Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Oh, my goodness Nick! The smell of the place is like a dream. Juno came home with a little rainbow bow on her collar, smelling divine and oh my god she’s never felt so soft and fluffy!” There was a gentle nudge to Nick’s hand as if to highlight what Tara was saying. Juno was a 2yr old brown and tan Cocker Spaniel. Darcy had chosen her because of her ‘all knowing’ eyebrows but in truth they matched each other in energy and love for Tara. This pup was doted upon like the fur baby she was, and a furry friend for Nellie.
Juno and Nellie got on so well, they snuggled and played, chased, and lazed about together. They were happy with each other’s company and loved all 3 humans that cared for them. Tara, Darcy, and Nick had a pup sitting arrangement which was almost like a dog share system to accommodate all their jobs and not result in lonely pups. So, when Tara is recommending the new dog grooming parlour on the high street Nick decides he’s goanna treat Nellie for her birthday which is next week and book her in for the works, the whole shebang nails clip, anal gland draining, and a full body wash dry and trim. Nellie will feel like a princess by the time she’s done. And if she smells as divine as Tara has described all the better.

When Nick phones up to book Nellie an appointment he is happy and reassured that the friendly voice of a lady called Elle on the other end of the line is answering all his anxious pup-dad questions. He checked the website of course and reads all about the facilities and qualifications of the owners and groomers and then researched all the technical lingo if he wasn’t sure what it meant.
Now, he knew one part of the groom wouldn’t be acceptable to Nellie but must be done anyway and that was checking and draining her anal glands. Nellie has never liked it when the vets have done it and who can blame her really?
He confirms 10am Saturday fully aware the process will take three hours. Which as he has been reassured includes treats and rests for Nellie.

Saturday morning rolls around and Nick is busy baking in the kitchen. It’s 7am and he’s not making his usual breakfast muffins, not the smell in the house is…. different. Nick is baking Nellie a dog friendly birthday cake she can share later with Juno when Tara and Darcy come to celebrate. Nellie seems excited by this new smell, but as the cake is cooked and needing to be cooled, Nick decides considering Nellies scheduled groom, he’ll take her for a good walk to help tire her out and make the groomers life a little easier.
What Nick forgot to factor in was the amount of rain that had fallen over night.

Nick drives himself and Nellie to one of her favourite walking spots. A national trust site which has ditches to explore, sheep to try and avoid, old ruins to clamber over and then nearing the end a pond at which to feed/scare the ducks.
This walk takes on average 1.5hrs and so they have plenty of time to make it back to the high street groomer for 10am.
Off they go.
Except squelch squelch splatter splatter. Nellie has run over the fields dived in ditches and now is not only covered in mud but stinks of ditch water and weeds.
Nick tries to entice her into the duck pond to wash off a bit before they reach the car, but on this rare and odd occasion Nellie is having none of it! So, Nick admits defeat and throws some dog towels down in the boot and takes Nellie to the groomers. Thinking he will only be slightly embarrassed by the sheer mess of his dog! (But at least he’ll get his money’s worth.)
The 20min drive to the groomers was long enough to make the car smell and Nick very thankful he had no passengers. He managed to nab a parking space just outside the door and with a ting-a-ling of a bell as he opened the door he is welcomed with a smiley face.

The smile was attached to a man tall and slender. Curly dark hair, crystal blue eyes, dimples. Wearing skinny jeans, and an old Rolling Stones T-shirt with an apron over the top. Rainbow converse and a thin silver headband to keep his bouncing curls out of his eyes. Nick paused for a second stuck in time glazed over looking at this man and had to remind himself to breathe. But then regretted taking a deep breath through his nose because Nellie at this moment in time stinks! ‘Pull yourself together Nelson this guy is way out of your league!’

The Smile on this man’s face did not stay long.

One look at Nellie and his nose wrinkled and frown lines appeared.
“Welcome to Muddy Springs. Although you didn’t have to bring quite so much mud with you” said the man with a smile.

“Nellie Nelson, I presume?” Said the slender man as he crouched down to scratch Nellie behind the ears, but a very happy and enthusiastic Nellie leapt at him knocking him backwards from his crouched position into his bottom backed by his hands now behind him.
“I’m Charlie” he said with a giggle.

Nick couldn’t help but just stand and watch with a lopsided smile on his face as his disgusting smelly dog smothered this lovely, beautiful man with licks and kisses and dog tail wags. Sparks were flying through Nick’s body and his brain was offline. Entranced by the scene in front of him.

The man on the floor cleared his throat and made to stand up looking bashful.
Nick finally engaged his brain helped the man up from the floor and remembered to apologise and then explained he’d taken Nellie on a very exciting walk because it was her birthday.
Blue eyes met brown, and the dimples reappeared.

As Nick handed over Nellies lead his fingers brushed with Charlie’s and he could not only feel the sparks but in his eyes, he could see them dance between their fingers. Charlie snapped his eyes up to Nicks as if he can see the sparks too, his smile is back on his face, face flushed pink. He looks back down to Nellie and announces, “come on then pretty girl let’s get you looking your best”. And that was that he lead a happy to follow Nellie into the back washroom for her bubble bath.

Nick had to stop watching the skinny jeans walk away, find his feet turn and leave. He was completely unaware of the kind voiced Elle who had watched this whole scene trying to get his attention and he walked out back to his car.

Behind him Elle just smiles and shakes her head in an amused knowing way.

Chapter Text

“Eugh! Where did he walk you, Nellie? I know it’s your birthday but jeese! Your filthy! Nooo!! No! don’t shake! Don’t shake! Please don’t shake…..

Good damn it! Now I smell of wet Collie.”
Needless to say, Charlie was not enjoying the bath time part of Nellies groom.

He heard a giggling coming from the doorway. Turned around and saw Elle trying to hold in her laughter, shoulders shaking with joy.

Three hours and a change of Charlie’s clothes later, Nellie was ready to be collected. Her owner was due any minute. Charlie was just finishing fluffing her tail and giving her a few more treats. Because well, she hasn’t had enough. The front door jingled, and he heard Elle welcome someone back in.
He secured Nellie so she was safe and went to check it was her owner.

When Charlie got to the reception Elle had 2 bowls of small bows on her desk. One filled with different patterned bows such as sail boats, kites, dog bones. And the other bowl full of multi-coloured striped bows. She was offering for Nellies owner to choose one, as she did with all customers. A personal finishing touch to the groom as she made the bows herself.

The interesting part to this interaction was the bow of choice. A small striped bow with pink, purple and blue colours was plucked by the man’s hand and presented to Elle with a shy lopsided smile that Charlie found adorable.

Charlie cleared his throat to announce himself from the doorway. Nick’s eyes snapped up, an excited look on his face.
“Oh, good you’ve chosen a bow, I’ll just pop it on Nellies collar and bring her right out.” Charlie carefully plucked the striped bow from the desk and walked back the way he came.
5minutes later he re-emerged with a very happy and very nice smelling Nellie by his side. She yapped at Nick for attention which he gave freely with a big smile on his face. Charlie handed him her lead, the same spark of electricity present as their fingers brushed together.
Blue eyes met brown for a split second.

“Did she behave herself for you? I hope she wasn’t a bother.” He said looking up at Charlie as he gave Nellie scratches behind her ears.
“She’s been fine, we had a little shaking incident while she was wet but apart from soaking me, she’s been an angel” Charlie smiled dimples on full display. Nick felt an overwhelming urge to poke one. But managed to restrain himself.

“How did you get on with her anal glands? She’s never been a fan of that. I normally have to hold her steady for the vet.”

“She was absolutely fine didn’t really even flinch” Charlie looked Nick in the eyes as he said with a smirk “I guess I must have gentle fingers”.

Well Nick’s heart could have sunk to the bottom of his stomach. A full flush creeping up his face, turning the tips of his ears pink.
Charlie, to add insult to injury had the audacity to giggle.
Giggle!!
Nick thought that sound was the best sound he’d ever heard, a sweet melody just for him and vowed then that given the chance he would try and make Charlie giggle and laugh as much as possible.

Once again Elle reminded the pair of her existence by clearing her throat. Bringing up Nicks details on her computer and moving the transaction along.
Nick paid for Nellies groom and with no further excuse to linger says thank you once again and leaves for home.

“Did you notice which bow he picked? Elle whispered.

Charlie breathes out a long breath he didn’t know he was holding in, with a gentle smile on his face. Elle gave him a knowing look. Charlie holds his hand up to stop Elle talking again.
” Shhh” he says. “Just shhhh, let me enjoy this feeling. He’s so beautiful and……… yeah. Just shhhh”. Charlie says through heavy breaths while staring at the now closed door.

Elle just smiles and starts typing on her computer.

“Oh Nick!” Darcy squealed “you chose the Bi bow for Nellie! It totally suits her!”
Nick flushed at this and rubbed the back of his neck out of a nervous habit.
“Who was Nellie’s groomer in the end?” Tara asked with a sly grin her face. Nicks flush deepened. He felt beads of sweat form on his brow. The girls sensed it the moment they walked through his door for Nellies party. They could somehow just tell Nick was besotted. lesbian magic Nick thought.

“Niiiiiiick, Nicky Nicky Nick Nick” sang Darcy. “Earth to Nicholas!” Darcy giggling and bouncing with excitement. Tara doing her best to stay composed.

Finally.
Finally Nick breathes. A Long breath out. A lopsided smile on his face, he fills his lungs and in one long breath says

“Ohmygodhesgorgeous! He has these beautiful raven black curls that frame his sharp angled features, eyes as blue as the ocean that sparkle like they contain the stars. And mmmhm dimples. Dimples so deep when he smiles. I couldn’t breathe Darcy, I couldn’t function properly, I know I didn’t act normal. He’s just so pretty. And funny and clever and so good with Nellie. Oh, my goodness how can I get myself back to his parlour? I need more dogs! I couldn’t think straight!”

“Thinking straight is not gonna help you here Nick” Darcy quipped. That earnt her an elbow in the ribs from Tara and a huff from Nick.

“I need to see him again; I need to talk to him about something other than dogs. Do you think he’ll like me? I’m always told I come off as straight.”

Tara again points to the bow Nick picked for Nellies collar. “Nick if he doesn’t guess your Bi, he’s an idiot and doesn’t deserve you. Did you at least try and flirt?”

“Flirt? Tara I could barely remember my own name, I didn’t even tell him my name! he’s talking about gentle fingers and I’m standing there losing my mind and fantasising how it would feel to run my fingers through his curls. No, I stood there like a lemon, paid for the groom and left. Ahhhh shit! I haven’t even made another appointment!” Nick literally face palms himself.

“Ok ok ok. This is what you’re gonna do. Little Henry obviously is gonna feel left out so you could borrow him from your mum and book him in for a pug groom. Or whatever they do to small, short haired dogs that don’t need much grooming. I’m sure he could at least get his nails clipped.” Tara was formulating this plan and thinking out loud.

Bouncing on her heels elaborating Tara’s plan Darcy starts “Ooooo ooooo you could make a bunch of dog biscuits, you know organic, healthy blah blah blah and offer them to him for the dogs he grooms. Strike up a conversation that way. Slips in you bake too. Everyone likes a baker for sweet treats” Darcy states with a wink.

Nicks nodding not yet agreeing but nodding and thinking. When’s the earliest he can ‘borrow’ Henry? Would Sarah let him use her dog in this way? he supposes he could bribe her too with home baked dog treats. Hell, dog treats for everyone who helps him!

Yes. That’s the plan.
He fires off a text to his mum describing the dog parlour, adds the website for good measure and says he’ll book Henry in for a nail trim at the next available Saturday.

His mum replies quickly with a thumbs up. Slightly underwhelming response to such a random and detailed request but Nicks not complaining. The plan is in motion.

“We can always take Nellie and Juno for an evening walk in the park near the salon? You never know he might have a dog to walk or just, I don’t know, be there for air after work?” Darcy suggested.

“Yeah, ok. How about Tuesday 4.30 pm? We can go to the park for a bit.” Nick looks a little dejected by this plan, he feels like maybe lurking in a park on the off chance of bumping into Charlie is silly or a bit creepy. But it’s an idea non the less. Why not try?

Chapter Text

Tuesday, after an afternoon of arts and crafts with 4-5yr olds, Nick is covered in glitter. Red glitter, silver glitter, blue glitter, gold glitter. Wash and wash as he might this glitter is not going anywhere. With a sigh he changes his clothes and heads out with Nellie to meet Darcy and Juno at the park.

When he arrives the afternoon sun is gloriously warm. As soon as Darcy spots Nick she bursts out laughing!

“Nick! You look like a vampire from Twilight!!” Through laughter “why. are. you. covered. in glitter?”

Nick just groans and says “I teach 4-5yr olds arts and crafts on Tuesdays” frowning at the amount of laughter coming from Darcy.

“Come on Darcy pack it in! It’s not funny I feel like a cheap Christmas ornament you buy the auntie that hates you.”

This just making her laugh renewed.

Nick starts to walk down the park path, Nellie and Juno following him as Darcy is still stationary laughing.
He grabs the tennis ball from his pocket and off the dogs go like little rockets to chase it.

Darcy skips to catch up.

“So, what’s the plan Nicholas? We do a lap of the park and then just play a bit in the middle? We could get a cold drink from the little hut over there.”

“Yeah, sounds good to me.”

They carry on walking and chatting giggling and swatting each other as they go. Dogs running backwards and forwards and running in circles loving the freedom of the grass and the practically empty park.

Charlie, meanwhile, has just finished a long groom on a golden Labrador Rufus. As a special treat for sitting so nicely Charlie has decided to take Rufus to the park to burn off a bit of energy before, he is picked up in half an hour.

So, Charlie grabs some poop bags, treats and a tennis ball, clips on his lead, waves to Elle, slightly conscious he tries to flatten his curls a bit, also noticing his clothes are damp in places from washing Rufus and covered in blonde hair he figures the park is normally empty this time of day, so hey ho!

Rufus is a boisterous dog. He’s only 2, full of energy but particularly so after being sat still for a groom. He bounds into the park, leaping and barking as he goes. Charlie laughing at him as he walks behind on the path. Suddenly Rufus is bounding towards Charlie with what can only be described as a mischievous dog smile, tongue lolling to one side as he runs. He leaps forward into Charlie’s stomach and knocks the man backwards. Charlie falls to the ground covered in Rufus. He’s belly laughing and scruffing Rufus with tummy rubs while lying on his back. Rufus is jumping side to side of Charlie and ends up feet either side of Charlie licking his face. Charlie squirms and giggles.

“Look! They look like they’re having a blast!” Says Darcy, pointing over to where Charlie and Rufus are rolling around on the grass.

“Hahaha! Yeah, that looks like fun.
Hold on a second.” Nick holds his hand over his brow to shield his eyes from the sun, squints a bit and then.
Grabs Darcy’s arm frozen solid in the middle of the path.

“That’s Charlie” he whispers.
“Oh my god! He’s actually here! Your mad plan worked.” He says with disbelief and a shake of his head.

“Lesbian magic my friend. It’s all about the power of queer love” Darcy says smiling.

Before Nick could process what was going on Juno and Nellie had noticed Rufus and decided they should all be friends and so, they had already made it halfway over to him sprinting with joy.

“Nellie!!! Juno!!! Nooo!!” Nick starts running after them knowing full well they won’t listen because they’re excited by the new friend.

“Ooof!! Hello beautiful. Where have you come from?” Charlie says, covered now in 3 excited dogs. Who slowly jump off him and start to chase each other around leaping and barking.

Charlie takes the minute to stand up and dust off his trousers and T-shirt a bit.

I am so so sorry! He hears through heavy breaths from a man running to him.

Looking up he realises he recognises this man. A small blonde lady also catches his eye. Jogging behind in not such a rush.
‘Oh. Of course, the girlfriend’ he thinks mentally rolling his eyes.

“Hi”

“Hi”

“Sorry about them” Nick says pointing to the 2 dogs who are now slightly calmer.

“Oh, it’s ok. This doofus knocked me over. I don’t mind. They are all lovely.” He said with a big smile showing both dimples.

Nick looks bashful, casting his eyes to his feet, rubbing the back of his neck.

Charlie looks at him confused.

Darcy bounces up. “Hi, I’m Darcy!”

Charlie shakes her hand “Charlie” he replies, smile dropping.

“Charlie? The Charlie?? Ah, Nick has mentioned you. The gentle handed dog groomer.” She states matter of factly.

Charlie shoots a surprised look Nicks way; Nick feels himself turn a deeper shade of scarlet.

“Err, sure. That’s me. I’d ummm, I’d better get Rufus back, he’ll be collected soon. Bye then.”
With a small awkward wave Charlie turned called Rufus to him and speed walked out of sight.

Only then did Nick start to breathe.
“Jesus Christ! I’m so bloody awkward! Darcy, why didn’t I talk to him? Why didn’t I say anything? Why can’t I just act normal around him? Gaaaah!” He ran his hand through his hair in frustration.

“Oh Nicky! You weren’t that bad. At least you apologised for the dogs. You managed 3 words at least.” She gave him a sympathy pat on the shoulder.
“Don’t call me Nicky and I said 4 words” Nick mumbled.

“Right, let’s get these dogs home and strategize for your next Charlie meeting.” Darcy said, then whistled for Juno who came running, Nellie following close behind. Nick left the park feeling deflated.

“Elle!! Elle! Where are you??”
Charlie came rushing into the salon.
“He sparkles Elle! He bloody sparkles!
Where are you?”
Charlie runs through reception ties Rufus to a hook in the salon with a toy and heads to the staff room.
Elle is sitting with her headphones on, eyes closed bopping her head to whatever music she is listening to.
Charlie stands in front of her, and then pounces both hands onto her shoulders. Elle jumps sky high, eyes wide, legs flailing in defence of her attack. Headphones grabbed and quickly removed.
“What the hell Charlie!! You scared the life out of me!” She’s trying to slow her breathing down, but her heart rate is sky high.
Charlie is laughing. “Elle that was better than I imagined. I’m so sorry, but it was too funny not to!”
“You’d better sleep with one eye open Spring. I’ll get you back for this! Now what do you want?”

“He sparkles Elle, he bloody sparkles.”

“Who?”

“Who?? The beautiful dog owner from Saturday of course” Charlie says exasperated. “You know the one with the really dirty dog Nellie. I saw him in the park, with who I think with his girlfriend. But he sparkles.”

“What do you mean he sparkles? Like a vampire? Or just in your eyes?”

Charlie rolls his eyes. “I mean, you’re taking the magic out of it, but I think he was covered in multicoloured glitter?”
“Huh. That’s makes sense” Elle nodded. “He did say he was a teacher. Hang on, did you say girlfriend? I suppose he did pick the bisexual bow for Nellie. But why would he give you such googily eyes if he’s not available?”
Elle looks off into the distance in thought.

“Excuse me? Googily eyes? He did not! He barely said anything and what he did say was all dog grooming related!” Charlie said with a frump crossing his arms over his chest.

Chapter Text

The door goes jingle and Elle raises her head from her computer. “Hi there, how can I help you?” She says with a welcoming smile.
“Oh Hi. Juno here has been having a wonderful time in a bush and has a massive clump with a load of burrs and sticky buds in it. I cannot get it out, she now won’t come near me or stand still if I do catch her. I was hoping you would be able to squeeze her in for an emergency de-clumping?”

“Sure, have you been to us before? I can just get your details up. What’s your dog’s surname?”

“Jones, Juno Jones.”

“Ah yes, I’ve found her. She was last groomed by Charlie, but I’m sorry, Charlie doesn’t work Mondays, would it be ok if his brother Ollie takes a look at her?”

“Yeah, sure if he has time.
I’m Darcy by the way.”

“Hi Darcy, I’m Elle, here let me take Juno around to the parlour, just wait here it shouldn’t take long.”

“Ok. Thank you.”

Darcy passed Juno’s lead over to Elle who crouched down to make a fuss of her, then walked her to the parlour. She returned to reception 5mins later stating Ollie was happy to help, he would be able to start in 10mins and that then it shouldn’t take long.

“So, Charlie doesn’t work Mondays? That’s an odd day to take off.” Darcy states.

“Yeah, cos he works Saturdays he has Sunday and Monday off instead. Plus, he has band practice Mondays, so he’d never come in unless the place was burning down.” Elle says with a gentle laugh.

“Band practice? What does he play?”
Asks Darcy, curious. Certainly not scoping out more information to take to Nick.

“He plays the drums. Has done since school, he finds it relaxing if you can believe that. He’s pretty good. I’m looking forward to seeing him play on Friday. His band, ‘The Pride lands’ have a gig at a local bar. He’s so excited. I love watching him play, it’s like he just disappears into the rhythm, it’s beautiful to watch.” Elle seems to realise she’s gushing a bit too much and decides to censor herself and shut up.

“Which bar?”

“I’m sorry?”

“Which bar is his band playing in on Friday?”

“Oh umm, the Jockey on Kneesworth street”

“Cool. You make him sound like something that can’t be missed. Might have to take the wife and boogie.”

“Charlie will kill me; he hates when I gush over him. Please don’t let him know.” Elle was looking sheepish.

“Have you known him long?”

“Oh yeah, we met when I was in year 10, he was in year 9 at school. We both took refuge in the art room during lunch breaks. We didn’t have the best school experience you could say. Bloody rugby lads.” She said the last bit under her breath. But Darcy still heard her.

“School can be rough. I met Tara my wife at school. Being the only out lesbians in an all-girls school was no picnic let me tell you. No rugby lads, we had hockey girls to contend with, just as bad, I’m sure.” Darcy said with a sad smile.
“Still, some rugby lads might surprise you. You never know?” She added.

“Remains to be seen. I’m afraid. Anyway. Here’s Ollie with Juno now. I’ll just run your payment if that’s ok?”

“Sure thing. Thank you so much again for squeezing Juno in. Maybe we’ll bump into each other on Friday?”

“Err, yeah. Maybe.” Replied Elle.

“Bye”

“Bye”

“A friend of yours?” Ollie asked
“No, I’ve never met her before.”
“But you’re meeting on Friday? Are you not going to Charlie’s gig?” Ollie looked confused.
“Of course, I am. Me and Tao wouldn’t miss it! I, umm, may have mentioned it in passing and Darcy seemed keen to go.” Elle admitted
“Oooooo Charlie’s not gonna be happy you told people about his drumming! You know he doesn’t like to advertise it. Even if he is brilliant. He likes people to find him not the other way round. Then he can stay anonymous.” Ollie looked a little concerned.
“I know, I know!” Elle cried. “He’s gonna kill me. It just slipped out. And before I knew it, she was asking for more details. Urgh. Please don’t tell him. Maybe they won’t turn up or speak to him and he’ll never know.” Elle said with her fingers crossed.
Ollie didn’t look convinced.

Group chat: The Three Amigos.

16:10 Chaos D.🦖
Nick, Nicky, Nicholas, Nickerless, Nick.
Clear your Friday night. You’re out with me and Jonesy!

16:15 Rug-bi lad 🏉
Errrrr, No.

16:15 Chaos D. 🦖
Errrrr, YES!!!!

16:16 Rug-bi lad 🏉
Errrrrrr, No.

16:16 Chaos D. 🦖
Sexy drummer boy!

16:20 Rug-bi lad 🏉
Ok, I’ll bite. What are you talking about?

16:20 Chaos D. 🦖
Just come out with me Friday and all will become clear.

16:21 Rug-bi lad 🏉
Fine. (Eye roll)

16:22 Chaos D. 🦖
Rude! Anyway, because I love you. 7 pm The Jockey, Kneesworth street.

16:25 Rug-bi lad 🏉
Ok.

17:00 Queen T 👑
Darce don’t bully Nick.
Nick, don’t wind her up, just come!

17:01 Queen T 👑
Love you both. x

Friday night rolls around. Nick is exhausted from a busy week at work. But Darcy has been non-stop talking about their Friday night out.
He doesn’t know what’s so special about this bar, The Jockey he thinks he remembers going once a few years ago, he remembers sticky floors and dirty glasses. Maybe it’s been taken over, cleaned up and revamped.

He walks through the door, fusses Nellie, and clips her lead on, straight out for a walk. 40mins later he walks back through the door, Nellie is now a lot more settled, her dinner provided and eaten, she collapses into her bed.
Job done Nick thinks.
He heads upstairs for a shower.

Freshly washed, he dons a pair of dark blue chinos and a pale blue short sleeve shirt undone with a white t-shirt underneath classic vans to finish.
He styles his hair in a relaxed however it falls fashion, one last pet for Nellie, wallet, keys, phone, and he’s out the door.

The Jockey bar is only a 20-minute walk so he opts to take advantage of the warm weather and fresh air texting Tara and Darcy that he’s left and on his way.

He reaches the bar and sees a line outside. This is strange as it’s still quite early and he didn’t realise there was a special event. He spies a poster, ‘for one night only! The Pride Land band performing!’
Nick has been to see live music before, he likes it, he appreciates it, but he’s never quite got it. He self-proclaims to have no musical ability at all. So, he’s confused why Darcy would insist on coming. He knows better than to argue with her, so he joins the queue, pays entry and heads to the bar. He’s pleasantly surprised his shoes aren’t sticking to the floor and the place has benefitted from a lick of paint since he last came here.

His phone buzzes and tells him the girls are 5mins away as they are in the queue.
He orders two Gin and Tonics and himself a Desperado with lime.

“Nicol-ass! You’re a diamond. Is that one for me?????” Darcy squeals pointing to a G&T.
“Hello, Darcy. Yes. One each.” He replies

“Thank you, Nick shall we find somewhere to sit? Or do you want to Stand to see the band?” Tara asks.
Before Nick can answer Darcy interrupts
“We’re standing! I wanna see the band and dance!”
“Ok Darce ok. Do you know anything about this band? It’s getting busy; they must be popular. I haven’t heard the name before” Nick states.
Tara just shrugs “No, I haven’t heard of them. Darcy came home ranting about them on Monday and our fates were sealed I’m afraid” she said with a smile. Nick giggled as Darcy took a sip through her straw and looked up at him fluttering his lashes. He knew Darcy only did this when she was being sneaky.

The lights started to dim; an announcement came that the band would be out any minute. Last chance for drinks at the bar before they start.
Nick looked around; the place was packed. He couldn’t even see a clear way to the bar. He hadn’t noticed all these people come in.

The door at the side of the stage opened and out came 4 people. A girl tall, with a big floaty dress on, hair neatly tied in a ponytail stood by the microphone, One man: quite large in size but had a really kind smile, wearing jeans and a plain red T-shirt, he went to the bass guitar, another man short wearing dungarees with no T-shirt underneath and a pair of rainbow Doc Martins he stood by the lead guitar, and then in the back a tall slender guy with dark curls, ripped black skinny jeans, ripped T-shirt of The Who and black converse. He bent down to place a water bottle by the drum kit, as the stage light caught across his face Nick’s jaw dropped open, and his bottle-free hand grabbed Darcy, he couldn’t take his eyes off from the stage.
He could hear Darcy giggling next to him but couldn’t bring himself to care. It was him. It was Charlie.
As he walked around the drums to take his seat, he looked out to the audience, he waved to a small group to the left of the stage and then scanned the rest of the crowd. His blue eyes glistened under the stage lights. And holy cow! “He’s wearing eyeliner and glitter” “What’s that Nick?” Darcy asked through her giggles.
Charlie’s eyes found Nick’s unmoving stare; time froze between the two of them. Both getting lost in each other’s presence.
The smaller guitarist breaks the spell by nudging Charlie into position. Charlie shakes his head slightly as if in a daze, offers Nick a smile and then takes his seat behind the drums.

“Did you know? Darcy, did you know?” Who was Nick kidding? Of course, Darcy knew but she didn’t answer him, instead choosing to grab Tara around her middle and position ready for dancing.

Charlie hits his drumsticks together 1,2, 1,2,3,4, and they’re off!
Nick can’t look away from the stage. He’s not even aware of the music. All he can fathom is Charlie. His long muscular arms hit out a rhythm with passion and grace. His whole body is enveloped by the music he’s creating. He’s the maestro, he’s the heartbeat, he’s the pulse of the band and he is leading. Leading the whole bar into an escape. An escape into a world of his music with a driving determined beat. He’s magical, his body isn’t giving up, his stamina is impressive, and the sweat glistening on his face making him glow.
Nick is transfixed. Occasionally Charlie catches his eye and smiles, a full smile with his dimples on full display then back into in music. Hair bouncing, sweat flicking off the ends he is stunning, Nick can’t take his eyes off him.

An hour later the band are wrapping up. The crowd starts to thin as the music stops and the air becomes a little easier to breathe.

“Do you want to hover and see if you can meet him after the show?” Darcy asks

“Oh my god Darcy, I am so not prepared for this! He was spectacular! How did you know to come here? Did you see he’s wearing eyeliner?” Nick is flabbergasted.
“The force is strong with me young Nicholas” Darcy smirks. Nick rolls his eyes.

“Elle!! Elle! Over here!” Darcy is bouncing and waving.
“Oh hi, Darcy isn’t it? Hi. This must be Tara and ….” Elle looks expectantly at Nick.
“Nick,” Darcy confirms.
“Hi”. Says Nick.
“Elle here works with Charlie; they’ve been friends for like ever,” Darcy explains.

“Yeah, he’s tried to shake us, but I just won’t give him the satisfaction. Me and Tao are here for the long haul” she says with a smile. And receives an elbow to her ribs from a skinny man wearing a beanie. “Oh, this is Tao my boyfriend” she introduces. “Tao this is Darcy, Tara and Nick, they have all brought their dogs to be groomed recently.”

“Elle you didn’t?” Tao sounds annoyed.
“I didn’t mean to, but Darcy has a way of getting you to just talk and blab. Don’t let Charlie know. Please.” She said pleading

“Only because I love you.” He replies.
“Sorry, Charlie isn’t keen on us telling people about his band. Although we think he’s fantastic and brilliant, he has a hard time believing it. And he would rather people ‘find’ the band instead of being ‘forced’ to listen because they think they owe him.” The eye roll Tao gives while saying this indicates he doesn’t understand it as much as the next person, and that also this is a prepared speech he has said many times.

“Oooookay. We won’t say anything if we see him.” Nick confirms.
“Wait, do you have a collie called Nellie?” Tao asks
“Err, yes,” Nick replies.
“You’re the sparkly man!” Tao points. “The one from the park.”
“Ugh, I was covered in glitter from work!” Nick groans.
“You’re just as he described you.” Tao mumbles.
“He’s talked about me?”
“Ummm, yes? I mean no. I mean. Pfffff I’m gonna shut up.” Tao knows when to shut his mouth and it was about 30 seconds ago.
“So, anyway,” Elle interrupts, we’re gonna go this way” and she points in the opposite direction.

Nick, Tara, and Darcy are left speechless by the interaction and mooch home.

Chapter Text

Saturday morning starts rudely with bright sunshine creeping through Charlie’s curtains. His body is stiff, and his mouth is dry. Not enough hydration after sweating so much during the set last night. He rolls out of bed with a groan, grabs a large glass of water and downs the lot.
The only way he can think of loosening his body is by going for a run. He digs out his running gear and heads off to the park.

Ear pods in, Charlie is in his own little world keeping beat with his trainers hitting the path. In the distance he sees a muscular man stretching. If he slows his pace slightly it is nobody’s business but his own.
When the stretching man straightens up, Charlie recognised him straight away. Brown eyes from the gig last night, the sparkly man with a collie. Blonde Adonis with a girlfriend.
Charlie’s path brings him right past the man in question, who just happens to look up as Charlie strides past. He is not in running gear, but in rugby uniform. ‘Bloody Rugby!’ Charlie thinks. Although, explains the arms, and the thighs and the arse…. No Charlie. Stop thinking this, he has a girlfriend. The short blonde remember!
It is then he realises the man is talking to him. Sheepishly he removes his EarPods.

“Hi” he says.

“Hi” replied with a smile.
“Your band are incredible. I really enjoyed your set last night.” The blonde says.

“Oh, thank you. We’ve been together a while but only really gigging for 6 months or so. It’s nice to hear feedback.” Charlie says with a smile.
“I’d love to give you feedback, but I have absolutely no musical ability so you’re just gonna have to know that I enjoyed it and be happy with that,” Nick said with a shy look.
“Ha-ha. That’s ok. As long as you enjoyed it. That is what matters.
I err, won’t keep you, I’ve gotta get back so I can open the shop.”

“Yeah, yeah of course. I. Just stretching out, warning up on my way to practice. I’ll umm, I’ll see you around I guess.”
“Yeah, maybe, I’ll see you at another gig. We’re playing every other Friday now as last night was so popular. Bring your girlfriend maybe she’ll like it too?”

“My what? Who? I don’t, err I don’t have a girlfriend. Are you, are you talking about Darcy?” Nick says holding in a laugh. “You’re just gonna assume she’s my girlfriend?
“Is she, is she not your girlfriend? Charlie says looking confused and nervous.
“No, she has a wife. Tara.” Nick says with a kind smile.
Charlie’s eyes shoot up to Nick’s a bashful smile erupts on his face “Oh” he says.
“Even if Darcy wasn’t a married lesbian she wouldn’t be the only gender I’d be attracted to.” Nick says timidly looking up through his lashes.
With a sudden wave of bravery, Charlie asks, “Would you go out with someone who wasn’t a girl?”
A small nod with “yes” was replied.
“Would you kiss someone who isn’t a girl?”
Another nod “Yeah” replied.
Charlie looks at Nick’s happy soft face they just pause neither one wanting to burst this bubble they have created. They have without realising it moved closer and closer. Now only a few centimetres between them, brown eyes stuck looking at eyes of blue. Shallow breaths from both men, chest rising and falling in sync.

‘Ding Ding Ding Ding’ Nick’s phone alarm blares out. Breaking eye contact he reaches for his phone to shut it up. Charlie takes a step back. Bubble burst. He clears his throat “I’d umm, better get to the parlour” he points over his shoulder.
“Yeah, yeah I’ve gotta go or coach with have me doing extra laps for being late.”

“Ok. Bye,” Charlie says with an awkward wave and runs off down the path.
Nick watches him run, “bye,” he says a little too late. Charlie is gone.

Charlie unlocks the door to the parlour, heads to the shower and starts soaping and washing his curls. He is humming away to himself, heart feeling lighter than it has in a while with the knowledge that Nick does not have a girlfriend.

“I’m in a gooood mood,
Because he’s single,
I’m in a gooood mood,
Ready to mingle,
Ooooo yeah! I’m in a good mood,
Because he’s single!
I’m in a good mood,
Because he likes boys
I’m in a good mood
Because he’s single!”

Round and round his song goes. Charlie has thoroughly lost himself to the water the steam and the wash.
He eventually turns the water off, runs a towel through his curls and then wraps it around his waist.
Waltzing to the staff room to grab his change of clothes he jumps out of his skin! Elle is standing just behind the door. “I told you to watch your back Spring” she says through laughter.
Charlie has his hands over his chest trying the control his breathing.
“Are you still in a good mood by any chance?” Elle asks with a big grin on her face.
“I certainly am!” Charlie replies not caring at all that she has heard him singing in the shower. He wiggles his hips as he saunters passed her.
“Because he’s single!” He sings jumping back around to face her.
Both now laughing together.

“All right Mr. Happy, go get dressed your 9 am is gonna be here soon.” Elle says with a giggle. Today is gonna be fun. She can tell.

Nick arrives at rugby practice with a grin on his face he hasn’t been able to shake off since he was at the park.
His teammates notice instantly.
“Oi Nick! You get laid last night?” One shouts. “Nah nah! He’d hide that better. He must have won at poker?” “You guys are wrong it’s gotta be a girl.” “Or a boy” another shouts. “Yeah, that’s right, could be either, Nick tells us your secret!” Nick just walks directly at them shaking his head, Miming zipping his mouth shut locking it, and putting the key in his pocket. The other lads just laugh and heckle him some more.
Once the coach turns up all talk turns to rugby and Nick begins to focus on practice. Still feeling lighter than air with a ‘spring’ in his step. He makes himself chuckle at that thought. he will have to remember to tell Darcy, she’ll appreciate his pun.

Chapter Text

The following Wednesday Charlie is at work and sitting at Elle’s reception desk when she arrives for work. She peeks over his shoulder and sees he’s looking at the calendar for 6-8 weeks’ time. Knowing full well why he’s doing this Elle gives him the option to explain.
“Charlie, whatcha doin?” She says in a childish way with her chin resting on his shoulder.
“Oh, just looking to see the projection of work for the next few weeks, in case…. In case I’d like a holiday?” It came out more of a question than he would have liked.

“Mmmhmm, and you wouldn’t also be looking to see if a certain Nellie Nelson was booked back in, would you? You know, to make sure you’re not on holiday for when she comes in?” Elle says with a big cheeky smile on her face. Which Charlie can feel rather than see against his cheek.

“I can’t seem to find one. Did he, did he not book her back in?” Charlie says looking genuinely sad picking the hem of his jumper sleeve. Elle takes pity on him and spins him around in her office chair.

“Look, Charlie, we have his contact details if you want to call him? You know to see if he was happy with the service and would like to book her in before we are full?”

“I don’t know Elle, that seems forward and forced. What kind of groomer actively calls their clients instead of rebooking when they’re here or waiting for them to call? He would have rebooked when he picked her up if he wanted to.”
Charlie let out a huff and a sigh.

“How am I going to meet him again? I really want to make a better impression than being soggy and covered in dog hair.” Charlie sags forward plonking his elbows on the desk and his head in his hands.

“He was at the gig on Friday you know. I saw him in the crowd. He looked so good in this tight white T-shirt. His blue shirt sleeves just made his arms look mmmmmmm.” Charlie drifts off the end of his stance biting his bottom lip.

“Was he there? I didn’t see him. Huh! Small world.” Elle shrugs.
“Anyway. Work to be done” she says.

Later that day Elle is having her lunch Charlie slips back into reception while his current project, a giant poodle is having a break and some treats. He looks at his calendar for the next week and to his surprise sees Elle has booked a Pug in for a nail trim 8 am Saturday morning! Which is very odd and a little annoying as Charlie starts work at 9 am, thankfully he doesn’t have a gig the night before. Totally confused why this pug needs to be seen so early on a Saturday when the parlour is not even technically open.
When Elle returns, he asks her why they can’t have an appointment throughout the week. It only needs 30mins and she has booked a whole hour! There is also an hour slot 1 pm she could have used which is currently blocked out.

Elle simply smiles and says the owner explained they are busy weekdays so Saturdays are the only day they can do and mornings work better.

“Well, I hope you charged them double for me getting out of bed an hour early!” Charlie complains arms folded in a huffy manner.
Elle simply replies, “I think you should pay me double and say thank you”. She then turns in her chair to face the computer again leaving Charlie totally perplexed and a little annoyed. He stomps off back to the poodle to finish fluffing its tail into a neat pom pom.

Friday night rolls around and Charlie is at Tao and Elle’s having a film night. Although he has remained grumpy with Elle and sulks that he must have an earlier night due to the earlier morning he is being forced into. All for the good of a pug.
Elle takes his grumbles on the chin and sweetens him with his favourite dinner of pizza followed by salty popcorn for a movie snack. She tried to convince Tao to let Charlie choose the movie, but he is far too stubborn, she relents as he goes and put on Donnie Darko……. Again. Charlie doesn’t complain. He’s seen it so many times since their youth he’s happy to zone out and daydream of a blonde-haired, brown-eyed, athletic man with strong arms throwing a frisbee in a meadow surrounded by bird song, deer and woodland critters and an incredibly dirty dog.

On this same Friday night, Nick is at home after a busy week of primary school assessments and he is de-stressing with a cool beer from the fridge, a Tesco curry meal for one and he is baking. Nellie is keeping him company in the kitchen. Not unheard of but on this occasion is due to him baking copious amounts of dog treats. She is extremely happy to taste test.

He has made three batches each with a different flavour, chicken, liver, and carrot. He divides them equally into Tupperware containers. One for Nellie, one for Juno, one for Henry and one for Charlie.
Once the kitchen is back to being clean and tidy, he lets Nellie out, completes his bedtime routine and heads to bed full of excited butterflies at the thought of seeing Charlie again in the morning. Nick lays in bed staring up at the ceiling mildly cursing himself for booking such an early appointment, only now realising he needs to get up at 5.30 to ensure he makes it to and from his mums in time with Henry.
With a groan, he sets his alarm, plugs his phone into charge and rolls over hoping to drift off to sleep and recharge.

He does not drift off to sleep and recharge.

In fact, Nick sees 11 pm, midnight,1 am and 2 am. It feels like he has just closed his eyes when his alarm is beeping and he is again groaning, swatting his hand in the direction of his phone to switch off the horrendous noise invading his brain.
He rolls out of bed, rubs his hands over his face and decides the only way he will wake up properly is a 20min run with Nellie, shower, and breakfast.
It’s 6.40 when he is loading Nellie into his car to make the 30min trip to his mums to dog swap and take Henry. When he arrives his mum Sarah takes one look at him and giggles. “Oh, Nicky! What on earth has made Henry such a priority today? You look shattered love.”

“I didn’t get much sleep last night Mum.”

“School stress sweetheart? Don’t tell me it’s self-inflicted with your lovely friends? That Darcy is a wild one!” Sarah says still giggling.

“No no, I was in bed by 10.30. Just couldn’t get to sleep. Oh, that reminds me, I made you some dog treats. They are a mix of chicken, liver, and carrot. If Nellie is anything to go by, I believe they are delicious!” Nick says with a tired smile.

After a cup of tea and a bacon sandwich, Nick is on his way to Muddy Springs with Henry clipped into the passenger seat.
Miraculously he arrives with 10 minutes to spare. So, he sits in his car and waits.

Chapter Text

Charlie woke up to the sun glistening through the small gaps in his curtains the constant buzz of his alarm and a fog clouding his brain.
He had a relatively early night but currently while trying to lift his head off his very soft pillow he was regretting the last glass of red wine Elle had provided.
With a grumble and a groan, he flipped over to lay on his front and buried his face into the pillow pulling the duvet over his head, snooze had been hit.

8 minutes later the buzzing was back. Charlie blinked back awake, grumble and groaned again. The 8-minute reprieve he had afforded himself had not worked wonders on the fog in his head or the lead weight he felt was pressing him into the pillow. With a mumble of I hate Elle, Charlie peels himself out of bed, stumbles to his en-suite and starts the shower running.

“Gaaaahhhhh!!!!!!” Charlie leaps out of the shower fully awake now. “No bloody hot water! I knew the boiler was playing up!” A small amount effing and jeffing later, Charlie is now dressed and, on his way, to make a well-needed coffee.

“God damn it!” No Coffee!
Charlie’s morning is not going well. He feels like death, he still feels cold from his frozen shower, and he has NO COFFEE!!
He’s got to be at the parlour in 30 minutes.
He’s got an hour’s appointment for a 30 minute session which realistically will only take 10-15 minutes. But they always allow dog calming and owner reassurance time. Needless to say, Charlie, on this fine Saturday morning is not in a good mood.
He ties up his Converse and starts the 15 min walk to work with the aim to swing past Starbucks for his much-needed coffee and seeing as he’s there he’ll grab a croissant too. He hasn’t had time to make his lunch so he’s muttering to himself about the ham in his fridge that was meant for a ham salad sandwich which will now go to waste.
Into Starbucks, he goes, and the queue is long and there is only one server. ‘Sod it’ he thinks, I’m waiting, so the dog customer can wait too.
And so, he waits.
In line for what he times is 12 minutes, he then speed walks the rest of the way and reaches the parlour at 08.07. Phew! Not too bad he thinks.

As he turns the key in the lock, he notices a red car parked just outside. He peers into the window and sees a pug curled up on the front seat asleep. And its owner leaning forward, forehead on the steering wheel seemingly also asleep. ‘Oh great’ Charlie thinks. ‘Now I’ve got to wake them up! At least they won’t know I was the one who was late’.

Tap tap tap on the driver-side window. The head in front of him shoots up, eyes wide open with a small squeak heard through the glass. Chest rising and falling rapidly.
It’s then Charlie realises who this is.
All grumpiness evaporated, awful morning forgotten, grumbles and mumbles abandoned.

Panicked brown eyes meet calming blue.
A small smile played on Charlie’s lips. A shy embarrassed smile played on the other mans.
He unclips his seat belt and reaches over for the Pug.
Opens the car door carefully.

“Hi”

“Hi”.

The car door shuts, and they are just looking at each other. Charlie holding his coffee and croissant, and Nick holding Henry.
“Err, Good morning….”
“Nick!” Nick quickly fills in the blank for Charlie.
“I know your name Nick” Charlie giggles. “Fewer sparkles today?” Charlie says with a smirk. Nick likes the way his name sounds coming from Charlie’s mouth. He wants to act smooth but what comes out of his mouth is a nervous slightly stuttered speech he had not prepared for. A ramble or word vomit if you like.
“Morning Charlie. Umm, I hope it isn’t too much trouble opening early. Elle said it would be fine. That you umm, wouldn’t mind. I did want to check with you, but she insisted that wasn’t necessary and that you would be happy to open for little Henry. It’s just you see I work in a school hence the glitter I was covered in and I can only get here Saturdays and Elle said you were booked up for weeks and Elle said you wouldn’t mind, and Elle said you’ve done it before, and Elle said she repay you with a longer lunch break, and Elle said….” he tails off realising he has just word exploded all his nervous thoughts in not a very succinct way. Nick looks at Henry feeling awkward and unprepared. He suddenly remembers the dog treats.

Charlie standing there in the street coffee and paper bag in one hand, parlour keys in the other, being talked at by what can only be described as a blonde Adonis.
He’s not even listening because Elle’s name is being said way too much and he doesn’t care. He knows she has meddled he knows she worked this all out for him he just needs Nick to stop talking so he can cut the damn pug’s nails and set this bumbling nervous bag of energy at ease.

Nick has stopped talking and is now nipping to his boot, pug still in hand and searching for something. Charlie feels like he’s missed a vital bit of information. So, he continues to just stand and watch the show.

Nick has one armed securing Henry to his chest, the other is flexing and reaching and searching. Charlie notices all of Nick’s back muscles rippling with the movement lopsided that it is, one arm remains perfectly still. Finally, Nick seems to have found what he’s been looking for and with a sudden “Ah ha! Found it!” Nick swiftly stands up straight and, in his haste, to turn bashes his head on his car boot door. “Ouch! Shit! Bloody hell! Jesus that hurt.” A small box thrust at Charlie, Pug free hand now rubbing his bumped head.

“Nick! Be careful! Are you ok? Here come inside sit down, I’ll get you an ice pack.” Charlie leads Nick to a sofa in the reception and goes to grab a glass of water and an ice pack.

Nick is sitting with his head in his hands, frown on his face, rubbing the little lump on his head muttering to himself when Charlie returns.
Charlie watches him for a second and hates seeing him so down on himself. He decides to skirt around the obvious and ask about the box.
“So, what’s in the box Nick? It had better be worth the headache” Charlie says with an energy he didn’t know he possessed this morning.

“Oh umm, dog treats.” He mutters.

“You know I supply dogs being groomed treats; you didn’t have to bring your own. Charlie says with a small smile.

“Oh no, I, I mixed these ones. I mean I baked these ones; I made them, I bake.” Nick concludes still looking down with one hand holding the ice pack and the other holding Henry’s lead.

“You baked them? Charlie asked quizzically.

“Yeah, Chicken, carrot, and liver ones. Nellie seems to like them.” He says with a shrug. “They are grain free and organic. Healthy for all dogs. I thought you could maybe sell them or whatever. I could make different-sized biscuits to suit different sized dogs.” Nick is still looking at the floor unwilling to lift his head and meet the eye of Charlie, feeling horrendously embarrassed and just wanting the floor to open up and suck him in.
Charlie senses Nick is uncomfortable and kneels and peers under Nick’s head to make eye contact, placing his fingers gently under Nick’s chin to encourage him to raise his head. Crackle, sparkle, zip, electricity pops between them.

Nick slowly slowly raises his head and then lifts his eye line to see, a comforting safe smile, two little dimples not fully popped but definitely there, kind eyes sparkling blue and all within a head tilt that offers no judgement or ridicule.
Charlie starts to bite the inside of his lip in a nervous fashion, but he holds his gaze and maintains eye contact. Sinking deeper and deeper into the warm hazel brown.
Nick’s eyes flick to Charlie’s lips for a fraction of a second but it’s enough.
He starts to lean towards Nick, testing to see if he’ll move away. He lifts his chin slightly and waits a mere breath away from Nick’s lips allowing Nick to make the final decision and close the gap.

The touch is soft and tentative, their lips press together in an amalgamation of nerves and bravery and want. The electricity is gone, replaced with something that resembles warm tea on a cold icy day, fuzzy socks on frozen toes, a thick duvet snuggled on the sofa. This kiss feels like comfort, safety, and home.

They both pull back a fraction. Dopey smiles on both their faces.

“Hi” Nick whispers

“Hi,” Charlie returns with a bashful smile.

Nick leans back in and repeats the kiss. This time with less nerves and more want. His fingers cup around the back of Charlie’s neck and tickle through his hair. Charlie lightly squeezes one of Nick’s biceps.
A tongue gently licks Charlie’s bottom lip seeking permission to enter. He opens his lips a fraction and the kiss deepens again. The tickling of Charlie’s hair has turned into gentle tugs and the light squeezes of Nick’s biceps have turned into more frantic grabbing.
This kiss lasts seconds, minutes, hours, Charlie, and Nick are unable to tell. But when the need eventually arrives for oxygen, they are both left flushed and panting. Still with soppy smiles on their faces wrapped in each other’s arms breathing the same air.

It takes a little while, but Charlie remembers why they are here. Only really reminded by the small wet nose that is now nudging his knees through the rip in his skinny jeans.
“Do you, umm, do you want me to trim Henry’s nails?” He whispers onto Nick’s lips. Not the most romantic line he has ever thought of, mentally scolding himself.

Nick just smiles “You can if you want.”
Neither man makes an effort to move.
Nick rested his forehead in the nook of Charlie’s neck starting to leave little pecks along his collarbone. Charlie curling his hand around the back of Nick’s neck running his fingers through his short hair, leaning his head back giving Nick more access, totally getting lost in the feel of him.

Eventually, Charlie realises his feet have gone numb and his knees are hurting from kneeling in front of Nick, who he reasons must be sitting uncomfortably on the edge of the chair seat. Reluctantly he starts to shift backwards a little, he wiggles to stand.

He takes Nick’s hand and leads him back into the Parlour, Henry hot on their heels.
“Tell me more about these biscuits.”

Chapter Text

The time is now 8.45 am. The bell over the door jingles as Elle walks in to fire up her computer and make a coffee before turning the reception phones on. She knows Charlie got here earlier because a) he didn’t stop whinging last night about it, b) the door was unlocked when she arrived c) she set the appointment with the hot dog owner.
When she walks into reception, she notices an ice pack melting and leaving a wet patch on the sofa, and a half-drunk glass of water. Hmm, curious she thinks.
“Hello? Charlie? Are you here?”
No reply. No noise, and no evidence of a pug having its nails clipped. She slowly walks through the darker corridor towards the main parlour, she spots a pug chewing a toy in the corner but no sign of the hot owner or Charlie. Hmmm, curiouser and curiouser.

She carries on walking slowly. Towards the dog washroom “Hellooooo? Charlie? Come out come out wherever you are!!!”
“This is not a fun game for me! I’m starting to worry!!” She kind of sings as if playing a children’s game.
Still no answer, but something does clatter in the dog washroom.

She continues walking to investigate.
She slowly creeps to the door, as she steps further, she starts to hear giggling.
A familiar noise she has heard many times. She knows that giggle. It’s Charlie.
She does not recognise the second muffled giggle that accompanies it. The door to the washroom is slightly ajar, she knocks on the door frame loudly so as not to startle but to announce her presence.

Knock knock knock. “Ahem!” Clearing her throat Elle struggles to hold in a giggle when she hears “shit shit shit! What’s the time? That must be Elle.” Followed by “Am I allowed to be back here? Will she tell me off?”
Followed by more giggling and a reply of “I’m the owner you idiot. I make the rules. Muddy SPRING pet parlour. As in Charlie Spring. That’s my name. Now put your shirt back on.”
More giggling.
Elle’s eyebrows raise significantly at this information.
Elle can’t hold herself back any longer.
She takes a step into the room.
Charlie spots the toe of her Doc Martin boot
“Wait! Wait, Elle, don’t come in!! Shit Nick put your shirt on!”
“Well, at least I don’t have buttons done up wonky!”

Elle turns on her heel and calls out “I’ll make 3 coffees.” Charlie can hear the amusement in her tone.

2 minutes later Charlie creeps into the staff room with a sheepish-looking Nick behind him.
“Good morning boys, how are we today?” Elle asks hiding a smile behind her large mug of coffee.
“Fine and dandy Elle, and how are you?” Charlie replies with moderate sass. Sauntering passed her with a smirk on his face. Nick stays stood at the door.
Charlie picks up his coffee and turns to face Elle, “Nick, Elle, Elle, Nick.” He gestures between them. Nick has an embarrassed smile and a very flushed face and gives a kind of salute-type wave, Elle is grinning like she won the lottery, finding this all highly amusing. “Nick, come on in grab your coffee. Milk is in the fridge and sugar is on the side if you want it.” Elle beckons him in as Charlie sips his coffee.

“Err, thanks. It’s nice to umm meet you again.” Nick stutters
At this moment they hear the door jingle again. Three stunned faces with wide eyes appear then Charlie groans “Oh crap! It’s 9 am! I have a customer.”
“Ummm, I was a customer and poor Henry missed his nail clip.” Nick says with absolutely no malice and a lopsided smile on his face.
“Well, Mr. Nelson I do apologise. We may need to book Henry in again, if you’d like to speak to my receptionist, I’m sure she can accommodate you” Charlie said with his poshest accent gesturing to Elle.
Elle giggles and interrupts by saying “Well I’ll see who it is then, but Charlie, I know it’s for you.” She points at him with a glare of, wrap this up you’ve got actual work to do and walks out of the staff room.

Suddenly it’s just Nick and Charlie again.
“So,” says Charlie
“So” replies Nick
“I’ll grab Henry and get out of your hair.” Placing his mug gently on the side, Nicks makes a move to leave.
“Err excuse me. Where do you think you’re going?” Questions Charlie.
“Ummmmm, getting Henry?” Nick looks and feels confused. Unsure what is meant to happen now.
“Not without my number in your phone first you’re not!” Charlie states posing with one hand on his hip and the other palm up awaiting said phone.

Nick fumbles with his jeans pocket to locate his phone and opens a new contact, passes the phone to Charlie who fills in the blanks then quickly sends himself a text and hands the phone back to Nick. Sparkles flicker like little static shocks when their fingers touch on transfer.

“Right then, ummm, I guess I’ll collect Henry and leave you to your day. I’ve gotta get him back to Mum anyway.” Nick said while subconsciously rubbing the back of his neck.

“Henry isn’t your dog?” Charlie replied a little confused.

“Ahhh, no. I err, I umm, borrowed him?” Nick looks to the ground embarrassed by this admission.
Charlie smiles, dimples on display, “So your mum doesn’t mind you ‘borrowing’ him for a nail trim, and I haven’t even trimmed his nails. What are you gonna tell her?” Charlie’s giggles the last new words?

Nick giggles too and says, “Probably the truth. That I borrowed him to see this hot guy again. Didn’t end up getting his nails trimmed cos the hot guy got distracted.” A big cheeky smile splits his face.

Charlie swats his arm “Hey! I didn’t get distracted! You encouraged me. And needed first aid.” He says with a suggestive wink.

“OK, ok, but now I get to bring him back next Saturday. If you can squeeze him in?”

“I’m sorry Mr. Nelson you will have to go through my receptionist” Charlie says again with his best posh voice. Causing Nick to stifle and laugh and nod.

“Oh, I see how it is then,” Nick says with a smile.

“Chaaaaaarrrrlllliieeee!!!! You are now officially late!!!” Elle bellowed from reception.

“Oh, crap! Err, Nick, I’ll text you, ok? I’ve gotta go.” Charlie suddenly felt very anxious.

“Yeah, no problem,” Nick replied and they started to walk toward the reception, Henry was with Elle chewing on a toy.

“Thanks for keeping an eye on him Elle.”

“No problem at all Nick. Now please leave so Charlie can get to work.” Elle replied tongue in cheek.

Nick smiled and waved goodbye.
Charlie smiled and waved goodbye.

The door jingled as it opened, and Nick was gone.

“Right then Mr. Greene let’s start your gorgeous Sylvia (bichon frisé) with a bubble bath.” Charlie holds his hand out for the small white fluffy dog and then leads her off to the washroom.

Charlie could hear Elle as he walked off
“She’ll be ready in 2 hours Harry if you want to pop back.”

Chapter Text

It was 9.50 and Nick was just arriving at his mum’s to drop Henry back and collect Nellie. When his phone buzzed. He parked the car on the drive, and his phone buzzed and buzzed and buzzed.

09:50 C: Elle has given me a long lunch 12-2! Fancy grabbing a bite with me if you’re free? x

09:51 C: Actually, you’re probably busy. Don’t worry.

09:51 C: Not that I wouldn’t like to see you. x

09:51 C: We could always talk about the dog biscuits? They have proved very popular. x

09:51 C: Actually don’t feel pressured to see me, I know your busy

09:52 C: Ok, I’ve blown up your phone enough. back to trimming a Bichon frisé. Ummm. Yeah. See you soon? x

Nick couldn’t help but smile as he read through Charlie’s messages. He replied with a simple.

09:53 N: I’ll see you at 12 😊 x

He unclipped Henry from the front seat and made his way into his mum’s house. The door was already open as she had spotted his car on the drive.

“Tea Nicky?” Sarah called from the kitchen. Already knowing the answer with 2 mugs prepared on the side.

“Yes please, Mum. Nellie behave herself?”

“Of course, she’s wonderful, such a delight to have, you know I love her. We went to the park, my how she can run! I guess I’m just used to little Henry’s little legs.” She said laughing. “Speaking of, how did he get on having his nails clipped? He’s normally a bit grumpy after I’ve subjected him to that. But he seems more than happy.” She looks down at the little dog to give him a fuss, missing the flush of pink on Nick’s face as he busies himself by putting the milk away.

“Errr, he didn’t get his nails clipped in the end,” Nick says quietly.

“Oh, why’s that dear? Everything ok at the groomers?”

“Yeah, yeah everything was fine, we just got a little, ummm, distracted I suppose.”

Sarah looks at Nick with a quizzical glare.

“Nicky? You got up ridiculously early this morning to collect Henry for a nail trim that you talked me into booking in the first place, and now you’re telling me he didn’t even get his nails trimmed? But you were at the groomer parlour? Have I missed something? What’s going on?”

“Ummm, I might be starting to sell home-baked organic grain-free dog biscuits?” Nick replies with a wince.

Sarah just bursts out laughing.

“What!!?! What on earth are you talking about Nicky???”

So Nick, unsure of how to start to dig himself out of this hole he’s found himself in, sits at the dining table across from his mother tea in hand and comes clean. He tells the whole truth starting from Nellies birthday walk.

“So this whole charade is because of a man?” Sarah says with relief and a giggle that her son hasn’t gone mad.

“A really really lovely man Mum! His name is Charlie, the groomers is his business. He has raven black curly hair, the most adorable dimples when he smiles, he has the bluest eyes, like crystal blue waters, he smells of vanilla and a mild spice I can’t name, but it’s subtle, spicy yet sweet. His giggle is wonderful, like the most beautiful wind chime, I could listen to him talk for hours. I’m actually meeting him on his lunch break today at 12. I thought I might make a picnic and take him to the park near his shop.” Nick replies with an embarrassed look.

“Oh, sweetheart.” Sarah taps Nick’s hand on the table. “Maybe just calm down a bit? Maybe a full picnic is a bit much? Maybe buy a couple of speciality rolls from the deli on the corner and offer one to him. You don’t want to come on too strong.
Go for a safe option though. Do you know what kind of food he likes? Maybe go for a meaty one and a veggie one just in case. Then he can choose.”

Nick nods along with his Mums suggestion. “Thanks, Mum. You’re right, a whole picnic might be a bit much. A sandwich on a park bench by the lake is a much better idea. It’s just, I really really like him, Mum, I’ve never felt like this about someone so instantly before.”

“It’s so lovely to hear you talk like this Nicky,” Sarah said with a soft smile. “Just remember to stay calm and not rush anything. If he likes you half as much as you like him, he’s not going anywhere darling. You have time to get to know each other. Just don’t come on too strong or you could scare him.” After a short pause, Nick nodded breathing in the steam from his tea. Tea sipped and then “Right now, catch me up on the rest of your week while you’re here. I loved the picture you sent me on Tuesday. You looked so pretty in glitter.” Sarah said with a cheeky smile on her face.

“Oh, Mum. Shut up!” He said with a groan and a smirk and absolutely no malice at all.
And so Nick talked about his week, listens about his Mums week while drinking tea and eating the occasional biscuit.

11:30 rolls around and after a quick toilet stop before loading Nellie into the car, to drop at home before heading to the salon. Nick hugs his Mum and waves goodbye. She wishes him luck and says she can’t wait to hear all about his lunch date.

“Elle! I’m done. I’ve finally finished and perfected Sylvia. Can you call Mr. Greene to come pick her up please?”
With his arms above his head, Charlie stretches his whole body from side to side. He gets the small handheld vax hoover and starts hoovering his body to remove the worst of the white fluff he is currently covered in. Busying himself by tidying up his grooming table and putting away his clippers and scissors and putting the lid back on his treat box. Charlie knows he only has one appointment at 2-3 pm to get through then he is free until Tuesday! But first, a lunch date to navigate. Nerves kicking in. Anxiety flaring, Charlie suddenly remembers his disastrous morning and his inability to prepare and bring his lunch.

11:45 C: Hey, I’m just popping to the deli as I haven’t got lunch. Did you want anything? If you get to the parlour before I get back please just chill with Elle. x

‘Crap’ Nick thinks. ‘I didn’t get here early enough to surprise him.’

11:46 N: Wait Charlie. I’ll come to the deli with you. I’m just parking the car. Be with you in 5mins. x

11:46 C: Okay. x

Nick smiled at the response. Paid for his parking ticket and hot-footed it to the Parlour.

“So you have 2 hours, what ya gonna do?” Elle asks as Charlie waits in reception. “Elle, I’m nervous. What if he’s changed his mind? What if he doesn’t like me? What if I can’t eat in front of him? Will he think I’m weird?”

“Oh Charlie, stick to safe foods. Food that you’ve had plenty of times before. You don’t have to impress him. He won’t care if you don’t finish your sandwich. You know what to do. Pace yourself and drink intermittently. Get him talking to help distract you. Don’t focus on what he’s eating. You know all of this.” she says with care and concern.

“Yeah I know, it’s, it’s just hard.” He says looking down and looking sad.

Jing-a-ling goes the bell on the door.

“Hi,” says Nick as he steps through the doorway
“Hi” replies Charlie looking up from the floor.
They stand and just look at each other for a moment.
Elle clears her throat, to help nudge them along.
“Oh, Shall we?” Nick says offering his arm to Charlie with a smile.
“We shall,” Charlie replies with a nod taking Nick’s arm.

Once again Elle just smiles as the door closes behind them.

The two boys walked side by side down the path towards the deli. Charlie still holding onto Nick’s arm. They walked in comfortable silence passing a few shops, then Charlie asks “was your Mum grumpy Henry didn’t have his nails clipped?”
“Nah, once I explained the whole situation” he gestured between them “she was ok about it. Even said I could borrow him anytime.”
Charlie smiled and simply replied, “Maybe you won’t need to borrow a dog to see me next time?”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah,” Charlie confirmed with a small nod.
“Cool,” Nick said to himself just above a whisper.

They arrive at the deli and there are only a couple of other people in there.
“Have you been here before?” Charlie asks
“No, I haven’t actually. Always fancied it but never got to it” Nick said while reading the big black chalkboard menu on the wall.
“Have you?”
“Yeah, I’ve been here a few times cos it’s near the parlour. And I, umm, I kinda like eating what I’m comfortable with. You know?”
Nick noticed Charlie looked a bit uncomfortable when he stumbled through that sentence. But didn’t say anything.
“So what do you suggest?”
“Oh, I normally have sun-dried tomato bread, mozzarella and Parma ham roll with a small pot of mixed olives, feta and artichoke salad, with a bottle of water.”
“Olives!! Bleugh! No, thank you! Food of the devil! You can keep them. But everything else sounds good. I think I’ll have ready salted crisps instead of the hell bombs you call olives.” Nick says with a faux serious grimace.

“Hey! Don’t diss my Spanish heritage! I love olives. Yum yum yum” Charlie says with a huge smile on his face, rubbing circles on his belly. Nick just laughs at him as Charlie giggles.
“Your Spanish?”
“Yeah, well half Spanish. Mum’s English Dads Spanish.” Charlie explained.
“Oh cool, my Dad is French. So, I get it. If you tried to tell me you didn’t like garlic, I’d be insulted too” Nick says with a giggle.
“I do like garlic. Just so you know”

Ouf ! Nous pouvons redevenir amis.” (Phew! We can be friends again.) Nick replies.
Charlie’s face falls, mouth open, eyes wide. ‘What is happening?’ he thinks
“I’m sorry what?” He says.

“Oh, je parle couramment le français, je pourrais tellement m’amuser avec ça.”
(Oh I’m fluent in French. I could have so much fun with this.)

“What? Are you fluent in French? Are you just messing with me? You could be saying anything.” Charlie said rolling his eyes but still smiling.
“Aimes-tu le fait que je parle français? Je suppose que tu n’as aucune idée de ce que je dis. Tu es très beau et je veux voir où ça va.”(Do you like that I can speak French? I’m guessing you have no idea what I’m saying. You’re very beautiful and I want to see where this goes.)

“I have no idea what you’re saying but it sounds beautiful.” Nicks is happy to hear this, although he hears the earlier warning from his mum run through his mind. ‘Keep it together Nelson, play it cool.’ He thinks.

“Hello, can I take your order?” The lady behind the till already looks bored.

The boys order their sandwiches say their thank yous and head to the lake in the park.

Chapter Text

Nick and Charlie walk through the park, Nick carrying their bag of lunch. Fingers occasionally brush as they walk in step with each other.
They find a vacant bench opposite the lake. Charlie sits first, but not at the end, he sits two-thirds into the bench. Forcing Nick to sit a little closer. Nick sits a respectable distance from Charlie and turns to sit facing Charlie at a slant. Their knees are now touching. The air around them colours and with a fizz, pop, and crackle, both boys feel butterflies in their chests.
Nick divides the lunches, pulling a dramatic disgusted face when he hands Charlie his olive salad concoction. Making Charlie giggle and bat his arm gently.

Nick unwraps his sandwich and opens his crisps tucking into them happily. Out of the corner of his eye, he notices Charlie’s sandwich unwrapped but as yet untouched. Charlie seems to have stiffened, and his hands are shaking mildly. Nick doesn’t say anything, but he does pace his eating slower. A few minutes later, Charlie still hasn’t started eating. He’s staring at the ducks on the pond and is silent. Nick abandons his lunch and launches into a story about how he got into baking. He talks and talks and doesn’t touch his food but just keeps on talking. He notices Charlie has a small smile on one side of his mouth and has looked at his sandwich. He breaks it into two pieces and after two deep breaths takes a tentative bite.
Nick doesn’t acknowledge this he just keeps talking. He doesn’t even know where the story is going anymore but one thing he can talk about is baking. His word ramble morphs into his family background and how wonderful his mother is. How much he loves her and how supportive she was when he came out. He mentions his brother and father being somewhat less supportive (to put it mildly) but wants to keep his chatter light so moves on to his love of rugby and how it helps him process and release his negative emotions.

All the while Nick is chatting away, Charlie is taking slow methodical bites of his lunch with intermittent sips of water. Nick has now finished his lunch, and notices Charlie is about done too. So, he wraps up his monologue by talking about ducks. Who knows why, but he thinks it’s a dead-end subject, so it’ll naturally close his tirade of words.
Once he’s done, he takes a big swig of his water. Charlie folds up his rubbish, drops it back into the bag, leans towards Nick and rests his head on his shoulder. He simply says, “Thank you.” Nick just smiles.
They continue sitting on the bench in comfortable silence.

Charlie is aware he has only said two words since they sat down. Nearly 30 minutes ago, he breaks the silence “So your brothers a dick then?” Nick snorts out a laugh. “Oh yeah! Complete dicknozzle.” Nick says smiling making Charlie giggle.
“I have two siblings, Tori my older sister, she’s…… intense but fiercely loyal and Ollie he’s a bit younger than me, he’s so full of energy it’s sickening, he actually works at the parlour too.”
“Tori not into dog grooming then?” “God No! I wouldn’t let her near any of the dogs. She’d probably just number one shave them all and be done with it” Charlie says with a laugh.
Nick chuckles, happy now Charlie seems more relaxed.
“I have a umm, let’s say complicated relationship with my parents. My dad is ok but, the less we mention my mum the better. Your mum sounds lovely though. I can’t believe she just let you borrow her dog” he says smiling.
“Yeah, she’s pretty awesome like that, you’ll see when you meet her” it slipped out before Nick knew what he was saying. Charlie’s head snapped up to look at him.
“I mean if, if you meet her. You totally don’t have to. There is zero pressure, in fact, you never have to meet her or me again if you don’t want”.
“Nick”
“Yeah”
“Shut up and kiss me”.
And he did. He cupped Charlie’s cheek and gently brought their lips together. He was not even dwelling on the fact that he could taste olives on Charlie’s tongue. That is something he can whinge about later he thought.
The kiss continues for a few minutes. Hands are roving over each other until Nick breaks the kiss, smiles on Charlie’s lips and reminds him, “We’re in a public park”.
“Oh yeah, so what” Charlie replies. Giving Nick another peck before sitting back upright.

They sit on the bench for the remainder of Charlie’s lunch break, they chat and laugh, they giggle and flirt, and they kiss and chat some more. That is until Charlie’s alarm goes off at 1.45, reminding him to sadly go back to work.
“Do you fancy an ice cream on the way back?” Nick asks.
“I do. It’s not the only thing I fancy though” Charlie says with a cheeky wink making Nick giggle and blush.
“Right then, let’s go!” And Nick stands up, grabs the rubbish bag and holds his other hand out for Charlie.
Charlie’s smile grows wide, his dimples pop as he takes Nick’s hand, and they head to the little ice cream hut.
“Two ice creams in a cone please, I’ll have chocolate brownie and Nick?”
“Bubble gum if they have it, please”
Silence
……
Charlie just stares at him.
“What?”
“Bubble gum please” Nick repeats totally straight-faced.
“Are you joking? I can’t tell.” Charlie says with a confused look on his face.
“I assure you I am deadly serious.”
“But bubble gum flavour is a crime!”
“Hey! Mr. Salad of hell bomb olives! If you can eat that then I can eat this.” Nick says with a smile.
Charlie turns to the ice cream man in defeat.
“One bubble gum scoop on a cone please.”
The ice cream man just smiles having heard the whole conversation. Charlie swears the man gives Nick an extra big scoop.

As they walk back with their ice-creams Charlie feels at ease. Having dumped their rubbish in the bin, Nicks now free hand has once again found Charlie’s and the electricity flowing between them is palpable.
Charlie decides to be cheeky.
Rolling his eyes with a huff and a sigh he says, “Now you’re gonna taste like bubble gum when I kiss you!” He pushes his bottom lip out to make a very very sad face.
“Could be worse” Nick replies. Stopping on the path looking straight at Charlie. “I could taste like olives!” Charlie gasps, covers his mouth with his hand shaking his head. “Oh Nick! I’m so sorry! I’m sorry! I should have bought mints! Jeese I’m sorry”
“Charlie its ok” Nick says with a little giggle. “I will always kiss you when you let me.”
“I’m so sorry”.
“You have nothing to apologise for”.
“Sor”
“Don’t say it!”
“I kind of want to say it”.
Nick bumps their shoulders together then grabs Charlie around the waist.
“I’ve had a great lunch date with you,” he says looking down at Charlie.
“Even with my olives?”
“Even with your olives”
Charlie raises onto his toes to meet Nick’s height and kisses him.
“Hmm, maybe bubble gums not so bad?”
Nick lets out a loud laugh.
“Come on let’s get you back before Elle hates me for always making you late again.”

And off they walk, hand in hand back to the parlour. Charlie making the mental note to always have mints in his pocket.

Chapter Text

DEBRIEF NICK

“When Nick gets here you have to let him speak. You need to try and stay calm and let him tell his story.” Tara says.
“But I’m so bloody excited!! I am literally bouncing. And I even skipped my morning coffee. Which I think has made me worse.”
“Oh Darcy, he’s gonna tell us everything but just let him speak. Second thoughts, maybe I’ll send you into the kitchen to get drinks when he gets here?”
“Tara Jones you wouldn’t dare!” Darcy says suddenly very serious.
“No, I wouldn’t, but you’ve got to calm down a bit.”
“Okay! Ok ok. I’m calm!” She sits slowly hand on her lap, “see calm”.

‘Ding Dong’
Juno comes running to the door, excited barking on both sides of the door can be heard.
“Alright Juno, if you move, I can open the door!” Tara says laughing and nudging the excited pup with her leg.
She manages to get the door open a crack and a cold wet nose pokes through the gap sending Juno wild.
Nick has already unclipped Nellie knowing full well she won’t run anywhere but into the house to play. She barges the door open and leaps at Juno. They run off into another room leaping and barking as they go.

“Nice to see they’re excited to see us. Sometimes I think they don’t love us at all!” Sighs Nick
“Awww that’s not true, who else will cuddle you in bed Nick? You’d miss your warm furry friend” Tara says smiling.
“Or do you have a new friend to cuddle in bed?” Darcy interrupts
“Darcy! What did I just say?” Tara scolds
“Sit down and calm down, let Nick talk” she says like a naughty schoolgirl. Making both Tara and Nick giggle.
“Ok Darce what do you want to know?” Says Nick while settling into the sofa.
“EVERYTHING!” She exclaims.
“Oh god, I’ll get some drinks” Tara says already on her way to the kitchen.
She comes back with a pitcher of Mojito and three tall glasses filled with ice.

So, Nick tells Tara and Darcy everything, from his early morning, to napping in the car, to bashing his head, to kissing, walking hand in hand, olives, ice cream. The lot. What he doesn’t mention is Charlie’s initial reluctance to eat and his slow methodical manner in which he did eventually eat.
He’ll talk to Tara about this quietly in private.

“Oh, I brought you some dog treats too.
I think I’m gonna test out new flavours next week.”

“Don’t change the subject, what happens next? Have you arranged another date? Please tell me you at least exchanged numbers!” Darcy said slurping up the last of her second glass of mojito.

“Umm, I haven’t arranged anything, but I did get his number. Shouldn’t I wait to message him? Mum said to be careful not to come on too strong.” He says with a sheepish look.

“He’s at work now anyway, right? So, you may as well wait until tomorrow. That way you can have a proper think and plan your next move.”
“That’s a good point Tara,” Nick says thoughtfully.
“That’s because I’ve only had one mojito” she replies with a wink.
Darcy just slurps hers more loudly then goes the grab the pitcher and refill her glass.
The trio carry on drinking and laughing and ordering pizza, the conversation moves on to all sorts of topics, joking and mocking as only three best friends can. The sun sets and the evening passes, Nick feels so comfortable and at home, with Tara and Darcy in his drunken state, he becomes quite emotional and affectionate. At which point Tara offers their spare room, realising he’s probably too drunk to safely walk home.
Nick graciously accepts, kisses them both on the cheek and heads to their spare room. Nellie was more than comfortable staying the night snuggled with Juno as she has done many times before.

Nick blinks awake, eyes hurting, head pounding, mouth dry like sandpaper. He has no idea what time it is, but he can smell the salty deliciousness of bacon wafting through the air. At this point, the promise of a bacon sandwich is the only thing pulling him out of bed and down to the kitchen.

“Gooooood Morning Nicholas! Happy Sunday!” Darcy sings.
“How are you so chipper? I swear you drank as much if not more than me.” Nick grumbles.
“I’m smaller so it’s faster metabolised and out of my system” she shrugs. Completely unaware if that’s true or not. But to Darcy it makes perfect sense. Tara just smiles at her. Nick just groans and slumps into a chair. “Tea” he grunts.
And a mug of freshly brewed loose leaf tea is placed gently in front of him.
He inhales deeply using its scent as an elixir to heal him. It seems to do the trick he lifts his head, opens his eyes slightly, a small smile and says “thank you” to Tara. He is rewarded for his effort when a bacon sandwich is then placed next to his mug.

Breakfast and a shower seem to have helped, they are all in the living room chilling and scrolling through various social media, when Tara asks, “So what next Nick?”
“Hmm?” He says, not looking up from his phone.
“With Charlie. What’s your game plan?”
“Oh, I think…. Ummm, pffffff I don’t know.” He hangs his head in defeat. “He did mention he liked to play video games with Ollie. That’s his brother.”
“Oh, I met Ollie! He squeezed Juno in with that massive clump the other day. He’s really nice!”
“Not the time Darce” Tara says.
“Right, sorry. Carry on Nick”
“So, I was thinking I might take him to the old school arcade, put his money where his mouth is with air hockey, space invaders and Mario kart.” He says with a shrug.
“That’s a great idea, pretty casual, allows for chatting and you can show off a bit. You’re pretty good at games. Especially Mario kart” Darcy says.
Nick smiles, feeling more confident with his idea, he’s thinking maybe he’ll suggest Wednesday, knowing Charlie has band practice on Mondays, thanks to Darcys intel, he rules out Tuesday because he’s always covered in glitter so Wednesday. Mainly because he can’t wait to see Charlie again!

DEBRIEF CHARLIE

“There you are Mrs. McBride Suzy (Yorkshire Terrier) is all clean and ready for you. Have you chosen a bow? I’ll be happy to put it on for you.” Charlie says with his best customer pleasing smile.
“Ah perfect choice, the blue in the sail boats will bring out her eyes.” He says while fixing it to her diamanté encrusted collar.
“Thank you so so much Charlie. It’s always lovely to pamper our princess. Same time next week?” Mrs. McBride says. “It may be my husband Christian who brings her as I’m away with the ladies on a yacht hen party.”
“No problem at all. Just book in with Elle and have a wonderful time at the hen do.” Charlie says handing over Suzy’s lead and waving possibly the poshest most pretentious of customers he has off. But she books her little dog in for a full groom every Saturday at 2pm so Charlie is respectful and warming and lovely as she helps pay his bills.

Once the reception door is shut behind her the open sign is flipped to closed. Charlie breathes a sigh. A smile grows on his lips as he finally allows himself to think back on his lunch break with Nick.

“Charlie, are you going straight home, or would you like to come for dinner?” Elle asks.

Charlie knows she is asking for two reasons.
1. she wants to know the details of his date.
2. She knows he’ll overthink it and spiral if left alone with his thoughts and spin the date into a negative and then not give Nick a chance and not eat any dinner.
Charlie loves her for this. And accepts her invitation but insists he buys a bottle of wine on the way home to share.

When they walk through the door Tao announces he’s made tomato pasta with salad. ‘Hmmm, Elle must have texted him to make a Charlie safe meal’ Charlie thinks to himself. Loving her even more.
Shoes are shucked and wine is poured.
General chit-chat hums in the kitchen, both Elle and Tao know not to press Charlie for details, he will talk to them once he’s processed and is ready to talk.
More wine is poured.
Dinner is served and eaten with Tao blabbing on and on about some artsy film he’s editing, a topic Charlie is silently grateful for as he can listen with no input expected, concentrating on finishing his meal. He feels comfortable eating with Elle and Tao, he has done it plenty and they have supported him through everything.
He’s more comfortable around this table than he is around his family, with the exception of Tori and Ollie.

After dinner, more wine is poured. Good job Charlie bought two bottles. Charlie washes the dishes Elle dries; Tao puts them away. It’s a well-practised routine.
Charlie speaks up.
“He talked to me as we ate. I don’t know if he knew what he was doing but he just kept talking. Talking about all sorts, he didn’t stop until I’d finished my lunch.” He takes a deep breath in. Elle puts her hand on his shoulder “oh love, were you uncomfortable?”
“I was to start, I couldn’t take the first bite, but then he started talking and something eased. I felt a little lighter and I ate my whole lunch. That means something Elle. I’m not sure what, but it means something. When we finished eating, we just sat and watched the lake in silence for a while. It was…” Charlie didn’t know the right word, “perfect” he settled with perfect.

Elle grew a big smile and wrapped him in her arms.
“Oh Charlie! I’m so happy for you. I knew he seemed a little special.”
“He didn’t ask for an explanation, he never even brought it up. I know I need to talk to him but. We even had ice cream on the way back. Elle, it was some kind of magic helping me through. I think it was holding his hand. It gave me some kind of courage, a mystic power that made my brain dull a bit.” Tao turned from the cupboard he was at.
“Charlie this is the stuff of sappy rom-com. You deserve nothing less.”
They all met in the middle of the kitchen and had a group hug. One hand from Tao and one from Elle rubbing up and down Charlie’s back in love and support.

“Right, less emotion, I’m going to go get the monopoly board,” Tao announced as he walked off.
Elle has a sympathetic smile and eye roll to Charlie.
“What happens next Charlie? I take it you want to see Nick again? Any ideas about what you want to do?” Elle asked once Tao had left.
“I’m not sure. I mean, I know I want to see him again, it felt too natural being with him, talking to him, sitting with him. But I don’t know what to suggest. He did mention he like to play video games but only really gets to rope his mum into it as Tara and Darcy don’t like them. So, I thought about maybe taking him to the arcade and seeing what type of games he likes. Kick his ass at Mario kart a bit, and just hope he doesn’t want to play stuff like air hockey or the basketball machine.”
“That’s a good idea. Pretty casual, allows for chatting and you can show off how much of a speed demon you are at Mario Kart.” Elle says with an encouraging smile and nudge.
“Do you think it’s too early to suggest Wednesday? Would I come off too clingy and annoying?”
“No, I think Wednesday is fine. It’s Sunday now and you have band practice Mondays, and Tuesdays are always busy for you, maybe just text him later and see what he says”
“You’re right. Thanks, Elle.”

Chapter Text

Monday
07:00 N: Good morning, hope you had a happy Sunday.

10:02 C: nothing about 7am is good. But. Have a fun day at school!

12.14 N: 7am isn’t so bad. Gives me time with Nellie before I drop her with Tara. I’m at lunch now, hope your day is going well.

14.33 C: we keep missing each other. Yeah, my day is ok. Off to band practice soon. Crash crash boom boom ting.

15:45 N: finally free from school. Now home to my meal for one. :(

17:00 C: Awww, meal for one. Maybe we could eat our meals for one together sometime?

18:30 N: Or we could create a meal for two?

18:32 N: Are you by chance free Wednesday?
18:32 C: Any plans Wednesday?

18:33 N: I now plan to see you.
18:33 C: I’m no longer free. I’m seeing this guy….
18:33 C: Ok. Us text replying at the same time is creepy.

18:34 N: I know right! And we’re saying basically the same thing! Are you in my mind?

1835: C: I’d much rather be in yours than mine.

19:20 N: can I pick you up at 16:30 on Wednesday?

19:40 C: Can you collect me from the parlour? I have a groom until 15:30.

19:42 N: Of course. No problem. x

19:45 C: Cool. Looking forward to it. x

TUESDAY

07:00 N: Good Morning! The sun is shining the tank is clean!

08:00 C: oh, dear god, you woke me up with a Nemo quote. Not sure we can be friends.

08:20 N: I never look back darling, it distracts from the now!

08:22 C: Edna Mode! ‘Incredible’ Where’s the block button?

08:23 N: If you can’t say something nice, don’t say nothin’ at all.

08:25 C: Thumper? Really?

08:26 N: I may be the one quoting Disney, but you are the one guessing them all!! Mr. Spring, you sir are a Disney fan!

08:30 C: shut up. x
08:31 C: sometimes the right path is not the easiest one.

08:40 N: Pocahontas! An oldie but a goodie!
08:41 N: Hi ho Hi ho it’s off to work I go. x

08:42 C: just make sure you whistle while you work. x

12.15 N: Guess who?

12:20 C: Hungry hungry hippos?

12:25 N: Clue?

12:26 C: Professor plumb with the candle stick in the conservatory.

12:28 N: Nope. x

12:29 C: Miss Scarlett in the Library with the revolver?

12:29 N: Nope. x

12:30 C: Colonel Mustard in the drawing room with the lead pipe?

12:30 N: Nope. x

12:31 C: I don’t like this game.

12:32 N: lol. Kerplunk.

12:35 C: what’s going on?

12:35 N: I’ll be honest I have no idea either.
How’s your day been? x

12:36 C: Hi Nicholas! Nice to text you again.

1237 N: I regret nothing.

12:37 C: me neither. So how much glitter are you donning today?

12:42 N: Not enough! never enough! Hahaha

12:43 C: That’s my boy! x
12:43 C: I mean, not MY boy
12:43 C: Not that I don’t…… mine
12:43 C: errrr, I do.
12:44 C: I love glitter.
12:44 C: Oh god.
12:44 C: Just block me. Put me out of my misery.

12:45 N: Hakuna Matata. x

15:45 N: Hi ho Hi ho, it’s home from work I go.

16:00 C: Home is the comfiest place to be.

16:15 N: awww Winnie the Pooh.
Anyway, your day ok? I basically got tar and feathered with a sprinkle of glitter and sequins.

16:20 C: But I bet you look pretty tho.

16:22 N: I do. If I say so myself.

16:23 C: Modest too.

1624 N: well, you know. If you’ve got it, flaunt it. He says flexing his guns. And laughing at himself in the mirror.

1625 C: Can I get a ticket to the next gun show?

16:26 N: Absolutely!

21:00 N: Hey, I’m excited to see you tomorrow. x

21:15 C: yeah?

21:16 N: Yeah.

22:40 C: I’m excited to see you too. x

WEDNESDAY

07:00 N: Good Morning. Today is gonna be a good day!

Charlie did not feel like it was gonna be a good day. When he woke up, his brain played games with him, making him feel like it was an under-the-blanket kind of day. Charlie has had plenty of days like these before, He never knows what triggers them, but as soon as he opened his eyes, he knows it’s a bad day. They come far less frequently now than they used to, he can mainly manage them on his own, but today he’s annoyed with himself because he was looking forward to today. He knows well enough he just has to ride it out.
At 08:05 he messaged Elle to tell her to call Ollie to cover his grooms, He was having a bad head day and not leaving his bed.
Elle replied with, ‘I’ll be over at 10.’
Charlie couldn’t bring himself to reply to Nick, he didn’t want to tarnish their friendly flirty banter with his negative messed up mind. So instead, he switches his phone off and cocoons himself in the duvet, closing out the world.

Elle doesn’t need to knock, she’s had a key for years. She’s been to Tesco to grab small safe foods for Charlie, she’s towing off her shoes and sneaking up the stairs.
Charlie feels the end of his mattress dip as she sits by his feet. She knows, he knows she’s there. She waits for him to emerge.
Charlie slowly unwraps and slithers around to Elle. Wraps his arms tightly around her waist and hold on for seemingly dear life. He’s crying, he’s not sure when he started and he’s not sure how to stop.
Elle runs her hands soothingly over his back, muttering words of love, comfort, and reassurance.
After an undetermined amount of time Charlie looks up at Elle “sorry” he whispers.
“No Charlie. No sorry. Just hugs and love.” She whispers back.
He buries his head back down and sighs.

Slowly he starts to shuffle, gaining the ability to detach himself from Elle, a small amount at a time. His stomach rumbles and groans. He knows Elle would have heard it, he knows she won’t ignore it. He also knows he hasn’t been shopping.
He feels Elle shift a little and lean down to the floor. She produces an apple.
He has never loved her more.
He peels himself away to sit up wordlessly takes the apple and starts to take hesitant bites.
“Charlie Spring you are amazing.” She says.
“You’re going to eat that apple, you’re going to get up, you’re going to shower and then we are going to decide what you’re wearing on your date with Nick.”
Charlie just nods, he knows there is no point arguing with Elle when she’s in Mum mode.
“The parlour?” he asks.
“All sorted, Ollie is grooming and Tao is in reception. I’ve told him not to touch the computer, just write everything down and I’ll sort it tomorrow.” She says reassuringly
Charlie just nods again.
“Thank you” he says between bites of nearly finished apple.

Elle jumps up off the bed. “Right! The time now is 12:10. We have four hours to get you ready.”
Charlie knows better than to argue. So, he shuffles off to the shower.
By the time he’s out, his fog his lifted slightly, evaporated with the shower steam. He’s feeling a little lighter, only helped by the sight that Elle has placed three outfit options on his bed. He throws on some boxers a T-shirt and jogging bottoms, opting for not giving himself the chance to dirty the nice outfits he’ll try on in a little while. He heads downstairs to find Elle prepping food in the kitchen.
She’s making his favourite roasted veg pasta dish.
When she notices he’s down, she turns to him with a warm smile. “Your curls look good” she says.
He shifts a little uncomfortably, “Thanks, I’ve started using that curl cream you told me about.” He smiles shyly.
Elle is careful with her conversation, knowing Charlie can startle like a deer in headlights at any moment. He’s made good progress today, she thinks it’s the thought of Nick keeping him ploughing forward.
They chat mindlessly until dinner is cooked and sit to eat together.

Elle helps him decide on an outfit, black ripped skinny jeans and a soft maroon shirt, it’s still warm out to he shouldn’t need a jumper.
Then they both head out, Elle driving them to the parlour. Charlie is talking, but he’s still a little quieter than normal.

They reach the parlour at 4pm, Charlie gives Ollie a grateful hug, Ollie waves off his thank yous and sorrys. Just states that he needs a bigger Christmas present this year with a cheeky wink.
Charlie waits in reception for Nick to arrive.

4:30 on the dot the door jingles open.

“Hi”

“Hi”.

Chapter Text

Once again Nick holds his arm out for Charlie to hold. A shy smile later and Charlie latches on to him to walk to Nicks car.
“I’m sorry I didn’t text you today,” Charlie says quietly
“My err, my phone died, and I’ve lost my charger. Elle had to come save me.”
It wasn’t a total lie. Elle had saved him today. He didn’t enjoy lying to Nick, but he wasn’t ready to tell him about bad brain days.
“It’s totally fine, don’t worry. The main thing is we’re together now.
I do have an idea if you trust me?”
Nick looks earnestly at Charlie, Charlie looks at Nick, feeling anxious. This is 100% out of his comfort zone. But for some strange reason, he says, “I trust you”
Nick opens the passenger door to his ford focus, letting Charlie in, then nipping round to the driver’s side.
“Can I link my phone for a playlist?” Charlie asks
“Yeah of course. My music taste is pretty basic. I’d love to hear yours.” Nick replies.
“Right off we go! It’s about twenty minutes”
“Cool. You know, I did have an idea of something we could do after if you trust me too?” Charlie says.
“Yeah? Ok. We’ll go there next.”
They make easy, idle chatter through the traffic until Charlie realises where he’s going.
“I don’t believe it.” He says under his breath.
“Sorry? What was that?”
“Nick it’s like you’re in my head. Or I’m in yours! I was gonna suggest going to the arcade!”
“What?!! No way!! That’s where I’m taking you!”
“I know silly! I recognise the road, it’s just up here on the left.” Charlie says pointing out the window with a giggle and a massive grin on his face.

They walk in hand on hand with matching smiles “Do you wanna get some food or play for a bit first?” Nick asks.
“Oh umm, shall we play something first? Let the dinner rush die down a bit, we could hit up Mario Kart. I’m looking forward to destroying you on Rainbow Road!” Charlie says skipping off in the Mario Kart direction.
“Oh! It’s on Spring.” Nick laughs chasing after him.

Three rounds of Mario Kart later…..
“Noooooo! How are you so good at this?” Nick whines
“What can I say? I was just born to race” Charlie replies with a smirk.
“No, you’re just good at everything”
“I’m not! I just have a little brother who always strives to beat me and hasn’t managed it without cheating. And a sister who can play for hours without getting bored. So, it’s like a religion in our house.”
“I only get to play when I rope my mum into it. Tara and Darcy can’t stand video games.” Nick says with a sigh. “Do you wanna get slushies?”
“Yeah, I could do a slice of pizza too” Charlie replies. Surprising himself.
Nick smiles and leads them to the cafe.

A slice of veggie supreme and a slice of meat feast with a basket of chips to share, Nick, however, ate most of them.
The two men, sat chatting happily. Charlie managing to not even think about the food he’s eating because Nick is keeping him so occupied with laughter. Charlie has a thought mid-way through Nick’s next story that this man, this ball of sunshine energy might actually be the antidote to his brain.
He sits there thinking how wonderful it is that Nick is in his life, how he loves even the lilt of his voice, the tone of his texts and the flex of his muscles. The way his whole face lights up when he’s laughing. This man wears his emotions on his sleeve, for Charlie it’s refreshing, and he relishes it.
“…rile? ..Arlie? Charlie? You, ok?”
Charlie shakes his head, now realising he zoned out into his own thoughts.
“Yeah, sorry, just thinking.”
“About?”
“How badly I’m gonna lose at air hockey!” He says with a smile.
“Well, no time like the present to find out.” Nick says springing to his feet.
Charlie giggles and follows him back through to the arcade.

Twenty minutes later, Charlie has a shimmer of sweat on his brow from darting left and right at the mercy of Nicks relentless hockey puck aim. But the sight of Nick doing a running man happy dance and jumping up and down when he scores is just about adorable enough to tolerate the humiliating defeat. Besides, Charlie fully intends on dragging Nick back to Mario Kart to level the balance and end their gaming on a high.

“So give me a low down of Charlie Spring” Nick says as they walk back to his car.
“Oh umm, what do you want to know?”
“What makes you tick I guess?” Nick says with a shrug.
“Oooookay. Charlie steadies himself with a deep breath, he’s gonna do it. “Well, I studied Latin at school, but my favourite lesson was Greek classics. I have a degree in mathematics, my mother convinced me maths would be useful. To be fair it is helpful. I then started and completed a degree in business studies whilst completing my maths degree because I could use some of the maths to bump my credits. I got into dog grooming as a type of therapy to relax after an abusive and turbulent relationship. I took evening classes to qualify and then I built my business. Elle is my oldest friend; I’ve known her since year 10. I was outed at school in year 9 and bullied pretty badly, mainly by the rugby team at my all-boys school. As a result of that trauma, I developed OCD and anorexia, I also suffer from anxiety and depression.
My mother used to try and force-feed me until I was sick, my siblings are amazing my dad is indifferent. I was an inpatient for psychiatric care when I was 15 and I still see a therapist every Monday before band practice. I have done since I was 16.
Umm….” He pauses to think and looks at Nick with tear filled eyes, “is that the kind of thing you wanted to know? Or should I dial it back?” Charlie’s not sure where all that came from but he’s breathing heavily as if he’s run cross country, while also feeling lighter.
Nick is looking at him with a stunned look on his face.
“Charlie, I…” Nick didn’t really know what he wanted to say. Charlie is now standing in front of him waiting for a reaction to the onslaught of information he just gave.
Nick can only think of one reaction.
He cups Charlie’s cheeks with his hand and gently guided their lips together. He kisses Charlie gently, holding him as if he’s made of glass. He feels a single tear run down his finger from Charlie. Nick withdraws and has a smile on his face that is so full of comfort and pride Charlie doesn’t know where to look.
“I lied to you earlier” Charlie whispers.
Nick looks confused.
“My phone didn’t die, I switched it off. I was having a bad brain day and I didn’t want to tarnish our texting with my negativity. Guess I’ve done it in person instead. I’ll umm, I’ll call an Uber. Please don’t feel obligated to drive me.” Charlie says looking at the floor. He starts to turn and walk away.
Nick catches his elbow.

“Charlie wait!” Nick takes a deep breath, “My parents divorced when I was 5, I never see or even hear from my dad, he lives in Paris. I came out as Bi and my brother is a homophobic git, who likes to practice Bi erasure and set me up with all his female friends, I play rugby because it helps me process negative emotions, but I don’t always feel safe on the pitch when the other team know my sexuality, my last girlfriend of 8 months dumped me by text when I came out to her, she was convinced I’d cheat on her! I’m lonely, I feel lonely, and my life has been way better since I met you. I’d very much like to drive you home please.” Nick is now the one out of breath.

Charlie just looks at Nick, studying his face, looking for insincerity. But he finds only honesty and vulnerability.
He takes a quick step towards Nick, swings both arms around his neck and draws him into a long passion-filled kiss.
They both know they need to revisit these topics, but right now the only thing that matters is that Charlie’s arms are wrapped around Nick and Nick’s arms are wrapped around Charlie.

Chapter Text

07:00 N: Good Morning! x

07:30 C: Good Morning to you too. x
07:31 C: I had fun yesterday. Thank you again for such a great evening.

07:32 N: It was 100% my pleasure. In fact… what are you doing Friday after work?

07:45 C: I have a gig. You’re welcome to come if you’re free?

07:46 N: send me the deets. I’m there!

07:46 C: you’re a primary teacher Nick, you’re not cool enough to say deets. Lmfao!

07:47 N: hey! I’m plenty cool. 28 5year olds can and will argue the point for me.

07:48 C: yeah. Ok, sure thing Nick. (Dramatic eye roll)

07:50 N: I’ll show you Spring, just wait and see.

08:00 C: Oh look at the time. Workday starts. Have fun Mr too cool for school. x

“Morning Charlie, how are you feeling today? I made you a coffee, it’s on the side” Elle points to the counter.
“Morning, I’m feeling so much better than yesterday. Thank you again for helping me. I love you so so much” he says blowing kisses at her across the room.

“Sooooo, how’d it go?”
Charlie currently has his back to Elle facing the counter, he twists to get a spoon from the drawer and bends to get a yoghurt from the fridge. He spins to face Elle, spoon in mouth grinning.
“Really well, it went really really well.” He slumps into the chair next to her and starts to fill her in with all the details.

“I’ve never felt so carefree while eating, it was like, like the food didn’t even matter!”
“Oh Charlie that’s wonderful!” Elle exclaims.
“I told him everything Elle, and I mean everything, from year 9 onwards.”
“Oh wow! How’d that go?” Elle looks surprised.
“He kissed me,” Charlie said quietly with a soppy smile. “He kissed me, he was so gentle and caring, and then he mirrored me and told me all his drama”
“Really? Sounds intense. What did you do?”
“I kissed him! I kissed him with every ounce of emotion I had.”
They carry on chatting for a bit, giggling, and laughing, Elle’s alarm goes off to warn her it’s nearly 9 am.
“Right boss, time for work. I’ve gotta sort out whatever mess Tao has left me with.” Elle says with a cringe.
“Yep, and I have an Afghan hound first thing, gonna take ages!” He springs to his feet and follows Elle out of the staff room.

Meanwhile, Nick arrives to drop Nellie off with Tara and he can’t wipe the huge smile off his face. He knows he needs to dampen down his mood, he simply can’t, he’s on cloud 9. He knows he’s in trouble, he knows he’s fallen hard for one curly-haired, blue-eyed sexy drummer Charlie Spring.
Tara opens the door with a stern look on her face.
Nick instantly feels on edge.
She’s standing their arms crossed scowling at him.
“Everything ok Tara?” He carefully asks as Nellie runs inside.
“Are your thumbs ok?” She snaps back
“Err, yes.” and he wiggles them both for good measure.
“Then your phone must be broken?”
“Err, No. what’s going on? What have I done?”
“You, Mr. Nelson have kept a couple of very worried lesbians awake most of the night, waiting to hear about your date with one dog groomer! You do realise Darcy was probably more excited than you! And nothing!! Radio silence from you! ALL NIGHT! Nick, she waited until 2 am for a text before she gave up in a huff! Have you ever met Darcy in a huff? I can tell you it’s not nice or pretty and thanks to you that’s what I had last night and this morning!”
“Oh,” he says looking sheepish.
“Oh? Is that all you have to say? For the love of God, get your phone out and text her! give her a tiny piece of info from yesterday and we can all move on with our lives.” Tara is beginning to smile now. Unable to keep the grumpy stern look any longer.
Nick shows Tara his phone, displaying a message just for Darcy, not even in the group chat. That way, she’ll think she’s got inside information and can gloat to Tara about it later.
“Love you Tara.” He calls as he turns to leave.
“Hang on a second Mr. I get nothing? No gossip?” She smirks.
Nick turns slowly to face her.
“He’s incredible,” he says with the biggest smile on his face. He skips back off to his car leaving a stunned Tara on the doorstep.

The door to the parlour jingles, Elle looks up from her desk.
“Oh hello,” she says.
“Hi, is umm, is Charlie free?”
“He should be, give me one minute. Is he expecting you?”
“Err, no. He’s not expecting me. Thanks.”

Elle leaves to find Charlie.
Charlie walks into reception and as soon as he sees who it is his face lights up.
“Elle didn’t tell me it was you! Hi!”
“Hi, is it ok that I came?”
“Of course it is, come on through the back. I’ve just made some tea.”
Nick follows Charlie to the staff room.

“What’s in the box Nick?”
“Oh, I made some more dog treats, these ones are beef ones.”
“I’ve been thinking about your dog treats. If you wanted, we could make a proper business plan and try to make a go of it, could be a nice little earner for you.”
“Really? You would do that with me?”
“Of course I would, it’s a great idea. Do you wanna come round mine later? We could write the foundations for you.”
Nick just stares dumbfounded at Charlie.
“Sure, umm, send me your address, I can get to you for five? Would it be ok to bring Nellie?”
“Of course you can bring Nellie! it’ll be lovely to see her again. I’ll cook, is there anything you don’t like food wise?”
“No I’ll pretty much eat anything” Nick says with a grin.
“Ok, cool, well umm, I’ll leave you this box and get out of your hair. I need to get back to school anyway.”

Charlie walks over to Nick, takes the box out of his hand, sparks crackle between their fingers. He places a kiss on Nick’s cheek. “I’ll see you later then,” he says with a smile.
“Yeah, see you later then,” Nick says.
The door goes Jingle and he’s gone.

Chapter Text

‘Knock knock knock’
“Coming! Hang on a sec” Charlie calls out.
Charlie is just putting the finishing touches to his meal in the kitchen. He’s still wearing his pink polka-dot apron Ollie bought him for Christmas, he hates to admit it, but it does come in useful.
He nips to the door wooden spoon in hand that he’s been using to stir his sauce.
He opens the door not looking as he’s keen to get back to the kitchen to stir his sauce. “Come on in, I just need to”
“Charlie?”
Charlie freezes.

That’s not Nick.

That’s a different voice he recognises. It’s a voice he never wants to hear especially when he’s alone.
“What are you doing here?” He snaps
“Are you done sulking yet? Can we just go back to being together now?”
“I said I don’t want to meet up with you any more Ben!”
“Come on Charlie” Ben reaches out and grabs Charlie’s arm.
“Get off me!” Charlie raises his voice.
Ben has now stepped inside the doorway.
“Get out of my house! I don’t want you here. This is a safe place for me!”
“Come off it Charlie, if I don’t have you no one else will. You are too pathetic, needy, and clingy for anyone to be able to stand you!”
Ben moves toward Charlie crowding him into the hallway wall.
“Get off me Ben. Don’t. STOP!”
Ben is forcing himself on Charlie grinding against him and kissing him.
Suddenly the weight of Ben on Charlie is lifted, Charlie isn’t sure what’s happening
“He told you to stop!”
Nick growls as he manhandles Ben off Charlie.
“Now Piss off!”
Nick is panting with rage, fists trembling with anger.
Ben scuttles and stumbles over his own feet as he scampers away with a shocked and confused look on his face.
Nick turns to Charlie, face morphed into concern and compassion.
“Did you hear all of that?” Charlie asks, Nellie nudging him offering her comfort.
“Most of it, I arrived just after him I think.”
“Sorry”
“You have nothing to apologise for!”
“Sorry”
“Hey” Nick gently steps towards Charlie and cups his cheek, wiping away tears with his thumb. “No S-Word ok”
Charlie nods and leans into Nicks touch.
Nick draws him into a hug.
They stand there, in the hallway, front door open, for an undetermined amount of time.
Charlie sniffs “Shit! my sauce!”
Charlie runs back to the kitchen; his sauce has bubbled over but doesn’t seem burnt.
“At least Ben didn’t ruin you” he mumbles.

“I brought wine” Nick says as he arrives in the kitchen after popping back to his car. “Where are your glasses? I feel like we both need a large one.” Charlie turns to him and smiles, pointing to the glass cupboard.

Over dinner they keep the conversation light, Nick may or may not have researched anorexia and how best to support people in recovery, if his laptop has several open tabs on the subject is no one’s business but his own. So, he dominates the conversation, figuring Charlie is off-kilter a bit due to his unexpected guest. Charlie manages two-thirds of his dinner.
After dinner, they settle on the sofa, the TV on just for background noise.
“So, that was the turbulent ex, in case you didn’t figure that one. He’s umm, he’s no good for me or my mental health. He just has a hard time taking no for an answer.” Charlie says with a heavy sigh.
“I can see that. Well, you have me to help now” Nick says as if it’s the most natural thing in the world.
Does Charlie have Nick? Does he deserve Nick?
Charlie smiles. “Thank you for being my supportive Bi friend.”
Nick just smiles.
“If he ever comes near you again, I’ll kick his ass.” Nick says determined.
“Alright, down boy. Let’s talk dog biscuits” Charlie says with fondness and a little giggle.

They spend the next hour and a half talking about cooking ingredients and cost. Charlie may have already prepared a mock spreadsheet for Nick to fill in the blanks. By the end of it, they make the scales tip in Nicks favour by cutting the flavour choice down to two. Which, Charlie promises can be expanded once his product is known and profit starts to be made.
Charlie offers to sell them in his parlour and will also suggest to neighbouring parlours and pet shops to stock them too.
Nick is blown away by how organised and thorough Charlie is.
“Wow! You should be a business consultant. This is amazing Charlie.” Charlie smiles bashfully, “it’s nothing really, any kid with a spreadsheet could do it.”
“It’s not nothing. It means something to me.” Nick says reaching for Charlie’s hand.

Blue eyes flick up to meet brown. They hold each other’s gaze. Since when were they sitting so close?
Charlie moves his hand up behind Nicks neck and gently plays with the short hair he finds, softly encouraging Nick to lean forward. A gentle kiss placed on his lips.
Quickly deepened by Nick, he runs his tongue along Charlie’s bottom lip asking for entrance which is granted keenly. Both exploring each other. Arms roving over each other’s bodies. Biceps squeezed waists grasped. Chest upon chest breathing in sync. Charlie continues to lean forward gently pushing Nick back onto the sofa and following him down, gracing the blonde man with his gentle weight on top of him. Kissing and caressing, Nick lets out a soft moan when Charlie works feather-light kisses down his jawline to his neck working to his pulse point and back again gently sucking and licking and kissing as he moves. Nick’s hands are caressing Charlie’s back, shoulders, and waist. Carding his fingers through the curls of his hair. Which is just as soft as he’d imagined and smells slightly of vanilla. Nick on impulse can’t help but grind upwards, instantly recognising this, he slowly starts to stop Charlie. Knowing he can’t get carried away. He doesn’t want to rush this. It’s far too precious.
“Charlie, Charlie, wait a second. Hold up. Umm, can we, umm, we should slow down.”
Charlie immediately stops at Nicks words, and shuffles backwards to give each of them room to breathe.
Nick props himself up on his elbows “I don’t want to rush this, Charlie.” Nick explains. Charlie looks a little scared he’s maybe done something wrong, crossed a line perhaps, he starts to shuffle again to move off the sofa.
Nick catches his hand to stop him from moving, offering soft reassuring thumb circles onto the back of his hand.
“I want this Charlie. I want this so badly you have no idea. I just don’t want to mess it up. You’re like, my favourite person. I need you to believe me. I just don’t want to mess it up.”
“I believe you” Charlie says so quietly Nick wouldn’t have noticed if he hadn’t of been watching Charlie so intently.
“Nick, I believe you.” He says again a little louder, raising his eye line to meet Nicks. Then he leans forward to offer another kiss. Which is gratefully received.
Nick’s phone lights up with a text from Darcy, but in doing so also reminds Nick of the time. It’s now 10 pm
“I have to get going soon, I’ve got school in the morning” he groans.
“Yeah, me too. I, err, I mean, I have a full day of grooming.” Charlie replies.
They peel themselves off the sofa, and Nick starts putting his shoes back on.
“Come on Nellie” he calls. Nellie appears from the makeshift dog bed Charlie had supplied.
“So I’ll still see you Friday?” Charlie asks
“Just try and keep me away” Nick smiles arms wrapped around Charlie’s hips. They share one last kiss.
Nick opens the door and Charlie leans against the frame as he leaves.
“Bye” he says with an awkward wave.
“Bye” Nick says with an equally awkward wave. Both men realise they don’t want to separate, but both keep that very much to themselves. For now.

Chapter Text

Tara and Darcy couldn’t make it to the Jockey this Friday, they must attend one of Tara’s cousin’s birthday parties. Neither woman was thrilled with this idea and would much rather have been out with Nick, but family obligations have to be completed occasionally.
So, Nick went to his second choice, Imogen.
Imogen is a teaching assistant who works at the same school as Nick, they have been friends since she started there two years ago. She is always flirty with him and over-friendly, she touches his arms when they’re talking, and she giggles through their conversations, but she is bubbly and harmless enough. So, when Nick asks her if she wants to see a band with him, she keenly agrees. Nick is so focused on the fact he’s going to see Charlie living in his element he doesn’t notice the little squeal of joy Imogen gives as she walks away back to her classroom.
And so, Nick is meeting Imogen at the bar at 6.30 to ensure he gets a good spot in which to watch Charlie.
When they arrive Nick goes straight to the bar, a cosmo cocktail for Imogen and a Desperado with lime for himself. Imogen wants to tuck them away and sit in a booth, but Nick knows he wants to be near the stage. He wants Charlie to be able to see him. He’s wearing light blue stone wash Jean shorts with a light pink shirt he has left open with a white T-shirt underneath, and classic Vans trainers to finish the look. His hair is just so, it always seems to fall the same way, so he’s learnt to just roll with it. Inadvertently Imogen seems to match with a light pink and baby blue flowered floaty dress, white cardigan, and white high-top Converse. Her hair is curled just so with a little pink flower to one side. From anyone caring to look, they look like the perfect couple.

Work all done for the day, Charlie is at home preparing for his ‘Pride Lands’ gig tonight. He has a last-minute half-hour practice on his drums, heads to the shower then starts to glam up for the performance. He’s meal prepped from yesterday, so he just needs to heat his dinner through.
Eyeliner was carefully applied, glitter dabbed across his cheeks, maybe it’s a new addition to reflect a certain someone that sparkles. Charlie is wearing his trademark ripped skinny jeans, and tonight because it’s promised to be warm, he braves a vintage Pineapple dance studio crop top. Rainbow Converse, and a silver headband to keep his curls at bay, he really should think about a trim. After one last check in the mirror, he grabs his leather jacket for later and sets off to the bar.
He’s got there early to set up his drums and ensure they are perfect for his performance, the rest of the band with less equipment have not arrived yet.
He’s tinkering with the cymbals when he feels a hand on his shoulder, he turns to see,

“Ben, what do you want? You shouldn’t be here, leave me alone.”
Charlie shrugs off his hand and steps to the other side of his kit.
“I just want to talk Charlie. I’m glad your guard dog isn’t here.”
“My what? Oh, you mean,” deliberately not saying Nicks name, Charlie just rolls his eyes and scowls at Ben.
“Ben you need to leave. I don’t want you here.”
“I’m not leaving Charlie; I’ve come to enjoy the band. You wouldn’t begrudge me to listen, would you?” Ben says with a snarl.
“Elle and Tao will be here soon, I know you won’t want to be seen by them.”
“It’s fine, I’ll sit at the back. I want to see you Charlie, I want to watch you play” As Ben says this Charlie gets a creeping feeling down his spine and not the nice variety.
“Well, I can’t force you to leave I suppose, just stay out of my way.” And Charlie walks away backstage not looking back.
Ben positions himself in a booth far from the stage, with beer and bar snacks on the table.

The band arrive on stage, the bar is packed again, full of people having a great time and looking forward to the live music. Tao and Elle are to the left of the stage, where they know Charlie will see them. Nick is bouncing on his heels with barely contained excitement at seeing Charlie in his element, Imogen is three Cosmos down and wrapped around Nick mainly for support standing.
Charlie gives Tao and Elle a big smile and wave as he steps out, he quickly scans the crowd, and his eyes light up when he spots Nick, although his face turns confused when he sees Imogen wrapped around him, Nick just gives him a big smile in return. In hindsight, maybe he should have texted Charlie and told him who Imogen is Nick thinks, mentally scolding himself for not doing that.

1,2. 1,2,3,4
The band start the play. The set is full of songs Nick has never heard before but is loving non the less.
After the first thirty minutes, the band take a break as it’s really hot. They are provided drinks from the bar.
Ben creeps out from the shadow of his booth and makes his way to Charlie who is alone and drinking an ice-cold lemonade.
“Charlie, you’ve been practising, you’ve managed to not make a total fool out of yourself.” Ben sneers
Charlie just rolls his eyes and doesn’t respond.
“Charlie? Did you hear me? I paid you a compliment, Charlie. Are you just going to ignore me? Charlie!” Ben is getting louder, clearly having had a few pints. He goes to grab Charlie’s arm, Charlie bristles from his grasp but in doing so hits the cymbal with his wrist.
At the noise commotion, the bar goes a little quieter.
“Charlie, I said don’t ignore me!” Ben is now practically shouting in his face.
“Do you know what, you’re a . pathetic . Little . fa*”

Crack

“Ahhhhhhhhh!!!” Ben is wailing, blood is falling and covering his face and dripping onto the floor
“What the hell!” He screams
“Nick!” Charlie cries and rushes over to him.
Nick is now standing rubbing his knuckles, seeming quite calm considering, he’s turned his back not even looking at the commotion Ben is making. The bouncers in the bar trying to calm a flailing Ben down, Charlie is talking to one of them quietly, then he turns to Ben, who stops suddenly at Charlie’s attention, he can sense a bouncer just behind him “You can’t make me feel small anymore just because you hate yourself. Leave me alone Ben, just leave. me. alone.” And with that Ben is carted out by the security bouncer and thrown into the street.
“Nick I’m so sorry! I’m just so sorry.” Charlie rushes out, shaking his head and looking at Nick’s knuckles.
“What? You have nothing to be sorry for, he called you a, he called you…” Nick choked on the word and swallowed it back down not wanting to ever say it.
“I know he did, he’s a sorry excuse of a man, so far in the closet he can’t stand to see me out and proud.”
Charlie and Nick instinctively move closer together, Charlie’s delicate hands cradling Nick’s now bruised one, rubbing soft soothing circles over it with his thumb.

“Hi! I’m Imogen! I came here with Nick!”
Imogen makes her presence known.
“As work friends Immy just work friends.” Nick chips in.
“Oh I know, just friends” she says with what she considers a secretive wink.
Charlie looks at Nick who shrugs apologetically.

“Charlie!!! Are you ok? We were in the loos then we heard Ben! What on earth was he doing here?” Elle comes rushing up to hug Charlie, Tao standing defensively by her side giving Nick a glaring look and not even registering Imogen.
“I’m ok. He came to the bar earlier, and he said he wanted to talk, I told him to leave, but I guess he didn’t. I hope he’s got the hint now Nick hit him” Charlie said with a smile.
“Nick hit him?!” Tao snaps his head towards Nick now, finally taking in the full picture.
“Yeah, he umm, Ben, he called me a slur, Nick hit him, and the bouncers threw him out.”
“Oh, Charlie! I’m sorry he won’t just leave you alone.” Elle says sympathetically.
“Charlie we’re back on in 2” Charlie’s bandmate calls.
“Right that’s me, I’ve gotta get back, see you after?”
Nick nods as does Elle and Tao.
“Are we staying the second half?” He hears Imogen whine as he walks back to his drums.

Drumming helps, it always has. He’s good at it, he loves it, and he gets lost in it.

Chapter Text

“Oh My God! Oh My God! Oh My God! I can’t believe Nick Nelson invited me to see a band with him! Nick Bloody Nelson!!!” Imogen is squealing down the phone to her friend Stacy.
“Alright Immy, just calm down. Are you sure it’s a date? Not just a friend thing? I’m pretty sure he friend-zoned you, like a while ago.”
“Well Stace, he said Tara and Darcy are busy and he really wanted to see this band, he asked if I was free and if I fancied going?”
“Immy that doesn’t sound like a date. Are you going for dinner beforehand or meeting there? Is he picking you up?”
“Umm, we, we are meeting there. But, but, but I’m so excited. I really want it to be a date. He’s so lovely, he’s emotional, kind, caring and he’s so sexy! I mean his arms are just, mmmmm I could bite them. He’s beautiful Stace.”
“Immy, has he ever shown you he likes you like that? Hasn’t he been talking about a ‘Charlie’? Like a lot recently?”
“Well yeah, but once he sees me in my summer dress and I get him dancing he won’t be able to take his eyes off me.”
“Not sure it works like that darling”
“Oh I don’t know. What’s this Charlie got that I haven’t? I’m sure she can’t be that special, I mean I’m a catch, and we’ve been friends so long, we hang out every morning it just makes sense we be together.”
“Just be careful Immy, don’t make a fool of yourself and don’t let this situation hurt you.”
“Ok, I’ll be careful. But I’m also gonna have a good time. Love you lots!”
“Like jelly tots” Stacy replies and hangs up.
Imogen flops back onto her bed, a big love-struck smile on her face.
“Nick Bloody Nelson” she says to no one with a dreamy sigh.
Imogen has a light dinner, not wanting to feel bloated for her ‘date’ she showers and changes, taking extra care to get the curls in her hair just right. She’s picked the cutest dress in her wardrobe which she would normally pair with some white summer sandals but as she’s going to a bar to see a band, so, she opts closed toes and wears her white high-top Converse that look pristine.
She takes a couple of selfies in her hallway mirror with the best lighting, which she posts on Instagram tagging Nick and the bar, unsure of the band name she ignores that and calls for a taxi.

18:25 Immy 🤩: Hey! I’m in the taxi now be there in 5. x
18:26 Nick: ok. See you there

Imogen steps out of the taxi and immediately notices Nick’s blonde hair catching the last of the sunlight, and then she notices their outfits match. And he. looks. hot! Her breath hitches and she has to take a second to compose herself before she calls his attention.

“Hi Nick” she says shyly, tapping on the back of his shoulder.
He turns around and in Imogen’s head, it may as well have been in slow motion with a hair toss. She is smitten. She audibly gasps.
“Oh hey Imogen, thanks again for coming with me. I’m really excited to see the band. I told you Charlie’s the drummer, didn’t I?”
“A female drummer? That’s so cool”
“What? No, Imogen, Charlie’s a guy.”
“Oh, cool. Always nice to support friends”
Nick looks a little confused. Imogen knows he’s Bi. Maybe he hasn’t been obvious enough with his intention tonight?
Imogen links her arm with Nick and they walk into the bar.

So the band are, interesting, but not really Imogen’s cup of tea, she’s more of a top 40 girl, and this is more moody alternative soft rock.
Charlie the drummer is certainly interesting, in his crop top and glitter.
‘Stick to the plan Imogen, be delightful, get him to dance and you’ll be irresistible’ she thinks, chanting it like a mantra in her head.
The band are having a break and Imogen is pulled towards the stage reluctantly, she’s sipping her Cosmo and looking at the posters on the wall. Suddenly there is some sort of scuffle, and she sees Nick hit some guy she’s never met. She has no idea what’s going on, or why Nick seems so furious. But then she sees this Charlie guy being so tender with Nick and Nick giving him loving eyes.
Hmm, time to turn up the dial she thinks. Gotta get him out of here.
“Are we staying for the second half?” She asks
Nick replies “yes! They’re brilliant and I want to support Charlie. He’s amazing, isn’t he? I can’t get over how hot he looks in his outfit. And the eyeliner. Immy it’s making his beautiful blue eyes come to life. And when he’s playing it’s like he just grows with confidence.”
‘Oh god, This is gonna be harder than I thought’ she thinks.
Another Cosmo cocktail down, Immy plucks the courage to ask “Nick, why am I here?”
He looks at her with another confused face, she is confusing him a lot tonight it seems.
“I invited you because you’re my friend, I thought you’d enjoy it? Are you, are you not having a good time?” He now looks concerned.
“Nick, I’d have a better time if you kissed me.” She says bluntly.
Nick takes a small step backwards
“Immy, you’re a lovely girl, and a great friend, but I don’t like you like that. I like Charlie.”
“Charlie?” She says stunned
“Yeah. Look at him” he says with a dopey smile looking back at Charlie.
“But Charlie?” She looks a little angry
“Immy, you know I’m Bi. I told you that.”
“Yeah, I just, I’ve never actually seen you with a guy, I just thought, I thought if you came with me, we could make it a date and be normal”
“Imogen!” Nick shakes his head in disbelief.
“Imogen that’s so offensive. Your total disregard for my sexuality is ignorant and hurtful. For me finding Charlie attractive is ‘normal’ to use your words. I find both women and men attractive.” Nick is appalled that he’s having this conversation, He turns to leave, heading towards the stage again,
“Nick wait! I’m sorry, I didn’t realise.”
“No Imogen, you didn’t think. I…,” he scratches the back of his neck in a frustrated fashion “I need time away from you. I need to decide if we can even still be friends if you honestly think like that, try to manipulate me and disqualify my feelings so easily” he doesn’t wait to hear her reply and walks to stand with Elle and Tao.

Imogen’s eyes are full of tears and she leaves the bar, calls a taxi and heads home.

00:32 Immy 🤩: Hey Nick. I don’t really understand what I said wrong. I thought we were on the same page. I like you, Nick.
You don’t have to reply right now, but I’d like for us to try and work it out. Once you’ve got over this little crush I’ll be waiting. x

Chapter Text

Nicks head is spinning.
A lot happened last night, his head aches his hand aches and his stomach is in knots.
He re-reads the message Imogen sent him and composes his reply.

00:32 Immy 🤩: Hey Nick. I don’t really understand what I said wrong. I thought we were on the same page. I like you Nick.
You don’t have to reply right now, but I’d like for us to try and work it out. Once you’ve got over this little crush I’ll be waiting. x

08:30 Nick: I have feelings for another man. I don’t feel that way about you, pretty sure I never will.
I don’t think we should see each other until you can get your head around it. You really hurt my feelings and I don’t really owe you an explanation.

He feels so let down by Imogen. He thought they were friends, he thought she accepted him. Has he wasted two years on a dead-end friendship with a biphobic person?
He needs to vent. He needs Nellie and Tara and Darcy and Juno. He messages the rugby lads that he’s not going to make practice this morning, throws on his joggers and a hoodie, clips a lead on to Nellie and leaves for his car. His phone is abandoned on his bed. It’s brought him nothing but misery this morning.
He makes one stop on his way, a little bakery for fresh croissants and he’s then knocking on the door.

Boof woof woof he hears an excited Juno. Fab, at least one of the girls are awake.
Darcy opens the door, pyjamas on, sleep wrinkles obvious on her face squinting into the light, hair dishevelled, “Nick? Nick what’s wrong?” He leans forward landing his head on her shoulder, she instinctively wraps her arms around him. He drops Nellies lead and hugs Darcy so tightly, he squashed the croissants behind her back. He’s clinging on and crying. She slowly manoeuvres them both into the house to shut the door.
“Oh Nick love, what’s happened? Is it to do with Charlie?” He just shakes his head against her neck and sighs.
“Ok, buddy. Come on. Let’s have some tea.”

The kettle just flicks off boiled and Tara walks into the kitchen. Darcy is fussing with three mugs and Nick is sitting on the floor giving both dogs plenty of love and belly rubs.
“I thought I heard Nellie, everything ok? You’re here early.” She looks at Nick and notices his sad smile.
“Morning Tara. I had, I had a bit of a night and needed to offload to my favourites this morning.”
“And you brought breakfast,” she says with a smile noticing his bag from the bakery.
“Very wise Nicholas, early Saturday mornings require flaky pastry treats.”
Darcy places three mugs of tea on the table. “Right, young grasshopper. What’s got you so upset? And can I murder them?”
“Well…..” and Nick tells them all about Imogen. And then if that wasn’t bad enough, he then goes on to tell them all about Ben.
Once he’s finished, they all sit in stunned silence.
“Bloody hell.” Darcy mutters. “You had one hell of an awkward night, is Charlie ok? Did you tell him about Imogen? Ben sounds awful! Is your hand ok? Blimey Nick, we can’t leave you alone for a minute.”
“Darcy breathe.” Tara taps her arm. Nick just hangs his head in his hands and lets out a groan.
“I haven’t messaged Charlie this morning, I saw him briefly last night after the gig. He was pretty tired though. He knows Imogen left, I was chatting to Elle and Tao after she went. Oh crap! I left my phone at home. I’ll just message him later. He’s at work anyway.”
“You could swing by the parlour on your way home?” Tara suggests.
“ I dunno, I don’t wanna keep bothering him at work.”
“Even just leave a message with Elle, it’s the thought that counts.”
“Yeah, you’re right. I’ll pop to the deli and grab his favourite lunch too and leave it with Elle.”
“And don’t worry about this Ben fellow, by the sounds of it he won’t cause you problems, he’s so far in the closet he won’t want to answer questions about why you hit him” Tara says.
“So that’s Charlie sorted, what you gonna do about little Miss Biphobe?” Darcy asks.
“First off not call her that!” Nick says with a smile.
“I dunno, I need space from her. I don’t know if she genuinely doesn’t understand what she said or what. But if she has feelings for me, she needs to get them in check before we can be friends.”
“Right, another problem sorted. Croissants then. I’m having Nutella in mine!” Darcy chirps as she springs up and heads to the cupboard.
Nick just rolls his eyes. He knew he came to the right place. Nothing seems as bad when he’s with Tara and Darcy.

Charlie wakes up, he gets his running clothes on, he needs to clear his head and figure out how best to apologise to Nick for the whole Ben fiasco last night.
He doesn’t even check his phone, just starts his running playlist and heads to the park for a run.
No rugby man stretching today? Charlie was secretly hoping he’d be there. He runs back to the parlour and heads for the shower, forever grateful he always has a spare set of clothes here. Although he hasn’t had breakfast yet and didn’t plan ahead for his lunch, he decides that’s lunchtime Charlie’s problem and he’ll sort it later, he knows there’s bread for toast and yoghurts in the fridge he can eat for breakfast.
Shower done, clothes on, standing in the staff room waiting for his toast to pop Charlie finally gets around to checking his phone. Lots of tags on socials from the gig last night. Messages from Tao and Elle saying they got home ok.
Nothing from Nick.
Nothing from Nick?
Charlie is a little concerned by this. He has been receiving ‘good morning’ texts every day since they swapped numbers.
He put his phone down to butter his toast. Typically, now it lights up. He’s quick to check it.

08:34 UNKOWN: hope you’re happy you pathetic piece of ass, your guard dog broke my nose.

Charlie knows exactly who it is, without replying he screenshots the message then blocks the number, pockets his phone and gets back to sorting his toast.

Elle walks through the door, breezes over to the fridge
“Good morning my wonderful beautiful talented best friend” she sings.
“What are you after?” He giggles.
“Well seeing as you see straight through me, I won’t even begin to pretend. Any chance I could finish at lunch today?”
“Whhhhyyyy?”
“Tao has asked me to meet him at the private cinema down the road. Said he has an important screening I HAVE to attend.” She shrugs.
“Oh well if you ‘HAVE’ to be there I guess I can spare you. I only have the usual this afternoon anyway, so I’ll be out of here by 2 pm, just put the answer phone on when you leave.” He says waving a piece of toast at her.
“You got it, boss. And thank you.”
“Umm, Elle, did you speak to Nick at all last night?”
“Yeah a little while you were playing the second half. Well, once that girl had left that is.”
“Do you, Umm, Do you know who she was?”
Err, Nick didn’t really talk about her, he seemed grumpy with her, but he did mention she works at his school, I think. I dunno, Tao chatted to him more than me.”
“oh” Charlie looks sadly down at his shoes.
“Why? You don’t think they were together, do you? Jesus Charlie that man only has eyes for you!”
“I don’t know what I think. I haven’t heard from him yet this morning and it has thrown me through a loop”
“I’m sure there is a perfectly good, reasonable explanation, give him a little time, maybe he’s just hungover? Or at rugby, doesn’t he do that kind of crazy thing in the mornings?”
“Yeah, yeah your right. He’ll be a rugby. I’ll wait to panic until later” he says with a small smile.
He blows her a kiss; she catches it and splats it on her cheek with a big smile.
“Right let’s do this!” And they both walk out of the staff room to start their day.

To say Charlie’s mind was on the job would be an exaggeration. If he keeps his phone near him on the table to see if it lights up with a text from a certain someone then that’s up to him. He can’t help thinking Nick doesn’t want the bother of an asshole ex-boyfriend to contend with. He’s had two run-ins with Ben in as many days one of which he’s resulted in a bruised hand.
Should Charlie text him? He doesn’t normally text first, but then he normally has a text by 7.30 am.
Sod it.
He puts the clippers down and composes a message.

10:47 C: Good Morning you. Hope you’re ok today and your hand isn’t too sore.
Apart from the blip, hope you enjoyed the gig. x

Yep short, sweet casual. Now wait.

Delivered. Not read

Not read

Not read

“For goodness sake, Charlie do some work, distract yourself do not spiral!” He says to himself out loud.

Elle is just switching off the computer and setting up the voicemail when the door unexpectedly jingles.
“Oh hey! Come in. I’m just about to leave but I’ll let Charlie know you’re here.” Elle says.
“No, no, don’t disturb him if he’s busy. I just umm, I just wanted to drop him off some lunch. I’m not sure if he’s got any but I wanted to, I haven’t had my phone all day, so I wanted to let him know I’ve been thinking of him I guess.” Nick says looking shy and shrugs.
“Ah, that’ll be why he’s been nervous and grumpy, his mood has been deflating as the day has gone on, he’ll be pleased to know you came by, you sure you don't want me to go get him?.” Elle smiles kindly.
“No it's ok, I'm a little embarrassed about the whole caveman punching his ex thing. Just let him know I’ll message him when I’m reunited with my phone.”
“Oh Nick, don't think that, Ben had it coming, if I'd have heard him I'd have punched him myself. By the way, what happened to your friend last night? Is she ok?”
“Huh? Oh, Imogen. She’s err, she’s not my friend.” He says looking at the floor.
“Ooookay? That sounds complicated. You, ok?”
“Yeah.” He looks up “Yeah I will be.”
“Right,” she nods not wanting to press. “Well, I’ve gotta get going, I’m off to meet Tao.”
“I’ll walk you out.”
“Bye Charlie! I’m off now. Love you!” She shouts toward the parlour.
“Bye! Love you too, have fun!” She hears in reply.

Chapter Text

Elle and Nick say goodbye and part ways as his car is in the opposite direction to the cinema.
Elle walks happily along the street; she texts Tao that she’s on her way.

When she reaches the cinema Elle is a little perplexed as no one else seems to be there. The place looks shut. She reaches for her phone to call a Tao then she spots a billboard outside that says, Elle Argent come inside. With a big picture of a beanie-clad Tao with a big cheesy grin.

She turns to open the cinema door with hesitation, places her hand on the bar door handle and gently pulls the door.
“Hello?” She calls. No staff are here, and the place looks deserted. She sneaks through the door cautiously.
“Tao? Are you here?” Phone already in hand she presses call.
it rings and rings and rings then….. voicemail.
“Hello? Tao? This isn’t funny. it’s creepy.”
She walks towards the concession stand to see if anyone is behind there.
Then she spots something strange. The price list doesn’t actually list the prices of sweets and popcorn. It says….

‘One very special viewing.
For one very special lady.
Head towards screen one!’

She turns and slowly walks towards screen one.

The door creaks open, the lights are off except the floor lights. She walks slowly along the dark corridor towards the screen. At the end of the walkway, she turns to see only the wall lights are on and a spotlight lighting up a single chair.
Elle knows it’s for her, Tao is forever going on about the best place to sit at the cinema. Two-thirds up in the middle gives you the best optics and the best sound. And this is the chair illuminated.
She smiles to herself and makes her way to the chair.
As soon as she sits down the wall lights dim, the spotlight turns off and the screen comes to life. A bright white light makes her squint and a deep rumble of bass from the speakers.
Then the film starts.
Words start to fill the screen.

‘A long time ago,
Not far away,
A boy and a girl
Met one day.’

‘They became best friends
Or so they say
This soon developed
Into love one day’

‘They stay up late
To watch the Oscar’s
Have film nights
And heal their scars.’

‘Their love is pure
Their heart is strong
But one thing remains
It won’t take long.’

She spots Tao walking up the steps towards her dressed in his finest tux
He stops beside her and kneels down as the next words are spoken in surround sound and shown on the screen.

‘Elle Argent
Love of my life
Will
You
Marry
Me
?’

And then a picture collage of the two of them plays across the screen.

Elle is left speechless. She slaps her hands over her mouth, tears rolling down her face. Tao waits patiently on one knee.

“Tao, you are the strangest man I’ve ever known! You’re wonderful and brilliant and amazing. And of course, I’ll marry you I LOVE YOU!!”

He springs to his feet at wraps her up in the biggest hug. Then pulls back to present her with a ring again.
The ring is beautiful. It’s a vintage gold ring with 2 rubies and a diamond. Elle squeals with delight, it’s perfect, it fits her perfectly and it’s from her perfect person!

“How did you do all this? It’s amazing!” She exclaims.
“Well you know, I know the owner, and I’m kind of a big deal” he says with a wink.

She kisses him and kisses him and kisses him. Then squeals and jumps up and down. He stands there holding her hands laughing. They Jump around in circles together laughing.
“What do you say we get out of here?” He says.
“I may have booked a table at your favourite restaurant. But we need to head home and change first”
“Perfect” She beams at him. Taking one last look at her beautiful ring before linking hands and walking out of the cinema.

When they arrive home the door is oddly unlocked.
“Stay behind me,” Tao says as he grabs an umbrella from by the door.
“Hello? You can take what you want but just don’t hurt my fiancé” he shouts.
He sees a set of hands sneak up over the kitchen table in a surrender position, followed by a mop of curly back hair.
“Don’t shoot! Or, umm, hit me with your brolly. Tao? Seriously? A brolly?” Charlie stands there in disbelief.
“Charlie what the hell?” Tao instantly relaxes
“I was just sneaking out; pretend you don’t see me” and he shimmies past Tao and Elle with a huge grin on his face. Kisses Elle’s cheek on the way past and shuts the door behind him.

“What was that?” Elle asks.
Then she walks into the Living room and her question is answered. In front of her is the biggest bouquet of rainbow-coloured flowers she has ever seen with rainbow butterfly confetti scattered about, A bottle of Prosecco in a bucket filled with ice and two champagne flutes and a little card which says,

‘I could not be happier for you!
I love you both so so much,
you deserve the world.
Love Charlie. x’

“He is such a sweetheart! I can’t believe he knew and didn’t let on today!”
“He may have helped me go ring shopping and made sure the parlour was closed this afternoon,” Tao says quietly.

“Right, drink my love?”
Tao asks twisting the bottle to remove the cork.
‘POP! It spills over the side and onto the carpet before Elle manages to get a glass near but neither care. Both glasses filled they both take a sip through linked arms.
“To us!” They say in unison.
“I love you Mr. Xu”
“And I love you soon-to-be Elle Argent-Xu.”
She squeals again bouncing on her toes.
And If they are late for their reservation no one will blame them.

Chapter Text

Charlie hears the front door familiar jingle, and he assumes it’s the owner of Frank the cavalier King Charles he’s just finishing. Knowing Elle would be busy this afternoon he decided an early mark for himself would be great too. So, when Tao asked him to let Elle out early, he blocked off his afternoon appointments.
He hears chatting in the reception so concentrates to get Frank completely finished.

“Bye Charlie! I’m off now. Love you!” He hears Elle shout.
“Bye! Love you too have fun!” He shouts in reply, with a big smile on his face knowing what Elle is on her way to.
“Right! So, the time is 12:10, and Frank’s owner is collecting at 12:15” Charlie says to himself, He clears up and walks Frank to reception to wait there.
As he turns the corner, he spots a paper bag from the deli on the desk. He assumes it’s from Elle but then notices a note.

‘Charlie,
Nick stopped by and bought you lunch.
Radio silence as he left his phone at home.
Go easy on him.
Elle x’

Charlie smiles at the note then nervously peeks into the bag.
He spots his favourite sandwich and a small pot of olive salad and a bottle of water. As he reaches in to grab the sandwich and he spots a small packet at the bottom of the bag. He picks it up and a loud laugh escapes with permission.
A packet of Hubba Bubba bubble gum.
‘Oh Nick you silly man’ he smiles to himself.

Charlie shoots a text to Nick thanking him for his lunch and taking a selfie holding the bubble gum with a disgusted face and sending it off to Nick as well. Knowing Nick will read the messages once reunited with his phone.
It’s not long before Frank is picked up.

Charlie grabs the lunch and his backpack, locks the parlour, and rushes out the door. He has one important job to do.
He heads to the florist three shops down and collects his pre-ordered arrangement. It’s huge! He didn’t think about this. He can just about carry it but he can barely see where he’s going by looking around it. He stumbles his way to the parlour and orders an Uber to Tao and Elle’s house.
The Uber driver is not impressed with the large flower display he needs to carefully negotiate into his car, and once in he then can’t see out the back to reverse safely. Charlie jumps out and guides him.
Safely arrived at the house Charlie thanks the driver and promises to leave a glowing review. He uses his key and lets himself in. He checks the time 12:45. Crap, ok he’s gotta be quick!
He places the flowers on the table in the living room, sprinkles around the confetti he bought and then goes to grab the ice bucket he knows lives under the sink.
In his backpack he has Prosecco, he has just finished filling the bucket with ice when he hears Taos voice. He quickly plonks the Prosecco into the bucket arranges the glasses and double checks the note he’s written and attaches it to the flowers. Then, where to hide??
He decides if he hides behind the kitchen table, he could possibly sneak out unseen while they are in the living room.
But when the door opens his plans of sneaking out fall flat.

“Hello? You can take what you want but just don’t hurt my fiancé” he hears Tao yell

He must surrender and leave as quickly as possible. He put his hands above his head to surrender and slowly stands up. Then spots Tao’s weapon of choice. He can’t help but giggle a little. An Umbrella? Really?
Tao has a shocked and annoyed look on his face, Elle has the biggest smile and is practically glowing.
He shuffles passed and gives Elle a kiss on the cheek on the way. There will be time for him to celebrate later, right now is just for them he thinks.
So he leaves and gently clicks the door shut.

On his walk home, he stops off to sit on a bench and eat his lunch from Nick before it gets too late. He texts Nick while eating.

13:10 C: Lunch was delicious. Thank you. x
13:11 C: Hope you’re ok. x
13:11 C: ok, hope to hear from you soon. x
13:20 C: I even tried a bit of bubblegum….. I think I’ll stick to smints. x

Charlie continues his walk home trying desperately to remember Nick wasn’t with his phone so that’s why he’s not replying. Not because he doesn’t like you, not because you’re ugly, not because your skinny, not because you confessed your darkest secrets to him, not because you’re a nerd, not because you’re pathetic, not because you’re too clingy, it’s not because of that girl. No, it’s because he’s not with his phone.

Not with his phone

Not. With. His. Phone. Charlie. Remember

He’s trying hard not to spiral but the longer his phone is silent the harder it is.
His phone finally buzzes!
He’s quick to whip it out of his pocket, he fumbles a bit almost dropping it in his haste, when he looks it’s a picture from Elle, of her and Tao sipping Prosecco, her hand held up to show her ring, huge flower display in the background.
Suddenly he is filled with love and joy. All thoughts of Nick momentarily paused. He’s so so happy for his friends.
And then his phone buzzes again and his smile grows impossibly wider.

Nick walked back to his car after parting with Elle a happy buzz zipping through his body. He jumps in and drives to Tesco, it’s a Saturday he hates it, it’s always busy. But needs must, and he hopes to have plans with a certain curly-haired dog groomer later. So, he wants to buy some ingredients to make a scrummy meal and impress him. Impress an anorexic in recovery with a slap-up meal? Perhaps he would Google the best way to handle romantic meals with this in mind when he gets in. He figures you can’t go wrong with chicken tomato pasta with a side salad. Then perhaps he’ll make a tart tartin for pudding. That way Charlie can portion his own amount. A nice bottle of white wine sneaks into his trolley too.

As expected the queues at the checkouts are horrendous. Filled with people doing massive weekly shops, families arguing, one woman got right to the front then decided she really needed mozzarella cheese so scampered off to grab it holding up the entire line, children screaming their bored and people with headphones on blissfully in their own little world. Then there is Nick, eager for this hell to end so he can get home and finally text Charlie.
Eventually, he makes it to the front and the checkout lady gives him an apologetic smile before saying “It’s crazy in here today, I’m so sorry for the wait dear.” He smiles in reply, “Don’t worry, can’t be helped.”
“Date night?” she asks holding the bottle of wine with a twinkle in her eye.
“Yeah, hopefully”
“She’s a lucky lady to have you cook for her”
With a mild eye roll and a remember that this lady doesn’t know him, she is judging him but also doesn’t mean anything by it Nick has 2 options.

Option 1: smile and nod and go along with him being assumed straight.

Option 2: reply with ‘lucky guy actually’ and put this lady in her place.

Weighing up his options in a split second he decides the lady’s day is already awful enough with everyone else in the shop so option 1 it is regretfully. (Nick Nelson, you are just too good and nice for this world.) He gives the lady a smile and says “Thanks” quickly pays for his items and leaves thinking, I hate Tesco on a Saturday.
He drives home possibly faster than he should, eager to get to his phone. He parks haphazardly grabs his shopping bag and Nellies lead and runs up the drive. Unclips Nellie and shoves the food into the fridge. He runs up the stairs to grab his phone. God damn it no battery! In his upset state this morning he’s stupid enough to leave it off charge.
He scrambles across his bed to grab the charger from his nightstand and plugs his phone in downstairs in the kitchen.
The only thing to settle his adrenaline…. Tea.
The kettle flicks off being boiled he reaches for the tea bags and the milk. He’s just stirring in the sugar when his phone buzzes to life.
Buzz after buzz after buzz after buzz. Blimey he’s been popular today. He flicks through the notifications. Another message from Imogen, he quickly deletes. A couple from his Mum, he’ll reply later, then a few from Charlie and a picture. That makes Nick laugh. He’s pleased his lunch went down well and Charlie found the bubble gum funny. He hits the text bar to reply.

13:30 N: Charlie I’m so so sorry! I’ve been without my phone. Can I make it up to you tonight? x

Finally the message he didn’t realise he was longing for. Charlie can’t help but jump a little in the street. A happy dance if you will.
‘You need to reply’ he says to himself.
‘Don’t come across too strong, needy, pathetic, clingy.
In the time it’s taking to think of and type out a message at least it doesn’t look like he was staring and waiting for his phone to buzz.

13:35 C: Sure. Your place or mine? x

He hovers over the send button doubts swirling in his mind, then with a deep breath, his thumb hits send.
Done.

Nicks breath hitches in his throat. Wow! What a reply.

13:36 N: Mine? Can I cook for you? x

13:37 C: Ummm, sure? What’s on the menu? x

13:37 N: You ok with chicken pasta with tomato sauce and side salad?
I was also thinking of baking something for pudding. You keen on apples?

13:45 C: pasta sounds good. Can’t promise with pudding but I’ll try.
If it’s too much bother you don’t have to cook. x

13:46 N: No bother at all. I enjoy it. Do you want to head over for 5 pm? x
13:46 N: I have Mario Kart on the switch!!

13:48 C: if you have Mario kart I’ll head around now. 😉x

13:49 N: see you soon then. You can be my sous chef. x

Nick sends his address for Charlie, Charlie confirms he’s called for an Uber to collect him in an hour, and he’ll get to Nicks at 3 pm.
Charlie rushes around trying to sort himself out and get ready, making sure he’s presentable for Nick. After a quick shower to ensure all dog hair is gone, he tries to tame his curls but ultimately gives up, a change of clothes and a spray of aftershave and he’s skipping down the stairs. He heads to the kitchen and grabs a bottle of wine and waits in the hallway sitting on the bottom step, knee bouncing anxiously awaiting his Uber.
Nick meanwhile, nips for a shower, change of clothes, a quick tidy of the lounge, sets up the switch and makes sure each room in the house is presentable. The toilet has a fresh towel, and the loo roll is full. You just never know, no one wants to be caught short with no loo roll. He smiles to himself thinking his mother would be so proud. Before he knows it it’s five to three and he waits in the hallway sitting on the bottom step, knee bouncing anxiously awaiting Charlie’s Uber.

Five past three arrives Nick can barely contain his nerves, Nellie is sat between his feet also staring at the door when
‘Ding Dong’
He launches forward to open the door.
“Hi” Charlie says with a smile
“Hi” Nick says with a smile to match.

Chapter Text

“Oh, Nellie, you are so adorable!” Charlie coos as he crouches to fuss her.
Nick watches with a soppy smile on his face.
“You got a haircut?” Nick says, reaching out to touch Charlie’s curls.
“Yeah, does it, does it look bad?” Charlie says sheepishly
“No, you look, umm, it looks good.” Nick scratches the back of his neck, Charlie notices this as Nick’s nervous tick.
“Come in, come in or Nellie will think we’re taking her for a walk.” Nick gestures for Charlie to follow him.
Charlie toes off his shoes and leaves them neatly by the wall and follows Nick to the kitchen.
“I brought a bottle of Rosé to go with dinner,” Charlie says.
“Oh, thank you, here I’ll put it in the fridge to cool down,” Nick says with a smile.
“Smells good in here, what have you been making?” Charlie says sniffing the air.
“Cinnamon?” He asks.
“Yeah, I’ve been making a tarte tatin,” Nick says with a shy smile.
“Really? Wow!! It smells so good already. Keeping true to those French roots aye?” Charlie asks with a wink
“Oui Monsieur” (yes sir) Nick replies and if he notices Charlie blush he’s certainly not complaining.
“Tea?” Nick asks to deflect.
“Oh yes, please. Milk no sugar.”
Nick just nods and collects two mugs from the cupboard.

They settle on the sofa hot mugs in hand.
Nick sits down next to Charlie, and Charlie notices he looks a little nervous but he’s unsure why, until,
“So, I wanted to ask, is there anything I need to know regarding ummm, regarding you and errrr, food?” Nick asks not making eye contact with Charlie.
“Oh, umm, I mean, no one ever asked me before”
“What? Really?” Nicks head snaps up and his eyes connect with Charlie’s. “Then how do people help?” Nick asks with sincerity.
Charlie looks at him with sadness in his eyes. “Umm, I guess nobody has ever really thought to ask” he shrugs. “I mean Tori, Elle and Tao were with me through it so we all kind of learnt together. My parents never really got it, so never really tried.”
“And ex’s? Did they not want to help?” Nick asks before he thinks
Charlie now looks to the floor “ummm, you’ve met Ben. He didn’t care about me at all.”
Nick just nods.
“So, I’m asking. How can I help?”
“You’re serious?”
“Of course, I want you to be comfortable Charlie” The sincerity is pouring out of him. Charlie can’t help but feel warmed by it.
“Ok, I guess, I think, serving myself helps, so I can portion it. And umm, don’t talk about food while we’re eating, also don’t expect me to talk much, I’ll be concentrating but your talking the other day really helped.
I, I find it hard to eat in front of people I don’t know until I feel comfortable with them.”
At this Nick chips in, “we don’t have to eat if you’re uncomfortable” he puts his hand tentatively on Charlie’s knee.
“No! no I feel comfortable with you.” Charlie looked shy, “I always have”
Nick just gave a soft smile.
“So, serve yourself, easy, Keep chatting to you but not about food, easy,” Nick draws ticks in the air with his finger as if ticking off a list. “and I’m guessing don’t comment if you don’t finish your plate?”
Charlie smiled. “Exactly. Just don’t draw attention to it”
A beat of silence.
“Thank you Nick.”
“No need for thanks.”
Charlie looks resound, “There is to me. It means a lot that you asked.”
Again Nick just nods.
“Right! Let me win back some dignity with Mario Kart before we get to the kitchen.” Nick says jumping up to switch the TV on.
“Your dignity is dust I’m afraid. I take no prisoners.” Charlie says through a giggle.

An hour later and Nick has planted his face into a pillow and is whining, he just cannot win a single race. He even tried distracting Charlie mid-race but all he did was end up driving off the road himself. His persistence was futile, Charlie was some kind of Mario Kart wizard.

“Ok, ok I give in. Now I wanna do something I’m good at. Let’s head to the kitchen it’s time to cook and you’re gonna help me!”
“If you mean sitting on the counter looking cute while sipping wine helping, then I’m happy to help” Charlie replies.
“Oh no! I mean the chopping and stirring kind of help.” Nick says with a smile.
“Oh god, this is how I felt when I joined the rugby team” Charlie mumbles.
“You what!??!” Nick spins where he stands to face Charlie.
“You” he points at Charlie “were on a rugby team?” Nick asks in disbelief.
“Yes, I was a reserve on the school team” Charlie says without a hint of sarcasm
“You? Charlie Spring, on the rugby team?”
Nick says looking at Charlie
“Yes, why? You think I’m too small and weak to play?” Charlie says with expectant eyes.
“What! No, no. Of course not. Your…”
“Nick I’m messing with you,” Charlie says giggling. “Although I was on the team cos I could run real fast. And I was only a reserve so never actually played a game.”
“Why did you join?”
“My PE teacher practically forced me so the rugby team could compete against other schools” he shrugged.
“Plus, Rugby is really gay, with all that contact, and the players are hot!” He says with a big grin on his face.
Nick just laughs and shakes his head and passes the cucumber for Charlie to chop for the salad.
“You’re trusting me with the cucumber?”
“Diced nicely into little cubes please.” Nick says with a smirk.
“Oh! No pressure then.”
“Hey! You’re the perfectionist here. Not me” Nick says with a smile.
Charlie just nods with approval.

While Charlie has successfully chopped the cucumber Nick has created a pasta sauce that smells wonderful, pan roasted the chicken breast to chop up into the sauce, boiled the pasta and drained it ready to mix all together. He also completed the rest of the salad and finished the tarte tatin while Charlie sat on the counter looking cute and sipped his wine chatting about everything and nothing.
“I went to other groomers and pet shops, and they all seem really keen to sell your biscuits, they like to support local and the fact it’s organic and grain free is a great selling point. Also, the carbon footprint is like zero. So, they’re all really interested. I said I’d drop some samples off next week if you’re able to make some?”
Nick just blinked in reply, seemingly stunned that Charlie had done all that so quickly and seemingly effortlessly.
“Nick?”
Nick blinks again.
“Nick?” Charlie waves his hand in front of Nicks face.
“You’re amazing.” Nick says staring at him.
A big smile grows across Charlie’s face. He hooks his feet around Nicks waist to draw him closer, Nick now flush against the counter between Charlie’s knees. Blue eyes connected with brown, Charlie places his arms around his neck and pulls him in for a kiss. Soft lips touch soft lips and Nick can practically feel his body melt.
The kiss deepens, and Nick is totally lost to it. Until he feels Charlie’s nose twitch and then he sniffs. Charlie pulls back a fraction, lips just grazing Nicks.
“Errr, Nick? Is something burning?”
“Crap! The chicken!”
Nick abandons a startled Charlie and hops around the table to remove the pan from the hob.
Charlie is just giggling and continues to sip his wine.

The chicken pasta is a great success. Charlie not only eats his full portion, but he also accepts a small slice of pudding. Nick has to turn around and smile without Charlie seeing and if he does a happy dance when he next goes to the loo then that’s no one’s business but his own. He’s over the moon Charlie feels so comfortable around him. But as Charlie said, “How can I not have a slice when it smells so delicious!” After dinner, they return to the sofa and the TV is once again on for background noise. The boys are sitting close, Charlie curled up against Nick's side chatting, when Nick asks if Charlie would like to take Nellie for a walk he readily agrees, it’s always nice to have a casual walk after dinner plus it’s not too cold tonight.
The boys and dog head out to the park.
Charlie starts to shiver halfway around the loop circuit, Nick notices and instinctively removes his hoodie and offers it to Charlie. Who accepts it reluctantly but relishes in its warmth and softness.
He takes a big breath in as he slides it over his hair, it smells of Nick with a hint of cinnamon, a reminder of dinner. He loves it and wonders if Nick would notice if this hoodie made its way to Charlie’s wardrobe?

They continue their walk, Charlie reaching out and linking hands with Nick, who just looks at their hands and smiles and squeezes Charlie’s hand gently.
“Are you sure you won’t get cold?” Charlie quietly asks
“No, I always run hot, don’t worry,” Nick replies.
They loop back around to Nick's house and head inside.
Charlie hovers on the doorstep as Nick sorts Nellie, he then notices Charlie’s hesitation
“Would you like to come in and watch a movie?”
Charlie blushes, and nods gently, “Yeah, I’d love to” he takes Nick's hand and follows him back into the house.

Chapter Text

The film they watched didn’t matter, Charlie was pretty sure Nick could have put on any film and his training from film nights with Tao allowed him to either stay completely focused or zone out entirely.
Charlie went for the latter on this particular night.
Snuggled with Nick and Nellie on the sofa. With lazy kisses between them and gentle strokes to Nellie, Charlie couldn’t even say what genre the film was. He was having such a wonderful time just being. Being with Nick, breathing him in, giggling when Nick laughed at the film and his head bobbed up and down on his chest with Charlie tucked securely under Nick's arm, an arm with a hand that was mindlessly drawing swirls and zigzags up and down Charlie’s arm leaving goosebumps as it went.
Charlie was so warm. Nick was right, he did run hot, that coupled with Nellie resting around his feet, Charlie couldn’t help but allow his eyes to droop and drop.

Charlie felt uncomfortable. His back was twisted weirdly, and he needed to straighten his knees. What has happened?
He slowly opens his eyes, wiping the sleep away and it’s then he realises he is in the exact position he was in last night. The only thing different is that now he was covered in a blanket. His pillow was slowly rising and falling, his feet were still warm. He was snuggled into something that was warm and soft and safe. He twisted his head slowly to look up at the man holding him. Nick looked so peaceful, head lolled back resting on the back of the sofa, mouth open slightly, breathing shallow breaths. He was beautiful. Charlie then wiggles his toes; he feels a warm lump shift in response. Nellie raised her head to look at Charlie. He just smiled at her, and she lowered her head back onto his feet.
He could definitely get used to this he thinks but then scolds himself because it’s far too early to be thinking thoughts of being so domestic.
He had no idea what time it was, his phone is in his pocket and he has no inclination to move to retrieve it. So, he does what anyone in his situation would do. He ignores the aches in his back and the need to straighten his knees, he relaxes and goes back to sleep.

Nicks slowly blinks his eyes open feeling a weight on his chest. His arm has gone numb and his neck aches from being bent backwards. He lifts his head to assess the situation and figure out why his whole arm and hand are numb, as he does the memories flood back. Charlie is here, Charlie is here asleep in his arms, Charlie is here asleep in his arms on his sofa with his dog.
Nick could not be happier, well actually he could. He could be happier if his bladder wasn’t sabotaging this moment and insisting, he move to relieve it. Nick is fighting this with every fibre of his being.
The curly-haired head on his chest starts to move, the boy below is waking up.
“Morning” Nick says quietly, with a rough voice full of sleep.
“Mmmmm, yep” Charlie replies not yet opening his eyes but snuggling his face further into Nick's chest making the older man giggle.
“Not a morning person then?” He says with a smile on his face.
The younger boy just shakes his head and curls up further into the warm body next to him.
“You are a literal cat,” Nick says with a laugh.
“But I need a wee, so I hate to say it, we’ve gotta move just a little.”
“Humpf. Not fair” Charlie grumbles while placing a hand on Nick's abdomen to help support himself as he pushes up off his chest. “There. Now go. But come back soon please.” Charlie pouts.
Nick springs up and scampers to the loo. Nellie follows and Charlie feels the loss of both heat sources so wraps himself up in the blanket.
Nick returns a few minutes later with two mugs of coffee steaming which raises a smile on Charlie’s face.

“Sorry for crashing last night. I didn’t mean to fall asleep.” Charlie says accepting the coffee
“It’s ok, it was nice cuddling with you. Although, I think I’m passed being able to sleep on the sofa without my body protesting in the morning” Nick says rubbing a kink out of his neck.
“Hahaha. I know what you mean, my knees are killing me being tucked up all night.” Charlie says nodding and smiling.
“My whole arm went numb,” Nick said smiling
“It’s cos you’re old” Charlie says deadpan but with a cheeky twinkle in his eye.
“Oi you. I’m only what? 18 months older than you?”
“Yeah about that I think.” Charlie confirms.

“Do you fancy some breakfast? I can whip up some pancakes?”
“With strawberries?” Charlie asks.
“Of course! And Nutella if you’d like?”
“Is there a better combination? Let’s go” And with that, Charlie springs from the sofa and holds his hand out to help Nick up.

Nick is whipping up the batter Charlie once again sitting on the counter watching. This time sipping orange juice, and if he enjoys watching Nicks arms flex as he hand whisks the batter then he definitely shows it with a blush and a smile, and if Nick whisks a little longer than usual just to see the blush then all the better for fluffy pancakes.
He gets the strawberries out and passes them to Charlie to chop, a shocked face provided in response from Charlie. Nick just smiles while he also provides a chopping board, knife and bowl.

Pancakes flipped and eaten, Charlie looks at his phone and smiles.
“What’s got you smiling? Apart from my delicious pancakes. Obviously.”
Charlie turns his phone screen around so he can see the pic of Tao and Elle. “They got engaged yesterday, I’m just so happy for them,” Charlie said with a huge smile on his face.
“Oh WOW!” Nick said, “That’s so cool, have you guys been friends for long?”
“Yeah, I met Tao in year 7 and you know I met Elle in year 9. We used to hide in the art room together, me from homophobic bullies and Elle from transphobic ones. Although thinking about it, they were the same people.” Charlie says with a sad smile.
Nick gives a knowing nod, still watching Charlie with his phone.
“Hold on Charlie, what’s that?”
“What’s what?”
“That message from the unknown number?”
“Oh, Charlie looks a little sheepish, that’s just Ben being Ben.”
“What do you mean Ben being Ben, what did he say?”
“Nothing too exciting this time. Just telling me you broke his nose. More insults, the usual.”
“The usual? Charlie this is not OK. How often does he message crap like that?”
He, umm, used to do it a fair amount, but now, I think because I just instantly block the number and don’t reply, maybe he’s got bored. So that’s actually the last I’ve heard from him” Charlie gives a little sarcastic celebratory wave of his arms. Nick just frowns at him and notes to himself to keep checking in with Charlie that this truly is the last he has heard from Ben.
“Any way…… Are you busy today?” Charlie asks
“No, no plans just a relaxing Sunday with Nellie.”
Charlie looks down and starts to pick at his thumbnail.
“Did you umm, would you like to come with me to congratulate Tao and Elle?”
Charlie looks up nervously.
Nick is smiling a warm and happy smile.
“I’d love to” he replies.

Chapter Text

Nick jumps in the shower while Charlie stays downstairs and washes up, after many grumbles and protests from Nick on the subject, Charlie wins by stating that Nick cooked so he will clean.
A little while later, Charlie is sitting on the floor of the living room with Nellie playing a game of tug when Nick walks back in. Nellie wins the game as Charlie freezes at the sight of him. His hair is still damp, his pale blue stone wash jeans cuffed at the bottom and a light shirt with pale blue palm trees on, of course, worn open with a white t-shirt underneath, and he smells divine, a sweet and spicy aroma that Charlie can’t ignore is lighting up his synapses.
“Hi, I’m ready when you are,” Nick says as he stands in the doorway.
Charlie is just sitting there, jaw hitting the floor and not breathing.
“Charlie? Shall we go?”
Still no movement, Charlie just blinks at him
“Come on Nellie,” Nick says as he taps his thigh.
The movement of Nellie wriggling out of Charlie’s arms breaks the spell and Charlie also follows. He bends down in the hallway to put his Converse on, “you look nice by the way” he says without making eye contact.
“Well it’s a celebration, isn’t it? I thought I’d make an effort.” Nick says with a knowing smile.
Charlie just nods and follows him to his car.
The car journey is quiet, Charlie once again links his phone up and plays a smooth playlist of gentle indie rock.
Nick won’t tell him, but he’s never heard any of the songs before. But he will certainly research them now.

They arrive at Charlie’s house, Nick takes Nellie into the lounge and starts to fuss her to keep her occupied, Charlie excuses himself upstairs for a quick shower and change. Trying desperately to forget Nick is only downstairs while he is naked upstairs.
He’s just getting out of the shower, scrunching his curls with a towel when he hears a loud bang from downstairs. He quickly wraps his towel around his waist and heads to his room to get changed. On opening the bathroom door, he is presented with two sets of eyes in front of him.
Now it’s Nick’s turn to freeze.
Nellie darts forward towards Charlie who crouches carefully to greet her, careful to not let his small towel split at the fold and reveal any more of his damp shower fresh body. Charlie feels comfortable in his body for the first time since he was a teenager but that doesn’t include accidental nakedness in front of a potential new love interest. So, he avoids looking up at Nick as he asks Nellie “Hey sweet girl, what are you doing up here? Did you miss me?”
“Errr, umm, well, she umm, she heard the shower stop and before I knew she’d bolted up the stairs.” Nick manages to stutter out.
Charlie just giggles, “Well I guess I’ve seen her in the shower so it’s only fair” he shrugs and Nick blushes.
“Go on Nellie back to Nick” and he ushers her in the opposite direction. As he straightens to standing, he catches Nick's eye and immediately redirects his gaze with an embarrassed glow on his face. “I, err, my rooms just behind you,” he says and points over Nick’s left shoulder. Nick needs to remind himself how to breathe.
“Oh, yeah, right, we’ll umm, we’ll get out of your way” Nick splutters after clearing his throat.
Charlie smiles at him “I’ll only be another few minutes.”
“Ok, come on Nellie back down and we’ll get you some water.”
“There’s a dog bowl under the sink” Nick hears Charlie shout as he makes his way back down the stairs so flushed his ears are still pink and his face feels like it's on fire.
‘It’s nice to know I’m not the only one who freezes with a blush’ Charlie thinks as he sifts through his wardrobe for something to wear. He’s grateful Nick set the tone for outfits.

Ten minutes later Charlie saunters down the stairs in his trademark black skinny jeans, no rips this time and a burgundy shirt, curls perfected and held in place with curl serum Elle had sourced for him. He’s smelling sweet of Vanilla and to treat himself (and Nick) for the special celebration he’s used a shimmer on his cheeks to give himself a glow.
Safe to say Nick cannot take his eyes off him. Charlie shimmies past him in the hallway to put his Converse back on deliberately bending forwards in front of Nick curious to see his reaction.
‘Two can play at that game Mr. Spring’ Nick thinks as he flexes his arms to reach Nellies lead and then flexes again to clip it.
Charlie gives an appreciative hum as they walk out the door.

The drive to Tao and Elle's house is very short no time for more music, which Nick realises he already misses.
They arrive at the door and Charlie Knocks.

“Charlie!!!!” Elle squeals. She gives him a big hug and they jump excitedly up and down on the doorstep until they hear a throat being cleared behind them.
“You brought Nick?” Tao grumbles
“Yeah, he wanted to wish you congrats”
“Nick it’s so nice to see you! Look look look! Look what happened after I saw you yesterday!” Elle excitedly says as she pushes past Charlie to show Nick her ring. He embraces the happiness and coos over her ring, “Oh, Elle it’s beautiful! It really suits you Well done Tao” he says moving her finger in the light to see it sparkle.
“Thanks, mate. Charlie helped me, couldn’t have got it perfect on my own”
“Awww, Tao, you would have done, it might just have taken longer,” Elle says with a wink.
“Yeah Tao, don’t cut yourself short you did the shop research I just encouraged” Charlie says.
“Oh come off it Charlie, Elle knows I’m rubbish at jewellery, I may have found the shop but you picked out three rings then guided me towards this one.”
Charlie looks awkward, “YOU ultimately chose it I just… helped” he says in a mumble.
Elle looks at Tao with a glare, for making Charlie uncomfortable, especially in front of Nick.
“Right! You guys coming in or what?” She announces.
Charlie lifts his head “Yes!” He exclaims as he grabs Nick’s hand to walk on together.
“So Elle, how’d he propose? Was it a proper romantic moment? I want to believe in romance” Nick says
And so Elle tells the story of what happened after she last saw Nick.
Charlie of course knew all about it but smiles along and ooooo’s and awwww’s in the all the right places.
“Nice one Tao! Very inventive” Nick says
“I loved it, although it was a bit creepy to start with, in what seemed like an abandoned cinema,” Elle says with a smile.

Forty minutes later and the Prosecco is still flowing freely, Tao is chatting to Nick while Charlie and Elle are in the kitchen.
“Charlie! I have a problem with Nick!” Tao calls.
“What? Why?” Charlie replies.
“Guys I’m right here!” Nick chips in.
Ignoring him Tao replies “he’s a proper Marvel fan! I mean mega geek on it!”
Charlie rolls his eyes, knowing how snobby Tao is about films.
“We can’t all be perfect Tao” he shouts back.
“Oi! You watched Iron Man with me last night!” Nick shouts to the kitchen
“Did I?” Charlie shouts back, Elle is giggling into her drink. At the conversation and the new knowledge that Nick and Charlie were together last night and have arrived together today.
“I don’t think I was paying much attention” Charlie shouts.
“No? What were you doing then Charlie?” Tao calls with a cheeky air of questioning.
“Snuggling!” Charlie says triumphantly and grins at Elle pretending to excitedly clap her hands and jump up and down a little.
Nick walks into the kitchen arms folded with a stern face.
“You mean to tell me you paid zero attention to my favourite film?” He stands there with a frump.
Charlie looks at him and for a split second thinks he’s actually annoyed and then Nick’s face cracks and his lopsided smile is let loose.
“I was snuggling Nick. My senses were overloaded with comfort and warmth” Charlie says with a grin.
“Hmmm, fair enough” Nick nods and walks back to Tao in the living room.
“You’ve fallen for a Marvel fan. This battle of film snobbery will go on forever! I hope you are prepared for that.” Elle says to Charlie tipping her glass to clink with his. “As I say, there are worse things” and he clinks her glass with a smile.

Chapter Text

Nick drives Charlie home after only having a small glass of Prosecco to toast the happy couple, then switching to lemonade.
He arrives at Charlie’s house and Charlie, who did not stop drinking Prosecco and has also missed lunch due to the celebration is shall we say tipsy.
“I don’t wanna go Nick,” Charlie says in his best pouty whiney voice.
“But I’ve got school tomorrow, I’ve gotta be up bright and early for the kids,” Nick says smiling.
“But I wanna stay with you, you and Nellie.” Charlie rolls his head on the headrest of the car to look at Nick and sticks his bottom lip out pouting.
“Please come in with me? I’ll let you cook” he says with a cheeky smile.
“Ugh!” Nick rolls his eyes. “I literally cannot say no to you Spring, but let it be known the latest I can leave is 8 pm. I need my beauty sleep you know”
“I think you’ve had plenty of beauty sleep. You’re beautiful Nick.” Charlie says staring into Nick’s eyes.
Nick deflects with humour.
“And you’ve drunk too much and eaten too little.”
“Doesn’t mean I don’t know beauty when I see it. And You, you Sir” he pokes Nick in his chest “are b-e-a-utiful”.
“Ok, ok, tipsy Spring come on, let’s go in,” Nick says as he unclips Charlie’s seatbelt.
Nick gets out of the car and Charlie makes no attempt to move. Nick opens the passenger door and offers his hand to Charlie. Who smiles and takes it willingly.
He stumbles a little on the way to his door and then fumbles for his key. Nick leaves him to open the door as he pops back to the car to get Nellie.

By the time he makes it back, Charlie has managed to unlock and open the door. With a cheer of success to himself. Nick finds this adorable. He’s seeing another side to Charlie, and he likes what he sees. Charlie is an affectionate man when tipsy, he is also due to his slight frame a bit of a lightweight, he could possibly get drunk off a wine gum sweet Nick thinks, then chuckles to himself. Nick files that in the memory bank for when they next go out.
He helps Charlie take his shoes off and ushers him to the sofa. He gets him set up with a pint of water, paracetamol, and Nellie to cuddle. Then asks what he’d like for dinner.
Charlie asks for his ultimate comfort food peanut butter on toast with a sliced apple then strawberry yoghurt. Nick is not going to argue so off he trots to the kitchen to find all the necessary ingredients. He figures he’ll have toast now and eat again when he gets home.
Once he has assembled a tray of food and another pint of water, he takes it in for Charlie who he finds curled up asleep gently snoring with Nellie. He can’t help himself; he takes a picture on his phone, they just look so adorable snuggled up together.
He gently taps Charlie on the shoulder “Charlie, Charlie” he says softly.
Nothing.
No response.
He shakes his shoulder a little firmer “Charlie, Charlie” he repeats a little louder. Charlie stirs and mumbles something Nick would never have heard if he wasn’t standing so close. “What is it handsome?”
Nick smiles to himself
“I brought your dinner”
“Thank you, sexy chef”
“You need to sit up to eat it” Nick says trying to hold in a giggle.
“Mmmm, k.” And Charlie shuffles a little in a feeble attempt to sit up. So, Nick helps him, holding both hands and pulls him up. Charlie rubs his eyes and offers a shy smile.
“Thanks,” he says.
“Don’t mention it”
Charlie slowly works his way through his food and water. A thought at the back of his mind of ‘how is this always so easy to eat in front of him?’ Then he realises Nick is chatting away, chatting about Tara and Darcy’s engagement and how crazy Darcy went to make it as wonderful as possible for Tara. Then he went on to talk about the wedding and how it was the perfect blend of Darcy’s chaos and Tara’s elegant style. Before he knew it all his food was gone.
He rested back on the sofa with a content smile on his face.
“Do you have a perfect proposal idea?” Nick asks
“What??!” Charlie bolts forward a look of shock on his face.
Nick just starts laughing loudly.
“You silly man, I was just wondering. Cos both our sets of friends did something a little out there” he chuckles.
“Oh! Umm, I guess I haven’t really thought about it. Errr,”
“You never thought about it? Wow. I’ve got mine all planned out. Shame I’ve gotta get someone else to do it though.” Nick says with another chuckle although this one was a little more forced.
“What’s your plan?” Charlie says quietly, Nick looks at him with a raised eyebrow, a small smile and an even smaller nod.
“Well, it’s a bit basic but I think if done right it would be wonderful.
I think a nice late morning walk with Nellie, taking a picnic, a lovely romantic picnic somewhere with a great view. Then as we walk on from our stop we talk about everything and nothing, the future and alike.
Then we head back to the cottage, cos you know we’re on holiday right?”
“Oh, right of course,” Charlie says nodding and smiling.
Nick rests his head back and closes his eyes and continues.
“Yeah so, we head back to the cottage and get all dressed up for a nice meal out. Then after dinner a stroll on the beach just in time to watch the sunset. And boom. The perfect moment. Just the two of us, gentle waves, warm sand, and a content feeling in our bellies.
Then we’d head back to the cottage for a nightcap and celebrate.”
“Celebrate?”
“Yeah, you know, celebrate being fiancés. The best ways fiancés can. A nice warm bubble bath and strawberries dipped in chocolate.” Nick says with a wink.
“Nick, you’ve put a lot of thought into this. Have you never wanted to ask someone that way?”
“Nah, never met anyone special enough to even tell them that before.”
Nick’s eyes shoot open at what he’s just said.
“Errrrr, ummm, I mean, ummm,”
Charlie put his hand on Nick’s forearm to stop his spiralling.
“It’s ok. I feel the same. Your special to me too”
Both boys sit and stare at each other with dopey expressions on their faces. Then Nick cups Charlie’s cheek and leans in for a kiss.
Charlie responds with a kiss full of emotion.
Before he knows it Charlie has moved and has swung his leg over Nick, so he is quite literally sitting in his lap. Never breaking the kiss. “This, ok?” He asks
“Yeah” Nick replies and squeezes his bum for good measure making Charlie smile into his next kiss.
Charlie’s hands are up in Nick’s hair, over his arms and down his chest, Nick responds in kind roving his hands up and down Charlie’s back and buttocks.
“Can I take this off?” He asks Charlie referring to his shirt.
“Y-yes” Charlie stutters, feeling weirdly ok with the progress.
“You sure?” Nick asks pulling back to look at Charlie’s face.
“Yeah. I’ve never really been confident with my body, but……it feels ok with you.”
Nicks smiles Charlie’s favourite lopsided smile and starts to slowly unbutton his shirt, peppering him with light kisses as he goes. “You’re so ‘kiss’ pretty” ‘kiss’ So ‘kiss’ beautiful ‘kiss’.
“Shut up you” Charlie giggles as Nick kisses his nipple.
Before too long Charlie has replicated Nicks actions and Nick is topless being covered in kisses. “Can I leave a mark?” Charlie asks.
“Where I can hide it from the kids” Nick replies.
Charlie sits back and puts on his best thinking face. “Hmmmmm, just, about…… here” and he pokes Nick just above his left nipple. Nick chuckles gently. “Ok then”.
“And of course, it needs a matching friend” Charlie grins and repeats his action on Nick’s other pec.

Nellie the buzz kill starts to whine, Nick pulls away from Charlie and looks at his watch. “Oh crap. I’ve gotta go, it’s past Nellies dinner time and I really need to prepare for school tomorrow.”
“What time is it?” Charlie asks
“Nearly 9 pm!”
“What? We’ve been on the sofa for like four hours!” Charlie sits up in surprise at how quickly time has flown.
“Yeah, I guess so” Nick says
“Time flies when your havmmm mmm”
Charlie cuts him off with a kiss.
“Don’t be cheesy” Charlie scolds.
“I can’t ‘Brie’lieve it’s got so late.”
“Oh My God!! Get out.” Charlie says laughing.
“All right, all right I’m going. Just let me put my shirt back on”
“Such a shame but ok”
Nick gathers his stuff and clips Nellies lead.
“I had a great time today, thank you for letting me celebrate with you,” Nick says.
“We’ll meet up next week? I’ll text you.”
“Yeah, I’d like that.”
“Cool, now go prepare to educate the future” Charlie says pointing off into the distance.
“Right-o, I’ve gotta brush up on my eight times table.”
Charlie just rolls his eyes and pulls Nick in for a final kiss.
Nick turns and walks to his car. On the way, he feels his phone buzz in his pocket.

21:15 Chaos D 🦖:
Nicky Nacky Noo, we haven’t seen you! X

Chapter Text

21:15 Chaos D 🦖:
Nicky Nacky Noo, we haven’t seen you! x

Nick knows he should reply but it can wait until he gets home, he’s on such a high from being with Charlie all day that he doesn’t want to entertain a nosey Darcy just yet.
He clips Nellie into the car, jumps into the driver seat, toots his horn and waves to Charlie who is standing on his doorstep waving him off.
In his rear view mirror, he sees Charlie step inside and close the door.
It only takes 15 minutes, and he can’t help but smile the whole way. He steps through his front door and lets Nellie off the lead, she darts straight to the kitchen. He portions her dinner, and she scoffs the lot in a few mouthfuls. Feeling happier now her belly is full Nellie flops into her bed and is snoring within seconds.
Nick makes himself a cup of tea and reheats leftovers he’s found in the fridge. While waiting for the microwave to ping he pulls out his phone and texts Charlie.

21:45 N: Hi. Just got in, Nellie is now fed and has collapsed into bed. Wanted to say thank you again for today, I had a blast with you. x

21:50 C: I really enjoyed it too. Sorry I got so tipsy, thanks for looking after me.
21:51 C: Wanna get tipsy together sometime? x

21:52 N: 100%! Name the day, I’m there. x

He then texts Darcy back

21:55 Rug-bi lad 🏉
Hey Darce. Sorry I’ve been radio silent. I’ve been busy with a certain dog groomer, drummer boy. 😉

22:01 Chaos D 🦖
Details Nicky boy!

22:02 Rug-bi lad🏉
Well. Where do I start? I’m in trouble, I’ve fallen hard and fast.

22:03 Queen T 👑
Nick! You CANNOT do that this time of night! Darcy squealed so loud I think she woke Joan our neighbour. (Who is 96 and deaf!)

22:04 Rug-bi lad 🏉
And on that high pitch note, I’ll bid you good night. It is a school night after all! Mwahahahahhaha

22:05 Chaos D 🦖
No no no no no no no! Nick. Don’t leave me hanging. I’ll hunt you down in the week. You can’t hide for long…….

22:05 Rug-bi lad 🏉
Night Darce. 😉

Nick smiles to himself and goes to pocket his phone, as he does it buzzes again, he assumes it’s Darcy but checks it anyway.

22:06 C: Friday. x

He smiles again and pockets his phone. Knowing Friday is gig night at The Jockey so he’ll get a chance to see Charlie play again.
He wakes Nellie for her last toilet trip outside, runs through his bedtime routine and drifts off into a peaceful sleep.

Charlie is at home with a huge wide smile on his face, he shuts his front door and just leans his back against it. He takes a big deep breath in the jumps about flapping his arms. An excited happy dance because he’s really enjoyed his weekend with Nick. He can’t help but think of the possibilities that are in front of him. Nick’s proposal idea sounded far too perfect, far too romantic, Charlie doesn’t believe he is worthy of such perfection or romance.
He starts to walk to the kitchen to get another drink of water when his phone buzzes.
It’s a bit quick to be Nick, when he looks it’s a message from Elle.

21:15 Elle: Do you have anything to confess?

Charlie smiles to himself, knowing Elle is perceptive and would have seen the electricity fizzing between him and Nick.

21:16 Chaz: I’m in trouble. I’ve fallen hard and fast.

21:16 Elle: Oh Charlie. Wanna meet up tomorrow and talk about it?

21:18 Chaz: Yes please. I have Geoff at 1 pm then band practice at 4 pm can we meet for brunch maybe?

21:19 Elle: of course, I need to swing by the parlour first thing, but I’ll pick you up at 10.30. x

21:20 Chaz: See you then, Love you. x

Charlie puts his phone on charge and goes to have another shower before bed, he feels like he needs to wash the lingering Prosecco out of his head.

In the morning Charlie has a text waiting for him.
Nick sent it at an ungodly hour, not expecting a reply as he knows Charlie will not be awake for a few hours after.

06:30 N: Gooooooood Mooooooorning!!!
Hope you have a good day off and enjoy band practice later. x

10:00 C: you do realise my phone is on do not disturb until at least 0800! But good morning to you too. Don’t let the munchkins run circles around you today. x

10:10 N: We’re off to see the wizard….
10:10 N: The wonderful wizard of Oz…….
1012 C: Don’t do it!
10:12 N: We hear, he is a wiz of a wiz, if ever a wiz there was ……….
10:13 C: Nick, honest to God STOP!
10:14 N: If ever oh ever a wiz there was, the wizard of Oz is one because…….
10:15 C: because because because because beacaaaaaause……
10:16 N: Yes Charlie!!!!! Finish it off!
10:17 C: Because of the wonderful things he does.
10:17 C: We’re off to see the Wizard, the wonderful Wizard of OZ!
10:28 C: Bloody Hell Nick! What have you done to me?
10:20 N: I
10:20 N: ABSOLUTELY
10:20 N: LOVED
10:20 N: THAT!
10:21 C: And now it’s stuck in my head all day!
10:21 N: Hey! You’re the one that brought up Munchkins, you should have known what would happen. x
10:22 C: Your right. The spontaneous text song was 100% my fault. (eye roll)
10:23 N: Break time over, back to my Munchkins. x

Charlie smiles to himself feeling content that Nick is happy to text periodically throughout the day. He then has a panic as he only has seven minutes until Elle arrives.
He runs around like a madman getting ready for his brunch.
Pats himself down, wallet, phone, and keys. At 10:31 He’s good to go.

‘Ding dong’ goes his doorbell at 10:34.
He opens the door “hey sweet cheeks!” Elle says with a very big smile on her face. “Ready to brunch with me and girl chat about our love lives?”
“100% let’s go.” And with that, Charlie yanks Elle to her car shutting the door as he goes.
“To Tasty Bites” he commands pointing forwards with a big smile.
“Of course your highness” Elle replies tipping her imaginary hat.

They arrive at Tasty Bites and it’s really busy.
“You find us a table and I’ll order,” Elle says. Knowing exactly what Charlie will order as they have always come here when having brunch and he always has the scrambled avocado and tomato on toast with black coffee.
Elle returns to him 10 minutes later stating food should be only 15 more minutes.

“So Spill Spring” she says. Resting her chin in both her hands elbows on the table.
Charlie blushes and can no longer look her straight in the eye. He diverts his attention to his coffee and needlessly stirs it with the little wooden stick.

“I really like him Elle. Like I REALLY like him. I feel so comfortable around him, it’s like he can read my mind or something. He genuinely seems to care. He asked me how he can help my eating, without being presumptive or ignorant. He seemed genuinely keen to understand.
Everything seems effortless with him, like, we can laugh and joke and flirt and also touch on harder subjects and it’s all fine. I don’t feel anxious around him. He seems to ground me, seems to calm me, seems to kind of temporarily fix me. I just feel at ease with him. Like he actually listens to me because he wants to know not just because he thinks he should ask.
He’s open with me, he wears his heart on his sleeve and he’s so, umm, sunshiny, I guess. Gentle, cheery, and soft. I feel safe with him, at ease and myself.”
Charlie stops to catch his breath. “I guess he just likes being with me?”
Elle is sitting in front of him speechless but smiling.

Chapter Text

Texting Charlie, avoiding Imogen, and filling in Darcy completed Nick’s free time.
He feels guilty but he hasn’t had time this week to visit his Mum. Hopefully, he can make it over at some point in the weekend, although Saturday is probably out as he is out with Charlie Friday night, and then regretfully up early for Rugby practice Saturday morning, so in his mind he has already written off Saturday afternoon. Maybe he’ll head to his Mum for a roast dinner on Sunday, save himself the bother of cooking and enjoy a home-cooked meal. Maybe he could invite Charlie? Would that be too much too soon? He’ll have to run the idea past Tara this week, if he asks Darcy, he knows she’ll persuade him, even if it’s a bad idea, Tara can be relied upon for balance and correct judgement on situations and ideas like inviting a potential boyfriend to meet your mother.
Nick’s week carried on as normal.
Monday: school, normal, Juno in the evening, normal.
Tuesday: school, normal, Juno in the evening, normal.
Wednesday: school, normal, no Juno just a Nellie walk, normal.
Thursday: school, normal, Juno in the evening, normal.
Friday: Now Friday was not so normal.
Well, it started off as normal.
School: normal, home: normal, walk Nellie: normal, dinner: normal. Meet Tara and Darcy at the Jockey, not so normal.
Watch an incredibly sexy drummer in his absolute element: not normal. But Nick wishes it will become the norm.
Then after the gig: definitely not a normal night ahead.

Charlie had been exceptional that night. He had done a huge drum solo which sent the crowd wild, and Nick couldn’t believe the confidence radiating off him. He was glowing, sweating and so so animated. He worked the crowd into a frenzy and just gave them every ounce of passion he had.
Nick couldn’t take his eyes off him.
Tara and Darcy couldn’t get his attention; he didn’t even notice Tao and Elle standing next to him. The two couples not yet introduced, Darcy and Tara of course kind of knew Elle from the parlour but nothing overly familiar. A break in the music and Darcy jumped on Nick’s back and shouted in his ear. “Hey! Loverboy! Introduce us to Charlie’s friends!”
“Huh? Who?” He said finally looking around.
“Oh! Hey Elle, Tao! Great to see you again. Umm, these are my best friends Tara and Darcy”
At which point they all start laughing at Nick as during his Charlie daze, they had of course all introduced themselves and started chatting, having two love-sick boys in their lives as common ground.
“What are you laughing at?” Nick asks in confusion.
“Oh dear sweet Nick, just go back into your Charlie bubble, we’re all ok here in the real world,” Tara says as she pats him on the shoulder.
Tara and Elle splinter off to the bar for more pitchers of cocktails, chatting and giggling as they go. Nick takes the opportunity to visit the loo.
Tao turns to Darcy, “So, have you known Nick long?”
“Only like 10 years, me and Tara helped him get his head around coming out as Bi. He’s like a big brother to us.” She replies.
“Do I need to watch out for Charlie? We don’t have the greatest history with rugby lads” Tao hisses the last part.
“Yeah, Elle mentioned a bad history with the sporty types. Nah! Nicks a gem, honestly a one of a kind, he’s a big softie at heart”
“He reminds me a little of a golden retriever,” Tao says
“Hahahaha! Yeah! I Can see that. As long as he doesn’t start licking my face or peeing up lampposts, I think we’re all ok.” Darcy laughs. Then thinking out loud she says “Although there was one time after a night out, not a lamppost but a road sign, hmmmm.”
“Ok, ok, TMI” Tao hurries in.
“So are we heading to Flares after this? A bit of 70’s boogie for a Friday night?” Darcy asks
“Ugh! I hate Flares. But I suppose if the majority” he’s cut off by Darcy jumping squealing and clapping in front of him. “I guess Flares it is then.” He says with a rare smile.
At which point Tara and Elle return, “What’s got you so excited love?” Tara asks.
“We’re going to Flares!” Darcy screams.
“Oh, good god!” Tara and Nick say in unison. And with that, they hear Charlie tapping his drumsticks together 1,2…1,2,3,4 and off the band go launching into a few more songs to close the set.

Once the band finish playing Charlie is positively beaming. Playing with his band always leaves him on such a high but seeing Nick in the audience makes him feel like he’s on cloud nine.
He’s prompt in drinking a pint of water, keen to rehydrate before heading out with his friends and Nick. Then he’s approached by a bubbly blonde.
“Hi!”
“Oh Hi.” Charlie says between glugs of water.
“I’m Imogen, I just wanted to talk to you.”
“Cool, did you enjoy the gig? We play every other Friday if you liked it”
“Yes yes, very good” she says waving her hand in the air to dismiss the comment.
“No, I wanted to talk to you about Nick”
“Oh? What about Nick?” and Charlie glances his way, seeing Nick laughing with Elle.
“I just wanted to inform you that once this phase of his is over and he’s satisfied his curiosity with you, we, as in me and Nick will be a couple. He’s just getting this ‘bisexual’ thing out of his system”
“Errr, Imogen, I don’t think you understand bisexuality. That’s not how it works. It’s not a phase or a curiosity to be satisfied. I’d thank you not to talk about Nick or any other bisexual like that. It’s insulting and offensive and honestly makes you seem and sound stupid. Get over yourself he doesn’t like you, and I’d like you to leave me the hell alone now.” Charlie turns on his heel to leave but immediately bumps into a large object he’s sure wasn’t behind him before.

The object wraps around him and holds him in a tight hug and nuzzles its face into Charlie’s neck “Thank you” is heard in Charlie’s ear and he wraps his arms around the object in loving affection.
“You never need to thank me for that”

They hear Imogen cough and clear her throat but both men ignore her. In the background of their embrace, they hear Darcy “I think it’s best you leave now Imogen. And you can expect Nick to make an official complaint to the school.”

Nick feels a gentle hand on his shoulder, “Nick, are you ok?” Elle asks. He just nods. And mumbles “recharging” into Charlie’s neck making Charlie giggle and hug him a bit tighter.
“Come on, my big bisexual disaster, let’s go get drunk and boogie at Flares.” Nick raises his head and sees a circle of friends old and new, all providing faces of love and support. Even Tao has managed to melt his ice wall of emotion and offer a glance of support and acceptance in Nick’s direction. Although if it was his love of Marvel being dismissed instead of his love for Charlie, Nick thinks Tao would be nowhere near as supportive.
His love for Charlie? Nick thinks this again, how easily that thought crossed his mind. How comfortable he is with that thought. How right that thought feels. How is he going to keep that thought to himself and locked up for a while?
The group grab their coats, the girls down the rest of their cocktails and with linked arms they all head out of the Jockey to the nightclub, hoping to get there before 11 pm so they get half-price entry.
Off to Boogie Wonderland, they go. They can hear The Jackson 5 ABC playing loudly on their approach, Darcy knows it is going to be an awesome night.

Chapter Text

They work their way to the bar, the girls giddy with excitement, Nick and Charlie gripping each other with excitement and Tao mooching along with the crowd willing the night to end already. He knows he’ll warm up and eventually enjoy himself, he just needs a few Sambuca shots to help him on his way.
The girls have ordered large fishbowl glasses of gin and tonic and a bottle of Prosecco, Nick and Charlie are on Rum and Coke and Tao is on Vodka lemonade. A double round of flaming Sambucas and everyone is feeling the rhythm of the night.
Charlie has the beat flowing through his body and tries to drag Nick to dance, Nick is reluctant stating he has no rhythm, Charlie leans into him, licks slowly up his ear leaving goosebumps in his wake and whispers, “I’ll teach you.” then nibbles on Nick’s earlobe for good measure. Nick is rendered powerless to refuse and so allows himself to be dragged to the dance floor.
The girls are already there giggling and dancing in a circle their bags on the floor in the middle. Tao has conveniently gone to find the toilets.
Charlie holds Nick’s hands on his hips and starts to sway to the beat, moving his hips in a figure-of-eight action encouraging Nick to copy. Slowly he drops his hands from Nick’s and places them around Nick’s shoulders to help loosen them.

Nick feels stupid.

He’ll let Charlie lead him anywhere at this point the Sambuca dancing on his tongue, he wonders if Charlie’s tongue still tingles. He leans down, moving one hand from Charlie’s hips to lift his chin with a finger and connects their lips. He teases Charlie’s bottom lip asking for entry that he is promptly granted. And yes, and aniseed taste still lingers. As he works his way around Charlie’s mouth exploring and takes in notes on Rum too. Charlie pulls their bodies closer, their hips are joined and continues his figure-of-eight encouraging Nick to relax and flow with the music.

Nick no longer feels stupid.

Charlie pulls back from the kiss and smiles up at Nick who smiles in return.
“You’re a good dancer,” Charlie says.
“No, I’m a good follower, you’re a good teacher and we are good at kissing” Nick states.
Charlie giggles and Nick’s insides melt.

It’s hot and sweaty in the club and Nick has lost track of how many songs they have danced to. He breaks away from Charlie moving his hand to mime a drinking motion. Charlie nods, but then…. Footloose comes on.
And Nick has never spun on his heel quicker. All thoughts of another drink are abandoned, and Nick is dancing. Dancing like he hasn’t danced all night. His arms and legs are moving in unison, he’s shaking his head and completely lost in the song. Charlie thinks he reminds him of Kevin Bacon. He joins in copying Nick’s moves and Nick just throws his head back and laughs. Charlie in that moment wants to freeze time and see Nick so carefree and happy forever. He. Is. Beautiful.

When the song ends Nick locks eyes with Charlie and looks a little embarrassed.
“I’m sorry about that” he shouts in Charlie’s ear over the music “I bloody love footloose! We’d better get a drink before Dirty Dancing comes on and I channel Patrick Swayze.” He says grabbing hold of Charlie’s hand. Charlie laughs and follows him. “I’ll be your Baby anytime” he mutters to himself.
When they get to the bar Charlie leans to talk to Nick “If we visit the pool, we could recreate the lake scene” he says laughing.
“I could totally lift you” Nick replies with a smirk.
“Your strong rugby arms coming in useful again.” Charlie giggles.
“Ahem!” From the bartender.
“Sorry, two rum and cokes and two flaming sambucas please,” Nick says and taps his card on the contactless pad.
“Oi! It was my round” Charlie squeaks.
“Yeah well. You snooze you lose” Nick grins. Charlie just rolls his eyes. Thinking how am I this lucky? This man is incredible.
One, Two, Three and they knock back their shots, then launch towards each other in a passionate kiss tasting the shot on each other’s tongue.

A tap on his shoulder brings Charlie back to reality from his Nick haze. “Hey Tao, what’s up?” He says.
“We’re gonna head out, Elles shoes are rubbing, and she has no plasters. I’m gonna have to piggyback her to the taxi rank as it is.” Charlie looks at his watch, it’s now 2 am. How has it got so late?
“Fair play, tell her I’ll see her in the morning. I’ll grab us both a coffee.” Charlie says while hugging Tao goodbye. Over Tao’s shoulder, he sees Elle embrace both Tara and Darcy he waves at her, and she blows him a kiss.
“We’d better drink up and think about home too,” Nick says.
“I’ve got Rugby and you’ve got grooming to do. Don’t wanna be cutting the dogs wonky now.” He says with a sad smile.
“I don’t wanna go home” Charlie pouts.
“We’ve been here before tipsy Charlie.” Nick giggles.
“Humpf” sigh Charlie with a shrug.
“Come on. We can share a taxi” They clink their glasses and down the rest of their rum and cokes.
Strangely there is no queue at the taxi rank and so the boys hop in the front car. Nick instructs the driver to Charlie’s to drop him home first. They sit close together on the backseat fingers woven together, thumbs rubbing soothing circles into knuckles. Heads resting on shoulders both men just happy to be together.
“Nick?”
“Yeah?”
“I really like you”.
“Yeah?”
“Yep” Charlie confirms popping the ‘P’
Nick smiles.
“I really like you too Charlie.”
“I’m glad about that or this would be really awkward,” Charlie says smiling.
“Nick”
“Yeah?”
“I don’t think you’re a bisexual disaster”.
“No?”
“No. You’re perfect.” Charlie states with a nod. And then burrows further into Nick’s side for cuddles. Nick tightens his embrace in response.
“You are pretty perfect too Charlie”
No reply, no response.
“Charlie?”
Nick can only hear heaving breathing and a faint snore. He smiles to himself and tightens his hold on Charlie again.
“Yeah, you’re pretty perfect, and I’m gonna try and show you that every day if you let me” Nick whispers into Charlie’s curls and then places tiny kisses to his head.

“Right boys first stop” the Taxi driver announces.

Charlie sits up and rubs his eyes.
“Is this me? I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to nap”.
“S’okay. Go to bed sleepy head” Nick kisses his temple and Charlie smiles and makes to get out of the car. Aware the metre is still running.
“Parting is such sweet sorrow.” He says.
“Nerd” Nick replies
“Dork” and with that Charlie blows Nick a kiss as he shuts the car door.

02:47 UNKNOWN: Hi Nick. You looked so sexy getting your Footloose moves on. Im x

Chapter Text

Nick is hot.
Nick is sweaty.
Nick is regretting that last Sambuca.
Nick is huffing and puffing his way across the rugby pitch focusing on getting fresh air into his lungs and not vomiting.
Sai jogs over to him.
“You all right mate? Looking a bit green” and he elbows Nick gently in the ribs.
“Sai man, don’t! I’ve not been this hungover in forever! I went out to Flares last night, and now I’m majorly regretting my life choices.”
“You missed last week, for the same reason?” Sai gives Nick the side eye.
“No. Last week was.” Nick stops short. Unsure if he wants to open up to Sai. They have known each other since school but never really talked anything more than superficial rugby lad banter.
“What was last week? You, ok?”
“Yeah. Yeah. Last week was awesome mate. I skived off training to spend the day with Charlie.”
“Oh yeah!? Wink wink nudge nudge. Say no more. She must be pretty special.”
Nick stops his jog. Sai also stops in concern a couple of paces ahead.
“What? Sai asks.
“Charlie, umm, Charlie isn’t a She,” Nick says carefully watching for Sai’s reaction. Nick is out and proud, but he has never dated a guy before.
“Oh cool. Sorry mate didn’t mean to presume. Gender-neutral name and all. I should be more careful.” And Sai pats Nick on the shoulder. Nick gives him a smile.
“Cheers man.”
“So, tell me about Charlie. I bet he’s skinny with dark hair and maybe has dimples. If you’re begging off rugby for him, he’s deffo got dimples.” Sai says laughing.
“What!!” Nick looks shocked.
“Oh, man. You have a type. Zooey Deschanel is your celeb crush, right? Has been since like forever.”
“Sai, how do you, how, what?”
“I pay way more attention than you think Nick. So, do you have a pic or what?”
“Yeah, yeah one sec.”
Nick pulls out his phone to show Sai a selfie he took of him and Charlie, and he sees the notification for the text from Unknown but is of course, Imogen. His face immediately falls.
“You alright Nick?” Sai asks
“Umm, no. Not really. Do you remember Imogen?”
“Yeah, I think, pretty, bubbly blonde. Totally not your type”
“Well, she seems to think she is my type and she’s being, shall we say persuasive.”
He shows Sai the original message thread from Imogen and explains what happened last night.
“She said what to Charlie? Jesus! The nerve of her! You’ve gotta report her Nick. And now she’s following you and texting you shit like that? That’s creepy stalker shit right there!”
“I know, I know! I’m gonna report her to the school and see if that helps.”
“If you need anything I’m here ok. I’ll help however I can.”
“Thanks, mate. That means a lot”.
They continue jogging for another 10 minutes then head to the changing rooms.
Sai is in the shower cubicle next to Nick.
“So Nick,” he calls out “when can I meet Charlie?”
“Pardon? What? I can’t quite hear you over the running water.”
“Nicholas! I wanna meet this guy!”
“I think I have soap in my ears. Can’t hear a thing” Nick says with a giggle.
Sai just rolls his eyes. He can wait.

Charlie walks through the reception door with a bag of pastries and a to-go carrier with two large coffees. He spots Elle in the staffroom sitting head bowed with sunglasses on and he wishes he’d thought of wearing sunglasses, his head is pounding.
“Morning” he croaks.
“Not so loud Charlie. Please. I’m fragile” Elle whispers back.
Charlie smiles, “coffee and croissant my darling?” He says tapping the back of her hand with the coffee cup.
“You’re a literal diamond.” She says breathing in the coffee smell.
“It has an extra espresso shot,” he says.
And he hears a satisfied hum of approval.
A few minutes of silence pass between them, both enjoying their coffees.
“You and Nick seem to be getting along well,” Elle says
“Yeah, I’m really happy when I’m with him,” Charlie replies.

Jing – a ling the front door goes, signalling the working day commences.
“Ugh! I just can. Not. Be. Bothered.” Charlie moans
“Come on boss, it’s a light day today, mainly nail trims and ear cleans until Suzy comes for her weekly princess treatment.”
“Okay, ok, ok I’m coming. But I’m bringing my coffee with me.” And with that Charlie skulks off to the groom room, leaving Elle to welcome whoever just came through the door. He takes a second to sneak a look at his phone and shoots off a text to Nick. A selfie of a smiling Charlie holding his coffee up to his face. Knowing Nick is at Rugby until a little later he syncs it to the Bluetooth speaker and plays one of his gentle playlists.

The dogs come and go and before he knows it, its lunch time. Which is welcome as his stomach is growling. Elle comes into the washroom where Charlie is rinsing his hands and places a bag in front of him, containing his favourite pasta takeout. A nice carb lunch to help soak up the remaining alcohol and kick this hangover out of his head once and for all. Charlie smiles at Elle and they eat their lunch in companionable silence.

“Well done by the way”.
“Huh?”
“The whole Imogen thing. Younger Charlie would have freaked out about it, he certainly wouldn’t have stood up to her the way you did for Nick. That was impressive.” Elle beams at him.
“It was nothing, no one deserves to be belittled like that. Especially not Nick!”
“He’s woken something in you, hasn’t he?”
“I don’t know what you mean”.
“You would never have spoken like that when you were with Ben. You would never have stood up for him like that.”
“Yeah well, we all know Ben was, is an arsehole”.
“Haha yeah, well, it’s more than that though. I mean, you’re helping him build a small business, you’re putting in a lot of work to see it succeed.”
“It’s a good business idea, it links with my business and if I can help then it’s worth it.” Charlie shrugs.
“Hmm, ok” Elle nods.

Nick gets home from Rugby and looks at his phone, he sees the picture Charlie sent earlier and replies.

12:30 N: I’m so jealous! Running around a field getting tackled is NOT what you need after so much Rum.
His phone buzzes and he assumes its Charlie, but when he looks it is his Mum.

12:32 Mum: Nicky! I miss you. Want a catch-up tomorrow? Roast beef for dinner.
1233 Mum: With Yorkshire pudding and crispy roasties.
1233 Mum: If you wanted you could invite Charlie? Only if you want. NO PRESSURE AT ALL!

12:34 Nicky: I’ll be there! I’ll ask Charlie but no promises.

12:35 N: Hey Charlie, do you have plans tomorrow?
12:35 C: No plans……yet.
12:36 N: Would you fancy a beef roast dinner?
12:36 N: With me, Nellie, Henry
12:37 N: and Mum?

Charlie typing, 3 dots bouncing, disappearing, reappearing, disappearing, reappearing. Nick can’t help the sick feeling he’s got watching Charlie agonise over his reply.

12:40 N: You can say no, there is zero pressure.

The reply comes quickly now.

12:41 C: Yes. x
12:41 N: Yes? You’re sure?
1242 C: Yes. Very sure. I’d love to see Henry and Nellie again.
12:42 N: cheeky git.
12:43 C: And I’d love to meet your Mum. x

12:45 Nicky: Charlie said he’d love to meet you. But umm, I need to call you, explain something first. Can I call you in a bit?
12:46 Mum: of course, call whenever is convenient.
12:46 Thanks Mum, Love you. x

12:50 N: Is it ok, if I tell Mum a little about your anorexia? I just don’t want you to feel uncomfortable at all. Also, anything I should know to make you feel comfy with new people?
12:51 C: Can you literally read my mind? Thank you for not letting me spiral about this.
Of course, tell your Mum, I just need to dish my own plate so I can portion myself. Otherwise, it’s just the same, don’t draw attention to me and chat amongst yourselves while we eat.
12:52 N: Done and done. Do not fret Mon Coeur
12:53 C: Thank you. x

Chapter Text

13:00 Rug-bi lad 🏉: ALERT ALERT! Help!! S.O.S! Help!

13:05 Queen T 👑: What’s up Nick?

13:05 Rug-bi lad 🏉: Mum and Charlie. Charlie and Mum are meeting!

13:06 Queen T👑: wait wait wait. Hold up!
We didn’t meet the Matriarch Nelson for over six months!

13:06 Chaos D 🦖: Not jealous at all over here!

13:07 Rug-bi lad 🏉: Ladies. Focus. My mother, my all-time favourite person is meeting the man of my dreams.
13:07 Queen T 👑: Okay. Calm down. We can come up with a game plan. When is this fateful day happening?

13:08 Rug-bi lad 🏉: tomorrow.

13:09 Chaos D 🦖: Damn Nelson.

13:09 Queen T 👑: I think what Darcy is trying to say is. Woah, that’s in a matter of hours. Do you want us to come over?

13:10 Rug-bi lad 🏉: YES!!

The girls arrive twenty minutes later with Juno, and a crate of San Miguel.
Nick is busy pacing the length of his lounge muttering to himself when they let themselves in. He doesn’t even notice the barking, the bottles being opened and one being handed to him.
Tara slowly guides Nick to sit on the sofa and encourages him to drink his bottle of beer.
“Ok. So, whose bright idea was this?” Tara asks.
“Mums” he says and takes a big swig of beer.
“Well, at least she’s keen.”
“I’ve never brought anyone to meet her.” He mumbles.
“Nick, is my memory correct and Charlie is your first boyfriend?”
“He’s not my boyfriend. We haven’t labelled it yet, but yes. I’ve only dated women” he takes another swig of his beer which is swiftly replenished with another bottle by Darcy. “And I’ve never taken a date home to meet Mum before.” He takes some deep breaths and the girls wait for what is coming next.

“She knows I’m bi, she doesn’t care, I mean she says she doesn’t care, but she’s never seen me with a guy. What if, what if she doesn’t like it? What if she doesn’t like Charlie? What if she rejects me?”
“Nicholas Nelson, would you stop! Listen to me and do not interrupt. Sarah Nelson is an absolute legend. She loves you more than anything in the world, there is no way she is going to reject you. Sarah will do nothing but embrace you and Charlie. That woman is only full of love she literally has zero ability for negativity.” Tara says sternly while soothingly stroking Nick’s forearm.
“It’s normal to be nervous and anxious when a love interest meets your family, but seriously Nick, you have nothing to worry about. Sarah is the most accepting woman on the planet and her love for you overflows.” Darcy adds.
Nick gives her a little smile. Knowing Darcy’s family is far less loving and accepting.
“I know you’re right, I just, I just never expected to feel so panicked about this. I’m being stupid. You guys are right. My Mum is a queer embracer she has a never-ending supply of love and acceptance.
Do you think Charlie will like her?”
“Oh my god NICK!” Tara shouts. “It is literally impossible for anyone not to love Sarah Nelson.” Tara says.
The girls stay with Nick all afternoon and they order Thai takeaway, watch Hook on TV and generally distract Nick’s mind from spiralling into bizarre and weird notions and ideas.
“What time are you picking Charlie up?” Darcy asks.
“Eleven. Why?”
“Just wondered how long you’ve got to get over your hangover in the morning,” Darcy says with a smirk.
“I won’t be hungover; I’ve only had a few bottles.”
“Eight. You’ve had eight Nick.”
“I’m stopping now” and he gets up to get a pint of water.
“Thanks for coming over, I really appreciate it. I honestly don’t know what I was thinking, of course, tomorrow will be fine.”
“It’s no problem we’re always here for you,” Tara reassures.
“And on that positive note. I am positive we need to get going, back home.” Darcy says.
“Thanks again for coming round”
“You gonna be ok?” Darcy asks.
“Yeah, I think I’m gonna bake a pudding, maybe some chocolate and cherry brownies to take tomorrow. That’ll keep me calm”.
“Good. And save me one!”
“Haha. Will do Darce. Thanks for everything.” He gives both Tara and Darcy a big hug and the girls leave for home.
Nick heads to the kitchen and starts whipping up a batch of brownies.

Charlie pockets his phone at the end of his lunch when Sylvia arrives for her princess pamper.
“Good afternoon, Mrs. McBride, how was the hen do last weekend?”
“Oh Charlie, it was superb! We had cocktails and the entertainment was first class. The cocktails were served by butlers in the buff.” She says with a wink.
“At the risk of sounding silly but what is a butler in the buff?”
“Oh, you’re so innocent, Charlie. They are waiters who only wear little waist tie aprons and baby oil.”
“Oh wow! I have been missing out! I’ll have to remember them for my stag do.” He says with a chuckle.
“You’re engaged? Who’s the lucky man?” She says excitedly clapping and bouncing on her toes.
“Oh no. No fiancé for me. Just wishful thinking I’m afraid.” He says looking shy.
“Right, come on Sylvia let’s get you pampered.” He addresses the little dog and holds his hand out for the lead.
“See you in an hour Charlie” she says with a small finger wave.
And he walks off to wash Sylvia.

Elle comes to the washroom as no one else is expected now.
“Hey. Is everything ok? How’s your head?”
“Oh hey. Yeah, all good. I had some paracetamol which seems to have helped.
Umm, Elle, what do you wear to meet your person of interest kind of boyfriend massive hunk of a guy’s Mum?”
“Charles Francis Spring!!! Oh my god!! When is this happening? Can I take you shopping?”
Charlie giggles, “No time Elle. I’m meeting her tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow!! Whaaaat! In that case, I’m coming to yours straight after this pamper to pick out an outfit.”
“Hahahahha. Thank you.” He’s still giggling.
“Are you gonna be, ok?”
“Yeah. Nick seems pretty chill about it. He asked me what I needed. I said I just need to serve myself; he told me his Mum is doing a roast beef dinner. So that’s simple meat and veg. I’m gonna take some wine with me though. Make a good impression.”
“Yeah, wine always helps. What time is he picking you up?”
“Eleven.”
“Cool, so a small breakfast and a relaxed morning,” Elle says
“Yes Mum. I’ve already thought about it. I’m gonna have a slice of toast with a poached egg and then an apricot yoghurt.”
“Good. And you know if you need me or Tao in the morning you just call. We’re not busy Sunday mornings.”
“Thanks, Elle. That means a lot, but I’ll be ok. Now, let me get Sylvia finished so we can head out of here.”

Chapter Text

Nick wakes up bright and early. His house still faintly smells of freshly baked brownies and he can’t help the smile on his face remembering just why he baked them.
After talking to Tara and Darcy he is feeling so much better about today. He’s unsure why he had such a wobble but he’s not wobbling now, he’s sure and steady. He heads downstairs to attend to Nellie and takes her for a quick walk.
Back home for a shower and breakfast. He spends the rest of the morning lesson prepping for the coming week as he couldn’t face it yesterday and doesn’t want to have the pressure of it waiting for him while he’s at his mum’s.
He texts Charlie.
09:00 N: Good Morning You. Still ok for today?
09:10 C: Good morning to you too! Yes, all set for today. Just deciding on an outfit.

A total lie as Elle sorted his outfit last night and hung it out for him all sorted and freshly ironed. He won’t put it on though until after breakfast at risk of spilling on it.

09:15 N: I’m excited for you to meet Mum.
09:20 C: Me too. Although. Can you tell me her name? I can’t really call her Mum.
09:21 N: her name is Sarah. Can’t believe I hadn’t told you that before. Sorry x
09:25 C: No problem. See you at eleven. x
09:26 N: See you then. x

Charlie puts his phone down with a smile on his face.

Toot toot. Goes the car horn. Nick is right on time.
Charlie runs out to the car, gift bag in hand two bottles one white, one red rattle together.
He leans over the gear stick and gives Nick a hello kiss.
“Well hello to you too.” Nick chuckles.
“I just needed to kiss you before we got going, didn’t know the PDA rules with your mum. And I just really wanted to kiss you.” Charlie says looking down at their connected hands.
Nick gives his hand a little squeeze.
“I’m happy with any PDA you’re comfortable with. I mean, I’ve never brought a guy home to meet Mum before.” Nick pauses a little takes a breath in and continues “Actually, I’ve never dated a guy before so umm, this is all new to me. But I’m comfortable and I know Mum will be happy for me. Happy for us.
That reminds me. Ummm, Charlie?”
“Yeah?”
“Ummm, how did you want me to introduce you? Like as a….. I know we haven’t labelled anything yet I just don’t want to make anything awkward.”
“Nick” Charlie cups his face and gives him a gentle kiss.
“Would you mind if, can you introduce me as your, errr, your boyfriend?”
If the smile that breaks onto Nicks face doesn’t answer Charlie’s question, the heated passion happy filled kiss that follows certainly does.
“Charlie! I was hoping I could!!”
Nick suddenly gets out of the car runs to Charlie’s side and drags him out too.
He scoops him up carrying him bridal style
“Nick! Don’t you dare drop me!”
“I’m not gonna drop you”
He runs around the car chanting
“I’m your boyfriend! You’re my boyfriend, we’re boyfriends!!!!”
Charlie’s giggle ringing in his ears.
He sets Charlie down and looks into his bright blue eyes. “Thank you” he says.
“I never thought this would happen to me,” Charlie says with innocence and apprehension in his eyes. Nick pulls him into a comforting hug, “Me either.” He whispers. They stay in the embrace for a few minutes, brought back to reality when Nellie starts scratching on the glass in the back of the car.
“Right, Ok Nellie we’re coming. You ready to meet Mum?”
“Let’s go!”

Twenty minutes later Nick pulls up to the drive. His Mum instantly opens the door. Because of course she’s been eagerly waiting for him by the window.
She stands in the doorway arms wide. Nick gets out of the car and instantly walks over to his Mum for a hug. Charlie gets out of the car and opens the back door. Let’s Nellie out and grabs his gift bag. By the time he stands back up, Nick is back next to him. Sarah has followed him over.
“Mum, this is Charlie,” Nick says with the biggest smile on his face.
Charlie smiles, blushes and offers his hand “Hi Mrs. Nelson it’s nice to meet you”
“Oh hush none of that” and she wraps him up in a hug he wasn’t expecting. It takes him a couple of seconds to relax from the rigid pole he became and hug her back.
“Now, no more of this Mrs. Nelson business either. It’s Sarah please.” She says with a welcoming smile.
“Ok. Thank you, Sarah. This is for you by the way” and he offers forward the gift bag.
“Oh, wonderful!” She exclaims. “What shall we start with?” She says quietly into Charlie’s ear as she nudges him.
He giggles and says “White”
“Let’s get in the house and settle these dogs down,” Nick says as he gestures to Nellie and Henry excitedly running all over the front lawn.
“Of course, Charlie, you’ve met Henry before” Sarah says with a wink.
“Ah, yes. I umm, I actually” he fishes around in his pocket “brought my clippers so I can finally do his nails”
“Wonderful. You’ll definitely deserve a glass of white after that, come on then in we go.”
Nick takes hold of Charlie’s hand, and they walk together into the house. Sarah turns to the house and smiles as she follows them with the dogs at her heel.

“So Charlie, Nicky tells me you’re helping him with his dog biscuit venture?”
“Yeah umm, I have a bit of experience in business, and I think it’s a good idea.” He says as he shrugs his shoulders.
“Come off it Charlie, Mum he’s got a maths and business degree and a successful business of his own.”
“Shut up Nick. It’s not that big of a deal” Charlie says blushing.
“It is a big deal,” Sarah says “you should embrace the praise, Charlie. You’ve done so well and you’re only what 30? Same as Nick?”
“28 actually. It’s my birthday next month” he replies quietly.
They sit and chat a while longer and Charlie makes his way round all four of Henry’s paws. Sarah did try and insist he needn’t bother but he didn’t listen.
Nick sits back and watches his two favourite people chat and laugh and both he hopes are at ease with the other.
Sarah excused herself to finish getting the dinner ready.
“How am I doing Nicky?” Charlie whispers.
“Only she gets to call me that, pack it in,” Nick says as he rolls his eyes, knowing that was coming. “She loves you though. I think this is the longest she hasn’t spoken to me in forever!” Nick says giggling.
“She seems at ease with you bringing a guy home,” Charlie says.
“Yeah. I’m gonna bring out the B word soon. Cement that down so you can’t just run off” Nick says while moving to kiss Charlie on the cheek.
“Ooooo big talk Nelson.”
“You just wait Spring.”
“Boys would you mind helping me dish up please” they hear from the kitchen.
“Right, that’s our cue,” Nick says standing up. Holding his hand out for Charlie.
“Charlie, would you mind dishing the veg while Nick cuts the meat?”
“Sure thing,” he says, while silently thanking Sarah for being so subtle in him dishing up and not making it a big deal.
Nick is happily cutting the meat and stealing little tasters as he goes when Charlie comes up behind him. Wraps his arms around his waist
“Can I have a taste?” He says quietly into her ear.
Nick breathing stops
“Sure thing sweetheart,” he says as he raises the fork with a small bit of meat on it for Charlie to take.
“Hey, save some for the rest of us you two” Sarah giggles.
“I can treat my boyfriend to a taste of meat if I like”
Silence ……
Silence ……
Charlie wide eyes
Sarah wide eyes
Nick wide-eyed now realising the innuendo in what he just said.
Nick can see Charlie is holding in laughter.
Both boys holding their breath to see Sarah’s reaction.
Finally, after what seems like aeons for Nick, Sarah bursts out laughing, and shortly after so do Nick and Charlie.

Chapter Text

The roast dinner is eaten slowly, Nick chats with his mum about his week teaching and the antics he’s had with the kids. He keeps the conversation about topics Charlie doesn’t need to respond to. Charlie methodically works around his plate and eats his whole portion.

“Sarah that was delicious. Thank you so much” he says with a big smile on his face.
“You’re more than welcome sweetheart. I can make you a pack up if you’d like to take some home?”
“Ummm, yes, please. I’ll never say no to such lovely home cooked food. Would it be ok if I choose the bits to take?”
“Of course, choose your favourite bits. Then I’ll know for next time what to make extra of.”
“You don’t need to make extra just for me,” he says shyly, also registering the ‘next time’ aspect of that comment.
“But that way you can take it and freeze it if needed,” she says with a wink.
Noticing Charlie is looking a little uncomfortable Nick is quick to move the subject along.
“So, Mum, shall we take these dogs for an afternoon walk?”
“Well, dear, I’m a bit tired from all the errr, chopping this morning. Would you mind taking them and I’ll stay here?”
“Yeah no problem, Mum.”
“Charlie can keep me company, can’t you sweetheart?” She says with a warm smile on her face.
For a split second Charlie looks alarmed at being alone with Sarah but quickly schools his face and agrees. “It would be lovely to have some tea” he says. Knowing full well Nick would also be craving tea.
“When you get back, we could tuck into those brownies you made,” Charlie says with a smile. “That’s if we don’t sneak one while he’s out” Sarah whispers and nudges Charlie. Who has a mock shocked expression on his face.
“I see how it is,” Nick says. I know when I’m not wanted. Right come on Nell, Henry, let’s go play in the park for a bit.”
“I’ll pop the kettle on” Sarah says as she makes her way back to the kitchen giving the boys a little privacy.
“What’s your mum up to?” Charlie whispers.
“No idea, but you’ll be fine.” Nick tries to reassure Charlie who is now looking very nervous.
“If in doubt just ask to see baby photos. I’ll take one for the team” Nick winks making Charlie giggle. He links hands with Nick and pulls him towards him for a kiss. Just as Sarah steps back into the hallway “Charlie would you Oh, umm, sorry I didn’t mean to interrupt I just wanted to know if you’d like a hobnob with your tea?” She looks flustered and heads back to the kitchen. Nick just looks at Charlie who now looks mortified and giggles.
“Well, have fun with that,” Nick says with a smirk
“You’re a dick.”
“I’m your boyfriend.” He pokes his tongue out and walks out with the dogs.
Charlie takes a deep breath and walks into the kitchen.

“Sorry about intruding a moment ago” Sarah says passing Charlie his tea.
“I guess I’m just not used to seeing Nicky with anyone. he’s only ever brought one person to meet me before, not even sure he classed her as an official girlfriend, that was back before he went off to uni. He kind of had to introduce us because he still lived at home” Sarah says smiling into her mug.
“He told me you’re comfortable with his sexuality, but that he’s never dated another man before, I’d understand if you’re finding it a little strange,” Charlie says with caution.
“Oh my goodness, Charlie sweetheart, love is love. He is so much more himself around you. I can see how happy you make him. I could tell how much he liked you weeks ago! Oh love, he couldn’t shut up about you.” She says placing her hand on Charlie’s forearm and rubbing comforting circles with her thumb, in a very mum like fashion.
Charlie just smiles at this admission and plans to tease Nick about it later.
“He’s only told me good things about you too, he’s such a mummy’s boy,” he says
“And he’s proud of it” Sarah adds. They both chuckle and return to sipping their tea.
“Right then Charlie, what can I tell you about Nicky that you can hold against him or embarrass him in front of his friends?”
“I think we’re going to get along just fine,” He says smirking behind his mug. “And yes, I think I will have a hobnob.” He leans forward to take one off the shared plate on the coffee table. And if Sarah has a tiny smile and a warm feeling in her belly that Charlie feels comfortable enough to voluntarily eat in front of her then she will never tell. Of course, the hobnob plate was never a gauge as to how comfortable Charlie was feeling, to begin with, sneaky mum magic.

The two of them swap stories of Nick and childhoods and future dreams for a little while longer until they hear the distinctive bark of Nellie coming up the drive and Nick encouraging Henry to keep walking.
Nick walks into the living room. He sees his mum in her armchair playing candy crush on her iPad and Charlie snuggled up on the sofa under a blanket mindlessly flicking through a book from Sarah’s bookshelf.
“What have you two been up to then? You look suspiciously serene” Nick says as he leans on the door frame.
“Oh nothing much Nicky,” Charlie says with a smile.
“Just bonding,” Sarah says.
“Did you know Charlie likes the classics such as The Odyssey and The Iliad?”
“I did not” Nick replies with a smile and looks at Charlie.
“Well, it’s not a topic that readily comes up” Charlie states with a shrug.
“You’re such a nerd” Nick teases.
“That’s a proper gay nerd to you rugby lad,” Charlie says giggling. Nick walks in and flops down next to Charlie and gives him a kiss on the cheek. Charlie instinctively snuggles into his side.
“I’m gonna go grab some brownies” Sarah said smiling at the two boys teasing and cuddling each other.

The evening carries on, all three comfortable, many jokes and stories and information shared. Mobile numbers are swapped between Charlie and Sarah on the pretense that Charlie can share songs he thinks Sarah might like, and she can share book titles from her book club she thinks Charlie might like. But really, they both know it’s so they can gang up and tease Nick at any opportunity, along with sharing funny memes and funny dog videos on TikTok
Nick is already fully aware his two favourite people are getting along swimmingly and looks forward to them joining forces to prank and tease him.
Time ticks on and it gets to the time the boys need to leave. Nick has school in the morning after all.
Hugs between Sarah and Charlie are far more comfortable now than when he arrived, leftovers packed safely in a bag for life and a kiss to Sarah’s cheek with a promise to call more from Nick. The boys walk out hand in hand to the car and if Sarah watches them fondly with a smile then that’s her prerogative.

Chapter Text

After meeting Sarah the weeks tick by for Charlie. He grooms dogs, he has therapy, and he plays in his band. A new addition to his week is that on gig weeks he accompanies Nick for a roast dinner at Sarah’s on Sunday. This quickly becomes a highlight for Charlie. He loves seeing Sarah and shows a little more of himself each time he goes. They bond over board games such as Trivial Pursuit, Monopoly and Pictionary as well as Uno which Charlie is a master at, stating a lot of practice in his teens and, they seem to consume a lot of wine, Charlie is always able to drink more as he doesn’t work Mondays and also doesn’t drive, so Nick gets the short straw, but is enjoying the different flavours of Schloer he’s working his way through. The three of them are becoming a unit, Charlie even teaches Sarah a tip or two in Mario Kart, secrets he still won’t share with Nick, much to Nick’s grumpiness, when Sarah occasionally pushes him into last place. Charlie feels accepted and valid in her house, he is starting to feel like he belongs and has found his home, a home not in bricks and mortar, but in flesh and blood.
Nick feels like home.
He discusses Nick meeting his parents but both boys are happy to put this off, especially after Charlie tells Nick a little more of his childhood and issues relating to his mother.

The biscuit business is growing with more demand, Nick has been approached by a couple of local farm shops to also stock his biscuits as well as other grooming parlours and pet shops. Charlie is thinking of creating a website so Nick can take online orders as well as diversify the types and amounts of biscuits he bakes. Nick has had so many orders and standing orders he has had to teach Tara to bake the biscuits so she can get a few batches done during the day while Nick is at school. He bakes at least one batch every evening and he could not be happier.
Charlie is becoming more comfortable with his body showing Nick more of his flesh as the weeks pass and he is certainly more comfortable exploring Nick’s body, this type of intimacy has somewhat progressed and flourished between them. The nights they spend together slowly increase in frequency as the weeks and months pass.
Now, most weeknights Charlie stays at Nick’s and at the weekends Nick stays at Charlie’s. They have quickly become inseparable. They have become Nick&Charlie.

Their friend groups have merged Tara, Darcy, Tao and Elle all becoming close, Charlie has even been to watch Nick play rugby, he met the other rugby lads and enjoyed their post-match banter. Some of the rugby lads have even been to see Charlie play in his band. Sai has offered to link the band to other venues to potentially gain more gig traction.
Nick feels like he is living his best life, everything seems to have slotted into place and the cogs are turning beautifully, in fact, the only thing gnawing at Nick is how safe his job is feeling. Not just safe but maybe a bit boring? He is loving making dog biscuits, he has so many ideas for them, and he rotates his flavour recipes around bi-weekly. He is starting to find the daily grind of early mornings, screaming kids and glitter tiresome and exhausting not to mention Ofsted inspections. The school just finished their review of Nick’s statement and decided to discipline Imogen regarding her homophobic remarks to a faculty member. She was forced to attend a week-long LGBTQ+ study course and then she had her timetable adjusted so she wasn’t on playground duty with Nick or ever his teaching assistant. Nick was happy enough with the outcome but resented being put in that position to start with.

He voices this to Tara who nods and hmmms in the right places and then concludes that maybe Nick isn’t as in love with his job as he used to be.
Food for thought thinks Nick.

One night in particular Nick and Charlie had been out to a salsa dance class at the local community hall, Nick has surprisingly loose hips and Charlie obviously had the rhythm.
“Oh my god! I’ve had such a good time. I’ve absolutely loved this.” Nick says. “I haven’t laughed this much in forever. I honestly thought at one point my stomach wouldn’t stop aching from so much laughter” Charlie says.
When they get back to Nicks he jumps in the shower after working up a sweat, Charlie sits waiting for him on his bed petting Nellie. He can hear Nick singing away in the shower and it suddenly hits him, his breathing quickens his heart rate doubles, he sits for a second and takes a few deep breaths.
He knocks on the bathroom door.
“Hey! I’m nearly done I’ll be out in a minute.” He hears Nick call.
“I just umm, I just wanted to tell you something.”
“Ok. Shoot.”
“I just wanted to, just wanted to say, I just wanted to tell you……..” Charlie can’t quite get his words out, he’s now thinking he should have practised.
“yeah?” he hears Nick question
“I love you, Nick.”

Silence.

The water turns off. Charlie takes a few steps backwards. Just staring at the bathroom door, a little in shock at what he’s just done. He can hear Nick fumbling about on the other side of the door.
And then the door opens, steam billows out like a reveal on stars in their eyes.
Nick stands their wet hair, a towel around his waist, body still wet. He’s looking at Charlie. Into his eyes, he walks forward towards him, not breaking eye contact. He wraps Charlie in a trademark Nick Nelson hug. “I love you too,” he says, he can feel the smile creep across Charlie’s face.
“Eugh Nick you’re all soggy!” Charlie giggles.
Nick picks him up “I love you, I love you, I love you!” He says swinging Charlie around in a circle. Charlie is laughing, this is a moment of pure joy. He is with the person he loves and who loves him in return.
Nick puts him down and both men collapsed onto the bed. “You told me while I was in the shower!”
“Hahaha why did I do that? Why are we like this?” Charlie says covering his face with his hands.
“I don’t know but I’m glad you did. Shall we go out and celebrate?” Nick suggests.
“Absolutely!! How about that new Thai place that just opened?” Charlie says
“A new place? You’re sure?”
“Yeah. I want to do all the new things with you Nick.”

Chapter Text

Charlie is at the parlour grooming a cocker spaniel totally in a daze when Elle walks into the groom room.
“Charlie? You ok there?”
“Err, yeah what’s up?”
“It’s just you’ve been brushing the same ear for the last five minutes. Anything on your mind?”
“I’m just thinking about Nicks biscuits.”
Elle holds in a laugh. “Nicks what now?”
Charlie rolls his eyes at Elle being so immature. “His dog biscuit business Elle. Come on! what else could I mean?” He says with a smile creeping onto his face.
“And what about his biscuits?” she asks with an innocent eye flutter.
“Well, he’s running out of room, his kitchen is so cluttered with cooling racks and mixers and then Tupperware and biscuit bags he’s struggling to cook normal food as he’s running out of space.”
“Ok, so he needs a bigger space? Or to pull the business back?”
“A bigger space I think, but I’m stuck as to what though”
“I’m sure something will come up. it always does.” She smiles, satisfied that she has placated him enough that Charlie is now back to concentrating on the dog in front of him.
Charlie just hums in response and his mind carries on thinking.

A few days later, Tao and Nick are sitting, having a quiet beer together when Tao asks, “what are your plans for the biscuit business?”
“Huh?”
“The dog biscuits, what’s your plan for the business? I mean are you happy with how it is? Do you want to slow it down or expand it? what’s your plan? What are you thinking?”
“Oh umm, I guess I hadn’t really thought about it. It’s been going so well these last few months, it’s a nice earner and I love baking so, for me it’s a win-win.” Nick says smiling.
“Yes, but do you want to make a proper go of it?”
“I mean, I guess I could. Why? What’s all this about?”
“Just wondering. Just don’t want you to mess Charlie around that’s all. He’s put his reputation out there to promote your sales and if you’re not serious then” Tao tails off.
Nick takes a big swig of his pint. He looks up to speak when
“Here you go lovelies. One cheese and bacon burger with fries and one duck noodle salad.” The waitress says with a fake smile plastered on her face.
“Thank you, looks delicious,” Tao says.
They tuck into their lunches and speak no more of the business. Nick is left with a little thinking frown, expanding the biscuit business takes time, time he currently spends with small children teaching, is he potentially ready to give up his teaching career? Maybe he can find a way to compromise.

The next week at rugby Sai runs up to Nick all excited. “Hey! I’ve been waiting for you, you’re late.”
“Sorry, the traffic from Charlie’s was terrible this morning” Nick shrugs.
“Anyway. I have news. The Rugby juniors are looking for a new coach for the 12yrs and under. It’s Monday Wednesday and Thursday afternoons 3:30-8 pm. Then they have a game every other Sunday. I can get you the info if you like. I know you completed your coaching qualification last year to help at the school.”
“Oh cheers Sai, yeah that sounds great. Although, I’m not sure I can fit it in with school and baking but I’ll definitely look at it.”

Nick and Charlie are having dinner together that evening, Nick decides to bite the bullet.
“Charlie, could you run some numbers for me? Just out of curiosity?”
“Of course babe, write down what info you want, and I’ll do my best to make it work.” Charlie says smiling up at Nick.
A few days later, Nick sends him an e.mail from work. Including all the information Charlie needs to see if Nick can afford to quit his teaching job, work twenty hours as a kids rugby coach and make up the rest of his working week baking to expand his business.
When Charlie reads the e.mail, his eyes grow wide. Nick hadn’t mentioned any of this, so he’s surprised and more than a little excited about the prospect of Nick expanding his business.
But a total change of career? Charlie runs the numbers and offers Nick a realistic outlook into his potential finances.

13:30 Chaos D.🦖 Fancy a dog walk?

13:35 Rug-bi lad 🏉 Absolutely, meet you at the park in fifteen.

“Hey, my man! Over here!!” Of course, Nick knew exactly where Darcy was as Juno had already come bounding up to him and Nellie.
“You ok Darce?
“Yeah, all good, just haven’t seen you in a while. Thought I invite you to step out of your bubble of love and walk with me.”
“Bubble of love, come Darce, we’ve been together nearly eight months now.”
“I know I know, so when are you gonna commit more?”
“More?”
“Yeah, I mean, it must be costing you guys a fortune in petrol going backwards and forwards to each other’s houses, not to mention mortgage and rent!”
“Alright Dracy, I get the hint. But we have other things to sort first.”
“Like what?”
“Errrr, Ummm,” Nick rubs the back of his neck.
“Nick, you have three seconds to decide and tell me why you don’t want to live with Charlie.
One…
Two…
Two and a half…
Two and three quarters”
“Okay, yes! I want to live with him, but I don’t want to scare him off!”
“Oh, for goodness sake Nicholas! And I have Tara’s permission to say this.
Put your big bi boy pants on and ask him to live with you, stop being so silly.”
Nick laughs a little and nods. They carry on their walk, chatting about lighter topics, but Nick knows, he’s ready. What is he waiting for?

A few weeks later, while sitting opposite end of the sofa, legs entwined together, crufts on the TV Charlie has his laptop open, he nudges Nick with his foot.
“Hey Nick, I’ve found a garage for rent, I thought we could kit it out as a small kitchen workshop and you could move to do your baking there? That way you and Tara would have a place to keep all your equipment and ingredients and you could make bigger batches, so you potentially don’t have to bake every night.”
“Yeah? That sounds good. Is it affordable?”
“It is. With the profit you’re making off the biscuits already, you could easily cover the cost of rent and electric. It would be a little more initially to kit it out but long term, I did a projection, and you’d make the money back in six months, and that’s if your sales don’t increase at all” Charlie says smiling.
“Can I see? Where is it?”
“Sure, here are the details.” Charlie turns the laptop around to show Nick.
He takes a minute to look and read about the garage.
“It’s only a ten minute drive from here, and it’s got two parking spaces allocated.” Charlie chips in excitedly after what felt to him like forever in silence.
Nick stays sat in silence, then navigates to a different page on the Rightmove website.
“So umm, I’ve also been looking at property. But it’s not exactly the same as the one you found. I err, I found this.” He slowly turns the laptop back to face Charlie.
Charlie looks.
He’s surprised to see a three bed detached house with a large garden and garage in the same area Nick lives now. After a few minutes of looking at all the pictures and the floorplan and reading the descriptions Charlie finally speaks.
“Can you afford this?”
“Well, I’d obviously sell this house, but I thought that we could convert the garage into a kitchen that would save on renting one.”
“We?” Charlie asks cocking his head, Nick suddenly looked shy and unsure.
“Umm, yeah. I mean we are together all the time anyway and it would cut down travel time to see each other, we could save on double paying, I mean your rent and my mortgage.” Charlie sits there with a stunned look on his face, opening and closing his mouth, clearly unable to piece together words. Nick moves closer to him, “I love waking up with you and I love going to sleep with you and ummm, I love the life we are building together, I want to do this with you. You’re it for me Charlie. I love you so much, you are my favourite person, Will you live with me? And Nellie.
Will you buy a house with me?”
Charlie, stares dumbfounded, he slowly closes the laptop and places it gently on the floor, never breaking eye contact, he leans forward so his face is only a centimetre from Nick. “Yes, I’d love to live with Nellie” A kiss to Nick's nose, a small smile. “And you.”

Chapter Text

Jing a ling, the bell on the parlour door goes.
“Oh Hey Nick”
“Hi Elle. Is Charlie here?”
“Yeah, he’s got another hour with the current dog I’m afraid. Do you want me to grab him real quick?”
“No, no it’s fine. Just wanted to check what time he finishes today?”
“Errrr, let me have a look. He should be finished at four.”
“That’s fab. Can you tell him I’ll pick him up today? I’m in town anyway meeting Mum for lunch.”
“Sure thing. Are you planning something nice for your third anniversary by chance?” Elle says with a glint in her eye.
“I might be,” Nick replies with a smile and then quickly leaves before he blabs all his secrets.

Nick and Sarah walk to the deli that Charlie took him too in their first lunch date. They each choose a sandwich and then make their way to the lake. Just like Charlie and Nick had done three years ago today.
“So, Nicky tell me. Do you miss it?”
“Miss what Mum?” He says through mouthfuls of sandwich.
“Teaching of course silly. You’ve been out of it for what two years now? Do you miss it?”
“I don’t think I do. I mean I still get to teach kids ‘cos I coach the rugby teams. And I love that! So, I guess I compensate that way. Plus, no more suits and awkward parents, not to mention Ofsted and glitter!!”
Sarah turns to him and gives him a stern look “There is always time for glitter Nicky.” she replies.
“I’m glad it’s all worked out for you sweetheart.” She continues with a smile
“Yeah, Mum. Me too.”
They sit in silence just taking in and enjoying the view of the ducklings swimming by.
“Actually Mum. Could you come with me after lunch to pick something up?”
“Of course sweetheart, no problem. What are we getting?”
“It’s a surprise for Charlie.”
“Oh, how lovely. When do we go?”
“Soon Mum. Soon.”
They finish their lunches and head back to the town, Nick ducks into a pet shop and smiles as he does because he spots his dog biscuits on proud display.
He comes out twenty minutes later armed with a big bag of stuff.
“Find everything you need dear? You seemed to have bought the whole shop. What is this all about?”
“I may have bought a puppy,” Nick says with a smile bursting onto his face.
“Oh Nicky!! Wow! A friend for Nellie! What type? Boy? Girl? Age? Tell me the details, Charlie is going to love this!” Sarah is so excited she is literally jumping and down clapping.
“I’ll tell you on the way we’re off to pick her up.”
“Her! Eeeeek. I’m so excited.”

Nick parks the car back in town and he and Sarah make their way back to Muddy Springs. It’s now ten to four so Charlie will be nearly finished.

Jing a ling the bell on the door goes.
Elle looks up and smiles. And then jumps out of her seat when she sees what Nick has in his arms.
“Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god! Who is this??” She somehow manages to speak in a hushed voice, so she doesn’t scare the adorable Labrador puppy currently sleeping curled up in Nick’s arms.
“This is a surprise for Charlie. Is he nearly finished?
“Oh, he will be! He’s just hoovering, let me go get him.” Elle hurries off to the groom room.
Nick hears the hoover being switched off and then muffled voices talking. “Elle if I don’t finish cleaning now it’ll be worse tomor…”
He stops in his tracks as he clocks Nick and the sleeping puppy.
“Nicholas Luke Nelson who. Is. this?” He says in his best stern voice, but with a big smile across his face.
He can see Sarah’s beaming smile behind Nick’s shoulder.
“This, my wonderful boyfriend is a surprise for you.” He says and then kisses Charlie on the cheek. “Happy third anniversary sweetheart!”
“You big softie, A puppy! Really? For me? Nick!!! She’s beautiful! Can we really have two dogs?”
“Of course, we can, our garden is big enough, and she can either stay at home with me and Nellie while I bake or come here and chill with you and Elle. It’s up to you. But. You do need to give her a name.”
“Daisy!”
“That was quick!”
“Nick, I have been dreaming of having my own dog for the last ten years. Of course, I have a name ready to go” he chuckles. At the sound of his giggle, the puppy wakes up and looks at Charlie. He leans to kiss her head and scratch her ears and she gives him a big lick on the face.
“Love at first sight,” Sarah says.
“Same thing happened three years ago” Nick murmurs.
“Sap” Charlie laughs.

A couple of weeks later Daisy is settling in well. Charlie is sitting on the floor giving her a belly rub when Nick walks in.
“Charlie.”
“Yeah?” he answers without looking up from Daisy.
“Charlie.” Nick sounds a little more frantic
Charlie looks up and sees Nick looking shocked and staring into the middle distance.
“Nick? Are you ok? What is it?”
“I umm, I just got off the phone with Dobbies.”
“The garden centre? Ok, have you ordered something for Daisy and Nellie?”
“No, I err, I haven’t ordered anything. They have.”
“They have what? Nick come on, use your words, tell me what you’re trying to say”.
Nick takes a deep breath to compose himself, Charlie shuffles on the floor expecting bad news.
“They have just placed a huge recurring order for me to supply all four flavours of dog biscuits for them to sell in the garden centre.”
Charlie jumps up as does a daisy at his sudden movement.
“Nick that’s incredible! Wow! Can you, can you achieve that? I mean, it’s not too much?”
“I think I could do it if I shut the online sales for a bit until I find my feet with the order.”
“Wow! DOBBIES!! They’re a chain, right?” Charlie asks.
“Yeah, they said they want to stock my biscuits just in this garden centre for now, and if they prove popular, they’ll look to potentially stocking them in more shops.”
“Nick this, this is huge! Well done! I mean, pfffff, I don’t know what to say! Other than, Let’s celebrate! Let’s take the dogs find a little cottage and go to the beach this weekend. I’ll get Ollie to cover my grooms.”
“Yeah? ok yeah. Let’s do that.” And Nick scoops Charlie up in his arms for a bone crushing hug full of happiness.

The weekend arrives and Friday night they pack the car and leave for the beach. Charlie has found this beautiful little stone cottage that looks out on the sea with private access to the beach. Friday afternoon is spent playing with the dogs on the beach after them being cooped up for the car journey, a pizza delivery and an early night.
Saturday, the boys explore the local town, finding dog-friendly pubs to go in for lunch, Charlie insists on cooking dinner, so on the way back he nips to Tesco and buys what he needs, and if a couple of bottles of wine and a bottle of Prosecco finds their way into his trolley then so be it.
After dinner, he asks Nick if he’d like a stroll along the beach. The pups are tired as they had a good run and play with Nick in and out of the water while Charlie was cooking so they leave them curled up in their beds.
The boys walk hand in hand along the soft sand. At sunset, they stop and sit just looking out at the waves.
“You know, this is so beautiful” Charlie starts.
“Yeah, I could sit here forever” Nick replies looking out at the sea.
Charlie rests his head on Nick's shoulder, “You have made me so happy you know that? You came into my life one day and turned it from grey to multicolour.”
Nick twists his head to try and look at Charlie when he hears this.
“Charlie, I love you, I’ve done nothing special but love you.”
“You loving me is special. And it’s something I want to hold onto forever.” Charlie shifts from sitting beside Nick to kneeling on one knee in front of him.
“Nicholas Nelson, my rugby lad, biscuit baker, and love of my life. I want to spend every day making you as happy and content as you make me. I want to spoil you, celebrate you and rejoice with you. I want to experience everything with you forever.” Tears are rolling down Nick’s face. Charlie carefully wipes them away with his thumb and then reaches into his pocket.
He takes out a little velvet box and opens it.
“Will you marry me?”
“Charlie” Nick sniffs and wipes his nose.
“Oh my god, I’m so snotty!” He reaches into his pocket for a tissue and blows his nose.
“Nick! I’m kind of waiting for an answer here.” Charlie says with a nervous giggle.
“Charlie Yes! Yes yes yes yes yes!!” Nick jumps to his feet scoops Charlie up bridal style and runs into the sea.
“Nick your shoes! And don’t you dare drop me!”
“I’m never going to drop you Char because, I’m your fiancé, you’re my fiancé we’re gonna get maaaaaarriiiieeeeeed, I’m gonna be you’re Husband, you’re gonna be my Husband, we’re gonna be Husbaaaaaaaaaaaands!!!” Nick is shouting into the sea.
“Nick you giant idiot put. Me. down!”
“Oh, you want down?” Nick says cocking his head slightly with a smirk.
“Oh no! Nick, on the sand, not the”
Charlie can’t finish that sentence as he has a very wet and very cold bum.
“Oh no you didn’t!” he says staring up at his now fiancé.
“Now then, future husband of mine, just remember how much you love oouuuuuffffffff”
Charlie jumps up from the sea floor and rugby tackles Nick into the water. Nick has a shocked come proud come in love expression, he lurches forward and kisses Charlie passionately.
“That tackle was brilliant” he whispers into Charlie's ear.
“You say the sweetest things” Charlie replies.
The two of them continue to play in the water, they are both laughing and laughing and laughing and so in love.