nickngreg | Does it go this way?

One of 2 "endings" for http://community.livejournal.com/nickngreg/521943.html#cutid1

“G, what was that all about?” Nick asked.

Greg looked over his shoulder at Rick waiting in line to pay. “I dunno. I mean, wasn’t he supposed to take us to *your* home and then get *called away*?” asked Greg using his fingers to indicate quotes of the plan they had agreed on before the game started.

“Yeah…” said Nick confused as he watched Rick over his shoulder, too.

Nick caught his breath and looked over at Greg. “G, you don’t think…?”

Greg just looked at him confused.

Nick whispered, “Umm? He can’t possibility want to…?”

Shocked, Greg whispers, “Rick? No way, Man. He has been in on our Role Playing for almost two years now and he has never even hinted… Maybe he just wants to hang out as friends? I mean, you know, we haven‘t hung out much lately…” Still Greg sounded puzzled.

Nick nodded thoughtfully. “Or he could be tired of this. Maybe he wants to quit…”

“Yeah,” sighed Greg. “But what if…he…you know… wanted to… join us? Would you…?

Nick looked at Greg shocked and hurt. “You mean you… think I would… anyone but you?”

“No. I didn’t say that.” said Greg quickly. But if he … wanted to join us… as an US of course… because we will always be an us… would you want him to?“

Nick just looked at Greg in shock.

“Come on, you have said more than once Rick was good looking…and he does seem to enjoy the role he plays when it’s competing for one of us… and you two are close … it never crossed your mind…?” asked Greg disbelieving.

“No.” said Nick a bit too quick. “I mean, I’m with you. I only think of you. That’s that.”

Greg nodded.

Nick sat a minute then asked, “What about you?”

“No. At least not without you. Never without you. I couldn’t risk you…us… I mean, since you don’t… No way. I wouldn‘t… I‘m true to you… I love you. But…. you… I… don‘t… We are… I‘m shutting up now,” said Greg slumping down in his seat.

“Oh,” said Nick deep in thought. He reached out and took Greg’s hand. “I will always love you, G.”

“I will always love you, too, Nicky.”

Rick stepped up to the table but didn‘t meet their eyes. “Ready to go, guys?”

“Yeah,” they both answer. They follow Rick to his car and get in.

Rick started the car and eased onto the road. He griped the wheel tight. “Look, I know I just changed the play a bit, but… I don’t know any other way to say this except to spit it out.” He took a deep breath. “You know how I have known about you two being together for ages and it has never bothered me and even played along in your “games“… as an extra… and I‘m down with that, and …”

Nick and Greg exchanged worried looks.

“And I never interrupted a game or suggested a changed anything, right?”

“Right?” answered Nick and Greg said “You have been a great friend!”

“Well, here’s going for broke.” Rick took a deep breath. “I… I want more than a side role.”

Nick’s mouth fell open. Greg’s did too, but with a slight grin. They glanced at each other.
Rick didn’t look at them, he focused his eyes on driving, albeit random roads and not toward any of their homes.

“But if you don’t… want me… I will still be your friend. I won’t mention this again. I will even keep helping in your games… if you’ll let me….” Rick took another deep breath. “Look, No, never mind, you know. I’m sorry. This is wrong. Just…. Wrong. You two love each other and… I’m sorry. I’ve just been… lonely. Just forget it, okay. I‘ll take you guys home. Just blame it on the beers. Please.” He turned the car toward Nick and Greg‘s house.

The rest of the ride was silent. When Rick stopped the car in front of their house, he let the car idle. He sat very still. Hands still on he wheel, looking straight ahead.
Greg nudged Nick. Nick said “Rick, please come on in with us. Let‘s talk.”

“Yeah, please,” whispered Greg touching Rick’s arm.

Rick nodded and followed them into their house.

Nick said, “Have a seat. I’ll get us something to drink.“

Rick answered and Greg said, “I’ll help with the glasses. “

They went into the kitchen and Greg whispered, “Nick? What now…?”

Nick pulled Greg into his arms and whispered, “It’s up to you, Babe. I will always love you. That won’t change. And I have, you know, been with more than one person at a time, but that was just at a few frat parties… Somehow I don’t see Rick wanting this to be a one time ‘party’ thing.”

“Yeah,” agreed Greg. “This… if we do this… it will change everything. Do we really want to risk…?” Greg bit his lip.

“You won’t loose me. Either way. I promise.” said Nick.

“I promise, too.” whispered Greg and he kissed Nick softly.

After the kiss, Nick reached for the merlot. Greg got the glasses and they went back into the living room.

Rick had turned the lights down and turned the stereo on soft jazz. He had his back to them facing the stereo and didn’t turn around when they came in.

“Here,” Greg handed Rick a glass and sat on the sofa. Nick stepped up with the Merlot and poured some into Rick’s glass, then Greg‘s glass. He then filled his glass on the coffee table where Greg had placed it and sat beside Greg. He motioned for Rick have a seat in the chair to Greg’s left. They sipped the Merlot and finally Nick said, “We would need some… umm… ground rules, if we do this.”

Rick’s eyes widened and he smiled softly. His deep green eyes sparkled. Maybe with unshed tears Greg thought.

“We don’t want anyone to get hurt.” Nick reached out for Greg’s hand. “Greg and I. We are together for life. If you.. Do you want just a once time… part time.. Or were you wanting to actually join with us?”

Rick swallowed. “I… I don’t know. I mean I wish I could have what you guys have for forever, but… I will take whatever you will give me. Even one night, with no regrets.” He took a drink then continued, “I have wanted this, you… both… for what seems like forever. At first it was jealousy maybe, for what you have that Tina… Tina and I didn‘t, but there was no way I would do anything to break you up.”

“Nick nodded and took a sip. “We, you could change your mind. Stop any time. Leave us if you need to…”

“Yeah, and we will still love you as always.” said Greg reaching for Rick’s hand.
Rick took Greg’s hand and...