nicholas-quinn

[nicholas-quinn]

[nicholas-quinn]

"Full permission." He nodded, tucking his tongue into his cheek. There was something both endlessly hot and endlessly amusing about the idea of seeing Oliver jealous. His boyfriend was usually so polite, Nicki would delight in seeing his feathers ruffled. (And in kissing him senseless afterward, of course.) He rifled through his suitcase for a hair tie, hiding his smile as Oliver called him 'my love'. Nicki had fallen slowly into those endearments, cautious of how young their relationship was. They slipped out first when he was tired and then, as Oliver peppered them in, with stronger conviction. There was no blueprint for this. There was no rush. His only guide here was his love and his happiness. He gently pinched Oliver's butt before letting him disappear into the bathroom. "I know you will."

While Oliver showered, Nicki set out his dinner clothes and then slipped into the matching romper. It was fitted perfectly, emphasizing his slender waist and tight around his hips. He tied his hair up and was just reaching for the sunscreen and shades when Oliver stepped out. He blinked a few times at the long line of his boyfriend's muscular legs, the stretch of the fabric over those broad shoulders. "Better than right," he affirmed.

Oliver squeezed his hand back with a smile. “Does that give me a pass as well if anyone gives you a look over?” he hummed. He smirked a bit, watching him. He felt like his whole body was thrumming with happiness, there were too many things that were perfect in the very moment and he didn't want to ruin it for himself either.

His nose wrinkled a bit. "Well, lucky for you it's summer and we don't have to worry about those until next fall," Oliver said with a smile. "Don't you worry. It's already working, my love," he said, before leaning in for another kiss. He was halfway towards the bathroom door when Nicki caught him in his arms. Laughter echoed out of him, and he closed his eyes, nearly melting at the affection. "I'm holding you too that," he said, raising an eyebrow before pecking his cheek and disappearing behind the door.

He returned with his hair still a bit messy and wet. "How do I look?" he asked, now standing in front of his boyfriend in his rainbow romper, sunglasses sitting atop of his head. "Think it's fitting right?" he asked, looking over his shoulder at himself in the nearby mirror.

[nicholas-quinn]

"I had to explain what a Blockbuster was to some young Gen Z-er last week." He shuddered. "Haven't fully recovered." It seemed sometimes that the only thing that survived time - at least more than movies and shows - was music. But then maybe a banger was just a banger irregardless of its decade. He laughed at Cori's assessment. "Pre-gaming at a daytime festival . . . I remember those days."

"I did not say old. I am also.. of a certain age," she laughed a bit louder. She herself was older than Nicky. Not by much, but still. She was well aware that they could be considered old by some. "Okay, you're not wrong. I'll give you that. However, I would not be surprised if some people do already have a few drinks in them."

[nicholas-quinn]

"It's cute, Che." He laughed softly, knocking the other man's arm gently. "Get as sloppy as you want. I'll make sure you have a safe ride home for the night." Even if he decided to bail early with Oliver he could set up a ride share for the man. "And my neighbor doesn't need to advertise the Pats every football season, but alas I see the flag flying every September." Though, he supposed it wasn't always an advertisement when it came to pride. He nodded at Che's question. "I bought Daisy a new collar, and a few new handmade mugs for the kitchen."

"Might have noticed," Che said, playfully mocking the other man. It was no secret. "No, I'm trying not to spend too much money, you know? I don't really need to advertise that I'm queer given...everything about me," he added with a laugh. "How about you?"

[nicholas-quinn]

Oliver,

You are asleep in the bed next to me as I write this, and I'm thinking about thirty-six. The number of birthdays I've missed. Silly to worry about lost time, to wish we'd met earlier, but it passes my mind sometimes. Maybe it would have made things worse, maybe I was never going to be ready to meet you, and maybe we still would have wound up here. I only think it because you've made me happier than words can express these past few weeks. Before then as well, of course. In the long weeks when I was falling for you with every kiss.

It's likely you're reading this after dinner. If you're not, it's because I caved and gave you the gifts early. That a likely story for us. But, in any case, the music box contains the song I just played for you. The one you sang that night back in the Brownstone. (You know which night.) The book nook we can try to assemble together when we're feeling brave. And the cufflinks are a reminder that you always have a piece of me, even when we can't be together.

I love you.

Nicki

@oliverxsutton

[nicholas-quinn]

"It counts," he affirmed, a softness creeping into his gaze. "It counts for everything." He took Oliver's hand again, giving it a small squeeze as he let the moment sit. He was loathe for quiet usually, but with Oliver they felt sweet. Almost as sweet as hearing the tease of his full name out of his boyfriend's mouth. "I love you too, but I make no promises. Anyone who stares at your ass too long is fair game to me."

He laughed shaking his head. "You are a nerd, and those sweaters don't hide as much as you think they do." He didn't think he'd found an outfit that didn't suit Oliver. Even with minimal effort. Even with pajamas. He stretched softly, giving Oliver a small wink. "I'm always trying to make you fall in love with me. Every day. All day."

His gaze lingered on Oliver when he stepped out of bed. He was so distracted he almost missed his offer. "Now you are really going to make us late." He stepped forward, wrapping an arm around his waist and catching Oliver before he made it to the bathroom. He tugged him so that Oliver back hit his chest and then kissed the swell of one shoulder. "Later. I promise. We've got celebrating to do first."

“If it counts for anything, we love you enough for all of them,” Oliver said, reaching for his hand. “Especially me, but that part is obvious,” he smirked. He watched Nicki with a smile, something inside of him was just warm and fuzzy, those feelings were beyond measure. He let out a soft giggle. “I love you, Nicholas, but no going around hitting people with sticks, you promise?” He grinned again.

His face hurt from smiling, but he didn’t care. “The sweaters? You mean the ones that make me look like a nerd?” He asked, a teasing tone to his voice. “Ooh, now you’re just really trying to get me to fall in love with you now aren’t you?” he smiled at the mention of the bookstore and getting to pick out anything he wanted. Even if it rained or poured, he’d still be happy as long as he was spending the day with his boyfriend.

Oliver leaned into the kisses, then watched him before carefully stepping out of bed as well. “Then we have to stay out long enough to see those,” he said with a smile, making his way over to his suitcase and grabbing his clothes for the day. “I’ll be quick. Unless you wanted to join me,” he mused, making his way towards the shower.

[nicholas-quinn]

"Oh, I'm definitely going to do it," Nicki said, with a small laugh. He was notorious for not taking other people's advice. He'd listen to his sisters sometimes and Livvy occasionally, but he was horrendously independent. For better or worse. "Vibrations is great, but if we have something outdoors, we can make a whole faire out of it. Fireworks, talent shows." He nodded toward Jace. "Quiet areas for those not inclined to be squashed into crowds." If there was one thing he was certain of, it was that more visibility was a good thing during Pride month. He shrugged at Jace's estimation of a role model. "Every once and a while though, you find a unicorn. Someone that actually talks the talk and all that. Trick is recognizing them when they come into your life.".

"Oh, don't do that," he laughed, shaking his head, "I actually think it's really great that Vibrations offers a night for people to come out and party freely and not worry about anything but having a good time for their community, but it could be outside in the middle of a field, and I just don't think it would be for me. I have tinnitus and a touch of PTSD, so I try to avoid parties." But Jason wasn't the kind of person to be bitter about it, he was glad that others had a good time, and glad that he could kick back with a beer with the fireflies. Everyone had their place in the world. "Role models are overrated," he said with a grin. "You just end up putting them on a pedestal to find out that they have flaws and are a boring ole human like the rest of us. So you're good."

[nicholas-quinn]

"My family's not very sentimental." And he'd never been close enough to a friend, besides Livvy, to even consider it. He wanted that signalment to the world today, though. The ability for strangers, just at a glance, to realize who his other half was. In truth, maybe he'd always been a sentimental fool. He smiled at Oliver, nodding at the assesment that they'd be the best dressed at the parade. "I'm going to have to bat your admirers away with a stick."

He didn't know how Oliver had gone through life without a string of people willing to fall over themselves for him. "You're very cute. I miss your comfy winter sweaters, but the gun show lately has been very distracting." He placed his coffe aside, glancing at the sky outside one last time. "If it rains, I know a few bookstores on the route. You can get whatever you want. My treat." They might be soaked and disappointed in the weather, but he'd make sure Oliver had fun.

He giggled, flush with happiness at their joking. "I think you'll make it," he proclaimed, pressing up into that final short kiss. He rolled out of bed afterward, shrugging out of his robe and reaching for the clothes he'd set out. "If the weather holds, I know from years prior that there's fireworks out on the bay."

“Mmm…” Oliver hummed, glancing over at him in between bites. “I know you would,” he said simply, because Nicki would get rid of the robe just to tease him. They’d have plenty of time to revisit that idea later. He chuckled at the idea of matching outfits. “Me neither. Well, with someone other than my sister or dog, I mean,” he scratched his head. “You get it,” he laughed awkwardly, blushing. “So we will be the best dressed of the whole parade,” he leaned in and kissed his cheek.

He shifted, still balancing the tray carefully but stretching his legs a bit more under the blankets. “Hmm, am I now?” He teased with a grin. “Well, then. I hope it doesn’t rain on our parade today,” he winked before reaching over to carefully grab his tea and take a long sip. It would be perfect no matter what sort of situation the weather gave them. His neck stretched a bit at the affection, allowing Nicki more access.

“Of course,” Oliver agreed with a nod. “Standard practice,” he mused. “And I know you are all about following the rules and quality control,” he eyed him before setting the tray and his empty mug aside. “Guess we should get started with our day,” he kissed his lips. “Just one more kiss…” he muttered, pecking his lips again. “I love you, now come on, love, let’s get ready.”

[nicholas-quinn]

Nicki laughed. "I'm willing to sacrifice this robe." But then, maybe it wasn't wise to push his goodwill with other hotels. He leaned back against the headboard, propped up by pillows, and rested his head against Oliver's shoulder. "I don't think I've ever worn matching outfits with anyone." He smirked. "You'll be my first." He'd thought he'd be averse to the idea - worried about being seen as kitschy - but he had a whole new definition of ego with Oliver. And a whole new definition of Pride for that matter.

He had no basis for comparison in all this, no string of relationships, no embarrassing line-up of exes. All he had was how he felt. He could charm a dozen strangers without a second thought, but meeting Oliver's family made his palms sweat. And seeing bits of Oliver echoed in both his sister and grandma, endeared him daily to them. There were other introductions that had yet to come. Namely, his parents, but he'd put that dinner off. For every embarrassing story Grandma Bea could produce there was one Nicki's father could lay out with barely concealed judgement.

He crossed his ankles smiling wider at Oliver's insistence. "You're cute when you're stubborn," he teased. "But save your gratitude. This could all still go downhill." He tilted his gaze to the window and the cloudy sky beyond it. "It might pour out there during the parade and then they might cancel the concert, the drag queen show . . ." His eyes widened at the thought. He wanted things to go well for their first trip. He pressed a quick kiss to Oliver's shoulder. "Maybe I should double check." A second kiss to the shell of his ear. "Just in case it does rain." A third to his neck. "Make sure you're not made of sugar."

It was as if Oliver couldn’t help himself or stop himself from smiling. The past days made him deliriously happy, even if that included reliving and remembering embarrassing stories from his childhood and looking at old pictures he never wanted to share with anyone, let alone his boyfriend at a family dinner. But his grandmother had never taken to anyone this easily. Maybe that was part of Merrock’s charm. Maybe it was telling of his relationship with Nicki. When it came to his sister, there was still work to be done. But he knew they’d get there eventually.

“It’s tempting to kiss you, but I know if I do, I’m going to get hotcakes all over myself, and you’re the one wearing the robe,” he quipped.

God, he was happy. He was glad that they could get away for the weekend. The ride up to Portland was absolutely gorgeous, and he had already taken so many pictures on his phone, excited to see something a little different. He popped another piece of pancake into his mouth, eyes settled on Nicki.

“I’ll thank you again tonight and at the end of the trip,” he stated. And somewhere in between, knowing that they wouldn’t have much of a quiet night any night of their trip. Oliver smiled at the affection. “Thank you,” he let out a soft laugh. His expectations were already met. He didn’t expect Nicki to go all out with the trip, but then again, the man still surprised him every turn of their journey together, be it good or bad. But now it was all good and he’d just take it all in.

[nicholas-quinn]

"Can't help it," Nicki said. He smiled, shrugging one shoulder casually. "This is how I look at people when I'm in love with them."

Two plus weeks. What could be said to encompass it? That he hadn't spent a night outside of Oliver's arms or vice versa? That he'd come by the middle school for lunch most days of the week? That he loved the spunkiness of this man's grandmother, and the stories that she'd share at the drop of a hat? That he'd been texting "Grandma Bea" about reruns of love island since meeting her? That he enjoyed the simple intimacy of watching Oliver shave in the morning? That sometimes the sweetest moments were the quietest? It was all summed up simply in the realization that he was happy. Oliver had taken Nicki's life out of cruise control. He was awake to world again, more present than he could remember being in a very long time.

He'd ordered a plate of eggs benedict for himself, a side of bacon, and a large pot of coffee. He had his fill of both the food and his boyfriend, before resting back against the headboard in his white robe, his hair mussed. There was no rush. The parade wouldn't start till later this morning, and the festivities would flow into the evening. There were no dogs to walk, cats to feed, or work calls to distract him. He was solely Oliver's for the long weekend.

"Let's make that thank you a blanket one for the whole weekend," he proclaimed. There were more surprises waiting, gifts that he'd tucked deep into his suitcase, dinner arrangements at a very specific restaurant. He planned to spoil this man. He reached out, grasping Oliver's free hand and kissing the back of it. "Happy Birthday, love."

Who: Oliver Sutton & @nicholas-quinn

Where: Portland, ME

When: June 20, 2025

“You know… if you keep looking at me like that, we may never leave this room,” Oliver smirked and pecked Nicki’s cheek as he sat up a bit more, covered in the mess of sheets, tray neatly resting on his lap. He had slept very well after they had gotten in from their trip. His skin was still a bit flushed, watching Nicki with a smile. Nicki had ordered room service for them, after waking up and not wanting to get out of bed just yet. It was a bit of a delayed start, but a great way to start off his birthday.

He had decided on blueberry pancakes and a giant cup of breakfast tea. There was a side of biscuits and gravy as well as hash browns, Nicki insisting that Oliver pick whatever he wanted for breakfast and then some. Of course, he had insisted back—and lost. But he was grateful for being spoiled that weekend, and he was excited. Getting to celebrate pride, his birthday, their new relationship together. It felt absolutely perfect.

Even after two and a half weeks of being together, he was still feeling the happiest he had been in a long time. Even with his last long-term relationship, it hadn’t been this blissful. Things felt different this time, and it was a good change. He loved the attention, loved being touched, loved being reminded of those three words every day now that they had said it to each other.

“I already said it, but thank you for breakfast. And everything before breakfast,” he grinned, pouring more syrup onto his pancakes.

[nicholas-quinn]

He smirked. "I might have noted that once or twice throughout the years." He was rather good at remembering little tidbits from all his Merrock neighbors, including their embarrassing moments. There was something undeniably endearing about lightweights. "Fine then. We'll scrap the betting. Did you buy anything yet?"

"That's not a fun bet either, Nicky." Che shook his head, holding out the drink in his hand. "I'm notoriously a lightweight and I trust that you know that enough to know how to drink me under the table." He grinned at the other man. "I'll still go for the challenge, but none of my money should be involved."

[nicholas-quinn]

"Yes." He nodded, smiling at the very thought of it. Autumn and winter and eventually, with any luck, they'd stop marking their relationship in months or seasons, but in years. "But after summer is over, I have to start sharing you with your classroom." He sighed, tilting his head into the brush of Oliver's fingers, loving the tenderness of them running through his long hair. "I spent a night here begging Livvy for advice," he confessed. "Laid out on the living room rug with a bottle of wine. Crying. Feeling like the worst man to ever walk the Earth." He pressed his forehead into the crook of Oliver's neck, closing his eyes and breathing in his scent and warmth. "You deserve to be happy. And I'm going to try and make you happy every day from now on." He might still believe there were better men in the world for Oliver. Ones that didn't carry the damage of his upbringing or jagged scars from losing a loved one. But if Oliver wanted him, then he wasn't going to fight it. He took several slow breaths like that, lying half on top of Oliver, so entangled with him he could hardly imagine them separated. When he spoke again, his eyes were still closed, the smile over his lips faint. "We'll always be friends, but we'll be lovers first. Partners. And, please," he kissed his neck, "love me enough to realize the only thing I want is you. The rest is just nonsense."

He was exhausted from the day, from the spill of emotions, and their lovemaking. But he clung to Oliver's voice, happy to drift with him. To press a smile against his skin. "I'm never going to get tired of hearing you say it. I love you too, Oliver Sutton."

Oliver wrapped an arm around him. He couldn’t stop smiling now and chuckled. “We’ve got all summer,” he said softly. “Well, there’s so much more time after that too,” he chuckled. Oliver pulled him up, wrapping his arms tighter around Nicki’s middle, watching him again as he felt the kisses along his skin. “You can tell anyone and everyone you want,” he said, pushing some of Nicki’s hair back, tangling his fingers in it. “Neither will mine… well, I told you how much my grandma wants to meet you,” Oliver chuckled. “The kids at school and at the library have probably figured it out as well. They ask about you, you know,” he smiled and pecked his lips again. “You make me so, so happy,” he whispered. He blushed a bit at the words. “That’s because I had convinced myself that we were better off as friends,” he said. “Because I was so in love with you I’d do anything you wanted,” he said. “Including trying to forget you and move on, which we both learned is impossible.” He scooted in closer to kiss him. “I love you, Nicholas Quinn,” he quirked a smile.

[nicholas-quinn]

He ached softly afterward. He was sweaty and content and certain that his legs were too weak to support him. Which was all fine with him; better than fine. He wanted to cuddle and there was no denying it this time. There was no pretense that they were only here because of their desire. That would always be a part of it - they'd fit together perfectly since that first night, a mirrored call and response - but they were so much more now. There was an undeniable comfort to lying in the arms of someone who loved him. "Hmmm," he nodded slightly and rested his chin against Oliver's sternum as he looked up at him. "We can go back as many times as you'd like. Lay out on the beach, enjoy the sun, share a cup." He scooted up to kiss him before dropping back down to pepper kisses to his warm skin. Half-reverent. They could do that, and dozens of other things that were on the tip of his tongue. But first - "You're okay with me telling everyone right? My family, friends . . . so many of them won't even be surprised." His lips twitched into small frown. "I think the only person I had fooled was you."

Oliver landed on top of Nicki with soft laughter. He missed this, missed the closeness. Miss the intimacy of their time together. He wasn’t going to rush, but he wasn’t going to waste any time either. It had been way too long. And it didn’t take too long for them to shed layers on the way to the bed. He smiled, resting his hand on Nicki’s waist they perfectly fit together, like he had found that missing part of him. “I love you too,” he muttered as he kissed him again.

He felt whole again, like he could finally breathe. He felt like he had missed so much in their time apart. Every moment together, every touch, set his body on fire. He couldn't stop smiling. He could have a million moments like this and just be the happiest he could be. Oliver leaned forward into Nicki, legs tangled, his fingers playing over Nicki’s back, pressing soft kisses where he could reach. He grinned at the comment. “All the more reason to go back there,” he smirked.

[nicholas-quinn]

Who could vouch for the fickle attentions of their four-legged children? He'd think on Lizzie later. He'd missed her buoyant joy, the sweetness she exuded with every wag - but that was for later. Now he smirked, letting Oliver tug him toward the bed - his hips cocked forward, shoulders pushed back. He was a puppet on a string. He peeled off his own shirt, before tumbling onto the bed, pulling Oliver down on top of him. As their legs tangled his anxiety seeped out of him.

They might call this their first date and mark this date. It was a beginning of sorts. But it wasn't the first time. The love had slipped in without them noticing. It lingered at the back of Nicki's throat. It was their conversations and their kisses and the moments like this when they lost all sense of language. When all that mattered was the pulse of their bodies together. He tugged Oliver into another kiss, wrapping a leg around the man's waist. The kiss was sweet and soft despite the passion growing between them and he whispered it. "I love you."

And afterward, with his head pillowed on Oliver's chest, with the lion share of the blankets tangled about his waist, with his finger tracing patterns over Oliver's soft skin he laughed softly. A thought occurred to him now that he could think rationally. "I think we left the ice cream in the car."

Oliver felt like there was something beyond them that was pulling them together. He loved Nicki, even when his cat was interrupting their romantic evening. He owed Daisy a lot of pets and treats. They could hold him to that because at least this time, he’d be back again soon. He knew Daisy loved the attention, and Oliver was willing to give it.

Until she got bored and decided to move onto her next spot. When Nicki started to pull him toward the bedroom, he obliged. It was as if his body were in sort of a trance. Oliver shivered a bit as Nicki answered. He nodded. He’d give him everything. No hesitation. It wouldn’t take them too long to get there. He leaned into Nicki, hands splayed along his lower back. “Y-Yeah,” he muttered breathlessly. “I’d like to.” It was as if Nicki could read his mind.

His arms moved back allowing his shirt to disappear, before pulling Nicki by the belt loops towards the bed.

[nicholas-quinn]

There was no cooling down. Not even when he let Oliver step out of his arms and greet Daisy. He was flushed and glad for the support of the door behind him. His breath wavered out of him. He realized suddenly that he was anxious. Not for the physicality of it all. He'd never had a problem with sharing his body with someone. No, he was anticipating sleeping with someone he loved. Openly. The intimacy of it all. The tangibility of it.

Daisy purred, eyes closing in contentment as Oliver pet the back of her head. She rubbed against Oliver's side, making two big turns as he spoke to her. Nicki laughed under his breath, shaking his head. She, like most of the important people in Nicki's life, had known the truth of it all before him. "Now don't hog him, Dais." She blinked her yellow eyes at him. He made her a soft promise. "I'm going to keep him around as long as I can."

He fell easily back against Oliver when she'd had her fill. They were a tangle of limbs then, his feet moving them slowly toward the bedroom. "You," he said, pressing the word to Oliver's lips. "I want you." There were more inelegant ways to say it. I want you to fuck me. Softer ways. I want you to make love to me. He fumbled through the words, scattering them between kisses as they knocked up against the wall of his bedroom. His hands slid under Oliver's shirt, kisses wandering across his jawline and to his neck. "But only if you'd like to."

Oliver wanted to argue, debate him, but he couldn't find the words. Maybe it was because all he could think about was getting inside NIcki's apartment and not thinking. The kiss made him smile, and made him want to skip all the formalities. He couldn't help the blush that appeared when the neighbor gave them a short glance. But he followed eagerly after Nicki until they made it past the door. He returned the kiss, arms wrapping around the other man, parting his lips slightly and tasting him, inhaling that scent that had become nothing short of intoxicating. His head lifted at the words. He'd state his own wishes through pants and deep breaths. But they were both cut off as Daisy interrupted their moment, perched nearby and watching. Her eyes were expectant, right on him and he smiled through his laugh. He gave a peck to the corner of Nicki's lips, before moving towards the cat. His knees felt wobbly, and his mind was elsewhere.

"Hi, girl," he offered his hand to her. Daisy sniffed at him and he gave her a nice long pet behind her head as he sat, leaning on the back of the couch to reach her. "I've missed you too. Looks like we'll be seeing more of each other now," he chuckled. "Your dad and I made up," Oliver said, watching her reaction. "And I hear you're a fan of comfy sweaters as well," he scratched her chin with a teary smile.

After a few moments, Daisy mewed again and sauntered off. Oliver took that opportunity to pull Nicki towards him and into another kiss. He couldn't hold himself back. "Tell me what you want..." he muttered against the hungry kiss.

[nicholas-quinn]

"Too cramped?" It wasn't a big leap. Not when he'd so rarely seen Jason indoors. One of his friends from Boston could hardly stand the anxiety of being shoved into an elevator. He wasn't one to push, though he nodded when Jason told him to have a good time. "I will. And, for what it's worth, I'm planning to go to the next town meeting. See if we can figure something out for an outdoor party next year. It's usually such great weather." They'd have to deal with the headache of where to host it and the noise issue, but he was willing to put his weight behind it. He had some influence, whether as a nuisance or a Quinn. He smiled, almost flushing as he peered over the crowd for that familiar flash of dimples. "I don't think I'm terrible," he laughed, "I'm much too vain for that. I just think there's far better role models."

"Ah, no," he let out a laugh, shaking his head, "I'm afraid that's not really my scene." Something about the idea of being in such a tight space with loud noises, flashing lights, and so many human bodies pressing in against each other on the dance floor just absolutely made his skin crawl, no matter how much fun he knew other people swore it to be. Jason skipped most of those events, choosing to walk through the park, doing a little shopping at Collab, enjoying his time out and about in the open. "But make sure that you have a good time for me, I'll probably be out on my deck with a beer and the lightning bugs at that point," or, more accurately… eight PM, knowing him. "I'm pretty sure that there are worse examples, for what it's worth," Jason said with a good natured smile. "You seem like a pretty good dude."

[nicholas-quinn]

"Only the ones that look devastatingly handsome in a white suit." He dropped a wink at Oliver. He felt like a live wire just then, half of him still startling from the horn and the other still utterly distracted by his boyfriend. (Would that word ever not make him feel lighter than helium?) That first night he'd driven Oliver back to his place. He'd been confident, buzzing with anticipation, ignorant to everything that lay ahead. He wasn't as steady on his feet now, but he was happier. He felt more awake than he had in over a decade and when he slid out of the car, he was still laughing softly. He was fumbling through the kiss and taking Oliver's hand to lead him upstairs. He nodded at a neighbor collecting mail and missed the lock when he bumbled with his keys. But eventually (finally) they were inside and alone. He let Oliver in ahead of him, closing the door and tossing his keys into the recesses of his apartment. In the next heartbeat, he tugged Oliver to him and fell back against the door. When he kissed him now, it was without restraint. He chased the lingering taste of ice cream on his tongue and held him close with his hands on his hips. If he did things right, there would be a hundred nights just like this one. More even. He whispered against Oliver's lips slightly breathless "I want-"

Daisy's meow cut him off. She was standing on the back of the couch, tail straight up and head cocked. Her excitement came in spurts. The twitch of her tail, the point of her whiskers, the second hopeful meow as her eyes slid to Oliver. Nicki let his head thump back against the door. She'd be a pain if he didn't let him greet her. "Go ahead," he said, reluctantly releasing Oliver. He kicked off his shoes. "Ladies first."

Oliver couldn't help but smile to himself and blush a little bit. "You make a habit of going around and picking up librarians?" he teased a little. He could feel his heart racing around his chest, the butterflies returning and well, he'd deal with the rest later. His eyes moved to Nicki's face, tracing over his body and watching him react. Maybe were both a little distracted as the driver behind them gave that little honk and he jumped with a little laugh, placing his hand over his mouth, to hold back his laughter and surprise. Unbuckling himself out of the seat, his head turned when he spoke up again, and he grinned. "Let's get upstairs, then," Oliver said, climbing out of the car to go to the other side, a little excitedly. Then he pulled Nicki into another kiss, slowly pulling away with a mischievous little grin. "Lead on," he husked.