother me none."

"Right, you are a Southerner, you let people take advantage of your Southern Hospitality."

"It ain't even like that Nick."

"What is it then?"

"I jus' wanted to help you out. You're a cool guy Nick."

Ellis was just a nice Southerner who probably would never admit his feelings. At least he wasn't a closet case. Nick decided that he would see how dinner with Ellis' ma went before he decided to tell him his feelings. Perhaps that made him just as bad.

"Nick, jus' eat some pizza."

"Okay El."

Ellis smiled. "Good."

Nick chuckled. "God you're pushy."

"Jus' makin' sure ya eatin'."

"Thanks."

"I do care, you know."

Nick nodded. "I know." I care too, but you probably wouldn't believe me.

Ellis turned on the TV. "Hope you don't mind none."

"Course not. Hell, it's your place El. Just pretend I'm not here."

Ellis chuckled. "But that is rude."

"Cause I look like the person who would care."

"You do a little bit."

Nick chuckled. "I am most certainly not-"

"You are. Definitely. Bet you were the type o' teenager who wrote in a diary."

"I have nothing to say to that accusation" Nick replied.

"Cause its true?"

"Yep."

"Really?"

"Yeah. What of it? Am I not man enough now?"

"You are. Definitely. I am impressed. I didn't have one."

"You probably couldn't write." He wanted to smack himself in the face. What the hell was with that insult?

"Nick, really?"

"I was joking. Shit, sorry I am an asshole."

"I'll forgive you."

"Southerner."

"Yank."

"Whatever."

Ellis chuckled. "Nick, do you have kids?"

"God no."

Ellis was surprised by his reaction. "Whoa, sorry man."

"Don't be. Shit, I never wanted kids."

"Why not? Hell, I want heaps o' kids" Ellis smiled. "Like, maybe four. Two'd be nice."

"Is that cause you're an only child?"

"Yeah. My ma had troubles… so… she jus' had me. She really dotes on me. But it's nice. Havin' family that cares an' is there for you."

"What about your dad?"

"Uh… he kinda bailed. Never really knew him." He ate another slice of pizza. "But I don't really miss him or nothin'" he shrugged. "Didn't know him well enough to do so."

Nick nodded. "My parents were together. But for them it was like… they just stayed together cause they were too lazy to separate. They couldn't stand each other. I am gonna step outside for a cigarette. Sorry."

"Go for it. I got them chairs out the front we can sit on. Or do you wanna be alone?"

"You can sit with me if you want to. I don't mind."

"Okay. Should I bring the pizza?"

"Yeah." Nick opened the door and stepped outside. "It's a nice night to be outside" he said quietly, lighting a cigarette.

"Mm-hm" Ellis agreed, mouth full of pizza. "Would you like another slice?" he sat beside Nick

"Sure." He reached over and grabbed one. "This pizza is nice."

"Yeah, it's pretty good" Ellis grinned.

Nick looked around at the front of Ellis' trailer. "I know what you are missing."

"Another car?"

"What? No, those plastic pink flamingos."

Ellis chuckled. "Well, Nick, if you'd been here about six months back, Keith bought me some, but some kids stole 'em."

"Fuckers. That's why I hate kids."

Ellis chuckled. "Aww Nick, that ain't nice-"

"Ellis, kids are a bad investment. They're the cause of divorce."

"My parents weren't married. Doesn't sound like the cause of your divorce either."

"My parents wanted a divorce. I was a shit of a child. I know if I ever had a kid they'd be an asshole just like me. Like a karma thing. My ex did want kids…" he shrugged. "Guess she realised that I wasn't the one… to be a dad. I wasn't much of anything."

Ellis' brows furrowed. "I guess… if you don't want kids you don't want 'em." He looked at Nick. "Date a guy. No possibility of kids and then you don't have to wear a raincoat if youre loyal."

Nick laughed at that. A lot. "A raincoat? Oh god Ellis."

Ellis just shrugged, not even fazed by his choice in words. He set the pizza boxes down. "Least I don't have to eat pop tarts tomorrow. Got pizza."

"You eat pretty unhealthy Ellis. Might have to be a dietician for you. Pop tarts, pizza, take away… when was the last time you actually had vegetables-?"

"On the pizza" he shrugged.

"What would your mother think?" he joked.

"Shit no, don't bring this up around her."

Nick was surprised. "Well, that is the ultimate blackmail material" he chuckled. "Ellis is being unhealthy."

"Oh my god, don't be an asshole Nick. You don't know my ma. She'd be real mad. We may be from the South, but my ma is still big on healthy eating."

Nick chuckled. "It's like an oxymoron."

"A what?"

"You're a moron."

"Fuck you Nick" he smiled. "I'm pretty sure before you said oxymoron."

"Maybe I did."

"I'm sure you did."

Nick looked at the pretty much burned out cigarette and sighed. "Around you I would pretty much quit this shit. I only had one drag of this and forgot about it" he shook his head, smiling slightly. "Don't even want it now."

Ellis chuckled. "Good, cause that shit ain't good for you."

"Neither is pizza."

"Whatever."

Nick chuckled. "Might have to bring it up tomorrow night."

"Well, if you wanna get it out o' your system early, come to church an' tell her."

"No thanks. I don't go to church. It's like you walking into a health food store. Doesn't happen."

"I have been. With my ma."

"Shit, what?"

"Yeah, pretty sure we were up in Atlanta… fuck if I remember though. Was a while back."

"Do you go to Atlanta often? Isn't it like four hours from here?"

"Yeah. Probably a few times a year. Sometimes Keith an' I go to Whisperin' Oaks the amusement park cause it's just outta Atlanta. Dave an' I been to the mall. I have gone with Keith too."

Nick nodded. "Atlanta is alright."

"I like it. But it's nice to come home to Savannah. I love Savannah. Man, its jus' so good here. I… don't think I'd ever leave."

Nick smiled. He couldn't remember loving anywhere as much as this kid loved his hometown.

"Nick, what do you think? Where is home for you usually?"

"I have lived all over the place. My wife wanted to live in New York. That was where our apartment was. Lived there for… six years."

"What's the longest you settled for?"

"You mean married or in a relationship?"

"Whichever's longest" he shrugged.

"My first marriage was six years, but we had been together about two years before that. My second marriage was three all up, including before we got married."

"Would you ever get married again?"

"Hm… I guess it depends. Two divorces isn't a great record, so… I would… have to step it up for my next. I would have to be a better person because I have never been that before. I have always slept around and gone away for weeks at a time. I have gotten mad and… done stuff I regret." He lightly pressed his palms into his eyes and rubbed them. "I am a dick. I don't deserve another chance, but I'd like one."

"You deserve one. Cause you admit your flaws."

Nick smiled. "You are probably the only person who'd say that to me. But you don't know everything about me."

"You're right." He sighed. He stood up and grabbed the pizza boxes. "I'mma get some sleep."

"It isn't that late."

Ellis shrugged. "Tired today. Had a big week."

"Right. Sorry."

"Don't worry about it none. You can watch some TV or read if you wanna. The lights don't disturb me. I can sleep through almost anythin'. Keith reckons so anyway" he chuckled. He walked down to the bedroom and undressed to his boxers. "If you want somethin' else to eat, help yourself."

"Okay. Thanks Ellis. Do you have anything that isn't comics?"

"Yep, bookshelf next to the lounge."

Nick had a quick scan through. "I didn't think you'd be one for romantic shit."

"Not mine. They're my ma's."

"Why do you have them?"

"I used to have pets here an' she'd come check on 'em an' read. Those were the books she would bring 'round to read."

"You had pets?"

"Course I did. Had a dog til last year. But he weren't doin' so well…"

"Sorry to hear El."

"I jus'… y'know. It's hard to lose a pet."

"I have never had… a pet."

"Really Nick?"

"Yeah. I don't know what… it's like to lose one."

"You lost a family member?"

"My dad is dead, but it didn't bother me."

"That's cold Nick."

"We weren't exactly close."

"Sounds like you ain't never had someone to be close to. That's why your relationships don't work out. Cause yours were so unstable."

"You get that from your romance books?"

"Nah, my ma said somethin' like that to my dad." He shrugged.

"So, where is your dad?"

"Last I heard? Atlanta. But that was years ago. Never heard from him since I was little."

Nick nodded.

Ellis yawned. "I'm gon' sleep" he rubbed his eyes. "Night Nick."

"Sleep well El."

"You too" he smiled.

Nick looked back at the books. There were a few others that would be worth the read. Instead when he heard Ellis' breathing even out, he decided to snoop a little. He hadn't really taken in the small details of Ellis' place, simply because looking at Ellis was more interesting.

On the TV cabinet there was a picture of Keith, Ellis and a guy he presumed was Dave. There were a lot of games and movies. He opened the fridge and took another beer. Ellis' place wasn't filled with expensive trinkets. Just basic things. Furniture that didn't really match, photographs and things that made it more 'Ellis', like empty beer bottles, car magazines and band posters.

He smiled. He genuinely liked everything about Ellis, but if Ellis knew his past he probably wouldn't love him. He couldn't. Nick was a terrible person and he didn't deserve someone like Ellis.

After an hour of admiring pictures of Ellis and his buddies, and a few with his mom, couple of his dog, and just general snooping through draws, he decided to call it a night. He undressed to his underwear and lay down beside Ellis. Hell, they could be a couple. He could live here with Ellis, get a job (for real) and they'd be happy. He would be happy. And hopefully Ellis would be happy too.

He smiled and lay a little closer to the mechanic, enjoying the 'car' smell he had from not bothering to shower that night.