Lockdown part 2 of 2
Who: Hugh Jackman/Norman/Frank
What: resolving some legal issues..again
When: today
Where: Sydney, Australia
Why: concludes the story before Hugh comes home
Evan paced the waiting room. He knew Norman was coming and he knew he only had a few hours left to see the DA. He kept looking at the door, waiting, biting his thumbnail.
Norman literally got off the plane, caught a cab to the hotel, dropped off his stuff and his boyfriend so Frank could take a nap. Then grabbed another cab to the address he'd been given. All he had with him with his money, hotel room key, and an envelope containing the memory card. He paid the cab fare in the new Australian money he'd been given at the airport before climbing out and walking into the building. He wasn't sure who he was looking for because he didn't know what Evan looked like, but he looked around and bit at his bottom lip a bit nervously.
Evan perked up with he spotted Norman. He just knew it had to be him because he looked so lost. He stepped closer, expectant look on his face.
"Norman?" He shoved his sun-bleached hair from his eyes.
Norman looked up quickly when he heard his name, smiling a bit in relief.
"Evan." He closed the gap between them but stayed a comfortable distance away, glancing down at the envelope before he handed it over. "Here you go. I got here as soon as I could."
Evan smiled, his heart pounding. He opened the envelope and looked at the huge X Hugh had marked on it.
"Thank god." He breathed and looked up at Norman again. "You are a life saver. A true friend." Evan jumped and hugged Norman tight.
Norman could only smile and return the hug, shutting his eyes for a moment because he was beyond exhausted. He could never sleep on planes, they made him nervous and he was claustrophobic so he couldn't relax enough to sleep. "I'm just glad I made it in time," he said when he stepped back, reaching up to run a hand through his already disheveled hair.
Evan nodded. "You did.. you did.. look, I cleared you to be able to see Hugh if you want." He held up a visitors pass. "He is only allowed so many a day, and.. well.. none of the family will see him. I think he'd like a friendly face."
Norman glanced at the pass and thought about if it would be a good idea or not but after a few moments he reached up and took it. "Thanks..I'll go see him..it'll probably do us both a little good.." he smiled a little, tired and wanting to curl up with Frank to sleep but he knew he needed to go see Hugh first.
Evan smiled again and literally ran off to the DA's office. The sign directing visitors was right on the next door.
Hugh was pacing his cell, praying - he never prayed. But he had been in here for almost a week and he looked it; unshaven and thin - a week or not, he barely ate. He hated feeling hopeless.
Norman followed the signs, showing his pass when needed so no one would hassle him. Finally he was led into a room and told to wait for Hugh to be brought in. He couldn't sit though, he'd been sitting on that plane for nearly seventeen hours; no matter how tired he was he didn't feel like sitting right now. The guards went to get Hugh and Norman rubbed idly at his right hand, where a dark bruise started at his knuckles and spread upwards slightly onto the top of his hand as well as down along one of his fingers.
"No contact." the guard warned as Hugh was led into the room. He assumed he was seeing Evan again and blinked several times when he saw Norman. He sat at the table, eyes wide. "Sunshine?"
Norman looked up when the door opened, smiling lightly when he saw Hugh be led in. He slid into the chair on the other side of the table despite his desire to stand, looking Hugh over a bit to make sure the other man was okay. "Yeah, it's me."
Hugh was shaking, close to tears. "What.. why are you here?" He had assumed the card was going to be mailed and he would be here until it arrived. "What happened to your hand?" He tried to reach over but the guard grunted his words again.
"I didn't trust the postal service..so I brought the memory card myself.." he said with a tired sigh, still managing a smile through the jetlag. He lifted his hand a little when Hugh asked what was wrong, shaking his head a bit to gently cover it with his other hand. "Long story..I decked this guy for harassing Frank.."
Hugh laughed. "You are amazing. I can't believe.. " He covered his mouth and dropped his eyes, trying to keep his composure. "Evan called you, yea? He’s a great kid."
"Yeah, he is..he called and told me what was happening so I booked the first flight I could over here..Frank came with me, even." he said, glancing at the guard hesitantly because the uniformed man made him a little nervous.
Hugh lifted his head. "He did? Wow, so I'll finally get to meet him..hopefully." Hugh sniffed, swiping at his eyes. "I'll be sure to shave first." He rubbed at his week of beard.
Norman smirked lightly as he eyed Hugh's face, tilting his head to the side a bit. "Yeah..you're looking kind of rough..rugged, maybe..like what I'd expect a man from the Outback to look like," he teased.
Hugh laughed softly. "I cant.. thank you enough, sunshine." His voice cracked, he was so close to losing it. He wanted his life back! He ran his hands through his hair and took a deep breath. "Evan is the only one I’ve seen from Toby's family.. the others still wont.. see me.. "
"They'll come around.." he said softly, taking good hand off the bruised one to pat the top of Hugh's hand lightly, but he quickly pulled his hand back with the guard gave him a look and cleared his throat loudly. "Everything's going to get situated and you'll be out of here..and everything will be okay, alright?"
"I feel better knowing you're here.. and Frank of course." Hugh sighed again, shivering. "It was only three days before, now its been a week. I can’t take this.. its.. really.. " He tried to find the words as more tears slipped down his cheek. "Shit.. I didn’t do anything you know?"
"I know you didn't..and soon they will all know too. We have the evidence, Evan's in the DA's office right now getting it cleared up. You'll be out of here soon," he tried to sound as comforting as possible, knowing Hugh had probably had a pretty rough time for the past week.
Hugh nodded and wiped his eyes again. "Thanks. Damn it, I owe you so big. Where is Frank anyway?"
"You don't have to thank me..you would have done the same for me.." he said, assuming it was true. He wouldn't blame Hugh for not being there to back him up though if it came to something like this. "Frank's at the hotel room..we didn't sleep during the flight so we've been awake over twenty-four hours now..he passed out as soon as he hit the bed and I didn't have the heart to wake him.."
"God, you came straight here?" Hugh’s eyes were wide. "I do owe you.. and yes, I would do the same for you, in a heartbeat." The guard made another noise and Hugh sighed. "I think my time is up."
Norman nodded and offered another reassuring smile to his friend as he stood up. "I promise we'll get you out of here. Everything will go back to normal."
"I hope not, but that’s another story." He stood slowly. "I can’t even shake your fucking hand." He laughed softly. "Thank you, sunshine. Thank you so much. Go get some sleep."
"You're welcome..I'll see you soon, okay? Away from this place," he shot the guard a little glare before he turned back to Hugh and smiled, raising his good hand in a little wave before he headed for the door.
******
Norman held the hotel lobby door open for Frank before following the other boy outside. They'd both finally gotten sleep and rested up and the jetlag from the long flight had worn off for the most part. He felt much better after showering and such but was just a little nervous about how the day was going to unfold. "We have to take a cab to the place I dropped the memory card off at," he said to Frank as he tried to hail a cab, "it's not too far from here though.."
"ok." He says, looking around the busy streets. A cigarette was held between his index and middle finger. Smoking for he was slightly nervous and it was the only thing he could think to do.
It was the first time he had been anywhere outside of the country. He was never rich enough to travel anywhere as a kid and this whole fling, sixteen hours was all too new.
And he felt bad for falling asleep on Norman earlier, leaving the other to drop off the memory card on his own. But things seemed to work out all right.
As a cab pulls up he snubs out his cigarette on a near by trashcan before throwing it in and getting in.
Evan paced the waiting area. He had turned in the card and now had to wait. The court allowed only immediate family and he wasn't.
Norman climbed into the cab after his lover and slid one of his hands over one of Frank's as he told the driver where to take them. The cab ride was spent in silence, worrying over what would happen with Hugh and what reactions he and Frank would have towards each other when he introduced them. He started to recognize his surroundings from the last time he'd come to the building and he sat up a bit. "This is it," he said to Frank, squeezing the other boy's hand gently before he released it to take his money out and pay the driver.
He let Frank climb out first on the side closest to the sidewalk and he followed behind, glancing up at the building and taking a deep breath. "Alright, let's go.."
The boy glances up at the building, for some reason it seemed monstrous. Like as soon as he walked in it was going to gobble him while, even if it wasn't his court hearing.
The vibe from too many cases past, sending many a men to jail, remained. But he tired to make it seem like it didn't bother him. It's not like he really knew Hugh anyway.
But Norman knew Hugh, and Hugh was his friend. And he could tell that Norman was worried for him. Which would be one of the reasons Frank cared about Hugh getting out.
He might not know him personally, but Norman did and he couldn't bear to see Norman get depressed if Hugh had to stay in jail.
So the boy reaches out his hand and takes the others into his own. "It'll be ok. He'll get out, you'll see."
Evan turned to the door and smiled. "Norman?" He rushed up to Norman and hugged him. "I have heard yet."
The worry was obvious in his eyes, then he looked at Frank and smiled,."G'day!"
Norman glanced over at Frank when he felt the hand in his own and heard the reassuring words and he smiled and nodded a bit. "Thanks again for coming with me..I don't know what I'd do without you," he said right about the time he heard his name being called. He looked up and noticed Evan, wrapping his free arm around the other man in a polite hug before he stepped back and bit at his lower lip. They hadn't heard about Hugh yet and that made him more nervous because surely those pictures were enough evidence to get Hugh off the hook but maybe they were just testing them out to make sure they weren't fakes or something. "Evan, this is Frank, my boyfriend.." he said, motioning to Frank before he smiled, "and Frank, this is Evan..the man who called me about the memory card."
Frank smiles and gives a small wave. "Nice to meet you." He wasn't sure if he should hold out his hand or not, a strange cliché action but he does it anyway.
Evan smiled. "So glad your here. I'm sorta glad I didn’t go in. I’m a bit of a yabber but with any luck, she'll be apples and we can hit the turps." He smiled wide, then bit his thumbnail again.
Norman didn't understand probably half of what Evan just said to him but it sounded good all the same so he grinned and nodded, trying to seem less nervous and more confident. "Do you know how much longer it might be?" he asked quietly, eyeing a few of the guards that seemed to roam the building. He rubbed his thumb back and forth along the side of Frank's hand as he held it, a comforting motion for the both of them.
The boy smiles at the action, which completely washed away the feeling of stupidity that he had going on. Not understanding a thing that Evan had just said.
Though mentioning apples made him slightly hungry since he hasn't eaten all day. Flying made him too nauseous to eat.
But he just stands there and watches the exchange of words between the two men.
Hugh signed the final papers and stepped through the door. He was still unshaven and wore the Armani suit he arrived in.
Evan was on him in seconds with a bear hug, babbling like mad, Hugh tried to calm him down.
"It’s okay.. it’s all over." He hugged Evan again, then looked at Norman.
"Hey sunshine."
Norman's attention turned to the doors when Hugh stepped through them and he sighed in relief as he watched Evan jump all over Hugh. He smiled at Frank before looking back at Hugh as his nickname was spoken.
"Hey..told you everything would be okay," he teased before he stepped forward to give his friend a hug, "I'm glad you're out.." When he stepped back again he looked at Hugh before taking Frank's hand and tugging his lover up to stand closer to him. "Hugh..this is Frank," he said as he slid his arm around his boyfriend's waist, "Frank, meet Hugh.."
"Hi." He places a hand over the one around his waist. "It's nice to finally meet you after only hearing talk."
He offers a small smile, things taking on a small turn for the awkward.
Hugh nodded "Yea and in such perfect circumstances. I’m sorry you got dragged here, but Norman.. pretty much.. saved my life."
He slipped and arm around Evan. "Now can we get the hell out of this place? Evan's place is by the beach, care to join us?"
Norman shrugged one shoulder a bit as if Hugh saying that he'd saved his life wasn't a big deal. "Like I said before, you would have done the same for me," he smirked and nodded at the mention of getting out of the place. Just standing there made him nervous. When they were invited to Evan's house he looked at Frank to see what his lover would say, certainly not wanting to make Frank uncomfortable.
Frank just glances up at Norman, blinks, "Huh? Oh! Yeah!" He nods and looks over at the other two. "Love too." He smiles, seeming just a bit spaced out. Perhaps from jetlag.
Evan bounced and dragged Hugh towards the door. Hugh looked at Norman and Frank. "He's got a big van, he can drive."
Hugh looked at Frank and smiled, "I truly am happy to finally meet you.:
Norman moved his arm up to drape around Frank's shoulders as they walked, smiling to himself when he heard Hugh speak to Frank. He didn't want to say anything, he wanted them to get along on their own as much as possible. It would mean a lot to him if they could be friends or even just okay with each other, he just didn't want to stress that too much and make either of them act against their will.
The boy’s eyes just lower to the ground. Hand reaches up to lace with the fingers of the hand draped around his shoulder. Doesn't really know what to say to him. He just walks out behind them with Norman by his side.
They all piled into Evan's van and Evan babbled the entire trip. Hugh sat back in the front seat, quiet, watching the scenery go by. When they arrived at Evan's place, Evan was inside like flash, hurrying to order some dinner. Hugh saw his suitcases were in the front room. "Evan must have brought them."
Hugh slipped off for a shower and change of clothes, and Evan called from the kitchen. "Hey! Pizza alright?" he had already cracked a beer.
Norman didn't say much the entire ride, he was happy with the way things worked out with Hugh's release and he was content with Frank there by his side. Once they made it to Evan's house he took Frank's
hand in his own again and followed the others inside, glancing about curiously. "Yeah, as long as some of it's vegetarian," he said back to Evan before squeezing Frank's hand and sitting down on the couch in the living room.
Frank smiles, mouthing a 'thanks' to Norman as they sat down. Looking out for him and he could never be more appreciative. He glances around the place.
Norman turned to press a kiss to Frank's temple as they got comfortable on the couch, flexing and stretching his fingers on his bruised hand a bit when it started to ache. "Maybe tonight we can go check out the beach here..just to see how different it is from Los Angeles.." he said quietly to the boy next to him, "I bet it's beautiful.."
Evan ordered the food - one veggie pizza and walked back in. "Beach right out that balcony, mates. Got some boards if you wanna surf." He smiled and sat, sipping his beer when Hugh walked out.
The boy smiles and kisses just below Norman's ear, a light peck. "I'd like that." He whispers back. But he looks over at Even as he says this and bites his lip, "I can't swim."
Hugh was clean shaven, hair damp and dressed in jeans and sweatshirt. "God that felt good." He flopped into a chair and sighed.
Norman perked up when he heard Frank's confession, looking at the other boy curiously. "You never told me you can't swim," he said, a bit surprised but not in any kind of negative way, "I've got to teach you sometime..if you're up for it. But yeah, I can't surf..I tried once a while ago and it wasn't pretty.." He glanced up as Hugh returned before leaning back into the couch cushions, resting his unbruised hand on Frank's thigh innocently, just another comforting touch because he felt like he always needed to touch the other boy in one way or another.
The boy glances down at the hand on his thigh. He lifts it and kisses the bruise lightly before setting it back down. "I'd like a swimming lesson... I started with Christoph but he only taught me how to float."
He says and he places the man's hand back on his tight black jeaned thigh. Jeans ripped at the knee and his trademark bandana tied at the base of the rip.
Hugh sighed and leaned forward. "Thank you again, both of you. Seems bloody surreal to have you both sitting here." He laughed and took the beer Evan offered him.
"Yeah, as soon as we get back home and have free time I'll give you some lessons," he promised Frank, fingertips toying with the edges of the bandana tied around Frank's leg. "You're welcome," he told Hugh with a slight smirk, "it seems surreal to be sitting here. It all happened to fast I'm still catching up with myself."
Frank nods, "I've never been outside of the U.S. before... and being dragged out here like this seems pretty... surreal. For a lack of better word, since it's already been used twice."
He nods and continues to stare at Norman's hand.
Evan felt the tension in the room and excused himself to wait for the pizza outside. Hugh sighed and leaned forward.
"You two look really great together.. are you going to stay and vacation for a bit?" He smiled. "Personally,
I am heading back as soon as I can."
Norman watched Evan leave and sighed a bit before gently patting Frank's leg and sliding his arm back around the other boy's shoulders. "Thanks..and I don't think so. We need to get back as soon as we can
as well..Frank needs to get back to his job. Maybe we'll do a bit of sightseeing tomorrow or this evening before we head back..I'd hate to come here and not get to at least explore a little..especially since it's
Frank's first time being outside the States.."
The night went on amicably then Norman and Frank went back to their hotel and Hugh stood to watch the moon rise over the water. So that was Frank, he thought and sipped another beer.
Evan joined him and silently watched the waves.
“So, you alright then?” Evan finally spoke and Hugh just nodded.
“You still going back to LA?” Evan’s voice was soft, his pleading eyes huge.
“I have a job there I really like.” He looked at Evan. He looked too much like Toby tonight. “I can’t keep running.”
“You can stay here. I know mum will come around.” Evan turned to face Hugh, leaning on the railing. Hugh shook his head.
“I’d just be running from Los Angeles.” Hugh muttered. But he didn’t want to go back. He had already made so many mistakes and to see Norman so damn happy just hurt. “But, I have to face the music right?”
“Music? You done that bad stuff again?” Evan asked softly and Hugh nodded again.
“Million directions at once and none of them right. Well, one was right but…” he fell silent.
“You loved that one didn’t you.” Evan of course meant Norman and again, Hugh just nodded.
“I just can’t keep running.” He said again, but with much less confidence.
Evan nodded sadly. “Yea, right. I understand. Been great having you.. close.” He joked and nudged Hugh.
Hugh smiled. “Thanks.”
He hugged Evan and started to shiver. “C’mon, I have a flight to book.”
What: resolving some legal issues..again
When: today
Where: Sydney, Australia
Why: concludes the story before Hugh comes home
Evan paced the waiting room. He knew Norman was coming and he knew he only had a few hours left to see the DA. He kept looking at the door, waiting, biting his thumbnail.
Norman literally got off the plane, caught a cab to the hotel, dropped off his stuff and his boyfriend so Frank could take a nap. Then grabbed another cab to the address he'd been given. All he had with him with his money, hotel room key, and an envelope containing the memory card. He paid the cab fare in the new Australian money he'd been given at the airport before climbing out and walking into the building. He wasn't sure who he was looking for because he didn't know what Evan looked like, but he looked around and bit at his bottom lip a bit nervously.
Evan perked up with he spotted Norman. He just knew it had to be him because he looked so lost. He stepped closer, expectant look on his face.
"Norman?" He shoved his sun-bleached hair from his eyes.
Norman looked up quickly when he heard his name, smiling a bit in relief.
"Evan." He closed the gap between them but stayed a comfortable distance away, glancing down at the envelope before he handed it over. "Here you go. I got here as soon as I could."
Evan smiled, his heart pounding. He opened the envelope and looked at the huge X Hugh had marked on it.
"Thank god." He breathed and looked up at Norman again. "You are a life saver. A true friend." Evan jumped and hugged Norman tight.
Norman could only smile and return the hug, shutting his eyes for a moment because he was beyond exhausted. He could never sleep on planes, they made him nervous and he was claustrophobic so he couldn't relax enough to sleep. "I'm just glad I made it in time," he said when he stepped back, reaching up to run a hand through his already disheveled hair.
Evan nodded. "You did.. you did.. look, I cleared you to be able to see Hugh if you want." He held up a visitors pass. "He is only allowed so many a day, and.. well.. none of the family will see him. I think he'd like a friendly face."
Norman glanced at the pass and thought about if it would be a good idea or not but after a few moments he reached up and took it. "Thanks..I'll go see him..it'll probably do us both a little good.." he smiled a little, tired and wanting to curl up with Frank to sleep but he knew he needed to go see Hugh first.
Evan smiled again and literally ran off to the DA's office. The sign directing visitors was right on the next door.
Hugh was pacing his cell, praying - he never prayed. But he had been in here for almost a week and he looked it; unshaven and thin - a week or not, he barely ate. He hated feeling hopeless.
Norman followed the signs, showing his pass when needed so no one would hassle him. Finally he was led into a room and told to wait for Hugh to be brought in. He couldn't sit though, he'd been sitting on that plane for nearly seventeen hours; no matter how tired he was he didn't feel like sitting right now. The guards went to get Hugh and Norman rubbed idly at his right hand, where a dark bruise started at his knuckles and spread upwards slightly onto the top of his hand as well as down along one of his fingers.
"No contact." the guard warned as Hugh was led into the room. He assumed he was seeing Evan again and blinked several times when he saw Norman. He sat at the table, eyes wide. "Sunshine?"
Norman looked up when the door opened, smiling lightly when he saw Hugh be led in. He slid into the chair on the other side of the table despite his desire to stand, looking Hugh over a bit to make sure the other man was okay. "Yeah, it's me."
Hugh was shaking, close to tears. "What.. why are you here?" He had assumed the card was going to be mailed and he would be here until it arrived. "What happened to your hand?" He tried to reach over but the guard grunted his words again.
"I didn't trust the postal service..so I brought the memory card myself.." he said with a tired sigh, still managing a smile through the jetlag. He lifted his hand a little when Hugh asked what was wrong, shaking his head a bit to gently cover it with his other hand. "Long story..I decked this guy for harassing Frank.."
Hugh laughed. "You are amazing. I can't believe.. " He covered his mouth and dropped his eyes, trying to keep his composure. "Evan called you, yea? He’s a great kid."
"Yeah, he is..he called and told me what was happening so I booked the first flight I could over here..Frank came with me, even." he said, glancing at the guard hesitantly because the uniformed man made him a little nervous.
Hugh lifted his head. "He did? Wow, so I'll finally get to meet him..hopefully." Hugh sniffed, swiping at his eyes. "I'll be sure to shave first." He rubbed at his week of beard.
Norman smirked lightly as he eyed Hugh's face, tilting his head to the side a bit. "Yeah..you're looking kind of rough..rugged, maybe..like what I'd expect a man from the Outback to look like," he teased.
Hugh laughed softly. "I cant.. thank you enough, sunshine." His voice cracked, he was so close to losing it. He wanted his life back! He ran his hands through his hair and took a deep breath. "Evan is the only one I’ve seen from Toby's family.. the others still wont.. see me.. "
"They'll come around.." he said softly, taking good hand off the bruised one to pat the top of Hugh's hand lightly, but he quickly pulled his hand back with the guard gave him a look and cleared his throat loudly. "Everything's going to get situated and you'll be out of here..and everything will be okay, alright?"
"I feel better knowing you're here.. and Frank of course." Hugh sighed again, shivering. "It was only three days before, now its been a week. I can’t take this.. its.. really.. " He tried to find the words as more tears slipped down his cheek. "Shit.. I didn’t do anything you know?"
"I know you didn't..and soon they will all know too. We have the evidence, Evan's in the DA's office right now getting it cleared up. You'll be out of here soon," he tried to sound as comforting as possible, knowing Hugh had probably had a pretty rough time for the past week.
Hugh nodded and wiped his eyes again. "Thanks. Damn it, I owe you so big. Where is Frank anyway?"
"You don't have to thank me..you would have done the same for me.." he said, assuming it was true. He wouldn't blame Hugh for not being there to back him up though if it came to something like this. "Frank's at the hotel room..we didn't sleep during the flight so we've been awake over twenty-four hours now..he passed out as soon as he hit the bed and I didn't have the heart to wake him.."
"God, you came straight here?" Hugh’s eyes were wide. "I do owe you.. and yes, I would do the same for you, in a heartbeat." The guard made another noise and Hugh sighed. "I think my time is up."
Norman nodded and offered another reassuring smile to his friend as he stood up. "I promise we'll get you out of here. Everything will go back to normal."
"I hope not, but that’s another story." He stood slowly. "I can’t even shake your fucking hand." He laughed softly. "Thank you, sunshine. Thank you so much. Go get some sleep."
"You're welcome..I'll see you soon, okay? Away from this place," he shot the guard a little glare before he turned back to Hugh and smiled, raising his good hand in a little wave before he headed for the door.
******
Norman held the hotel lobby door open for Frank before following the other boy outside. They'd both finally gotten sleep and rested up and the jetlag from the long flight had worn off for the most part. He felt much better after showering and such but was just a little nervous about how the day was going to unfold. "We have to take a cab to the place I dropped the memory card off at," he said to Frank as he tried to hail a cab, "it's not too far from here though.."
"ok." He says, looking around the busy streets. A cigarette was held between his index and middle finger. Smoking for he was slightly nervous and it was the only thing he could think to do.
It was the first time he had been anywhere outside of the country. He was never rich enough to travel anywhere as a kid and this whole fling, sixteen hours was all too new.
And he felt bad for falling asleep on Norman earlier, leaving the other to drop off the memory card on his own. But things seemed to work out all right.
As a cab pulls up he snubs out his cigarette on a near by trashcan before throwing it in and getting in.
Evan paced the waiting area. He had turned in the card and now had to wait. The court allowed only immediate family and he wasn't.
Norman climbed into the cab after his lover and slid one of his hands over one of Frank's as he told the driver where to take them. The cab ride was spent in silence, worrying over what would happen with Hugh and what reactions he and Frank would have towards each other when he introduced them. He started to recognize his surroundings from the last time he'd come to the building and he sat up a bit. "This is it," he said to Frank, squeezing the other boy's hand gently before he released it to take his money out and pay the driver.
He let Frank climb out first on the side closest to the sidewalk and he followed behind, glancing up at the building and taking a deep breath. "Alright, let's go.."
The boy glances up at the building, for some reason it seemed monstrous. Like as soon as he walked in it was going to gobble him while, even if it wasn't his court hearing.
The vibe from too many cases past, sending many a men to jail, remained. But he tired to make it seem like it didn't bother him. It's not like he really knew Hugh anyway.
But Norman knew Hugh, and Hugh was his friend. And he could tell that Norman was worried for him. Which would be one of the reasons Frank cared about Hugh getting out.
He might not know him personally, but Norman did and he couldn't bear to see Norman get depressed if Hugh had to stay in jail.
So the boy reaches out his hand and takes the others into his own. "It'll be ok. He'll get out, you'll see."
Evan turned to the door and smiled. "Norman?" He rushed up to Norman and hugged him. "I have heard yet."
The worry was obvious in his eyes, then he looked at Frank and smiled,."G'day!"
Norman glanced over at Frank when he felt the hand in his own and heard the reassuring words and he smiled and nodded a bit. "Thanks again for coming with me..I don't know what I'd do without you," he said right about the time he heard his name being called. He looked up and noticed Evan, wrapping his free arm around the other man in a polite hug before he stepped back and bit at his lower lip. They hadn't heard about Hugh yet and that made him more nervous because surely those pictures were enough evidence to get Hugh off the hook but maybe they were just testing them out to make sure they weren't fakes or something. "Evan, this is Frank, my boyfriend.." he said, motioning to Frank before he smiled, "and Frank, this is Evan..the man who called me about the memory card."
Frank smiles and gives a small wave. "Nice to meet you." He wasn't sure if he should hold out his hand or not, a strange cliché action but he does it anyway.
Evan smiled. "So glad your here. I'm sorta glad I didn’t go in. I’m a bit of a yabber but with any luck, she'll be apples and we can hit the turps." He smiled wide, then bit his thumbnail again.
Norman didn't understand probably half of what Evan just said to him but it sounded good all the same so he grinned and nodded, trying to seem less nervous and more confident. "Do you know how much longer it might be?" he asked quietly, eyeing a few of the guards that seemed to roam the building. He rubbed his thumb back and forth along the side of Frank's hand as he held it, a comforting motion for the both of them.
The boy smiles at the action, which completely washed away the feeling of stupidity that he had going on. Not understanding a thing that Evan had just said.
Though mentioning apples made him slightly hungry since he hasn't eaten all day. Flying made him too nauseous to eat.
But he just stands there and watches the exchange of words between the two men.
Hugh signed the final papers and stepped through the door. He was still unshaven and wore the Armani suit he arrived in.
Evan was on him in seconds with a bear hug, babbling like mad, Hugh tried to calm him down.
"It’s okay.. it’s all over." He hugged Evan again, then looked at Norman.
"Hey sunshine."
Norman's attention turned to the doors when Hugh stepped through them and he sighed in relief as he watched Evan jump all over Hugh. He smiled at Frank before looking back at Hugh as his nickname was spoken.
"Hey..told you everything would be okay," he teased before he stepped forward to give his friend a hug, "I'm glad you're out.." When he stepped back again he looked at Hugh before taking Frank's hand and tugging his lover up to stand closer to him. "Hugh..this is Frank," he said as he slid his arm around his boyfriend's waist, "Frank, meet Hugh.."
"Hi." He places a hand over the one around his waist. "It's nice to finally meet you after only hearing talk."
He offers a small smile, things taking on a small turn for the awkward.
Hugh nodded "Yea and in such perfect circumstances. I’m sorry you got dragged here, but Norman.. pretty much.. saved my life."
He slipped and arm around Evan. "Now can we get the hell out of this place? Evan's place is by the beach, care to join us?"
Norman shrugged one shoulder a bit as if Hugh saying that he'd saved his life wasn't a big deal. "Like I said before, you would have done the same for me," he smirked and nodded at the mention of getting out of the place. Just standing there made him nervous. When they were invited to Evan's house he looked at Frank to see what his lover would say, certainly not wanting to make Frank uncomfortable.
Frank just glances up at Norman, blinks, "Huh? Oh! Yeah!" He nods and looks over at the other two. "Love too." He smiles, seeming just a bit spaced out. Perhaps from jetlag.
Evan bounced and dragged Hugh towards the door. Hugh looked at Norman and Frank. "He's got a big van, he can drive."
Hugh looked at Frank and smiled, "I truly am happy to finally meet you.:
Norman moved his arm up to drape around Frank's shoulders as they walked, smiling to himself when he heard Hugh speak to Frank. He didn't want to say anything, he wanted them to get along on their own as much as possible. It would mean a lot to him if they could be friends or even just okay with each other, he just didn't want to stress that too much and make either of them act against their will.
The boy’s eyes just lower to the ground. Hand reaches up to lace with the fingers of the hand draped around his shoulder. Doesn't really know what to say to him. He just walks out behind them with Norman by his side.
They all piled into Evan's van and Evan babbled the entire trip. Hugh sat back in the front seat, quiet, watching the scenery go by. When they arrived at Evan's place, Evan was inside like flash, hurrying to order some dinner. Hugh saw his suitcases were in the front room. "Evan must have brought them."
Hugh slipped off for a shower and change of clothes, and Evan called from the kitchen. "Hey! Pizza alright?" he had already cracked a beer.
Norman didn't say much the entire ride, he was happy with the way things worked out with Hugh's release and he was content with Frank there by his side. Once they made it to Evan's house he took Frank's
hand in his own again and followed the others inside, glancing about curiously. "Yeah, as long as some of it's vegetarian," he said back to Evan before squeezing Frank's hand and sitting down on the couch in the living room.
Frank smiles, mouthing a 'thanks' to Norman as they sat down. Looking out for him and he could never be more appreciative. He glances around the place.
Norman turned to press a kiss to Frank's temple as they got comfortable on the couch, flexing and stretching his fingers on his bruised hand a bit when it started to ache. "Maybe tonight we can go check out the beach here..just to see how different it is from Los Angeles.." he said quietly to the boy next to him, "I bet it's beautiful.."
Evan ordered the food - one veggie pizza and walked back in. "Beach right out that balcony, mates. Got some boards if you wanna surf." He smiled and sat, sipping his beer when Hugh walked out.
The boy smiles and kisses just below Norman's ear, a light peck. "I'd like that." He whispers back. But he looks over at Even as he says this and bites his lip, "I can't swim."
Hugh was clean shaven, hair damp and dressed in jeans and sweatshirt. "God that felt good." He flopped into a chair and sighed.
Norman perked up when he heard Frank's confession, looking at the other boy curiously. "You never told me you can't swim," he said, a bit surprised but not in any kind of negative way, "I've got to teach you sometime..if you're up for it. But yeah, I can't surf..I tried once a while ago and it wasn't pretty.." He glanced up as Hugh returned before leaning back into the couch cushions, resting his unbruised hand on Frank's thigh innocently, just another comforting touch because he felt like he always needed to touch the other boy in one way or another.
The boy glances down at the hand on his thigh. He lifts it and kisses the bruise lightly before setting it back down. "I'd like a swimming lesson... I started with Christoph but he only taught me how to float."
He says and he places the man's hand back on his tight black jeaned thigh. Jeans ripped at the knee and his trademark bandana tied at the base of the rip.
Hugh sighed and leaned forward. "Thank you again, both of you. Seems bloody surreal to have you both sitting here." He laughed and took the beer Evan offered him.
"Yeah, as soon as we get back home and have free time I'll give you some lessons," he promised Frank, fingertips toying with the edges of the bandana tied around Frank's leg. "You're welcome," he told Hugh with a slight smirk, "it seems surreal to be sitting here. It all happened to fast I'm still catching up with myself."
Frank nods, "I've never been outside of the U.S. before... and being dragged out here like this seems pretty... surreal. For a lack of better word, since it's already been used twice."
He nods and continues to stare at Norman's hand.
Evan felt the tension in the room and excused himself to wait for the pizza outside. Hugh sighed and leaned forward.
"You two look really great together.. are you going to stay and vacation for a bit?" He smiled. "Personally,
I am heading back as soon as I can."
Norman watched Evan leave and sighed a bit before gently patting Frank's leg and sliding his arm back around the other boy's shoulders. "Thanks..and I don't think so. We need to get back as soon as we can
as well..Frank needs to get back to his job. Maybe we'll do a bit of sightseeing tomorrow or this evening before we head back..I'd hate to come here and not get to at least explore a little..especially since it's
Frank's first time being outside the States.."
The night went on amicably then Norman and Frank went back to their hotel and Hugh stood to watch the moon rise over the water. So that was Frank, he thought and sipped another beer.
Evan joined him and silently watched the waves.
“So, you alright then?” Evan finally spoke and Hugh just nodded.
“You still going back to LA?” Evan’s voice was soft, his pleading eyes huge.
“I have a job there I really like.” He looked at Evan. He looked too much like Toby tonight. “I can’t keep running.”
“You can stay here. I know mum will come around.” Evan turned to face Hugh, leaning on the railing. Hugh shook his head.
“I’d just be running from Los Angeles.” Hugh muttered. But he didn’t want to go back. He had already made so many mistakes and to see Norman so damn happy just hurt. “But, I have to face the music right?”
“Music? You done that bad stuff again?” Evan asked softly and Hugh nodded again.
“Million directions at once and none of them right. Well, one was right but…” he fell silent.
“You loved that one didn’t you.” Evan of course meant Norman and again, Hugh just nodded.
“I just can’t keep running.” He said again, but with much less confidence.
Evan nodded sadly. “Yea, right. I understand. Been great having you.. close.” He joked and nudged Hugh.
Hugh smiled. “Thanks.”
He hugged Evan and started to shiver. “C’mon, I have a flight to book.”