After ensuring that every machine was turned off and that the cash register had been closed, Brian walked back to the office to retrieve his jacket. He was exhausted, that day had been too much long between clients that kept coming and, in those rare moments of break, he hadn’t be able to rest because he had to finish an essay for his upcoming exam.

He turned off the lights, closed the door but still Brian didn’t seem to notice the figure even if it was standing right in front of him. Only one thought was on his mind and that was to go home so he started to walk slowly towards that direction. Since his eyes were focused on his steps, Brian bumped against that person and he would had end up on the floor if that someone didn’t catch him by his arm.

Brian fluttered his eyelashes once, twice, convinced that his weariness was pulling a bad joke on him because that person couldn’t be Nick: still, there was no one else that had that particular shade of blonde, not to mention that special scent that could belong only to his partner: a perfect mix between his cologne and the perfume of paint brushes and paint. No, it wasn’t a joke. Nick was real and was standing in front of him.

“Nick? Did I forget that we have a date?” Brian asked, though he knew that he would remember if they had to meet, no matter how tired he was. And more important, he would had never agreed to have a date so close to his exam. 

“No, don’t worry.” Nick was quick to reassure him, a slight concern painted on his gaze as Brian swayed a little. He put an arm around his waist and led him on the sidewalk. 

“I don’t think I’ll be much of company tonight, Nick.” Weariness weighted in Brian’s voice as he leaned a little more on Nick’s frame. 

The slight change of balance made Nick frown with more worry and concern. “I’m here only to make sure you are going to bed instead that being up all night to study and worn yourself worse.” 

“I can’t. I’ve to finish this research and tomorrow I don’t have time between the work and classes. Rest is a luxury I can’t afford right now.” 

Luckily, Brian’s house wasn’t far from the cafeteria so the walk took only a couple of minutes. For a moment, Brian couldn’t recall where he had put his keys but still Nick was faster and found them in his pocket. 

“You must be hungry, knowing you I bet you didn’t eat nothing more than a sandwich. – Nick rumbled off as he remembered to close the door. – Now, I know I’m not the best cook in the world but I can make you something quick and edible...”

Eating. Even that activity, so simple in its appearance, seemed to require energy that Brian wasn’t that sure he could possess. And, even if he did, he couldn’t waste it. So, he just shook his head, murmuring a soft “I’m not hungry” and start retrieving his books. But he never managed to do it because Nick started pushing him towards the bedroom, ignoring his feeble but nevertheless valid protests.

“No buts. You need to sleep. – Nick scolded him while making him lie on the bed. – I talked to Aj and he agreed to open the bar. You only have classes in the afternoon so you can study once you get up.”

A blanket was placed on his body. There was so much to do but Brian couldn’t find any other alibi: his body relaxed, Nick’s hands working those knots that tangled his back and all he could do was closing his eyes and sighing.

“Are you staying?” Brian only managed to whisper, at the brink of dreaming and the last drops of consciousness while snuggling up against Nick.

“Of course. – It was Nick’s reply, placing a kiss on his temple. – I’m not going anywhere.”