Austin’s P.O.V

The rest of the evening spent with Oli was very uneventful (thankfully). We watched a few movies, all the while trying to relax as much as we could. I won’t lie; making the pillow fort was actually quite helpful, even as an adult it made me feel like it was some sort of shelter from the world. Oli seemed more at ease now, his outburst earlier was terrifying to say the least, but I can’t really judge him on that. We all have something we struggle with, and I would do anything I could to help him through it. I could feel him stealing glances when he thought I wasn’t looking, it was…cute.

I felt his eyes on me as I stretched my legs out; just in time I caught his gaze and raised an eyebrow at the smaller man. He blushed profusely before ducking his head down to stare at his hands which were placed in his lap. He didn’t say anything, but chuckled slightly as he finally lifted his head with an adorably goofy smile plastered on his lips. I eyed him questioningly, but he shot me down before I had a chance to ask what was so funny.

“That was awkward. I was trying to look at your tattoos, but I guess it looked like I was staring. Sorry.” He shot me a shaky smile and rubbed his forearm clearly uncomfortable; I laughed it off and scooted closer to him.

“Look all you want Oli, “I winked and held my arms out so he could see the intricate patterns that decorated my skin. He raised his hand up and traced the patterns, sending a shiver throughout my body, he smiled.

“They look beautiful…” he uttered as he continued to trace them, I laughed nervously before taking the time to look him over, admiring how much more ink he had than me. Many people would find the fact that he barely had any visible skin appalling, but I found it intriguing…and gorgeous. That word really fit Oli, he was probably the most attractive person I’ve ever seen really, and he was also the nicest, I knew id never ever ever have a chance with him…but I could look right?

He seemed to notice the fact that I was eying him, because he scooted even closer and held his arms out parallel to mine. I felt a blush creep up on my face, I raised a hand and looked at him as if asking for approval, and he nodded all the while flashing that characteristic grin of his. I let my index finger trail the colorful designs; he seemed to relax as I went on. They weren’t as complicated as the ones that littered my limbs, but they were just as, if not more, beautiful.

“Your tattoos look amazing Ols,” I felt my lips twitch upward as he blushed lightly and thanked me. I dropped my hand from his arm and it found its place on my lap, I leaned back against the pillows, exhaustion slowly racketing through me. Oli seemed to feel the same; moving from his spot on the floor and to the bed, he crawled under the covers and stretched out a bit, a little yawn escaping his lips.

“Well I’m quite exhausted myself, so sleep sounds nice, eh? You know you don’t have to stay in here if you don’t want to Austin…” He watched me cautiously, eyes half lidded and heavy with sleep.

“Nonsense! I don’t want to leave you in here, plus I doubt I would get any sleep if I left for my room, I’d worry too much.” I watched him smile softly before patting the spot next to him in bed.

‘Oh my god, he wants me to lay down with him. I thought I was going to sleep on the floor, but no he wants-‘I groaned as my head went wild with the thoughts of a teenage girl, ones that were defiantly better left unspoken. I stood up on tired legs and slipped into the bed turning the TV off with a click. I relaxed into the mattress, eyes finally becoming to heavy to hold open. With the door barricaded, the windows locked and covered, and Oli sleeping peacefully next to me, tonight had actually turned out to be strange, I wasn’t going to object that I liked the idea of Oli sleeping next to me, and the thought of seeing his sleeping face in the morning was intoxicating. I soon found myself in a peaceful sleep, while reality mingled with my dreams.


-&-


I woke up the next morning to the alarm clock on my phone beeping, signaling it was time to get ready for work. I turned to see Oli, he was facing me but his face wasn’t right…it was contorted into a deep scowl and slight whimpers escaped his lips, he was moving about slightly…clearly having a nightmare. He muttered, “No.” over and over again, I reached over more and shook him slightly, to no avail. I sighed and shook him a bit harder, almost immediately he jolted upwards in the bed, a horrified look marring his perfect face. His body was tense and eyes carefully darting across the room. I sat up next to him and rubbed circles in his back which was slightly sweaty from the abstract dream he was just in, he sighed.

“Well that wasn’t a nice way to wake up…” he giggled as the words escaped his lips, I found myself doing the same.

“Well it was just a dream Ols, nothing to be afraid of. Yet the nightmare that is work is only a few hours from now, so we have to get ready.”

He groaned and I stifled a chuckle, swinging my legs off the side of the bed, and offering him a hand which he took. I all but pulled the lanky man from his spot as he fumbled around the room for clothes, I pushed the dresser that blocked the door to the side and exited his room to make way to mine.

I popped an Asking Alexandria CD into the stereo, and turned the volume all the way up, oh I hoped the neighbors were already awake. I grabbed clothes and made my way to the bathroom, where Oli was washing his face, I slipped past him and turned the shower on. Slipping my shirt off, and tossing it into the hamper, he looked up and his eyes trailed my body slowly in confusion.

“You just going to shower with me standing here?” he asked in the thick northern accent of his, and a smile tugged out my lips.

“Why? Like whatcha see Sykes?” he groaned and muttered ‘you know it’ under his breathe causing me to laugh. He stepped out of the bathroom, and I took advantage of the free time to shower. Slipping my nose ring out and kicking aside the rest of my clothes, I Quickly made work of washing my body and hair (that really needed to be cut) before stepping out and placing a towel on my waist. I re-opened the bath room door to let some of the mist out. I brushed my teeth as I waited for the mirror to un-fog, then started to blow dry my hair into place. Soon after I slipped into my attire for the day, a pair of black skinny jeans and a black t-shirt that had a few buttons at the top, and a black and white checkered flannel on top. Popping my nose ring back in and slipping my black vans on, I looked myself over in the mirror, I couldn’t help but think I looked good today.

With that thought I exited the small steamy room and stepped into the hall, I looked in Oli’s room but he was no where to be found, that when I heard my stereo cut off the sound of “A prophecy” and it was turned to Slipknot. I couldn’t fight the smile that formed on my face as I entered my room; Oli was setting on my bed fingers tapping his legs, his outfit consisting of black ripped skinny jeans, a white t-shirt with intricate markings and a gray jacket adorned with a black hood. His lip ring shone brightly as the sun hit him from the window, he didn’t seem to notice me until I turned the music down. He frowned.

“Time to go already?” He asked innocently, and I nodded.

He stood up from his position and made his way to the door; I shut the stereo off and grabbed several CD’s before ushering him to follow me to the car. I locked the front door, and we made our way to my black mustang. He carefully slid into the passenger side, and I took my seat at the drivers end. As we backed out of the driveway we began the drive to my shop, he popped the Slipknot CD back in and continued where he left off. We sang along to Duality, the words seemed to strike a cord for him as he sang intently,

“I guess I’ll save the best for last
My future seems like one big past
You’re left with me ‘cause you left me no choice”

We continued on like this until we arrived at my store, I shut the car off and made my way to the front door unlocking it, and stepping inside allowing Oli to follow suit, his eyes went wide in amazement, at the wide array of Guitars, drums, and anything else a musician could dream of, he beamed.

“Well Welcome to The Musician’s Lounge, my names Austin and I will be showing you the ropes!” I stuck my tongue out at him, and earned a punch in the shoulder and something that sounded a lot like “you’re a wanker” thrown at me, I laughed it off and showed him around the shop.

He was a fast learner which was quite nice, next thing we knew the shop was open and in full swing, Oli was already extremely knowledgeable about all the brands of instruments that we carried, and knew how to play most on some level. It was working out quite nicely, I had several regulars ask me who “The new guy was” because he “Was hot as fuck” that earned several laughs from those around. Oli was making sales left and right, no doubt to his comfortably kind nature, and million dollar smile; he wasn’t just a pretty face and that fact was awesome for business.

After 3 hours, and a quick lunch break we were back into full swing, my shop never looked this busy; I guess word spread rather fast amongst women, cause that was who most of today’s new patrons were. I could hear and see several women and men make advances with the tattooed man but He was as resilient as ever and kindly played it off like he was unaware of their intentions. He occasional made eye contact with me and flashed a smile, he seemed to be content here which made me feel at ease.

“Well well well, look at who’s back in town!” I heard the familiar voice chide, spinning around I could make out Tino Arteaga, Aaron Pauley, Phil Manansala, all child hood friends of mine, to my surprise, my ex Alan Ashby was even amongst them. They quickly swarmed around me, and I found myself in a giant group hug, I chuckled and pulled them all close before breaking out of their grasp.

Tino, Aaron, and Phil all worked here for me, and Alan worked at the coffee shop down the street, so I figured they had stopped by on Alan’s lunch break. I was just grateful me and my red haired ex had stayed friends even after our shaky break up. He was as sweet and funny as ever, and didn’t treat me any different then he had before, it was nice. We chatted for several moments, as the store activity died down and Oli handled the last spotted customer, Phil was the first to take notice of him.

“New guy?” he asked questioningly, I nodded.

“Yeah, long story short we met under pretty bad circumstances on my way back home, he got on the wrong bus and couldn’t afford to buy another ticket, so I offered him a place to stay in exchange for him working here, he’s actually an awesome guy and he’s great with the customers!”

They all nodded, and Aaron piped up, “Well that’s awfully nice of you Carlile!” he elbowed me harshly, and I cracked a smile. Once said last customer left, Oli cast a glance at me and tilted his head in confusion at the crowd of people around me, I raised a hand and beckoned him over. He awkwardly strode over, and stood beside me. I felt the smaller man trembling slightly, as he grew quiet shy around my rowdy friends, who all turned to look at him.

“Guys this is Oli Sykes, Oli this is Tino, Phil, Aaron, they all work here with us, and Alan, works down the street at the Coffee shop.” I pointed at each one as I spoke their names, the group smiled at him and Oli smiled at them in return.

“ ‘Ello, it’s nice to meet ya.” His usually thick accent was slipping in thicker than usual as he awkwardly greeted the guys; they all opened their mouths a bit, until Tino burst out.

“Dude your accent is awesome! Where you from?” he questioned.

“ ’m from Sheffield over in the UK.” He answered nervously as he bit down on his lip ring; I put my arm around his shoulders.

“Well boys, now that I have you all introduced, maybe we can all go out this weekend? I’ve been wanting to go to that new pub down the road for weeks now!” I grinned excitedly and everyone returned it.

Several chiming in with “that sounds like fun.” After several minutes of chatter, Oli seemed to warm up to the gang, and they all seemed to enjoy his company as well. A few teens walked in the door and Oli made his way to go help them, his hand shooting up in a small wave as he talked to the incoming customers.

“I like that guy! You were right he is pretty damn awesome, and I like his accent!” Tino chimed, earning a chuckle from the rest, but they all nodded. Except Alan who checked his phone and frowned, I caught his gaze and boy did he look tired, poor Alan.

“I have to go back to work…” he muttered clearly annoyed, I frowned at the thought of him being upset; I don’t like to admit it but part of me will always love my red headed friend.

“S’okay Ashby! We will grab lunch Thursday like usual and we will all chill this weekend! You guys won’t believe some of the crazy shit that has happened in the last few nights! I will have to tell you all about it!” I pulled Alan into a hug and he was clearly tense, but he succumbed to my embrace and pulled me closer, it was…bittersweet. We pulled away and he bro hugged everyone and waved at a busy Oli who smiled and nodded towards him, before he exited the store.

“Well I’m glad you and Alan are still friends, Austin. Otherwise our nights out would be very awkward!” Aaron commented and after that the conversation was dropped, they left as the store began to get busy again, shouting a “See you first thing in the morning!” I got back to work.


-&-


The rest of the day was the same fashion, we closed at 6, and both sighed when we finally made it to the car after that long day, but to my surprise Oli seemed very content with himself.

“I like working there, it’s a lot of fun actually, I still can’t thank you enough Austin.” He grabbed my hand which was placed on the gear shift and held onto it tightly, my heart practically soared. I gripped his hand firmly and re-assured him it was not a problem, and that I was glad he liked it. He didn’t release my hand for even a moment, and part of me longed that we could sit like this forever.

“Are you hungry?”I asked , and his stomach answered for him. We laughed, as we turned onto our street, “I will cook when we get home! So be thinking of ideas!” he grinned.

As we neared our house, a strange feeling was in the back of my mind, but I pushed it aside and deemed it paranoia. We exited the car and I carefully looked around to make sure it was clear, I Unlocked the front door and stepped inside, holding the door open for Oli who thanked me. I locked it back up, and noted to get new locks first thing in the morning. The house felt warmer than usual, but I didn’t care to much, as I strode into the living room; I saw Oli eying the corner of the room which housed the brick fireplace, where in its hearth laid a lit fire…one that neither of us had set. A small card was placed on the mantel and I watched him inspect it before lifting it up, he cleared his throat as he read it out loud.

“Welcome home.”

Notes

8 1/2 pages cause i haven't updated in awhile, well its filler, but it will be getting intense now that the story line is set up just how i want it ;P

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