Work Text:
Charlie is sitting at the reception desk and booting up the computer when Nick from HR arrives. As always, Charlie’s heart skips a beat when he sees him.
“Hi,” he greets, smiling nervously. He definitely looks eager. He hopes Nick doesn’t notice.
“Good morning,” Nick smiles. He places an iced coffee on Charlie’s desk. “Caramel today.”
“Oh, thank you,” Charlie beams. A few months ago Charlie mentioned he was going to get an iced coffee after work, and Nick has been bringing him one every morning since.
They smile at each other for a few awkward seconds. Charlie’s cheeks are burning. Nick is just so handsome, with his kind eyes and stylish dress shirts.
“So, did you watch the Avs game last night?” Nick asks.
“Yeah!” Charlie exclaims. “MacKinnon was unreal.”
Despite both being from the UK, Nick and Charlie have developed a real love for hockey since starting at the Denver branch.
Nick nods in agreement. “Yeah, it was a good game.”
They both nod and smile at each other, but it goes quiet and awkward again after that. Nick rubs the back of his neck. Charlie wracks his brain for something to say, but as usual he can’t think of anything. Nick makes him so nervous.
“Well, see you later,” Nick finally says.
“Yeah, see you. Thanks again for this,” Charlie grabs the coffee and takes a sip. It’s sweet, and he hopes the cup hides the blush on his cheeks.
Nick smiles at him one last time before turning and walking through the office to the back where his desk is. Once he’s out of sight, Charlie exhales loudly. He groans and buries his face in his hands. He’s been working here for months, and he still hasn't figured out how to talk to Nick.
Darcy from sales rushes over to his desk with a big grin on her face. She does this every morning.
“He totally likes you,” she stage whispers. Charlie flushes and looks around the office, but luckily no one else comes in this early.
“He does not, he’s just being nice,” he protests.
Darcy laughs and shakes her head. “Well, you don’t see him bringing anyone else coffee, do you?”
Charlie shrugs and hopes his face isn’t as red as he thinks it is.
“Plus, it would be way quicker for him to come through the back door. It leads straight into the HR office. But he walks all the way around the building to come in the front entrance so he can see you every morning.”
There’s a tingling in Charlie’s stomach. Butterflies . The thought of Nick intentionally coming through the front just to see Charlie gives him butterflies.
Charlie shakes his head. “That’s not true.”
“Trust me, he likes you. It’s so obvious. You should ask him out!”
“I can’t do that,” Charlie argues. “That’s way too scary.”
“C’mon, Charlie. Live a little. What’s the worst that could happen?”
Charlie gets nauseous just thinking about it. “He rejects me and then I have to live with the embarrassment of seeing him at work every day.”
“He won’t reject you,” Darcy reassures. “Trust me on this one.”
Charlie makes a face. “You ask me to trust you a lot. How am I supposed to trust someone who doesn’t know how to make a photocopy?”
Darcy laughs. “Don’t change the topic. C’mon, when was the last time you did something a little risky?”
Charlie frowns. “Risky? I thought you said he’ll say yes.”
“He will! I just meant you never do anything outside of your comfort zone.”
Charlie crosses his arms over his chest. “Yes, I do. I’m taking ice skating lessons.”
Darcy rolls her eyes. “Charlie, you’re twenty-two and you’ve never had a real boyfriend. You don’t have your license. You can’t even speak in meetings without shaking.”
Okay, ouch. Charlie’s a nervous person, but there’s no need to make him feel bad about it.
“Wow, thanks,” Charlie scoffs. “You sure know how to be encouraging.”
“Look, I’m not trying to make you feel bad about yourself. But you deserve nice things, and you’re never going to get them if you don’t take any risks.”
“Can you just drop it?” Charlie sighs. He knows she’s trying to help, but now he’s just self-conscious.
“Okay,” she agrees. “Sorry. I’d just hate to see you both miss out because you’re both too scared to make the first move.”
Charlie shakes his head. “It’s really none of your business.”
“Okay. Sorry.” She smiles tightly but finally leaves and heads back to her desk.
By lunch, Charlie’s stomach is full of knots and he avoids Nick in the break room. He’s anxious. And honestly, Darcy’s talk made him feel like shit. It’s a relief when the day is over and he can leave. He packs up his things and is ready to go when Nick passes by his desk, carrying his briefcase.
“Have a nice evening, Charlie,” he calls over his shoulder with a handsome smile. Charlie’s knees get weak.
“Bye,” Charlie calls back awkwardly, but Nick is already out the door.
Charlie grabs his bag and heads out. His mom is waiting with her car.
“Hi, sweetie,” she greets when he climbs in the passenger seat.
“Hi. Thanks for picking me up.”
“No problem! No point in you taking the bus home when I was out getting groceries, anyway.”
Charlie usually catches the bus back to his apartment, but his mom offered to pick him up today.
“Hey, could you take me to get my Learner’s permit? I’ve been studying for a while and I think I’m ready.”
His mom’s eyebrows shoot up. “Really? Sure, let’s go.”
*****
Charlie’s on the way out of his apartment the next morning when his roommates stop him.
“You’re wearing the dress-pants that make your butt look good,” Tao comments. Isaac nods in agreement and crosses his arms over his chest.
Charlie rolls his eyes. “My butt looks good in all of my pants.”
“That’s true,” Tao agrees. “But especially in that pair.”
“Well, I’m going to ask out Nick today, so. Wanted to look nice.”
His roommates look surprised. “Seriously?!” Isaac exclaims. They’ve been hearing about Charlie’s crush on Nick for months.
“Yes. I’m a risk taker now,” Charlie confirms.
Tao grins. “Wow. Go get him, tiger.”
Charlie rolls his eyes and heads for the door.
“Good luck!” Isaac calls.
Charlie is the first person in the office as usual. He unlocks the doors and turns on the lights. He’s booting up his computer when Nick walks in.
“Good morning,” he greets as usual. He places an iced coffee on Charlie’s desk.
“Vanilla today,” he says with a smile. Charlie’s chest goes all warm, and he smiles back.
“Thank you. You really don’t need to do this every day.”
Nick shakes his head. “I bug you for help with the copier all the time, it’s the least I can do.”
“That’s my job,” Charlie laughs. Nick shrugs bashfully.
“Well, you’re very good at your job.”
Charlie’s cheeks heat. “Thanks.”
“Remember awhile ago I said I was trying to get my CPA? I passed the final exam for it!”
Charlie’s eyebrows shoot up and he grins. “Really? That’s amazing, congratulations!”
“Thanks!” Nick beams.
They smile at each other awkwardly until Nick nods and waves. “Okay, well, see you later.”
“Yeah. Oh! Hey, can I come talk to you about something in a bit?”
Nick nods enthusiastically. “Yeah, of course. My door’s always open.”
He gives one more awkward wave before heading to the back of the office. Charlie feels all warm and cozy inside. God , he’s got it bad.
He answers all the emails and prints out his boss’s schedule. When he’s done all of his prep for the day, he takes a deep breath and walks over to Nick’s office. The door is open, but he knocks anyway. Nick spins in his chair.
Charlie doesn’t think he’s imagining the way Nick’s face lights up when he sees him.
“Hey, Charlie, what can I do for you?”
“Um…” Charlie starts off strong. He takes a deep breath and sticks his hands in his pockets. “Uh, are you busy after work?”
Nick frowns. “I don’t think so, why?”
“I just, uh. Do you maybe want to get dinner?”
Nick’s mouth parts in surprise.
“Like a date,” Charlie adds. For a few seconds he feels a huge weight lifted off his chest until he notices the frown hasn’t left Nick’s face. Anxiety creeps through Charlie’s body.
“Oh,” Nick says, eyebrows furrowing. “I’d like to, Charlie, but I’m not allowed to date employees.”
Charlie's heart plummets. He tries to keep a straight face. “I thought that rule is just for superiors.”
Honestly, Charlie thought Nick would say yes. Darcy was so sure of it.
“I’m HR, so I work for Corporate. I’m technically everyone’s superior.”
Charlie’s stomach is clenching up in knots. He’s pretty sure he’s shaking. His heart is pounding loudly.
“I didn’t know. Sorry.” His voice comes out quiet and shaky. His eyes are burning, and he’s sure his face is red from embarrassment.
Nick shakes his head. “No, it’s okay. If I wasn’t HR, I’d say yes.”
Charlie nods. They stare at each other. Charlie tries to think of something to say, but he really just wants to curl up in a ball and cry. Nick says nothing either, so Charlie turns and walks back out of his office.
He thinks he hears a quiet “ Sorry ,” but maybe he imagined it.
He gets back to his desk and has to cover his mouth to stop from letting out a loud sob. He buries his face in his hands and squeezes his eyes shut, trying to force back the tears. The other employees will arrive soon. He can’t be a sobbing mess.
There’s a loud gasp. “Charlie!”
He looks up and sees Darcy. He didn’t notice her.
“What’s wrong?”
Charlie sucks in a breath and tries to speak calmly. “I asked out Nick, a-and he said n-no because he’s a s-superior.”
Darcy’s face falls. “Oh, Charlie, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize that rule applied to him.”
Charlie nods and wipes his cheeks with his sleeve. “I didn’t know either.”
“Fuck, that sucks.” She sighs and watches him cry for a few moments. “Hey, let me take you out for lunch later to cheer you up.”
Charlie doesn’t really want to, but he nods in agreement, anyway. Going out will be better than staying here and hoping he doesn’t see Nick.
*****
The next few days are awkward for Charlie. He tries not to show how sad he is, but it’s hard when Nick keeps coming by his desk every morning.
“Iced caramel macchiato today,” Nick greets, placing the drink on Charlie’s desk. Charlie smiles stiffly and takes the drink.
“Thanks.”
“No problem. Did you watch the Avs game last night?”
Charlie shakes his head and takes a long sip so he doesn’t need to talk.
“It was really good. Kadri’s looking good.”
Nick smiles at him and Charlie stares back awkwardly until the older man gets uncomfortable. He nods at Charlie and meanders off to the back of the office.
Charlie exhales as soon as Nick’s gone. He doesn’t understand why Nick keeps coming by to see him, when he could just go in the back door that leads right to his office.
At first, Charlie was sad because he thought Nick’s authority over him was the only thing holding them back from being together. He thought Nick liked him—but now he realizes Nick was likely using his job to let Charlie down gently. It’s so obvious he’s not interested, Charlie doesn’t know why he ever thought his feelings were mutual.
The next morning, Nick comes by with another coffee.
“Good morning. It’s cinnamon-vanilla.”
Charlie looks at it and shakes his head. “No, thank you.”
Nick stares at him. “Oh. I’m sorry, do you not like cinnamon?”
Charlie can’t look him in the eye, so he stares down at his desk. Nick’s gaze makes his cheeks burn.
“Um, I appreciate it, but I need you to stop getting me coffee and coming by my desk all the time, unless you actually need something.”
Darcy is in and sitting at her desk nearby, but she pretends to be busy with something on her computer.
“Did I do something?” Nick asks, and he sounds so hurt it causes a pang of guilt in Charlie’s desk. He can’t be a dick just because Nick rejected him.
“No, you’re fine. But you rejected me, and it’s a little awkward for me when you come by and talk to me like nothing happened.”
“I didn’t really reject you,” Nick objects. “I like you. I wish I could’ve said yes.”
Charlie’s cheeks burn so badly he’s certain his face is as red as a cola can. “You don’t have to say that. It’s okay if you don’t feel the same.”
“But I do,” Nick insists quietly. Charlie finally meets his gaze. He looks kind of miserable.
“I really like you, Charlie. I get you coffee everyday so I have an excuse to talk to you.”
Charlie swallows nervously. “That’s… that’s really sweet, but it doesn’t matter how we feel. We can’t date, so I just need some space for a few days.”
Nick’s frown deepens. “Okay. I understand.” He stands there awkwardly for a few moments. “Um. Have a nice day.” He turns and walks off to his office. Charlie tries not to cry.
He likes Nick so much, and there’s nothing he can do about it.
Charlie does his best to get through the rest of the day as normal. His stomach hurts from nerves and Darcy keeps shooting him sad looks. Nick comes by his desk after lunch, but it’s because he needs copies made, so Charlie can’t turn him away or ignore him.
“Hey, can you make me a copy, please?” Nick asks, placing a piece of paper on Charlie’s desk. Charlie picks it up and nods.
“Of course, but you should really learn how to do this. It’s not that hard.”
Nick huffs a quiet laugh. “Last time I tried, something started smoking, and the power went out.”
Charlie rolls his eyes. “What would this office do without me?”
It’s weird that Charlie’s the only one in the office without a degree, yet he’s also the only one who knows how to press a few buttons and make a photocopy.
Charlie puts the paper face down in the copier without actually looking at it. Nick stands beside him and watches.
“This is my resume.”
Charlie looks at him, notices how close he is, and blushes. “What do you need a copy of your resume for?”
The copy comes out, and Charlie picks it up. Under certifications he sees Nick’s CPA designation.
“There’s an opening in the accounting department. I’m applying.”
Charlie’s eyes widen. “Really?”
Nick nods, and they’re close enough that he barely has to reach out to brush his fingers against Charlie’s.
“Yeah… HR’s not exactly my calling.”
“Oh.”
Nick looks so earnest as he carefully takes Charlie’s hand. He holds it gingerly. Charlie feels warm all over.
“I won’t be your superior.”
Charlie’s heart leaps into his throat. “Do you think you’ll get the job?”
Nick nods. “They said they wanted to hire from within the company, all I need to do is to apply.”
Charlie stares at him. “Um, congratulations.”
Nick’s thumb brushes across the back of Charlie’s palm. Charlie looks down at their intertwined hands and gets butterflies. He’s had such a huge crush on Nick for so long now, this feels a little surreal.
“I really like you,” Nick breathes quietly. Charlie’s chest goes all warm.
“I like you, too.”
Nick squeezes his hand and takes the resume from him. “I have to go for my interview.”
Charlie nods but doesn’t let go. “Okay. Good luck.”
Nick smiles softly. He lifts Charlie’s hand and presses a chaste kiss to the back of it.
“I’ll see you soon,” he rasps, and Charlie swoons.
“Okay.”
Nick releases him and gives him one last meaningful look before heading out of the office.
Charlie sits at his desk for the next twenty minutes but gets no work done. He stares at his computer screen and daydreams about Nick, until he finally gets a phone call and actually has to do some work.
“Charlie, it’s Susan. I’m faxing you a contract for Nicholas Nelson. Can you have him sign it and bring it to my desk when he’s done?”
Charlie grins. “Yes, I can. Is he coming back down here now?”
“Yep, he just left my office. Thanks, Charlie. Bye.”
“Bye,” Charlie replies cheerfully. He’s full of giddy joy as he leaps out of his chair and runs to the fax machine. A small stack of paper is waiting, and Charlie giggles loudly when he reads the title, Junior Accountant Employment Contract. He staples the pages together and finds a nice pen for Nick. He’s practically buzzing when the man finally comes through the office doors.
“You’re an accountant!” Charlie exclaims loudly, jogging over to give him the contract. Nick gives him a big, handsome smile and wraps his arms around Charlie. Charlie squeaks in surprise but quickly hugs him back.
Nick smells so nice, and his arms are strong and warm around Charlie. Charlie feels all airy and light when Nick finally let’s go.
“I am,” he agrees with a laugh. He accepts the contract and beams at Charlie. “If I’m a good fit, they’ll promote me to senior accountant in a few months.”
“That’s great!”
Nick smiles and hugs him again, tighter this time. Charlie’s very aware that the entire office is probably watching the exchange, but he doesn’t care. He wraps his arms around Nick’s neck and hugs him just as tight.
“We should celebrate,” Charlie suggests, pulling back slightly to look at him. Nick’s hands rest on his lower back, keeping him close.
“I’m gonna buy Avs tickets for the game tonight,” Nick says. “Come with me?”
Charlie grins. “You’ve been using the Avs as an excuse to talk to me for months now, it’s probably about time we watch a game together.”
Nick’s hands slide to Charlie’s hips. Charlie shivers because holy fuck Nick’s hands are so big and they’re on his body and now is not the time to think about that.
“Great. I’m gonna go sign this.” He squeezes Charlie gently and takes the contract from him before jogging off to his office. Charlie stands there in a daze for a few seconds until someone whistles.
Charlie looks around and sees his coworkers all staring at him. Darcy is grinning.
“Finally!” Someone from the back shouts. There’s a few laughs and hollers, and Charlie returns to his desk with pink cheeks.
*****
As far as first dates go, theirs is pretty amazing. They leave work together—Nick’s going to drive them to the game. They’re stopping at their places first to change into jerseys.
They stop at Nick’s apartment first, and Charlie gets a quick tour.
“This place is so fancy,” Charlie laughs, looking around and admiring. Nick rolls his eyes.
“My roommate is really into interior design. I’m gonna change, I’ll be right back.”
Charlie sits on the couch and waits. The breath is knocked out of him when Nick comes back out. He’s only ever seen Nick in suits—which is amazing—but there’s something about him in street clothes that is just so attractive. Charlie’s certain he’s blushing while he looks Nick up and down.
“You look good.”
Nick grins. He’s so good looking, Charlie can’t believe he gets to date him. He’s wearing black jeans, a grey Avalanche t-shirt, and a backwards SnapBack. The grey SnapBack is a really nice touch. Charlie probably likes it on Nick more than he should.
“Thanks, so do you.”
Charlie flushes. “I haven’t even changed yet.”
Nick shrugs and waves him over off the couch. “You always look good.”
“Oh my gosh,” Charlie mutters, giving Nick a gentle shove on his way to the door.
Charlie definitely stares at Nick the whole way to the car. The sleeves of his t-shirt hug his arms nicely.
“What?” Nick laughs, nudging his shoulder.
Charlie shrugs awkwardly. “You just look really good.”
Nick laughs again, and they head to Charlie’s place next. Unfortunately, both of his roommates are home and sitting in the kitchen when they arrive.
Isaac raises his eyebrows at them, but Tao doesn’t look surprised.
“Hey guys, this is my coworker, Nick. We’re going to the Avs game.”
“Oh, Nick!” Isaac exclaims. “We’ve heard so much about you.”
“Isaac,” Charlie hisses, betrayed. He glances at Nick, who is giving him a fond look.
“Yeah, Charlie talks about you a lot,” Tao chimes in. “It’s so annoying.”
Charlie groans. “Thanks, guys.”
Nick gives him a soft smile. “That’s so cute.”
Charlie pretends he’s not blushing and grabs Nick’s hand, pulling him to his bedroom.
“They’re so embarrassing,” he grumbles, shutting the door behind them. Nick sits on the edge of his bed.
Charlie starts to unbutton his dress shirt and then remembers Nick is right in front of him and has to pretend he’s not even more embarrassed.
“Do you mind if I just change in front of you?”
“I’m, uh, um, okay? If you want to?” Nick splutters.
Charlie stares at him. “Are you sure?”
Nick nods and purses his lips together. His face is flushed. “Yep, yeah, that’s totally fine.”
“Okay,” Charlie shrugs. He takes off his dress shirt but leaves on his undershirt. He wiggles out of his slacks and glances over his shoulder at Nick, who’s watching with a very obvious blush on his face.
He’s flustered , Charlie realizes. He doesn’t want to completely embarrass the guy, so he speeds up and pulls on a pair of skinny jeans and his MacKinnon jersey.
Nick frowns at that. “I shouldn’t be jealous of you wearing another guy’s jersey, but I kind of am.”
Charlie grins at that. “Yeah? Well, don’t worry, I’ll start wearing your jersey as soon as you make the NHL.”
Nick nods in agreement. “That’s fair. Ready to go?”
“Yep!”
Nick stands and leads them out. Charlie’s roommates send them off with a stern ‘ Have him back by 12am sharp, or else’, and then they’re on their way to the arena.
“So, you talk about me to your roommates?”
“You’re one to talk, bringing me coffees every day for the last three months.”
Nick laughs, his head tilting back. He’s pulling out of the parking lot when Charlie’s hit with a startling realization.
“You’ve liked me for three months,” he says, a little in awe.
Nick shrugs, giving him a quick glance. “Five months.”
There’s a flutter in Charlie’s chest. “We’ve only worked together for five months.”
Nick shrugs again, his smile turning bashful. “It’s not my fault you’re so cute.”
Charlie actually giggles in surprise. Apparently hot boys calling him cute makes him giggle.
“Yeah?” He asks, relaxing into the seat. “What’s so cute about me?”
They’re stopped at a light, and Nick gives him a fond look. He reaches over and squeezes Charlie’s leg. Charlie covers his hand with his own to keep it there.
“Everything.”
Charlie smiles, and the way he’s fluttering his lashes must make it obvious what he wants right now, because Nick leans in and kisses him.
It takes Charlie’s breath away. It’s just a gentle kiss, soft and barely there—but Charlie feels flustered, like Nick’s kissing him all over.
It must show on his face when Nick pulls away, because his head tilts back in a laugh. Charlie’s face heats up.
“Shut up,” he grumbles, looking out of the passenger window to avoid Nick’s gaze.
“I like kissing you,” Nick says.
Charlie keeps faced away so he can’t see how badly he’s blushing.
“Well… feel free to do that again anytime you want.”
Nick squeezes his thigh, and he sounds like he’s grinning. “Oh, I will.”