A New Beginning

15. If It'll Make Me Straight (Part 3)

Dave, Blaine, and Sebastian arrived late to Warbler practice when they entered the room they were finishing singing, "Just Dance" By Lady Gaga. Sebastian and Blaine went to talk to the others Warblers when Wes got near Jeff and Dave. 

"Dave, Jeff, would you care to join us for another song?" Wes said. 

"No, I'm actually heading to my dorm to see if I can get some homework done," Dave said. 

"Thanks but no Thanks. I need to check on Nicky" Jeff said before he and Dave left the group. 

Dave waited until they were out of earshot before speaking. "Nicky isn't sick, is he?" 

"What do you mean? Yes, he is..." 

"No, he isn't. Come on, Jeff, I'm not going to tell on you...and besides, you're a horrible liar. I'm surprised no one else noticed. 

"...I...he hasn't been answering his phone or text messages since after the last Warbler practice." 

"So why cover for him?" 

"Because I don't want him to get into trouble. I think he might be asleep in our dorm. I'm going to check right now." 

"Alright" Dave replied, remembering his conversation with him earlier that day and wondering if that had something to do with his ignore on Jeff's calls and messages, and missing out on Warbler practice. "So, he's really never missed Warbler practice?" 

"No. Last year he broke his hand and snuck out of the hospital just to show up...that's why I'm a little worried about him." Jeff said, looking a mixture of worried and sad. A second later he had his usual smile place on his face again. "I'm sure he just fell asleep or something."

"Yeah," Dave said as he arrived in their hallway. 

"Well, I'll see you later Dave," Jeff said, waving at the brunet.

"Bye Jeffy" Dave replied as he opened his dorm and walked in. 

Jeff walked into his dorm, yawning as he threw his bag onto his bed. The blond was beyond happy that classes were over for the day. He glanced at Nick who had his back to him with tired eyes before smiling softly. The blond made his way to the brunet's desk, where Nick was busy typing an essay, and wrapped his arms around Nick. 

"I missed you," Jeff said, sounding a little upset. Nick stiffened at the touch of Jeff. Jeff noticed Nick stiffen and frowned. Nick shrugged Jeff's arms off of him. Jeff looked at Nick's back upset. "What's wrong Nicky." 

"Nothin'," Nick said coldly. He stood up and walked into the bathroom and slammed the door. Minutes laters Jeff could hear the soft click of the door being locked. 

"Nicky?" Jeff said, softly knocking on the bathroom door. Nick didn't reply. A few minutes later Nick came out and made his way to his bed. He laid down, facing the wall. Jeff's frown deepened as he made his way to Nick's bed. He sat down on the edge and put his hand on the brunet's back. "Are you alright, Nicky?" 

"I'm fine," Nick said shortly. 

Jeff gave Nick a worried look. "Nicky...No you aren't..." 

"I'm fine, Jeff," Nick said, warningly. 

"Nicky please talk to me. We talk about everything." 

"Jeff. Just drop it. I'm fine. There's nothing wrong" Jeff put his hand on Nick's side softly and the boy snapped his body up to look at him. "Don't fucking touch me?" Nick said sharply. He got up from the bed and made his way to the door. 

Jeff quickly got up and wrapped his arms around Nick's back so he couldn't get away. "Nicky...please...don't do this" 

"Do what?" Nick spat out angrily. 

Jeff didn't reply after a minute or two. He hugged Nick a little less tightly. "I'm sorry," Jeff said, obviously sounding upset. "I don't know what I did...but I'm sorry. Please forgive me, Nicky" 

"You did nothing," Nick said, beginning to feel guilty for making the blond so upset. Nick cared about Jeff, and vice-versa. 

"Then why are you so mad at me?" Jeff said, holding Nick tighter. His voice was beginning to sound desperate. 

Nick could feel tears to form in his eyes. "I'm not mad at you," Nick said, a little less angry. 

"Then what's wrong?" Jeff said, tears beginning to form in his eyes as well. Nick didn't reply. Jeff's arms dropped from Nick's waist. "Why won't you tell me?" Jeff said as the tears began to fall from his eyes. 

Nick didn't move, neither of the two did. There was a long pause before Nick said anything.

 "I can't," Nick said, just barely a whisper. 

He felt a few tears fall on his cheek as he ran out of the room. Jeff didn't move. He just stared at the door crying, as he silently prayed the brunet would come back and everything would be fine. He knew it wouldn't He knew Nick wasn't going to come back and he knew his prayers wouldn't be answered. They never were.