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Onto Chapter 4. Let me know if you like or hate what I'm up to. I appreciate the feedback! hypotenusej@gmail.com
Hype.
Luc & Nikos 04
As the week progressed, Luc and Nikos found themselves navigating a delicate balance between work obligations and quiet domestic moments together. Nikos's days in Marseilles were filled with meetings, negotiations, and strategic planning, while Luc delved deeper into his project work, frequently meeting with his team, and mentoring younger staff.
Despite their busy schedules, the men were fully aware that their time together was limited and they wanted to make the most of it. Once Nikos was finished with meetings, he'd join Luc in his office to complete his tasks. Sitting side by side, they'd bounce ideas off of each other or engage in mindless conversation. Being in close proximity offered a calmness to what could have been a stressful run of days and allowed them to more productive than they otherwise would have.
On Nikos's last night with Luc, they'd decided to spend the night in. They stopped by a few shops to pick up some supplies to make dinner together. An intimate gesture. Luc enjoyed time in the kitchen and wanted to share that with Nikos. As they got settled, Luc poured Nikos a glass of wine and stood behind him as each man took a sip. Nikos pressed his body back into Luc's, melting into him.
Luc kissed Nikos's neck and moved to his side. "Okay, let's get to it." Their bodies touched as they worked side by side at the kitchen island. Luc's hands brushed against Nikos's as they reached for ingredients, sending shivers down Nikos's spine.
"Tonight, my love, we're going on a culinary adventure," Luc declared, his voice low and husky with desire. "Oh, are we?" Nikos chuckled. He turned his head slightly, a playful smile playing on his lips as he met Luc's gaze. "And what shall we be cooking tonight, chef?" he asked, his tone teasing as he leaned back into Luc's touch.
Luc's smile widened, his eyes sparkling with mischief as he gestured to the ingredients before them. Nikos took a sip of wine and waited for Luc to continue. "Tonight, we're going to prepare a traditional Provencal dish: a spit roasted Greek man, glazed with a rich white protein sauce," Luc raised his eyebrow as Nikos spit out his drink and bowled over with laughter. Luc joined and embraced Nikos, running his fingers down his back and stopping at his perfect ass. As he kneaded the firm globes, he continued "it's very popular. At least with me," he winked and kissed Nikos.
"Hmm. Spit roasted? Who's joining us?" Nikos smirked.
"I can take you from both ends..."
"At once?" Nikos asked, rolling his eyes.
"Okay, maybe not. We could get creative," Luc winked.
"I would have thought French sausage would have been more appropriate for this evening. I'd be happy to help with the aioli," he laughed at his own lame attempt of a joke as he pawed at Luc's crotch.
"Silly man," Luc shook his head and kissed Nikos and said "I need some sustenance before we get to that." The men kissed some more, a delightful prelude to their cooking lesson.
"We're going to make pan seared sea bass with lemon beurre blanc and roasted asparagus," Luc announced as he wiped down the counter, his voice filled with excitement. "It's a classic and it never fails to impress. I think you'll love it."
"Are you trying to impress me?"
"Always." Nikos's breath caught in his throat as he felt Luc's warm breath against his ear, sending a thrill of excitement coursing through his veins. "Sounds delicious," he replied, his voice low and husky with desire. "Lead the way, chef."
With that, Luc set to work, guiding Nikos through each step of the cooking process with patience and precision. As they worked side by side, their bodies brushed against each other in a tantalizing dance of desire, their laughter mingling with the aroma of the food they were preparing.
Nikos wasn't much of a cook - his mother made clear that her sons weren't allowed in the kitchen. He never thought that he'd find satisfaction in a domestic setting like this like he was now. He could get used to it with Luc. Nikos looked at him longingly and grazed his fingers down the back of his neck.
"The key to a perfectly seared sea bass, well, any piece of meat really, is to make sure the pan is hot enough," Luc explained, his voice low and commanding as he demonstrated the technique. "We want a nice golden crust on the outside, while making sure the flesh stays tender and flaky."
Nikos nodded, his heart racing as he absorbed Luc's words. `Damn, how does everything this man says end up sounding so sexy?'
"Got it," he replied, his voice barely above a whisper. "Hot pan. Golden crust. I think I can handle that."
As they continued to cook, their movements synchronized and their laughter filling the room, the air crackled with electricity, charged with the raw intensity of their desire. Luc's touch ignited a fire within Nikos, a hunger that burned with a fierce intensity, consuming him from the inside out.
Finally, their meal was ready. The fish was golden and glistening with a rich, fragrant sauce, and the asparagus was roasted to perfection. They silently plated the food with care. Their only communication was limited to hands brushing against each other. Nikos mimicked Luc's precise actions and his efforts yielded a beautiful plate of food.
"Good work, Nik! What did you think?"
"I really liked doing this with you. You're an excellent teacher."
They sat down to eat, and Luc topped up their wine glasses. Nikos took a mouthful of the bass, his eyes closing in delight as the flavors exploded on his palate. "This is delicious, Luc," he exclaimed, his voice filled with genuine admiration.
Luc smiled, his heart swelling with pride at the sight of Nikos enjoying the meal they had prepared. "Thanks, Nik," he replied, his voice soft with emotion. "But it's not just about the food. It's about the experience of sharing it with someone you love."
After dinner, Luc and Nikos retired to the terrace to savour a glass of wine in the balmy evening air. The soft glow of the setting sun cast a golden hue over the cityscape below, lending an air of tranquility to the moment as they settled into their chairs, the sound of distant laughter and music drifting up from the streets below.
Nikos took a sip of his wine, the rich, velvety flavours dancing across his palate as he savoured the moment. "This is perfect," he murmured, his voice soft with contentment as he gazed out at the city below. "Thank you for everything, Luc."
Luc smiled, his heart swelling with warmth at the sight of Nikos's gratitude. Luc put his arm around Nikos and pulled him in. "I'm glad I could share this moment with you."
They fell into a comfortable silence, the only sound the gentle rustle of leaves in the evening breeze as they watched the sun sink below the horizon, painting the sky with hues of pink and orange.
Eventually, Nikos broke the silence, his voice low and thoughtful as he turned to Luc. "I wish tonight wouldn't end," he whispered, his eyes searching Luc's for reassurance.
Luc took a moment to consider how he'd respond to Nikos, his brow furrowing in thought. "I don't want you to leave, Nikos," he said as his chest tightened. "I know it's only been a week, but..." he trailed off looking down at the ground.
Nikos nodded, a faint hopeful smile playing on his lips. "You'll be back in Athens, soon, though, right?" Luc reached out to take Nikos's hand in his own, his touch gentle yet reassuring. His expression brightened as he realized a trip was imminent. "Of course! I'll need to be there for a series of working sessions in a few weeks," he said excitedly, his sadness momentarily dulled. "I'll be there for a few days. I can extend the trip and work remotely."
Nikos squeezed Luc's hand in return, his heart swelling with love for the man sitting beside him. "Really?" he asked, his eyes as wide as saucers. Luc nodded. "Great! That's something to look forward to," he smiled.
"I know your family is around you a lot. Will it make things difficult with me being there?"
"Oh," Nikos frowned. "I didn't even think of that. I'll handle it. I'm not going to hide you like some dirty little secret. I'm proud to be with you," Nikos proclaimed. His body stiffened as his mind raced. `I need Luc in my life and I can't have him if I'm not honest. Even if it doesn't work out... I know it will... but even if it doesn't, I won't be happy if I'm hiding a part of myself. I won't pretend I'll be fine if they don't accept me. Us. I'll be crushed.' His brain was working a mile a minute.
`I work so hard for them. I'm good at what I do. I make them a lot of money. I have a lot of money. I'm successful. Money's not everything. I want Luc. I need him. Fuck it. Fuck them if they won't accept me. I'm not losing them. They'd be losing me. They'd have to live with that,' Nikos's heart was pounding. He decided.
"Luc... it's time," he slowly exhaled. "I've got to tell them. I can't fake my way through life over there. Not after being here with you and seeing what life could... no. What life should be like," his quiet voice was thick with emotion.
Luc's heart clenched at the sound of Nikos's words, his own fears and insecurities bubbling to the surface. "You don't have to do this if you're not ready, Nikos," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. Nikos shook his head. "No, I do. Please don't think you're pushing me into this. You're not. I love you, but I'm doing this for me. And knowing them, this news will not go over well. It doesn't matter," he said defiantly.
Luc was massaging Nikos's neck as he spoke as a gesture of gentle support. "Nik, no matter how this goes, I've got you. Anything you need. I promise." Luc said and kissed the top of Nikos's head. Nikos breathed a sigh of relief and cuddled into Luc's warm and comforting body.
As the conversation between them gradually wound down, a palpable tension lingered in the air, charged with the unspoken desire that was simmering between them. With their hands intertwined, they sat in silence on the terrace, their gaze fixed on the twinkling lights of the city below, the warmth of each other's touch electrifying their senses. Both had tacitly made a commitment to each other without having explicitly said so. They knew.
Nikos turned to Luc, his eyes dark with longing as he searched for reassurance in the depths of Luc's gaze. "I want you, Luc," he whispered, his voice thick with lust. "I want to feel your touch. Your lips. Your body against mine."
Luc inhaled Nikos's scent, his breath caught in his throat at the raw intensity of his words, his own desire burning bright within him as he met Nikos's gaze with equal fervour. "And I want you, Nik" he replied, his voice low and urgent. "I want to taste you. To feel you. To devour you," his eyes blazed as he stared into Nikos's eyes.
Silently, they rose from where they were sitting as one, their hands still entwined as they moved with purpose toward a secluded corner of the terrace. In the privacy of their own sanctuary, shielded from prying eyes by the darkness of the night, they let their desires take control, surrendering to the irresistible pull of their shared passion.
Luc pressed Nikos against the rough stone wall, his lips capturing Nikos's in a fierce and hungry kiss that left them both breathless. Their bodies pressed together, their hands roamed over each other's heated skin as they sought to stoke the flames within them.
"I need you, Luc," Nikos murmured against Luc's lips, his voice growling as he trailed kisses along Luc's razor sharp, stubbled jawline and down his neck. "I need to feel you inside me."
Luc's response was a low growl of want as he reached for Nikos's belt, his fingers fumbling with the buckle in his haste to free him from his confines. "I want you, Nik," he breathed, his voice rough with need as he pressed his body against Nikos's.
With a shared sense of urgency, they ripped off their clothes with desperate hands, their movements frenzied as they sought to merge their bodies in a union of ecstasy and desire. Nikos gasped as Luc's hands roamed over his heated skin, his touch igniting a firestorm of sensation that threatened to consume him. Neither of them had ever felt this desperate for another person before.
"Take me, Luc," Nikos whispered against Luc's lips. He ground his body into Luc's, their hearts beating as one. "I want you to have all of me. Make me yours."
"You're already mine." Luc growled. His response was primal. He lifted Nikos into his arms and wrapped his legs around his waist. Pinning him against the wall, with a single urgent motion, Luc buried himself deep inside Nikos. He gasped at the sudden invasion and his eyes grew wide at the feeling of being filled with Luc's rock hard member.
The sensation of their union sent shockwaves of pleasure through their veins. Their bodies moved together in perfect harmony, their movements synchronized and fluid as they lost themselves in the intoxicating rhythm of this sacred act. With each thrust and every caress, Luc sought to please.
Nikos's arms were tightly wrapped around Luc's neck, his mouth agape, moaning as he was being fucked with increasing intensity. With each stroke, Luc's cock brushed against his prostate, sending him further into ecstasy. Luc was showing him a level of pleasure he hadn't experienced with anyone else.
"I love you, Nik," Luc whispered against Nikos's ear, his voice filled with emotion as he poured his heart and soul into each thrust. "I love you more than you can ever know."
Nikos's response was a low moan of pleasure as he surrendered himself completely to Luc's assault, his body trembling with the intensity of the moment. His muscles were getting tight and his throbbing cock was leaking like a faucet. Luc retracted his foreskin and circled the sensitive head with his fingers, adding another dimension of pleasure. Luc methodically pushed Nikos closer to the edge with each pump. Neither man wanted this feeling to end.
"I love you too," he gasped as he clung to Luc with desperate hands. "Forever and always." Nikos tightened his legs around Luc's waist, revelling in the closeness between them. Nikos tightened his sphincter around Luc's cock with each inward thrust. He was milking his dick expertly, bringing him to the brink of orgasm.
Luc increased the speed of the fuck causing Nikos cry out incoherently. He buried his face into the crook of Luc's neck and tightened his grip around him. Their two bodies were dripping with sweat as the intensity of their lovemaking hit a fever pitch. "I'm cumming!" Nikos gasped as he went over the edge. He coated their bodies with shot after shot of thick cream, further drenching them.
Nikos's orgasm triggered Luc's. As his ass clamped down on Luc's dick, there was no holding back. He felt his balks tighten and violently unleashed a massive load inside Nikos. And as they surrendered themselves to their climaxes, their bodies entwined in a passionate embrace, they knew that in each other's arms, they'd found their person. Their home.
At some point in the night, Luc and Nikos found their way to bed. Exhausted from their evening's activities, they quickly fell asleep in each other's arms.
The early morning sun crept through the window, casting a soft glow over the room. Luc and Nikos lay wrapped together in a tangle of limbs and bedsheets, their bodies still vibrating with echoes of their passion from the night before. Nikos stirred first, his eyes fluttering open as he looked down at the man lying beside him, his heart swelling with love. Luc's eyes soon followed suit, a sleepy smile playing on his lips as he met Nikos's gaze.
"Good morning, my love," he murmured, his voice soft with affection as he reached out to brush a stray lock of hair from Nikos's forehead. Nikos's heart skipped a beat at the sight of Luc's smile, his own lips curving into a smile of their own. "Good morning, Luc," his voice filled with warmth as he leaned in to press a gentle kiss to Luc's lips. "Thanks for last night. It was so good," he hummed, satisfied.
"It was, wasn't it?" Luc smiled. "Every time with you is better than the last, Nik."
Nikos's heart clenched at Luc's words, his own feelings mirroring Luc's in every way. "Yeah. I never knew it was possible to feel this way about someone." Their eyes locked, silently communicating their love for each other. "I don't want this to end," Luc said in a trembling voice, as he leaned in to capture Nikos's lips in a tender kiss.
Nikos's response was a soft sigh of contentment as he melted into Luc's embrace, their bodies moulding together in a perfect fit. "Neither do I," he whispered against Luc's lips, his voice filled with longing. "But we both have shit to do. And we'll be together again before you know it." Luc nodded in agreement, a sense of sadness creeping in at the thought of parting ways with Nikos. "I know," he replied, his voice tinged with regret. "But that doesn't make saying goodbye any easier."
With a heavy heart, they rose from bed and began to prepare for the day ahead, their movements slow and deliberate as they savoured the last moments of their time together. They dressed each other, a clear indication of the affection they felt for each other. Luc fastened Nikos's tie, making sure to perfect his look. "You're beautiful, Nik."
As Nikos smoothed the fabric of Luc's shirt across his chest, he replied "my handsome Luc. We've got an entire life ahead of us," kisses punctuating each of his words.
Finally, the time came for Nikos to leave, his bags packed and ready by the door. He turned to face Luc one last time as tears streaked down his face. He tried to compose himself without much success. "I'm forever grateful for this week. It was beyond...," he choked out.
"I know, Nikos. Beyond expectation. I'm counting the seconds until we're together again," Luc said as he took Nikos's hand and kissed it. "It's been an honour."
"So formal! I love you, Luc," Nikos chuckled
"I love you, too, Nik," he said as Nikos pulled Luc into a tight embrace. "You've got my heart. Always and forever." As they stood at the door in each other's arms, the men knew that no matter what happened in the coming weeks, their love would endure and serve as a beacon of hope in the face of any darkness that could come their way. With a final kiss, Nikos turned and waved at Luc and began to make his way to the airport.
The days that followed Nikos's departure were filled with a heavy sense of despondency for Luc. Even though they spoke frequently, Luc's heart ached with the absence of the man he loved. Despite the knowledge that he would see Nikos again in two weeks, the thought offered little comfort in the face of his overwhelming loneliness.
One evening, after a particularly trying day, Luc and Antoine headed to a bar near their office to have a drink and unwind. After spending few moments bitching about work, Luc turned to Antoine for solace. He found himself confiding in his friend, his words spilling out in a torrent as he struggled to make sense of his feelings.
"I miss him, Antoine," he confessed. His voice was thick with sorrow as he ordered another drink. "I miss him so damn much," Luc poured. "I'm acting like a child, aren't I?"
Antoine's expression softened at the sight of Luc's pain, his heart breaking for his friend. He smiled and reached out to offer a comforting hand. "Maybe you are. Does it matter? It's how you feel," he murmured, his voice gentle with sympathy. "You had a great time together and you want more. I get it," he paused, looking off into the distance wistfully. "You feel strongly for him. You finally got him and then in a blink of an eye, he's gone." Luc nodded with a sad look in his eyes. "But you'll see him again soon. And in the meantime, you have me."
Luc's lips curved into a faint smile at Antoine's words, his heart warming at the reminder of their friendship. "Thanks, Antoine," he replied, his voice filled with gratitude. "I'm so grateful to have you in my life, man. I mean it."
Their conversation continued, eventually bypassing Nikos. Luc had beaten that into the ground; there was nothing left to add. As the evening wore on and the alcohol flowed freely, their discussion veered from work onto Antoine.
"You haven't been with anyone in a long time. What's going on?" Luc asked.
"There have been a few guys. Nothing serious. I'm not finding anyone I want to have around for more than a few hours," Antoine sighed.
"Sucks that you're striking out."
"I'm not striking out. I have my fun."
"Don't you want more than that?"
"I suppose I do. But I haven't been able to land him yet...." Antoine trailed off.
Luc looked deep into Antoine's eyes. "Yet? Is there someone you have your eye on?" The mood between them shifted, suddenly becoming tense as Antoine's gaze lingered on Luc's lips with an intensity that sent a shiver down his spine.
"Antoine?" Luc murmured, his voice tinged with confusion as he felt Antoine's hand stray dangerously close to his thigh. But before Luc could react, Antoine leaned in close, his lips brushing against Luc's ear in a whisper of desire. "I've always wanted you, Luc," he confessed, his voice low and urgent. "And since Nikos isn't here, I think it's our time to try..."
"What?" Luc was stalling. He'd heard Antoine clearly. His heart clenched at the rawness of Antoine's words, his mind reeling with disbelief at the sudden turn of events. "Antoine, what are you doing?" he demanded, his voice rising with anger as he pushed Antoine away. "I thought you were my friend."
But Antoine refused to be deterred, his eyes flashing with determination as he reached out to grab Luc's arm. "I am your friend, Luc," he insisted, his voice tinged with desperation. "But I can't deny how I feel about you. I've tried to not let these feelings get in the way of our friendship. Our partnership. But I can't...," his voice faltered as he searched for the right words. "And now that Nikos is gone, I thought..."
But before Antoine could finish his sentence, Luc cut him off with a sharp glare, his eyes blazing with anger as he shook off Antoine's grasp. "You thought what, Antoine?" he snapped, his voice laced with frustration. "That you could just take advantage of the situation?"
Antoine's expression crumbled at the force of Luc's words, his own anger giving way to a sense of shame and regret. "Not to take advantage. Maybe to see if you could possibly feel the same way about me. I'm sorry, Luc," he whispered, his voice thick as he reached out to touch Luc's arm. "I didn't mean to upset you. I just... I thought maybe..."
"Maybe nothing. Fuck, Antoine. This is why you were acting strange when I told you about Nik. Sorry, friend, but any chance you could have had with me... that ship sailed a long time ago."
"Yeah. That's clear," Antoine said dejectedly.
"Doesn't seem that way."
"It is now. Can we just pretend this didn't..."
Luc cut him off with a sharp shake of his head, his eyes flashing with determination as he pushed himself away from the table. "I need some air," he muttered, his voice tight with emotion as he turned to leave. `Shit. I've fucked up. Big time,' Antoine thought.
"I'll see you at the office tomorrow." And with that, Luc stormed out of the bar, feeling betrayed and disappointed as he struggled to make sense of the mess that his friendship with Antoine had quickly become.
In the days that followed the disastrous exchange at the bar, the tension between Luc and Antoine hung in the air like a suffocating fog. Their once-solid friendship was crumbling under the weight of Antoine's actions. Luc's anger burned hot and he was hurt. Antoine's heart ached with the weight of his own guilt and remorse. The knowledge that he had likely irreparably damaged his oldest friendship weighed heavily on his soul.
Their interactions at the office were strained and terse. Their once-easy camaraderie was replaced by stilted silence and frosty glares. They spoke only when absolutely necessary, communicating through intermediaries as much as possible, and avoided each other's gaze. But despite their best efforts to maintain a facade of normalcy for the sake of the office, the tension between them simmered just below the surface, threatening to boil over at any moment. And later that week, while they were gaming out an outline for a presentation, it finally did.
As they found themselves locked in yet another heated exchange, Antoine's pent-up frustration finally reached its breaking point. "Enough, Luc!" he snapped, his voice echoing off the walls of their shared office space as he rounded on his friend. "I can't take this anymore!"
Luc's eyes narrowed at the sound of Antoine's voice, his own anger boiling over as he met Antoine's gaze with a glare of his own. "What do you want, Antoine?" he demanded, his voice laced with venom as he braced himself for yet another fight.
But Antoine refused to back down, his own anger blazing bright as he met Luc's glare with a steely resolve of his own. "I want to talk," he replied, his voice low and urgent as he gestured for Luc to follow him into their private conference room. "Alone."
With a sigh, Luc reluctantly followed Antoine, the tension between them palpable as they took their seats on opposite sides of the table. For a long moment, they sat in silence, the weight of their shared history and unresolved issues hanging in the air between them.
Antoine finally broke the silence. His voice was low and shaky with emotion as he struggled to find the right words. "I'm sorry, Luc," he whispered, his eyes filled with tears as he met Luc's gaze with a look of genuine remorse. "I never meant to hurt you. I just... I don't know what came over me."
"You saw a chance and you hoped..."
"Hoped, yes. I severely miscalculated the situation. Obviously. My timing was off. But we're so good together. How could you not want to be with me?"
"We're too much the alike for us to work intimately. We'd kill each other..."
"But we used to..." Antoine started.
"True," Luc grinned, remembering the fiery, passionate summer they spent studying abroad. That part of their lives was a moment in time. When they resumed their schooling in France, both decided they were better off as friends than lovers. Neither had intimated a desire to rekindle anything in the years since. Until now.
Luc exhaled loudly and continued. "We did. We were so young. Our lives took us in different directions in that regard. You're my best friend. We've done incredible things together. Can we..." Luc started to ask and Antoine shook his head affirmatively.
"I'd like to hope there's a lot of bright things ahead of us in the future. Can you forgive me, Luc? I was wrong." Luc's heart softened at the sight of Antoine's tears, his own anger slowly fading away to be replaced by a deep sense of sadness. "I know, Antoine," he replied, his voice soft with understanding as he reached out to grasp Antoine's hand in his own. "But what you did... It's not something I can just forget."
Antoine's shoulders slumped at the weight of Luc's words, his own heart heavy with the knowledge that he had damaged the most important relationship in his life. "I know," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "I don't expect you to easily forgive me. But I hope... I hope we can at least try to move past this."
And as they sat there in the quiet of the conference room, their shared pain weighed heavily on them. They both knew that repairing their fractured relationship would be a long and arduous journey. But they were determined to try, to make amends and rebuild the trust that had been shattered between them. And as the hours stretched on into the night, they found themselves tentatively stepping toward each other, beginning to heal as they took the first steps toward reconciliation.
Meanwhile, in Athens, Nikos resolved to have long overdue conversations with his family. Despite the warm congratulations and praise from his colleagues for his successful trip to France, Nikos couldn't shake the feeling of dread that settled in the pit of his stomach like a lead weight.
As the days passed, Nikos found himself increasingly suffocated by the pressure of his family's expectations and the weight of his own secrets. Meetings with his legal and financial teams provided only temporary distraction, the looming spectre of his impending conversation with his family casting a dark shadow over his every waking moment.
Finally, unable to bear the weight of his secrets any longer, Nikos resolved to speak to his brother Yiannis first. He hoped to find common ground, or at least an understanding, with the one person he had always trusted above all others. While they weren't close as they used to be, he felt there was respect between them.
Nikos invited Yiannis to his apartment under the pretence of wanting to catch up. His nerves were frayed and his hands trembled with anxiety as he waited for his brother to arrive.
When Yiannis entered the apartment, Nikos could feel the tension in the air between them. His heart pounded in his chest as he struggled to find the words to begin the conversation. The brothers welcomed each other and shared a brief moment of normalcy, a fleeting respite from the turmoil that would soon descend upon them. Sitting across from each other in Nikos's bright apartment, they had engaged in light-hearted banter and laughter, briefly catching up on the pressing needs at the family business.
"So, your trip to Marseilles was pretty lucrative, little brother," Yiannis stated, with a glint in his eye as he poured them each a glass of ouzo. Nikos chuckled at his brother's playful tone, which wasn't typical of him. Yiannis was the more serious and brooding of the two brothers so the lighthearted and complimentary tone of the conversation caught him off guard.
Nikos was proud of himself, his chest puffed with confidence. "Yeah. It ended up working out well. Negotiations with some were easier than others, but I turned it out for us," he had replied, his voice tinged with satisfaction.
"That you did," Yiannis nodded in approval at Nikos's words, his eyes shining with pride as he raised his glass in a silent toast. "Well done, Nikos," he said, his voice sounding almost proud.
As Nikos took this as a cue to pivot the conversation toward more personal matters, the mood between them shifted, the weight of Nikos's forthcoming confession hanging heavy in the air like a dark cloud on the horizon.
"Yiannis, there's something I need to tell you," Nikos began, his voice trembling with nerves as he struggled to find the words to express his truth.
"What's the matter? Get a girl pregnant?" His brother asked facetiously, grinning like an idiot.
"That would make mom's year, don't you think?"
"I suppose. A child before marriage? Hardly a circumstance that she'd be thrilled with, but giving her another grandchild would likely outweigh the prospect of it being a bastard," Yiannis replied ignorant of his younger brother's predicament.
"That's not what you wanted to tell me, is it?" Nikos shook his head. "So, what's eating you?"
There was no surgical way to do this, so without beating around the bush, Nikos spoke of his struggles with his sexuality. He laid it bare before his older brother. Yiannis's expression darkened, his eyes narrowed with suspicion as he listened to Nikos's words.
"You're what?" he had demanded, his voice laced with disbelief as he recoiled from Nikos as if he were contaminated.
"I'm gay," Nikos confirmed without emotion.
"Why are you telling me this?"
Nikos had swallowed hard at the venom in Yiannis's voice, his heart sinking with each cruel word that spilled from his brother's lips. "It's who I am, Yiannis," he had whispered, his voice barely above a whisper as he reached out to his brother, hoping to bridge the chasm that had suddenly opened up between them. "I didn't mean to upset you. I just... I needed to tell you the truth."
"Bullshit. You're not."
"I'm not saying this just to piss you off," Nikos shrugged.
"No. Not in this family." Yiannis stared Nikos down, his face beet red. The vein above his right temple was throbbing with rage. Nikos squared his shoulders and clenched his fists at his side. He wasn't going to back down.
"What do you mean `no?'"
"No brother of mine is allowed to be that way."
"I suppose you're telling me you don't have a brother anymore then," Nikos's voice trembled as the words left his mouth.
"You're right. He's dead," Yiannis stated calmly, as his anger boiled over. Nikos's shoulders slumped as he registered the words coming out of his brother's mouth. He was crushed, but not entirely surprised by his reaction.
In an instant, Yiannis physically lashed out. Unexpectedly, he threw a punch right to the jaw that left Nikos reeling. "You're disgusting. A fucking embarrassment," he spat, his voice dripping with hate as he launched himself at his younger brother, his fists flying with a ferocity that left Nikos defenceless. Pain exploded across Nikos's face as Yiannis's blows landed with brutal force, his cries of anguish drowned out by his brother's relentless assault. Yiannis's rage knew no bounds, his fury unrelenting as he continued to rain down blow after blow on Nikos's face and battered, bruised body.
Nikos could handle himself in a fight but his brother caught him completely off guard. Once he realized what was happening, it was too late to recover; he had no strength to overtake Yiannis. He tried fighting back with whatever energy he had in him but barely got a punch in. Not that it made a difference or dulled Yiannis's assault. Fighting back only enraged him further. He became more aggressive.
`He's actually going to kill me,' Nikos thought in a moment of clarity between punches. The metallic taste of his own blood invaded his mouth as he crumpled to the ground. His body was battered, bruised, and bloody. He knew whatever bond they had as brothers was shattered and beyond repair. There was no going back. There was no way to fix this.
"Fuck you, faggot..." Yiannis spat as he kicked Nikos in the ribs, the bones audibly cracking as his foot made contact. "Disgusting." Nikos groaned in pain.
"I hope you're man enough to tell our father before I do. He may show you more mercy if the news came directly from you. Doubtful," he said coldly on his way out of the apartment, slamming the door shut behind him.
Nikos lay on the cold, hard floor, his body a canvas of pain and violence. His chest heaved with laboured breaths, each inhale sending waves of agony through his battered ribs. Blood trickled from a gash on his forehead, mingling with the tears that streaked his cheeks. His vision blurred, and darkness threatened to engulf him as he fought to remain conscious.
The room around him was dimly lit, the shadows deepening the sense of isolation and despair. The remnants of the struggle were evident - overturned furniture, shattered glass, and the muffled echoes of the assault that had transpired. Nikos's body was a testament to the brutality he had endured; bruises blossomed in dark purples and blues across his skin, and his lip was split, a steady stream of blood dripping onto the floor.
He tried to move, but his muscles refused to obey. The pain was too intense. Every inch of his body screamed in protest. The injuries inflicted by his brother rendered him almost immobile. His mind was a whirlwind of emotions - fear, betrayal, and a profound sense of loss. Yiannis's rage had been unlike anything Nikos had ever experienced, a torrent of hatred unleashed upon him for simply being who he was.
Nikos's breaths came in shallow gasps, each one a struggle. His chest felt tight, as if a vice was constricting his lungs. He coughed, a wet, gurgling sound, and tasted the metallic tang of blood in his mouth. The pain was overwhelming, and despite his best efforts to stay awake, he felt his consciousness slipping away.
Just before the darkness claimed him, his mind clung to fleeting memories - moments of happiness, of love, and of a future that now seemed so distant. The face of Luc, the warmth of his friends, the dreams he had harboured. All of it seemed to fade as the cold embrace of unconsciousness took hold.
The room was silent. The echoes of violence dissipated into stillness. Nikos lay there, a broken figure on the floor, in the aftermath of his brother's wrath and his family's certain rejection. The night outside continued on, indifferent to the suffering within, as Nikos's world crumbled around him.
Time seemed to lose all meaning in the depths of Nikos's pain. He drifted in and out of consciousness, the agony of his injuries a constant reminder of the brutality he had just faced. When he finally awoke, the room was shrouded in darkness, save for a sliver of moonlight that filtered through a crack in the curtains.
His body felt heavy, as if weighed down by the sheer weight of his injuries. He tried to lift his head, but the effort was too much, and he let it fall back to the floor with a groan of pain. His head was throbbing. As he drifted in and out of awareness, the faint sound of a phone ringing pierced through the haze of pain. The ringtone was familiar, a custom one he'd assigned specifically to Luc. The sound was a lifeline, a reminder that there was someone who cared about him, someone who could help.
Summoning all the strength he could muster, Nikos turned his head, scanning the floor for the source of the sound. His phone lay shattered nearby, the screen shattered but still flickering with life. The video call from Luc continued to ring insistently, a beacon of hope in his dire situation.
With a monumental effort, Nikos dragged himself toward the phone, every movement sending waves of agony through his body. His fingers trembled as he reached for it, the exertion almost too much to bear. Finally, he managed to grab the device, his vision swimming as his fingers closed around the familiar shape of the device.
Nikos felt a surge of relief flood through him, his heart pounding in his chest as he struggled to focus on the cracked screen before him. With a trembling hand, he swiped to answer the call, his heart racing with anticipation as he waited for the connection to be established.
As Luc's face appeared on the screen, his expression twisted into a mask of horror and disbelief as he took in the sight of Nikos's bruised and bloodied features. "Nikos!" he exclaimed. He was evidently concerned as he looked at him through the screen. "What fucking happened?"
Nikos's heart swelled at the sound of Luc's voice, his eyes filling with tears as he struggled to find the words to respond. "Luc," he managed to choke out, his voice barely above a whisper as he forced himself to meet Luc's gaze. "I... I'm here."
But even as he spoke, Nikos could see the horror in Luc's eyes, the realization dawning on him as he took in the extent of Nikos's injuries. "What happened, Nik?" Luc demanded, his voice trembling with emotion as he reached out as if to touch Nikos through the screen. A tear fell from the corner of his eye. "Who did this to you?"
"Yiannis," he whispered, his voice thick with pain as he struggled to form the words. "He... he didn't take it well." Nikos's throat constricted with emotion as he recounted the events of the afternoon, his voice breaking as he spoke of the violence and hatred that had been unleashed upon him by his own brother.
Luc's face paled at Nikos's words, his heart breaking at the sight of him in such agony. "Oh Nik," he murmured, his voice filled with anguish as he reached out to wipe away the tears that streamed down Nikos's cheeks. "I'm so sorry for not being there. I should have been with you. Fuck."
Luc's expression hardened with determination, his fear replaced by a fierce resolve. "Hold on, Nikos. I'm calling an ambulance. Just stay with me, okay? I'm right here," he begged.
Nikos shook his head weakly, the effort almost too much. "No... no ambulance. Please."
Luc's jaw clenched, but he nodded, understanding Nikos's fear and distrust. But he had to do something. "I can't just leave you like this, Nikos. You need help."
Ignoring Nikos's protests, Luc grabbed his phone and dialled the emergency services in Athens. He explained the situation as quickly and clearly as he could, his voice desperate. "My friend is seriously hurt. He needs an ambulance immediately. Please, you have to send someone."
"Sir, we've had a lot of prank calls today. Are you sure this is real?" The operator's voice was dismissive, skeptical.
Luc's frustration boiled over. "I'm not joking! He's bleeding badly, he's barely conscious. Please, just send someone!" He screamed into the phone.
The operator wasn't convinced. "Sir, you're not calling from a local number. I'm sure this `friend' of yours, if he's even real, has family and friends to help him. I don't believe your story. We have limited resources and real emergencies to deal with. This isn't funny."
Before Luc could say anything else, the line went dead. He stared at his phone in disbelief, anger and fear mingling in his chest.
"They fucking hung up on me. They think it's a prank."
Nikos's eyes fluttered, his strength fading. "Luc... just leave me. I'll be fine." Luc wouldn't accept that. He made a decision, his mind racing.
"No way. I'm coming to you. Hang on, Nikos."
As he spoke, Nikos could see the determination in Luc's eyes, the fierce resolve shining through the darkness. "I'm on the next plane, Nik," Luc declared, his voice firm with conviction as he met Nikos's gaze. "You're not gonna go through this alone." He made flight arrangements as they spoke. The next flight was in three hours. Doable.
As they sat there in the darkness, Nikos felt a glimmer of hope stir within him, a sense of strength and courage that he had thought lost. "I need to close my eyes, Luc," he whispered.
"You need to go to the hospital, Nik."
"I'll be fine. I'm so tired. I'm waiting for you, my love."
Luc nearly exploded in tears at the sound of Nikos's words. He couldn't bring himself to argue, but he wasn't going to let him go until he absolutely had to. "Close your eyes, love. But leave your phone on for me, okay?"
"I promise," Nikos said, almost incomprehensibly. Luc's heart was breaking, but he didn't have any time to dwell on negative thoughts. He raced around the apartment collecting things he'd need for his trip. He could buy whatever he forgot in Athens. Laptop, tablet, phone, chargers, a few changes of clothes, and toiletries were packed in his leather duffle bag. He grabbed a quick shower to wake himself up and dressed himself in a black tailored suit, with a black shirt and tie. He finished off the look with a gold tie clip, chain, and black leather boots. He gave himself a once over in the mirror once he was ready, and nodded in approval. `You look good for him. Go get your man.'
He glanced at his phone to check on Nikos. He's sleeping,' He watched him for a minute. Still breathing. Good.' He booked a car and did a final check around the apartment to make sure he had what we needed.
As Luc rushed out of his apartment, his heart pounding with worry and his mind consumed by thoughts of Nikos, he felt a surge of adrenaline coursing through his veins, propelling him forward with a sense of desperate urgency. Each step he took felt like a race against time, the weight of his concern pressing down on him like a suffocating blanket as he hurried toward the waiting car.
Sliding into the backseat, Luc's mind raced with a whirlwind of emotions, his body shaking. `Please be okay,' he chanted over and over to himself. All he could think about was Nikos's well being and how much he loved him.
As the car hurtled through the streets of Marseilles, Luc made another attempt to call an ambulance for Nikos. The conversation was just as tense as the previous one and went nowhere; the operator wasn't buying Luc's story and quickly disconnected the call. Luc growled in frustration. It's not like I can call his fucking family. Useless assholes. Okay... what else can I do? Call Antoine. He's always good in a crisis. He'll help me figure this out. He's even keeled and rational,' he thought to himself. Most of the time, anyway.'
Luc's fingers trembled as he dialled Antoine's number. His heart was pounding in his chest as he waited for his friend to pick up. With each passing moment, his worry for Nikos intensified, his thoughts consumed by the image of his broken man. His heart ached at the mere thought of the pain he was enduring.
"Antoine," Luc greeted as his friend answered the phone, his voice tight with tension as he struggled to keep his emotions in check. "It's me. I need your help."
Antoine's voice crackled over the line, his concern evident as he listened to Luc's hurried explanation. "Luc, what's wrong?" he demanded, his tone filled with worry. "What's happened?" And as Luc recounted the events of the afternoon, his voice shook with emotion as he spoke of Nikos's brutal assault at the hands of his own brother. Antoine's heart was heavy with sympathy for his friend.
"Oh Luc," he murmured, his voice thick with sorrow. "I'm so sorry. I can't imagine how you're feeling. How's Nikos?"
"He's alive. I'm going to him; I'm on my way to the airport. He needs me, Antoine," Luc fought back tears.
"Of course you are. Go. I've got you covered." Even as he spoke, Antoine only thought of how best to support his friend in his time of need. His determination to see Luc's happiness restored overrode any lingering feelings of resentment or jealousy.
"Where is he now?"
"In his apartment."
"He needs to go to the hospital."
"Don't you think I know that? He doesn't think he needs to go..."
"He's in no position to make that decision. It's not like he can sleep it off. God! He's not thinking clearly. Call it for him, Luc!" Antoine barked.
"I tried!" Luc exclaimed. "They saw the French number on their ID and thought it was a prank call. I begged. They're not going to send an ambulance out. I'm going to take him myself."
"Listen, Luc," he began, his voice firm with conviction, "I'll do whatever it takes to help. Do you want me to come with you?"
"Antoine, no. You don't have to do that. I can handle this on my own."
"I know I don't have to. I want to. You might not be thinking very clearly yourself."
Luc was touched by this gesture. "I... I don't... know if this is a good idea," Luc stammered.
"Look, I know the past few days between us have been a mess. I'm sorry for that. But I also know that you can't be alone right now," Antoine said. "You need help and I don't want you to be alone. No funny business. I'm offering this to you as your friend. I promise," Luc could sense the genuineness of Antoine's tone.
"Okay, I'll come get you."
"How long?"
"10 minutes," Luc said. Antoine chucked nervously.
"Ok. I'll get myself ready. Get me a ticket. We can bill it to the University project as we both have to be there next week. Text me when you get here."
"Thanks, Antoine. Thank you from the bottom of my heart."
"You'd do it for me, Luc."
"In a heartbeat. I love you," slipped out of Luc's mouth. He meant it. Antoine choked on his breath, taken aback by Luc's words. "I love you too, Luc." As the car sped toward Antoine's location, the tension in the air palpable. They continued their conversation as Antoine sorted himself out.
"I'm going to kill him," Luc admitted, referring to Nikos's brother. His was voice low and intense as he laid out his plans for revenge. "Yiannis needs to pay for what he did to Nik. He needs to understand that he will not get away with hurting the person I love."
Antoine's eyes widened at Luc's words, a sense of unease settling over him at the darkness he saw lurking in his friend's gaze. "Luc, I understand your anger," he replied carefully, his voice tinged with concern. "But violence isn't the answer. You need to find another way to handle this."
"You didn't see Nikos. That fucker mangled his beautiful face. There was blood everywhere," Luc cried. His mind was already made up, his determination unwavering as he stared out the window, his jaw set in a firm line. "I appreciate your concern, Antoine," he said quietly, his voice laced with determination. "But this is something I need to do. For Nikos. For us."
As the car pulled up to Antoine's location, the tension between them palpable, Antoine hesitated for a moment before reaching for the door handle. "I'll go with you, Luc," he declared, his voice filled with resolve as he met Luc's gaze. "But only if we make things right without resorting to violence. We'll do this together."
"Thanks for being here, Antoine," Luc said as he smiled at his friend. The car sped toward the airport, each passing mile bringing them one step closer to Nikos.