The car ride was surprisingly calm as Geo, Nick and Jethro made their way towards the place Clark had booked for them last minute. With Geo in charge of the radio, they had a backdrop of soft, rather happy music. Despite the silence, it didn't feel awkward or tense in any way. Nick was able to get lost in his thoughts easily.

He was worried, as any sane person would be. Worried about George. Worried about meeting Vincent. Worried about what Vincent would say. Worried about it all.

But he was also angry. Angry at Clay for cheating on and breaking George. Angry at Vincent for ignoring him. Angry at the entire band for ignoring them both. Angry at it all.

"Hey, how are you feeling?" Geo asked kindly, having spotted the way Nick's eyes were faraway and clouded and his hands were flexing in and out of white knuckled fists. Nick looked up to where Geo was swivelled in the passenger seat, smiling softly back at him.

"I'm alright. Just thinking." He replied, flattening his hands to smooth the fabric of his jeans - which didn't actually have many folds to be smoothed. He just needed something else to do with his hands.

"You know you can talk to us, right? We may not be as close to you as George is but I promise we're good listeners." Geo assured and Jethro nodded his agreement with a quiet hum. Nick took a soft breath.

"I'm just... nervous I guess. And trying to find a good reason not to punch Clay on site." Jethro let out a rough chuckle at that and Geo made no move to discourage him. They had both seen what he'd done to George.

"You're allowed to be nervous, Nick. I'd be shitting myself in your shoes," Jethro assured, glancing in the rear view mirror to look at Nick. "You just gotta remember you aren't alone in this. We've got your back through whatever happens."

Nick nodded to himself, thankfully, and smiled. No matter what happens, he's not doing this alone. Neither he nor George were doing this alone.

Nick was expecting a shabby room with a lumpy bed at best when he pictured where they would be staying. Maybe they'd have an old, well loved TV if they were lucky. What Nick was not expecting, however, was a luxurious looking villa that probably cost more than his house.

"Oh, so when Clark said 'eat the rich' it was actually an invitation." Nick stated dazedly, staring up at the building, as Jethro made quick work of their luggage. Geo let out a bubbly laugh and Jethro attempted to hide his own behind their bags.

"We've learnt not to ask where he gets the money, the answer always changes." Geo replied with a shrug, skipping his way inside with his backpack. Nick took a moment longer to stare before stumbling his way in as well.

There were three large bedrooms, a kitchen, a sitting room and a bathroom because of course there were. Of course there were. If this was their last minute booking, Nick didn't want to imagine what their place in Disney World looked like. He was hanging on to the hope that he may be able to go and see it after everything was fixed. Clark really wasn't joking when he said he'd make sure they were taken care of, just in case.

After an easy dinner that Jethro had fixed up for them, Nick decided to turn in for the night. The sooner he fell asleep, the less time he'd have to worry and overthink what may happen tomorrow and each day after. Geo had made plans for them to visit a few of the places the band visited most often, starting with the café and working their way out, tomorrow so he didn't need to worry about that. All he had to think about was what he was going to say when he finally found the band. What he was going to do when he finally found Vincent.

And those thoughts were the ones he drifted off to, each bleeding softly into his dreams.

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@Sapnap
Pretty cool place, drop by if you wanna talk
[an image in the café the band had been spotted in often. The image was a selfie of Geo and Nick, both holding up mugs with wide smiles, upper lip coated in foam.]
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retweets      likes
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@dreamalittledream
I am m a n i f e s t i n g the band s o h a r d right now P L E A S E P L E A S E P L E A S E M A N I F E S T
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@fleepfloop
I have never been as nervous for something I'm not even involved in. If anyone turns up or takes photos and ruins it I will THROW HANDS 😤
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@chiccennuggies
@(Dream)ingOfTheDisco y'all better get your asses over there before I drag you all there myself I S W E A R T O G O D
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@(Dream)ingOfTheDisco
We're on our way
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retweets likes

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Had it not been for the warm mug cradled in Nick's fingers, he was sure his hands would be shaking beyond belief. He could feel the way his heart hammered painfully in his ribcage and he focussed almost entirely on fighting the ugly burn in his lungs.Last night, thinking it through, Nick was sure he knew all the words he needed to say.

But, now, seeing Vincent stumble through the door, disheveled, ruddy cheeked and panting, all words died on his tongue. He placed his mug down with a clink and stood clumsily, chair scraping raucously and dragging patrons attention to him. Including Vincent's.

He'd promised himself last night that he wouldn't let his feelings get the better of him. He wouldn't forgive Vincent without an explanation. He'd hold his ground. But, now, staring into Vincent's eyes and having them stare straight back, Nick knew he'd broken his promise.

It was stupid to have ever assumed Nick wouldn't run himself straight into Vincent's arms, jumping slightly and almost knocking them both over. It was stupid to have ever assumed that Vincent wouldn't immediately catch him and cling to him equally as tight.

He could feel his throat tighten as he wrapped his arms around Vincent's neck, one hand fisted, almost bruising, in his hair. Vincent's arms were just as solidly around him, hands clutching fiercely to the white fabric of the back of his shirt. Nick hadn't registered it but Vincent was mumbling against his shoulder.

"Vous êtes réel et vous êtes ici. Je ne peux pas croire que vous soyez ici." Vincent murmured tearily, revelling in the warmth of Nick in his arms. He turned minutely to press his nose to Nick's hammering pulse and Nick desperately repressed the choked, pained sound that almost escaped. Though he didn't recognise the words, he did recognise the breathless and relieved tone in which Vincent spoke them.

When Nick finally peeled himself from Vincent, he made sure to punch Vincent's shoulder with all the force he had in him. Vincent let out a yelp, holding his shoulder and watching Nick with a sense of confusion. "What was that for?"

"What was that for? That was for ignoring me and George for a whole week! What the hell?" Nick replied, crossing his arms over his chest. The hurt that was clear as day in his voice coated Vincent's heart in a sticky guilt.

"I wanted to reply, I swear. We can explain it all, just promise you'll listen." Vincent pleaded, cursing the rest of the band for being so slow. Really, it wasn't the band being slow, it was the fact that Vincent had gone sprinting ahead. He couldn't bear how long it had been taking to get to Nick.

"We?" Nick asked, eyebrow raised. As if they'd heard, Clay, Zak, Darryl and Keres walked through the door. Clay's eyes were searching around the café desperately for any sign of George. Nick's gaze settled on Clay and Keres and all hell broke loose.

Before anyone could quite register what was going on, Nick's knee had collided with Clay's crotch and he toppled to the ground. Nick didn't get the chance to do much else but yell profanities before Jethro's arm barred his chest and guided him back. Clay had the audacity to groan in pain and Keres had the audacity to look all small and afraid. As if this wasn't as much, if not more, of her fault as it was Clay's.

It took a few long moments to calm Nick enough for him to not tear Clay to shreds and for Clay to be able to breath again. They were still stood, not far from the door, and Geo was profusely apologising to the staff and patrons, attempting to get Jethro to either convince the group to sit down or to go someplace else. Someplace more private.

Nick felt tentative fingers graze the back of his hand and he had half the mind to whip his hand away in seething anger. Instead, he looked up and into Vincent's desperate eyes.

"Please... let us explain. You can hate us afterwards, just let us explain first." He asked, fingers moving to hold onto Nick's hand more solidly when he didn't pull away. Nick tried to ignore the way Vincent's touch warmed him and melted the guard around his heart. He growled out a low noise.

"Fine. We go back to me, Geo and Jethro's and you can explain. You better have one damn good explanation, for your sake." Nick huffed and Vincent felt relief crash over him in waves. He carefully squeezed Nick's palm and nodded.

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My French isn't perfect so correct me if it's wrong but what Vincent mumbled into Nick's shoulder was supposed to be: you're real and you're here. I can't believe you're here.

Feedback is welcome and appreciated!!!

Yours, Dandelion