"Good morning." Max whispered as Nate's eye finally opened. Nate smiled at his hopeless romantic.
"You know, you could have made coffee."
"But you looked so peaceful. I didn't want to leave you."
Nate laughed at his fiancé's puppy-dog face and sat up.
"Well I have work, so a cup of warm caffeine would really help." He said. Max made a face. "Please?" he added.
"It'll be waiting for you when you get out of the shower." Max kissed Nate's forehead before walking out into the kitchen. Nate laughed; his fiancé was naked. And the blinds weren't closed.
Lyn awoke to a note on the dining room table.
I had to head into work early. Sorry.
Lucas x
Nate arrived at the office and immediately was swarmed by his PA, Caitlin. She walked with him, her heels clicking madly.
"Sir, Mr Hammer is demanding to see you. He says his public appearance has been declining."
"Well what does he expect? Stark is the crowd favourite, and his robots nearly maimed people."
"He says he'll fire you."
"That arrogant git paid me for the next 4 years, he can suck it."
"He might sue."
"Over what? Over people not liking him? We can't control the public's taste, only what they see of those they like. Hammer is an ass, Caitlin. Look at his suits for Christ's sake." He straightened his tie. "Now if you excuse me, I have a friend to see."
Nate pushed open the door of Lucas' office to see him hunched over papers. He had bags under his eyes and his hair was pushed back off his face, fixed there with what Nate could only assume was sweat. His suit jacket was slung on a nearby chair, and his tie hung over a lamp.
"Lucas?"
He didn't respond. Nate stepped closer to the desk. Lucas wasn't even writing, he was just staring at blank paper.
"Lucas." He said again, more forceful. He still didn't react. Nate slammed his hand onto the desk.
Within seconds Lucas had leapt over the desk and had Nate pinned to the floor. He was actually growling at him.
"You dare to threaten me."
"Lu-Lucas?" Nate asked, terrified. He tried to move but Lucas had him pinned. This was odd. Lucas had barely any body strength, how was he doing this?
"Mortal fool." Lucas hissed. He looked up, suddenly distracted. Nate seized the opportunity and shoved his friend off him. He tried to run, but Lucas grabbed him by the shirt. Nate felt a sudden pain in his forehead. Lucas had head-butted him. He felt something trickling down his head. He was bleeding. At the sight of the blood, Lucas' expression changed, he looked shocked, confused, even a bit sick.
"Nate?" he asked, letting go. Nate back out of the room, and began to run.
"Nate?" Lucas asked again, tears running down his face.