Blue eyes fluttered open and sleepily looked out at the clouds. He was wondering what had woken him up when a flight attendant approached him.

“Sir we are facing turbulence. The fasten seat belt sign has been turned on.”

Nick figured the announcement is what woke him up as he pulled aside the jacket covering him to show the lady that he had slept with his seatbelt fastened.

As she smiled and walked away Nick frowned and pressed a hand against his stomach when the plane lurched uncomfortably. He sighed and rested his head against the side of the plane as it carried him home.

Home. Such a simple word which evoked complex emotions. For the first four years of his life home had been with his mom and dad. The idea of home changed drastically when his father married Monique 8 years after his mom passed away.

Monique ignored him for the most part though she made sure to change his house to such an extent that it no longer felt like home.

A new version of home came about with his godparents Cara and Jerald. Kevin too had felt like home. He may not have been around much in person but Cara’s stories about Kevin were enough to make him feel like he knew the older boy even after Kevin had gone away to study.

At boarding school Corey had been his home. His apartment in London didn’t start feeling like home until AJ moved in.

Home now would be the Richardson house with Kevin, his husband. He found it hard to believe that it had been 16 months since Kevin had slid the simple gold and diamond band on his finger.

He yawned and watched the city come into view as they began their descent. He only had one thought dominating his mind. He’d be home soon.

-x-

Nick had a chance to take a look at his phone when he got to baggage claim. He smiled when he saw messages from Kevin, AJ, Cara, Jerald and his dad.

He hit speed dial and waited for his call to connect. He bit his lip and disconnected the call before it could go to voicemail. His phone rang before he could call the next person on his list.

“Hey,” he said softly.

“How are you feeling?”

Nick shivered as Kevin’s deep voice washed over him. “Ok, a bit tired.”

“Drew is waiting outside with the car.”

Nick smiled, “I’ll give him a call as soon as I have my bags.”

“There’s a dinner tonight at the Littrell’s. We can skip it.”

Nick shook his head as he kept an eye on the luggage belt. “Cara told me about it last night. Its fine Kevin, I don’t mind coming for a few hours.”

“Nick…”

Nick cut Kevin off. “Unless you don’t want to attend for some reason other than concern over me.”

Kevin sighed. “You really are a very annoying boy when you want to be.”

Nick grinned and shifted the phone between his left ear and shoulder so that he could grab one of his bags. He grunted softly at the effort and allowed the bag to slam down onto the trolley he’d claimed.

“Are you ok?”

Nick resisted the urge to touch his stomach and shook his head. “I’m fine. Just… too much stuff.”

He was glad Kevin allowed his very obvious fib to pass without question. He grabbed his second bag and got it onto the trolley with minimum effort before blinking his eyes rapidly as stars burst across his vision. He took a deep breath before releasing it slowly.

“Um will you be going to the Littrell’s from work or…” he trailed off as he began pushing his trolley.

“I had planned to go straight from the office. I’ll come home and pick you up unless you want to go ahead with Mom and Dad.”

Nick smiled at Kevin’s use of the word dad. “Oh that’s fine. I’ll go with them so that you don’t have to change your schedule around.”

“Ok.” He paused before continuing. “I have to go into a meeting. I’ll see you soon baby.”

Nick smiled when he spotted Drew. “Bye Kevin.”

A few minutes later Nick thanked Drew for dealing with his bags for him when his phone began buzzing. He grinned when he saw AJ’s picture and name lighting up the screen.

“Hey J,” he said with a happy sigh as he carefully got into the car.

“Nicky my boy welcome home!”

“Thanks! Feels weird to think this is home now.”

“Just think of it this way. Home is where we are all together,” AJ said gently.

Nick smiled, “You always know what to say.”

“It’s my superpower,” AJ agreed with a laugh. “Did your mil tell you about the dinner thing tonight?”

“Oh she did and then assured me that I don’t have to attend. Kevin informed me about it and immediately said we can skip it,” he said with a light laugh.

AJ laughed, “Dare I said it?” He continued on when Nick groaned. “Your husband is so sweet!”

Nick couldn’t help but laugh even as he rolled his eyes again. “Idiot,” he said fondly.

“Love you too buddy,” AJ said. “Now if you feel up for it then come tonight. Kevin’s right, you can totally skip it. No big deal.”

“I’ll come. It’ll be nice to see you. You will be there right?”

“I’m already here,” AJ assured him. “Why don’t you come straight over here? It’ll save you time and you can have a bit of a breather. Brian won’t care.”

“Oh thanks, that sounds good,” Nick said gratefully.

After they hung up Nick informed his driver about his change in plans as he called Kevin. He left a message when the call went straight to voicemail. He settled back into his seat with a yawn and watched the city zip past.

Forty five minutes later Nick raised his hand to knock and smiled when AJ opened the door before he his hand could even touch the wood.

“Nicky!” AJ tugged Nick into the room and wrapped him in a tight hug.

“J.” Nick sighed and rested his head on AJ’s shoulder.

AJ rubbed Nick’s back and held on until he felt Nick was ready to let go. He cupped Nick’s face and spent a long moment looking at him.

“You look good. Healthy,” Nick said sincerely.

AJ grinned and shrugged. “I consume around 3000 calories a day in fruits, meat and vegetables I kid you not. I still limit the fun stuff though.” AJ led Nick to comfortable arm chairs set up by the window. “You’ve lost weight,” he said gently.

Nick sat down and looked out the window at the garden below. “It’s been hard,” he admitted and bit his lip.

AJ reached out and squeezed Nick’s knee. “Corey’s going to enjoy getting the weight back on you.”

Nick shook his head with a smile. “Who’d have thought Corey would turn into such a foodie!”

“Matt and his family have been really good for him. Hard to believe it’ll be two years since they got married.”

Nick sighed, “Man, I know. So much has happened,” he trailed off.

“Life has a way of working out for the best. We just can’t always see it that way right away,” AJ said softly.

Nick looked sharply at AJ who met his eyes and nodded to show that he understood. “Life also has a way of screwing you over,” he said dryly.

AJ rolled his eyes. “Since when have you become a chocolate bar is half over kinda guy?” When Nick shrugged in respond he continued. “This is just a minor bump in what has otherwise been a smooth transition Nick.”

“I know! I know I’m only focusing on the negative. I can’t seem to stop it.”

AJ met Nick’s eyes. “It’ll take time. I’m not asking you to just forget about it. I just don’t want you to focus ONLY on it.”

“Hopefully I’ll be able to keep it together now that I’m ho.. back here. I don’t want to chance Kevin feeling guilty about it too.”

They pretended to not have noticed Nick’s little slip over the word home.

-x-

Nick took a shower and changed into fresh clothes before rejoining AJ. He knocked on the door before tentatively pushing it open and peering inside. AJ who was talking on the phone held up on finger and tilted his head to invite Nick further into the room.

Nick walked in and moved to the centre of the room where he carefully knelt down on the ground.

Blue eyes peered back at him across mesh before greeting him with a screech and a giggle. “Icky!”

Nick wriggled his fingers in a hello. “Hi Sebby, hi my baby,” Nick cooed to the 12 month old baby boy.

The little boy clapped his hands while bouncing. “Icky, Icky, Icky!” He lost his balance and fell back onto his bottom.

Nick watched alarmed as the little one’s lower lip quivered and his eyes filled with tears. Brian who had just come out of the bathroom quickly came over and lifted his child out of the play pen and into his arms.

“Aww what’s the matter my love?” he asked as he cuddled the baby boy and rocked him in his arms.

“He fell back while jumping,” Nick said worriedly. “Do you think he’s hurt?”

Brian ran his hand over his son’s bottom. “This little one’s diaper is adequate padding for his tush and the playpen is pretty soft too.” He smiled at how worried Nick seemed. “He’s fine Nick, probably just tired.”

Sure enough a minute later the little boy’s thumb found its way into his mouth as he quietened down.

Brian brushed his lips over his son’s soft, golden curls so similar to his own. “There you go my angel.” He smiled at Nick. “He’s been teething and getting over an ear infection that’s had him out of sorts the past few days.”

Nick smiled slightly as AJ joined them. He allowed AJ to take his hand and press it against the child’s back.

“You wanna hold him?”

Nick looked torn and a little nervous. Brian smiled and gently and carefully transferred his son into Nick’s arms. AJ helped him adjust his grip before stepping back into Brian’s arms with a smile. Little Sebastian fussed a little before resting his head against Nick’s shoulder.

“He’s so beautiful,” Nick said softly as he began swaying, his cheek resting gently against the back of Sebastian’s head.

AJ smiled and moved to set out a change of clothes for his son.

“Are you bringing him down for dinner?” Nick asked as he carefully set the child down on the table.

“No way! He had a pretty bad cold a few weeks ago, he’s getting over an ear infection, I don’t want him exposed to so many people,” AJ said as he efficiently stripped off Sebastian’s clothes and began dressing him in white footie pajamas.

“Papa,” Sebastian said, sleepily lifting his arms for a hug.

“Here we go baby,” AJ lifted his son back up into his arms and cuddled him.

“Can you believe you guys have a baby?” Nick asked.

Brian grinned as AJ laughed and shook his head. “It feels surreal. I’ve been blessed with this little darling.” He met Nick’s eyes. “Life has a way of working out Nicky. You told me that and made me believe it. I want you to start believing your words again.”

Looking at AJ standing there with his beautiful baby in his arms, Brian standing protectively behind him, Nick desperately did want to believe that everything would work out the way it was meant to and the way it was meant to be would be good for him.

-x-

A few minutes later without saying a word they shifted their positions as AJ slid Sebastian into Brian’s arms. The child stirred and fisted his hands in his father’s shirt.

“Dada.”

“Hi Sebby,” Brian whispered as he carried his son over to his cot.

AJ watched them with a smile before turning to Nick. “You want to watch Bri put him to bed or come downstairs?”

Nick tilted his head towards the door.

“Babe we’re going downstairs. Bring the monitor down with you please,” AJ said as he led Nick to the door.

Nick noticed that Brian didn’t acknowledge AJ but his friend didn’t seem concerned.

“I didn’t even think to ask, is Corey here?” Nick asked as they walked down the stairs.

AJ shrugged, “Maybe. Matt’s travelling. His parents will be here; Corey is a hit or miss. I tried calling him after I spoke to you but he hasn’t replied to any of my messages today.”

“Oh,” Nick said with a slight pout.

“You can always meet him for lunch tomorrow,” AJ suggested. “He tends to spend at least part of the day at the café.”

Nick nodded, “I guess that’s just what I’ll have to do. If he’s free for lunch will you be able to join us too?”

AJ immediately agreed. “I may bring Sebby along though if Sabrina isn’t home.”

Nick was well aware that AJ and Brian did not make a habit of leaving their son alone with their nanny unless they didn’t have any other choice.

“I don’t mind. I love getting to be around the little one.”

Feeling eyes on him Nick looked up and straight into his husband’s green eyes.

“Kevin,” he sighed softly as strong arms wrapped around him and soft lips captured his in a long kiss hello.

Nick felt Kevin’s eyes roam over him as they pulled back cataloguing every change since he’d seen him last. He fought the urge to cross his arms over his chest. Satisfied with whatever he’d found Kevin turned his attention to AJ.

“Hey Alex,” Kevin said as they hugged.

“Hey Kevin, did you just arrive?”

“I’ve been here a few minutes. I didn’t come up cause Bri had said that Seb was still getting over the ear infection. I didn’t want to excite him before bedtime.”

AJ exchanged a look with Nick before smiling at Kevin. “That was very considerate of you. Bri’s just putting him to bed.”

Nick allowed Kevin to draw him into his arms when AJ excused himself and left them alone. He sighed and pressed his lips against Kevin’s jaw. Kevin tightened his hold on him when he felt Nick turn his head to hide his yawn.

“We can go home.”

Nick smiled and nuzzled Kevin’s neck. “Let’s at least let me be polite and say hello to people first.”

“Fine, if you want to be all goody goody, go for it.”

Their eyes met, amusement easing the atmosphere between them. Nick squeezed Kevin before letting go and walking into the living room with him.

-x-

Seventy minutes later dinner had been served. Nick turned away from the food, his stomach churning. He casually moved away from the table loaded down with food and moved to the other side of the room.

He smiled when Jake Sigmond joined him.

“Your mil asked me to check if you ate.”

Nick laughed and shook his head. “I have no appetite right now.” He shrugged when Jake looked at him in concern. “I ate a snack earlier with AJ.”

“Well, you know your body best. If it persists longer than a few days you should get a check up,” Jake advised him gently.

“I’m due for a check up with Dr. Morgan,” Nick said softly.

“Eric Morgan will be back at work next Monday,” Jake said as he squeezed Nick’s arm. “If you need me, I’m always here for you.”

“Thanks Jake,” Nick said softly. “I just...” he trailed off, unsure and unhappy.

“Oh Nick,” Jake ran his hand slowly up and down Nick’s arm.

“I didn’t even know,” he whispered. “I had no fucking clue and to now feel so upset over it should be kinda stupid right?”

“No! There is no one set reaction. No one is expected to react in any particular way.” He hesitated before continuing. “When it happened to me I just shut down and kept second guessing myself.” He met Nick’s eyes. “Only knowing that I had Rich and Matt helped me accept that it was just something that happened, deal with it and move on. I was also a lot older than you at the time Nicky.”

Nick stared at Jake in surprise and awe. He was well aware that the man had shared something very personal with him, his intention only to help him.

“Thank you,” he whispered as he hugged the older man.

“Anytime you need to talk I’m here,” Josh said softly.

Richard Sigmond joined them as they pulled back and smiled at each other.

“Am I interrupting?” he asked as he slid an arm around his husband.

Nick smiled and shook his head. “Nope, I just needed a Jake hug.”

Richard laughed at that and squeezed Jake gently before handing over a plate with a red velvet cupcake on it. “Dessert as requested.” He looked at Nick. “Can I get you anything to eat or drink Nick?”

Nick shook his head, “Thanks, I ate earlier.”

He watched Jake relax against Richard, the easy companionship between them and fought the urge to ask them how they did it. He couldn’t help but think that their story must have been a fascinating one.

“Kevin was with me and got pulled into a conversation on our way over here.”

They looked over at where Kevin was standing with five other men in what looked like an intense discussion. “You may want to go rescue him.”

Nick looked at Richard. “Me? Rescue Kevin?” He shrugged when Richard nodded. “What can I do?”

“He was coming to check if you wanted to leave. You could do the same for him,” Richard suggested.

Nick smiled and hugged both Richard and Jake. “I’ll see you both soon,” he said before moving towards Kevin.

Kevin excused himself from the group he was with when he saw Nick coming toward him.

Twenty minutes later Nick rested his head back against the seat with a yawn, his fingers tapping along to the music.

“You didn’t eat anything,” Kevin commented casually.

Nick turned in his seat so that he could look at Kevin. “Neither did you.” He tilted his head in confusion when he caught the surprised look on Kevin’s face. Nick sighed when he realized Kevin was still waiting for an answer. “I ate a little earlier with AJ. I just felt too out of sorts to eat.” He reached out to and trailed his fingers over Kevin’s thigh. “I know, I know I’m the one who said I was ok coming tonight and I was. I just started feeling out of sorts after a little while which is why I’m glad you got us out of there early.”

Kevin rested his hand on Nick’s and squeezed. “Want some grilled cheese?”

Nick grinned and nodded as he turned his hand over so that Kevin was holding it. “I’d love that.”

“Are you meeting Corey tomorrow?”

Nick watched as the gates to the Richardson’s property opened up and Kevin drove through. “Yeah hopefully,” he said while turning to watch the gates shut behind them. He’d always held a dislike towards automatic gates. “I didn’t even think to check if he was coming tonight.”

“He prefers to stay away unless Matt is in town. He has come a few times with Richard and Jake.”

Nick sighed and got out of the car. He leaned back against it and stared at the front door of the house as Kevin got his bags out of the boot.

“Need help?” Nick asked as Kevin dragged both his bags.

“I’ve got them if you could get the door,” Kevin said as easily lifted both bags and walked up the stone path that led to their front door.

Nick unlocked the door and stepped in with a smile as the lights which were on a sensor turned on. He stepped inside and looked around as Kevin came in behind him.

“Here give me one,” he said when he saw Kevin start up the stairs.

“I’ve got it,” Kevin said.

Nick smiled and walked behind Kevin marvelling at how effortlessly Kevin was lifting 80 pounds of weight. He hurriedly moved in front of Kevin and pushed their bedroom door open for him. He pushed their walk in wardrobe door open so that Kevin could set his bags down.

“Thanks,” he said sweetly and brushed a kiss against Kevin’s cheek.

-x-

“Kevin?” Nick looked around as he entered the kitchen.

“Be out in a sec.”

Nick looked toward the pantry and shrugged as he took a seat at the kitchen island bar.

“What would you like to drink?” Kevin asked as he shut the pantry door behind him.

“Water’s fine,” Nick replied.

Kevin poured them each a glass of water from the pitcher of lemon and mint flavoured water that Chris, their housekeeper, made everyday.

“Can I help with anything?” Nick asked politely.

Nick’s obvious relief at Kevin’s refusal caused both of them to laugh.

“Are Cara and Jer back?”

“I heard them come in about ten minutes ago,” Kevin said as he slid a sandwich onto Nick’s plate.

Nick admired the perfectly golden grilled cheese sandwich and artfully arranged chips and M & M’s on his plate. “Looks perfect as always,” he said with a happy smile, his eyes shining.

Kevin smiled and slid a bottle of ketchup and hot sauce over to Nick. “Eat up.”

Nick shook his head and slid the bottle of Crystal hot sauce back while squirting some of the ketchup onto his plate. At Kevin’s curious look he shrugged and popped an M & M into his mouth. “Spicy food makes me nervous.” He held up his hand. “I know I’m being silly but whatever,” he said with a shrug.

“Whatever has topped the list of most annoying words for the fifth year,” Kevin calmly informed his husband.

Nick grinned, relieved that Kevin wasn’t pursuing the topic further. “I know.”

They finished their meal in comfortable silence. Kevin declined Nick’s help to clean up and urged him to go rest.

-x-

Nick had curled up on the swing out on their balcony. He looked out over the water sparkling in the pool, the gentle trickling of the waterfall and sighed in pleasure. The peaceful night air coupled with the wonderful scent of flowers from their garden down below soothed his soul.

He was surprised to find Kevin leaning back against the railing and watching him when he opened his eyes.

“Hey,” he said sleepily. “How long have you been standing there?”

“Not long.”

He took in Kevin’s damp hair, bare chest, thin cotton pants tied loosely at his hips and figured he’d been asleep for fifteen to twenty minutes.

“Ready for bed?” At Nick’s nod Kevin held out his hand to help Nick stand.

As soon as Nick was on his feet Kevin gently tugged him into his arms. Nick sighed and wrapped his arms around Kevin, his cheek pressed against Kevin’s cool shoulder.

Everything would be ok.

He was home.