The photo looks fine to me, but I am not expert in the subject. Maybe the best is wait a little and see the photo again.
There’s nothing wrong with the photo, it’s just a matter of personal preference. it feels too busy for me, especially once you try to put the album title and such on it.
That is the thing, nothing in the world can change you are my brother. I am so sorry for my reaction when you called. It was selfish and childish. The thing is the call activated a lot of things I wanted to talk with you when I arrived to LA and I never did. I had not tell you these things in that moment when you needed me. Sorry for not be there when you needed me.
Talking with Elliot (is something everybody knows and NO, nothing happened, damn paparazzis! I’ll tell all later), I realized yes, life changed, and I can’t have what we had before because nothing is the same. Even when I miss my brother, my best friend, now your life is different. I have to accept that, but that doesn’t mean we can’t start to build something good and different here in LA.
I know now, as a married man (I saw Bailey’s announcement, so, I am happy you decided to continue and not ask the annulment), you will have less time, but we can try. I saw you once since I arrived to LA, that is a sample about what I wanted to tell: I miss you man. I don’t want to have you 24/7 breathing on my back, but we can at least talk once at week and go out often. You have a ceremony to plan, you need a brother to help.
Don’t worry for mom: she doesn’t know and I believe she is more freaked out for all what appeared about me in the newspapers. At least something is different in the family. I decided to write you because you told me you will call me when you were ready. Then, take your time.
Last thing: happy birthday. I have something for you and Mrs. Simmons. Let me know when I can see the newlyweds.
Your best friend (because I consider still I have that place and right),
Nick.
Nick, I tried calling but I couldn’t reach your phone. All I know is that you’re in London and one of my contacts called me to tell me of the news with Elliot.. The news is nasty itself. Come home okay? Well, I mean come back to LA so we can sort things out. It’s always a challenge whenever I make rash decisions so.. please. I need you.
I do want to involve you in certain things. And of course we can go out once in a while and talk. We should get going with that first. I just.. you know.. I thought things would go back the way it is before I got married to Aria. Of course with me. life is a roller coaster itself and lo and behold, I am married again. I just... I’m sorry for being insensitive and an arsehole to you when you needed me to just listen to you.
I don’t know what to do with myself || Chatzy/Headcanon || Venice, August 15, 2015 || nicholas-simmons
Elliot: Elliot had been to Venice once, with her parents, some years ago. She didn't have much time to know the city since they visited it during a cruise, but she liked it a lot, especially for the theater part and the masks, she always felt fascinated. She wished she could share this with Callum, but she was on a mission with Nicholas and it was to find out what was troubling him and help him overcome whatever that was. The flight was silent, she watched a film and slept the rest of the 13 hour flight. Once in the city it wasn't hard for her to stay awake, it was a trip and they were the for the ice cream! She got her things to her room, took a shower and called Callum to announce she was safe and sound in Venice, promising to instagram a lot of her journey. She met Nicholas at the lobby of the hotel. "This is so fancy! The only thing missing was a woman washing me or dressing me. So, where are we off to? I dreamt of the gelato in the plane."
Nick: Nick tried to pick all the places with that motive, being fancy. "You are fancy too." He liked how Elliot has the virtue to look absolutely amazing with less. Callum was absolutely lucky with that woman. And also Nick having a good friend. "If you want a helper I can arrange that..." He knew was an exaggeration but he wanted to show to Elliot he was grateful with her companion. "Gelato! Ummmm..." He closed his eyes dreaming with the taste. "I made a map, the good thing is I know the city. The first place sounds like heaven: La Boutique del Gelato." He laughed. "Sorry, my italian is not the best but I'll try. Are you ready?"
Elliot: Immediately she started singing "I'm so fancy... you'd already knooooow, I'm in the fast lane From L.A. to... Venezia." she would dance there if she could, but she knew better than to attract unwanted attention from the hotel staff. "No no, the helper was a joke! I can do all things myself. It's enough to be here, I mean... I was actually saving money to come here and now I am... for free. This is insane." They walked out and there was a small pier where a boat was waiting for them. of course, you just can't walk out of the hotel, you have to NAVIGATE out of it and into the city. "La boutique.... sounds like they have tailor made flavors that fit any kind of craving. I dig it!" She exclaimed with enthusiasm. "I was born ready!"
Nick: Nicholas laughed seeing Elliot dance in the hotel. "Be careful or will appear some italian expecting to dance with you." She was radiant and everything will be fine in the light of the ice cream for sure. Everything has a solution with ice cream. "As I told you, see it as a gift, something you can talk with your friends: I went to Venice to eat ice cream. How many people can tell that story?" They went out and he saw the boat. "I don't remember the last time when I was in Venice, but the boats never change." Then he saluted to the driver. "Buon giorno..." Then he told to Elliot: "Hey! I remember few things..." He extended his hand to help her to take the boat.
Elliot: "I wouldn't mind dancing with an italian but I don't know how Callum would take it" She added, she had never seen Callum getting jealous but it would be there, if she had seen him dancing with an italian woman she would feel the same way. "Not many, I'm sure of that." She accepted his gesture and held his hand to go into the boat, not noticing that there was a photographer on the other side of the canal, taking pictures of them. "All I know in italian is grazie. And that's it... oh, and Bellísimo, and la dolce vita... and that's about it."
Nick: "He has all the reasons to feel jealous, believe me. Of course, everybody knows in LA you love him and vice versa." Nick liked the couple what they are together. Nick didn't notice what was happening around, he only gave the instructions to advance. "My mom knows italian but I forgot with time. Is a shame, is a good language." Then Nick offered sit to Elliot making a pause. He knew the time arrived but how he never knows how start, he only told the phrase without announce. "Nate married with Bailey in Las Vegas. That is the reason of our fight."
Elliot: "What do your parents do? I wish I knew another language. I think I want to learn french." She added as she looked around and took pictures with her phone on the way to the center of the city. She sat by his side and listened to him, her jaw dropped when he mentioned the little detail of the marriage. "Married? like... let's go to the Little White Chapel and let's get married because we have nothing else to do?" Elliot was starting to see a pattern, the Simmons had a knack for running to exotic places and doing crazy stuff.
Nick: "My father is a doctor. We in the family have a strong inclination for medical field. My mother is... I hate the term, a socialite. Part of the finest society in London." He said mocking about the last part, he never liked that side of his family, and Nate less, but they had to live with that. "That is the reason because my mom knows languages. You should learn french. You can think in do movies in other languages, is definitely an advantage." He took a moment seeing the canals, the place. He felt more peaceful and he knew he can talk there. "I am not sure what he was thinking. He loves Bailey and is the logical next step. But not like that... Not after..." Then he saw Elliot. "I know I can trust on you, I will tell you things about my brother and my family... Is a delicate matter, even I crossed the world to tell you in privacy!" He chuckled in the end.
Elliot: "Your family is very similar to Callums, do you know each other's by the way?" She asked. She didn't see anything bad in his mother's occupation, Elliot thought she would do a good socialite herself if she had the chance. "Oh, I'd love to ply a french lady someday, just put Gaspard Ulliel by my side and I will melt as well." She teased with a laugh. She paid attention to what he said she was dying to know. "I'm a tomb. After all I know what you're capable of." She said staring around, he said he wanted privacy and he came to Venice, crazy.
Nick: "Until I know, our parents know each other. Europe is a little place in the end. But my brother and I never feel interest for know the other families. I like the idea to meet you and Callum in a different place, is the best." He saw to Elliot for a moment. "You have such a classic beauty, like the italian actresses, but in different way. I promised to you I have a friend here, a coach in acting, the date is the afternoon, after to eat our ice cream." Nick smiled, feeling thankful with Elliot. "Nate suffered a lot in his life. He was married before. Aria, his wife. Everything was fast, just like is happening with Bailey now, but Aria is my friend too and I was so happy to see them together. They loved each other and I was sure they would be happy... And they had a son, Alex." Nick had to take air for a moment. He realized the pain comes from a different places in his heart. "Sorry, I don't talk about Alex since... I believe 2 years ago."
Elliot: "That's wonderful! the world is indeed a small place." She said with joy, she liked people knowing each other, it kind of gave her the impression of consistency. "You shouldn't have done than! I'll be all nervous." She was excited about the idea about knowing an italian talent that might inspire her to do better. This was a wonderful trip. Finally they got to the pier, just some blocks from the ice cream place they were going to. They sat there for a moment as Nick finished his story, she didn't have any idea about all of this, it was shocking to say the leaat, but it was also personal and she understood why nor Nate or him talked about it, it hurt. "Wow... I didn't... I didn't have any idea about that. What happened with Alex?"
Nick: "Well, I believe in you." Nick had an amazing power to encourage people, to help them to find the way to do what they want. He never talked with Elliot about what she wanted to do but he was sure Disney was a stage and she has all to be whoever she wants to be. "Don't be nervous, be yourself, show your talent." When they entered to the local Nick felt better. Ice cream... at least he will have something for his soul. "He died in an accident." Nick was still dealing with the idea, without believe it. "The only easy way to say this is with an ice cream, we can order first, and I will tell you all the story. We have all the day, and at least 4 other shops to visit." He smiled to her, share the story with a person who was not part or don't judge him is different.
Elliot: "Thank you! that's so sweet of you. I don't know what i would do without friends like you or Keira, always helping me out." She held his arm as they walked to the ice cream parlor, once there she was overwhelmed for a moment by the amount of flavors, it was better than Baskin Robbins' 31 flavors. Her face fell as he mentioned the death of the kid. Still she couldn't make a connection between this situation and that one. "I'm so sorry! It must've been devastating!" The thought of losing a child of a parent should be the biggest nightmare, she remembered how her mom freaked out when little Elliot got lost in the mall when she was 5.
Nick: Nick always thought is not easy talk about Alex, the death of a child. He could see how Elliot was in shock, that was not the idea, but also he can understand why she reacted just like she did. "It was a dark period in our lives." That is exactly Nick's point: Nate was not the only who suffered. He went to the counter and saw all the flavors they had. After, called to Elliot. "Come here, is like heaven." It was more easy think in what flavor to choose. Then, the girl in front of the counter began to talk in Italian, Nick could identify few words, of course she was asking the order. "Do you speak english?" Immediately the woman with a smile gave to him a menu, in english. "We have options to choose..."
Elliot: "But... how, I mean... this is so sad. How long ago was that?" She didn't know much about Nate's history, most of the times they mt it was to play around and entertain the kids, no wonder why he was so good with them. She got slightly distracted by the flavors and in the end she picked gianduia and amarena. She received her cup with a huge grin and waited for him to pick his own "I bet you know all of the flavors!"
Nick: "Happened three years ago. The last July he would be 7 years old." Nick, honoured the memory of Alex, asked chocolate and stracciatella, the first was Alex favorite. He received his ice cream and returned to the table they were. "Oh no, in fact I didn't know this place. The next is one I really know, I will give my recommendation there." He took the spoon seeing the cup. "Chocolate was his favorite. Alex... he was an angel. Really smart, he inherited this from his father, but with a soft personality, just like his mom. Everybody loved him, and he brought the peace what the family needed. After he born my mom and Aria finally began to have a good relationship and I was a proud uncle. He made me choose dedicate to vaccines, thinking in his future." He finally took a part of chocolate ice cream. "It was an stupid accident, the Little Captain was in his bike... and a car. Is more common than should be."
Elliot: It had a long time, but those things are hard to overcome, she couldn't begin to imagine the pain. Poor Nate, poor Nick, poor Alex... She tried not to picture the accident in her head but as he mentioned it, she felt bad and strangely sad. "I bet he looked a lot like Nate. is that why he went to America? After the whole deal?" Elliot was beginning to understand the pattern and she didn't blame them. "And that's why you followed him? because he couldn't deal with all of it going on and facing the sad true?"·
Nick: "Smart deduction, detective." It was easy to understand, but not for the family. When Nate took the decision the only person who could see it in that way was Nate. "Is more complicated, that is the short version. After Alex passed away Nate lost a part of himself, and that part was related with Aria. The marriage suffered and in the end they took the decision to separate. I don't blame them, but my mom blamed both and she is..." He took a sigh, after he realized he needed more ice cream. He took the spoon eating an other part. "The thing is, Nate came to US and let all, including an ex-wife with the heart broken and an angry family. What he doesn't know, because I believe he never realized what he did, was what happened next, and is the reason because I am upset... No, I am hurt: he let us thinking we would be fine, and while he recovered in LA, I had to be in charge of his things."
Elliot: Elliot didn't know how she would react if she went through such thing, probably she would hide forever too as well. "it's a complicated thing, I feel for Nate, but I feel for your parents too, it was a family matter, not just a couple one. I'm sorry te marriage was destroyed but it was also a test through fire." She wouldn't take any sides, but to her this seemed a little over the top. "Your brother has shown a quite spontaneous temper... is that what enrages you? that he does these things without taking you guys into account?" She could relate to Nate, she did the same things, she tried to let everyone be a part of it, but when the rush hit you, you could not escape. "But there's also a line he's crossing and it is responsibility...·
Nick: Elliot was proving she was not only a good friend, the blonde was really perceptive and she understood perfectly the real core of the situation. "I can't say a thing about Nate and Aria marrage, that is a personal problem." He sighed. "The grief... is a powerful and befogging feeling. While Nate was in LA, my mother was depressed. I never saw like that before. She told me she not only lost his grandson, she also lost his son. But the worst thing was with Aria. She couldn't stay at home, so, she went all the afternoons to my place to cry how she lost her family. In the end I had to help her to sell the place and gave all Alex things to charity. Is the hardest thing I'd had to do in my life." The confession with the ice cream made the thing less painful. "I am upset because Nate just decided to push us outside his life. And we are family, we have the same blood. And he is doing it again! How he could marry without his family?"
Elliot: She scooped her ice cream and was almost done with it, it was a good idea to eat it while speaking of such gloomy topic, she couldn't have handled it in a smart manner. "I understand Nate, because I am the same kind of person... Sometimes you need to get away. Not because you don't love everyone around you, but because you're scared to hurt them even more and I think that's what happened. This might have turned him into a bitter man and he would've said some harmful words. I'm not defending him, he should've been there with all of you, because you all were in pain. But I'm sure he's a new man and him doing this crazy thing is just proof that he's back to the old self you talk about when Alex was alive and when he married Aria." it was just her perspective. "I think that if he told you he wanted you to be part of it. Maybe not in the precise instant -going to Vegas is a three or four hour journey- but he let you know. He knows you're his brother. Is not like you found out through friends or a newspaper."
Nick: Nick took a moment to think, Elliot was showing a point, the point what he thought all the time: he tolerated what Nate did just because he needed it. But this... "We can go out and have a walk. The next ice cream shop is close to here and I am pretty sure you will like it." Again, Nick offered to Elliot his hand without noticing the photographers close to the place. Then he go out thinking in what to say. "I am not sure Elliot. When I talked with him about to go to LA, he showed excited, but everything was different when I arrived. I barely saw him in the last three months. Even... He never presented Bailey to me. We talked in the site and I invited her to dinner. He is distant all the time. I believe he talks more like my boss than me!" Then he realized how childish sounded the entire phrase. "I am just pathetic..." He passed his hand for his face. "But is what I feel."
Elliot: They walked out of the ice cream place and didn't notice that about a block away the photographer kept on snapping pictures. Elliot was so amazed by the architecture that she didn't know what else to look at. They walked through Piazza San Marco and she took some selfies, with and without Nick, she wanted to document everything. "take it from me, doctors are busy people, you should know it, your father is. And LA is a city full of distractions, he met Bailey there and I'm sure that he's having such a blast that he hasn't noticed. Besides, you two did lots of things together or not? Maybe you should tell him how you feel, I bet you haven't done that and this is some sort of scheme to get his attention since speaking isn't working." She winked at him, she was an entertainer, she knew how to put up a good show and she knew that something was missing on Nick's scheme of things. "It's not pathetic, you went to LA to have time with your brother and you haven't, you need him, maybe more than he needs you currently, but that's okay because that's what brotherhood is about."
Nick: Nick interacted with Elliot and took the chance of participate in the selfies. Why not? That was exactly what he thought in the plane, if he would do this, he would do it right. Even in the situation he was enjoying the trip. "I know... I never saw my father and I am aware Nate is busy. But, I don't know what to think anymore. Who? Nate and me? Or Bailey and me? Nate and me well, he helped with the moving." He arrived to the next ice cream store: Gelateria Nico. "See? Has my name!" He was still thinking in his words. "Yes, and that is exactly what happened: I told him, on the phone." The last part hit him in his heart but Elliot was right: Nick needed more to Nate than the older brother needs him. "I feel lost. I don't want to return to LA. I don't see the purpose. He is having a new family and maybe the time to live by myself arrived. But I don't know how handle the fact I miss him, I miss my best friend. Maybe we can ask to the ice cream."
Elliot: "I think you should adjust more to what your brother's life is in LA, I bet you've had a fair change too. The fact that you don't live together anymore doesn't mean it is bad. I got a better relationship with my parents when I left home. This could be a similar case. He's your brother, he called you first." She tried to make it easier, this problem was magnified by some feelings he had repressed and it was good to let them out, but also to have a more down to earth scope of things. She laughed as she noticed the name of the gelateria, took a picture of him with the banner of the name and they made their way in. "I think you're exaggerating, you didn't lose hi cuz he got married, you're making a show." She said this with all the humour she could, it was sort of a mock at him, but she felt how he missed his brother. "See it as a chance to see him more often, he'll have a more settled life, you'll have more topics of conversation and there's a prospect of you being an uncle again. All you need is let him know you miss spending time with him, I'm sure he won't say `Nick, I don't want to do that.' It's Nate, for god's sake."
Nick: Nick was not sure what answer to Elliot. He was who took the decision to go there, of course she was right: he can't ask to Nate change his life only because he was there. But still, he was not sure if he wanted that brother. Nick, in a selfish way, wanted his brother, his friend, the person who he was in London. This man from LA is somebody he doesn't know. "He was who decided to make a show when he called to me asking: emotional support... Please." But then he laughed. "Okay, I am doing a show. For first time in my life. I am always the centered, the thinker. But that doesn't mean I don't have feels." He didn't want to feel sad, but he was not being optimist, not this time. "What if we as to the ice cream? Choose something for me..." Elliot was still knowing to Nick, but she gave to him a lot to think, especially in the last part. "I am not sure if he wants me in his family... That makes me feel awful in the end, the simply fact I have to ask him that..."
Elliot: "Because he needed you! What other proof do you need of it?" She exclaimed as she showed the girl which flavors to put on the cups, this time it was pistacchio and some Flor di latte. She received them and passed one to Nick, she gave him a tender look, he knew it was a show and it was kind of cute when he admitted it. "You have feelings, but you're not rationalizing them for the first time, that's why you feel so confused. You're allowing yourself to feel and it is overwhelming, that happens to actors, we force ourselves to feel it and it is concerning at first." She started explaining as they walked around the streets, she didn't want to stand still. "if he didn't wanted you in his family he wouldn't have called, and you left him alone in a time of need. Nothing is like in the movies Nick, you can't read minds and if you don't speak up what you need or want, you will never get it."
Nick: Nick felt absolutely embarrassed, but he was being honest with Elliot. He told to her in soft voice, as a kid in the middle of a scolding. "He called me because he needed a solution with my parents. He was scared for his ass..." But of course, Elliot was right. He took immediately the cup, taking refuge in the ice cream. "I am not used to feel things. I am not good with things I can't see, or measure." He knew she was right in everything, but Nick has a lot of doubts, he was sure Nate has no idea about how he feels, but also, Nick was still thinking he has no motivation to do it, Nate took a decision long time ago. "I don't know..."
Elliot: "He could've called someone else for advice." She replied in a simple way as she ate some of her ice cream, it was easy to have an opinion when you're not involved in the problem, but she was trying to get Nick out of his box. "You have to get used to it, is the only way you'll stop feeling the way you feel right now. You don't have to feel bad for demanding a little attention, Nate doesn't mind. You deserve it too. You two are more alike than you like to think." She teased with a laugh and finished with a "It's your choice, anyway. But I'm telling you as a friend that is better you think it through and speak it out."
Nick: If one person has the opportunity to meet the Simmons siblings would say the same what Elliot was telling. Not only because they were really physically alike, even when the personalities were different, deeply inside they have the same principles, and also the same defects. "How will I tell you are not right when I know you are telling the truth?" In the end he wanted to talk with somebody who makes him think. "When things don't work in the lab, I always think is the opportunity to make a real discover, take other path. I know I have to arrenge all with Nate, but also this can be the opportunity to create a different life. A social life where he has the part he wants to have, but also, with other people." Nick was talking knowing Elliot was listening but also making a reflection. "LA treated me good, but I feel so insecure all the time. Is not easy to me go out from my comfort zone. The only person who I feel a little better is with you, but because you and the ice cream make all easy."
Elliot: "I am flattered! I consider you a good friend and I trust you. Not because of the ice cream and all, not just that." She shook her head, she did appreciate him but not only for that gesture. "I think you're just overwhelmed by the amount of new things you're experimenting, there will come a time when you don't feel so clody and you'll start enjoying it. You don't have to change yourself, I'm sure there are lots of people who would want to hang out with you if you gave them the chance, just have to try. You can hang out with us, our group of friends is very diverse."
Nick: Nick stopped for a moment in the place where they are. He felt better for first time since all the nightmare began. He knew what he did was just crazy, be in Venice just because. He took a moment to see Elliot. "I am happy to have you as a friend. The ice cream is just a plus. And we will have more ice cream miss." He was still there not moving. "I'll need help. I mean... I know old habits die hard and I know I'll try to run again, to not feel anxious or just feel I don't fit with your friends. I never will be a completely social person, and I don't need it, but is time to have more friends than my brother." Then he saw Elliot, "I am including Nate in the group, but all now will be different.
Elliot: "You're talking to the better person to get sociable with. I'm sure you'll like the people I will introduce to you, but don't get any excuses when it comes to go out, or I'll go to the lab and drag you myself." She knew it was going to be a gradual process, but she could be patient and she would carry her mission to the end.
Nick: "Then we have a deal." The travel was not like he expected but in the end Nick found a person with who talk. "Are you ready for more? We are close to the best ice cream cake in the entire world. I just expect you can eat more. I told you: 5 stores, that is the entire route."
