IT'S BEEN AN AWKWARD FEW WEEKS , to say the least . ever since that night at star's apartment , nico has kept it strictly professional . there'l be a pleasant good morning , and hello , but no more LATE NIGHTS , or sharing meals . nico is equal part relieved and guilt - ridden . every now and then he'd catch himself chancing a glance over to star and want to open his mouth . to make her laugh , or ask what she's up to . BUT SHE'S SHUTTERED OFF TOO , like a house he no longer has keys to . nico is a horrible hypocrite . he knows it .
he's glad for a few days off . in his line of work they're rare and inbetween . he almost doesn't know what to do with himself and has to remind himself how to go back to basics . for once , he doesn't stop by his mums for the night . he goes straight to his and stares at all the house chores he's been putting off for MONTHS . he sighs , cracking open a beer and changing into whatever clothes he can find that are CLEAN ( which isn't much ) . as he starts his second load of washing , having half cleaned up the mess and ordered from the local takeout - he's THREE BEERS in . as someone who doesn't get the chance to drink as often as he does , it's HITTING HIM a bit harder . but , for the first time in as long as he can remember , he feels malleable and relaxed . he moves as if he's sand on a beach , sinkable and warm .
IT'S THEN , of course , that he hears a door knock . not the kind he recognises . if it was one of his sisters , they'd march in , like a hurricane . his mother is more musical in the way she knocks . this sounds more timid . he frowns to himself , standing up and walking straight to the door , yanking it open . " if you're fighting with mum again and need a place to crash , ale - then - " HE PAUSES , his heart immediately thudding in a hurried manner . this is NOT alejandro ( his youngest , and most immature , brother ) . nico can't quite compute the sight before him . his mind is spitting , like rain before the worst storm , yet he finally manages to get out the word he needs . " - - STAR ?"
