Chapter Text
“Everyone will come to mine, then?” asked Elle. She’d invited everyone to her house on Saturday. “My parents are starting up the pool this weekend and we need to make as much use of it this summer as possible.”
“Well of course we will,” confirmed Darcy, “As long as we can bring drinks and crazy pool floats. I saw one shaped like a donut with pride flag sprinkles that I just need to get.”
It was the end of term. Everyone’s energy was high, between the nerves of final assignments and eagerness for summer vacation. Even Isaac was more talkative than usual. “I’m going to wear a different Hawaiian shirt to each party!” he grinned.
“Okay, I’ll see you all at about 1:00.” said Elle. “Maybe I’ll even make up some of my famous brownies.” The group chimed in with their additions: Crisps, Cadbury’s, even some fruit for good measure. “We’ll bring some cut up veg,” added Nick, glancing over at Charlie. He knew it might be hard for Charlie to eat, especially wearing pool party attire. It was things like this that made Charlie’s heart flutter. Nick was just so damn thoughtful. He seemed to anticipate what Charlie might need without even having to try.
* * *
Nick woke up on Saturday to a text from Charlie:
I feel a bit sick today.
As soon as he read it he sat up in bed. “Okay…tell me more about what you’re thinking,” he wrote, knowing that Charlie probably just needed to talk things out in order to build up a reserve of confidence.
Charlie: I just…I dunno. I woke up feeling anxious, even though I’m of course excited to see everyone…and to see you in a bathing suit. :)
Nick: Ha ha. It’s really just the same as me in rugby shorts. But I’ll take it. You’re changing the subject though.
C: Well…I mean, I don’t usually swim. Even dry and fully clothed I’m puny. When I’m wet I look like a steamed string bean.
Nick couldn’t help but giggle to himself at that image, despite the underlying hurt it revealed in Charlie.
N: First off, you’ll be the sexiest string bean anyone has ever seen. But second, these are your friends. They don’t care what you look like. If you had three extra fingers on each hand they’d still think you were the same amazing person that you are.
N: Plus, you can always keep your t-shirt on with your suit. Sun protection is cool these days.
Nick was giving one of his usual pep talks. He always managed to be both sincere and funny, and Charlie appreciated both.
C: You’re right.
C: Will you help me with the sun protection though? I mean, I might need help spreading sunscreen in some hard-to-reach places. ;)
N: Um, yes, of course!
C: Cool, then I’m good. Are you coming ‘round at 12:30?
N: I thought I might come before that so we can prep the vegetables. Is that okay? 🥕🫑
C: Sure, come whenever. I’ll just be here anyway. :) ❤️
At about 11:30, Nick started over to Charlie’s. Even though he was only about a 10 minute walk away, he took his mum’s car so they could drive to Elle’s. She lived in another part of town, a bit more posh, where the houses had front lawns and more than a few feet between them.
“Hi Nick,” welcomed Charlie’s mum when she opened the door. “Oh, well don’t you look summery!” Nick was wearing striped board shorts, a pastel blue t-shirt, flip-flops, and a brimmed canvas hat. If he weren’t such a strong rugby lad, he might’ve looked a bit like someone’s cool-but-nerdy dad.
As he stepped into the hall, Charlie appeared at the top of the stairs. “Hi!” he called down, smiling at the sight of his dear boyfriend in his summer getup. “Hi!” waved Nick even though one arm was holding a grocery sack and the other a duffle, no doubt filled with towels and other pool necessities.
Charlie padded down the stairs and smiled at his mom with raised brows as if to say, Okay, time for you to leave us, which she did. Charlie and Nick went into the kitchen.
“Let’s get to chopping so that we have a little time, uh, upstairs before we have to head out,” suggested Nick, looking at Charlie with a flirty sideways glance. Charlie giggled sweetly and squeezed Nicks forearm. “That sounds perfect.”
About half an hour later they were done. Charlie took Nick’s hand and led the way out of the kitchen and up the stairs. They walked into Charlie’s room, where he turned to close the door. “I thought your parents want us to keep the door open when we’re in here,” said Nick, quietly. “Yeah, but I need to decide what I’m wearing and Tori’s home. I can just say I needed some privacy,” offered Charlie with a slight smirk on his face. “I’m not going to argue with that!” smiled Nick, impressed by his boyfriend’s creativity.
The boys walked further into the room and paused, turning to one another. Even though they spent countless hours together—talking, hugging, wrestling, studying, kissing—they still got slightly nervous right before each new encounter. Simultaneously sliding their hands around each other’s waists and looking into one another’s faces, both said, “hi” and curved their mouths into soft, closed-mouth smiles. Then they touched noses.
“I’m so glad it’s summer. It means we’ll have more whole days together,” Charlie said with a sigh, resting his cheek on Nick’s chest. “Mmmhmmm,” breathed Nick, burying his nose in Charlie’s curls and wrapping his arms around him a little tighter. “We’re lucky, you know that?”
“Mmm,” Charlie hummed as he took deep breaths in and out. Standing like this with Nick was one of the best things in the world. “Can I kiss you now?” he asked, turning so his chin was on Nick’s chest and he was looking up at him. “Um, yes!” exclaimed Nick, immediately ducking his head slightly so their lips touched. Both took quick breaths in and their kiss got deeper. Nick’s hands moved from around Charlie’s waist to behind his head, his fingertips cradling the back and his thumbs resting right behind his ears. Charlie leaned into them, relaxing his neck muscles and allowing Nick to hold the weight of his head and control its movements. They continued like this, pressing closer and closer together until they nearly lost their balance.
“Oh!” “Whoa!” They laughed as they almost fell over. “You just make me feel off kilter, Nick Nelson,” joked Charlie, eliciting a huff from Nick. “You make me feel queer,” Nick quipped back.
* * *
When Charlie and Nick arrived at Elle’s, the party was already in full swing, even though it was only 1:30. That was how it always was with this crew. Everyone felt so relaxed with one another that there was no awkward small talk or standing around sharing niceties. Everyone just sort of jumped right in, picking up wherever their last conversations had left off.
And speaking of jumping in, there was Darcy, perched on the side of the pool with one arm above her head, the other pinching her nose. “Wahoo!” she yelled as she jumped in with a big splash. Tara was already in, arms draped over an inflated flamingo while she watched her girlfriend. Tao was sitting on the side, his feet and lower calves dangling in the deep end and his arms stretched behind him. He was talking with Isaac, who was sitting nearby on a chaise. A book was open but face down next to him.
“Hi everyone!” shouted Nick, waving enthusiastically. Heads popped up from the water or turned around, with everyone waving or shouting back. “Almost everyone is here now!” said Elle. “Does anyone know when Sahar will be here?” “She texted a few minutes ago saying she was on her way,” answered Charlie. “So, probably in about 20 minutes I’d say.” “Cool, thanks,” Elle responded, turning away and walking into the house, most likely to bring out more food.
Charlie and Nick walked through the grass and over to a spot near Isaac and Tao. “Hi you two,” smirked Isaac, who always greeted them with a tone that seemed to say I know you were just making out. “When he gets back, I’ll introduce you to my cousin. He’s visiting from Whales but is in the loo,” he said next. “Cool,” replied Charlie, “He’s brave to come and meet all of us at once!” Nick, Tao, and Isaac laughed. “Oh, we’ll indoctrinate him with our lovable brand of crazy right quick,” drawled Tao, only half joking.
In fact, it was true, thought Nick. Each time someone in their circle brought a new friend around, like Nick had with Sahar, they were welcomed with Tao’s sarcasm but also his charm, Elle’s wit, Tara’s patience, Charlie’s sweetness, Isaac’s quiet friendliness, and Darcy’s unbridled enthusiasm. These friends truly were as lovely as they come. For a moment Nick was lost in a bubble filled with those warm thoughts, but a moment later, he felt a spray of water. “Don’t just stand there, Nelson!” commanded Tao. “Show us what an athlete like you can do!”
Nick squinted his eyes, and turning a little red, he quickly pulled off his shirt, kicked off his flip-flops, and took a running jump into the pool—intentionally making a big splash right next to Tao, drenching him. “Oh, I see how it is!” shouted Tao, backing up from the edge and also taking a running jump. Water splashed everywhere. Isaac and Charlie looked at one another with raised brows and just laughed.
After about an hour of enthusiastic pool fun, everyone started climbing out. Wrapped up in towels or lying back on chaises, it seemed like everyone was pooped. “This moment calls for snacks, and lots of them!” enthused Darcy, looking over at the table where Elle had piled all the treats. “You don’t have to tell me twice,” said Tao, standing up and grabbing a plate. Elle joined him, sidling up and bumping his hip with hers. Tao rubbed her arm nonchalantly.
“They are just so cute,” commented Nick. “I love their dynamic.” “Their dynamic?” asked Isaac’s cousin, Owen. He was a year younger, having just finished year nine. “Yeah,” started Sahar. “They are inseparable. They’re best friends, but also have a flirty energy about them. They tease one another mercilessly, but it always ends with a meaningful glance or squeeze of the hand. You’ll see.” Owen looked over at Tao and Elle, who were indeed grinning at one another as they tried to stuff fruit slices into each other’s mouths.
“Is everyone here in a couple?” asked Owen, a bit sheepishly. “Oh, no!” Charlie responded quickly. He could just imagine being in Owen’s shoes, being younger and new to the group, hoping that he wasn’t going to feel like a fifth wheel. “I mean, Nick and I are together, and so are Tara and Darcy. But everyone else is, well, unattached.” He looked around. “Though who knows, summer romance is definitely a thing,” he smiled. “And no one is exclusionary, you know?”
Isaac chimed in. “We really just hang out as one big group. I don’t think anyone ever feels left to the wayside…at least, I don’t.” This made Charlie happy to hear. He did sometimes worry about how Isaac felt as a part of such a lovey-dovey crowd, even if they weren’t all actual couples. “Okay, cool,” Owen concluded, smiling. “Thanks for being so welcoming to me. I’m here for most of the summer and you all seem like a lot of fun.” With that, Isaac put his arm around Owen’s shoulders and gave him a little sideways hug.
By 5:00 the air was getting cooler. The poolside chairs had been moved into a circle and everyone was chatting amiably. “I’m sort of hungry for like, real food,” announced Nick. “Anyone else?” Nick was always up for a meal, but he didn’t want to seem greedy since everyone had already contributed loads of snacks. “Oh definitely,” agreed Elle. “We could do some grilling outside if people want, or I could order pizzas or whatever. And after we eat, how about a film?” At the mention of a movie, Tao perked up. “Yes, yes! Let me choose!” he begged, looking around. There was some groaning. “Only if you vet your ideas with us first,” said Tara. “Well of course,” Tao snickered, “It’s not like I’m a film tyrant or anything.” Everyone laughed.
“Okay, grill or pizza?” asked Elle. After some discussion the group settled on pizza because it seemed quicker and easier to eat during a movie. While Elle went inside to place the order, Sahar, Isaac, and Owen started carrying what was left of the snacks into Elle’s lounge. Tara and Darcy, in between flirty swats at one another’s bums, started straightening the chairs and piling up the pool floats.
“I’d really like to put on regular clothes,” said Charlie, turning to Nick. “I’m getting cold.” “Aw, come here,” said Nick, extending his arms and inviting Charlie in for a warming cuddle. “This is lovely, Nick,” continued Charlie from the embrace, “but I really do think I need a sweater, or your jumper? Maybe even some blankets.” Nick smiled to himself, not surprised that his boyfriend wanted to bundle up. Charlie definitely ran colder than Nick, but he also really liked to be cozy. And Nick did love to see Charlie wrapped up in blankets, just like he had on their first “friendly” movie-watching night.
“You are a bit shaky, aren’t you?” Nick noticed that Charlie was starting to shiver. “Why don’t we start by heading inside. Maybe a hot shower would also help? We can ask Elle if there’s a bathroom her family wouldn’t mind us, er, you using.” Charlie lifted his head from Nick’s shoulder and stopped shivering for a moment as a sense of warmth spread over his neck. Had Nick just suggested they shower together? His breath caught and they stood motionless for a moment. Then Nick cleared his throat. “Um, I’ll collect up our stuff.” He let go of Charlie somewhat abruptly, looked down, then started gathering their bags, shoes, and towels. Charlie looked at him wide eyed for a moment, then turned to walk inside. It seemed like Nick needed a minute to collect not only their stuff, but himself, too.
Once inside, Charlie was greeted with the familiar din of his friends’ laughter and conversation. He scanned the room for Elle, who was taking out dish ware with help from Sahar. He walked over. “Elle, do you think I could take a shower upstairs? I’m really cold and Nick thought it might help.” “Ohhhh….Nick thought that, did he?” Elle fluttered her eyelashes. “What a thoughtful boyfriend.” “It’s not like that,” Charlie sputtered. “Well, okay, maybe it is? But truthfully I’m freezing and just want to get warm.” Elle looked at Sahar and set down the plates she was holding. “I’ll be right back,” she indicated, “Do you mind bringing these into the lounge?” “No problem,” said Sahar, smiling at Charlie with a small, almost imperceptible laugh.
Elle led Charlie toward the hall and pointed up the stairs. “First door on your right off the landing,” she instructed. That’s my bathroom. Help yourself to anything you need. There are clean towels in the cupboard across from the sink. “Thank you so much,” said Charlie, as the goosebumps on his arms got more and more visible. Quickly, he climbed the stairs and went into the bathroom. As he was shutting the door, he heard Elle say, “Nick, I just sent Charlie upstairs for a shower, if you’d like to join him.” She emphasized the second bit, and Charlie could feel himself blush. A second later he heard footsteps on the stairs. He left the door ajar.
“Charlie?” Nick knocked lightly on the door, and finding it wasn’t closed all the way, pushed it in slightly. Peeking his head in just a touch, he found Charlie standing just inside, looking at him. “Hi,” said Charlie, a bit of shyness in his voice. “Hi,” returned Nick, suddenly feeling shy as well. “Do you need anything? I’m glad Elle said you could shower.” “I think I’m okay,” said Charlie. “Oh, okay, good,” Nick offered, trying to hide a pang of disappointment. Sensing this, Charlie opened the door a bit more and took Nick’s hand. “Hey. Come in for a sec,” he said, pulling Nick in and closing the door behind him. Nick suddenly felt his cheeks warm and widened his eyes.
“Nick, uh, were you thinking that we would shower together? Because,” Charlie huffed out some air. “That sounds amazing...” He paused, Nick’s eyes growing as big as saucers. “But,” Charlie continued, squeezing both of Nick’s hands now. “I just…I just…I just don’t know that this is the right place. Here, at Elle’s, with everyone downstairs? And like, there’s the whole being totally naked thing.” Charlie looked down at his feet, and Nick’s. Despite feeling uneasy, he found a tiny space in his brain and thought to himself, wow, even Nick’s feet are attractive. He was quickly brought back to where he was by Nick thumbing the top of his hands.
“Don’t worry, Char,” Nick began. “There is definitely a part of me that, yes, was thinking that, but totally, I agree with you.” Charlie blushed. “Oh, okay,” he started, feeling a wave of insecurity that shown in his eyes. Nick realized he should clarify. “I agree with you about not really having privacy, I mean. In terms of being naked, I’m into that part!” He smirked. “But um, yeah, when we have more time and we feel comfortable.” Charlie relaxed. He didn’t know why he often felt concern when talking with Nick. Time and time again he was overwhelmed with how understanding, supportive, and kind Nick was. And yet, he still felt his insecurities creep in. It was something to work on, to be sure.
After a few quiet breaths, Nick moved a hand to Charlie’s cheek. “There will be a time and place for all of these things, I have no doubt,” he said with care in his voice. And then with a bit of excitement, “And I’m looking forward to it all. For right now, though, I just want you to warm up and meet me downstairs when you’re ready. I’ll gather all the blankets I can find and wrap you in them post haste!” Nick smiled one of his tilted grins, then leaned in to kiss Charlie on the opposite cheek from his hand. He lingered, and Charlie took the opportunity to turn his head so their lips could meet. It was a sweet, slow kiss, one that started Charlie on the road to feeling warmer. And with that, Nick stepped away, found the door, and moved out of it backwards, saying, “Enjoy your shower. I’m sure Elle has loads of good-smelling stuff.” He closed the door, and Charlie smiled to himself as he slid open the shower and turned on the spigot.