Chapter Text
Nick hated his job. It was a boring office job that Charlie’s dad got for him because he was still figuring out what he really wanted to do with his life. He was supposed to have that figured out by the end of uni but he graduated with a basic degree and had no idea what to do with it. So Julio took pity on him and got him a job at his office working in a cubicle inputting numbers all day. This made it no surprise to Charlie when Nick came through the door at the end of the day groaning and flopping onto the couch face first.
“Bad day?” Charlie questioned, rubbing his husband’s back, only getting a ‘mhm’ in response. “If it makes you feel any better my day wasn’t sunshine and rainbows as well.”
“How is that even possible, you’re on summer break?” Nick sat up annoyed about life.
“I got an email asking if I would return for next year.” Charlie sighed. Since graduating Charlie had been looking for a teaching position and was lucky to find one as a long term substitute for a 5th year class back in November. When the previous teacher ended up quitting fully in January the school turned to Charlie to take on the class. This was great and all, but the thing was he hated the school. All the teachers were twice his age at minimum and gave him so much shit for being gay and “flanting it around” since he had a pride flag in his classroom. The school in general was extremely overbearing and strict. Every lesson had to be looked over and if it wasn’t acceptable he would have to redo it, which meant staying up late to finish lesson plans. The entire reason that Charlie wanted to be a teacher was to be a support for students who needed someone to talk to, however once the person that he reported to caught wind of him being anything more than an educator he got in big trouble, being reminded of the teacher code of conduct stating that they were “not allowed to talk to students about personal matters.” Overall the whole teaching experience was not remotely what he thought it would be.
“What’s so bad about that?” Nick asked sincerely “They liked you and want you to come back for a full year. That’s great!”
“I guess, it’s just.” Charlie looked away from Nick’s eyes not wanting to put another thing on his plate. When Nick put a hand on his shoulder as a sign for “please tell me” he decided to confess “I’m not sure I want to go back. The teachers made it hell for me, and I’m not even allowed to do the one thing that I went into teaching for. I know I shouldn’t complain since it’s a job but I just really hate it.”
“Charlie, you're allowed to feel this way. When do you have to give an answer?” Nick reassured.
“In a week.” Charlie pouted.
“Ok then how about this week you look around for teaching positions and if you find anything promising, you can tell them that you don’t want to return. If all else fails we have some savings to fall back on and we always need more help at the office. You shouldn’t force yourself to do something that pains you. I’ll support you no matter what decision you make.” Nick placed a kiss on Charlie’s forehead and with that and Nick’s words of wisdom he felt a bit better already. “So dinner? Did you get the groceries today?”
“Shit. I forgot, I’m such a mess today, I’m so sorry!” Charlie put his face in the palm of his hands, not believing that he overlooked such a simple task.
“It’s all good, I needed some fresh air anyway.”
– – –
“Charlie, don't hate me.” Nick winced, in line at the market waiting to check out.
“I could never hate you Nicholas.”
“I forgot the eggs. Could you possibly run to get them and I’ll save our spot.” The line was understandably long being that there were only 2 checkout stations open and an abnormal amount of people for a Wednesday evening.
“Maybe I do hate you a bit,” Charlie joked as Nick placed a hand over his heart, being dramatic as always. “Fine”
– – –
“Oh I’m so sorry, I was in a rush…” Charlie stopped not believing who he literally bumped into. “Mr. Ajayi, long time no see!”
“Charlie Spring, what a nice surprise. How’s married life treating you?” Nathan asked not having seen eachother since the wedding.
“Good. How’s teaching?”
“Well it’s Truham so you know how it is.” Nathan laughed
“Tell me about it, I’m teaching as well.” Charlie smiled.
“Really? Good for you!”
“I guess. Not really enjoying my school as much as I thought I would.” He confessed.
“Some schools are like that. If you are really hating it you should apply for Truham. You remember Mr. Lange?” Charlie nodded remembering that classroom very well. “Well he is retiring and they’re looking for someone. I’ll be able to put in a good word for you if you’re interested.”
“That would be amazing actually. I was debating whether or not to return next year so this might be the chance I was looking for.” Everything happens for a reason I guess. “Well I should get back to Nick, It was really nice seeing you again.”
“Well I hope to see you soon, maybe in August?” Nathan smiled.
“Let’s hope!”
///
After a month-long process of applications and interviews, August rolled around, and Charlie was happy to report that he was making his first trip to his brand new classroom. After talking with Nick he was even more sure than before that he wanted to apply. Nick encouraged him to take a leap of faith and decline his previous position. So, there he was taking a leap. Charlie practically was on his hands and knees begging for Nick to come and help him. His response was “I didn’t want to be there then, why do I want to be there now?” It wasn’t until Charlie said that he needed his “strong rugby arms” that he finally caved. How could he say no to that?
They entered the school which hadn’t changed since the 9 years they had been away. After Charlie got his room key, the boys headed off to the classroom where it felt like yesterday they met. Very fittingly the two bumped into each other while trying to get in, crazy how time flies.
“And over here we see the very place that Nicholas Nelson had his bisexual awakening.” Charlie approached the table with a David Attenborough voice.
“Oi,” Nick scoffed. “Be nice or else I’ll leave and won’t have my strong rugby arms anymore”
“If I apologize, will you go and get that heavy box of books out of the car?”
“If you’re really nice, I’ll consider it.” Nick pouted.
“Will you, my amazing, gorgeous, smart, rugby playing husband please get my books out of the car?”
“Since you asked so nicely.” Nick smiled.
– – –
“Nick Nelson?” A mysterious voice asked as Nick was opening the boot of his car. When he turned he was met with a familiar face that he hadn’t seen since he left Truham.
“Coach Singh! It’s so nice to see you!”
“What are you doing here?” She asked, extremely surprised.
“Charlie got the English position so I’m helping him move in. We’re married now actually.” Nick gushed holding up his hand to display the beautiful ring that Charlie gave him.
“Well isn’t that fantastic! I actually really wanted to retire this year, spend some more time with my wife, but no one was interested in the position so here I am.” Mrs. Singh sighed, clearly not wanting to be there.
“Do you know if they're still looking?” It can’t hurt to ask. Maybe this was what Nick needed to get out of that mind numbing office job.
“It may be too late. But I could ask, are you interested?”
“If you could, that would be great. I’m in this boring office job right now and I hate it. I love rugby and sports in general but I never thought I could really do anything with it as a successful career. Plus I would love to pass down your legacy with new students, you were such an inspiration to me.” Nick confessed.
“Thank you, that means a lot. I’ll ask and let you know, you're in Lange’s old room right?”
“Yeah, thank you so much!” Nick smiled, grabbing the box and closing the boot. Everything happens for a reason I guess.
– – –
“Everything go okay?” Charlie asked, placing a mini pride flag in his mug/pencil holder.
“Fine, I uh ran into Mrs. Singh.” Nick sighed out of breath. “God Charlie, how many books do you need?”
“Oh that’s nice! And that isn’t even all of them actually. Those are just the lgbtq ones, which I am planning to organize in rainbow order.” Tara and Darcy took Charlie book thrifting the week before as a congratulations on the new job present.
“You are insane, but I love you.” Nick kissed Charlie on the cheek and grabbed scissors to open the box.
When Nick was almost done organizing the books by color there was a knock on the door who could only be one person.
“Oh Mrs. Singh, what a nice surprise!” Charlie greeted.
“Yeah it’s so nice to see you joining us back at Truham. So Nick, I asked and they are happy to meet with you. Which, if you ask me, means you're in. To be honest we haven’t had anyone near as good on the team since you left so I think they're happy that you are going to give us a chance at winning for once.” Coach Singh laughed, putting a hand on Nick’s shoulder. “So just go to the office in a bit and they’ll take things from there. I have to go so I’ll see you there. It was nice to see you again Charlie.”
Once Mrs. Singh left the room Charlie crossed his arms and waited for an explanation. “Is there something you would like to tell me?”
“Ok so when I saw her earlier we got to talking and she was saying how she wanted to retire, but couldn’t since no one wanted to take the job. And I thought ‘well it couldn’t hurt to ask’ so I did and she said that she would ask. I didn’t want to get your hopes up if it was nothing so I didn’t tell you. I’m so sorry.” Nick probably didn’t breathe at all.
“Well, I think I need to send you to the office.” Charlie blushed, not realizing how that sounded. “That came out a lot more suggestive than I meant it. I meant like go so you could get the job…”
“I know how you meant it.” Nick smiled “Do you really think I should go for it?”
“Yes, of course, I support you 100%. You hate your job and you love rugby and kids, this is perfect. And this way I don’t have to take the train to work. We can see each other during breaks, it would be amazing.”
“Only if you're sure.”
“Yes! Go get a job!” Charlie hugged Nick.
– – –
Charlie was putting books on the shelf when Nick came back looking upset. “What happened?”
“I think…” Nick sighed. “I think your going to have to call your dad and tell him that he has to find someone else to input stupid numbers.” Slowly Nick’s frown turned into an excited grin.
“You got it?!” Charlie gasped as Nick nodded. “We’re going to be working together, this is amazing!!”
Nick leaned in to give Charlie a kiss. “I think this might be against the rules.” Charlie joked.
“I’ll risk it”
///
One by one students trickled into the classroom. As they entered Charlie would introduce himself and make awkward small talk. Charlie was nervous to say the least, but it helped knowing that Nick was also in the same boat.
“Special delivery!” A comforting voice entered the classroom holding a cup of coffee and a muffin. “You didn’t eat anything before we left and I figured you needed a pick me up so I got you this from the teachers lounge.”
“Nick, you didn’t have to.” It was a welcome surprise since he was panicking, looking over his lesson plans for the hundredth time.
“How’s your day going so far?”
“Well it’s just form right now so it hasn’t really started yet-” Charlie noticed a shy student standing behind Nick. “Oh I’m so sorry, how can I help you?”
“Are you Mr. Spring?” A confused student asked.
“Yes I am, and this is Coach Nelson. Welcome to form! What’s your name?” Charlie asked in his new found peppy teacher voice.
“Uh Simon” The boy looked around and smiled at the pride flag displayed. “Simon Ledger, year 10.”
“Yes Simon, I sat you over there next to Cayden Pierce, he’s a year 11. Only one year older and seems nice so you two should get along nicely.” Charlie gestured over to the corner table where Cayden sat.
“Thank you Mr. Spring”
“No problem, let me know if you need anything.” Charlie smiled seeing some of himself in the boy.
“Deja vu, am I right.” Nick laughed
Charlie watched as Simon took his seat with a familiar smile.
“Hi,” Simon grinned.
“Hi,” Cayden greeted back.
Charlie couldn’t help but chuckle at the sight. It seemed like forever and yesterday at the same time that Nick was sitting at that seat and it was Charlie who was approaching him. So much has changed since that day. “Yeah, deja vu.”