nicholas-quinn

[nicholas-quinn]

"You head back to school like that," Nicki smirked, "you'll be the talk of the teacher's lounge for sure." He wouldn't call it a glow-up, Oliver had always been knockout gorgeous. If anything it was now just more in focus. It's how Nicki thought of the future now. Now longer some amorphous what-if, but a shape and a name and a person he was falling more and more in love with every day.

He rolled his eyes. It was not hard to clock what a fool he'd been. Might still be in the future. He was much more eager to discuss the play, and to lean forward with a tease and say, "You're just saying that because you think the lead is hot." Easier even still to lift his glass and press it against Oliver's. He was happy. Filled to the brim with it. "To the happiest birthday I can remember."

“I’m glad you like it,” Oliver’s smile grew at the compliment. “I think I’ll keep it for a bit, until it grows out. Maybe longer.” While he didn’t quite exude the same confidence as his boyfriend, he felt a bit more confident around him. Maybe Nicki was rubbing off on him, and that was a good thing for them both. They suited one another. He was learning that as time went on.

He hummed. “But you have to admit… she was onto something,” Oliver said with a slight shrug. He ordered the chicken Parmesan for himself before helping himself to just a bit more wine. (He promised Nicki he’d be careful.) “So you may have mentioned it,” he said with a grin. “I am very excited to see it. It looks very cute and fun,” he nodded. He lifted up his glass in toast. “Cheers. Happy birthday, my love,”

[nicholas-quinn]

As if on cue, Oliver's cheeks brightened. Nicki couldn't help but laugh and reach over the table to brush some strands of Oliver's hair off his forehead. "It almost reminds me of the late 90s. My tween years. Crushing on anyone with those blonde tips. On Nsync." He smirked. "Mariah Carey." They were sweet memories. Nostalgic. He felt more like that hopelessly romantic boy everyday.

"I think," Nicki stole a kiss from Oliver's cheeks when he was close, "that her and that overgrown rat are much too smug." He could almost see the smile Oliver tried to hide, read the humor off the bright look in his eyes. "I love you too. And we'd have gotten here threats or not." He placed his order (Penne Vodka) before snatching up his wine again. "Did you know the show tonight won Best Musical at the Tonys?"

Oliver blushed deeply, all of a sudden when Nicki complimented him. He couldn’t help but feel a little shy again. And he still couldn’t easily take a compliment, even from his boyfriend. The highlights were a choice, he had gone to get a trim and had mentioned he wanted to try something new and different, and that was the suggestion. And it worked. “Me too,” he exhaled. He sat back as his glass was filled and then took a small sip to start.

“Uppity,” Oliver repeated the word, holding back his smile and trying not to break. He could see that. But he was more amused than anything at the suggestion of Nicki being called out for being uppity. They had both in a low spot, spending time apart. “I am thinking that the threats worked, because you’re here with me now,” he said. “I love you,” he leaned over the table a bit, pecking his lips. “Even how uppity Mandy thinks you are. Worked in my favor,” he smirked. The waiter arrived and took their orders, and Oliver gave his before nodding at Nicki.

[nicholas-quinn]

"I'm a fan of musical theater," he smiled downward, tucking his chin close to his chest. "A bit of a nerd about it all actually. I enjoy a good tune to break up a dull day." He tried not to be obnoxious about it. He shook his head, when Isabel asked if he was correcting her. "Call me astute, if you'd like. I don't think I'm all that bright, but I appreciate the sentiment." For much of his life, in comparison to his older sister he'd been considered much the opposite. "I will die on the hill of bartending being an art though."

"Do you live in a musical or something?" she questioned. Isabel sang around her house but that was about where it ended, and of course in the changing room. "Are you correcting me?" she questioned, wondering if he was just choosing a preferred adjective or if he was insinuating that hers was incorrect. "Just like to smile and laugh," she replied, "I have no creative skills."

[nicholas-quinn]

"Good, because it suits you. The confidence," his gaze trailed upward, "the highlights." He was still in a state of having to remind himself of them. Whenever they were apart (the arduous hours of work or chores) he'd forget and, when they came back together, he was walloped all over again by how well the blonde complimented Oliver. It just screamed summer. "I look forward to the refining," he said, sitting a little straighter and flourishing as he placed a napkin on his lap.

The wine came by soon after, and Nicki put his menu aside. They hadn't talked much about the long weeks in May. In part, because Nicki still felt a shard of guilt in his chest over everything that had happened. He'd been stubborn and ignorant. He took a sip of his wine before shaking his head. "She called me uppity," he said. Which might be a fair observation, but he fully expected his boyfriend to defend him. "She threatened to kick my ass if I didn't get over there. I have receipts."

“You have. But I really wouldn’t have it any other way,” Oliver said, watching him with a smile. He felt more confident around Nicki, and it was a positive achievement and this time around, it felt more natural, and it was easier. Nicki brought out that side of him. “I’ll teach you all you need to know,” he grinned at him. He loved the idea of them spending the summer together exploring, visiting his favorite places; just the two of them.

He tapped his fingers on the table as he smiled at his boyfriend. “She is. It suits her well, though,” Oliver chuckled a bit. His head leaned to the side a bit, curious as to what he had to say. “You never told me about that. I think what I recall is that she’s the one who called you to come get me,” he smiled a little.

[nicholas-quinn]

"Don't flatter," he shook his head, a smile still firmly lodged on his face. "If you stick around me long enough, I'm bound to burst into song. Especially lately." Such was the influence of summer, of being in love and slowly reconnecting with his roots. He took another sip of his drink before leaning forward into the conversation. "I'm observant," he corrected. "Do you moonlight as a comedian or just enjoy a good laugh?"

She sighed dramatically as he said that he would only be a hype man today, "we are all missing out," she stated. She grinned as he seemed to appreciate the drink. Isabel didn't have a lot of skills really in the grand scheme of things but she was pretty good at making drinks, she had had a lot of practise. "Oh you are very astute," she smirked, "I like comedy night, that's my favourite." Isabel enjoyed bartending but it was nice to also have some comedy to go alongside it.

[nicholas-quinn]

Nicki's lips curled inward as he tried to hold back his laughter. It was a taste of his own medicine. The type of brazenly flirtatious comment he might have given Oliver last February. And even though it leveled him, he was proud to hear that confidence. "I've been a bad influence," he said, voice tipped low. "I've rubbed off on you." It was more than the attitude too. It was the new set of highlights in Oliver's hair, the happiness he saw reflected off his face. "I'll start working on my afternoon tea skills then."

It was the least he could do when he was dating a gentleman. The kind that kissed his knuckles. The kind that knew how to make Nicki's heart kick up a beat. (Even if they were discussing his recent embarrassment at the hands of someone half a foot shorter.) He put their wine order in with the passing waiter, straightening as the bread was placed before them. "She's . . .colorful," he explained. "And tiny. And you didn't hear what she said to me outside that night. I've known her most my life - she's not to be trifled with."

“I know you’re not,” Oliver beamed proudly. Seeing Nicki’s reaction made him happy. He was usually the one blushing and tripping over his words, but he had successfully reduced his boyfriend to mush and he was pretty happy with himself. He grinned. “Great, then,” he nodded. “We’ll go. Visit all the places where I grew up. And then maybe travel around a bit,” he said.

Oliver couldn’t help the laugh that escaped his lips. He grinned brightly. “Yes,” he said with another laugh. “You are,” he lifted Nicki’s hand to kiss his knuckles. “I’m not going to argue on that one,” he stated with a hum. He glanced over at the menu and agreed with the choice of wine. He gave him another amused look. “Tinkerbell? Like the fairy?” his eyebrows shot up before grinning. “You’re cute.”

[nicholas-quinn]

He waved a bartender over for Tasha, telling them to put anything she wanted on his tab. There was an energy, an extravagance to high summer, that often swept him away. He twirled the little yellow umbrella in his cocktail as he shook his head. "Oliver only needs rescuing from his two left feet otherwise . . ." he smiled, the fondness tipping over his face, "he'd give those kids the whole afternoon if they wanted and be happier for it." His gaze slowly narrowed on Tasha's fingers and he laid a hand, palm up, on the bar top. "Let me get a look at the goods before I properly congratulate you."

The warmth of the sun and the way it bounced off the water, all made Tasha feel at home. She missed LA, but Merrock had become home. However, the summers in Maine made her feel at home even for only two months. Smiling back at Nicki, she leaned into him a bit, before joining him and sitting next to him. "Hello yourself," crossing her legs and leaning on the bar, and then looked around. "Ahhh I see, I don't know, should we worry? Will we need to toss him a life raft?" She said with a laugh before shrugging and tapping her fingers on her cheek, "I don't know. Do we?"

[nicholas-quinn]

"Alas," he held his hand up, "I've resigned myself to being a hype man today." He'd been offering applause to even the most off-key performance. To the silly drunks, the maudlin singles on heartbreak, and the powerhouse anthems. He didn't need to get up there sober and offer them something. He turned his attention from the stage as Isabel laughed, delighting in the effort she put in rustling up a past garnish. The martini itself was nothing short of extraordinary. "Thank you," he said. He poked at the rubber duck so that bobbed across the bowl of his glass. "Can I assume karaoke night is not your favorite shift?"

She raised eyebrows at him, "will I be seeing you up there soon then?" she questioned. Isabel could sing better than average and had done open mic night with a few friends but she'd never been one for public karaoke. It was a past-time that was best done in booths with only your close friends around you. She waited with a confused look as he said 'but' but then that resulted in a laugh when he finally admitted what he wanted. "I think I can rustle one of those up for you." She set about making the martini and then looked behind the bar to find the rubber duck garnish that he'd referenced. "Ta'da!"

[nicholas-quinn]

"I . . ." he was hardly bashful. He was quite the opposite actually. And yet Nicki felt his cheeks grow hot as goosebumps broke out over his skin. There was something to Oliver's voice just then. A steady, calm confidence that was like dragging a match over flint. ". . .am not going to win this argument." He laughed, dipping his head down and shaking his head. Would Oliver ever stop surprising him? "I haven't been to England." He'd stuck to warmer climes when he'd visited Europe. He squeezed his boyfriend's hand. "But I think I might have the perfect guide now."

He narrowed his eyes, straightening slightly at the mention of Mandy. He still hadn't fully recovered from the (emotional) smack down she'd laid on him months earlier. "Don't lump me in with Miranda," her full name was awkward off his lips, "I'm much hotter." He pointed out a suitable pink wine. The ABV was low enough not the level the lightweight across from him. "And she's a deranged Tinkerbell. She full on bullied me last spring."

“Hmm,” Oliver looked at him thoughtfully. “Are you sure about that, Nicki? I think I can convince you otherwise,” he said, looking directly at him, speaking in his teacher voice. He smirked before laughing a bit. He nodded at him. “I’d like that. You’ve never been to England before, right? We can take a trip there,” he said. He liked the idea of traveling with Nicki, and maybe even at some point sharing his home with him. It seemed more like a reality now.

He leaned against the table, clasping his hands together, grinning at Nicki. “I’ll make it happen,” he said, nodding. Oliver leaned his head to the side to glance over the wine list, before looking up at Nicki again. “I promise I’ll be fine,” he laughed softly. “We’ll get the sweetest pinkest wine on that list,” he chuckled. “And we won’t have Miranda here to be a bad influence,” he smirked. “Just you.”

[nicholas-quinn]

""Fair enough, can't have you getting rusty over the long months. But," he narrowed his eyes, "don't use your teacher's voice on me. It won't work one bit, Mr. S." He'd fallen into a sour mood sometimes when he imagined the end of summer. The long stretch of a week when, in all likelihood, he'd be driving back and forth between his apartment and Oliver's house. The headaches, the schedules, the frustration of traffic. It would all be worth it simply to spend a few tired hours eating takeout before bed - but he'd mourn the freedom of this season. "We'll do more next summer," he promised. "Go international even."

Even their mishaps in the end turned into stories he'd remember. He nodded at Oliver's request. "We can definitely have tiramisu. In fact, as the birthday boy," he said the word softly so the hostess nearby couldn't hear him, "I demand it." The restaurant was lovely, their seat tucked away just enough to feel private. He leaned over the table slightly to view the wine list, one of his hands straying over Oliver's. "We don't have a great history with wine, love."

“I’d be worried if I didn’t slip into teacher mode at least once during summer holiday,” Oliver smirked at him. He chuckled, squeezing the man’s hand again. He was happy, and it showed. He was happy and excited to just be spending more time with his boyfriend, out and about together. There really was no going back. “I still can’t believe we fit so much in just a few days,” he said with a nod. “I love exploring with you. It’s been so much fun,” he said.

“Yeah, I remember,” Oliver said with a laugh. It was all part of the experience. And as much as he studied the maps beforehand, he still had his directions all mixed up. He leaned against him with a smile before turning slightly. “Can we still have that slice of tiramisu? I promise I’ll be the only one singing to you tonight,” he grinned, pecking his lips quickly before they were led to their table. It was a nice Italian restaurant, and the lights were dim for a romantic atmosphere, chatter and buzz about them. “Shall we order a bottle of wine?”

[nicholas-quinn]

Nicki tilted his head back to look at the current victim on stage. Drunk. Off key. And being hyped up by the friends surrounding them. "Oh, that's fine. I actually enjoy karaoke." He paused. "After a few drinks." He had a decent voice. It was rustier now than when he'd performed in school musicals, but he hadn't heard any complaints from his boyfriend. (Yet.) "And on that subject, I'll take a martini. But," he held up a finger with a smile, "only if you still have those rubber duck garnishes I remember from a while back."

Who: Open Where: Bonne Merde

Isabel handed a drink to the person at one end of the bar before moving towards the other end. She spotted someone waiting and smiled as she approached them, "what can I get you?" she asked, "and unfortunately for you we don't sell ear plugs, but luckily karaoke only has about 15 minutes left." Isabel liked chatting to people, when it was really busy Isabel would work quicker but when she had the opportunity to chit chat, she certainly took it. She was good at making drinks but it was her people skills that made her a good bartender.

[nicholas-quinn]

Oliver was infuriating at that moment. Sneaky. Snarky. Mischievous. I love him so fucking much, Nicki thought. And then, on the tail end of that thought, he looks sexy when he's being funny. Despite his frustrations, he leaned into the kiss. "You've never sounded more like a teacher," he grumbled. He wouldn't beg for another hint, wouldn't give in to a game he was obviously set up to lose. (He'd save his begging for when it counted) Instead, he saved their picture to the cloud and let Oliver lead him toward the restaurant.

"We have done a lot more than walking," he said, catching Oliver's gaze. His eyes were a lovely chocolate brown in the evening light, and though he knew the meaning behind the statement, he steered away from it. "Bookstores, carriage rides, observation decks, broadway - of course." He smiled. "Getting lost on the subway." That had been his fault. It'd been a while since he'd had to navigate the maze of maps. He drew Oliver into the circle of his arms when they were at the restaurant, wanting the warmth of that connection. "Fair warning," he said, "the only one in this restaurant I want signing happy birthday to me, is you." He deplored the tradition of waiters bringing out a slice of cake with a candle on it.

Oliver watched him, humming softly. He could give in and give Nicki what he wanted. But he was enjoying keeping things under wraps a little longer. “One tiny hint?” He grinned, a glint of mischief in his eyes. “I think you’ll like it. A lot,” he said and kissed him again. That counted. It was a hint, and it didn’t give anything away. He blushed as Nicki asked one of the other tourists to take their picture. He waved sheepishly stepping a bit closer as he smiled for the camera.

“Hmm,” Oliver hummed. “No, actually. Which is surprising? I guess the diagnosis is that I’m just a klutz,” he mused. He smiled as Nicki glanced over at his wrist as well. He wore the old, well-loved watch which was once owned and worn by his grandfather. It was something special that he loved and cherished. “Just walking? We’ve done a bit more than that,” he smirked, letting the comment linger as he led them towards the right direction. He walked up to the host desk for their reservation. Turning back to Nicki, he smiled. “Just a few minutes and they can seat us.”

[nicholas-quinn]

There was a part of Nicki that was only now realizing how desperately he'd been searching for connection. Where his own family (minus his siblings) lacked, there were the ones he choose. The life that was slowly expanding with Oliver. He pouted slightly, face falling as that consonant popped off of his boyfriend's tongue. "But I'm not as patient as you, babe." He leaned close. "What about a hint? Just one tiny hint."

He grabbed one of the people strolling by and asked to take a picture of him and Oliver with the statue. Persuaded them with a charming smile and by saying it was his first birthday with his boyfriend. Afterward, his fingers interlaced with Oliver's he laughed softly. "Clumsy from day one. Are we sure you don't have an inner ear condition?" Certainly some doctor had checked Oliver throughout the years. Nicki rarely wore a watch, so he leaned over Oliver as he glanced at his. "Oh, I could eat. After all the walking we've done this weekend. I could definitely eat."

Oliver appreciated so much how much Nicki seemed to love his family. He would have hesitated if it was any other relationship, but everything between them seemed natural to the point where he didn't have to think twice. He leaned into his boyfriend's side and shook his head proudly. "Nope," he said, making sure to emphasize the last consonant. "You'll have to wait," he grinned. "Just how you make me wait," he pecked his lips sweetly.

"Yes. I love you even more for it," he said, smiling. He took in the statue, snapping a few more photos for keepsakes. Oliver laughed as he took Nicki's hand again. "Mhmm..." he hummed. "Nothing really, except my sister teasing me for a day and a half," he squeezed his hand. "I hope you're hungry, it's almost time for dinner," he said, checking his watch again. "Restaurant shouldn't be too far away,"

[nicholas-quinn]

"Hmm," Nicki tilted his head back as he thought, "something artsy in New York City? That's not a tall order." Oliver would have to keep him back from buying too many things. He sometimes went a little overboard when it came to gifts. Even when there was nothing to celebrate. But then again, he wrapped Oliver closer, was there a wrong time to be thankful for everything this summer had brought him? "Are you going to give me a hint about what you bought me for my birthday?" he asked.

He was laughing as they approached the statue. "Don't pretend you don't love it." He was guilty of memorizing more than a few book quotes since meeting Oliver. Even when he couldn't admit his feelings, he'd sprinkle them into their conversations. Maybe it was one of the ways he said I love you without using the words. Nicki let himself drop back a step, smiling fondly as Oliver took in the statue. He snapped a few pictures of his boyfriend admiring it, and then tucked those photos into his ever expanding summer camera roll. "You? Falling? I don't believe it!" His head was cocked to the side, humor painting every word. "Anything come of it?"

“Mmm…” he hummed. He knew they both were thinking the same thing. But they had things to do. And places to be. And he was really excited for the show that night and a little bit hungry as well. Oliver pecked his cheek quickly as they fell into step with the rest of the crowd. “They’d love that. I know Grams would love anything that has to do with music or art,” he nodded. He had gotten a love of music and books from his grandmother, who spent time reading to him as a child.

He grinned at his boyfriend, quoting the book. “There you go with the book quotes again, nerd,” Oliver teased, looking at him. Quoting books? It was pretty sexy. Something that he’d never let go of or forget; those moments between them. His eyes went wide as they reached the statue. “Oh wow,” he said, taking his phone out to take a picture. “You know, I almost fell in a hole once in the backyard.”

[nicholas-quinn]

He loved the summer, loved the dredges of it when winter was nothing but a fading memory, and the daylight hours seems to stretch like elastic. And, as Nicki sat at the bar, he loved the freedom that everyone enjoyed to just relax. He turned at Tasha's voice, giving her a wide smile. "Hello gorgeous," he said. He pushed back the seat beside him, making sure the bar top was clean if she wanted to sit. "Oliver's around. Some of his student's stole him, so I think we've got at least an hour before he's free." He raised one eyebrow, teasing. "Not that there could be anything too new in your life, right?"

Who: @nicholas-quinn and Tasha

Where: Beach Bash

When: July 2025

"Hey you!" Tasha replied as she snuck up behind Nicki and joined him at the bar by the beach. "How's my favorite hotelier doing today?" She asked as she looked around for his other half, knowing they were blissfully in love. "I'd ask where Oliver is, but I kinda wanna steal you to hang if that's cool with you?" She asked, before flagging down the bartender to order a cocktail.

[nicholas-quinn]

He caught Oliver's gaze, tilting a smirk his way. "Keep talking like that and we might just miss our reservation." He'd give up the meal to spend a few hours alone with Oliver in their hotel room. But he wouldn't miss the play. (Well, he probably would with the right persuasion. He'd just be a brat about it afterward.)

His grip on Oliver's hand tightened as they were buoyed by the movement of the crowd and crossed the street. "I want to bring back some souvenirs for her. And for your sister." He nodded at Oliver's directions. The statue was just north of the conservatory lake, circled by trees and glinting bronze in the late afternoon sunlight. Nicki leaned close so that he could whisper the quote circling his head. He'd made a habit of quoting books to his boyfriend. It reminded him of their first morning, of that first flush of connection. "'The secret, dear Alice, is to surround yourself with people who make your heart smile. It's then, only then, will you be in wonderland.'" 

Oliver smirked at Nicki's silliness. "Mm..." he pressed a kiss to his ear. "You can thank me more when we get back, handsome," he mused. He could see the happiness in Nicki’s face, hear it in his voice. He hoped that the whole weekend would be like that (so far so good). He let out his own laugh when they kissed again, his cheeks flushed pink at the welcome affection.

He just took everything in, looking around them. “I think she’s getting on without us,” he chuckled. He could imagine his grandmother finding something to do to pass the time while they were away, as nothing could seem to slow her down. “Probably will find a way to find trouble, but my sister can handle that,” Oliver grinned at him squeezing his hand as they crossed the street to the next block. He glanced around again. “This way?” He turned his feet and his body to the left, pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose.

[nicholas-quinn]

SAM REID for Entertainment Weekly SDCC25 | 07.25.25