Chapter Text
“Nick, love! Let’s go! We’re gonna be late!”
“I’m coming! I’m coming!”
His hands were shaking, fumbling as he buttoned his dress shirt. Today’s the day. He’s marrying Charlie Spring. The one and only.
His Charlie Spring.
“Cmon sweetheart, you can’t be late on your own wedding! They might think you’ve ran off!”
He stepped out of the loo with a mild affronted face, “Mum?! You know I won’t do that to anyone—especially not to Charlie!”
“Yes, I know, I know—” her expression softened upon laying eyes on him, rustling forward to cup his cheeks. “Oh, my baby boy.”
Nick grunted, “Mum, I’m 34, I’m hardly a baby.”
“Ach, I don’t care if you’re 80–you’re still gonna be my baby!”
He smiled, realising that he’ll forever be doted upon by his mother.
“You’re getting married!”
“I know, mum! I’m a bit nervous, to be honest.”
“Are you getting cold feet, love?”
“No! No!” he replied eagerly. “Of course not, no. I’ve never been more ready in my whole life—it’s just…I’m scared of being a husband, I don’t know how to be a husband, mum. And what if I turn out like…him?” he asked with a shaky voice.
Having an absent father growing up takes a toll. It’s unpleasant to say the least. Had Nick’s father been dead, he’d understand. But he’s alive, he just chose not to be there.
She pursed her lips, taking his hand with hers and gave him a sincere smile. “Now you listen to me, sweetheart. He may be your father but you’re not him—far from it. He’s a vile cretin and you’re nowhere near that. You turned out to be the sweetest boy any mother could ever ask for.”
“Thanks, mum. For everything. I’m only like this because of you.”
Still, he grew up to be the man he is now. Despite the lack of a father figure, he managed. He had his mum, and that was more than he needed.
His personal hero. The one who believed in him. The person who accepted him—a queer rugby lad. It doesn’t matter if he didn’t believe in himself, as long as she did. So, if his mum says he can, he knows he can.
Sarah Nelson is twice the man that his father could never be.
“I wish your grandparents were here to see this. Our Nicky getting married.”
“I miss them too, mum.” he whispered, letting go of his mum’s hand to wipe the tears on her cheek.
Sarah cleared her throat, swatting him slightly on the chest. “Now, now! We can’t keep Charlie waiting.”
—
CHARLIE
The concept of a soulmate was something that’s alien to Charlie. Maybe because he’s never felt a connection with anyone before that would come close to the idea of a soulmate. But when he met Nick, Charlie had begun to see all the positive things in life. Even before they became boyfriends, even before they told each other how they felt, even before he knew that Nick was in love with him too.
He saw the positive side of life—the side that would make you wanna live it to the fullest instead of living only because you’re required to do it. And with Charlie’s experience living the opposite, he thought that Nick might as well have been a blessing from the gods, given to him to balance out the shittiest things that happened in his past.
Today was the day he was about to honour his promise.
Together with his family and their closest friends, today, Nick and Charlie will start the promise of forever.
He stood in front of the mirror, a question he’d like to answer but not really, was starting to creep up on his head.
“D’you think if we invited them, they’d come?”
“We’re supposed to be happy today.”
“It’s a hypothetical question, Victoria.”
“Hypothetically, Charles—”
“Don’t mock me.”
Tori went over to stand beside him in front of the mirror. “Honestly, mum…she’s too much pride to go. But dad would probably come.” she turned her to face him, pinning the daisy boutonniere on his suit. “Did you want them to be here?”
He thought about it for a brief moment, “No…not really. Don’t see the point in having them here. Though I think it would’ve been nice if things were different, y’know. If she wasn’t like that, perhaps we’d be a nice, proper family or something like that.”
“I suppose.” Tori mumbled, “Do you regret leaving when you did?”
“Maybe a little? I don’t know—it’s just…there’s this thing inside my head that’s like asking ‘what ifs’ — what if I gave her a chance to explain, would I have understood? Or what if things went like this instead of that, would we all end up like this?”
“I’d lie to you if I said that stuff like those haven’t crossed my mind over the last few years. Perhaps a little bit of me wants to understand why she’s like that, but she’s never told us anything, not one bit about herself. But Dad loves her, which got me thinking that maybe there was something there once, I guess it just wasn’t for us.”
There was a moment of silence between them, Charlie could swear he heard a pin drop at some point. Today was supposed to be a good day, a happy one. Yet, he still finds himself stuck in a cycle of dealing with a little baggage on some days.
Old habits die hard.
The most dangerous things in life are the questions you want answered, and those are the same questions that can’t be answered in any way—not google, not even AI can. Just questions that has no possibility of being resolved. Not unless you acquire a time machine.
Tori was the first to break the silence with a question. “Would you find it in your heart to forgive her if she asked?”
“She mucked up with us, Victoria. And still, I didn’t hate her when she was horrible to me, it was fine, I blamed myself more than I did her. She did you wrong, and me. I can forgive her for that, for what she did to me. She never should have done it to you in the first place—but still, I can find myself forgiving her for that. But not what she did to Olly. She did us wrong, that’s two—why couldn’t she learn from that? Why Olly too?”
A part of him always thought that maybe he deserved the treatment from her mum, that she was in fact, right. That Charlie was—is a horrible son. He hated himself, more than he hated her.
After all, a son shouldn’t be afraid to voice out to his mother. Still, he sort of blamed himself for not getting the help he very much needed then. Yet, at the same time, if he’d felt safe with her, then maybe he would’ve. But he didn’t. He didn’t feel safe telling her. He didn’t even flat out tell his sister, she just knew. Tori knew, she saw him behind the curtains, behind the masks, but how could his own mother not?
“Tell me, c’mon. Where is this really coming from? Why now?” Tori asked with conviction. Even now, even now she just knows.
“Marriage is different. What if…this changes things between me and Nick?”
Tori pursed her lips, “You really believe that, huh?” she asked with a low voice. Charlie only nodded. “What if I do something that’ll make him regret marrying me?”
He wants to marry Nick, of course, more than anything in the world. Yet it doesn’t change the fact that he’s terrified of the changes it may bring.
“You do see the way he looks at you right? That boy is so smitten with you. He looks at you like you’re the sun. And he doesn’t care how bright you are, he’s never gonna stop staring—even if it meant his eyes will burn if he doesn’t take his eyes off you.” she paused, seeming to let Charlie sink her words in. “Now, tell me. What could you possibly do that’ll make a man who’s willing to burn his eyes just to look at you—what? Leave you?”
“I… Thank you.” was all he could say. Cos he had no answer to that. He can’t come up with anything, even if he tried, even if he racked the tiniest corners of his brain. Tori smiled with pride as she held Charlie’s gaze, seemingly satisfied that she’s drilled the truth in him.
“I’m proud of you. Always. Alright?”
“Careful sister, your humanity is showing.” he quipped. Tori only rolled her eyes in response. “I’m proud of us.”
“We’re happy today. We never have to think about her again.”
Charlie nodded his head slightly, a sly smile forming in his lips. At that moment, right there, he decided to focus on what he has—his siblings and his friends, the found family that never made him feel unworthy.
More importantly, he focused on what he’s about to get, in a few minutes time. A husband—Nick. He’s getting married to Nick. The warmth from the thought immediately spread into his entire body.
He decided then, that his dreaded past shouldn’t get in the way of his happiness—not anymore. He’s decided to leave the trauma of his past behind, right where it should be—in the past.
He has a sister. He has a brother. He’s got a Michael. He’s got a daughter. He’s got his bestfriends in the entire world.
He’s got Nick.
“Now that’s all settled, let’s get you married little brother.”
“I’m glad you and Michael are giving me away.” he paused, eyes scanning the room. “Hang on, where is Michael?”
Tori tutted, “Having a row with his bird-nest somewhere. He’s got this style gel or something—to keep it in place.”
“Since when did he care about his hair?”
“Well, he’s banging on about the wind, says he doesn’t want it to be all over the place. Apparently, it’ll ruin the wedding photos.”
“That’s…thoughtful?”
“Ah, that’s Michael for you. Did Nick tell you he cried when Nick came to ask for our blessing?”
“Did he now?! That’s news to me.”
—
KATIE
If she was asked to name the most magical moment in her life, she wouldn’t even take a second to say what it was.
Her fathers’ wedding.
It’s a lovely spring destination wedding—on the Scottish Highlands, on the Neist Point, overlooking a cliff and water, not to mention a very breathtaking view. It was mesmerising, to be there and witness the perfect event that she ever went to.
The Isle of Skye wasn’t the main attraction for today though; The most important bit of this occasion wasn’t the beautiful sunset that’s meant to happen in a few hours, not even the highlands itself, no—it was the union of two people who love each other dearly.
She’s the ring bearer—much fitting for it was her that made it all possible. Katie might be a child—younger when her dada and papa met, but she was there, and she remembers. All the drum lessons with Charlie, her dada smiling as he baked cupcakes for Charlie. Her dada being as excited as her to go see Charlie.
She’s never seen people as much in love with each other as her dads. They’re the perfect symbol of pure and eternal love.
At twelve, she’s still too young to think about being in love with someone. Still too young to think about the future. But if she had, she knows exactly what she wants when she grows up. To be able to have someone loving her as much as she loves them, to have a love like her parents share. Though nothing can top her parents’ love for each other, she still wishes to have something like theirs.
Katie smiled at everyone as she walked down the aisle, carrying the rings as they rest on a pillow atop her palms. It was a small party—just the few significant people in their lives.
Olly gave her two thumbs up, grinning widely like he always does. Elle looked like a fae, pointing her camera at Katie as she smiled. Isaac stood in front of the arch she helped design—tasked to officiate the wedding. Tara and Darcy sat on his right, playing the most beautiful tune she’s ever heard.
It was a familial wedding—even her mum—Cassie was there, giving her a soft and proud smile that Katie gave back, a silent and genuine thank you for what she’d done. Cos she understood what her mum did, that it was for her. Cos even after her dads fully adopted her, she continued being there after she got better.
Katie has three parents that loves her more than anything in the world.
She stood in her place, joining the others as they watched Tao, who also beamed a smile at everyone before taking his spot in the right as the best man.
Then the music changed, a not so traditional music, just a lovely rendition of a music Katie’s never heard of.
Nick came first, with Sarah by his side. He wore a simple light brown suit and a darker brown bowtie, a glinting smile in his face. He stopped in front of Katie, giving her a kiss on the cheek, then doing the same to Sarah before he walked over on the left side of the makeshift altar.
Charlie was the next to walk the aisle, with Tori and Michael accompanying him. He wore a simple black suit with a black tie, also wearing a satisfied smile in his face. They walked over as the music played, Charlie’s eyes on Nick’s, and Nick’s eyes on Charlie. There were tears shed, but happy ones. Katie smiled as Charlie halted by her side, also giving her a kiss on the cheeks.
The music has stopped, but Katie could still hear the angels sing as Nick and Charlie stood in front of everyone. Never mind the backdrop, they were the most amazing thing in the whole vicinity. Two people who love each other dearly. Two people standing in front of everyone they love. Two people who are about to promise to stay together forever.
Isaac smiled at everyone, “Dearly beloveds, I’m happy to welcome you as we witness the union of Nick Nelson and Charlie Spring. Normally, this is the part where the vicar—in this case, the officiant, asks if anyone would like to object to this wedding. But I won’t—because there is no way I’d let anyone stop this wedding from happening.” he paused as the giggles came.
“We all know how much they love each other—as evident from how much of that love is on the air, and the smiles I can see from everyone’s faces. Although there was a time that this wasn’t possible—when they both thought that the other couldn’t have possibly like them back. Some of us here were witnesses to that—we watched them steal glances when the other wasn’t looking, we saw how they looked at each other so fondly—it was painful to watch and incredibly obvious, but not to them apparently.”
“I think I can speak for everyone who was there the night they first met. They just stared at each other for like three whole minutes, and sparks just instantly flew everywhere. I saw how Nick looked at Charlie the whole night—how he glared at a guy when he was hitting on Charlie. And when Nick wasn’t looking, Charlie’s eyes were also on him. He looked at Nick like his first thought wasn’t to murder him—and I’ve known Charlie for years, so that means something.”
“From that moment on, I knew. I just knew that somehow, someday, that they will end up here, in an altar, in front of the people they love.” Isaac paused, his eyes darting from Nick and to Charlie, “Now, I’ll stop talking and let the grooms say their vows.”
Katie took that as her cue to stand in front of her parents, holding the rings in her hand. Nick held out his hand to take the mic from Isaac, his other still holding Charlie’s, “Hi. People usually write their vows, but I thought I’d rather say this from the bottom of my heart.”
Nick continued, “There are no words that could sum up how I feel about you, so as long as I’m alive, I’ll continue doing my hardest to show that to you instead. That night when I told you how I really feel, I was so scared that I’ll lose you, so scared of my feelings getting in the way of our friendship. Then I realised that it would hurt more seeing you be with someone who wasn’t me. We both took risks that night and I’m so glad we did, because this is the most amazing thing that could have happened. You are the best thing that’s ever happened to me, Charles. I know I’ve said this countless of times before, but I’ll never stop, cos it’ll never not be true. I’m so lucky to have met you, and I’m the luckiest man alive to have the privilege of being your husband.”
“If there’s one thing I’m certain of, it’s you. And believe you me, I’ve never been really sure of anything in my life. I can admit now, that when we met, I saw our future together. In fact, I planned our whole life together. With your enticing blue eyes, those curls, your lips—everything about you drew me in. If people asked me how I fell for you, I can’t tell them an exact answer cos there’s too many. But I can tell them when I knew. That laugh. I knew I loved you before I even met you, maybe I dreamed you into life, cos you’re just so perfect. I loved you then, I love you now, and I will be in love with you forever.”
“Emily Dickinson once said that forevers are composed of nows; and now, Charles Francis Spring, I make a vow. That I will spend forever with you. You brought colour into my life, one that I can’t ever see with anyone else. Eternity is nothing but one word, and though it may sound long, the length of it doesn’t matter. All I know, and all I want, is to spend that eternity with you. So, from here on out, I will love and honour you, ‘til death do we part. Whatever fate brings, I promise that in every universe, in every timeline, in every world, in this life, and the next, and the next, and the one after that—I’d find you and love you in every single one of them.”
Nick gave Charlie a smile, wiping the tears on his cheek before turning to Katie. She’s taller now, even at twelve, which is why Nick no longer needed to crouch down, only bending a little bit to give her a wink as he took the ring.
There was a bit of a pause in things; Katie could hear the muffled sniffles behind her, but all she could focus on was the happiness happening in front of her—her parents, who obviously wanted to kiss each other at the very moment. She could only imagine the restraint going on inside them.
It was Charlie’s turn to say his vows, taking the mic from Nick’s hand. Katie saw the not-so-subtle blush in both their cheeks as their fingers touched. They’ve been together for as long as she can remember, and not once did she ever see them falter from blushing, even from the slightest and simplest things. It’s the most beautiful thing ever.
“For a long time, I was extremely lost, always running away from something—I’ve been running for as long as I can remember, not even sure from what. All I did was run and run and run, like there was something terrible chasing after me. I had my friends and siblings, but still, I never felt like I belonged anywhere—so I just kept running and I never stopped. It wasn’t until I met you that I realised—I wasn’t running away, I never have. I was just running towards you, like a lost rolling stone trying to find its way home.”
Charlie continued, “To be honest with everyone here, I never expected to be on this side of the altar. I always thought I’d be there,” he pointed at Tao’s location, “just the best man at Tao’s wedding…and it wasn’t because I didn’t believe in marriage, I just didn’t think anyone would want to marry me. I was a dreamer, until I wasn’t. I just stopped believing, I stopped dreaming, ‘til you came, my own prince charming. Couldn’t believe my luck—still can’t actually, but here we are. I’m not one to look at the bright side of things, but Nick, you’re the bit of magic in my life.”
Charlie paused with a smile, head turning towards the guests and then back to Nick. “So, here, in front of our daughter, family, and friends, I stand with a solemn vow—that I, Charles Francis Spring, will love and honour you, Nicholas Luke Nelson, until the very last breath of air leaves my lungs. When the last black of my hair turns grey, ‘til the last of my strong bones ache, when my back is no longer straight—I’d still be by your side. Until the last beat of my heart, I will love you. But even if I’m bones and one with the Earth, I’d still be in love you—cos nothing, not even death, could stop me from loving you.”
Charlie’s fond smile towards Nick lasted for a minute, and after, he turned to Katie to get the ring. Although before that, he’d reached forward to cup her cheeks first, Katie tilting her head to the touch, her gaze meeting his as she smiled at her father.
She watched as Charlie slid the ring on Nick’s ring finger. She watched them as they never let the other’s hand go, only holding it much tighter.
“Then, by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and husband. You may seal your vows with a kiss.”
Katie beamed with pride as her dads kissed each other, not minding that it’s her parents. They held each other so lovingly, treating one another as though the other was the most fragile thing in the entire universe.
It was a kiss that sealed their promise with each other, a sweet one—certainly not gross. She discarded the pillow, throwing it on the ground somewhere before bringing her hands together to clap. The applaud from her, and everyone else echoed in her ears.
—
CHARLIE
The venue for the celebration was down the Dunvegan Castle. The spring weather, even up in Scotland wasn’t biting cold, so a tent was set up out the grounds of the Castle’s Garden, to not waste the view that comes with the place.
The whole garden was littered with lights, with just enough tables for the guests to eat and sit on. Nick and Charlie were on the centre, sat on top of the makeshift platform.
There was a table in their corner that housed a simple three-tiered crème brûlée cake made by Sarah, while the gifts were clattered on the bottom.
As most newlyweds do, Nick and Charlie shared their first cake, shared their first wine, and shared their first dance to Tara and Darcy’s music.
Everything was so simple, yet so elegant.
It was everything Charlie’s ever dreamed of, and more—to be married to the love of his life.
If his fifteen-year-old self were told that one day, this would happen, that he’d meet a man so sweet, and that this man would love him, and that he would go out of his way to make Charlie feel it, and that he’d marry that man—that Charlie would laugh in his face, not believing a word of it.
Yet, here he was now, a new version of Charlie—one that is ready to welcome a life that he actually dreamed of before.
He locked eyes with Nick, an understanding passed between them. Charlie thought about how much he loves Nick, and Nick sends him a smile, Charlie only hoped that he was thinking the same thing. Charlie realises he’s got a lifetime to spend with the man next to him—his husband.
A silverware clanging took his eyes off Nick, turning towards the sound, as did everyone. Tao held a champagne glass in his left hand, while the other dropped the spoon on the table next to him.
“I’d like to get everyone’s attention please,” Tao cleared his throat, “As Charlie’s best friend, and best man, I welcome you all today… When I was asked to do a best man’s speech, I expressed to Charlie how extremely honoured I was. Charlie said earlier that he only saw himself as a best man at my wedding, but not a groom himself. Well, Charlie—I’m here to say that this speech was long written the instant we became friends, cos I always knew I was gonna be his best man one day. I have always believed that someone out there is man enough to love and take care of my best friend—and here we all are, proving that I was right.”
“I’ve been friends with Charlie since I was eleven, and I’ve been told I was too overprotective of him, but I only do that because I can’t bear to have him be hurt. Through every milestone in each other’s life, we were there for each other. I felt responsible for protecting him and he hated that—but sorry not sorry, Charlie, I can’t control how horrible people were, so I felt like I had to be a strong shield for you.” Tao paused as he looked at Charlie, before turning back to everyone. “As we’ve established how long Charlie and I have known each other, suffice to say, I’ve never seen him happier when he met you.”
“Nick, I’m gonna be nice to you but only once—so don’t let this get into your head.” Tao mused, earning a giggle out of everyone, including Nick. “Out of every shit boyfriends, you were the one that I didn’t mind, Nick Nelson. So I’m not even gonna ask you to not hurt Charlie, because I already know that you’ll die before you let anything happen to the man we both love. With you, now as his husband, gives me security that he’s in safe hands. I know he’s loved very much and cared for by you.”
Charlie felt Nick’s hand squeeze his, so he squeezed back. Tao’s tough love act is actually very adorable, Nick knows it too. Over the years, they’ve gotten closer, a banter here and there. Tao will never outwardly admit it though, but he loves Nick too—and no one dared to point it out, ever, for fear that Tao will start to withdraw his erm, affections.
Tao raised his glass, motioning for everyone to follow, “To the newlyweds!”
“Hear, hear!”
NICK
“Good morning, husband.”
“Mhm.” Charlie mumbled in reply, but a smile was on his lips. Nick took him in, the morning air evident on his whole being. Charlie opened his eyes, and Nick met his blue with his hazel ones.
It’s been more than ten years since he first woke up next to Charlie, but the feeling of happiness never changed. He was still giddy with excitement, even after all those years.
“When I’m old and I can no longer see, I just know that I’ll still be able to feel you next to me. And I’d smile, because waking up next to you is downright amazing. I’m ten years older now, and I still feel like I’m twenty-eight again, doing this for the very first time.” he whispered in a low voice, enough for Charlie’s ears to hear.
“That just comes naturally to you, doesn’t it?” Charlie beamed with a wide smile, “D’you wanna know what I see when I close my eyes?”
Nick nodded his head.
“You,” he muttered, placing his hand on Nick’s cheek. “When I’m senile and alzheimer-y, the only thing I’d never forget is you. You’re a tough person to forget, and no memory disease could take you away from me. I’d forget my own name, but not you. Never you.”
Nick prides himself in being sweet. He’s good with words, really good. He makes an effort everyday to tell Charlie that, with sappy words and other stuff. But when it’s Charlie who says stuff like that, Nick forgets all the word he’s ever learnt and just swoons.
To be fair, when Charlie Spring speaks, Nick Nelson almost forgets to function. When Charlie Spring so much so as breathes, Nick just forgets to blink.
If he’s asked to pick one thing and is only ever allowed to stare at said one thing for the rest of his life—he’d pick Charlie’s face. It’s the one thing he’d never tire of seeing. He could stare at Charlie’s face all day, and still want to stare at it for another day, and another, and the next, and the next.
If Charlie Spring was a drug, then he’s an addict. And he’d refuse rehab, just so he wouldn’t lose Charlie.
“I love you, Charles.” said Nick in a low voice, still staring intently into Charlie’s eyes.
“I love you, Nicholas.” he replied, still caressing Nick’s cheeks. Charlie leaned forward to gave him a chaste kiss. “Remember what I said during my vow?”
“I remember everything, but do go on, dear husband.”
“I told you that I was running towards you, cos you’re my home Nick. There’s no physical place on this Earth, or any other world that I could call home. Cos my home is, and will always be you.”
“And you are mine.” Nick smiled at him with content.
He has the entire world in his hands. After all, what else could he ask for if he’s got Charlie in his life.
CHARLIE
He settled the plates on the sink as they finished supper. They’re currently discussing university and Katie’s banging on about how she’s excited for the first day, the dorms, and the parties that comes with all of it.
Katie was all smiles until Nick drops a banger. All Charlie wanted to do was laugh, cos it was far too hilarious, really.
“You’re not allowed to have a boyfriend.”
“What?! Dad!” Katie protested.
Charlie listened to them intently, quite satisfied to not be in the conversation. See, Katie’s meant to leave for uni next week and Nick’s pretty adamant to shield her from any boy.
Nick crossed his arms. “I said what I said.”
“I’m about to go to uni—aren’t I meant to have fun there?”
“You can have fun without a boyfriend, can’t you?”
“Honestly?! Papa, help me out here?” Katie asked as he turned to Charlie for support.
“I think…you should listen to your dad but FYI,” Charlie paused, facing Nick with a smirk. “My uni fun included boys.”
“Oh my god! Papa, that’s gross!”
“You asked for my help sweetheart.” he replied with a shrug.
Katie was visibly mortified. Nick, on the other hand was glaring at him, quite with the murderous intent too. Charlie only laughed at their reactions.
“No.” Nick muttered firmly. “There will be no boys, no snogging, no shagging. None.”
“Dad!”
“Kayleigh Christien Spring-Nelson. No snogging any boys.”
“Fine! I’ll snog girls, then!” she challenged, hands on her hips, which made Nick’s eyes go comically wide.
Charlie is heavily amused to say the least. He put a hand on his mouth to stop his laughter from escaping.
“What!”
“You said no snogging boys, you didn’t say anything about snogging girls.”
“You’re not gay?!” Nick exclaimed, a bit unsure.
“Why, dad, that is quite homophobic. Isn’t it papa?”
“It is quite homophobic, darling.” Charlie replied, wiggling his eyebrows at Nick.
“It’s not—how—I’m literally bi!”
Nick looked shocked and really just lost. Although, this is a rather usual scenario in the Spring-Nelson household—Katie and Charlie riling Nick up.
He will miss Katie when she goes away for university, also a bit worried that she’ll have too much fun. He’ll miss the moments where they team up against Nick just to watch him squirm. He’ll miss the breakfasts, lunches, and suppers that they all spend together everyday.
But Katie’s growing up, despite them asking her a few years ago not to grow up quickly. To be fair, even at a young age, she was already a grown up.
Still, he feels the need to protect their daughter, though not as much as Nick’s—who’s being a tad overprotective, perhaps too much.
He knows all too well about having an overprotective parent, and he doesn’t want history to repeat itself. So he desperately wants to diffuse the situation and put a little sense into his husband.
Charlie scoots next to Nick, rubbing his arm as he gestures to their daughter. “Look at her, love. She’s growing up. Don’t you think she deserves our trust?”
“Of course I trust her,” Nick said to him, before turning to Katie, gesturing her to come close. “I trust you, alright? It’s the boys I don’t trust—uni boys are vile creature. I just want you to be safe, and far away from them.”
“I get that, dad. Really. But you know, not all boys are like that—look at you and papa. I bet there are nice boys at uni, lounging in the library. You know what I mean?”
Charlie huffs a laugh as Nick’s face turn visibly red, a low grumble emerging from his throat.
“Alright, alright!” Katie raised her arms in surrender, but still giggling at Nick’s reaction. “I promise I won’t snog boys—”
Nick cut her off, “Or girls, or anyone. No snogging til you’re thirty!”
“Dad?!”
“Nick!”
“Fine! Til twenty-five then.”
Katie groaned. “I promise I’ll behave at uni. I’m not gonna get pregnant, you’re not gonna be grandparents yet. How’s that for compromise?”
“Alright, I’m okay with that.” Nick replied.
Charlie sent a wink towards Katie, who smiled widely. They both know that snogging will be inevitable, especially at uni. Charlie’s not too worried cos he knows she’ll be responsible. Plus, he knows that boys will be intimidated with her enough to even say hi.
They raised her to be a wonderful girl, and Charlie’s certain that she can hold her own.
This family is everything to Charlie. A complete, happy, and loving family. It was something he or Nick didn’t have growing up, but they made sure to give that to Katie.
He got what he wanted all along.
He found home.