Chapter Text
Charlie found himself staring at the mirror again. His eyes darted up to the mess that was his hair and he found himself reaching up to try and flatten it. That was one habit he just couldn’t seem to get rid of, no matter what the length of his hair was.
“You ready?”
Charlie smiled without even realizing – even after all these years, that voice gave him butterflies. He turned, looking at the human equivalent of a golden retriever.
“Do you think my hair looks alright?” Charlie asked, with a lopsided smile.
“I think I need to cut it again; it’s getting quite long.” Nick replied with a slight chuckle, stepping closer to ruffle the black curls. Charlie’s smile faded a bit, and he glanced in the mirror again.
“Oh, Char. You know I’m just messing with you. It looks lovely.” By this time, Nick could tell in a split second when he’d made a mistake or a wrong comment. He pulled Charlie’s head closer to himself to plant a soft kiss on his forehead. “Though I think I would like to cut it again. Last time it came out fine, and this time I promise – no puppy casualties.”
The memory of Nick accidentally shaving off part of their puppy’s hair brought back a smile to Charlie’s face.
“We can think about it when we’re back and ready to be alive again.” Charlie laughed, attempting to hide his nerves – and failing, which was evident by the concerned, yet oddly comforting smile on his boyfriend’s face.
“Listen, I know David can be a dick, but he’s been getting better. I’m not saying you should forgive him or try to make nice, but he did invite us to his wedding. He’s still family, and I think he’s actually trying to be inclusive, you know?” Nick reasoned, bringing his hand up to Charlie’s cheek. His fingers slid behind his boyfriend’s ear, gently pulling him in for a kiss.
Charlie’s eyes closed as their lips met. He reached up to tangle his hand into Nick’s hair, deepening the kiss just a little bit more. He could feel another hand sneaking around his waist and, giving into the feeling of warmth surrounding him, let out a quiet moan against his boyfriend’s lips.
He could feel Nick smiling against him and pulled back only to be met with the brown eyes he fell in love with over four years ago. “You’re so cute.” Nick smiled, caressing Charlie’s cheek. Nick’s smile only got wider as he watched his boyfriend’s cheeks flush, turning a soft pink.
Charlie leaned in for another kiss, never having enough of the other’s body against him. Finally pulling away, Charlie sighed, giving a small smile. “I hope you’re right about David. I’m definitely surprised that you are defending him.” Nick shrugged, tilting his head ever so slightly to give Charlie the look that was lovingly dubbed the “puppy eye” smolder… And Charlie still hadn’t found the method to resist it.
“Fine, let’s go, then. At least now I can drink legally.” Charlie laughed. “Even if I still get carded every time I try to buy us wine.” Nick chuckled, pulling away but holding his hand out.
“Let’s go.”