i walk a lonely road @duncanbuchanan - Tumblr Blog

nickphillips:

Nick smiled instinctively when Duncan asks about Finn, memories of a younger version of them looking after his cousin back home. So much had changed since those days, including Finn not being so little anymore. “Oh, Finn is much taller than both of us now. Not so cute anymore either.” The architect joked tenderly. Duncan knew how close he was to his cousin. That hadn’t changed. “He goes to school here, has been for a few years now. He’s a smart one. He was the one who helped me get to your book signing.” His eyes meet Duncan’s again, a small smile on his lips. “Thanks, Google.” Nick had thought about reaching out but constantly convinced himself otherwise. He was sure he would’ve found an excuse had Finn not been there to see him through this urge to find Duncan, too, even if he hadn’t really shared much with his cousin until then. He didn’t know what to share. He wasn’t sure where they stood. The small talk was both comforting and driving him insane.

“I’ve… managed to unpack most of my things but there’s still a few shipments on the way. It’s a nice flat, though, much bigger than mine in London. Everything is much bigger in this country.” Nodding, he reached for his drink. “Works good. It’s not really the first time I’ve taken a project in a different country so at least I know what to expect. It keeps things interesting.” And himself always on the move. He didn’t have to worry about settling down in one place or another for too long because it was always just a matter of time before a new project came along. Maybe that’s also part of what kept him from reaching out to Duncan. Why would he even try to work things out if they were just going to be worlds apart again in a few months’ time? What was he really so scared of when it came to Duncan, what had changed since London? They had talked then, admitted how both wanted to try things out again, agreed to do it right. But they had been in the same place at the same time, and they were again now. Someone needed to bring it up and Nick decided it was right for him to take the blame. “I’m sorry I’ve been… holding back again since I got here. I just don’t know if… anything changed and frankly, I’ve been afraid to ask.”

"He was always the brightest of the three of us...though don’t tell him I said that. I’ll never hear the end of it!” Duncan laughs, shaking his head. He was glad to hear Finn was doing so well though, he really was. He had always been a good lad. “I’m glad he was there to help you then. And that you decided to come.” It was a nice surprise, seeing Nick’s face in the crowd. Things were still so up in the air between them and neither one of them were ready to ask the question, at least not yet. That’s what the drinks were for.

“Mm, yeah. Darn international shipping.” The brunette teases, amused. “That’s good though. I’m glad that you’re settling in nicely.” It sounded like Nick was doing well, and Duncan was happy for him. Of course he was. Still, they were both skirting about the thought he was sure on both of their minds — that is, until Nick starts apologizing. Duncan’s lips press together for a moment at his ex’s words, knowing it was his fault that Nick didn’t fully trust him. Duncan didn’t blame him for that. He knew that was all on him. “You don’t have to apologize for anything.” The writer says after a moment, shaking his head. “Especially not for looking out for yourself and your heart. I understand completely.” Duncan responds, chewing on the inside of his cheek for a moment. “I know timing and distance hasn’t always been on our side and that my time back home with you probably complicated some things. Some feelings. I know that it has for me. So yes, things have changed, at least they have for me. And now we’re both here, in the same city with nothing between us, no excuses. So let me ask. Where do we stand? Because if it’s what you want too, then I’d very much like to give things another shot between us.”

nickphillips:

Here you are. “I did, didn’t I?” He smiled, putting the book he was eyeing back in the shelf before turning. “I was supposed to have lunch with Finn but then we ended up trying to find our way here instead. I’m famished.” It was partly true. He felt bad because he meant to spend the day with his cousin whom he had also somewhat neglected as he tried to acclimate to work and the city after the move. However, unlike with Duncan, he had seen plenty of Finn even if sporadically. He wasn’t really sure why he had kept away from Duncan as long as he had other than he needed the space, maybe, the time to think it through. What they were doing, or had done in the UK, and what it meant for them now. “This was really my first book reading but I thought it went well.” He clearly hadn’t read the book and his question had been mainly based on what he heard from the author and other guests, and their own experience. “I’ll have to read this one next. Bare with me.” Nick flashed Duncan a smile. He had read all his books, as Duncan had been able to see at his place which he kept in his bookshelf. It still took him some time to finish not because he wasn’t engaged or entertained but because he was, and always had been, a slow reader. They found the nearest restaurant bar from the shop that held good reviews on Google. That was the extent of Nick’s expertise in the area but it seemed nice, taken to a table outside. The weather was nice and after they both placed their initial order for drinks, Nick found himself staring back at his ex quietly. “I’m sorry I didn’t give you a heads up. It’s nice to see you.” It’s always nice to see you. His own fear, or whatever it was that had stopped him from reaching sooner, felt so stupid now that Duncan was sitting before him.

"Finn, eh? How’s he doing these days?” Duncan asks at the mention of Nick’s cousin, the image of a small blonde lad coming to mind. Though he was sure Finn was all grown up now. Finn used to follow Nick around like a shadow when he was younger, and Duncan was glad to hear that the two of them were still close. He always liked Finn, though the two hadn’t spoken much since his and Nick’s breakup. Not that he blamed him for that, not one bit.

“It’s alright. These things are open to the public, you know.” Duncan attempts to joke, wanting to lighten the mood a bit. He knew things were still a little awkward between them, and quite frankly, he didn’t know where they stood. Were they friends? Were they more? Duncan thought the latter, but the radio silence between them lately had him second guessing himself. “It’s nice to see you too. I take it you’re settling into your new place alright? And the new job, how’re you liking it?” The brunette asks, genuinely curious. “Both are going well, I hope.”

nickphillips:

Duncan is playing along which makes Nick feel a little less anxious about showing up unexpectedly. He wasn’t exactly sure what to expect, really, but he could feel his heart beating fast against his chest as he approached the author, watching him carefully sign the book. The words inked on paper made him smile as he looked up to meet Duncan’s eyes, shaking his head a little in amusement as the other thinks through his question. It may not have been a long time until he received an answer but it felt like it, a slight sigh of relief escaping him when Duncan agrees. Nick could wait. He’d wait as long as long as he had to. “I’m afraid so.” The blonde admits with a grin, shrugging at the other’s teasing. “It’s a good thing my cousin is an expert navigating the city already or else I wouldn’t have made it on time.” Finn had ultimately encouraged him to come in the first place, a decision he had been debating himself unsure if it was a good idea—or if he’d be welcomed. “Cheers for the autograph. Find me when you’re done here?” He didn’t turn for another second, almost as if he couldn’t turn his eyes away just yet, excusing himself quietly before he tried to find his cousin somewhere in the children’s book section. Finn was already gone when he found himself somewhere near the architecture books section, browsing through a few though he couldn’t pay too much attention. There’s still a chance for them. He repeated the line over and over until his thoughts were interrupted by the man who wrote it. “Who’s stalking who now?” He teased.

Smiling at the mention of Finn, Duncan nods, his gaze following Nick as he walks off. It doesn’t take him too long to wrap things up, thanking the event organizers and making sure to sign a few extra books to be left on the shelves for purchasing before he excuses himself, wandering down a couple of aisles before he spots Nick. “Well, you did tell me to find you, so...here I am.” The brunette points out, smirking softly. “And I do believe you promised me dinner. I wasn’t about to pass that up.” Not when they finally would have a chance to talk about things. Duncan knew they probably both had a lot of unanswered questions. Hopefully they would have more clarity after dinner (and probably a couple of drinks). “I’m ready when you are. Shall we?”

nickphillips:

Nick would say making an appearance at Duncan’s reading had been a spur of the moment decision but, in reality, he had been thinking about it for a while now. He wasn’t sure what kept holding him back. At first he blamed it all on how busy they both were. Himself in particular, with the move and the new job cross-Atlantic, he was still trying to find his way through LA and through what those last days together in London meant for them. A text would’ve sufficed, Nick thought as he sat at the back of the room, trying not to make too much noise given he had arrived after it started. He really had no excuse but that he was confused, maybe, and scared at the same time. Nick couldn’t take his eyes off the author, though, not missing the opportunity to make his presence known when they opened the floor for questions. He had read the book, luckily, and not by coincidence either. He had all of Duncan’s books this far. The ending was open to interpretation, much like theirs this very moment. “Is there still a chance for them?” It was not a very literary question but hopefully Duncan knew what he meant.

“Nick.” The blonde offers, placing the book on the table. “He’s a nice bloke, most of the time at the time. Brilliant company, too, if you ever want to have dinner with him. Like tonight, maybe?” He knew it was cheesy, the knowing smile plastered all over his face as he waited for an answer. There would be a better time and place to talk about things, to apologize for the radio silence, to figure things out. Right now, Nick was just holding onto maybe a second chance, or however many they were at right now.

Duncan knew that Nick’s question wasn’t really directed at his book, but he still answers it as suck, choosing his words carefully. When the other man appears at the end of the signing line, he takes the book from him, snorting quietly when Nick plays along with him. “Nick. Nice name.” The brunette murmurs, looking from his ex down to the page he was about to sign, writing out a quick message. Nick, there’s still a chance for them followed by his signature. Them being the two of them, but he figured his ex could put two and two together there. “Here you are.” Duncan adds, handing it back to him. The dinner invitation isn’t lost on him either, lips pursing slightly as he thinks it over. “I suppose I could go for dinner if you don’t mind waiting a few. I just need to wrap up a few things here.” He just needed to pack up his things and say goodbye to the people who had set up the event. It wouldn’t take too long, honestly, but he liked the idea of making Nick squirm a bit. “I wasn’t expecting to see you here, if I’m being honest. Were you stalking me on Instagram?” Duncan asks teasingly, moving to his feet. He wouldn’t really mind if the answer was yes. Even though they hadn’t been talking much lately, it would be nice to know he was on Nick’s mind, just like he had been on Duncan’s.

Since returning from his impromptu trip to the UK, Duncan had been busy. He had submitted edits for his next novel to his editor, which was both a relief and nervewracking at the same time. That wasn’t the only thing on his mind though. Of course there was Nick taking up space in the back of his mind too. He knew the other man was busy getting ready for his move, their texts getting shorter and time between responses getting longer until their conversation kind of died out. They were both busy, he had to remind himself, but that didn’t stop him from checking his messages anyways just in case.

At least he has the reading to prepare for to keep his mind off of things, though there isn’t really much to prepare for. Duncan already knows the section he’ll be reading like the back of his hand, but he still goes over it a few times in the days before the reading. The event itself goes off without a hitch, though a familiar voice asking a question during the q&a portion catches the author by surprise. Duncan could recognize Nick’s accent anywhere. When the blonde appears at the end of the line to get his book signed, he simply smirks, reaching out to take the book from him. “Who should I make this out to?” Duncan asks, sharpie poised over the page.

@nickphillips

nickphillips:

It was easy to fall right back into it when it came to Duncan, mostly because he didn’t have a whole lot of thinking to do. His body just reacted perfectly in sync with Duncan’s. It wasn’t like old times. It was better. It was terrifying but Nick just didn’t care. Not at that moment. Not the morning after, either, waking up to his ex’s body pressed against his, lips brushing over his skin making him smile even before he has the chance to open his eyes. “Good morning.” Nick whispers quietly in a low hum, letting Duncan know he was awake before he turned slowly in his ex’s arms to face him. He almost kissed him but let his head drop softly against his pillow, eyes taking Duncan in. Instead, he reaches to brush Duncan’s curls softly away from his face. This was already a much different morning than the last time they had been like this, not in bed but after sex. He wasn’t rushing out of the room. There was no asphyxiating pain in his chest. He didn’t feel like crying. He just smiled. “Can we just not leave this bed for a bit? I don’t know about you but my head is throbbing.” Which wasn’t a lie but not exactly the main reason why he didn’t want to move.

"I’m perfectly okay with staying in bed.” Duncan murmurs, leaning into Nick’s touch. He was perfectly happy and perfectly comfortable right where they were. Cuddling closer to Nick, the brunette smiles, pressing his forehead against the other man’s. He didn’t want to get up either, not when they were both so content laying like this in bed together. Things felt different between them, but in a good way. Duncan wished that their time together wasn’t ending so soon, but he knew that he had to go back home eventually. He doesn’t want to think about that now though, leaning in to press another soft kiss to Nick’s lips instead. “You sleep alright?” He asks after pulling away, his voice soft. “Because I slept like a bloody rock.”

nickphillips:

There was no time to think about anything else the moment their lips met. Nick’s body moved on autopilot. His hands sought to touch everywhere. It was obvious why he had tried to keep some distance from Duncan, to be careful from crossing this line again. Once it blurred, he couldn’t stop it. He wasn’t satiated. He needed more. Closer. “I really don’t want to talk about them, or that, right now.” Nick managed between heavy breaths, It would save him the embarrassment of everything his friends had spilled on him but mostly, he really couldn’t think straight at the moment. It was a quick transfer from the back of the car to his apartment, pinning his ex against his front door once inside, claiming everywhere his lips could reach. He couldn’t think straight at, quite frankly, he didn’t want to. His hands slipped under Duncan’s shirt, panting softly. “I’m done holding back.”

Duncan doesn’t need much convincing to let the subject go, easily distracted by Nick’s fingers brushing against his torso. Shivering under his touch, he manages to give Nick the tiniest push towards his bedroom, following the blonde down the hall, their clothes leaving a trail behind them. Their bodies are still tangled together under the blankets when Duncan wakes the next morning, nuzzling closer to Nick’s sleeping form. Even through half closed eyes, he can see the marks he had left on the blonde’s fair skin the night before dotted along his neck and chest, brushing his lips over them lightly as he cuddles closer, not wanting to get out of bed just yet.

nickphillips:

Nick is a little weary as the conversation moves fast between anecdotes from the past and present, slightly relieved when Duncan reassures him he’s okay and more so as his ex seems to fit in so perfectly with the group, joining in the laughs. His friends like him but Nick wasn’t really worried about that. It was hard not to like Duncan unless he shattered your heart into a million pieces and even then Nick had to admit not much changed. “Well, not that much!” The architect interjects after Duncan speaks, and as the night goes on, they have another few rounds before the first one in the group calls it quits. “Piece of advise mate, don’t get married. You’ll end up with a curfew stricter than the one you give your own children!” Nick laughs at Mark. When they eventually step outside, Nick hails the next cab by raising his arm, looking at Duncan. His curls, the shimmer of flashing light in his blue eyes. He was so into this man, so vulnerable around Duncan. A car pulled over and Nick smiled, instead, holding the door for Duncan. “After you, sir.” He grinned, but right before his ex can slide into the backseat, he stops him and kisses him. “I’ve been meaning to do that all night.”

The rest of the evening goes off fairly well, or at least Duncan thinks that it does. Nick’s friends don’t seem to catch on about who he truly is and eventually the conversation shifts, much to both his and Nick’s relief. Giving Nick’s mates a final wave when they decide to call it a night, he follows the blonde out of the bar, an arm around his waist as they wait for their ride back to Nick’s place. “Thank you.” Duncan murmurs as he climbs into the car, looking back at Nick in time for their lips to meet, smiling into the kiss. “Me too.” The writer admits, brushing his thumb over Nick’s cheek lightly. “Your mates seem nice. I mean, they did have some choice things to say about me, but I can’t fault them for not knowing they were saying them to my face.” Duncan’s mostly teasing, not too bothered by the situation, a fact he makes clear by leaning in for another kiss, letting his lips linger this time.

nickphillips:

The accent talk was his cue to order another round for himself and Duncan, rolling his eyes playfully at his friends as he begged them without trying to hide it from Duncan to just quit embarrassing him. He can already feel his neck burning red, the spot on his cheek where Duncan kissed him. “I know it’ll be tempting to run away from their nonsense but I promise I’ll be right back. Don’t go anywhere.” The last bit he said closer to Duncan’s ear, his hand lightly brushing his ex’s waist as he walked behind him, excusing himself for a moment. While his friends mostly kept it light and easy-going with Duncan, they brought up how this was perhaps the first time they could remember in years that he introduced anyone to them formally. They jokingly warned Duncan not to fuck it up which then brought up someone shaking their head as he reminisced how fucked up Nick was when they met, right after his break up with Duncan. All of his friends knew all about Duncan, it seemed, without really knowing Duncan at all, or how he was standing right before them. They all quieted when Nick returned and the conversation moved onto something else for a while. A few more rounds in, Nick sat across from his ex, half paying attention to something someone was saying, half distracted as his eyes locked with Duncan’s as his foot found the writer’s under the table, grinning. “You okay?” He mouthed quietly, holding his gaze.

Nick’s friends go on and on about Nick’s infamous ex while Nick is off getting their drinks and it takes just about all that Duncan has to keep a straight face, nodding and chuckling along, ignoring the pang in his chest. Nick returns with their beers just in time, accepting the glass gratefully, trying not to make an obvious scene as he takes a rather large gulp from it. A few rounds later he’s delightfully buzzed, offering his ex a smile as their gazes meet. “Yeah.” He mouths back, nodding as he nudges the blonde’s foot back under the table, resting his chin in his hand. “You blokes aren’t half bad, I can see why Nick likes you lot.” Duncan says after a moment, turning his attention back towards the group. The early morning was starting to get to him, but Duncan doesn’t want to be rude, happy to be out with Nick and his mates.

nickphillips:

It had been a long day at the office but nothing a pint or two couldn’t fix. He hadn’t told his friends a lot about Duncan in an effort to keep them from embarrassing him too much. Mark and Jin had been his flatmates in uni, Fabian and Rob had started in the same new hire class at the company years ago. Even if they didn’t personally know Duncan, they knew his ex very well. They had dealt with the aftermath of his breakup and what it meant for Nick. The drinking. The partying. They had grown out of that since, for the most part, but while each of them was trying to settle down, Nick continuously refused to even consider the idea. This is, perhaps, why they were all so intrigued about this mystery man he brought back from the wedding. The same man, as they noticed, that made Nick smiled like a fool at just the sight of.

“Thank Google Maps for that, I’m sure!” The blonde teased, standing up from his stool when Duncan joined them, putting his beer down as he introduced him to the others. They weren’t done with a round of handshakes when Nick hears one of them bring up Duncan’s accent.“Scottish? I thought you swore you’d never date a Scot again in your entire bloody life! I knew you had some sort of weird fetish with the accent.” It was Mark. Nick wanted to kill him. “A drink, Duncan, do you want one? Please ignore them. They’re drunk. And idiots. But they’re alright. For the most part. Did you rest well?”

Despite wanting to, Duncan isn’t sure if he should kiss Nick in front of his friends or not. Instead he opts for a quick hug and a kiss on the cheek, which seems like a safer option. He’s quickly greeted by the blonde’s friends, offering each of them a smile and a shake. “It is a bloody nice accent!” He teases back, winking back in Nick’s direction. He knew Nick’s friends were only teasing, though it quickly becomes clear that they don’t know that he’s the ex Nick seemed to have told them about. “I did, yeah. Luckily I don’t think I have any other early morning calls.” The brunette replies, offering Nick an apologetic smile. “ A pint would be great if you’re going back to the bar. If not, I can grab one myself.”

nickphillips:

“Yeah…” Nick lets out, almost forgetting what it is he was agreeing on when his ex pulls him closer. He almost closed his eyes, too, but that would’ve been a mistake. He wasn’t strong enough to deny Duncan, not when they were standing in front of each other completely exposed. It’s not like he could hide how badly he wanted to give in, which only made him groan already leaning in for a kiss despite his better judgement. Where he mustered the courage to step away, he wasn’t sure, but he did before they got too carried along, reaching for his towel instead. He was going to be late which was ironic considering how he had woken up so early that morning. Nick gathered his things eventually, still buttoning his shirt as he stepped back into the room, an apologetic look on his face. “I really need to go now. I’ll test you the directions later, yeah?” He didn’t want Duncan to feel pressured to go meet with his friends if he was busy but, at the same time, Nick really wanted him to join them. It’d feel even more real if more people aside from himself, Elle and Dom knew about them, he thought. It’d mean he wasn’t imagining things. Still, he hesitated for a moment before closing the space to kiss Duncan. It was almost domestic. “Have some rest. I’ll see you tonight.”

They may have spent a little too long in the shower, sneaking in a few kisses here and there. When they finally get out, Duncan stays in his towel, watching Nick as he gets ready for his day. “I know. I’ll see you tonight..” He hums as he reaches for his sweats, slipping them on. Smiling when Nick goes to kiss him, Duncan kisses him back slowly, brushing his thumb over the blonde’s cheek. “Have a good day.” After a few hours of sleep, he gets back up again, busying himself with a few work emails and the like until it’s time to go, freshening himself up and changing into real clothes before heading out to the pub. Spotting Nick, he lifts his hand in a wave, walking over to where he is with his coworkers. “Hey! Told you I wouldn’t get lost.”

nickphillips:

As nervous as he was about introducing Duncan to his friends before moving to LA for possibly little over a year, Nick was also very much looking forward to after work drinks. There had been a lot to catch up with at the office after being away a full week for the wedding, and there was a lot to still settle regarding his move to America. All in all, he felt a little guilty that, even if Duncan was staying with him, he wasn’t being too much fun company, so hopefully this made up a little bit for it. Nick was still shaking his head in amusement at his ex’s accusations, knowing his mind hadn’t been too off from the writer’s intentions when he brought it up, but as he cleared the table and stole a glance at the clock on the wall. He grinned, lifting his shirt over his head with a shrug. “We’ve done well with far less time before.” Nick teased, moving towards the bathroom urging Duncan to follow. He had never really felt self-conscious around Duncan before, and he sure wasn’t planning to start now, but he hadn’t been fully naked in front of him since the wedding and he was, even if just slightly, almost timid now. His eyes were closed as he stood under the water, tilting his head back. Even with the sound of the water rushing down his hair, shoulders and back, he was able to hear Duncan step in and join him, turning only after a moment. Nick let his eyes take in the man standing before him, not too worried about Duncan seeing him so unashamedly check him out, and smirked. “You did get better with time. Part of me, a very petty part, may I add, wished you wouldn’t. It’d make me feel better, next time I saw you, I thought. I’m glad you didn’t, though, seeing as how it’s actually benefitting me too.”

Perhaps showering together wasn’t the best idea, Duncan thinks as he steps into the bathroom after Nick, his gaze moving over his ex’s body. It was too late now though, quickly unbuttoning the shirt he had put on for his meeting, letting it fall to the floor. Once he’s undressed, he steps into the shower with Nick, taking in the way the other man is checking him out, returning his smirk with one of his own. “Seems like it worked out in your favor, though.” Duncan says teasingly, running his fingers through Nick’s hair, pulling him closer. “I’m starting to regret suggesting just a shower.” He grumbles half jokingly, shaking his head at himself. “I won't make you late for work though, I promise. Even if I do really want to kiss you right now.”

nickphillips:

“Oh, no, definitely don’t think I’m Hollywood material. Even as an extra.” Nick laughed, shaking his head and pushing himself off the counter when Duncan looked back at him. He cleared his throat as he moved to help with the plates, at least, shrugging as he tried to keep his voice casual. “You can use my Oyster car for the Tube and meet us there. It’s not a bad walk either. We’ll turn your phone location on in case you do get lost so I can come get you.” Nick teased, thanking Duncan for breakfast as he offered the plate. He had just taken the first bite when his ex suggested a shower, practically choking. “Cheeky.” He says, playfully accusingly. Nick is no prude but he’s definitely surprised by the offer, coughing as he laughs. “You’ll be sleeping like a log by the time I start to get ready to go to work. Don’t make promises you can’t keep, Buchanan.”

"I won’t get lost. Just text me the name of the pub and I’ll be there.” Duncan promises, giving Nick an amused look. He tried not to read too much into the invitation, but going out to meet Nick’s friends was a good thing, he thought. “What? I just meant a shower. I don’t know what you’re thinking of. Get your mind out of the gutter!” The writer teases, waving his ford over in Nick’s direction. “I’m good, but if you’d rather shower alone, that’s fine too.” He shrugs at that, taking another sip from his mug. He’d sleep after Nick left. Duncan felt bad that his early morning meeting had disturbed Nick, making a mental note to send him coffee later in the day. When their plates are emptied, he gets up to move them to the sink, turning to look back at his ex after. “So what do you say? Do you have time for a shower? I’ll be good, I promise.”

pine-farr

nickphillips:

“There goes my chance of ever being a movie star!” Nick teases, finding himself smiling as the writer spoke. “Oh, I’m enjoying the view quite alright, thank you very much. They had been estranged for so long and yet it was so easy to stand here like this with his ex, watching him fix them breakfast in the wee hours of the morning, having conversations about their jobs, their friends. It was as if no time had passed at all when, in reality, they were two very different men from the boys who had fell in love once over a decade ago. Perhaps that was the only thing that hadn’t changed, he thought, pressing his lips into a smile after Duncan kissed him. No one ever did drive him as mad as Duncan Buchanan, and no one ever will. That was the scariest part. No one could hurt him like Duncan, either, because he had never allowed anyone as close to his heart. “Grand! I’ll let them know, warn them to behave. The last thing I need is having you get the wrong idea and they scare you away.” Nick joked although there was a slight bit of truth in his words. Introducing Duncan to his friends meant he was joining his past and his present.

"I’ll sneak you in as an extra. We can be in a group scene.” Duncan teases back, chuckling quietly. Busying himself with making them breakfast - even if it’s really still the middle of the night - he glances back over at his shoulder for a moment only to see Nick smiling at him, a smile of his own moving over the writer’s face. “Great! Shall I meet you there after work, or will you stop by here first? Because I think I can manage getting there on my own, I promise I’ll try not to get too lost.” His sense of direction was decent enough. Meeting Nick’s friends was probably a bigger step than either of them were willing to admit out loud, but he was looking forward to it. They were getting a second chance, and Duncan didn’t want to waste one single moment. Plating their food, he sets one down in front of Nick, offering him a smile. “I don’t suppose I could convince you to grab a shower with me before you head off to work? I’ll wash your back if you wash mine.”

nickphillips:

“Do you get a say on who plays who?” Nick didn’t know much about filmmaking or the process leading to it but he was excited for Duncan nonetheless. He had read his ex’s book, begrudgingly at first, but he was also excited to see where it all lead for the writer. “I’ll probably need some coffee, that’s for sure.” The blonde chuckled quietly, his eyes moving to the clock on the stove. It was definitely not time for breakfast yet but they were both awake now. Nick stared at Duncan for a moment before agreeing with a nod and a smile. It was still hard to believe he was here, even if he had him standing right in front of him, curly haired and baby blue eyes he had missed and still loved as if no time had passed at all. He swallowed, trying not to get too distracted in the man, turning his eyes away as he pushed himself away from the counter he had been leaning against and closer to Duncan. “Do you need help?” He asked, offering mostly. “I’m supposed to meet with a group of friends for drinks after work later tonight if you want to join. I would actually like it if you did, unless you’re busy, of course.”

"I don’t think I get much stake in casting, but I will have say over the script. I’m sure my thoughts and opinions will be taken into some account, but the final say on the cast is up to the director and such. At least that’s what I’ve heard. I’ve never made a movie before.” Duncan chuckles, shaking his head. Everything was still in the very early stages, but it was still fun to think about. He was excited, even if he was trying not to get his hopes up too high. “I’ve got it. Sit. Enjoy the view.” The brunette teases as he opens Nick’s fridge, rummaging around for anything that might resemble breakfast. “Oh yeah? I’ll be sure t take a nap later then. I’m in.” Duncan replies easily, walking over to steal a kiss from the blonde’s lips before moving to start their breakfast, “I’m not busy. You’re kind of the only person I know here, remember? But barring any literary emergencies - which I doubt there will be - I’ll be there.”

nickphillips:

“You didn’t.” They both practically say at the same time, each replying to a different apology which made Nick chuckle under his breath as his ex kissed his cheek and he passed Duncan the hot cup of tea. “Right. I bet it is. It’s a pretty big deal. You should be excited. You’ve worked hard for this.” Even after all the years they spent apart, Nick still felt proud of Duncan. It hurt at first, picking up his ex’s book, reading stories with endings so very different from theirs. He recalls thinking of him as a big hypocrite for it, too, but then that’s what literature was for, right? Nick was happy to see him live his dream. “I had to be up in a bit anyway so I just thought I might join you. I may or may not regret it later.” He hid a smirk behind the cup, taking a sip of his drink. “Do you have more meetings later tonight?”

"Nothing’s final yet, but things are looking good. I am excited.” Duncan admits, shrugging his shoulders. He knew better than to get his hopes up too high, but even the possibility that one of his books could be made into a movie was more than exciting. “I’ll bring you coffee later so you don’t crash.” He promises, taking a sip from his tea. “Nothing else tonight as far as I know. Are you hungry? I know it’s not technically breakfast time, but I could make us something.”

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