Chapter Text
Nick finally got his own flat.
After spending a few years in a dorm rooms with obnoxious, over-the-top lads in his year, he was ready for a fresh start.
He had graduated from the University of Leeds, striving for a career as a professional rugby player. This wasn't such a hard feat as he was one of the best in his team. He was captain of the rugby team, a position he could only dream of as a child when he obsessed over the sport like it was his calling. He was an excellent player, willing to do what it takes to win. He never could have imagined he would get this far as a kid, but now as a 25 year old graduate, anything seemed possible.
Nick opened his flat's door, a long beaten old white door that had years of scrapes and small cracks throughout, showing it's age. He didn't mind, however. He could always replace it if his landlord permitted. He grabbed his bags of things, which wasn't much. He didn't think it necessary to bring so much with him as he was looking for a fresh start. Pulling the bags through the door and setting them down just inside the doorway, he closed the old damaged door behind him, taking in the scenery of the flat in front of him. It wasn't anything special. There was a bedroom which was average sized with a bed he and his mother had picked out just for the room. It was a full sized, which took up about half the room, the other half would be used for a desk and maybe some shelving for his rugby trophies from uni and his trusty bean bag directly next to his bed. He chose plain grey sheets, as he didn't need too much to pop out all at once. He liked things a bit simple. Just past his bedroom was the small living area with a soft, grey patterned couch the size for two people. It had a design of small intertwined diamond shapes along the fabric, giving it a sense of personality he found fitting to lighten up his flat a bit. In front of the couch was a coffee table, a thing made of dark oak with stiff upper lips that curved downward, almost making the table appear round. He had a television he planned on mounting to the wall in front of his couch. Next to the living area was his kitchen, a petite area but big enough for him to comfortably bake to his hearts content. There was a small book area just above one of the counters, attached to the cupboard that was where Nick was gonna place his recipe books, most of which his mother had found or boughten for him over the years. There was a small black stove against the wall that divided the living area and kitchen, as well as plenty of counter space to use.
Nick took a deep breath, taking in the smell of his new flat, which was almost rustic, yet sweet. He walked into his bedroom and brought his bag of trophies and other small decorations like posters with him, sitting down on his bed and working on setting up his room.
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After Nick had finished with his bedroom and part of his kitchen, he got up off his sofa where he had taken a little break to drink his fanta and have a granola bar, and decided he would take a walk around the neighborhood.
From what he had heard, this was a peaceful, and quiet neighborhood with many people who would often walk their dogs freely at any point of the day or night. It was calm and had an uplifting energy to it. He loved the feeling it gave him.
He walked at a slightly brisk but comfortable pace, peering at all the flats and houses that he walked by, some were fairly colorful with character spewing from every nook, and some were plain but elegant. Many were quite old, but taken very well cared for, their age shown through, but it was beautifully kept, almost sad in a way. Nick smiled softly to himself as he walked on, feeling a sense of melancholy and great respect for the places he saw before him. He saw couples walking about, whispering, laughing, talking to each other like they were the only ones on the street without a care in the word for anyone else. A part of him felt almost sad as he watched them. He's had relationships before, but none too many were great or felt right. He never had these moments where the world melted away and it was just him and his significant other. Maybe he just wasn't meant to have this relationship? Or maybe the person who would give him this kind of love and attention is miles away, somewhere he will never find.
He sighed, looking forward as he continued on, taking a left onto a street with dim lights and soft hues dancing on the pavement. The lights bounced off his face, casting an orange glow across his features from the lamp lights, his hair appearing almost a fiery orange as he passed the lights. He had his hands in his pocket of his jumper, the temperature outside was rather chilly, and the wind even colder. He could feel the night air prickling his skin, just barely making it past his jumper to kiss the skin hidden underneath. He didn't mind the cold, it was rather comforting in a way, welcoming, even. He had just recently seen his father for the first time in ages, just to be told he had business that would separate him from his family for a bit longer than before, and that it may be a while before he can show up again.
'Yeah', Nick thought. 'Just to disappoint us and leave for another few years. You never cared'.
Nicks father rarely ever saw his own family, and when he did, it was never for very long. He always left with little to say or leaving him and his family feeling worse than before. He said he cared and really tried to be there for Nick and his loved ones but when it came down to it, it was work or another business trip that mattered more. Nick didn't hate him, he just wished he was around more, or at least tried to be, but he barely even responds to his calls let alone texts.
Nick wiped away a tear he hadn't known had escaped from his now glistening eyes, his cheek left with a wet streak across the rose tint in his skin. He blinked away the tears and forced himself to hold his feelings back. His dad didn't deserve his feelings or care, he never bothered to show his own face to his family for years on end.
Nick started to trudge further, the street now a hollow dark empty space as the lamp lights dimmed and eventually disappeared. He must have turned a corner without realizing the lights were gone. He got ready to turn back before noticed something. A building. Not just any building, but a shop. He peered down the empty street at the softly lit up shop that was a soft brown on the outside, but with green vines making their way up the sides. There was a a blueish green sign that hung over the top of the dark wood door that had white trimmings along the window. The sign read The Mystic Beans n' Books Cafè. It looked empty, even though it was still early in the night. That was until he saw someone leave through the door and walked down the opposite street next to the one he was on. He smiled to himself. Maybe he could get a few pointers about this place, or enjoy a late night latte. He wasn't a big fan of coffee, but it wasn't bad. He liked having it every now and then. Nick walked to the small petite building, the soft glow from the inside painting over the entirety of Nicks front as he peered inside. Slowly, he raised a hand to the handle, which was a deep brown but with engravings all over the front of the flat side of it, little swirled designs and patterns. He felt the design against his hand and immediately felt a sense of calm wash over his body. He opened the door, which was surprisingly light, and walked inside.
The atmosphere was soft, the walls a light beige and the carpet a deep brown. Bookshelves lined the walls, all different kinds of books one could purchase. It looked bigger on the inside than it did outside. The lights were welcoming, and the air almost felt like it hugged him in a reassuring way. The smell was something special. It was delicious, with a hint of old and fresh books just opened. There was also a tent of leather as well as he took in the scent, and the one that stood out the most was of coffee beans. His took a deep breath and relaxed his shoulders. This was definitely a place where he could relax and feel at home. Just as he was about to continue forward, a voice broke through the soft music that played overhead. It was bright and angelic in a way. A head of dark, curly hair popped out from behind the counter, and icy blue eyes the color of the ocean met his own deep brown ones.
"Come in! I'll be right with you shortly!" And Nick obliged, feeling a pull at his heart from the gaze of this other man.