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“Did you see Otis’s text, babe?” Charlie said to Nick as he walked in the door after work. “Hi, by the way,” he added, walking over to give his love a long kiss. They’d seen each other that morning, but for Charlie it didn’t matter if they’d been apart for a week or five minutes…he always wanted to kiss his giant.
“Yeah, I did,” Nick said with a soft smile, brushing his thumb across Charlie’s cheekbone and gazing into his eyes. “And hi yourself, mon coeur,” he said, hanging his bag up and toeing off his dress shoes. Nick was far more comfortable in joggers, a hoodie, and Vans, but he was used to wearing suits now, having been a sports agent for getting on eight years. “Where are the kids?”
“Ava is at her friend Mia’s house but should be home soon,” Charlie started.
“Oh right, forgot about that,” Nick interrupted sheepishly.
“The twins are just finishing up their nap so they should be awake soon.” Just as Charlie finished, they both heard a pattering of feet as they flew down the stairs.
“Papa! Papa! You’re home!” Madeleine said, rushing at Nick to give him a giant hug in the way only a four-year-old could.
“You bet I am Mads!” Nick said, scooping her up into his arms. Madeleine was the more exuberant of the twins, always with something to say or something to do. Xander was more reserved, didn’t speak much, and often chose to follow along with his sister than initiate anything. Both Nick and Charlie worried about him, and had discussed the possibility that he may fall on the Autism spectrum, but hoped once he started school in the fall, he would come out of his shell a bit more. But if not, they were fully willing to have him tested so he could have the help he might need.
Nick hugged Madeleine a moment longer, then set her down and held out his hands for Xander, who went willingly and hugged him tightly.
“Hi Z,” Nick murmured into Xander’s ear. “Did you have a good day?” Xander nodded and gave Nick a small smile before wiggling a bit to let him know he wanted down. Charlie’s heart melted (as it always did) when he watched Nick interact with their children. It always seemed so odd, yet fitting, that their twins seemed to take after both of them, despite only being genetically related to Charlie. Ava too, if Charlie was honest with himself. I guess nurture wins out sometimes, he mused.
Once the kids were playing in their room, Nick settled into a chair at their kitchen island. “How was your day, mon mari?” Nick asked him.
“Oh good,” Charlie said, gathering up some items to make Nick a snack. “The twins went with Mimi Jess to the zoo, so I had some time to work on my latest project with Sam,” Charlie said, setting a bowl of hummus and some veggies in front of Nick.
“Thanks,” Nick said, immediately digging in while Charlie continued. “We’re just about done with the finishing touches on her next album. Had a conference call with her producers, Olly and Jaden were both on it in an observational capacity.”
“Gah I can’t believe those two got married and are working for Sam all the way in LA,” Nick mused. “I miss those kids.”
“Not kids anymore, babe,” Charlie said with a chuckle.
“Eh, they’ll always be kids to me,” Nick said with a grin.
“I know what you mean,” Charlie said with a small smile, thinking about the last few years. He still felt that taking in his brother was one of the best decisions they ever made. It not only allowed Olly to get away from the toxicity of their parents, but also to meet the love of his life, his Jaden. Now he was married, a college graduate, and working for the world-famous singer, Samantha Tayor at her recording label. “God he grew up fast,” Charlie said softly.
“They all have,” Nick said, standing and taking his plate and bowl to the sink, then pulling Charlie into a hug. They basked in each other’s warmth for a few more minutes before parting.
“I’m gonna go change,” Nick said.
“Need some help?” Charlie asked with a cheeky wink.
“Always, mon coeur,” Nick said grinning.
***
After dinner, baths, and bedtime routines, Nick and Charlie settled on their couch in the basement, Nick with a beer and Charlie with a gin and soda.
“So, you want to do it?” Charlie asked, looking over at Nick. “Take Otis up on his offer?” Charlie added when Nick looked confused. “I asked Jess and Curt if they could watch the kids, and they agreed.”
“Oh, ok, yeah,” Nick said, taking a drink of his beer. “I looked at my schedule and I’m free that Saturday.” Otis, an old acquaintance-turned-friend of Charlie’s (and now Nick’s) had invited Nick and Charlie to participate in a charity rugby match with the local team (the Otters) and some fans. Basically, fans could pay to play a match with the team with all of the money split between a local LGTBQIA+ charity and a spinal and brain injury awareness charity. There was also a banquet and silent auction afterward.
“That should be fun,” Charlie said, “playing rugby with the team again.” They had both worked out with the team the first time they visited Josh’s family for Thanksgiving many years ago. They had an opportunity to do it again a few times over the years, but nothing formal. And there was another reason Charlie was excited about this particular event, but that was a surprise for Nick.
“Yeah, it should be, though it’s not like a real match or anything,” Nick said, bumping his shoulder into Charlie’s. “I bet they’ll split us up again.”
“Probably,” Charlie said with a smile. “We’re just too good together,” he said with a chuckle.
“Damn right we are,” Nick said with a grin, grabbing Charlie’s drink and setting it on the end table next to his empty beer bottle. “Come ‘ere,” Nick said, pulling his love into his lap. Charlie went willingly, kissing Nick deeply as Nick held his hips tightly.
“You think the kids are asleep?” Charlie breathed into Nick’s mouth.
“Yeah,” Nick said. “They were out cold when I checked on them a half hour ago.”
“Good,” Charlie whispered, pulling Nick’s t-shirt over his head.
***
The next Saturday, Nick and Charlie were up early to take the kids to the Seevers’s before heading to the rugby facility. The Seevers’s promised they’d be at the match and mentioned Josh and Mark would also likely be there.
“Oh good, more fodder for Mark’s mickey,” Nick grumbled as the others laughed. Since quitting football to become an agent, Mark was constantly ribbing Nick at how out of shape he had become, whereas Mark was still in peak physical condition due to his professional football career.
“I love you and your little pooch,” Charlie said, rubbing his hand over the bit of a belly Nick had gained over the last couple years. “Besides, you have more important things to do than spend 12 hours a day at the gym.”
“Ugh, I know,” Nick said, giving up and leaning down to kiss Charlie. “I get there enough, and Mark’s just having fun,” he said genially.
“Exactly,” Charlie replied as they got into their SUV to head toward DJ’s Rec Center and Training Facility, where the Otters played. Once they arrived, they were met by Jeremy, Josh’s older brother who worked with the team. He was holding a clipboard, apparently directing people to the correct changing room.
“Nick, visitors, Charlie, home,” Jeremy said with a grin.
“Told you,” Nick muttered, and Charlie laughed. They entered the building and headed down one corridor before giving each other a peck on the lips, then parting for their respective assigned changing rooms.
As Charlie kitted up for the game, he was approached by Otis, who gave him a bro-hug. “Charlie, my man, glad you could make it,” he said.
“Me too,” Charlie said with a grin. “I’ve been practicing my winger skills,” he added.
“Really?” Otis asked, his eyes wide.
“No,” Charlie said with a laugh. “You know the only reason I’m here.”
“Yeah,” Otis said, chuckling. “I knew once I told you who was going to be here, you’d make it happen for your man.”
“Exactly,” Charlie said. “How’s your wife and kiddos?” They chatted for a few more minutes as everyone finished getting dressed, then the room quieted as the “home” team’s coach (in this case, the head coach of the Otters, Moose) began to talk strategy. This was going to be a simpler version of rugby, with no tackling and modified scrums to account for the variance in ages and skills of the teams. Once the pep talk was complete, Coach Moose led them out onto the pitch.
As they lined up for the pregame festivities, Charlie looked across the pitch, hoping for a glimpse of his favorite redhead. Nick wasn’t hard to spot (being that he towered over almost everyone else) and Charlie found Nick to be looking directly at him. While he was too far away to read the exact expression on his face, Charlie could tell Nick was happy.
After the anthems, the appointed “captains” met in the middle of the field for the traditional handshake. It was no surprise that Nick had been named an honorary captain of the away team, but it was a shock that Charlie had been named an honorary captain of the home team. Charlie met Nick face to face in the center of the pitch with the other captains, grinning wildly.
“We’re going to kick your butts,” Nick said, playfully as he grasped Charlie’s hand.
“Doubtful,” Charlie chirped, “we’ve clearly got the better team.”
“Wanna bet?” Nick goaded.
“What did you have in mind?” Charlie asked.
“Winner’s choice,” Nick said.
“You’re on!” Charlie said genially as he shook the other captains’ hands and left to the sideline.
***
After the match, Charlie met Nick in the hallway outside the visitor’s changing room. Charlie had rushed through his post-game shower so he could be there to rub his team’s win in Nick’s smug face.
Nick emerged from the changing room and grinned when he saw his husband. “Ok fine,” he started before Charlie could even speak, “you got us this time, but next time you won’t be so lucky!” Charlie laughed and took Nick’s hand, walking towards the parking area.
“Sure Nick,” Charlie said.
“So, what do you win?” Nick asked as he started the SUV.
“Hmm,” Charlie said, tapping his finger on his chin as though he were deep in thought. “I’ll have to let you know, we have a benefit to get ready for.”
“Charrlieee! Come on! Don’t make me wait to know!” Nick whined. Charlie grinned.
“Good things come to those who wait,” Charlie said magnanimously. Nick huffed but Charlie could see a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth.
***
Two hours later, the men were dressed in their fancy suits (Nick had worn the royal blue one Charlie absolutely loved) and were on their way to the benefit.
“Damn I forgot how uncomfortable these were,” Charlie grumbled, pulling at his neckline. “I don’t know how you stand to wear a suit every day.”
“Well, most of my suits aren’t so tight,” Nick said reasonably. “And you get used to it.”
“Thank god there’s not much need for me to wear one as a professor.”
“Well, you look good, regardless,” Nick said, flitting a glance at his husband before turning his attention back to the road.
“Thanks babe,” Charlie answered as they pulled into the queue of cars behind the hotel where the dinner was being held.
***
After giving the valet their keys, Nick and Charlie were ushered inside where they immediately ran into Otis and his wife.
“Hey, you two,” Otis said, “you remember Amaranda?”
“Yeah, of course,” Charlie said as Nick nodded.
“Nice to see you both again,” Amaranda said. “How are your children? You have three now?”
“Yep,” Nick said. “Our 9-year-old daughter, Ava, and our four-year-old twins, Xander and Madeleine.” They chatted about their kids for a few minutes until Otis tilted his head toward the back hallway. This was the sign Charlie had been waiting for.
“Well, we won’t keep you,” Charlie said, towing Nick away.
“Where are we going?” Nick asked as Charlie led him by the hand through the crowd toward the hallway Otis had indicated.
“Nowhere, nosey,” Charlie said, trying to contain his grin as they approached a door marked Conference Room B.
“What’s in here?” Nick asked.
“Private reception,” Charlie said, turning the handle and leading Nick inside. There were several people in the room, milling about, including Jeremy, Jeremy’s husband Jonathan, Josh, and Mark. Nick smiled at their best friends and walked over to greet them.
“Great job today you two,” Josh said with a smile. He was holding hands with Mark looking content.
“Thanks,” Nick said, pulling Josh into a one-armed side hug.
“Couldn’t help but notice you looking a bit slow out there, Nicky-boy,” Mark said with a huge smile. “Couldn’t keep up with your husband, huh?”
“Shut it,” Nick grumbled good naturedly. “Nobody could keep up with him, he’s still really fast.”
“Unlike some former football stars…” Mark trailed off. Charlie, Josh, Jeremy and Jonathan laughed. Nick glared at Mark for a moment before the moment broke and he laughed too. They all chatted for a bit, drinks in hand until someone called Jeremy’s name.
“Duty calls,” he said, rolling away toward the front of the room. He grabbed the microphone from a nearby table and tapped it to make sure it was on.
“Hey everyone, thanks for coming to this private reception,” Jeremy started. “We’ll be joining the large group in a bit. As you know, you were invited to this reception either because of your generous donations to the causes or by personal invitation,” Jeremy continued, giving a nod toward his brothers and friends.
“Now most of you know one part of the reception was for you to have an opportunity to meet with your chosen member of the Otters 1:1; this will be happening after the banquet. However, we do have two surprise guests that you will be able to meet and chat with right now,” Jeremy said, a smile crossing his face. “Gentlemen, if you please,” he said and the door behind him opened.
***
“Oh my god,” Nick said for the hundredth time that night, “I cannot believe I got to meet THE Danny Turner and THE James Walker! Two of the most famous rugby players of all time and the first out couple in the Premier League!”
Charlie chuckled as he drove them toward their house, Nick having drank too much to drive safely. “I know babe,” Charlie said with a smile. “It was pretty cool.”
“Pretty cool?” Nick exclaimed. “It was AMAZING! I’ve wanted to meet them forever! And they were so nice!” Charlie chuckled again.
“I’m glad you had a good time,” he said.
“Wait, did you know about it?” Nick asked, turning a disbelieving face toward his husband.
“Maybe…” Charlie said, a cheshire cat grin crossing his face.
“You did! How could you know and not tell me!? Who told you!? It was Josh, wasn’t it!?”
Charlie laughed at his husband’s outburst. “I wanted to surprise you, and no it wasn’t Josh.” Charlie paused. “It was Jeremy.”
“That traitor! Give a guy some warning! I probably sounded like an idiot to my idols!” Nick lamented.
“This way was way more fun,” Charlie said, pulling into their drive. “And you didn’t sound like an idiot, you articulated yourself very well. Better than the time you met Sam…” Charlie said with a grin.
“Ok yeah, that was a disaster,” Nick acknowledged as Charlie shut off the car. They walked into the house, hand in hand, reveling in the knowledge that the kids were with Jess and Curt for the night and they had a rare empty house.
“So,” Nick said as they entered their kitchen, “empty house tonight…” he trailed off, running a finger from Charlie’s shoulder to his wrist.
“Yes,” Charlie breathed, his heart already speeding up. Charlie often wondered if his bodily reactions to Nick would ever wane, but nearly nine years into their relationship and they hadn’t shown any signs of changing. Charlie secretly hoped it never did. The thrill he got just from Nick’s touch was enough to send his heart into overdrive and his love for his husband to make him feel like he was bursting at the seams.
“You still have a wager to cash in,” Nick murmured into Charlie’s ear, his breath causing goosebumps to spread down Charlie’s neck.
“Y-yes,” Charlie stuttered, apparently unable to say any other words.
“So, what do you want?” Nick asked, his lips now brushing the sensitive skin at the join of Charlie’s jaw.
“Y-you,” Charlie said, pulling back to look into Nick’s eyes.
“You already have that, mon coeur,” Nick said, cupping Charlie’s neck with his large hands.
“I know,” Charlie said softly, “but that’s what I want still. You and me, forever, in every single way imaginable.”
Like I’d ever say no to you, Char, Nick thought.
“That’s perfect, mon mari,” Nick said lovingly, taking Charlie’s hand and pulling him toward their bedroom.