Nick woke up feeling amazing. He felt refreshed and full of energy. He looked sound and saw Ellis wasn't in the bed. He got up and walked into the kitchen. The trailer seemed quiet without Ellis inside it.

He looked at the fridge and saw a post-it note.

Hi Nick hope you slept well. Gone to church. See you when I get back.

What the hell was the time? Nicks' brows furrowed. He looked around for the time, but Ellis' microwave said it was 17:38 which it most certainly want that late, and the oven said it was 03:21.

He sighed and looked for his cell phone. It wouldn't be charged since he hadn't charged it since arriving in Savannah. He found it in his jacket pocket and then realised that the charger was in his car. He groaned.

He pulled his pants on, slipped his shoes on and walked outside. It seemed really quiet outside. He frowned. Surely not everyone was at church…

He sat on the lawn chair and lit a cigarette. He wished he hadn't left his damn watch in the car. It was locked in the garage til tomorrow. He groaned. Everything was at the garage. He sighed and leaned back. He took a long drag and coughed when he saw a teen look at him funny. Well, he guessed it was a strange sight. A man in white suit pants with no shirt, hairy chest exposed and smoking.

"Did Ellis move out?"

Nick frowned. "Nope. He is at church."

The kid nodded. "Then who're you?"

"His friend Nick."

The kid suddenly smiled. "Yeah? You're his 'friend', yeah?"

"Wait, what?"

"You are his boyfriend, right?"

"Oh… no, we aren't dating."

"Yet" the kid laughed. "You're good value. Anyway, let him know I stopped by."

"Whatever."

"You ain't from 'round here."

"Nope."

He nodded. "Sure I'll see ya 'round Nick."

Nick frowned. That kid thought they were dating? He wondered if anyone else had seen them around and thought the same thing. I mean, was it public knowledge around here that Ellis was bisexual? It didn't really seem to be something that Ellis flaunted for fucks sake. Unless his ma was one of those moms who told everyone everything about their kids.

He sighed. He should have asked that kid for the time. Ellis would be home soon anyway, he was sure.

About half an hour later Ellis parked his car out the front.

"Welcome home sweetheart" Nick joked.

Ellis smiled. "Hey hubby, wait, what's the occasion?" he chuckled.

Nick was still impressed that Ellis had played along. "Some kid came by, asked if you still lived here and then proceed to pry into our non-existent dating life."

He chuckled. "Coulda been Keith's younger brother. Didn't see him at church."

"What's the time?" Nick asked, not really caring for the kid or who he was.

"About midday. Sorry I was home late from church. Ma asked if I could pick up a few things for her for this week."

"All good."

Ellis pulled his phone from his pocket and sent a message. Within a few seconds he got a reply and chuckled.

"What is it?"

"Keith's brother. He gave me the thumbs up cause quite 'you look classy but should wax your chest hair Northerner'. Uh, don't wax it, I like it."

"I wasn't gonna wax it cause some twerp thinks I should" he grouched. "Wait, you like my chest hair?" he grinned.

"So what if I do?" Ellis replied defensively.

God, he had to ask Ellis out.

Nick just smiled and shrugged. "Don't know. Hey, if it's possible, do you think you could direct me to the closest shopping center? I really need new clothes and underwear."

"I'll drive you. Uh… if you want me to?"

"I'd like that."

"Sweet. Let's go."

"I am just going to get a shirt so people don't think I need to wax."

Ellis chuckled. "Jus', ignore 'em."

Nick chuckled. He walked inside the trailer and grabbed his shirt, buttoning it up as he walked back out. "Okay, ready."

The drive there was quiet. Once they got to the shopping center it was an entirely different thing. Ellis kept saying hello to everyone he knew, which Nick was okay with, but Ellis also had the tendency to get distracted by everything Nick wasn't looking for. Like graphic novels, games and some other shit Nick was sick of looking at. But he said nothing. That was when Nick spotted a store across from where Ellis was looking that promised nice clothes. "I'm just gonna be across there, okay El."

"No problems Nick."

Nick walked across to the store, and once inside spotted some nice suits and shirts. Firstly he needed something that would be nice for a first impression with Ellis' ma. Not a full suit, but some nice pants and shirt.

"Can I help you?" asked a bubbly twenty-something blonde.

"Just need something perfect" he smiled.

"Interview?"

"More like first impression with meeting the mother."

She chuckled. "I bet she is a catch. Your date, not her mom" she corrected quickly. "So, what were you looking for?"

"Pants and a shirt. I don't care what the price is. I'll know it when I see it though…"

"I wish my ex-boyfriend cared that much about appearances. He turned up in an old singlet and camo shorts" she cringed.

"Is what why he is your ex?"

She chuckled. "Should have been the reason."

Nick grinned. Then he saw the perfect charcoal pants and grey shirt. "Those" he pointed out.

She nodded. "Excellent choice." She retrieved said clothes. "Change rooms through there."

"How do you know my size?"

"I dress men in suits for a living. I am not too bad at guessing sizes."

Nick nodded, impressed, and walked into the change room. He hoped that Ellis hadn't lost him. He sighed and changed into the suit. He loved the way it fitted. It was definitely the one. He smiled and changed back out of it.

"How was it?"

"Taking this one for sure. I will grab a few more shirts though."

She nodded. "We have some sale stock over here if you like the darker colours?"

"I generally wear light colours" he admitted. "But it can't hurt to have a look."

He had picked four more shirts when Ellis found him in the store, his hands filled with bags from the game shop.

"Hey Nick, how'd ya go?" he asked.

"Really good" Nick smiled. In that moment Nick realised that the lady knew that it was Ellis' mom he was meeting.

She smiled understandingly. "Was that all today Sir?"

"I think so, yes." He looked at Ellis. "Unless you want a suit?" he teased.

"I'll be fine, but see these here pants?" he pointed to a rack.

"No, I will not wear chinos."

"You should! I think they'd look nice."

The lady nodded. "He is right. You could-"

"Too old for chinos. 'specially chinos that have elasticised cuffs at the ankles" he cringed.

Ellis chuckled. "Suit yourself-"

"I intend to."

She leaned close to Nick. "So, he is the one?"

Nick nodded.

"Well, I hope you get his mamas seal of approval. I think you're nice."

"Thanks." He paid, thanked her again and walked out.

"How much were your suits and shirts?"

"Not up for discussion."

"Over two hundred?"

"Yes."

"Shit, what? Really? Them chinos were only thirty-"

"Because they were ugly."

"They weren't though. Under five hundred?"

"Yes. Under four hundred and fifty and that is all you need to know."

"Okay. Jeez Nick, I don't know if I'd like to spend that much-"

"I need a dry cleaners and a store that sells underwear and socks."

"Okay, dry cleaners is upstairs and there is a department store just down from it."

"Excellent. Thank you."

Ellis led the way, chatting about how he hadn't worn a suit since he was in second grade or some such, the games he had bought, and the new release that looked 'jus' so damn awesome'.

Nick enjoyed listening to him. It was strangely refreshing.

"So, this here's the drycleaners" said Ellis mid conversation, throwing Nick off a bit.

"Right, thanks."

"And that's the department store. Meet you in there?"

"Sounds a plan."

When Nick had bought the socks and underwear and collected his items from the drycleaners, he finally found Ellis who had also bought a few items. "What did you buy?" Nick asked.

"Jus' some new clothes. Had a sale. Can't say no to a good sale."

"True." Nick rarely bought stuff on sale just because if he waited long enough the things he wanted wouldn't be there or not his size.

"Well, wanna head home? Oh, oh, we can grab lunch here?"

"Whatever you want."

"Why can't it jus' be what you want?" he chuckled.

"Because I am the one who dragged you here in the first place."

"I ain't disappointed none. I got these clothes an' that's good cause my ma is sick of the clothes I have. Always wear the same ones apparently."

Nick smiled. "You probably do."

Ellis shrugged. "I's all about comfort Nick. I like bein' comfy."

"I believe it."

"Well, I am not tryin' to pick up nobody so I guess it don't matter how underdressed I am. You could be pickin' up. That lady seemed pretty into you at that suit shop."

"You think?

"Yep."

"Told her the clothes were for a date."

Ellis chuckled. "An' she still looked at you like that? Damn…"

Nick liked the fact that Ellis hadn't picked up on the date thing. It made him laugh, which confused Ellis even more.

"What's so funny?"

"You."

"How?"

"Just you being you."

"I can't tell if you're tryin' to insult me."

"Wouldn't dare" he smirked.

"Ugh. Whatever." Ellis looked at the time. "Well, shit, it's already three. Well, wanna grab food? Dinner is at six, but I gotta get there at five to help."

"Nah, I will just wait."

"You didn't have breakfast. A cigarette isn't breakfast."

"Eh, not hungry El."

"Okay. Well, wanna head home?"

"Sure. I like how you just generalise it as home, although it isn't my home."

Ellis blushed. "Uh… well, y'know, you're stayin' there too."

Nick smiled. Seeing Ellis like this, flustered and shy was downright adorable. "It's okay El. I like it."

"Okay. Man, you know how to embarrass me."

"I wasn't even trying to."

"Now I feel even stupider."

"Don't.

Ellis smiled. "Okay." He was still flushed pink.

Nick wanted to pull him close and kiss him at that moment, but didn't. He didn't want to do anything stupid or embarrass him. That would be the quickest way to get kicked out of the trailer and Ellis' life if Ellis thought he was joking or teasing him.

The drive back was quiet, even Ellis was quiet when they were just sitting outside the trailer again.

"You okay El? Not hearing you talk is a little unnerving."

Ellis looked at him and smiled. "Course I'm okay. Such a nice day and I'm sittin' here with you an'… jus' thinking what it's gonna be like when you ain't here no more. When you leave Savannah. Y'know?"

"I don't wanna leave so soon."

"You really mean that?"

"Course I do."

Ellis smiled. "You're welcome to stay at mine as long as you like, Nick. I mean it."

"You… sure Ellis?"

"Course I am. Kinda can't wait for you to meet my ma. Sure she'll think you're great."

Nick smiled. "You really want me to meet her?"

"Yes."

"Why?" Nick smiled, leaning over a little closer."

"Uh… ju-jus' cause you're like… my friend. She meets all o' my friends."

"Okay." Nick leaned back in his chair, smiling.

"Don't you wanna meet my ma?" Ellis asked after what felt like minutes.

"I do actually."

"Why do you wanna meet 'er so bad? Huh?" he asked, looking intently at Nick.

"I wanna meet the lady who raised you so well El."

"Aw, well, that's sweet Nick." He blushed a little.

Nick chuckled. "Glad you think so El."

Ellis looked at the time. "Probably should get ready or somethin'." He stood up. "Do you want first shower?"

"You have it."

"Okay. Don't get mad if I use all the hot water" he joked.

"I'm going first."

He chuckled. "Towels are under the sink."

At quarter to five they walked over to Ellis' moms place. Ellis carried the bags of shopping he had picked up before for her, refusing to let 'his guest' help out.

"So, my ma's name is Sally, but y'know, she will introduce herself. No Mustang Sally jokes. Hates 'em."

"Didn't even think of that" he replied earnestly. Were Mustang Sally jokes even a thing? Nick couldn't even think of one.

"All good. I'm sure she'll love to meet you. Oh man, this is so excitin'!"

"Why is it so exciting?"

"Because it jus' is. By the way… I really like your new suit. Man, grey is so you."

Nick chuckled as Ellis' mouth travelled one hundred miles an hour.

"An' here we are. Hey ma, can I come in? By the way she don't know you're comin'."

"What?!"

"Come in hun!"

Ellis opened the door, putting the shopping on the table. "Hey ma. Happy Birthday!"

Nick frowned. Her birthday was today? Why hadn't Ellis mentioned that?! He walked in cautiously and looked at a woman who looked just like Ellis. Well, with longer hair and feminine features.

"Oh, hun, who is this handsome man?"

"This here is Nick."

"He is definitely nice to look at. So I'm guessin' he is the man with that nice car?"

"Yes ma."

Nick smiled awkwardly. "Uh-"

"Sorry, we don't stop talkin'" Sally chuckled. "Nice to meet you Nick, I am Sally.

"Nice to meet you too. Happy birthday. I didn't realise your birthday was today."

"I don't like makin' a big deal out of it. I hope you have been nice to my baby. Don't want his heart broken again."

Ellis blushed. "Oh wait-"

"What is it?"

"We ain't datin'-"

"Not yet you ain't."

Ellis blushed.

Nick stepped closer. "So she knows you're bi?" he whispered.

"Keith told 'er years ago. We jus' don't usually discuss it."

He nodded. "Well, I am glad she isn't against the idea."

"She jus' wants me to settle down. She had me at eighteen, y'know."

"Shit, way to make me feel old El."

"What d'ya mean?"

"I just realised that I am closer to her age than yours."

Ellis chuckled. "So what?"

His mom pulled him aside. "Ellis, he is nice an' you may not get another chance, you gotta ask him out" she whispered. Kind of.

Nick just pretended he couldn't hear it for Ellis' sake. If his mom was already okay with him so far, he may just be in luck.

Ellis blushed. "Ma, please don't-" he said a lot more subtly.

"I will talk to him. Go and give this shit to LeAnn."

He sighed. "Okay ma." He took the bag. "Be back soon Nick."

"Okay El."

He smiled and walked out of the trailer.

"So, how long you known Ellis?" Sally smiled.

"Ah, a few days."

"Yeah? Nice kid, isn't he?"

"Sure is. You did well."

"Did your parents?"

"I'll let you be the judge of that."

She raised a brow, curious.

"Well, not everyone is lucky enough to have even a parent who is as caring as you."

She nodded understandingly. "I'm sure you gathered that my son ain't exactly straight?"

Oh god, she really was gonna try and set them up…

"He told me-"

"That makes this easier. I want El to date a nice person. I am sure you are the person for my baby."

"Listen, I like Ellis a hell of a lot… but he…" deserves better. Wasn't that the nagging thought in the back of his head? He sighed. "I don't want to be selfish."

"What do you mean? You like El, yeah?"

"Of course."

"Then why aren't you makin' a move?"

"To be honest… I wanted your opinion of me first."

"Well, I don't know nothin' about you, but if it secures El's happiness, I am happy for the both of you to date."

"Are you sure?"

"Nick, do you love my son?"

"Yes."

"He likes you. I can tell. Why not jus' be happy?"

"I don't deserve him."

"I think that that's up to you, Nick. Jus' don't go breakin' his heart or you'll be sorry."

"I believe that more than I believe that you are okay with me dating your son."

She sighed. "Nick, I can see that you ain't one to be proud of your past. Hell, I don't know a lot of people who are. I had Ellis at eighteen. I wasn't proud of that. I always wanted to go and be somethin', y'know? Not jus' a single mom in a trailer park. But when I had Ellis I knew l wanted what was best for him. I still do. And if that means he wants to be with you, then I am happy for that. Now, tell me why you're beatin' yourself up so much."

"I have been married and divorced twice. My second divorce was settled less than a month ago. I lost my house, my apartment and my second car. Also a lot of money. That didn't matter as much as the allegations against me. My ex-wife said that I hit her, which I didn't. We… were both so sick of each other and she was sleeping with some other man who left bruises, so when we had a fight she went to the cops and said that I had hit her. I have police reports about me from when I was younger and got in shit, so they used that against me, and the fact that I had hit my first wife during drunken argument" he sighed. "I am not proud of the things I have done, and they have always come back to haunt me."

She nodded. "I see where you're comin' from. But you hit her cause you saw your father hit your mother?"

"More than once" he sighed and leaned back. "I can't count the amount of times I saw them fight." He knew he needed a cigarette, but now that he had opened up to Ellis mom he didn't think he could back out so quick.

She looked at him. "What do you think of yourself Nick? Do you think you're a good person? Do you think you deserve happiness? Do you want El to be happy?"

"I want to be a good person" he said aloud for the first time in his life and legitimately meaning it. "I always did. I just… never fit in anywhere." He sighed. "I want to be happy. I want Ellis to be happy. I want to make him happy."

She smiled. "You see, there is good in everyone. Sometimes you jus' have to find it cause it gets buried deep." She sighed. "My son is a great kid, and… I hope that… if you choose to date him that you make him happy. As a parent I think that's all you want. To see your child grow up happy with what they have, and what they can achieve."

"I wish my parents were more like you" Nick sighed.

"As long as I'm doing somethin' right" she smiled. "I always knew that El was different. But I think its cause he has a big heart an' he cares so much." She stood up. "I best be checkin' on dinner. I gathered Ellis had somethin' important to tell me when I saw him in church. Wouldn't sit still. So I decided to get dinner goin' before he got here. I am glad I did cause now I got to talk to you properly an' decided for myself what I thought of you. I think you'll do jus' fine for my Ellis."

Nick was surprised. He had expected her to go straight to Ellis and tell him to ditch Nick at the hotel.

There was a knock on the door.

"El, is that you?" his mom said.

"Can I come back in now?"

"Wait" Nick interrupted. "You were out there the whole time?"

"Nah, I went to see the neighbour first."

"Oh-"

"But I did hear everything that was said after I got back."

Nick couldn't help but feel that he had been slightly set up.

Sally didn't seem to mind. "Well, El, its dinner time now. Wanna give me a hand to cut the meat?"

"Sure." He quickly glanced at Nick and mouthed 'sorry'.

Nick wasn't sure what for though. "Can I help with anything?" he asked, feeling awkward.

"You're our guest" said Sally. "You don't have to worry 'bout a thing."

Ellis smiled at him shyly.

Nick felt his face warm up. That meant that Ellis definitely knew for sure that Nick was interested in him. It wasn't that Nick minded, he wanted Ellis to know that he liked him, but he wanted to tell him after the evening here was over.

At dinner Ellis talk a lot about work, which seemed to be a normal conversation when he was here. That was when Sally brought up Nick's job.

"Unemployed."

She nodded.

Ellis shifted around on his chair. "Can I get anybody a drink?"

"I'm right, thanks El" Nick smiled.

Ellis nodded. "Okay." He looked at his mom.

"I'm fine thanks baby."

He continued to eat in silence.

Nick watched Ellis. God he was gorgeous.

"Hopefully your cars parts'll come in tomorrow. Get her workin' again."

Nick looked at Ellis. "Yeah, then you can take her for a drive."

"Serious?"

"Course I am."

Ellis eyes widened. "Oh my god, this is ah-mazin'!" he grinned.

Nick smiled. God Ellis' smile was just beautiful.

"To be honest I thought you were lyin' when you told me before" he admitted. "Thank you so much Nick. I mean it. Oh man, I don't know how I will return the favour."

Nick just shrugged. "It's the least I can do considering you have left me stay at yours the last few nights."

Ellis smiled. "I'm so glad that I didn't drop you off at The Vannah.

Nick smiled. "Likewise."

After dinner Ellis finally gave his mother the gift, which she was totally ecstatic with.

"You will have to thank Nick. He is the one who thought of it" Ellis admitted.

Sally smiled and looked at Nick. "Thank you Nick. It's appreciated and somethin' I wouldn't do for myself."

"I am glad that you like it. Anyway, I am pretty sure that Ellis had a say in this" he smiled.

Ellis smiled. "I can't take credit for it."

"You two already fight like a couple" she chuckled.

Ellis blushed. "Ma-"

"Don't wanna hear it."

He sighed. "'kay."

Nick chuckles. "Well, thanks for dinner, by the way. It was great. Haven't eaten something with a homemade feel for… well, ever."

Sally nodded. "You're more than welcome. You can come 'round for dinner anytime."

"Thanks. I enjoyed tonight."

"I am glad you came over. I am glad I met you. I am sure El is too."

"Ma!"

"Shush now." She looked back at Nick and smiled. "It was nice to meet you. Really. An' I hope that you continue to make El happy."

"Thanks for your… well, 'blessing'."

"You deserve it." She looked at Ellis. "Thanks again for my present. It's nice to see you with such a nice man. I will see you later El."

He sighed, still smiling. "Bye ma." He kissed her cheek.

They stepped out into the pleasant evening. They waved once more to Sally before walking back to Ellis' trailer.

"Ellis, I should have just been honest with you. Fuck, I really like you Ellis. I want to be your boyfriend, and I want to take care of you and support you and live here in Savannah with you."

Ellis was surprised by Nick's outburst. He looked at the older man and smiled. "Nick… I would love that." He was so surprised he had no idea what else to say.

Nick waited for a 'but' or some other catch, but when he heard nothing from the mechanic he decided to pry. "So… is that a yes?"

"Absolutely! I just wish you had told me when we got back to the trailer so we could-"

Nick pulled him in for a kiss. He cradled the back of Ellis' head and his other hand wrapped around Ellis' waist, pulling the younger man in closer to his body.

Nick didn't want to break the kiss, but he didn't want to run out of oxygen either.

Ellis smiled. "That was nice Nick. Man, I never… I thought…" he shrugged. "I thought you'd think I was jus' a dumb hick. Never thought you'd like me back too."

"I am shit at showing people how I feel."

"I think you did jus' well tellin' my ma how you felt."

"Dammit El. Your ma obviously had some mind control over me."

Ellis grinned. "Jus' great hospitality."

Nick smiled. "True. Ellis, I am… glad that I met you. I never thought I would meet someone who I fell in love pretty much at first sight."

Ellis chuckled. "I always thought I would. Y'know, I believe in love at first sight."

"Cause you are a romantic?"

"Maybe I am a bit. I mean, maybe I ain't. I made you meet my ma before we were datin'. But I knew she'd like you."

"You are so much like your mom it's ridiculous."

"I'm good lookin' an' talk too much."

"Yes?"

"Why do you sound confused?" Ellis asked, even more confused.

Nick shrugged.

Ellis unlocked the trailer and they walked inside. "Uh…" he looked at Nick. "Were… um… were you serious 'bout movin' in with me?"

"Of course. Unless you don't want me to then that is fine too."

"I wanna live with you. I do. The last few days have been great Nick. I jus' wanted to know… if you are serious 'bout me. I'm sure you get what I mean."

"I understand, and I am serious. I am so serious it's crazy."

"Well, to be honest, I can't imagine you not serious" he joked, elbowing Nick lightly.

Nick rolled his eyes, but smiled. "Whatever El."

Ellis smiled. "Nick… I am so happy. Today is the best day of my life."

Nick smiled. "You know, hearing that makes me so ridiculously happy."

Ellis smiled and hugged him. "Goddamn I don't think I've ever been this happy."

Nick looked at him. "Really?"

He nodded. "There is nothin' is this world like lovin' and bein' loved in return" he smiled.

Nick had to smile. That was true though, wasn't it?

Ellis smiled. "You're secretly agreeing with me, yeah?"

"If I told you I was it wouldn't be secret, right?"

"Oh my god Nick" he rolled his eyes.

Nick chuckled. "I'm gonna have a cigarette."

"Okay. I'm gonna head to bed. Hopefully I can get your car fixed in the morning."

"Sleep well Ellis."

"You too. Uh, when you go to bed that is."

Nick chuckled and stepped outside. Shit he felt happy. How could today have gone any better? He didn't even have an answer for that. He sat down on the lawn chair and lit the cigarette.

All he could hope for now was his car to be fixed and to land a job. That was the plan after all.