ɴɪᴄᴋ ᴘʜɪʟʟɪᴘꜱ

[nickphillips]

duncanbuchanan​:

“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.” 

LA was certainly... something. It was different from London and any other western European city he had lived in so far. Nick still wasn’t sure what brought him all the way to the west coast of the United States in the first place. He had been stoked to be closer to his cousin there for a while but knowing Duncan was so close, too—he wasn’t sure if that was a good thing. If they picked up from what they had started back in the UK, how could Nick let him go again when his project came to an end? He can feel his heart beating faster as he speaks, even more so as Duncan does, diverting his gaze from his ex to his hands clasped together on the table to stop them from shaking and giving his nervousness away. “Well, I already said it before, in London. I do want to do this, but I want to do it right.” Nick echoed his own words, taking a deep breath before looking up. “If there’s still a chance for us, Duncan, I’ll take it. Of course I’ll take it. I was never very good at resisting you in the first place. I just hope you know... I’m no longer that young bloke you dated once.” He added with some humor, but also a mild warning between the lines. His heart would break in a thousand different ways but he would not just stand there and take the heartbreak like he had before. He wouldn’t let go so easily. How could he? Just one look at Duncan and he was reminded of everything he had dreamed of once, a life together, the love of his life. “So , how about a date? I mean, I have no clue where to go in this city yet but... my apartment has one bloody impressive view.”

[nickphillips]

duncanbuchanan​:

“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.” 

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.”

[nickphillips]

duncanbuchanan​:

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?”

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. 

[nickphillips]

duncanbuchanan​:

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. 

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.

[nickphillips]

mmduncanbuchanan​:

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​

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.

[nickphillips]

duncanbuchanan​:

“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.” 

“Waking up has been pretty nice so far too.” Nick answers with a smile, allowing himself this one indulgence. Duncan. They had fallen into an easy rhythm in their time together, domestic, almost, easy steps and no pressure leading to the previous night. Nick wanted it for the longest time but he was being careful, maybe just a little too careful, because his heart was still mending from when Duncan left it in pieces so many years ago. It was both expected and frustrating it took the very man who broke it in the first place to put it back together but he wasn’t about to start complaining. His thumb brushing idly against Duncan’s cheek, Nick readjusts his head against the pillow, smiling. “Last nigth was... fun.” He grins. “It’s a good thing Mark didn’t scare you away, really. Lucky me.” 

[nickphillips]

finnausten​:

“You should’ve led with that!” Shaking his head at Nick, Finn lets out a laugh, peering at the address that was on his cousin’s phone screen. “If we leave now, we should be able to make it. I know that shop, it’s only a few blocks from here.” Moving to his feet, he reaches for his wallet, tossing a couple of bills onto the table. “Let’s go. I’m sure you can get a copy of the book there. I’ll browse around while you’re making eyes at Duncan…I mean, attending the reading. I promised West I’d get him a book. Just text me when you’re done, yeah?”

Nick debated whether to take his cousin’s offer and making a run to Duncan’s book signing for half a second, deciding to stop hesitating and standing up from his seat the moment Finn does. “Okay.” He said mostly to himself than Finn, following the younger man. “West as in... your hot firefighter friend’s kid?” Nick mused to himself, grinning as he tried to keep up maybe in a weak effort to distract himself from the fact that he was showing up unannounced at Duncan’s book signing and he wasn’t sure how the writer would take it by teasing his cousin. “Alright, alright, I will. Just don’t go too far. This could go either way!”

[nickphillips]

duncanbuchanan​:

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. 

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.

[nickphillips]

finnausten​:

“Yes! There are plenty of museums, we can find one the whole family will enjoy.” Finn replies, grinning softly. When he did have a free day, he liked to go to museums. Honestly, Finn just loved to learn, no matter the subject. He isn’t about to let the conversation about Duncan go so easily either, raising a brow as he waits for an explanation from his cousin. Nick had told him about what happened at their friend’s wedding and how Duncan had gone back home with him. It had all been a bit surprising - and a bit romantic - but Finn was team Nick first and foremost. He was still a bit wary of Duncan reappearing in Nick’s life, but he also wanted to be supportive. “Well…I suppose the question is whether or not you want to see him again. Los Angeles is big enough that you don’t have to worry about running into him at the shops. But if there’s even a chance that you think things will be different this time around…then you shouldn’t deny yourself because if you do, you’ll be stuck wondering what if for the rest of your life.” 

“Oh, fun!” Nick teased, laughing as he reached to squeeze his cousin’s shoulder. They had spent plenty of time wasting the day at the Tate when they were younger growing up in London. Nick was obsessed with the building’s architecture and Finn always had all the fun facts about every exhibition. At the time, their age difference was almost cute. It was marked even in their school uniforms with Finn wearing his shorts with a jacket and tie while he got to wear long trousers. Jon had already moved away for uni by then and Nick was more than happy to have Finn around so he didn’t have to deal with his parents by himself. The rub was, Finn knew him too well, which also meant, because they lived under the same roof through most of his relationship with Nick before graduation, he knew what it meant to him. It took him a moment to consider his options, looking at his cousin about to refute him but he couldn’t. The week after the wedding came rushing back to him and the weeks that followed where he found himself longing for the time they had spent together even if he kept trying to tell himself not to. “He has a book signing at this store in half an hour.” Pushing his phone towards Finn, Nick waited expectantly. “Do you think we can make it on time?” 

[nickphillips]

duncanbuchanan​:

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. 

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.”

[nickphillips]

finnausten​:

“I miss your mum. your whole family, really! Remind me again why I couldn’t have been born a Phillips?” Finn half-jokes, shaking his head. “So neither one of us are the next Gordon Ramsay. I’m sure we can manage to put together something edible. If not…well, I know a few good places we can order takeaway from!” Chuckling, he smiles back at his cousin, so happy to be seeing him face to face again. It had been far too long since they had been together in person. “Eh, we both know I’ve always been more into my books than anything else. The studying shouldn’t take you by too much surprise. I quite like it, all of the research and such. Even if it does make me seem quite nerdy.” Growing up, Finn spent most of his time at home with his books. Perhaps it has shaped him in ways he still couldn’t quite explain. Any thought about that leaves his mind when Duncan is brought up thought, raising a brow in the blonde’s direction. “Duncan? As in, Buchanan? Now this just got interesting. Are you two…?” Finn asks, unsure of quite how to phrase the question, gesturing vaguely instead. “Tell me everything!” 

“Oh, it’s only a matter of time before my mum and dad decide to pay us a visit before I leave LA, I’m sure!” Nick knew just how much his parents loved and cared for Finn too so it really wasn’t just a matter of him being in California now but the chance to see two of their boys at once. Growing up there had never been a difference in treatment when it came to his brother and him, and Finn. “Right, well, at least I know I can make the meanest and crispiest Sunday roast potatoes. If anything else, we’ll have potatoes and that’s pretty much all we need in life!” He laughed, rising his glass for a toast before taking another sip from his beer, shaking his head when Finn calls himself a nerd when everyone had always had just considered him the smartest one of them all. “The one.” Nick wasn’t able to stop himself from blushing at the poking questions but he still tried, groaning playfully. “I’ve told you already about what happened at Elle’s wedding... and after...” It wasn’t a big secret, at least not between them, but Nick may have played things cool maybe. Now that they were face to face it was probably not going to work out well for him. It wasn’t already. It was written all over his face, just hearing his ex’s name, how it affected him. “We’re not. Not really. I don’t think so. We haven’t seen each other since. We’ve texted here and there.” He shrugged, running a hand through his hair. “I don’t know if it’s a good idea, Finn, look what happened the first time. It’s one thing to fool around no strings attached, but with Duncan? We both know I won’t be able to pull that off. Not with him. There’s too much history there. But to go through the same heartbreak again? I can’t do that either. I know I will fall like an utter fool and hit myself in the face.”

[nickphillips]

duncanbuchanan​:

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. 

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.”

[nickphillips]

finnausten​:

“Thank god for Uber and Lyft!” Finn laughs, shaking his head. He had been in California for a few years now and he still wasn’t used to it. At least the bus system wasn’t too bad. Public transportation in LA was decent enough. He managed to get where he needed to be, at least. “I’m sure your fancy new position has a driving service for you though. If not, you should ask for it! They seem to be pretty happy to give you whatever, Mr. Hotshot.” The blonde says teasingly, grinning back at his cousin. He was really happy for Nick and his new position, even if it was only temporary. “Let me know when you’re free. We’ll make dinner, break in your kitchen. A proper meal, nothing from a can. You mum would be so proud.” Taking a sip from his glass of water, Finn leans ack in his seat, shrugging at the question. “School’s good. I’m finishing up my coursework this year, and then onto my dissertation for the next couple of years, so that’s pretty exciting. Dr. Finneas Austen has a pretty nice ring to it, I must admit. Almost makes all of the student loan debt worth it. Kidding. We both know that it does.” Finn jokes, chuckling quietly at himself.  “It’s mad, isn’t it? That we’re both here. I’m glad that we are, though. I’ve missed you.”

“I’m sure I could expense the Uber.” Nick laughed, rolling his eyes at his cousin when Finn called him mr. Hotshot. He wasn’t, really, he was just a single man with nothing tying him to any one place which was very convenient for his employees. He was also more than happy to jump at the opportunity when it was offered knowing Finn was in LA. He just so happened to work at a wealthy company with money to spare, in his opinion, for both of their benefit, really. “Mum is already highly proud of you. The kitchen is still not my area of expertise. I’ll do okay to survive but don’t expect me to go all Jamie Oliver any time soon. Just please tell her I helped with the dishes. She’ll at least think that was nice of me.” The blonde grinned at his own expense, shrugging. “It has a bloody fine ring to it, Finn. I still don’t know how you do it, all the studying. I always knew you were the smart one out of the three of us.” His smiled turned tender, so very genuinely happy to see his cousin, to be in the same city for a few months at least. Nick loved Finn like a brother. “I’ve missed you too, mate. I’m happy to see you doing well, I mean it. I don’t know why it took us this long to have a proper outing. I still owe Duncan a visit, too. But now things are finally settled. I’ll be better. I promise.”

[nickphillips]

duncanbuchanan​:

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.” 

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.   

[nickphillips]

finnausten​:

“Right, should have warned you about that.” Finn chuckles, shrugging his shoulders a bit. “Ha, thanks. I do get out sometimes. The beaches can get a little crazy, but I do like doing my reading at the beach every so often. You’ll get some color in no time too, it hardly ever rains here!” California was the opposite of home, weather wise. It took some getting used to, that was for sure. “I bet. I’d love to come over once you’re ready for visitors though. How’s the new job? Are you settling in alright?”

“Between that and the fact that they drive on the wrong side of the street here, I won’t be owning a car here anytime soon.” The architect laughed but, in truth, his apartment building was right in the city center and walking distance from his office so there really was no need even if his company did offer if he were to change his mind. “I think I’ll miss the rain.” Nick said genuinely. Both his brother and cousin had moved away from England a few years back but it was only recently he had started taking international projects and he always found himself missing home after a while. California was different, maybe, in the fact that Finn was there. Everywhere else it was just him, working, navigating a new city on his own. He was excited to be reunited with his cousin. He was nervous to be in the same county as Duncan. For now, he was just trying to take it one day at a time, settling down. “You’re welcomed whenever, mate. It’s just me and a few boxes right now. I haven’t had the chance to unpack because of work but I’ll take a couple of days this week to get that done. If you’re looking for something to do, I could always use a hand.” It was a good excuse to claim some extra time with Finn but Nick also needed some help. Everything was new to him in LA. “How’s school? How’s life? Can you believe we’re both here now?” 

[nickphillips]

duncanbuchanan​:

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.” 

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?”

[nickphillips]

finnausten​:

It was a rare day that Finn had off from classes. After spending the afternoon doing some schoolwork, he leaves to go meet his cousin for dinner. Arriving at the spot, he waits for Nick to arrive, waving him over to their table once he spots him. “You look well. I guess LA has been kind to you, eh?” Finn asks after giving the other man a quick hug, squeezing his shoulder lightly. “You settling in alright?”

@nickphillips​​

Nick had jumped at the opportunity to move to LA when the projected he would be working on was presented to him, looking forward to spend some time with Finn and just have a nice change of scenery for a bit. “Traffic is insufferable in this city, bloody hell!” Nick exhaled, his every feature beaming excitedly at the sight of his cousin. They had met a few times but they were yet pending a proper meeting since his arrival, in his opinion. “Me? Look at you. I thought you spent all your time at the library studying but you have that California glow.” Nick pointed out, taking a seat across from his cousin. He reached for the carafe, pouring some water on the empty glass in front of him, thirsty. He was always thirsty in this state. “It’s been mental with work and the move and, well, you know how it is. You should come check out the flat now that they’ve finished installing all the furniture, and you know, I’ve got a spare room.”