Building A (Strange) Family

Gone Again

"He's not in his room... And the doors open..."

Mark looked upset as he delivered the news.
No one had seen Nick that night.

"Well, maybe he's with Robert?"
Lilly offered.

Joel shook his head.
"Rob's still in his room... He must have had trouble sleeping. Heard noises in his room well past sunrise this morning..."

His head shot up with realization.
"You think Nick told him he was leaving? Maybe that's why he couldn't sleep?"

Lilly looked at David and with just a look both were sure, afraid Joel was right.

Lilly knocked softly at Roberts door.

"Mmm?"

"You okay?"

"Yeah Lilly... Come on in."

Lilly gently pushed the door open.
Robert was still in bed, his head popping out from under the covers.
He was sleepy eyed and his hair was sticking up at odd angles.

"I'm sorry to wake you. It's just...
We can't seem to find Nick and we... Well, we wondered if he said anything to you about wanting to leave again?"

"... Not exactly..."

Lilly want sure what that meant.
"Okay... We just though.
Well, he gets along with you really well and might have said...
Anyway, we're just going to have to hope he he comes back home soon and-"

"Lilly, it's fine."

"I know; it's his choice. I just worry and-"

"Really... It's fine."

Her eyes got really big as she realized it was a second choice.
The covers moved and Nick popped his head out.
Robert was biting his lip and looking away but Nick just grinned.

Lilly just looked at the pair and Robert would later claim you could hear the circuits in her brain shorting out, smoke from her ears.

"You're... You two- you... Oh! Well, false alarm then! So sorry!"

She turned her head to tell downstairs.
"False alarm everyone! It's fine!"

Robert hid his face in his hands with a groan while Nick started to giggle.

David was soon beside Lilly even as she tried to shut the door. There was a short struggle.

"What do you mean, 'false alarm'? It's-"

He looked at the two, Nick giving a little wave.

"Oh... false alarm. Carry on."
David moved to shut the door.

"You... You don't mind?"
Robert had uncovered his face. There was a little trepidation there, a little fear.

"In a house full of vampires you think this is something we'd be worried about?"

Robert tried to laugh, but still didn't look convinced.

David exhaled sadly, realizing Roberts fears.
"Your father isn't here, Robert. This is your family and we aren't conditional...
Besides... you realize I'm not straight either, right?"

Lilly giggled, "Come on! You've heard him go on and on about 'Michael this' and 'Michael that'."

David glared at her, no real heat to the look.
"Yeah... I was shocked I fell for a woman too... but I guess she's worth it"
His glare turned to a grin seeing her smile turn to a glare.

She pursed her lips before replying.
"Michael's old now..." Was the only thing she could think of as she walked away.
"I hope he's old and fat!"

David laughed at her, unsure if or how that was an insult.
He winked at Robert and Nick before closing the door.

The boys looked at each other and couldn't stop grinning.

"I guess it's official now... You sure you really want me?"

Robert could practically see the doubts creeping into Nick as if they were a physical creature latching onto him.
He reached his arm under Nick, pulling him close.

"Nick... I know the saying is 'you can't love someone till you learn to love yourself'...
But that's utter bullshit."

Nick chuckled, laying his head on Roberts shoulder.

Robert ran his hand over Nicks arm absentmindedly as he continued.
"I know you don't see yourself as worthy of love.
So, I'm just going to tell you you are every day till you believe it..."

"Could take a while..." Nick warned.

Robert snorted, "I think I've got time..."