Chapter Six

2 Months later

Starting today it has officially been two months since Nova started his job with Julian.

By now the boys have become more comfortable around each other and have a good friendship going between them. Julian was good at making sure Nova always had, and took, his medication every morning and would always make sure he wasn't to overwhelmed by the crowds they got in.

The fans had seen Nova once or twice with Julian while he was out, but had never really bothered him like that one girl did. They were actually pretty nice to him. Which surprised Nova.

Julian would introduce him if any fans asked who he was but never had outright pointed him out in crowds, fearing he would have a panic attack.

Although, sometimes Julian would be more affectionate with him for someone just being a friend. It wasn't always around a lot of people, and nobody really noticed it but Nova.

And of course Mark.

He would sometimes brush his hand against Nova's without a second thought, or he would stand close to him so their shoulders would touch.

It didn't bother him. Nova just found it weird considering Julian was straight and had a girlfriend. He was straight wasn't he?

Nova was snapped out of his thoughts by Mark calling his name. "Nova! Come on our plane is boarding."

They were traveling out of the country for the first time and he was pretty excited, having never left America before. He wasn't really afraid of being on a plane. He actually loved being up so high in the air, it made him look at the world as a very beautiful place.

Julian on the other hand was another story.

He did not like high places or even stepping foot on an air plane. But due to his job he had to suffer through.

Mark noticed a while back how hard it was for him to be on planes, it causing Julian massive headaches and the feeling of claustrophobia with being stuck in a small plane for hours on end.

So he got him some sleeping pills to knock him out for most of the flight.

Julian, Mark, and Nova all boarded the plane together. Julian already felt the nerves knot his stomach as his eyes darted around the small space he would be stuck in for the next eleven hours.

He let himself fall down into his seat and he let out a heavy sigh he was holding in and looked up just as Nova sat down next him.

"Are you going to be okay?," he asked Nova. Even though Julian himself felt anxious he cared more about how Nova was feeling, knowing about his severe anxiety.

Nova tilted his head and smiled curiously. "I'm fine. I actually really love planes." "If you look out the window it looks like a little town set that you can play with."

Julian smiled at him, trying to act like nothing was wrong. "Yeah, of course." "I was just making sure you were okay."

Nova narrowed his eyes a bit, looking over Julian as his eyes darted around. He would know better than anyone if someone had nerves about something.

It then clicked in his mind that Julian was afraid of being on an air plane. "Julian," he said getting the singers attention on him. Nova could see the slight fear in his eyes and immediately felt bad for him.

Julian covered up his emotions quickly seeing the concern in Nova's eyes, smiling lightly. "Yeah?"

Nova decided to just act like it wasn't a big deal for him to be afraid of heights. Which it wasn't. It was a normal fear most people in the world had.

"Can we switch seats? I love looking out the window."

Julian didn't think he could like Nova anymore than he already admitted to himself. "Yeah of course." He wasn't going to turn down that offer.

He got up from his seat and Nova did as well. They did their best to squeeze past each other without awkwardly pressing up against each other.

Julian sat down in his new seat and wished his pills would just kick in already so he could sleep through the whole flight.

Sometimes he would wake up just before the landing and freaked out at the sudden jolt of the plane. Fortunately though, he's never been close to having a panic attack.

Nova noticed that Julian was gripping both his armrests and decided to talk to him to get his mind off being on the plane.

"You've been out of the country before right?"

Julian looked over at him again and nodded slowly. "Yeah, tons of times." He realized that could've sounded rude and cleared his throat saying sheepishly, "sorry, that didn't sound very nice did it?"

Nova chuckled and Julian found himself smiling at the sound of it. "No, but it's okay."

He rubbed the back of his neck and gave Nova a crooked smile. "But yeah I've been all over the world basically."

"What's your favorite place?"

"Probably Italy."

Nova grinned and Julian felt his heart flutter from the cuteness of it. "You've been there?" "That's one of my dream places to go!" He brushed the hair out of his eyes consciously before continuing, "What's it like there?"

Julian laughed at his giddiness and started into a conversation about it and all the other places he's been on tour before.

Mark felt the plane getting ready to take off and looked across the isle to check in on Julian. To make sure he was okay.

He was surprised to see Julian having no problem with take off, him being in a deep conversation with Nova at the time.

Although Mark was happy that Julian had someone his age on tour with him to just hangout with. He wasn't very happy with the look he saw in Julian's eyes whenever he looked at the kid.

Mark didn't want to end up having to hurt Julian in anyway. He really did care for him like a son considering he's been there for him through most of his career. And he knew if something between the boys started to develop into more than a friendship he would have to stop it immediately.

He could try to keep it hidden as best he could but if he got caught knowing about it wouldn't just cost Julian his career it would cost Mark his own job.

He continued to watch the two for a few more minutes before turning back to look out the window.

Julian could feel his sleeping pills slowly starting to kick in and he put a hand to his mouth to cover his yawn, then blinked sleepily.

Nova smiled, noticing him getting sleepy. "I didn't think it would be that quick," he chuckled.

Julian rubbed his eyes and smiled slightly at him. "It usually kicks in about twenty minutes into the flight, not before we even take off."

The other boy gave him a funny look shaking his head, a soft laugh coming from his lips. "Julian, we took off about half an hour ago.

He blinked in wonder asking in disbelief, "really?"

Nova laughed again nodding his head. "Yes really."

Julian just shook his head laughing with him, "I didn't even notice us taking off?" "How, that's usually my least favorite part."

Shrugging his shoulders, Nova said, "I don't know, maybe I distracted you enough to keep you from thinking about it?"

This of course, had been Nova's plan, so he felt happy that he distracted Julian enough to keep from getting scared.

Julian didn't give it a second thought before leaning towards Nova and planting a soft kiss to his cheek.

Nova felt his cheeks turn red and he turned towards the window to hide it clearing his throat. "Why'd you do that?"

He was able to see Nova's blushing cheeks before he turned away and found himself grinning at the adorable sight. "To thank you," Julian said like it was something completely normal.

Julian settled back into his seat and closed his eyes. "I'm usually terrified of take off, but you made me forget about it," he mumbled so softly Nova almost didn't hear him as he turned back to look at Julian.

"So thank you."

And in just a few minutes Julian was out. His breathing became heavy and his body relaxed, his head falling to the side a bit.

Nova watched him for a few seconds trying to think of why Julian kept doing things like this. Kissing his cheek, getting close to him. He even thought back to the time on the beach in California. Julian got pretty jealous over the random stranger.

It didn't even cross his mind that there was a possibility of Julian liking him.

Nova then shook out his thoughts when he realized Julian looked extremely cute as he slept.

He grabbed his camera and turned off the flash so one, he wouldn't wake Julian up, and two, so he wouldn't bother anyone around him.

Nova then took a picture of Julian sleeping. He took his camera away from his face to look at the photo and smiled at it. He was really happy to get this job. Nova not only got to experience traveling all around the world, which usually only wealthy people got to do, he also made an incredible friend.

He looked back over to Julian to see him completely relaxed, his head falling to the side a bit more. Nova still couldn't help the gentle smile that came over his face.

After a few seconds of blatantly staring Nova turned to look back out the window before leaning his head against it, deciding to get some sleep himself since it was a long flight.

Julian felt affection race through his body when he woke up and realized the position he had gotten in.

Nova had somehow managed to wedge himself against the side of his chair nearest to Julian. He had his head laying against the other boys shoulder, hugging his arm a bit.

Reaching a hand down, Julian slowly brushed the hair from Nova's eyes and carefully took off his glasses that had become skewed on his face. He tucked them on his own shirt so they rested against his chest and continue to watch Nova as he slept.

Julian felt a bit creepy about just watching the smaller boy as he slept but he couldn't help himself, he was so adorable.

He heard someone clear their throat and looked up to see Mark.

Julian bit his lip, expecting him to say something about him blatantly watching Nova but all Mark said was. "We should be landing in about two hours."

Nodding his head Julian just said, "okay, thanks."

Mark just nodded and walked back to his seat. He decided that if Julian was going to be with Nova, he would do his best to hide it. No matter what would happen to him.

He cared more about Julian's happiness than his job.

The plane landed right on schedule, two hours later.

Nova had woken up since then and apologized profusely, while his face turned red, for sleeping on Julian.

Julian just laughed and assured him that it was fine. "I'm insanely comfortable anyways," he said winking playfully at Nova who just got more flustered making Julian grin.

Julian then got caught of guard by the sudden jolt of the plane and gripped tightly onto the thing closest to him, which happened to be Nova's hand.

Nova tried not to blush for the billionth time and focused more on making sure Julian felt okay, and squeezed his hand tightly as the other boy gripped onto it tightly.

Slowly letting go of Nova's hand, Julian turned and gave him a shy smile. "Thanks, I uhm," he stopped.

Nova just interrupted before he could say anything else. "It's no problem Julian."

Julian nodded and just stood up clearing his throat. "We should probably get off now."

Nova nodded as well and stood up scooting out into the aisle, making sure to stay behind Julian and followed him off the plane. Immediately turning on his camera and recorded all around him.

Julian noticed and gave a wide smile when the camera was placed on him. He spread his arms out and said, "hellooo everyone." "Welcome to the lovely city of London." "I can't wait to explore with my trusty camera man, say hii."

Nova rolled his eyes behind the camera but stuck his hand out in front of it and waved.

Julian laughed loudly and shook his head. "Don't be shy, the fans have to know who you are eventually."

He bit his lip, hesitating on speaking but said, "yeah, well I have met some of them already."

Julian smiled at him proudly for speaking. "Yes, but they deserve to see more of such a beautiful face."

Nova went to roll his eyes again when he squinted slightly at Julian's shirt. "Hey, why do you have my glasses?"

Looking confused Julian looked down and then back up smiling sheepishly. "Sorry, you were sleeping with them on and I didn't want them to break soo," he trailed off shoving his hands in his pockets.

Nova turned of his camera and chuckled softly giving Julian a warm smile, before holding his hand out to him. "Just give them back."

Julian stuck out his tongue saying, "make me." He then turned and ran off towards the baggage area where Mark was waiting with some people to help grab all the bags.

"Hey!," Nova said laughing and running after him.

Julian just smirked and ran past Mark who yelled at him to watch out for paparazzi. He of course heard him but still ran around the airport, saying sorry to people as they jumped out of the way.

Nova did the same and ran after the other boy before finally catching up as Julian stopped to catch his breath

Both boys panted heavily and Nova held his side a bit, having a small cramp because he wasn't use to running.

"You, jerk," he panted. "Exercise is for the devil," Nova said after finally catching his breath.

Julian chuckled and teased, "you just need to do it more." He took Nova's glasses from his shirt and put them on the other boy himself.

"There, now you can see."

Nova pushed his glasses up his nose and just smiled at Julian. "Now I can see."

After they all got to the hotel and into their rooms they immediately had to go to Julian's concert.

Nova didn't even get to change, so he was still in the same clothes he wore yesterday, but he didn't really care. He just ran his fingers through his hair to at least smooth it down as the three rode in their car towards the arena.

For some reason, all of the sudden, Nova felt a spike in his anxiety. He didn't know why, but he just suddenly felt the need to get out of the car and just lock himself up somewhere small.

You would think small spaces would only make it worse for Nova, but he actually felt more at peace curled up in a small space. He mostly freaked out in large crowds of people, feeling them being squished up against him made Nova feel like he couldn't breathe.

He already felt his fingers start to twitch a bit more than they usually would. It wasn't until the car stopped at the back entrance of the arena that it clicked in Nova's mind.

Nova forgot to take his medication before he got on the plane today. His mind had already started to internally panic and he wasn't pulled from his thoughts until he felt a hand come down on his shoulder making him jump and look up.

Julian was looking at him concerned, "Nova, you okay?"

He just smiled nodding his head. "Yeah I'm fine, lets go." He got up and stepped over Julian so he could get out of the car.

Julian got out too and watched him with suspicion. He looked him over and immediately noticed his fingers were twitching. Julian frowned lightly.

He had a strong feeling that Nova was starting to get a lot of anxiety. Julian didn't want to stress him out by putting Nova in the audience just so he could take pictures of him. He didn't want the smaller boy to end up having a panic attack.

Maybe Julian could convince Mark to let Nova sit this one out.

Before he could ask anything though he was pushed towards wardrobe by Mark himself. "You're on in just twenty minutes, so go get ready now."

He sighed and then walked off towards his dressing room feeling bad for leaving Nova like that.

Nova could feel the queasy feeling start in the pit of his stomach as soon as he was in the audience. Some fans said hi to him and he smiled nervously and waved to a few. Please don't get too close to me. He thought.

He heard the screams start and looked towards the stage to see Julian coming out smiling and waving.

Nova tried taking a deep breath but his chest already felt tight and he could slowly feel his breath becoming short pants. He lifted his camera with shaky hands to try and take a few pictures of Julian, trying to calm himself down.

Come on Nova. Don't be a freak. He chided himself. Calm down, calm down.

Nova felt someone bump into him from behind and he stiffened slightly as someone leaned over his shoulder. A fan was trying to see the pictures he was taking. He went to open his mouth to speak but he just got drowned out by the screams as Julian was talking to the crowd before he started.

His ears had started to ring and Nova had to drop his camera to his chest because his hands were slowly starting to shake. Nova let his eyes dart around as it seemed like the crowd had pressed more tightly around him and he could feel people pressing up against him.

Nova felt very close to passing out, starting to feel dizzy from his short breaths. His vision started to tunnel.

Julian was about to begin his first song and let his eyes scan the crowd for Nova like he always did before the start of a concert. When he found him he stood up quickly from his stool at the sight of the photographer.

He could see Nova swaying slightly on his feet and then only one second later see his eyes roll back into his head a bit before dropping to the ground, making the fans around him gasp and crowd around his body.

Julian felt his eyes widen and gave no second thought to leaping off the stage and pushing through his body guards and fans to get to Nova.

The fans were very understanding of the situation and parted slightly so it would be easier for Julian to get to Nova.

"I don't know what happened," a fan said.

"Yeah he just dropped out of nowhere."

Julian didn't listen to their constant chatter as he knelt down next to Nova. "Nova," Julian said a little panicked. "Nova?"

He bit his bottom lip hard and quickly scooped him up in his arms, it being easy to carry him because of his small stature.

Walking back towards the stage and using the set of steps attached to it Julian walked up them. He turned back towards the crowd who were all watching with worry and shouting out questions to him.

Julian just said, "I'll be back." Then walked quickly off stage.

Holding Nova close to his chest.