Deciphering the Bloom Ch. 03

Nic placed the gift in Sera's slender hands. Her green eyes grew moist as she realized what it was. She threw her slender arms around Nicolao then Davey, "So thoughtful, thank you," she murmured taking her seat next to Nate Jr.

Davey saw for once Nic looked unsure as he explained the delicate item to Nate, "I think we beat everyone welcoming our niece or nephew. When he or she comes, however they get here the first present will be from me and Dee."

The eight by ten picture frame was made of layers of colored glass strands, where the picture would one day go the words, Baby's First Picture was written. Nate's faith they would ever conceive had begun to waver. The doctor's could find nothing wrong with he or Sera, but months had turned into years of waiting. They had begun the paperwork to adopt, but it was an exhausting, emotional task. The subtle faith the frame represented was unmistakable.

Nate was only an inch shorter than Nicolao. He had a full beard and his long curly hair was only semi tamed in a braid. He missed his brother, but would never hamper him with the knowledge. The frame only reminded him of why Nicolao was so important to them.

Nate rose and hugged the air out of his brother. They nearly the same height, but he had fifty pounds on him. He then embraced his new little brother, who he knew by the shy smile was in on the present. Nate didn't squeeze him as hard, but he did pick him up, leaving is feet dangling. Then he returned to his seat next to his wife and took her hand.

They gave Lil' Nico a video game and Joshua a ceiling projection night light. After his father explained what it did, he hugged each of them.

"Uncle Nico, you can come get my old night light to keep the bad dreams away." He offered before he went back to Narisco's waiting arms.

They had both gone to their knees to receive the tyke's affection. Their eyes connected and they both wanted more than anything to be alone. They were both acutely aware that they were now sharing their time.

The final gifts were wine glasses Hilaria declared would be used at tomorrow's dinner. Nic kissed his mother's cheek and pressed a vial filled with murky liquid into her small hand. David had no idea what was in the vial, and by the expression on everyone's faces neither did they. Hilaria began to cry silently, and kissed David again.

Nicolao was quizzed about the expense of his gift, which lead to a more tales of Nic's shopping sprees. Eventually, Narisco began to gather his things, saying he had to get Josh to bed. Vess left with little Nico, saying she may use her new ashtray. Nate Jr. exited next with Sera, but not before extracting a promise from the duo they would come by his shop. Each departure held another round of hugs. Davey knew why Nicolao was so physically demonstrative.

David tried to participate in the conversation Nic was having with ma, pop, and Nerina but he was too tired. He excused himself to go get a drink of water. When he closed the refrigerator he was startled to see Nerina.

"Making yourself at home I see." She quipped with a smile that again did not touch her eyes.

"Just thirsty," Davey looked down, struggling to find something to say to the sinister amazon. "Everything was delicious."

"I only use the best ingredients, top quality, but you wouldn't know..."

Nerina was interrupted as Nicolao entered the kitchen.

"You two getting to know each other," Nic moved behind David and pulled his back against his chest.

"Yes, I think I understand his appeal Nico."

"His appeal? I love David, Rina ,that goes far beyond appeal."

A smile appeared on her face, which to Davey made her all the more sinister, "That's what I meant Muscle Head."

"Muscle Head? That's pretty brave from a girl who was afraid of the circus." Nicolao replied smiling.

Nerina ran her hand through her mass of curly hair, a genuine smile lit up her face. "And my little brother has been giving me my own music box circus one gift at a time."

"Always our warrior guardian Nico," Nerina uttered, her face softening. "I'd better go. I'll see you at dinner tomorrow." She called as she abruptly exited the kitchen.

Davey did his best to hide his yawn, but Nicolao saw and piloted him into the family room. They bid his parents goodnight and he followed Nic upstairs to the bedroom.

Nic put their bags on the large bed. He explained that when it was evident all of the children would have Natanaele's height they were all given queen sized beds. As he spoke he got out the shaving kit with their toiletries, behind one of the doors was a small bathroom and he turned the water on.

"You go first, Dee, as much as I love our showers there just isn't enough room in there for the two of us."

Davey settled himself in Nic's arms after their showers.

"Are you alright? I told you my family is exhausting." He studied Davey's face for any distress.

"No, they're amazing; they're everything you said they'd be." He paused. "Thank you for bringing me here."

"You are most welcome," he dropped a kiss on top of his head. "Did anything make you uncomfortable?"

Davey lifted his head to frown at Nic, tempted to tell him he was ill at ease with Nerina, but decided against it. "Well a little with all of the hugging and kissing is going to take getting used to, but in a good way. Nerina I don't think likes me. And the trip to Argentina talk, but it's okay. I know it's for family."

"You are family. I didn't mention the trip because I wanted to see how you got along with everyone first. If you don't go, I don't go. Nerina doesn't like anyone at first; I told you she is slow to accept change. Risco didn't bother you?"

Davey shrugged, "You talking to your brother isn't going to bother me."

"Good to know, but what I meant was you missed that predatory look? He was checking you out; I thought I saw you squirm."

Nicolao pulled him closer as he laughed at his expression, "It seems you're my little brother's type. That's one of the revelations he had for me in the front yard. Narisco's gay, he got it in his head I'd think less of him for not coming out sooner. He tied himself in knots over my opinion."

"You mean so much to them, we tease your shopping, but every gift was something special you found just for them." Davey was tired, but he did have a question, "What was that you gave your mom, perfume?"

Nic tensed, he turned on his side so he could face his David. "Ma's a little peculiar. That was a vial of her tears. After August's letter they all stayed with me. I was never alone, but ma I don't think she ever left. When I was better she gave me that vial of her tears. She said for every sorrow I carried, to remember it was her sorrow too. That would always be true until I found the one who I could share my joys and sorrows with. I have you now, love."

David leaned in and they kissed, without heat, just infinite tenderness. Nicolao's words and actions declared his feelings. It was up to David to believe it.

He turned the light off next to the bed and replayed the day in his head, Nic a warm wall at his back. Desire crept up his spine when he recalled Nic's face upon his return with Narisco. It was possessive. He was Nicolao's if he allowed himself to be. He wanted to turn around, wrap his body around those hard warm muscles, and ignite the embers of passion until Nic was in him, marking his innermost self as his. But Nic was asleep, he had done all of the driving and needed his rest. Plus it never worked out. He'd hate to have a repeat of the previous night. Finally he dosed, drifting into a light dreamless sleep.

*****

Dave woke to the smells and the sounds coming up from the kitchen. During the night Nic had flipped onto his back, and he was splayed across his chest. It was time to wake Nicolao up. Carefully he pulled the sheet back to expose Nic's naked form. Davey wiggled down, buried his face in his crotch taking the soft orbs in his mouth and applying suction. Nic moaned to wakefulness and his dick lurched against his face. Davey ran his tongue on the sensitive underside of his hot filled shaft.

"Good morning," he quipped as he met the eyes that were staring down at him. Nic answered by placing his hand gently on the back of his head.

Davey sealed his lips around the crown and slowly began to bob up and down. The satiny steel in mouth never failed to drive him wild, and make him want to take more. He twisted his hand as it moved up and down Nic's rod in rhythm with his mouth. Nicolao was bucking helplessly beneath him, his breath, hard gasps, as he fought to hold back the usual torrent of words and intonations that accompanied their morning ritual. With a muffled cry Nic's body arched as he coated David's talented tongue. Davey rested his forehead against his hip as he pumped his swollen member, coating his fingers in three firm strokes. Nicolao pulled him up by his shoulders, and guided his hand to his mouth licking the sticky fingers clean.

"Good morning," Nic said pulling Davey down onto his chest. "It smells like ma's making a breakfast."

"Should we get dressed?"

"No, let's stay put for a while. I'm going to have to share you the rest of the day, no need to rush."

They waited until a knock came before they got out of bed. They ate breakfast with Hilaria and Natanaele. Nicolao insisted they had to leave the next morning saying he had left some loose ends at work. He wasn't certain he still had a job, but he wanted some time alone with David before Monday.

Pop followed them to the car rental company, and the three drove to his shop. His shop dealt with traditional automotive repair and restoration. It was how he had supported his family for the better part of twenty years. Nate Jr. opened the second Natanaele and Sons location, which specialized in higher end cars and conversions. Until Nate explained it, he hadn't given the "green" movement any thought. Now the success of the second shop made life extremely comfortable for the Evangelista's.

Nieves worked the front counter. She greeted all three men with a kiss. They made their way into the garage where Nic was welcomed by the mechanics. David's introduction as his boyfriend didn't cause an eyebrow to be raised.

Natanaele led them through a back door and into his "shed". The shed was a temperature controlled showroom for the cars the shop owned. Chrome gleamed as the lights were turned on.

"Take your time and pick what you want, if you think you want electric you can get Nate to convert it later," he waved his arm casually. He had offered Nic a vehicle so many times, only to be turned down.

The four of them walked slowly down the middle of the showroom. Cars lined either side of it. Nic and Natanaele began a detailed discussion with the words horsepower and torque in it. Davey couldn't follow. Nieves grabbed his hand, and pulled him away from them.

"Hey, you'd look great in this!" She led him to a green car, and motioned for him to get in on the driver's side.

When he did, she gave him a smile that would have any man falling in love with her, if they were so inclined. David thought maybe a piece of him was.

"You look great! Tell Nico you want this one." She said as she flopped in the seat.

"Nieves, l don't think Nic will be comfortable in this car. He wouldn't fit." Davey couldn't imagine Nicolao having to squeeze behind the steering wheel.

"Oh, you're too cute, worrying about Muscle Head fitting in. If you get this one, then you get to drive it more."

"I... I could never," he stammered.

Nieves laughter halted his speech. She regarded him, her eyes warm, "No, you couldn't. I thought it would be funny to watch Nico driving this around. He'd take it, if you said so, but you won't." She sobered, "I'm really happy my brother has you, David. You're good for Nico; you know he hasn't owned a car since he crashed the Impala."

"I didn't know that. I never thought to ask why Nic didn't have a car." He confessed.

"He's forgiven himself. I think it has a lot to do with you." Nieves patted his thigh. Suddenly she reached into her bra and held out a thin white tube, "Later at the house do you want to toke up to celebrate?"

Davey was very familiar with drugs, and Vess was offering him a share of a joint. Before he could decline the door was snatched open, causing both of them to jump.

"Vess get out," Nicolao ordered, his voice tenderly malignant.

Nieves swiftly put the doobie back in her bra, as she rose she kissed her angry brothers cheek and walked away.

Nic sat down, leaving his legs outside.

"Nieves was telling me she thinks I'm good for you." David offered.

"Nieves needs to grow up. I wish Vess would find her footing soon." Nic shook his head, and then looked around the interior of the Mini Cooper. "You want this one?"

David laughed, Nic really would take the car, just as Nieves has said, "No babe, I don't want this one."

Nicolao's smile made his heart skip a beat; Nieves had nothing on her brother.

"Come on; pop says he has one out back he wants us to look at," when David joined him at the back of the car Nic took his hand and deliberately added, "babe."

David had never used any form of the nomenclatures of love Nicolao freely spoke. Saying Nic was as close as he had come, and now it had slipped from his lips he was ashamed it had taken him so long. Nicolao was the best thing that had ever happened to him, and he could hardly express how he felt.

They walked to the back of the building, led by pop and Nieves, to a black Chevrolet Impala.

Natanaele pressed the keys in Nic's free hand.

"Before you say anything Nico, I don't want to hear about the expense. I gave you that car like I'm giving you this one. It's all about second chances son. I respect that you are making a life all on your own. But your ma and I want to do something for you. Just say thanks pop, and you and David can go see Nate."

David thought his hand would be crushed, but he didn't pull away. Instead he gripped Nic's hand tighter.

"Thanks pop." Nicolao choked out.

Natanaele clapped him on the back, "You're welcome Nico."

They got in the car and headed to Nate's shop. Nic wanted to talk to David, but Nieves had insisted on coming. He suspected she would remain with them for the remainder of the day. He smiled as he drove the restored classic. His destruction of the Impala ten years ago had utterly changed his world. The stress and worry he had caused his family still shamed him. If he deserved punishment it was for that. Nicolao glanced over at David. He supposed if ever there was time to let it all go, it was now.

Nate's shop wasn't far. Nate proudly gave David a tour. He explained the conversion process and showed off some of the cars they were working on. While the two of them spoke Nic pulled his sister aside.

"When are you going to grow up?"

She shrugged, "It's only weed."

"It's illegal, switch to cigarettes, even if you destroy your lung. They are legal, that's what the ashtray is for."

Nic pressed a kiss to his sister's forehead, "I know thing didn't work out with you and John, but you can't be a brat kid and a mother. No one else may call you on it, but Vess you know better that."

Nieves had been floundering for two years in the wake of John leaving. John was eighteen when they had Little Nicolao and her sixteen. When a snarky comment brought her to his attention the intense school artist had gone from ignoring her completely to making her his entire world. John called her his muse and their son the greatest masterpiece of his life. One day he looked at her and said he felt nothing for her or Little Nicolao, and he left.

Nicolao hurt for his sister. Avoiding her sense of loss made her seek distractions. Dangerous and illegal distractions much like him. But unlike him, Nieves has a son, and it was time she remembered that.

Nieves nodded, but couldn't meet Nico's brown eyes. If she saw disappointment in them she'd crumble.

Nicolao moved to join David and Nate. When she felt her composure would hold she joined them as well. As always Nico was right, she did know better.

Nicolao chatted with everyone in the shop before the four of them went to lunch. David watched as they ate their fill, he knew if he ingested a heavy lunch he would not be able to eat dinner. After the meal Nate went back to work and they dropped a reserved Nieves off.

"Are you alright with the car?" Nic asked.

"Of course, I've been riding a bus my entire life. It could be a scooter and I'd be happy."

Nic shook his head, "I'm too big for a scooter, I can see if they have a motorcycle."

"No, that's alright Nic, this is more than fine."

They were both grinning.

"You called me babe." Nic said.

David blushed, "You are a babe. The best looking thing in any room and you love me."

"I do, Mr. Collins. Indeed I do."

The remainder of the day was spent with Hilaria. She sent them on various errands, designed for Nic to have as many people see him and David as possible. She began to talk about the trip to Santa Fe. She explained to David her mother was Argentine Toba, and though her father was a Spaniard she spent most of her early life with the tribe. When her mother died, Hilaria and her father moved to Spain. She hadn't been back since she was eight. Nicolao promised he and David would discuss going once they returned home, which seemed to satisfy her.

Evening arrived and the four women were busy preparing dinner. Nicolao, the children and his brothers were watching basketball. David quietly went into the backyard. He was startled when he saw Natanaele on his knees in the garden.

"Oh sorry, Mr. ..." he wasn't comfortable calling him pop, but Mr. Evangelista was too formal.

"Come on over David. You can help me weed my garden. There are gloves on the bench."

He agreed eager to be of help. He slipped the gloves on. "This is your garden?" He asked looking around before getting on his knees.

"Yeah," Sr. smiled proudly, "I planted it for Hil." He began to pull weeds and move earth with his hands. David mimicked his movements.

"You see I'm not that good with words, not like Hil. She takes one look at people and has an entire story to tell you from a few minutes of contact. She goes on about the spirit of the person, and the elements she sees in their eyes. When I met her she gave me a world brought to life with her words."

"Then that beautiful woman gave me our kids, more beauty. So I decided to give her a garden with plants like the ones in Argentina, but that didn't work out. There was too much about climate and soil I didn't get. She worked nights sometimes at the hospital, she was an aid, and so I would come out here and work. Nico decided to help me. Even then he was always quick to catch on to languages. He brought up the language of flowers, and that I should plant what I felt in the garden. He checked a book out from the library, and that's how all of this got started."

Natanaele showed Davey the various flowers and gave him the meanings. Each of his children and grandchildren had assigned flowers, including Sera and John.

"John got a place because of Josh, but Hil knew it wouldn't last," he smiled at David. "As soon as I figure out what is the right one for you I'll plant yours."

David was at a loss for words, he latched onto something he had forgotten, "Um, what does the Eglantine Rose say?"

Sr. furrowed his brow as he thought, "I think it's the healing of wounds. I can't be sure, I can look it up. We have the internet."

"No, that sounds right, thank you."

"My pleasure son," Natanaele responded.

The word washed over David. They worked steadily for an hour before the elder announced his old joints were too tired to continue. David relished the beauty of the garden and asked not to go in.