"The transformer blew!" Nick called from the basement as he made his way up with the cellphone in his hand. "The fuses are fine." He spoke as he dropped on the couch next to her with the baby in her arms, whining a little cause the felt strange with everything off. It was dark and his and her cellphones were the only light. He leaned over and kissed her cheek. "Go on and put him to bed, I have an idea." He spoke, standing up and vanishing off into the basement again.
Ethan had been sleeping in the dark just fine since he was a month old. They broke him of the light pretty quick. He didn't like that Daddy didn't come with mommy, but he went down pretty easily while Nick worked on whatever he was doing. When she came out, she didn't expect what she saw, the living room was filled with candles. "I used to be a boy scout, believe it or not. Always be prepared." He teased the room looked nice. "My phone's already dead, so, I'm yours for anything you want."
The evening passed with a few laughs, a game of scrabble and them talking until Nellie needed to sleep for work. Nick stayed on the floor watching her go with a smile and a flutter in his stomach. He loved her so much, he needed to tell her one day.
It was a high-end event, everyone had to be dressed to the nines, why? It was Gerald's birthday, and that meant Nick had to be there. Most years he got hit on and as much as he played it down, he didn't want to deal with it this year. Instead, he asked Nellie to go with him. A car had arrived hours before, Nick and Nellie were styled fancy as fuck, of course one of the stylists kept chastising poor Nick about not taming his curls.
When they arrived all these rich eyes laid on them and Nicholas laced their fingers keeping her close, not acting jealous, more clingy. People treated her like she was a princess, constantly addressing her as 'Nick's pretty wife' they think they're married. She was told a lot that she had a beautiful son and how lucky she was to have such a dedicated husband. Silly industry people. It never occurred to her that Nick had lied to them to keep people away from him. But after a few dances and a wish to the birthday old man, she was asked to dance by the old man himself. Nicholas stood on the sidelines as a few fancy looking gents seemed to be talking to him, all eyes were on Nellie including his.
"He's shy," the old man spoke as he slow danced with her. "I had to make him ask you out the first time. He's been worried since he found out about you carrying Ethan that you would think he only wants to be with you for the baby. He's been carrying a diamond ring for over six months for you." The old man whispered as Nellie's eyes went wide, looking over to Nick who smiled shyly her way. What a stupid man she had fallen for. He would be the death of her.
George and Nick never fully hit it off, at least not after Nick knocked-up Nellie, and hadn't even made her a promise two, nearly three years later. Sure he was around, sure they lived together when Nick was actually home, but he's listened to Mary talk. He would have been a better father for Ethan than this smuck.
It had taken everything not to throw the pill bottles out the window on his way to pick the obstacle between him and his crush. When Nick tossed his suitcases in the trunk and got in, he seemed to pull a mask up as he held him the bottles and a bottle of water.
"Welcome back, man, how was Milan?"
Nick didn't answer right away as he turned back to smile at his son in the backseat. "Hey buddy, I've missed you." Then he looked back at George and shrugged some. "I don't really know, I was busy the whole time."
-----
After Nick was dropped off, of course George called Mary to complain, he always complained to his sister when he offered to do anything for Nick for Nellie's sake. There was something about Nick living a jet set life on someone else's dime and having put a baby in Nellie while Nellie still seemed miserable that just made him hate the guy. So of course, he lied and told Mary that Nick was on antipsychotics and shouldn't be allowed around Ethan at all... And what if the guy was sleeping with those models, maybe that's why he won't do right by Nellie. And how one night he'd get the courage to ask Nellie out and treat her like she should be treated. Not like that guy.
George wanted her, even if it meant she came with that guy's kid. He could deal for her.
----
Upon getting home, Nick had told George not to worry about helping him he managed to haul both suitcases, and Ethan's hand just fine. The car seat he had just taken a second to throw in the back of his car so it could be put back in Nellie's later for her.
He had spent most of the warm spring day playing lego and "the clean up game" with Ethan to help get the house cleaned up. Then came a quick trip to take flowers to his families grave. He always took flowers on family members birthdays, and would usually hang around there with Ethan teaching him the names of people he'd never know. Finally was a trip to the park before he realized it was getting late. Gathering the happy toddler by the hand, with his new bouncy ball. Nick took his son home, got him bathed up and in his pajamas, turned on Curious George for the 12th time, and went to find something to eat since he knew Nellie would be home soon.
Nick wasn't the best cook, but he figured it was better at least after his mess-up of leaving drunk, which had been a joke he took as a dare, and he knew she must be mad. Last time he got that blitzed, well, the tyke on the couch was born.
SOo, spaghetti it is, he worked hard to at least make it look appealing. Bringing Ethan to the table knowing it was about to be world war 3 at the table he removed the boys pj's again, better to just clean him again after. "Come on buddy, just try it, I promise it's good, see." He usually had Nellie's help when it wasn't just chicken nuggets, but he didn't want to start that war again.
Max and Anne Blackwood had been as loving as parents could be. With three children sometimes that was hard, the boys always fought, and their daughter never wanted to act lady like. Max Jr, the oldest, was a football player, who lived to tease his brother. Nick was in the school band. Much like his father, Nick loved music. He had been playing piano and drums since he was a child. It was rare to catch their middle child without his headphones in. Their daughter Luanne was a shameless flirt but would play football with her brothers just the same. All three were only a year apart each. Anna was a banker and Max worked as a touring roadie and had raised his sons on the music of the bands he worked with.
They had just spent a week in Orlando at a cheap hotel. It wasn't the most glamorous, but it was a good memory. They were on their way back to Virginia, it had been raining and after a few hours of silly trivia, Nick had fallen asleep, his head rested on Luanne's shoulder. "Ew, Mom, Nicks drooling on me!"
He heard his sister and muttered back, "Bite me, Lulu." Before he dozed right back off.
The next thing he knew was a loud noise had jolted him, screams and the sound of crunching glass filled the air. It was a split second, but he saw the windshield blow out as the car rolled, sounds that he'd never forget. He expected this was it. He should apologize to Luanna for drooling, tell them all he loved them. But the hard caboodle in Luanne's lap slammed hard into his forehead with the force of the car rolling, and everything went dark.
When he woke, it felt like no time had passed at all. His long dark hair had been cut, he could tell that much. It was a long while later, after begging to know what happened multiple times, that he found out the truth. His family had died, he had been in the coma for nearly six months, he would have to learn to walk again and so many other issues. His grandparents on his dads side were estranged and refused to talk to him. His only aunt offered to take him in once he could walk again, but he had to be out by eighteen and never bother her again. Anne had been an orphan, and Max had been disowned when he ran off to follow bands and married an orphan. Now, Nick was an orphan and for the first time in his life he truly felt alone.
Not just alone, but in danger. As weeks went on, that fear of danger only grew. He had not seen his aunt May once in the whole time he had been awake, not until after the doctors started him on physical therapy. It was then once he had taken a step or two, that he was in his bed when May showed up. A stern looking woman with a lawyer who handed him a stack of papers to sign. Explaining it was simple formalities if he wished to be in her care and not the states.
Despite the sense of danger growing, he didn't understand what the papers were, when he signed off his inheritance, his mother, and families' life insurance to his aunt. By the time he found out what he had done that day in the hospital, it was far too late. His aunt, shoving his bags in his hands and waving him away.
He was 18 and didn't know what else to do, so, he went and found a lawyer. It was then he discovered everything he had signed that day meant he couldn't sue, and he assumed ALL the debt from his families' death, burials, and his hospital stay. Every penny went to his aunt with no questions. The lawyer arguing maybe they could use the fact he wasn't well, but the case didn't look good.
So, Nicholas Blackwood went out into the world with nothing, worse than nothing. Debts he could likely never repay. So, why not make it worse? A student loan taken out so he could continue his education, as well as finally getting something to help that constant feeling of dread that stuck around him.
The first time he stepped into the little coffee, he had not expected much to come of it. Gerald was picky, and it had taken weeks of Nick asking before he agreed to let them try the new shop. Mostly, as they both knew. Nick didn't want to cross traffic to get to Starbucks every day.
The first day the order was given to Mary, an awkward smile offered as she ran the card. Fearful, she would notice the name, but she didn't. This went on for weeks. Different people different days until finally he saw her, leaning against the counter drinking from a thermos. Despite his parents being romantics, he never believed in lighting until he met her eyes and stuttered out the order to her.
Gerald noticed quickly, the usual coffee time if they were in town, than Nick was ready to run and get his drinks. He seemed to be guzzling less energy drinks and drinking more coffee instead. Granted, their busy life didn't mean he got to visit every day, more like a day or two every other week. But, he tried his best. It took a full month before he introduced himself. Yes, the coffees say Gerald, but this was Nick, his personal assistant. At first Mary flirted, but quickly assumed he had eyes for someone else, or a girlfriend. By month's end, she had an ideal who he had eyes for. Which made her smile. Nellie deserved someone nice, who wouldn't smother her.
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Power Outtage
Ethan had been sleeping in the dark just fine since he was a month old. They broke him of the light pretty quick. He didn't like that Daddy didn't come with mommy, but he went down pretty easily while Nick worked on whatever he was doing. When she came out, she didn't expect what she saw, the living room was filled with candles. "I used to be a boy scout, believe it or not. Always be prepared." He teased the room looked nice. "My phone's already dead, so, I'm yours for anything you want."
The evening passed with a few laughs, a game of scrabble and them talking until Nellie needed to sleep for work. Nick stayed on the floor watching her go with a smile and a flutter in his stomach. He loved her so much, he needed to tell her one day.
Fancy Dress
When they arrived all these rich eyes laid on them and Nicholas laced their fingers keeping her close, not acting jealous, more clingy. People treated her like she was a princess, constantly addressing her as 'Nick's pretty wife' they think they're married. She was told a lot that she had a beautiful son and how lucky she was to have such a dedicated husband. Silly industry people. It never occurred to her that Nick had lied to them to keep people away from him. But after a few dances and a wish to the birthday old man, she was asked to dance by the old man himself. Nicholas stood on the sidelines as a few fancy looking gents seemed to be talking to him, all eyes were on Nellie including his.
"He's shy," the old man spoke as he slow danced with her. "I had to make him ask you out the first time. He's been worried since he found out about you carrying Ethan that you would think he only wants to be with you for the baby. He's been carrying a diamond ring for over six months for you." The old man whispered as Nellie's eyes went wide, looking over to Nick who smiled shyly her way. What a stupid man she had fallen for. He would be the death of her.
George starts Drama
It had taken everything not to throw the pill bottles out the window on his way to pick the obstacle between him and his crush. When Nick tossed his suitcases in the trunk and got in, he seemed to pull a mask up as he held him the bottles and a bottle of water.
"Welcome back, man, how was Milan?"
Nick didn't answer right away as he turned back to smile at his son in the backseat. "Hey buddy, I've missed you." Then he looked back at George and shrugged some. "I don't really know, I was busy the whole time."
-----
After Nick was dropped off, of course George called Mary to complain, he always complained to his sister when he offered to do anything for Nick for Nellie's sake. There was something about Nick living a jet set life on someone else's dime and having put a baby in Nellie while Nellie still seemed miserable that just made him hate the guy. So of course, he lied and told Mary that Nick was on antipsychotics and shouldn't be allowed around Ethan at all... And what if the guy was sleeping with those models, maybe that's why he won't do right by Nellie. And how one night he'd get the courage to ask Nellie out and treat her like she should be treated. Not like that guy.
George wanted her, even if it meant she came with that guy's kid. He could deal for her.
----
Upon getting home, Nick had told George not to worry about helping him he managed to haul both suitcases, and Ethan's hand just fine. The car seat he had just taken a second to throw in the back of his car so it could be put back in Nellie's later for her.
He had spent most of the warm spring day playing lego and "the clean up game" with Ethan to help get the house cleaned up. Then came a quick trip to take flowers to his families grave. He always took flowers on family members birthdays, and would usually hang around there with Ethan teaching him the names of people he'd never know. Finally was a trip to the park before he realized it was getting late. Gathering the happy toddler by the hand, with his new bouncy ball. Nick took his son home, got him bathed up and in his pajamas, turned on Curious George for the 12th time, and went to find something to eat since he knew Nellie would be home soon.
Nick wasn't the best cook, but he figured it was better at least after his mess-up of leaving drunk, which had been a joke he took as a dare, and he knew she must be mad. Last time he got that blitzed, well, the tyke on the couch was born.
SOo, spaghetti it is, he worked hard to at least make it look appealing. Bringing Ethan to the table knowing it was about to be world war 3 at the table he removed the boys pj's again, better to just clean him again after. "Come on buddy, just try it, I promise it's good, see." He usually had Nellie's help when it wasn't just chicken nuggets, but he didn't want to start that war again.
The accident
They had just spent a week in Orlando at a cheap hotel. It wasn't the most glamorous, but it was a good memory. They were on their way back to Virginia, it had been raining and after a few hours of silly trivia, Nick had fallen asleep, his head rested on Luanne's shoulder. "Ew, Mom, Nicks drooling on me!"
He heard his sister and muttered back, "Bite me, Lulu." Before he dozed right back off.
The next thing he knew was a loud noise had jolted him, screams and the sound of crunching glass filled the air. It was a split second, but he saw the windshield blow out as the car rolled, sounds that he'd never forget. He expected this was it. He should apologize to Luanna for drooling, tell them all he loved them. But the hard caboodle in Luanne's lap slammed hard into his forehead with the force of the car rolling, and everything went dark.
When he woke, it felt like no time had passed at all. His long dark hair had been cut, he could tell that much. It was a long while later, after begging to know what happened multiple times, that he found out the truth. His family had died, he had been in the coma for nearly six months, he would have to learn to walk again and so many other issues. His grandparents on his dads side were estranged and refused to talk to him. His only aunt offered to take him in once he could walk again, but he had to be out by eighteen and never bother her again. Anne had been an orphan, and Max had been disowned when he ran off to follow bands and married an orphan. Now, Nick was an orphan and for the first time in his life he truly felt alone.
Not just alone, but in danger. As weeks went on, that fear of danger only grew. He had not seen his aunt May once in the whole time he had been awake, not until after the doctors started him on physical therapy. It was then once he had taken a step or two, that he was in his bed when May showed up. A stern looking woman with a lawyer who handed him a stack of papers to sign. Explaining it was simple formalities if he wished to be in her care and not the states.
Despite the sense of danger growing, he didn't understand what the papers were, when he signed off his inheritance, his mother, and families' life insurance to his aunt. By the time he found out what he had done that day in the hospital, it was far too late. His aunt, shoving his bags in his hands and waving him away.
He was 18 and didn't know what else to do, so, he went and found a lawyer. It was then he discovered everything he had signed that day meant he couldn't sue, and he assumed ALL the debt from his families' death, burials, and his hospital stay. Every penny went to his aunt with no questions. The lawyer arguing maybe they could use the fact he wasn't well, but the case didn't look good.
So, Nicholas Blackwood went out into the world with nothing, worse than nothing. Debts he could likely never repay. So, why not make it worse? A student loan taken out so he could continue his education, as well as finally getting something to help that constant feeling of dread that stuck around him.
Butterflies
The first day the order was given to Mary, an awkward smile offered as she ran the card. Fearful, she would notice the name, but she didn't. This went on for weeks. Different people different days until finally he saw her, leaning against the counter drinking from a thermos. Despite his parents being romantics, he never believed in lighting until he met her eyes and stuttered out the order to her.
Gerald noticed quickly, the usual coffee time if they were in town, than Nick was ready to run and get his drinks. He seemed to be guzzling less energy drinks and drinking more coffee instead. Granted, their busy life didn't mean he got to visit every day, more like a day or two every other week. But, he tried his best. It took a full month before he introduced himself. Yes, the coffees say Gerald, but this was Nick, his personal assistant. At first Mary flirted, but quickly assumed he had eyes for someone else, or a girlfriend. By month's end, she had an ideal who he had eyes for. Which made her smile. Nellie deserved someone nice, who wouldn't smother her.
While her brother had a running bet that he was gay. Mostly due to the very public nature of his boss. Yet, nearly a year into them knowing each other none knew one way or another, at least until the room full of modeling agents flooded the café and Nick finally asked Nellie out on a date.