Chapter Text
When Nick opens the door, they are greeted by the sound of chatter and the clatter of crockery. ‘Tao, what is going on? Why are there people in my kitchen?’ Charlie asks, arms protectively tightening around Violet. ‘Calm down, I let them in. it started when Imogen was discharged and wanted to leave you guys some dinners. Tara may have overheard and suggested we all greet you when you came home. Even Tori and Oliver are here. We wanted to welcome Violet to our crazy gang and celebrate Charlie’s recovery.’ Elle calmly explained as Tao led them to the kitchen.
‘Oh, that’s sort of sweet. It’s nice to know my little girl is so loved.’ Charlie softly smiled down at his sleeping daughter. ‘Sort of? Charlie, of course we love her. Come on, you are my best friend and I feel honoured to call Violet my god daughter.’ Tao sighed before opening the kitchen door. ‘Oh Nick, Charlie, you are home.’ Isaac gasped as he turned around at the sink at the sound of the door. ‘Yeah, and so are you apparently.’ Nick chuckles, grabbing a tea towel and tossing it at Isaac so they could properly greet each other. ‘Right, yeah, I’m sorry we didn’t tell you. Darcy convinced us you would like the surprise.’ Isaac chuckled as he dried his hands then hugged Nick and Charlie in turn.
‘It’s good to see you. I was told my siblings are also here. They are the only important people left to meet Violet.’ Charlie says, passing Violet to Nick so he could properly hug his friend. ‘Yeah, Tori is watching tv and Oliver is helping Darcy wrap your presents.’ Isaac hummed into Charlie’s shoulder. ‘Presents? You really didn’t have to. You went above and beyond at the baby shower and its just nice to be home.’ Nick is quick to say. ‘We wanted to. You two have been through so much and deserve to be celebrated. Plus, its not everyday that your best friend has a baby.’ Elle chuckles before wheeling Charlie to his sister.
‘Oh she is so much cuter in softer lighting.’ Isaac softly chuckles, watching Violet snuggle into Nick’s chest. ‘Yeah, although I may be biased.’ Nick hums, eyes glued to his daughter’s face. ‘Nick, where should I put your bag?’ Tao asks still standing in the doorway, dropping the duffel to his feet. ‘The nursery would be great, thanks Tao.’ Nick briefly looks up to smile at Tao. ‘No problem.’ Ta says with a salute before heading upstairs, bag in hand.
‘How long has she been asleep?’ Isaac asks as he resumes the washing up. ‘About an hour. We fed her before we left the hospital. So, she will wake up hungry soon.’ Nick hums before kissing the top of Violet’s head. ‘I feel ya, Violet. Always have to snack at regular intervals.’ Isaac chuckles as he rinses the 5th mug of the day.
Once violet has been fed and the washing up has been done, Isaac and Nick join Tori, Elle and Charlie in the sitting room. Predictably Tori and Elle had helped Charlie to sit n the sofa and are watching RuPaul’s Drag Race. ‘Oh, what episode are you on?’ Nick asks as Elle jumps up to let Nick sit down. ‘I should check on Tao.’ Elle whispers before leaving. ‘It’s a repeat. But its from Charlie’s favourite season so…’ Tori hums, eyes glued to the screen as one of the queens styles her wig. ‘Charlie, are you ok?’ Nick asks when Nick gently nudging his leg causes Charlie is flinch. ‘Yeah, but I think the pain meds have fully warn off.’ Charlie hums, looking at his husband pleadingly with teary eyes.
‘Oh Char, why didn’t you say you were in pain earlier?’ Nick gently tusks. ‘Well, I’m enjoying being at home with Tori and our friends.’ Charlie tells his hands as he starts picking at his nails. ‘Charlie, just because we have a baby to look after, doesn’t mean I can’t look after uou too. I love you, remember.’ Nick chuckles, holding Violet under her arpits to bounce her on his lap as she starts fussing. ‘Oh my baby girl. We are so lucky to have daddy, you know.’ Charlie coos when he looks up at Violet’s attempt at giggling. ‘Hey Tori, would you mind holding Violet while I get Charlie’s meds? Nick asks, taking the muslin cloth off his shoulder.
Tori looks over, considers in for a few moments then shrugs. ‘I will be as quick as I can.’ Nick nods as he hands over Violet. ‘So, this is my daughter.’ Charlie nervously chuckles as Tori holds Violet at arm’s length and racks her eyes over her small form. ‘I see that.’ Tori dead pans, as she slowly brings Violet to her shoulder, holding her neck securely. ‘What do you think? Cute right?’ Charlie asks, turning the tv volume down. ‘I guess, she has the Spring hair.’ Tori hums. ‘I know, I’m not sure how as it was all Nick’s sperm but it’s cute so I’m not complaining.’ Charlie chuckles. ‘Ew, you are still my little brother. I don’t need to hear how my adorable niece was made.’ Tori recoils. ‘So, you do have a heart.’ Charlie beams. ‘Whatever.’ Tori half-heartedly scoffs as Violet settles againced her auntie.
Meanwhile in the freshly cleaned Nursery, Elle find Tao on the floor hugging a book to his chest. ‘Hey, are you alright?’ Elle softly says as she slowly approaches her boyfriend. ‘Charlie is leaving me.’ Tao sniffles. ‘Not this again. Babe, Charlie is downstairs if you want to hang out.’ Elle encourages, putting her hands gently on Tao’s while knuckles. ‘No Elle, he won’t be able to hang out with us anymore. Between his broken legs, Violet and finishing Uni, he just can’t. I get it, this is what he wanted. And I want my best friend to be happy. Of course I do. But I lobve him too. Of course, I will do my god father duties, but I want more then that.’ Tao sobs as hands over the book.
‘Our childhood memories. I’m glad it started at age 15, no one needs to see me at in a Trunam Uniform. Look, we aren’t school kids anymore. Nick is Charlie’s husband and co parent. But he still needs you. Nick will need a break from caring for his family, even if he denies that fact. Charlie will get bored of being stuck at home. It’s not like you and Charlie love to roller-skate or anything. And most cafés can accommodate a wheelchair.’ Elle chuckles, flicking through the photo album and pecking Tao’s cheek every time she finds a cute photo of him (so basically all photos of him).
‘I guess, what about you?’ Tao asks, whipping his tears on his sleeve. ‘What about me?’ Elle asks, putting the book down and shuffling closer. ‘All this: Marriage, a house, a baby?’ Tao nervously chuckles looking around the room, his eyes getting caught on a framed wedding photo of Nick, Charlie, Sarah and Tori on the wall. ‘I don’t know. I never thought about it much because after I came out not many people remained. Do you want this stuff?’ Elle hums, smiling as she follows Tao’s gaze. ‘Yeah, I think I do. My mum already loves you and I think you would make a great mum.’ Tao smiles as he turns towards her, so their faces are close enough to kiss. ‘Ok.’ Elle hums before leaning in to kiss him.
‘Wait, are you proposing?’ Tao says, putting his hands on her shoulders to pull away. ‘Do you want me to propose?’ Elle chuckles. ‘Isn’t the man supposed to do that?’ Tao says, quirking an eyebrow. ‘Stop it, our whole friend group is queer and that’s heteronormative bullshit. Fine, Tao Xu, will you marry me?’ Elle full on laughs, pulling Tao closer by the waist, photo album long forgotten. ‘Elle Argent, I would love m=nothing more.’ Tao says calmly and full of sincerity. Elle leaps to kiss Tao so she is in his lap. Tao’s hand reaching around on the floor until he finds a rouge rubber duck. ‘Until I find a rind that’s as beautiful as you.’ Tao beams as he holds up the duck, causing them both to burst of laughing at the ridiculousness of the situation.
When everyone has gathered downstairs, Oliver rushing to Sit of Nick’s other side and Darcy sitting on the floor next to Charlie and Violet. ‘So, this is my Neice?’ Oliver asks with his head on Nick’s shoulder as he watches Charlie coo at Violet. ‘Yeah, what do you think?’ Nick chuckled when Violet’s head lolls toward him. ‘She is so cute, I love her.’ Oliver beams when Charlie looks up to show his brother his smile. ‘Look Violet, that’s your Uncle Oli. Apart from me and daddy, he was the most excited for your arrival.’ Charlie chuckles, standing Violet on his legs so she could see the room of people better.
‘Hey, I literally persuaded these losers to throw you a baby shower.’ Darcy spoke up, reaching to paly with one of Violet’s feet. ‘Speaking of baby shower.’ Tara chuckled. ‘Nice segway.’ Isaac chuckled from over his book. ‘Thanks. So, we got you a few things. More for you and Charlie then Violet.’ Tara explains as she hands Nick two boxes. ‘Thank you, all of you. We are going to need all your support, more than expected.’ Nick said, smiling at all his friends in turn.
‘Open it, I don’t know what one of them is.’ Oliver chuckles, watching Nick expenctly. Nick opened the first bigger box as Charlie and Darcy continue to play with Violet. The box contains a golden retriever build a bear with a button on one of its paws. ‘What have you guys done?’ Nick asks as he inspects the toy and Oliver puts the box on the floor. ‘Just press the button.’ Elle playfully scoffs from Tao’s lap. So, shaking his head in disbelief nick presses the button. “Nick and Charlie! Congratulations on becoming dads! We all love you.” Tara and Darcy’s slightly muffled voices come from the toy. Charlie, Nick and Imogen burst into tears.
‘You guys! It even looks like Nick! Our little girl is so lucky.’ Imogen sobs until she realises what she just said. ‘Oh my god, that’s not what I meant. Nick and Charlie are Violet’s parents. I would never take her away.’ Imogen says frantically, whipping her tears in her sleeve. ‘Hey Imogen, we know. Your hormones are still wonky.’ Elle reassures her as Tara brings Imogen in for a hug. ‘What about the other present?’ Tori asks, watching Charlie fondly.
‘Oh, I helped Tao with this one.’ Oliver beamed, swapping the dog for the smaller box. Nick ruffled Oliver’s curls before opening it. ‘Yes! Cadbury’s gift box! I haven’t had chocolate in ages, I’ve been too nervous to want it.’ Charlie cheered, handing Violet to a surprised Darcy. ‘You really haven’t changed.’ Tao chuckles fondly as Nick hands Charlie a dairy milk bar and watches him devour it.
Once everyone but Imogen had gone home, Nick and Charlie conquer Violet’s first bedtime. Nick gave her a bath while Charlie and Imogen prepared the cot and found a few bedtime stories on the small shelf. Just as Charlie lowered the cot so he could reach, Nick entered the nursery carrying a damp Viloet wrapping in a yellow towel with a duck hood. ‘Oh, so adorable. I got her pjs in my lap.’ Charlie cooed as he turned his wheelchair around.
‘Where is Imogen?’ Nick asked as he dried and put Violet’s nappy on. ‘I sent her to bed. Every time she picked up a book, she yawned.’ Charlie softly chuckled as he handed over the cloud patterned baby grow. With violet dry and dressed, Nick gave her to Charlie for cuddles while he pulled up a chair. After a few books and replays of Nick’s class performing Blue Moon, Violet fell asleep in Charlie’s arms. They carefully tuck her in with the lilac blanket Tori gave them.
Once in their room, Nick lifts Charlie into his arms to gently place him on the bed. ‘Thank you darling. What a day we have had. I’m just glad to be back in my own bed.’ Charlie hums as he pulls up the covers, giving them a smell and watching Nick change out of his t-shirt that has a wet patch on the stomach. ‘I know, this is the rest of our lives now. We have a daughter.’ Nick hums as he climbs into bed. ‘Yeah, and now I’m a cripple just because I wasn’t looking where I was going.’ Charlie huffs into Nick’s chest.
‘That wasn’t you fault, and you are still an equal parent and partner in this family. The doctor says that you may be able to walk again with crutches. You are still my handsome husband.’ Nick hums, bringing Charlie closer and weaving his fingers in his curls. ‘I love you and our adorable daughter. I just don’t want to be a burden. You didn’t sign up to have to take care of your husband as well as our baby.’ Charlie looks up but his smile falls flat. ‘I love you too and it’s a pleasure to look after my family.’ Nick says, kissing Charlie’s head.