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Nick
After the wonderful movie night across the hall on Halloween, Nick’s schedule was packed with organising class lessons and events, so he didn’t have much free time. What little energy he didn’t spend on work and Emile went towards getting to know Charlie.
After they exchanged numbers, they’d been texting nearly daily. Their conversations ranged from simple exchanges of memes to long, meaningful talks about their hobbies and passions, the things and people they loved.
Nick gushed to Charlie about raising Emile, his mum, Sarah, and how much he loved his job — how teaching felt like a calling to him; he loved working with children. Admittedly, some days he felt as though he needed a reminder of that fact but most days were wonderful. The relationships he’d formed with his students made all the migraines worth it. Being able to help the next generation learn and grow was fulfilling for him; he’d never looked back.
Recently, he was even able to coach the school’s rugby team, something he’d been hoping for since he started the job a handful of years back. Coaching and passing on his knowledge of rugby sated the need he had to play since giving it up.
“Being involved with rugby has been amazing,” Nick raved over FaceTime one evening while Emile was happily playing games on his Switch in the other room. “I didn’t realise how much I missed it, Charlie.”
“Why did you wait so long to get back involved with it? Too busy?” Charlie asked, his TV playing faintly in the background.
“After uni, I didn’t have the time. Between Emile and his mum I was spread thin enough as it was. I would occasionally watch my mates play but I couldn’t keep up with practice,” Nick laughed, a memory coming to him at the mention of Sai, Otis, and Christian. “One time after a match, the lads gifted me a tiny Leeds rugby jersey for Emi. It was the cutest thing!”
Nick chuckled, sweeping a hand through his hair. “I wish I still had that little thing.”
Charlie gave him a sympathetic look, pouting his lip. “Aww, what happened to it? Lost in a move or something?”
Nick felt his cheeks redden as he averted his gaze, shame rolling through him. He hesitated, not wanting to tell the whole story. “Erm, well- Emile’s mother, she wasn’t- I’m not sure, honestly.”
The whole story wasn’t a pretty one, having ended in a huge fight that led to the shirt’s destruction by Sophie’s hands. She had really struggled after Emile’s birth; she hadn’t been herself.
“Things were complicated, huh?” Charlie asked with a knowing look when Nick took too long to answer. “Believe me, I know a thing or two about complicated exes.”
“She’s not a horrible person or anything,” Nick defended. “Having a kid just really shook Sophie’s world up. I had my mum and friends to help. Sophie… didn’t have anyone like that. Her parents weren’t very kind about her having a child outside of marriage, they’re traditional like that. Her ‘friends’ weren’t very helpful either. Up and ditched her when things got tough.”
“I’m really sorry to hear that. Sounds like things were really difficult for her,” Charlie said, his voice soft. “Please tell me to fuck off if I’m overstepping but what’s her relationship with Emile like?”
“A lot better now, thankfully. The last few years she’s really stepped up and I’m glad to say Emi always comes back from her place happy and healthy,” Nick smiled. “Let me go put him to bed really fast.” Nick pointed at Charlie through his phone sternly after laying it against the bed. “Don’t go anywhere.”
“Yes, Mr. Nelson,” Charlie said with the cadence of a chastised student.
Nick cringed and slowly shook his head. “Please don’t call me ‘Mr. Nelson’. Makes me feel weird.”
“Why’s that?” Charlie stuck his tongue out.
“Well, that’s what my students call me and I’d prefer not to have them on my mind when I’m with the man I want to…” Nick trailed off, nerves creeping up his chest.
Charlie blushed and coughed lightly, brushing away a stray curl. “Yeah?”
“Quiet, you,” Nick mumbled before going to tuck Emile in, Charlie’s giggle giving him butterflies.
🍂🍂🍂
“Papa? Are you talking to Charlie?” Emile asked, voice heavy with an exhaustion that Nick had only witnessed in children.
“I am, mon coeur,” Nick said. “Why do you ask?”
Emile yawns, sleepily wiping at his face. “Tell him I said hi?”
“Of course, my sweet boy,” Nick chuckled softly, awed by his son’s disposition. “You like Charlie?”
“I do,” Emile nodded with a lazy grin. “He’s really nice and let me ask a whole bunch of questions about Greek gods. He’s so smart, Papa.”
“ So smart,” Nick agreed with his son. “I’ll tell him you said hello after I read you a story, ok? What do you wanna hear?”
“Papa, aren’t I too old for a bedtime story?” Emile asked. “I’m almost 9. I’m not a baby.”
“Oh! I see,” Nick dramatically threw his hands up. “I guess that means you don’t want goodnight kisses.”
Emile playfully giggled, snuggling under his blanket. “I guess those wouldn’t be so bad.”
“Oh yeah? Well, the monster is feeling hungry! Rah!” Nick lept at Emile, ruffling his hair and pressing rapid kisses to his temple as he growled like “the monster” and made exaggerated “nom”s. Emile giggled and squealed in response, trying his best to fend off the ferocious affection with flailing limbs.
Once the giggles settled down, Nick tucked Emile in with a kiss to his forehead.
“Night, Papa,” Emile mumbled.
“Night, mon coeur.”
🍂🍂🍂
“I thought of something while I was grabbing some water from the kitchen,” Nick said, settling back into bed. “Wanna hear about it?”
Charlie, still on his phone screen, nodded his head and motioned for him to continue.
“My ex, Sophie, I was thinking about how we were in uni and I thought of something else of note. Emile… wasn’t planned, obviously,” Nick admitted. “I don’t blame her for being surprised; I certainly was. We used condoms and she was on birth control.”
“And he still came through? Strong swimmers, huh?” Charlie joked before he buried his face in his pillow and groaned. “I’m so sorry! I had an edible an hour ago and stoned Charlie likes to make really dumb jokes!”
Nick shook his head and felt a small smile tugging the corner of his mouth up. “You’re silly, Charlie,” he chuckled. “Don’t worry, my old rugby mates said the same thing. I never took offence to it. I couldn’t have done it without my mate, Sai and his girlfriend. She was in nursing school at the time and gave me so much advice.”
“Do you still see them? They sound like great people,” Charlie asked.
“Not so much lately,” Nick frowned. “I’ve just been really busy with Emile. Maybe I should call them.”
“Do it! Even just talking to them could help a lot,” Charlie urged, smiling at Nick through the screen. Nick’s heart fluttered at the sight of those dimples.
“Maybe. I haven’t had a break in... a while. Might be nice to have a night out. Even just grabbing dinner somewhere.” He felt the hope for his social life building in his chest. “I can’t leave Emile alone though and my mum already does so much.”
“How about his mum? You said she has Emile every other weekend, yeah?”
“Well- yes, but I don’t know. I like staying available in case something happens,” Nick confessed with a grimace while setting his phone to change for bed. “I feel awful saying this but I think part of me doesn’t trust her.”
Charlie hesitated a moment before speaking. “Has she done anything to make you think she’d harm or neglect Emile?”
Nick shook his head and shifted uncomfortably. “No, but I… wouldn’t be surprised if she slipped up somehow. She’s trying to be better now; she really is. I should give her more credit,” Nick admitted. He cursed before sighting. “I’m probably making her seem like a monster. It’s honestly just me being paranoid. My co-worker April would say I’m ‘still healing from the wounds inflicted on me’ or something along those lines.”
“No,” Charlie assured with a smile. “People are complicated at the best of times. I can’t even imagine how a kid would make that even crazier, especially when you’re that young. I’m sure if I were in either of your shoes, I wouldn’t be the same person I am now, for better or worse.”
Nick weakly smiled at his phone, his stomach tingling with butterflies. “How are you so understanding? You’re seriously amazing.”
He noticed Charlie’s skin reddened at the praise and Nick smiled even harder, proud that he was able to do that.
“You must really love Emile,” Charlie shifted the conversation. “Was it always like that? Were you scared or…?”
“Oh, I was fucking terrified, Charlie,” Nick admitted. “I was so young. Literally in my last year at Leeds and then suddenly everything changed. One day I’m thinking about going pro and considering long distance with Sophie and the next I’m going to doctor’s appointments, doing research on how to properly care for a human and looking for teaching jobs to provide for said human.
“All of that and the moment I first held him, I fell in love,” Nick felt his eyes sting recalling the memory, his heart constricting. “He was so tiny , Charlie! Perfectly healthy weight but I couldn’t believe I made something like that. I’d been psyching myself out and preparing for months but it didn’t really click until that moment.”
Taking a moment to collect himself, he took a deep breath. “And now, he’s so smart. He’s the greatest kid, man,” his voice broke as he pulled his large red duvet against his naked torso.
“I didn’t think I could love someone like that but he’s my world. I’m just trying to do right by him.”
Nick’s gaze has drifted away from his phone and towards Emile’s room when he heard a sniffle from his phone speaker. Turning his attention back on his phone, he saw Charlie pout and shake his head.
“Nick, you’re an amazing dad. I know I’ve not known you that long but I know that . From where I’m standing, you’re doing great. Emile is a good kid and that’s because of you.”
“Only partially,” Nick waved off the compliment. “I wouldn’t be here without my mum. She does so much for me, even now.”
“Sarah sounds amazing,” Charlie agreed. “Just don't sell yourself short, ok?”
Nick nodded, gratitude making his heart swell, even under the discomfort of the praise he felt wasn’t completely earned.
“And Nick?”
“Yeah, Charlie?”
“I’m going to need you to stop saying adorable things like that while I can see your nipples,” Charlie joked with a wide, goofy smile.
Nick pulled the duvet over his nose and blushed, giggling like a schoolgirl. “You’re such a dork,” Nick fondly accused, peeking his eyes over the top of the duvet.
Charlie seemed to know exactly when to shift the conversation and lighten the mood and it made Nick so grateful to have someone read him so well.
Eyes shining with mirth, Charlie bantered right back. “I’m a dork? You’re the one who yawns at 8:30 like an old man.”
“I have to wake up early for work,” Nick reasoned with a head tilt. “Not everyone can work from home like you.”
“Sucks to be you, mate,” Charlie stuck his tongue out.
Nick, pretending to be offended, huffed haughtily. “ Mate ? I see how it is! You’re lucky you’re cute, Spring.”
“You think I’m cute, huh?” Charlie asked with a smirk while biting his lip.
“Quiet, you,” Nick warned with a raised brow. “I won’t compliment you if you’re going to get a big head about it.”
“Nicholas Nelson thinks I’m cute?” Charlie dramatically asked, looking up toward the ceiling with wide eyes and spread out arms. He jumped off the bed, bringing his phone with him.
“Sister!” Charlie called with an airy lilt in his voice. “Alert the elders! I have a suitor!”
Charlie fluttered his eyes at someone off camera. Suddenly, a blue blur came from off screen and smacked against Charlie’s face, the soft impact audible through the phone speaker.
The pillow fell, revealing Charlie’s face frozen in the same expression. His eyes flicked to Nick conspiratorially. “Me thinks she’s not amused at my antics, Nick.”
“Oh, did the beefcake teacher from across the hall finally flirt back with you?” Nick heard the excitable tomato, Michael, ask from just out of frame.
Chuffed, Nick raised his eyebrows up suggestively. “Beefcake teacher, huh?”
“Quiet, you,” Charlie mimicked.
🍂🍂🍂
A few days later, during another FaceTime call, Nick found out more about Charlie’s life. Excitingly, Charlie revealed he was in the process of fully moving in with Tori and Michael, where he’d be staying for the foreseeable future, upping Nick’s chances of Charlie time. Nick also learned Charlie was an editor for a local publishing house, he loved pets and had a special interest in Greek mythology, which did explain his costume of choice.
Nick owed Emile an extra nice Christmas present for earning him cool points with Charlie.
“What made you wanna get into publishing?” Nick asked early one morning while making Emile his school lunch. He didn’t have a lot of time before his shift started but Charlie would be busy later and Nick wanted his Charlie time.
“I’ve always been into Greek mythology. Thanks for that, Percy Jackson,” Charlie said while occasionally nibbling at his jammed toast. “I wanted to learn more about the stories and the meanings behind them. By the time I was in year 11, I knew I wanted to take that more seriously,” he sipped his coffee. “I decided that was what I wanted to delve into. I knew I needed a bit more to my uni courses so I settled on an English major and became an editor. Now while I work on my own research, I help others with theirs and edit dreadful romance novels.”
“You knew what you wanted to do so young! That’s really cool!” Nick gushed while chopping up an apple. “It took me forever to decide what I wanted to do.”
“Tell me more about it?” Charlie asked. “I know that period of your life isn’t the easiest to think about.”
He’s so thoughtful, Nick inwardly swooned.
“It’s really ok,” Nick assured. “I don’t mind.”
“I suppose some part of me always wanted to play rugby professionally,” Nick admitted with a wistful sigh, spreading peanut butter on a sandwich. “But you know why I couldn’t do that. Luckily, my mum convinced me early on that I should always have a backup plan. I used to babysit my cousins a lot, especially on holiday. Around Year 13, I realised how much I loved helping children. Seeing them smile and laugh and just… not have a care in the world made me happy. They shouldn’t have to worry. Not like…”
“Like you?” Charlie asked, his attention focused solely on Nick. “What do you mean? You can tell me anything, Nick. I know we haven’t known each other long but I’m always here to listen.”
Nick shifted uncomfortably in his seat, unsure of how to proceed. “I… didn’t realise it at the time but I had a lot of anxiety and self-esteem issues as a kid. My father abandoned us and my brother, David, was a nightmare. They… left their mark. Can I leave it at that for now?”
Charlie’s face had concern written all over it but, thankfully, he dropped the topic with a solemn nod of his head. “Of course. Thanks for sharing.”
Clearing his throat, Nick put a smile on and trudged onward. “How about you tell me more about these ‘dreadful romance novels’? Ever heard any funny alternatives for coitus?”
Charlie loudly groaned and laughed, hiding his face in his hand. “Coitus? Really? Please don’t tell me you teach sex ed. Don’t even get me started.”
“First off, I don’t and second, hush up! I want to hear some!” Nick pouted. “Tellmetellmetellmetellme!”
“Alright!” Charlie smacked his phone camera, snorting as Nick playfully flinched. “Ok. Well the first thing you need to know is some male authors have a tendency to… not understand how the female body works.”
Nick snorted, motioning for Charlie to continue.
“What do you usually call a woman's genitalia?” Charlie asked with a straight face.
“Like,” Nick shifted his gaze left and right, squirming with awkwardness, “In bed?”
“If you were trying to be sexy, yes.”
Nick flushed and cleared his throat, swallowing around the knot in his throat. “No, absolutely not talking about that.”
Charlie smiled and nodded in understanding. “As long as you don’t call it ‘flesh taco’ or ‘pleasure jungle’, pretty sure you’re better than the guys I’ve edited for.”
Nick gaped and gasped at Charlie. “No!”
“Yes!” Charlie sighed.
“How about one for penis?” Nick asked, grinning so hard it almost hurt. “Rod? Steel pipe? Man meat!” He called out the last one with a giggle, exceedingly proud.
“Yes, yes and, unfortunately, yes,” Charlie said. “Some of them are genuinely funny though! One time, I heard the prostate be called the ‘happy button.’”
Nick laughed so hard, he nearly dropped the peanut butter.
🍂🍂🍂
For the last few months, Nick had been doing research on owning a pet and the effects that could have on his schedule. He had Nellie when he was younger so he knew some of the basic needs, but his mother had handled a lot of her care outside of bathing and walks, which Nick had often taken care of himself.
After careful deliberation, he finally decided that despite the hard work and energy it would take, the lesson in responsibility and the companionship would be invaluable to Emile.
On the 10th of December while Emile was with Sophie, Nick began work on his secret plan. He still wasn’t sure it was the best idea but he knew it’d make Emile happy and it gave Nick a reason to request Charlie’s presence without being too forward about his feelings.
He sat on his couch, the plush and comfy cushions relaxing him as he waited for Charlie to come over from across the hall.
He’d been wanting to ask Charlie out since he saw that beautifully lithe body covered in that toga on Halloween but there were a number of reasons holding Nick back.
First and foremost, he didn’t feel as though he could truly devote the energy and attention needed for a relationship with everything on his plate, especially with a puppy on the way. Emile would always come first to Nick, no matter what. That wasn’t something he would ever budge on.
Secondly, in Nick’s mind, Charlie was painfully out of his league. Charlie was kind, confident, sexy and smart.
I’m just… me, Nick thought forlornly. Why would he ever like me?
The thing was… Nick was lonely. It’d been years since he had a real social life outside of friendly work conversations. The past couple of months of his intense work schedule only served to further highlight how isolated he felt with his tiny circle and that made guilt bear down on his shoulder, words of anxiety and self-hatred swirling in his mind.
Do you hate your family? Are they not enough for you?
At night, the cruel voices gnawed away at him, keeping sleep at bay with their venom-laced accusations.
No, in his view, he couldn’t pursue Charlie; it wouldn’t be fair to either of them. He resolved to maintain a platonic, healthy friendship with Charlie. After all, some Charlie was better than no Charlie at all, especially with those dimples and curls and…
Get it together, Nelson, Nick thought with a rueful curve of his lips. I’m a mess.
A light knock on his door startled him out of his thoughts and he flew across the room in his haste to open the door. Adjusting his hair in the hallway mirror, he briefly cast a glance at himself. He worried his fingers at the bags under his eyes, gnawing his lip.
With a steadying breath, he opened the door and promptly felt his cheeks heat at the sight of Charlie’s hair.
It was cut short of the sides with the top remaining longer and curly as it peaked out from under Charlie’s beanie.
That’s new.
“You cut your hair,” Nick said dumbly, his mouth hanging open.
Charlie gingerly pulled off the beanie, stiltedly patting his hair. “Is it bad? I felt like having a new look for the new year would be nice.”
“No,” Nick rushed out. “No, it looks good! Suits you.”
Charlie bit his bottom lip, his eyes casted down. “Thanks. I like your hair though.”
“My hair is boring,” Nick waved off. “Been this way forever. Emile’s mum used to say I needed to change it since I’ve had the same look since secondary.”
“Well,” Charlie rocked on his tiptoes, his eyes flicking up towards Nick’s fringe. “I think it looks really good.”
Charlie reaches up to Nick’s hair and fixes a loose strand, his fingers leaving a tingling trail on Nick’s skin.
Swallowing, Nick manages a thanks before he steps out into the hallway and locks up behind him.
“Ready to go, then?” Nick asked, hoping his cheeks would return to their normal colour.
“To play with animals?” Charlie asked incredulously. “Of course! I am always down for puppy cuddles.”
🍂🍂🍂
“I’m so excited!” Nick raved as they walked to the pet store, vibrating with excitement. “I haven’t had a dog since when I was a kid and I want Emile to have the same thing. I feel like…” Nick trailed off, uncertain if he wanted to dump all of this onto Charlie.
Charlie raised his eyebrows, bumping his shoulder into Nick’s gently. “Go on, then. What’s on your mind?”
“Well, the thing is,” Nick averted his gaze and shrugged. “Emile has been… lonely, I think.”
“What makes you say that?” Charlie asked, expression thankfully only showing concern and curiosity. “Have you noticed anything strange?”
“Maybe?” Nick shrugged, stopping and leaning against the wall just before the door of the pet shelter. “He’s still a happy kid but… I think his mum and I separating was difficult for him in a lot of ways. He hasn’t had a drastic personality shift but…”
“You’re afraid that he’s internalised it?” Charlie asked.
“Exactly. Just because I can’t see something, doesn’t mean it’s not there and I don’t want to let him down,” Nick breathily admitted.
Charlie leaned against the wall next to Nick, their shoulders almost touching. “I was actually like that as a teen. I internalised a lot of my emotions and let them warp my mind — how I saw myself.”
“Oh, Charlie. I’m so so-“
“No, no!” Charlie interrupted gently. “I’m not saying it for sympathy. I’m saying it because it lets you know that your anxieties are valid. That and if I had a parent like you, maybe I could’ve ended up with less trauma.”
Nick looked into Charlie’s eyes, his tongue heavy, words refusing to come out for a few moments.
“Thank you, Charlie. I just,” Nick halted, kicking at the ground. “I just don’t want Emile to feel lonely at home. I’m so busy all the time and he doesn’t have very many friends outside of school.”
“He seemed very animated and friendly to me, but if you really think he’s unhappy, maybe get him into an after school club?” Charlie suggested, clearing his throat.
“That’s actually a good idea,” Nick looked at Charlie, smiling as he nudged his shoulder. “I’ll talk to him about it. Sorry for being so bleh lately. I think… I don’t think I’ve really gotten the chance to talk about it with anyone before.”
Nick felt Charlie squeeze his shoulder, turning him to face him. Charlie stretched his arms out, offering a hug.
Gratefully, he pulled Charlie in, wrapping his arms around his lower back and resting his chin on the shorter man’s shoulder.
“Don’t thank me for being a good friend, ya big goof,” Charlie said into the side of Nick’s head. “Now, come on! Puppy time!”
“One second, please,” Nick requested, leaning into Charlie’s embrace. “I’m being incredibly awkward right now. I’m sorry. I just… really need the hug.”
Charlie ran his hands over his back, his fingers rubbing soothing circles. To Nick’s relief, not only did he not pull away, he pulled Nick closer.
“I’m pretty touch starved as well, don’t worry,” Charlie joked. “It’s ok to be nervous about everything. You’re doing great, Nick.”
The words sent a tingling rush through him, his body warming.
Pulling back, Nick cleared his throat and tucked his chin to his chest. “I’m sorry for being so clingy.”
“You say sorry a lot,” Charlie chided with a smile, his cheeks red.
“I’m sorry,” Nick frowned.
“Nick!”
The silence stretched between for a moment before Nick quietly admitted. “I kind of want to say it.”
“Don’t!” Charlie shoved his shoulder. “Puppy time?”
“Puppy time,” Nick agreed, his heart thudding faster than normal.
🍂🍂🍂
“We have a large selection of dogs that could use a home,” the shelter employee, Bryla, explained. “All manner of ages and breeds for whatever you may need.”
“Child friendly is a must,” Nick explained. “I have a young lad at home and I want a breed that would make a good companion for him.”
“Let me show you some of what we have,” Bryla walked Nick over to a back hallway.
Nick threw a look over his shoulder to see Charlie talking to another employee holding a few geckos, fascinated by whatever the bearded man was saying.
Charlie
“I had no idea these guys were so easy to take care of,” Charlie admitted after George, the cute, bearded handler finished gushing about lizards and the benefits of owning geckos. “They seem like fun pets to have.”
“Lizards are amazing creatures,” George gushed. “Were you looking to take one home?”
“Oh, I would love to but I don’t think my roommates would appreciate a surprise like that,” Charlie snickered. “Maybe when I move out.”
“Something to keep in mind! Plenty of pets need homes and something tells me anyone would be lucky to be with you,” George eyed him up and down with a smile.
George is not a subtle person, Charlie amusedly thought.
“Smooth, George. Smooth,” Charlie laughed, absentmindedly rubbing his arm. “You hit on all of your potential customers?”
“Only the really cute ones,” George smiled. “Could I maybe have your number?”
“You think I’m cute?” Charlie asked, eyes widening as he brought his hands up to his chest self-consciously. “Well- well, thank you. That’s very nice of you. I just-”
Charlie’s words were cut off as the door to the kennels opened, Bryla’s eyes scanning the room before landing on him. She waved him over with a wide smile, bouncing with excitement.
“Your need to see what your boyfriend is doing,” she giggled. “Come! Quickly!”
Charlie felt himself blush as he took awkward steps past Bryla, throwing an apologetic wince over his shoulder at George, who was looking away awkwardly. He decided not to correct her… for reasons .
When the door closed behind him, Charlie breathed a sigh of relief, his shoulders loosening.
He truly didn’t mind being hit on and, in any other circumstance, he would’ve taken the attractive man’s number. George was fit, good with animals, and seemed dorky in the cute way Charlie tended to find endearing. However, Charlie was pretty sure things with Nick could actually go somewhere if he put in the effort. At least, he wanted them to.
The past month with Nick had been wonderful; Charlie had never connected with someone so easily. Conversation flowed and, best of all, Nick got along with Tori and Michael. Those hours watching Hocus Pocus and Nightmare Before Christmas were genuinely Charlie’s favourite memory of the holiday.
After Ben, Charlie didn’t think he could so easily fall into someone the way he did with Nick. In university, Ben had fundamentally warped Charlie’s ability to trust. Ben knew where and how to pull Charlie’s strings, his manipulation like a brutal hammer to the nails that were Charlie’s weak points. Now, Charlie was constantly in a state of worry about letting men into his life. Dating the past few years had been a nightmare, a revolving door of brief hookups and men who only wanted superficial connection with him.
Leave it to his hot, wholesome and incredibly goofy neighbour with a heart of gold to tear his walls down.
Damn golden retrievers, Charlie cursed.
Following Bryla, he rounded the corner of an aisle and froze on the spot at the sight before him.
“Charlie, look,” Nick whispered, his voice uneven and soft. “Look at her!”
In his arms slept a tiny, bright beige ball of fur. The yellow lab puppy was limply laying on her stomach, her small legs hung over Nick’s thick forearm. Tongue hanging out between her teeth, she snored away, perfectly at peace in Nick’s embrace.
Same, girl. Same.
“Oh my god,” Charlie cooed. He slowly crept closer, trying his best not to wake her. “Nick, she's so cute!”
Nick’s eyes shone, his smile wobbly but broad. “I love her already, Char.”
Char? That’s new.
“I have to pick her, right? She was so sweet and cuddly before she slept. Emi will love her. I just know it.”
“Are you bringing her home today?” Charlie asked.
“Nah,” Nick shook his head. “My mum is gonna house her until Christmas. This is gonna be his present since he’s been so good this year. He’s been asking for a puppy for ages.”
“Nick?”
“Yeah?” Nick asked, a smile still on his face as he held Charlie’s gaze.
“I think she peed on you,” Charlie whispered, pointing at a wet spot on Nick's sweater sleeve.
Nick’s cheeks turned as red as a tomato and sighed as he looked down at the sleeping puppy.
“Guess she chose you as well,” Bryla said from the corner.
And so, just like that, there was a new Nelson.
🍂🍂🍂
Nick
A week later, Nick awoke in the morning with a sore throat, crusty eyes and body chills. With a groan, he shakily rolled out of bed and stumbled to the bathroom. Clothes clinging to his body with sweat, he peeled off his shirt with a wince at the uncomfortable feeling. Even with the heated apartment, he felt cold and couldn’t stop shivering.
Yup, Nick thought grumpily. I’m bloody ill. Fuck me.
Emile and him had spent the weekend playing with the snowfall and it evidently took a toll on Nick's body.
“Papa,” Emile said from the door of the bathroom, rubbing his eyes sleepily. “Are you ok?”
Nick's heart melted at Emile’s soft tone. No matter how shitty he felt, he would always smile for his son.
“I’m alright, Emi. Just feeling a little under the weather,” Nick reassured, his stomach shifting uncomfortably. “Go get dressed for school while I call grandma, ok?”
“Why are you calling grandma?” Emile asked, his chubby face pinched with confusion.
“She’s going to take you to school today. I’m much too sick to take you myself,” Nick managed to get out in a relatively normal sounding voice but he could feel his nausea building up.
Gently ushering Emile out, he closed the door and fell to his knees over the toilet and retched, the acidic bile burning his throat on the way out.
Once he recovered, he flushed the toilet and brushed his teeth, his body sore and unsteady as he sat on the toilet and rang Sarah.
It rang twice before a slightly groggy Sarah answered the phone, voice still croaking from sleep.
“Hello, Nicky,” Sarah said, still sounding happy to hear from him despite the sudden wake up. “How are you, sweetheart?”
“I’ve been better, Mum,” Nick groaned out. “I think I have a fever.”
Sarah smacked her teeth and moaned in sympathy. “Oh, poor baby. You’re going to call off work, yes?”
He nodded before remembering his mother couldn’t see him. “Yeah, I can’t work like this,” he coughed, his throat itching uncomfortably. “Can you do me a massive favour and drop off Emi at school? I hate to bother you but I can barely walk and I don’t want him missing school just because I’m sick.”
“Of course, Nicky! I’ll be there soon.”
“Thank you so much Mum,” Nick sighed in relief, his body already crying out for water and rest. “You’re the best. I love you.”
“It’s really not that big of an ask,” Sarah reassured. “Love you, Nicky. I’ll be there soon.”
🍂🍂🍂
With Emile off to school, Nick crawled back into bed and promptly passed out, his aching body not bothering him enough to hinder exhaustion from claiming him.
Sometime later, he awoke with a start. Blinking rapidly, he blearily searched for the culprit of his sudden consciousness, his ringing phone.
With a tired groan, he answered without looking at the ID. “Ello?” Nick’s throat was sore and his voice demonstrated that fact, coming out raspy and strained.
“Hey, Nick!” Charlie greeted him through the phone. “You sound horrible. Are you ok?”
“I’ve got a fever,” Nick croaked. As if to prove a point, he violently coughed, his throat dry and aching. “So I’ve been better.”
“I’m on my way back from lunch with a friend,” Charlie said. “Want me to grab some medicine? I’m right by a chemist.”
Even through the sickness, Nick felt his heart warm. “No, I couldn’t ask you to do that, Char.”
“Well, I offered. You didn’t ask,” Charlie chirped before continuing. “Besides, me asking was more of a courtesy. I’m already walking in.”
“You’re far too nice, Charlie,” Nick said, trudging into the kitchen for some water. “I’m not sure what I did to deserve someone like you but I’m grateful.”
Nick grimaced at the honesty in his own words. He blamed the fever for his openness.
He rattled off his symptoms to Charlie before he hung up and hopped in the shower, hoping the steam would soothe his aching muscles.
Water running over his body, his mind drifted to thoughts of Charlie.
He’s on his way over with medicine. He’s so nice to me and for what? I’ve not done anything for him. Why… why does he bother with me? I’m not worth his effort.
He shook his head, water droplets spraying against the shower curtain. Focusing on his breathing, he attempted to rein in his mind.
I am a good person. I deserve happiness too…
Don’t I?
🍂🍂🍂
Charlie
On his way up the stairs of his apartment building, Charlie’s mind wandered, thoughts of his bubbling feelings for Nick taking up most of his journey here.
He didn’t want to come off as too forward with his affection. He’d been flirty and very upfront about his attraction toward Nick but Nick hadn’t made a move and Charlie assumed there must be a reason for it. Nick always seemed so tired and busy that Charlie didn’t want to bother him, or put more on his plate. Having said that…
Charlie took a breath and looked at the array of flowers he had.
Colourful hyacinths and chrysanthemums surrounded by daisies, gardenias and basil for a sprig of green to round it off were being cradled snugly in a vase.
So far his attempts at playing it cool were a miserable failure, obviously. When he stepped into the flower shop on a whim, he hadn’t expected to walk out with what he did. Now, Charlie didn’t know much about the language of flowers but he suspected the shop’s owner, a shorter man by the name of Nathan, gave him quite the spread after Charlie explained that he needed the flowers for a “really sweet, hot and kind single father that I really want to help feel better.”
The flowers were lovely but the sucker punch to Charlie’s bank account wasn’t. He’d be soothing that bruise for the next week or so.
With a sigh, he set his jaw and knocked gently on Nick’s front door. Friends gave friends flowers all the time. It didn’t necessarily have to mean anything romantic.
Even if it totally was. 1000%.
When Nick’s door opened, Charlie gave a sympathetic wince at his sick friend’s appearance. “Oh, bud. I’m sorry.”
With pasty skin and horrid looking bags under his eyes, Nick leaned against the door and coughed, his head feebly bowed low. “I know. Sexy, right?”
“Totally,” Charlie laughed. “Can I come in?”
Nick nodded and waddled over to his couch. Charlie would have laughed if Nick didn’t look so miserable as he curled up on the couch.
Charlie took in the apartment, only just now realising this is the first time he’s seen Nick’s place in person. He placed the bag of medicine and flowers on the white, modern coffee table. The apartment had a minimalist but cosy look. Things were kept simple but welcoming with small tan rugs and pictures of Nick and Emi’s lives on the light blue walls.
“Thank you for bringing them over,” Nick said, pointing at the medicine, his voice sounding hoarse and painful. “Can I make you some tea?”
“No, I can get it,” Charlie assured. “You stay right there and rest up. Have you had anything to eat and drink?”
Nick shook his head and smacked his lips before groaning, and resting his head on the arm of the couch. “I don’t think I’ll keep anything down.”
He turns into a baby when he’s sick , Charlie thought. Why is that so fucking adorable?
“I’ll be right back with some tea. I got you some flu meds, crackers, cough drops and Gatorade. Try some, ok? You’ll feel better,” Charlie said, walking into the kitchen through the archway.
Taking a bit longer to figure out where everything was, Charlie had the kettle going and returned with a glass of water to see Nick munching on a cracker and sipping on the blue Gatorade.
Taking a seat on the far side of the sofa, Charlie gave a small cheer. “There you go! You managed to get it down.”
Nick nodded and wiped his mouth on a napkin. “Thank you, again. It means a lot to me that you took the time out of your day. You didn’t have to.”
“You don’t have to thank me,” Charlie interjected. “I wanted to. Besides, you literally live across the hall from me. It’s not as if I had to climb Ben Nevis to deliver it.”
“Still,” Nick continued. “Thank you. And Charlie?” He pointed at the colourful display on the table. “Thank you for the flowers. They’re very pretty. I almost didn’t notice them through the haze of sickness. Sorry, I didn’t say something sooner.”
Charlie felt his cheeks flame as he waved off Nick’s words. “It’s nothing. I just thought you could use a pick-me-up.”
“No, Charlie, those must have been pricey.” Nick butted in. “I mean it. Thank you so much. They’re so beautiful. It’s a very thoughtful gift.”
Nick swallowed and brought his hand down on the couch next to Charlie’s, rubbing their pinkies together, the touch sending sparks throughout his body. “They’re the second most beautiful thing in my apartment right now.”
“Nick,” Charlie trailed off, keeping his eyes locked on their pinkies. “I…”
“I know,” Nick softly spoke. “I know, Char.”
The air around them was tense, the room quiet. Their eyes met, nerves wracking Charlie’s body. Finally, Nick’s voice broke the silence, a small smile tugging on the corner of his mouth.
“I’d kiss you if I didn’t have the flu,” Nick whispered. “I wouldn’t put you through that now.”
Charlie laughed, tension leaving his body. “You’re such a massive dork.”
“You love it,” Nick accused.
“I do,” Charlie smiled back at him, amazed by the gorgeous man before him. He softly cleared his throat, wanting to leave the tension behind. “You take some medicine?”
Nick nodded and pulled his plush throw blanket tighter around him. “The cough drops are helping already, thank you. Good call on getting the berry flavour, by the way.”
“I figured you’d like it,” Charlie said with a small smirk. “You also strike me as the someone who still makes dino nuggies.”
Nick frowned indignantly. “I have a son who loves dino nuggies! Of course I make them.”
Charlie gave him a fond look and shook his head. “You make double and share them, don’t you? You need the dino nuggie fix.”
Nick scoffed and turned away from Charlie, pouting his lip. “And to think I was going to offer you some.”
“Now hold on,” Charlie raised his hands in the air and gave Nick a pleading look. “Let’s not get hasty with the nuggie denial.”
🍂🍂🍂
You aren’t decorating this year?” Charlie asked while tidying up Nick’s apartment. Nick had initially put up a fight but Charlie was having none of it.
“I meant to but I haven’t gotten around to it yet,” Nick admitted. “I’ve been so busy; it just kept slipping my mind.”
That’s an idea , Charlie thought.
“Why don’t we decorate it, then?” Charlie offered. “I have the time and I bet Emile will love the surprise.”
Nick shook his head resolutely. “You already took care of me, Char. You really don’t have to help me decorate.”
“I’m offering! Come on,” Charlie pleaded. “It’ll be fun to set up the tree. I haven’t done it in years! Think of it as me being selfish and wanting more Christmas joy if it makes you feel better.”
Nick eyed him up and down, resolve visibly wearing down with the humorous assurance. After some deliberation, Nick chugged some Gatorade and popped a cough drop. “Alright, then. Thank you, Charlie. I know Emi will be excited.”
Putting on cliche feel-good Christmas music, they spend the next two and a half hours using every decoration in Nick’s arsenal to fill the apartment with Christmas spirit. As the voices of Mariah Carey, Michael Bublé, Brenda Lee and Bobby Helm went on, they giggled and acted like 12 year olds, using tinsel as boas and pretending ornaments were earrings. Despite Nick’s illness, he appeared to be having fun and his smile made Charlie feel warm and fuzzy.
🍂🍂🍂
By the time they finished, Emile and Sarah could be back any minute, based on the hour of the day.
“Looks like we’re done here,” Charlie said, admiring the now festive apartment. They set up the tree with tinsel, fairy lights, and many baubles that Emile had made throughout the years at school. “Want me to get out of your hair?”
Nick waddled over, still keeping his distance so as to not get Charlie sick. “You don’t have to leave yet,” he assured. “I know Emile would like to see you and you should help take credit for the decorating.”
“Are you sure? I don’t want to overstay my welcome.”
“Yes! Please stay,” Nick smiled. “If you want. I… want you to.”
Nick’s last words flooded him with warmth, making him want to hear them over and over, preferably in as many different ways.
Maybe whispered while they cling to each other in the night. Not that Charlie is thinking about it or anything.
“Alright, I’ll stick around then.”
“Good,” Nick nodded, walking to the kitchen. “Hang with me while I prepare a meal for Emile?”
🍂🍂🍂
While Nick and Charlie were in the kitchen standing over the stove making a stir fry, they heard the front door open.
“Oh wow!” A gleeful shout called out. “Grand-mère, look! There’s a tree!”
Charlie frowned and shot Nick a look of confusion. “What did he say?” He asked.
“Grandma,” Nick said on his way to the front door. “Is that my favourite boy named Emile? Hi, Mum!”
Charlie hung back in the kitchen, making sure their plates and tea were ready.
Still unable to see them from this part of the kitchen, he listened to the family greeting each warmly, Sarah, Charlie presumed, complimented the decor.
“Aren’t those flowers lovely, Emile?” Sarah said.
“Yeah, I like this one! What’s it called?”
“Those are daisies, sweetheart.”
“Oh, the tree is lovely, Nicky! Such pretty lights!” Sarah praised.
“Oh I can’t take all the credit. I had help,” Nick said bashfully. “Charlie came over to bring me medicine and ended up helping me get the apartment set up for the holiday.”
“Oh that was very lovely of him,” Sarah gushed. “I want to meet the man that has my son in such a chokehold.”
“Mum!” Nick complained, scandalised. “He’s in the kitchen,” Charlie heard Nick mumble.
Charlie poked his head around the archway, waving at Sarah and Emile. “Hullo!”
“Charlie!” Emile shouted, running over to hug his legs. “Thank you for helping Papa.”
“Oh it was no trouble at all, buddy,” Charlie said. “You like the tree?”
Emile raved about his favourite decorations while Sarah hung back with Nick and looked at Charlie fondly, her eyes approving. She whispered something to Nick that made the father blush and endearingly rub the back of his neck.
“Wanna see my room?” Emile asked. “I have lots of books about Greek mythology.”
Charlie raised an eyebrow at Nick, who nodded in return. “Alright, Emile! Lead the way!”
🍂🍂🍂
Nick
Christmas Day
On Christmas morning, the Nelson’s including David, his wife Gabrielle and their kids Marco and Elise, Nick, and Sarah sat on Sarah’s couch opening up presents. The children were gleefully playing with their new toys when Emile ran up to Nick.
“Papa, is Charlie busy?” Emile asked, chin resting on his hand. “Could we maybe invite him over?”
“Oh, it’s funny you mention that,” Nick clicked his teeth, suppressing a smile and hoping to maintain his composure.
He pulled out his phone and began his rehearsed speech. “Now, Emile, do you know how I mentioned there was one present left for you?”
Emile’s eyes brightened as he bounced on his knees. “Yes!”
“Well, we do have one last gift for you but I need to know that you’re ready for a big responsibility,” Nick started. “You’ve been doing really well in school and you’re well behaved at home so your mother and I were talking and she agrees with me that you might be ready for…”
A few moments where the adults sat in silence passed before Nick repeated louder. “MIGHT BE READY FOR…”
A few light thuds came from upstairs and then the pitter patter of tiny claws on the stairs. Emile confusedly frowned at the stairway. When he recognized Charlie standing on the landing, he smiled. His smile grew wider and he squealed before squinting.
“Bork!”
“A puppy?! Papa, I can’t believe this!” Emile fell to the floor and scooped up the excited ball of fur, the dog licking at his face in joy at meeting a new friend.
“It’s mine?” Emile asked, his face cutely scrunched up.
“Yup, she’s a big responsibility but I know you’re ready,” Nick promised. He kneeled next to the puppy and cuddled both of them close. “Do you have a name in mind, my sweet boy?”
Petting and kissing the puppy’s head, Emile looked thoughtful, his brow pinched in concentration. Nick had dubbed it Emile’s ‘serious face’ and it never failed to make Nick smile. He never meant to sound vain but he always thought Emile was the cutest kid ever.
Charlie shyly crept down the stairs and took a seat next to Sarah, beginning to chat about how keeping the puppy quiet upstairs went.
“Sorry about missing the cue, I was too busy snuggling her to hear the first one. She’s so cute !” Charlie fawned.
The puppy yapped and yawned, settling into Emile’s hold. “I have a name.”
“Well? Don’t keep us in suspense!” David said from the couch. “What is it?”
“She’s as pretty as those flowers Charlie got for Papa,” Emile declared, triggering a blush from Charlie and a knowing look Nick’s way from Sarah. “So her name is Daisy!”
“I think it’s perfect,” Charlie said, crawling over to join Emile and Nick. “Fits her wonderfully.”
Nick and Charlie smiled warmly at each other, drinking one another in. As the seconds passed, Nick felt himself being lost in the serenity of those blue orbs. The quiet moment was interrupted by David when he openly held a mistletoe over the pair’s head with a confident smirk.
Nick gasped at his brother, surprised but happy at his brother’s easy acceptance. He’d come a long way since their youth and his maturity still sent happiness through him. “Well,” Nick started. “it is tradition, Charlie.”
“That is an excellent point, Nick. We wouldn’t want to disobey tradition on this most holy day, ” Charlie remarked sarcastically, flicking his brow upward.
“Charlie?”
“Yeah?”
“Shut up and kiss me?”
“Ok,” Charlie whispered, leaning in and closing his eyes.
Nick took a shaky breath and leaned in, bracing for what he’d been wanting for almost 2 months of unsubtle flirting. Their lips barely grazed one another before a high pitched bark cut through the silence. Suddenly, the pair were assaulted by fur and zealous licking.
“I guess Daisy wanted kisses too,” Emile giggled.
Charlie picked up Daisy and held her between Nick and himself, peppering her with kisses. Nick joined in on the fun before gently taking the dog and placing her in Emile’s lap. Standing, he pulled Charlie to his feet alongside him.
“Wanna come see my old room? I only have one Greek myth in there and it’s got your name on it.”
🍂🍂🍂
Securely in the privacy of Nick’s old room, the pair sat close to each other on the bed, their thighs touching. Before the mood got too intense, Nick reached under his pillow and presented Charlie with a neatly wrapped, thin, rectangular present.
“You got me a present?” Charlie's eyes were wide, his gorgeous blues momentarily stunning Nick. “You really didn’t have to, Nick.”
“No,” Nick relented. “But I wanted to.”
Charlie weakly smacked his shoulder. “Don’t use my own words against me!”
“Too late,” Nick stuck his tongue out, holding up the present. “Go on. Open it!”
Charlie took the wrapped gift and began to carefully peel off the paper, revealing the leather material below. Once fully revealed, Charlie gasped.
“The Song of Achilles!” Charlie cried out. “I’ve never seen one like this before! Is it custom made?”
“Yup! Believe it or not I saw the creator on TikTok and I was so impressed with their library that I had to get one made for you,” Nick said, wrapping an arm around Charlie’s shoulders. “I thought it was fitting.”
On the cover of the book was a gold painted Greek helmet with extravagant designs painted along the sides and bottom. Charlie marvelled at the painted leather, taking care to not handle it roughly. Something fell off the back and Charlie chuckled. “It even had custom bookmarks!”
“You like it?” Nick asked, his heart thudding, hoping beyond hope he did well with his gift.
“Like it?” Charlie asked, looking offended. “I fucking adore it, Nick! Thank you so much,” Charlie threw his arms around Nick’s middle and rested his head on Nick’s clavicle. “It’s perfect.”
The praise sent a zing of electricity up through his spine, making him dizzy as he tucked his nose in Charlie’s curls. “I’m happy you like it.”
“I wish my present for you was here,” Charlie lamented. “I forgot it at my place, sorry.”
“No S-word,” Nick chastised with a squeeze. “We have to ban that word. We have a tendency to overuse it, I think.”
“You started it,” Charlie remarked before pulling back away from Nick only to lean in, their noses rubbing. “Can I finally kiss you properly now? We’ve been romantically edging for over a month now and if I get cockblocked again I will rio-“
Nick closed the distance and slotted their lips together, sighing at the sensation he’d been waiting for. Charlie returned with eagerness, moaning as he pushed Nick back against the pillows. Nick chuckled into Charlie’s mouth on the way down, elated at finally getting what he’d been wanting for.
They still had a lot to talk about, of course. Nick still worried about being able to give Charlie what he deserves in a relationship. But he was tired of denying himself such a smart, kind, understanding, thoughtful and beautiful man. Charlie knew Nick had a lot on his plate and never once complained about Nick’s occasional slow response or need for space. Nick simply had to trust that Charlie was a big boy and could make his own decisions. Nick wanted this, Charlie wanted this and was fully aware of how busy Nick was. Best part of it was, Emile adored Charlie, probably more now that Charlie came alongside Daisy’s reveal.
They’d talk later. For now, Nick was going to enjoy Charlie being pressed against him, limbs tangled in soft, slow passion. Cupping Charlie’s cheek, he pulled him closer to him and took in everything that was this miracle of a man. From the scent of his shampoo to the faint taste of gingerbread on Charlie’s tongue, Nick was hooked.
What a happy holiday it was…