4. First impression of each other? Was it love at first sight?
Nicky’s first impression of Erik was oh no, he’s hot, quickly followed by a heavy sense of shame and dread. Like, this was during a time where Nicky still had a hard time accepting himself and learning to reconcile his faith and his sexuality. He’s young, he’s been hurt – it still fucking hurts – but he’s Nicky, and he still has hope and faith and he’s trying, okay, he’s fucking trying. He didn’t really want to but he fell head over heels in love with Erik anyway – because how could he not? Erik is handsome, sure, but he’s also very kind and a bit of of a klutz but he’s very athletic and strong and he has nice parents who love Nicky the way his own parents never did. And then Erik helped Nicky get better – helped him understand and accept himself, and Nicky just – loves him a lot, but this love made him sad because there’s no way Erik would ever feel the same way, right? Jokes on you, Nicholas Esteban Hemmick. Erik has had a crush on him since early on. Maybe not love at first sight per se, but Erik definitely thought that this gangly American teenager who’s living with his family over the summer and who still has trouble pronouncing some German words is cute and he thinks it’s his responsibility to be nice and hospitable and show the kid around but oops he also fell in love with him in the process
Thanks for the ask darling!
Nothing but My Aching Soul 