It was like watching two porcupines try tocuddle.
Cute and stupidly dangerous all at the sametime.
Julian seemed to be focusing on trying toforce out his tension because his shoulders came down and he stood straighter.It was definitely sending mixed signals, so Niall stayed perfectly still asJulian poured more batter in the hot pan.
The seconds dragged out until Julian setthe bowl down and turned to Niall. “I would like a hug please, and then, maybesometime this week we can try to spend some time alone?”
I was hoping his stress was finally fadingbut just as he said the words, it flared up again and he turned to me. “Notthat I don’t—”
Sweet baby Jesus, they worried.
Jumping in, I cut him off. “No.”
When they were both looking at me, I keptgoing. “Each relationship is separate even though we’re all together. Yes, yourrelationship with Niall will get easier with some therapy, but that doesn’tmean it’s not important.”
Hell yes, they needed time alone to figureout how to romance each other.
“Later this afternoon, we’ll sit down andlook at the calendar and pick out your date night.” Then I could get my datenights down on paper. That would make it easier for Niall to tell other peoplehe already had a meeting scheduled.
A meeting with me.
Hopefully a naked meeting with me.
“That’s a good idea.” Niall seemed moreconfident after hearing Julian’s admission. “A weekly date night will help usremember that romance in our relationship is just as important as friendship.”
For some reason, Julian seemed surprised.
He stood there studying Niall for so longhe almost burned the pancakes.
When he finally jumped back into action, hestarted to speak as he flipped the pancakes. “I wasn’t sure if you still saw usas friends. It was…awkward after the dating thing didn’t work and then as timewent on it just got worse.”
“I do.” Niall’s voice was very even, likehe was trying not to scare a wild animal.
It was interesting because I was prettysure that was how Julian saw him too.
“I think it just…warped for a while. We’restraightening that out as we figure out the relationship stuff. Which is why Iwould really like to take you out. It can be as friends or boyfriends orsomething else. I just want you to be comfortable when we hang out together.”Niall paused, almost seeming to be holding his breath while Julian focused onthe stove.
When Julian finally peeked over at him, henodded. “I’d like that. Maybe we try just the boyfriends thing for now andfigure anything else out later?”
Thank fuck.
They could not be trusted with anythingelse at this point.
Niall’s quick nod and pleased smileimmediately changed the feeling in the air. They both seemed to deflate as thestress in the room popped almost like a balloon. Julian smiled, looking moreconfident. “Great. We’ll look at the calendar after breakfast because now it’stime to eat.”
The pancakes smelled so good my stomach wasstarting to rumble.
“What can I do to help?” I meant somethinglike getting the butter out, but Julian groaned.
“No, I’m not letting you near anything todo with breakfast.”
Huffing, I crossed my arms over my chest.“How was I supposed to know you meant to turn the burner all the way down tolow for the rice?”
Why would I think anything would cook onthat low of a setting?
He snorted. “Why don’t you go findsomething to put on so you don’t get syrup on your dick again?”
Rolling my eyes, I turned and shook my assbefore bouncing out of the room, making sure everything wiggled distractingly.“I want whipped cream. Not syrup.”
