One Day At A Time
Lunch ran smoothly; Nick was glad that his brothers and Dougie were on their best behaviour. Frankie and Ali had hit it off both laughing excitedly next to each other, the excitement of seeing the Jonas Brothers had worn off slightly though Ali every now and again would look up and just grin at her mum who was talking to Denise.
“So Gareth, you're in school right?” Their dad asked. Nick frowned, he hadn't worried about his dad asking questions it was his brothers he was worried about.
“Yeah I am.” Gareth replied politely.
“What do you major in?” Kevin asked.
“Music, Drama and Business.” Gareth smiled.
“How come you do business, it's a weird mix with music and drama.” Joe said.
“My dad, well... he always said it was good to have a back up plan. If music and drama didn't work out for me then I had a degree in business to fall back on. Makes sense.”
“That's smart.” Their dad nodded. Nick sighed, it seemed Gareth had won everyone over. They shared secret smiles and their fingers linked under the table.
Once dinner was over, their parents had said they could go into town. Gareth, Dougie, Nick, Kevin and Joe all set off. Nick grinned as he held hands with Gareth not having to hide anything from his brothers or friends.
“They're so cute.” Kevin laughed.
“I don't think I have ever seen him look so content in being with someone.” Dougie smiled. He hoped maybe if Nick gave himself to Gareth completely his thoughts on Joe would slow down to a stop, it looked as if he might be right.
“He's a nice kid.” Kevin smiled.
“Yeah, he's smitten for Nick.” Dougie giggled. Kevin looked over at Joe who was glaring at the back of Gareth's head. Curious Kevin wanted to ask what he was thinking, but decided he'd do it later when no one else was around.
When they reached the main streets Nick and Gareth stopped holding hands scared in case they were seen. “Where too?” Kevin asked.
“Guitar shop!” Nick grinned.
“Then to the candy store.” Dougie added.
“And to get some new CD's.” Kevin laughed.
“Any where you want to Gareth?” Nick asked, Gareth shook his head and then they all started to walk. Joe glared at his brother but followed them along.
They spent the day looking around shops. Kevin was glad that Nick was having a good time with Gareth as it was clear how much he liked him in the way they looked at each other. He was worried about Joe though, the way he had closed himself in on himself, only speaking when spoken to and then just glaring at Nick and Gareth. Kevin thought maybe it was because Joe wasn't quite so accepting of homosexuality as he had made out. Maybe seeing it was a bit too much for him to take.
Once they arrived back at the venue, they headed to the dressing room where Ali, Frankie and their parents were waiting. “Did you boys have fun?” Denise asked.
“Yeah, it was great.” Nick smiled.
“Gareth we're going to the hotel, grab your stuff.” His mum said.
“Okay mum.” Gareth smiled.
“We'll see you after the show right?” Ali asked eagerly, and Gareth was glad she had asked because he wanted to ask.
“If you're mum doesn't mind.” Nick smiled.
“Please mum!” Ali begged. “It's the Jonas Brothers and I mean! Nick's so cute!” Gareth grinned at his sister and then at Nick who was blushing once more.
“You're staying in the same hotel as us.” Denise smiled. “We can drive back together.”
“Thanks.” Gareth's mum smiled. “Good luck for your show.”
“Thanks.” They all chorused.
“See you later,” Gareth smiled and hugged Nick and whispered. “Miss you, good luck.”
“Miss you too.” Nick said back quietly and then they were gone and Nick instantly felt empty.
-x-
“Is everything okay?” Kevin asked Joe. They were sat on the stage, Nick and Dougie were talking at the drums. Dougie asking a hundred and one questions about Gareth.
“Yeah,” Joe smiled back at his older brother.
“You've been in a weird mood today.” Kevin acknowledged. “You don't like Gareth.” It wasn't a question.
“I...”
“You said you were okay with Nicky being you know.” Kevin said quietly.
“I am...” Joe said quickly.
“Then what is it?” Kevin asked.
“I don't know.” Joe sighed frustrated.
“You can tell me you know.” Kevin said softly. Joe just shook his head and Kevin left it at that.
-x-
Nick sat on his bed legs crossed, head resting against the head board. The show had been intense, the fans were extra loud and he loved every second of it. He could see Gareth clearly and he felt as if he was singing every song to him. Nick's phone vibrated in his lap and he picked it up quickly. “Hey.” He smiled.
“Were you asleep?” Gareth asked.
“No.” Nick whispered, because Joe was asleep and he didn't want to wake him. “What room number are you?”
“705.” Gareth said back.
“I'll be there in a few minutes.” Nick smiled.
Nick pulled on a jumper and brushed his hair quickly, he had showered once he got into his room and pulled on a pair of sweat pants and an old top of Joe's. He opened the door quietly and then crept out.
He was unaware of the fact that Joe was wide awake, with silent tears falling from his eyes at the sound of the door closing.