Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The cool fall breeze that afternoon was a welcome change to the students at Truham Grammar. There weren't many students more excited for that change than Charlie Spring, especially when he was standing on the side of the rugby pitch. He had hated standing in the harsh sunlight, just sweating, without even working it up. To Charlie, it had seemed like an eternity, even though it was only two weeks. He dramatically described it as suffering to his friends.

What he didn't tell them, was the secret benefit that went along with it. Getting to see a certain tall, athletic, and redheaded rugby player get sweatier than him. His boyfriend. The team captain. Nick Nelson. Charlie didn't mind looking at his boyfriend at any given time, but when Nick got worked up in a match and the way he'd be drenched in sweat, with his usually well kept hair completely messed up, Charlie's heart couldn't help beat a little faster.

Charlie was pretty sure Tao, Isaac, and the others caught him staring at Nick, and not the match a few times, but since they were in the bleachers behind him, he couldn't be sure. Even after the last match, when he got a DM from Elle that contained a picture of Charlie staring at a certain player in the backfield, while the rest of the team, and the ball, were clearly on the other side of the pitch. At least Elle had the kindness to include a tip for her friend and reserve rugby player.

“The match is the other way. :D”

Today was different. Charlie was more focused on the match. The cooler temperature and breeze helped, but he also knew how much more important it was to Nick, the team, and the school. It was one of the matches that they had been looking forward to all season. It was the yearly match with Bellwerth. A team from about an hour's drive away. A team that had humiliated them last year, and had a reputation for playing dirty, and somehow getting away with it. This was big. Even the students who usually didn’t care about rugby or other sports were interested.

Their last match had barely even ended, and it was already on to Bellwerth. Every practice for the past week somehow ended up with a motivational speech, not only from Coach Singh, but from Team Captain Nick Nelson as well.Charlie admired how much more confident his boyfriend had been recently, and he wasn’t the only one who noticed. Sure, Nick was team captain last year, and he had the confidence and skills to back up his nomination to that position. But this was different. Nick was stepping up in many ways to support his team. Reinforcing fundamentals with the newer and younger players. Helping Coach Singh maintain the pitch and equipment. Going out of his way to motivate the team. This was a new Nick Nelson. It was almost as if the team had undergone a transformation, even though it had appeared that nothing major had changed. Even the team itself couldn’t identify it at first, but soon they realized what was different.. It was Nick, but they didn’t know why. It was only Nick himself who knew. On the few occasions people would ask, he’d respond with a beaming smile. “Charlie.”

For the first half, the match was pretty even. No big plays, no major score changes one way or the other. It was almost as if both teams were deadlocked. Halftime was normal. Both teams went back to their respective changing rooms to rest, regroup, and plan. The Truham team took their spots on the benches in their room, and listened to their coach start to talk strategy. Nick had been the last one in, and took his usual spot on Charlie’s right, just like in form. Without missing a beat, Nick’s hand reached down and found Charlie’s, intertwining their fingers. Nick’s lips quickly stretched out into a smirk, but his attention didn’t leave their coach. Charlie didn’t mind one bit.

The second half wasn’t much different. The same stalemate of a struggle. Neither team was doing anything to stand out, or take a lead. Until Bellwerth committed a series of strange mistakes that Truham would capitalize on. Not only did they score, they ended up with the ball again, almost immediately after. And right now, Truham was leading, by a single try, with only a few minutes left in the game. Scoring again would almost certainly seal the win for Truham.

Charlie, and the crowd's spirits rose when a perfectly thrown pass landed in Nick's hands, seemingly without a single player from the opposing team near him, giving Nick a clear route to the goal line. Charlie wasn't sure what kind of sound came out of his mouth when he saw his boyfriend take off running towards the goal. But it was one that was a blend of excitement and pride. Watching Nick accelerate with each step made the crowd, their coach, and himself cheer louder. Almost loud enough that most of the people watching didn't see the two players from Bellwerth quickly catch up to a running Nick Nelson.

It was in that second that Charlie saw the two opponents before anyone else. Not the crowd, the rest of the Truham team, and certainly not Nick. The captain was far too focused on the goal line ahead of him, even though he should have known better, and to be more aware of his surroundings in such an important match. In that split second for Charlie, it seemed that time slowed down to a standstill, and a bottomless pit opened up in his stomach. He knew the reputation Bellwerth had. He knew Truham was the underdog team in this match. He knew how angry Bellwerth was with the current score of the game. With each step, the two defenders got closer and closer to Nick, who was unaware of their presence, until it was too late.

Unable to look away, Charlie mentally braced himself for an extremely rough, and probably dirty and unfair tackle on his boyfriend. It was only the collective gasp from the crowd that snapped him out of his trance, to see, surprisingly, what appeared to be a clean and fair tackle. The two defenders came in from each of Nick's sides, and took him to the ground, sandwiched between them. Nick hit the ground first, but nothing appeared foul. It was hard to see how and where the team captain landed, with the other two players on top of him. To the relief of almost everyone, it looked like a standard rugby tackle, setting Truham up with a very good position on the field. One of the Bellwerth players even extended a hand down to Nick, offering to help him up.

Only Nick didn't take the offering. He didn't take the extended hand, or even try to get up on his own. Nick wasn't moving. At all. Before he knew it, Charlie Spring was halfway across the pitch. 

Chapter Text

Nick was confused. He felt like he was inside his own body, but at the same time, he wasn’t. Then, he had a thought. It felt strange, and hard, to think. Like his brain had been coated in mud, or glue, or something sticky that made thinking hard.

I’m on the ground. 

After repeating that thought over and over in his head, he started to notice other things. His thoughts only coming in very short and simple bursts.

There’s grass.

My ears are ringing.

I feel cold.

My head hurts.

My everything hurts.

Why am I spinning?

Why am I on the ground?

Why can’t I open my eyes?

These simple and repetitive thoughts would have continued, until a voice that wasn’t his, started to cut though the ringing in his ears, the sensation of spinning, and everything hurting intensifying.

“NICK!”

That voice. I like that voice. It’s nice.

“NICK!”

I know that voice. I really like hearing them say my name.

“NICK, ANSWER ME!”

The third and final time he heard that familiar voice almost snapped him out of what anyone else could only describe as delirium.

Charlie!

Nick immediately tried to open his eyes, sit up, and reach out to grab the owner of that voice and pull them closer. It was the only voice he wanted to hear right now. It was Charlie. His Charlie. The same Charlie that made him feel warm inside. The Charlie that made him smile, no matter how many times people told him he looked goofy, or gave golden retriever energy, when he saw that boy. Charlie. His boyfriend.

“What’s going on? What’s wrong?” A mix of pleading and worry coated every syllable that came out of Charlie’s mouth, desperate to know what was wrong.

“I…I…it hurts.” Nick stammered back, becoming slightly more aware of his current circumstances. The fact that he was indeed on the ground, and that every single part of his body was in excruciating pain began to register more and more by the second.

Grabbing his boyfriend’s hand, Charlie was able to muster a response, desperately trying to hide his increasing concern. “You… you were hit pretty bad. Match has been called off. Um, Coach Singh is getting the medical folks.”

In between the jolts of pain that seemed to course through his body, Nick was starting to understand. He had been tackled. Hard.

“Char, it hurts.” Were the only words Nick was able to get out before the true nature of how much pain he was in actually set it.

Nick could feel the shocks of pain, something he could only imagine that lightning would feel like, fly up his body from various points, but always end up in his brain. It was his left knee. Then his ribs. Then his shoulder. He didn’t know why they hurt, only that it was borderline unbearable. He only realized the new, but less intense pain in his free hand was from his own fingernails digging into his palm. Nick tried to release his own vice-like grip, but couldn’t. 

“Help.” Nick almost whispered, still unable to open his eyes due to the pain, sensation of spinning, and the ever increasing ringing in his ears.

The sight of his boyfriend, lying on the ground, in unimaginable pain, almost caused Charlie to break. He remembered a few of the things Geoff had told him, and tried to stay grounded. Stay in the moment. The sight of tears slowly starting to break through the eyelids that Nick had clamped shut, and boyfriend's teeth digging into his bottom lip were desperately trying to break the resolve that Charlie had worked so hard on building.

“Please.” Nick’s voice, barely more than a croak, pleaded with desperation, asking Charlie to help him.

Confidently, Charlie responded. “I will. I promise. I will.” 

Because the only thing that mattered in that moment to Charlie Spring was making sure his boyfriend would be ok.

Chapter Text

Charlie was the only one who hadn't heard the wailing siren of the ambulance approach, and was only snapped back to reality by a pair of voices, parting the small crowd of players, officials, and coaches behind him.

“Please make way, paramedics!” A firm yet comforting female voice repeated, quickly approaching the two boys on the ground, who were very closely flanked by their rugby coach. They were moving in quickly, carrying quite a bit of medical equipment.

“What happened? If you can be specific, that will help.” The lead paramedic asked, as she and her partner lowered a backboard and large duffel bag covered in medical decal patches onto the ground.

Coach Singh spoke up first, letting Charlie focus on Nick. “Nick here, he was running. He was tackled by two other players. They came at him from the sides. Looked clean to me, but because of how they all went down, it's hard to say.”

“Ma'am, I sort of saw it from behind, since I couldn't keep up.” One of their Truham teammates interjected.” It looked like Nick went down on his left side. I, um, I'm not sure, but I think his head hit first, and, um, it kind of bounced.”

Charlie, only somewhat comprehended the words he was hearing. His focus had been on his boyfriend. Holding Nick's sweaty and dirty hand, quietly and gently talking to the almost broken team captain who was still unable to open his eyes.

“I'm here for you.”

Nick took a jagged breath, but didn't reply. 

“Nick, I've got you.”

Charlie very gently squeezed his boyfriend's hand twice, reminding him that he was still there, and not letting go.

“Medics are here. They're gonna help.”

Nick took another, even more jagged and harsh breath.

“Excuse me young man, I'm here to help.” Said the second paramedic, as he knelt down next to Charlie and Nick, pulling his duffel bag closer and unzipping it. The lead EMT was still behind them, talking to the rest of the team and coach. “My name is David. What's yours?”

Charlie responded right away, trying as hard as he could to keep his voice even and calm. “I'm Charlie. This here is Nick.”

“Ok, hi Nick. Can you hear me?” The medic asked, pulling a few things out of his bag.

“Yes.” Was the only response Nick could muster, a quiet acknowledgement through his gritted teeth.

It took every ounce of Charlie's strength to not break down, and either yell or cry at what was happening. Seeing Nick in this much pain, and not being helped yet. He knew the medics would help, but they hadn't started yet. But he had to be strong. It wasn't about him right now. It was about Nick.

“Has he said what's wrong?” David asked Charlie, speaking in a voice just as calm as his partner behind them.

“N…no, he's only said it hurts.” Charlie's voice almost broke, but he was determined to be Nick's rock and safety net, just as the older boy had been to him so many times.

The paramedic only slightly frowned, but pulled out a small flashlight. “I'm going to check his eyes. This may not be pleasant for him. Keep holding his hand. Keep talking to him.”

“Hey Nick.” Charlie spoke slightly louder than he had been able to for the past few minutes. “You boys were playing great.”

David had pulled open one of Nick's eyelids and pointed his small light into it, causing the boy's body to jolt, and his hand to squeeze Charlie's even tighter. Charlie also noticed that his boyfriend went pale. The kind of pale you get when you're going to be sick.

“You looked, um, so confident out there today. I think it's…cute…when you're…being such a good leader.” Charlie focused on his assigned task, holding Nick's hand and just talking to him. “You're totally going to be a star next year at uni.”

Charlie gulped.

I probably shouldn't have brought that up.

They knew it was Nick's last year at Truham, and he'd be off at University next year, but he hadn't picked his destination quite yet. The boys had been working through it together, and while they knew the challenges that the distance between them would bring, they were determined to make things work.

“I love you.” Charlie kept going with his affirmations for his boyfriend, like the paramedics suggested.

“Mhhm, love you too.” Nick mumbled back. Hearing Charlie say ‘I love you’ was one of the few comforts he had at the moment.

Charlie was running out of things to say, but he knew he should keep going, until he was interrupted by the paramedic again. “Ok Nick, I have to check both your eyes now, same time. Do your best to try to look at me.”

David the paramedic used one hand to open Nick's eyes, and ran his light through both. Nick jolted, just as he did before, but he was able to keep both his eyes open long enough before closing them the second he could.

“Hey, nice job mate. Now, it's important. Where are you hurting most? Wait, hold on.” David had asked, while simultaneously digging in his bag, and working with connecting some small rubber tubes.

Nick was going to attempt to answer, but got distracted by the sensation of a needle being inserted into his upper forearm. Charlie had almost not noticed that his boyfriend was given an IV until the medic spoke up. “Something for the pain. May help him calm down a bit too. It's not going to be a miracle cure, but it should help.”

Charlie breathed a slow and long breath of relief. Something to help Nick's pain would be good for him. He also looked up for the first time since he had bolted across the field to his prone and unresponsive boyfriend. By now, the team had been ushered back towards their changing rooms, and the rest of the spectators were also being dispersed. Charlie saw Isaac wave, hand held high, his mobile in hand. Seemingly to gesture that they'd be in touch.

Nick could feel the pain coursing through his body start to be reduced from electrical shock levels down to a heavy throbbing. Still unbearable, his mind still in a heavy and sticky fog, but it was slightly better. He also could feel the sources of his pain much more clearly now. His left knee. His ribs. His left shoulder. His head. Nick also noticed his free hand had unclenched.

“My left. My knee. My shoulder. My ribs. My head.” Nick appeared to finally respond to the medic's question. “Feel sick too.”

“Thanks mate, that helps a lot. I've got to get up for a second, but your boy here is gonna stay.” David gestured at Charlie, even though Nick had clamped his eyes shut again.” I'll be right back. If you need anything, or things get worse, let us know.”

Before walking away, the medic leaned in close to Charlie. “You're doing great, bruv. Keep it up.”

The sun appeared to have disappeared behind a cloud temporarily, and it just felt a bit colder. Charlie scooted a bit closer to his still prone boyfriend.

“So, my big hero rugby lad.” Charlie started to say, feeling awkward, with his hand still holding Nick's. “You're gonna be ok. I've got you.”

Nick quickly replied. “Good. I almost believe you.” Whatever was in the IV was working a bit more now, which made it easier for him to talk.

Charlie smiled, involuntarily, almost forgetting about their current predicament. His boyfriend being a bit cheeky was a good sign. “You, uh, you hungry? I was thinking, this Saturday, you could come round and we could get a bite over at the new shop down by the bus stop, yeah?” Charlie asked, his brain grasping at straws, trying to figure out what to say without making things more awkward, and continuing to keep Nick distracted.

“I love that…idea. Almost…as much…as I love you.” Nick struggled to get the sentence out. Whether it was from the pain, or the IV meds working, or whatever happened to his head, neither him or Charlie knew.

Charlie forced himself to smile, even though nobody was there to see it. “That's so cringe Nick.” He remembered all the talks the two of them had during their last year. Before and after his inpatient treatment, Nick always managed to talk to him about normal stuff, which helped. Charlie figured it was a good strategy, now that their roles were kind of reversed.

“Hey, you love me being cringe.” Nick managed to answer back, in a full sentence. Charlie squeezed Nick's hand, gently and twice in a row, again.

"You caught me.”

The pain meds were definitely working a bit better now. Nick still felt all of it, and the ringing in his ears was starting to lessen, and he felt his body slightly relax. He could think about something that wasn't the pain, and that's when he felt a hand wrapped around his, squeeze twice in a row. He knew it was Charlie.

I love Charlie. He's great.

Charlie was about to say something else to the injured boy next him, but he felt a hand light touch his shoulder from behind.

Coach Singh had approached quietly. “I've phoned his mum. She'll meet you in hospital.”

“Wait, hospital?” Charlie asked, slightly confused. He hadn't realized that more than a few minutes had passed, and the two paramedics had been talking to the coach, as well as on their radio.

“They're pretty sure Nick's got a pretty severe concussion. The symptoms match up.They didn't even look at his elbow, ribs, or shoulder, they're waiting to get him to A&E for that.” Their coach explained, trying to hide the worry on her face.

“Hospital? My mum?” Nick questioned the conversation he overheard. To the relief of the two people around him, he didn't sound like he had a few minutes prior. No jagged breaths, not straining through pain to speak.

“I think whatever they gave him is working.” Singh added. “Stay here, I've got to guide the ambulance in.”

Their coach looked up and away for a second, but before she left, she turned back. “Nelson, you take care of yourself, and get better soon. Charlie, you make sure he follows my orders.”

Before Charlie could even reply, Nick spoke up, sounding almost silly. “Yes ma'am!”

Charlie could hear a “Oh, it's working.” muttered under Coach Singh's breath as she walked away.

Charlie turned his attention back to Nick. He gently reached down and brushed some of the sweat covered hair out of his boyfriend's forehead, and back to the sides where it belonged. Nick, with eyes still closed, smiled at the touch and gesture.

I love Charlie.

“How's my incredibly fit rugby lad boyfriend doing?” Charlie asked, satisfied that Nick's hair was back in its proper place.

Nick's lips curled into a slight grin before he answered. “I…I love you, yeah.”

Charlie thought he knew what Coach meant about the pain medication working, the concussion symptoms, or a combo of both. Nick was getting a bit delirious.

“Not what I asked, but ok. I love you too.” Charlie replied, faking a smile, even though nobody was there to see it.

Nick opened his eyes a tiny bit. Everything was spinning, and there was a white haze around what he could see, which wasn't more than the very familiar and comforting face of a boy a year younger than him with curly brown hair.

“Hi.” Nick said, quietly.

Charlie's smile widened. “Hi.”

“I like your face.” Nick said, after their usual greeting.

Charlie let out a short, quiet laugh. “Nick Nelson! You're delirious! What did they give you?”

Nick paused for a moment to think, which was still hard.

Delirious?

He hadn't noticed anything at first. The pain was still present, but he also felt some calm, and almost as if he was floating out on the sea, in a small boat.

“Dunno, but I still like your face, you nerd.” Nick slurred out, and attempted to reach up with his left hand to touch that face that he liked so much, but quickly stopped, and let out a hiss of pain, since that arm had hurt way too much. Even breaking through the calm and floating ocean he was on.

Charlie was about to respond, but was cut short by the wails of the ambulance siren approaching, and the loud metal creaks of the back door opening, before the paramedics emerged.

“Alright, time to get Mr. Nelson up and loaded.”

Chapter Text

Sitting in the relative quiet of the ambulance gave Charlie the time to unpack and process what had happened. His gaze never left his boyfriend, laying on his back, on the stretcher in the back of the ambulance. Charlie replayed the series of events in his mind. He knew he shouldn't dwell on what had happened, but it was hard not to.

When the medics first got Nick onto the stretcher, they secured his upper body with a strap around the top of his chest. They wanted to make sure the captain was secure while moving him across the grass pitch. Before loading the stretcher onto the lift to get him loaded,the medics secured foam blocks on both sides of Nick's head. Since they were certain Nick had a concussion, they decided to secure his neck, just in case he had a spinal cord injury. A possibility that had sent shivers down Charlie's entire body.

The paramedics had also placed something called an air cast around Nick's knee. Charlie knew that it was painful, as Nick had involuntarily lurched, twice, during that process. After that, the rest of the process went much easier. Mostly because Nick was feeling the full effects of the pain medication, and only slightly awake and aware of what was happening around him. Even though the extent of Nick's possible injuries frightened Charlie to his core, the somewhat incoherent thoughts coming from his boyfriend kept his thoughts from devolving into full blown panic.

As soon as the ambulance was off, Nick had a blanket placed over him, as the paramedics feared that even with the IV medication he had been given, going into shock was a very real possibility. There was also an oxygen tube trailing over Nick's ears and into his nose. Two heart monitor wires disappeared under the blanket, which had been placed on Nick's chest. Charlie didn't notice when they had been attached. When he questioned why, the medics told him that it's standard procedure. They weren't worried about Nick's heart at all, it just helped monitor his vital signs.

Charlie quickly glanced at the IV bag and tube, hanging on a metal hook above Nick's head, which shook a bit when the ambulance took a turn. The clear tube snaking down and under the side of the blanket. He was grateful that Nick wasn't experiencing the full force of the pain that was present. Charlie was sure he'd never understand how much Nick hurt at that moment. He was familiar with pain, all too familiar, but not to this extent. And he absolutely didn't want his boyfriend to ever have to experience it.

“Just got off the radio with the lads down at A&E. Nick's mum is waiting for us there.” A paramedic that Charlie hadn't spoken to chimed in from the front of the ambulance. “She's worried, but we've told her everything we know. We're positive we're looking at a concussion, and a pretty severe one at that.”

“Yeah.” Charlie responded. It was all he could muster. He knew Nick was in rough shape.

“It looks like the other areas of concern are his…” The same medic added, looking down at the notes on his clipboard. “His left knee, his left elbow or shoulder, and ribs.”

“Shoulder or elbow?” Charlie asked. He remembered Nick mentioning the knee and ribs, but couldn't quite recall if it was a shoulder or elbow as well.

The medic looked back down at his clipboard. “It says elbow, but it's been crossed out, and shoulder added right after.”

Charlie's eyes narrowed, trying to put himself back at the pitch, and remember what Nick had said.

I should know this! He's my boyfriend! I was there!

“We'll check both when we get there.” The paramedic reassured the worried boy when they noticed he hadn't said anything.

Charlie let out a sigh of relief. He knew Nick was in good hands, but the worrying started to creep in.

I hope it's not both. This is too much for him already.

Charlie almost didn't catch his hand trailing up to an all too familiar place on his upper left arm until it was almost too late. A place he hadn't touched in a long time now. A place that had permanent reminders of his own struggles. Charlie quickly pulled his hand away, and rested it on Nick's right shoulder. He wished it could have been his boyfriend's rugby calloused hands, but they were trapped under the blanket.

The hand placed on his shoulder brought Nick slightly back to reality, and out of his medicinal bliss. Opening only his right eye, he tried to turn his head towards the hand, but something soft, yet firm at the same time stopped him. Nick didn't understand what that was, but he managed to move his eye in the direction of that hand on his shoulder, and he saw the boy he cared about and loved so much. Nick said one of the only things he could think of.

“Hi.”

Charlie's eyes opened a bit wider, but his brow only slightly unfurled. “Hi.” The younger boy didn't realize it, but even in the medically induced stupor, Nick could see the unease portrayed on his boyfriend's face.

Charlie only looks like that when he's mad. Why is Charlie mad? Did I do something wrong?

“Sor-” Was all Nick could get out before Charlie interrupted him.

“Nope. No S word. Not today.” Charlie said, with almost no emotion in his voice. Not that he didn't care, but he wasn't going to allow his boyfriend to apologize for anything that had happened that day.

Under normal circumstances, Nick would have smiled, and given in to one of their couple rules. But these weren't normal circumstances, even if Nick didn't understand why, or what was even going on. He was just confused.

I…I don't understand…why is Charlie mad? I love him.

Charlie's growing confusion mirrored his boyfriend's. They had a silly, but also serious rule. No saying ‘sorry’ for things they couldn't control.

Nick really couldn't comprehend the situation. His mind strained to figure out what was going on, but with the sensation of spinning, and his limited vision giving a fuzzy white hue around things didn't help. Nick quickly blinked a few times to try to get his mind to focus, but it didn't work.

Please don't be mad at me Charlie.

“Nick?“ Charlie asked gently, noticing the older boy's rapid blinking. This time the concern was evident in his voice.

“I love you,” was the only thing Nick could think of to say. The headache and medication made it too hard to form any more coherent thoughts. He noticed the change in Charlie's voice too, which calmed him somewhat.

I do love you. A lot.

Charlie involuntarily grinned a tiny bit. He'd never get tired of hearing those words be spoken by Nick Nelson.

“And I love you too.” Charlie replied, gently squeezing Nick's shoulder twice, just like he had done when holding his hand back on the pitch.

Nick smiled as much as he possibly could in that moment after hearing his boyfriend say those words back.

I love that he loves me. He's cute too.

“You're cute.” Nick slurred out.

Charlie blushed. “You're pretty fit yourself Nick Nelson.”

Nick had started to chuckle, but the increased movement in his chest and breathing to do so sent jolts of pain to explode out of his ribs. His one open eye slammed shut, and tears started to break through both closed eyelids.

Charlie's heart almost skipped a beat, and then began to beat with such an intensity that the boy was sure it would burst out of his chest.

“You ok Nick?” A paramedic quickly spoke up when he observed what had happened.

“Yes…no…yes.” Nick stammered back, the pain somewhat subsiding.

Charlie involuntarily bit down on his lower lip, scared by what he had seen. He hadn't realized that his hand wasn't on Nick's shoulder until then, so he slowly returned it, and leaned forward in his seat. He had something to say to his boyfriend.

“I love you. You're going to be ok. I promise.”

Chapter Text

Nick felt the warm shell and soft surface he was on move forward, go down, and then start moving again. There were occasional small bumps in the motion, which hurt. His nose scrunched up when he was hit with a harsh smell of petrol exhaust, which only confused him more. 

Where am I?

Still unable to open his eyes without the pain, or an ever increasing sensation of nausea breaking through the relaxing warm and floating world he was in, Nick was starting to feel scared, which was new.

Nick thought he had heard a familiar voice, but couldn’t make out most of the words “....my son…he…what ha…”

That’s my mum. Love you, mum.

“Mmmmm…” Nick tried to call out to her, but only a small sound came out. It was hard for him to talk due to the strange mix of pain, relaxation, nausea, and confusion that he had been enveloped in.

A different yet equally familiar voice started to break through to Nick. “...your mum…came…ri…away…” 

That’s Charlie. I love you, too.

The sudden sensation of his movement coming to a halt brought the voices around Nick slightly more into focus.

“...running tests…MRI…x-ray…” An unfamiliar voice spoke.

“Wi…be ok?” 

That’s mum again.

Nick managed to move his right hand out from the blanket he was under, and slowly reached towards the sound of his mother’s voice. He stopped when his fingertips touched her familiar hand.

“Oh Nicky…here…love you…” Nick heard his mother say, and felt her hand envelop his.

Nick managed to stammer out a reply. “L…love…you too.”

He wished he could say more, but talking was just so hard. “Char..lie...here?”

“...here…” Came the other voice Nick had wanted to hear, from his left side, giving him a tiny bit of strength.

“Love you.” Nick drew on that small swell of strength to say.

I’m still missing someone…

Nick managed to smile a tiny bit. “Nellie?”

“Oh sweetheart,” was his mom’s reply, her concern tenderly wrapped in her voice, which was suddenly clearer. “No, sorry, she can’t be here.”

Nellie girl, wish she was here too.

“Can you both…stay?” Nick asked, the sounds of confusion mixed with a bit of desperation, clearly evident.

“Of course.” That was his mom’s voice.

“Always.” Then it was his boyfriend’s voice.

A few moments later, Nick felt his mother’s hand leave his, as Nick could feel himself moving again. He wanted to reach out again, but it was too difficult. At least this time there were no bumps. Just smooth constant motion. The voices of his loved ones were also suddenly gone, replaced by ones he couldn’t recognize. The warm and gentle floating sensation he had been enveloped in was also starting to fade, with the pain, nausea, and confusion seemingly growing fast, this time being accompanied by fear.

Mum! Charlie!

Nick mentally cried out, not understanding what was happening, the fear continuing to increase in strength. He could feel tears start to slowly leak out from his eyes.

Nick wanted to understand. He needed to know where the two most important people in his life had gone. “Where?” 

“Hi Nick…name is…they had to stay…waiting room…we’re going to take…care of you…first find out…what you have going on…you can see them…soon as we…done…I promise.” Came the answer that Nick tried to understand, but couldn’t, which only made him even more afraid.

I need my mum! I need my Charlie!

“He’s going into shock!” A voice rang out, from near Nick’s head.

Chapter Text

Charlie found himself sitting in a waiting room, across from Nick’s mother, Sarah. The two of them had quickly been ushered into the room almost immediately after the ambulance carrying the boys had arrived at the hospital. They had exchanged a pleasant greeting, but had mostly been sitting in silence since. Each tick of the clock’s second hand moving sounded like an explosion of thunder in Charlie’s ears, but he never pulled his gaze away from the white tiles, speckled with small blue flakes. Charlie had been counting the flakes on the tile next to his foot to keep himself distracted, which was a futile effort. It had only been minutes since he had watched Nick get wheeled away into a different section of the hospital, but to Charlie, it had been an eternity and a half.

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One hour and nine minutes. That's how long Charlie and Sarah had been waiting when the door opened. 

“Hello, I'm Doctor Lang.” The man spoke. “I've been overseeing Nick's care.

Sarah had leaned forward in her chair. Charlie finally looked away from the floor tiles. 

“We've run an x-ray and an MRI, along with a few other tests.” The doctor added. “Where would you like to start? There are several matters to discuss. 

If Charlie could have seen himself in a mirror, he would have seen the color drain from his face. 

“Let's start from the top.” Sarah answered, drawing the attention back to Nick's medical needs. 

“OK. I'll start from the top then. Nick has suffered a rather serious concussion. We call it a grade 3 concussion. There are going to be some significant challenges, and complications that accompany that.” The Doctor explained. 

Charlie wanted to just yell, his emotions on the verge of exploding out of containment. 

“Is there anything Sarah and me can do?” Charlie asked. He wanted to help. He wanted to do anything and everything he could for his boyfriend. 

The doctor quickly answered that question. “Absolutely. He's going to need a lot of support from the people in his life. You could say you're the ones who will do more than us to help him recover from the concussion. But Nick has other concerns we need to discuss.”

There was a silence that hung in the air after the Doctor had said the words ‘other concerns.’

“Ok, please continue.” Sarah said after a moment. Charlie was glad Nick’s mother was taking the lead. He knew it wasn’t his place, and he didn’t even know how he would have reacted anyways.

The doctor picked up his file folder, opened it, and continued. “After the concussion, we noted three other injuries Nick sustained. First, Nick has a pretty severe sprained left elbow. Not much concern there, other than the pain, but that will heal perfectly fine on his own.” The Doctor explained, before quickly glancing at his folder again. 

“I see this was a rugby injury. If there are any lingering effects after two weeks or so, we can get Nick in to see our physical therapist. Once he’s awake and becoming more mobile here at the hospital, we’ll fit him with a brace, but that arm will basically be out of commission for a few weeks while it heals.” The Doctor explained further. “Is Nick left or right handed?”

“Right.” Both Charlie and Sarah had responded at the exact same time. They exchanged a quick smile, before letting the doctor continue.

“That’s good then. It will help him be more independent for his recovery. Next, his ribs. Not good news here.” 

Time seemed to stop, yet again to Charlie when the Doctor had said ‘not good news.’ He noticed that a dark haze had started to cloud the outer fringes of his vision. Something he hadn’t experienced in a long time. And when he did, he had Nick to help. This time, Nick wasn’t there for help.

No. Not now. Not right now. I can’t deal with this. Not right now. Later.

Geoff had prepared Charlie for the return of those thoughts, and he knew that in different circumstances, he was equipped to work through it, but not right now. 

Charlie would never truly appreciate the number of times that day someone else speaking interrupted his incredibly intrusive thoughts. “Nick has two broken ribs, and another with a small crack. While there are no long term issues to worry about, I won’t try to sugarcoat this. Any singular broken rib can be incredibly painful. Nick basically has two and a half. For the next several weeks, Nick is going to be in a lot of pain, just from his ribs alone. We'll send over an order to your chemist, for something to help keep his pain manageable. Sometime tomorrow, we’ll get him in a wrap. It's something like a large fabric and elastic bandage. It will provide support and stability for his torso. We’ll show you how to apply it at home too, but it’s not going to do much more than lessen the strain on that part of his body while he heals. Unfortunately, there’s not much more we can do for that injury. Broken ribs are tricky to heal.”

No! This isn’t fair. Nick doesn’t deserve this.

The darkness was creeping further in, scaring Charlie even more. 

“Finally, there’s his knee. We performed an x-ray and an MRI to be sure, but we were glad to confirm that there was no structural damage. No ligament tears either. It was dislocated, but we have reset it. He also sprained it, pretty severely. Just like his elbow, he’ll be in pain, and we’ll get him a brace. If there are any lingering issues during the recovery, we’ll book him into physical therapy.” The Doctor said, finishing his explanation, and closing his file folder.

Charlie was on the verge of bolting out of the room. He was all too aware his mind was taking him back to a place he didn't want to be ever again. Hearing what exactly had happened to Nick was almost too much for him to process. This wasn’t how the day was supposed to have turned out. Charlie wasn’t mad at, or blaming, Doctor Lang for anything. However, that’s where the source of the bad news about Nick came from. He felt as if he had to get away from the Doctor. He had to get out of that room before the walls started to close in on him. He needed to leave before the second hand on the clock began to reverberate in his ears once again. But Charlie found that he was almost glued to his chair. 

Maybe he’ll leave, and I won’t have to.

The Doctor wasn’t leaving though. Instead, he leaned forward in his chair, placing his elbows on his knees. “Some of my colleagues hate it when I say things like this, but I genuinely believe it. We do our best to heal the bodies of the people that come through here. We can help heal the actual person, but that’s not our specialty. The people that do that the best? That’s you. The people Nick cares about the most. We’ll take care of healing his body, you take care of healing him.”

Chapter Text

Charlie Spring found himself sitting in an uncomfortable vinyl chair, outside of Nick's hospital room. Sarah, Doctor Ling, and a nurse had gone in alone at first, since Nick wasn't awake yet. After the various tests and scans had been run, the medication in Nick's IV drip had been increased. Sarah had almost seemed offended when the nurse had asked Charlie to wait outside, but he assured his boyfriend's mother it was OK. As much as he wanted to see Nick, he truly needed a moment to collect himself. The nurse also explained that the room was rather small, as it was only a temporary one, and in the near future Nick would be moved to a larger one for the rest of his stay. 

With the door to Nick's room closed, Charlie had begun to replay the Doctor's words from the waiting room in his mind. 

You take care of healing him. 

It was his job to take care of Nick this time. The same Nick Nelson that had gotten him through many troubled times the past two years. 

Charlie had a hard time listening to the Doctor on their way up to Nick's room, so he missed a lot of what was said between Sarah and the rest of the medical staff. He decided he had to do what he was good at. He was turning this into schoolwork, even though it wasn't math. He needed to do research and form a plan. Charlie pulled his phone out of his pocket, ignoring the many notifications he had on his screen, and opened Google. The first thing he did was type in ‘grade 3 concussion,’ and started to read. 

Definition:

-A Grade 3 concussion is a severe type of brain injury that involves a loss of consciousness for more than one minute. 

Symptoms can include: 

-Sensitivity to light and sound

-Confusion and disorientation

-Headache

-Nausea and vomiting

-Dizziness and balance problems

-Weakness or numbness in limbs

-Difficulty concentrating or remembering

Treatment:

Immediate medical attention is crucial for a Grade 3 concussion. Treatment may include: 

-Hospitalization for observation and monitoring

-Rest and avoidance of strenuous activity

-Pain relievers and anti-nausea medications

-Avoidance of electronic screens

-Cognitive rehabilitation to improve memory, attention, and concentration

Follow-up with a healthcare professional for regular checkups and monitoring

Recovery: 

Recovery from a Grade 3 concussion can take several weeks to months. It is important to foll-

Charlie's concentration was broken by his phone vibrating, and the notification of a new message. 

Tao: Charlie. We're worried. Any update? Let us know when you can. No rush X

Charlie realized he hadn't relayed anything to anyone since the rugby match, and should probably respond. 

Charlie: We're in hospital. Nick's mum is here. She's with him now, talking to a doc. He's going to be here for a bit. 

Tao: We understand. Do you need anything? 

Charlie: Shit! I never told my parents what was happening!!!

Tao: I took care of that. I rung up your house, and talked to your dad. He understands. He says call them when you can. 

Charlie exhaled, somewhat relieved. Things were definitely better with his mother than they had been the year before. She had even worked to improve her relationship with Nick. But he knew his mom would be incredibly worried right now. Charlie would never admit it, but he was glad Tao had talked to his dad instead of his mother. 

Charlie: Thank you. You're the best. 

Tao: I know. 

Tao: But for real. We're all here for you two. 

Charlie saw a pop up at the bottom of his screen. Tao had added the rest of their friends to the chat. 

Elle: We've got you Charlie. Give Nick our best. 

Isaac: We're a team. Teams stick together. 

Tara: Hugs for you Charlie. Get our boy better. 

Imogen: Any chance you can tell us what's going on? Sorry, don't mean to pry. 

Darcy: Whatever you need Charlie. Say the word, we'll get it done. 

Charlie: ❤️ you all. 

Charlie:  I'll give you lot the details when I can. Promise. 

Tara: It's ok. We understand. 

Elle: Nick is what's important right now. Focus on him. We can wait. 

Charlie: I don't understand everything his doctor said. It's just a lot. Sorry. 

Tao: Nick says you can't say sorry for something that's not your fault. 

Darcy: Don't you dare apologize Charles Spring. 

Charlie: Sorry. 

Tara: CHARLIE!!!

Elle: I'm restraining Tao from throwing his phone right now. 

Imogen: Apology not accepted. You have nothing to say sorry for. 

Charlie: ❤️❤️❤️

Tao: Tori called me too. She's worried. Your whole family is worried. You should call them. 

Charlie: Yeah. 

Elle: Charlie, are you OK? 

Tara: We're worried about you too. 

Charlie: I'm not good. I'm scared. 

Darcy: Wish I could hug you rn.

Tao: We all wish we could hug you. 

Imogen: Charlie needs a group hug. 

Charlie: I don't know how I managed to have such amazing friends. 

Elle: Because you're amazing

Charlie paused, taking his fingers off his phone screen for a moment, while watching each of his friends ❤️ react to his last message. 

Charlie: Actually, can I talk to you guys for a bit? I have to get this out. 

Charlie: I don't want to unload this on you, but I need to say it. 

Isaac: I'd be happy to listen. 

Tara: What Isaac said. 

Darcy: Whatever you want to say, we'll be here for you. Both of you. 

Charlie: OK. Here goes. 

Charlie: I'm scared. Like a lot. More scared than I've ever been in my life. Nick's got a concussion. Doc said grade 3. Apparently it's the worst kind. That's what they're worried about most. 

Charlie saw the notification that everyone had started typing, but they all quickly stopped. 

Charlie: That’s not all.

Charlie: He broke a few ribs. They should heal OK, but it's gonna hurt, like a lot, for a long time. 

Charlie: His elbow and knee are sprained, pretty bad, but doc says Nick should heal those up quick. 

Charlie: He should be able to play rugby again. Doc said they can get him extra help, physical therapy, to make it happen. 

Charlie sighed, and again took his fingers off his phone screen. This was a signal for his friends to see that he was done typing, giving them a chance to read everything and process. 

Imogen: Thank you for telling us. 

Tara: You're being incredibly brave Charles Spring. 

Darcy: You're the strongest person I know. It must be hard to have to keep going through that info. 

Isaac: What can we do to help? 

Tao: Do you need us to come get you? 

Elle: We're going to be here, for both of you. 

Charlie: ❤️

Charlie: Is it OK if I take a break for a bit? I need a minute. 

Tao: Take all the time you need. 

Imogen: You can put us on mute, and come back when you're ready. 

Charlie: That sounds good. 

Elle: Would it be better if we went to a separate chat, without you? 

Tao: Yeah, otherwise you may have an Isaac length novel to read when you're back. 

Isaac: I choose to take that as a compliment. 

Charlie: Yeah, you guys go separate, I think that would be better. 

Charlie: I love each and everyone of you so much. I'll be in touch soon. Promise. ❤️

Charlie closed the chat, and hit the lock button on his phone. He felt relieved to tell his friends what was happening. He was still worried about Nick, and was growing impatient about seeing his boyfriend.  and was about to pull Google back up, when the door to Nick's room opened, and a nurse came out. 

“Are you Charlie? You can go see Nick now.”

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Charlie gently rested his forehead on the cool glass window of his dad’s car, his eyes staring at nothing in particular as they passed through the roads of Truham in silence. Charlie had phoned his dad to pick him up from the hospital after he was able to see Nick for a few moments. His dad had enveloped him in a hug as soon as he got out of the car. Charlie had buried his face into the thick flannel fabric of his dad’s jacket, and finally released the tears and sobs he had been desperately holding back for the previous few hours. Neither spoke to the other. Charlie wasn’t able to. His father knew he didn’t need to, not right now, and not after what his son had seen in the hospital. They would talk when the younger Spring was ready to.

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Charlie knew what he was going to see was going to scare him, and it did. In a darkened room, he saw a tall, redhead athlete lying in a hospital bed, his shoulders covered in a loose hospital gown, which was slightly open at the chest. Charlie observed an oxygen tube, almost the same as the one in the ambulance, trailing down from a port on the wall, over Nick’s ears, and into his nose. A series of unfamiliar red and blue wires ending in clear sticky pads on one end, and a small monitor with wave signs on the other, were attached to Nick’s forehead The left side of Nick’s forehead was very bruised, something Charlie didn’t notice during their drive to the hospital.

Under Nick’s armpits was a thick blanket that trailed all the way down to the end of the bed, hiding the rest of Nick’s upper body and legs completely. Both his arms were outside the blanket. His right arm bore a plastic bracelet around the wrist, and an IV needle inserted just below the elbow. His left arm was almost completely covered in multiple layers of a thick reddish brown bandage, wrapped in many layers. Based on the different thickness of the large lumps that were Nick’s legs under the blanket, a similar bandage had been wrapped around most of the rugby player’s left leg as well.

“You should talk to him. He could very well be able to hear you.” Sarah spoke to Charlie, slowly approaching her son’s boyfriend. “He would like to hear your voice.”

Charlie turned slightly to face Nick’s mother. “I don’t know what to say.”

“I don’t think it matters.” Sarah answered. “You, your voice, it means a lot to him. I’ll give you a moment alone, unless you want me to stay?”

Charlie wasn’t sure what the right choice was, but responded, “Whatever you’d prefer.” 

“I’ll step out. I could use the loo and maybe some tea.” Sarah acknowledged quietly, as she made her way towards the door.

Charlie gently pulled a chair that had been near the right side of Nick’s bed a bit closer, and sat down in it right as the door closed, leaving the two of them alone.

“Hi…” Charlie said, his voice only shaking slightly, completely unsure of what to say, or how to not sound awkward. “I love you. A lot.”

“I just wanted you to know that. You’re like, really important to me. I’m going to be here when you wake up.” The shaking in Charlie’s voice disappearing, and evening out into a much more natural tone. “You’re my big rugby lad boyfriend. You’re so strong, this…this is something that you’re gonna beat.”

Charlie took Nick’s right hand in his, and interlaced their fingers. Nick’s calloused hand felt cold, which was not normal. Nick was usually a human space heater, especially when asleep. His body usually radiated warmth, which Charlie almost never complained about. He enjoyed the sensation of Nick’s bare chest, pressed into his own unclothed back, accompanying his boyfriend’s well built arms wrapped around him, all while under a blanket in bed. There were circumstances that made that even more enjoyable for Charlie. They would be in Nick’s bed, in the same position, but with Nellie forcing herself into the embrace. Usually next to Charlie, not Nick, much to the rugby captain’s chagrin. That brought up one particularly happy memory of Charlie’s.

“You remember that one time I slept round your house?” Charlie asked, looking at Nick’s almost peaceful face, and keeping their hands together. “It was freezing outside. I don’t even remember where we went, but we got caught in the rain after we almost missed the bus stop by your street, because you fell asleep on my shoulder?”

It was one of Charlie’s favorite memories with Nick Nelson.

“We bolted back to your house, and you couldn’t find your key, you thought your mum would lose it.” Charlie added, actually smiling. His thumb started to gently stroke the back of Nic’s hand. “And then we realized I had it? You were so relieved, you smiled so hard I thought you choked on the rain getting in your mouth.”

“Nellie was whining at us, through the door. Your mum was out of town on that work trip. Poor girl had been home alone all day. She almost tackled you by the time we got the door open. By the time we got upstairs to your room, Nellie was pretty wet from rubbing her head all over us. You kinda freaked out again, when you thought about the trail of water we left coming up the stairs. You had me get in the shower while you wiped up the mess, wouldn’t let me help, because I was so cold.”

Charlie had remembered how nice the warm shower had felt on his shivering body. It helped, but he was still freezing.

“When you came in, you also had to work to keep Nellie out. It almost broke your heart!.” Charlie chuckled while saying.  The look you had on your big, silly, cute face when you saw me still shivering. You held me in the shower, finally getting warm. I’m pretty sure I poked fun at you for being so warm and tall, before you kicked me out to have it all to yourself. AND I’m pretty sure you left me the worst gym shorts and t-shirt you owned. On purpose.”

“You laughed at me when you got back to your room and saw the shirt hanging off me almost like a dress! You pulled it off me and climbed into bed, still kind of wet, only in your trunks. You know, that black pair I like.” Charlie blushed at his own description, very glad that Sarah had left the room. “I was sure I knew what you wanted, but instead, you pulled me into those big rugby arms of yours, and you wouldn’t let up. Your face was pressed so hard into my neck that I told you to stop before you broke your nose. You said no, it was worth it to be that close to me.”

“If you hadn’t been holding me so tight, I would have probably jumped into your ceiling when Nellie jumped on us and scared me half to death. When she settled in, you still wrapped around me like an octopus, and being so warm, I fell asleep like a Charlie sandwich, you said, between you and Nellie.” Charlie finished his story.

There was a short knock at the door, before it opened, Sarah coming back into the room.

“Thanks.” Charlie said to her, removing his hand from Nick’s. “I think it’s time I called my parents.”

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Charlie had told his dad what had happened on the drive home. His father listened quietly, mostly letting his son speak. When they arrived home, Charlie gave his dad one more hug, before heading up to bed. The Spring boy brushed his teeth, and changed into his pajamas, absolutely drained, emotionally and physically from the day. Before closing his eyes, he rolled onto his side, and took a look at the 15th birthday present from Nick on his nightstand. The framed snow day picture of him, Nick, and Nellie.

“Good night Nick. I love you.” Charlie whispered, before closing his eyes, and somehow quickly slipping into sleep.

Chapter Text

Nick Nelson opened his eyes for the first time in over 16 hours. A time frame he was unaware of. His slightly blurred vision revealed very unfamiliar and confusing surroundings. He was in a dark room, with small traces of light in various places. Nick's gaze darted away from the lights, they caused his eyes and head to hurt if he tried to focus on them. Steering his vision away from the lights, it was hard to make out any details that could help him figure out what was going on. 

After a few moments of scanning the room, Nick had to close his eyes again. His head was aching. As if drums were being played inside his brain, in a rhythm that became more and more unbearable. Closing his eyes gave him mild relief, but couldn't silence the thumping that he felt could potentially shatter his skull if left unchecked. 

Why does my head hurt so bad? 

Nick noticed a quiet and steady beeping noise that sped up right as he closed his eyes. He tried to tilt his head to hear it better, but his body was too sluggish to respond. Nick also noticed a gentle hiss, with its source nearby. He tried opening his eyes again, but in the darkness he couldn't locate where it was coming from.

Where am I? 

Nick tried to think about what he had seen and heard, to figure out what was going on. But it felt like he couldn't connect his thoughts, as if something was preventing him from understanding. It was a struggle to link more than one observation to the next. His memory was even more disjointed. He could only recall extremely short and chaotic sights and sounds. Testing his memory caused the beeping near him to increase again. 

Nick flung his eyes open out of desperation. He needed to figure out what was happening. He was afraid. Frightened, even. More afraid than he had been in for a very long time. This was even more frightening than a year and a half ago with-

CHARLIE! 

Nick's eyes repeatedly searched the room in a panic, for signs of Charlie, or anyone else he knew. He didn't care how much pain the lights or rapid movement of his eyes caused. He was terrified. Nick needed Charlie. Or his mother. Or Nellie. Or anyone. Someone to explain what was happening and assure him everything was OK. Instead, he was alone, somewhere unknown, and had no understanding of why. 

The quiet beeping next to Nick was speeding up rapidly, and wasn't so quiet anymore. Nick winced at the pain, his confusion and terror growing, until a door to his right, that he hadn't seen until then, flung open. The sound it made as it hit the wall behind it pierced Nick's skull like a thousand knives all at once, flanked by light so bright he involuntarily writhed in an attempt to get away from it. 

“Nick, it's ok. It's ok. Nick, listen to me.” A calm voice that he didn't recognize spoke to him, getting much closer. “I'm your care nurse, Jacob. You're OK. You're in hospital now. Just listen to the sound of my voice.”

Nick opened his eyes a tiny bit to try to identify the voice who identified himself as Jacob. The only person he could see was an absolutely massive man, dressed in hospital scrubs, quickly approaching him, repeating instructions to listen. The Truham boy would never  have imagined such a sincerely kind voice coming from a man that would have towered over him if they both were standing.

The room returned to darkness, and Nick felt a large and unfamiliar hand grab his. It was the nurse. “I know you're confused. I know you're scared. I know you're in pain. Just listen to the sound of my voice. Listen, and breathe.”

Nick didn't realize he had clamped his eyes shut again. But he did choose to listen. He attempted to take a deep breath, but his entire body went rigid at the pain exploding from his abdomen. Tears started to leak out of his eyes. Nick Nelson was terrified. He was in pain. He didn't know why he was in a hospital, and the people who he needed most were nowhere to be found. 

Nick heard more footsteps in the room, and other voices. The sounds were beyond painful, and threatened to cause his head to explode. 

“I'll up his dose.” Nick heard one of the unrecognizable voices say. 

“Nick, just hold on.” The voice that Nick had identified as Jacob said, just as calmly as before. “You're going to be ok, mate.”

In mere moments, the sounds and pain had faded away, and Nick drifted back into the warm and floating sensation he had experienced numerous times in his very recent memory.

-----------------------------

“How bad was it?” Sarah asked, clutching an empty foam cup that had recently been filled with vending machine tea. A pair of nurses had found her, and informed her about Nick's brief break in sleep. 

“His heart monitor went off. It was racing. We're not sure if he went into shock, or panicked due to the concussion symptoms.” The taller nurse explained. Sarah didn't remember his name, she was too worried about her son. 

The silence between the three was interrupted by the crunching of styrofoam, emanating from Sarah's hand. 

“Thank you for being there for him.” Sarah said quietly. Internally, she was scolding herself for leaving her battered son. “I'm glad he had someone.”

The second nurse easily identified the true meaning behind the worried mother's words, and spoke to her with a genuine tone. “Mrs. Nelson, you cannot blame yourself for not being there. We don't know when Nick will be awake and when he won't. His brain is healing on its own schedule.”

Sarah sighed. “I know. It's just…that's my Nicky.”

The tall nurse guided the three of them to a table in the small canteen area, sitting down on both sides of the very distressed Sarah Nelson. 

“I've worked here for a bit now, and have seen many families deal with the unimaginable. My husband and I don't have kids of our own yet, so I don't think I can truly understand what you're going through, but I do have a recommendation.” The taller nurse, who Sarah thinks introduced himself as Jacob, started to say. “You've barely left his side. This was the first time in my whole shift you left his room. You care about your son a lot. He's lucky to have such a wonderful parent in his life. Nick is going to need you, more than either of you know, in the coming days. But you can't do this alone, and you can't do it if you have worn yourself out.”

Sarah nodded, showing she understood. She didn't feel insulted, or talked down to. She wanted Nick to have the best care possible, from everyone involved. 

“Is there someone you can call to help you out? So you can take a break, to eat, maybe get some sleep? I can tell, that boy of yours is a strong one, just like his mum. And he will need strong people to help.” Jacob asked. 

“My sister and her husband are a half hour away. They'd help.” Sarah replied, but knew there was someone much closer, who was the light of Nick's life. Someone that helped her son start to become the person he truly was, and not just the person people thought he should be. Someone that Sarah would be eternally grateful to, for helping Nick become a stronger and better person. “Charlie. His boyfriend.”

-----------------------------

Nick awoke from a dreamless sleep. He didn't know how much time had passed, as the room he was in was still dark, and still empty. 

I'm in hospital. Everything hurts. Why? 

The only thing keeping the boy calm was that everything didn't hurt as much as the last time he had woken up. He took the opportunity to look down. This time, Nick didn't have to wait long for his confusion to churn. He had various wires attached to him. The outline of his left arm and leg looked much bigger than those of his right under the blanket. 

The door near him opened, much quieter than before, and broke Nick's train of thought 

“Hello Nick.” Jacob spoke quietly. 

Nick was still flabbergasted that such an imposing person could sound so caring. 

“Wow, you're like, really tall.” Nick blurted out without thinking. 

The nurse chuckled at his patient's observation, knowing the IV was working better than it was during his last visit. “I think that's been mentioned once or twice before. Came in handy though. Played rugby in Uni.”

Nick's eyes brightened. “I play rugby too!”

“I heard.” Jacob replied, this time settling his voice into a more professional tone. “Which is what I wanted to talk to you about. Rugby. What's the last thing you remember? Clearly, and truly remember.”

Nick's brow furrowed, trying to think, as his nurse pulled out a pen to write on a Clipboard. Thinking and remembering was hard. He short bursts of sound. Short bursts of light. Sweat started to form where the boy's forehead and red hair met. 

I met Charlie and the gang for lunch. Charlie's smile was really nice too. I went to my next two blocks, I think. We had a rugby match. That's it. 

Looking up at the nurse, Nick answered. “We had a rugby match. I got changed, and went out to the pitch.”

“Anything else?” The question hung in the air for a few seconds. 

“After that, not really. Short flashes, short sounds, I guess? Did I get hurt?” Nick was starting to put the pieces together. He knew something wasn't right. 

Over the years, Nick Nelson had been on the receiving end of plenty of rugby injuries. Bruises and cuts were normal. He'd had a few sprains here and there, but nothing serious.

“How bad?” Nick asked, his voice wavering. 

“The doctor and I can explain everything to you. But we should wait until you have someone else here. It's nothing life changing or anything, but we want you to have support.” The incredibly tall nurse explained. ”Your mum will be in shortly, she's with your doctor now. Is there anyone else you'd like to join?”

Nick didn't even have to pause to think. His answer came as naturally to him as breathing. “Charlie.” 

Neither one of them could have said for sure, but they both thought they heard the heart monitor beep out of rhythm when Nick spoke his boyfriend's name. 

Jacob smiled. “And who is Charlie?”

“He's my…he's my boyfriend.” Nick wasn't sure why he hesitated with that answer. He hadn't felt the need to hide anything regarding the ridiculously adorable year 11 boy that made his heart still flutter, in a very long time. Did the tower of a nurse intimidate him? 

“Absolutely, he can be here. That was a small test, by the way. A cognitive one, nothing else.” Jacob explained, calming the injured rugby player in front of him. 

Before leaving the room, his nurse stopped, and turned back to Nick. “You don't need to worry about talking to me about your boyfriend. ”The man held up his left hand, displaying a simple silver ring on his fourth finger. “My husband worries about me enough for everyone.”

Chapter Text

Even with the pain medication, his mother and boyfriend with him, Nick wasn't prepared to hear the details of his diagnosis. The news of his concussion scared him, but it made light of why he couldn't remember many things, why thinking was so hard, why he was so tired, why he was so confused, and why light and sound was painful to him. Nick was frustrated at his memory loss. The tackle on him had been explained, but he remembered nothing after getting out onto the pitch the day before, and then waking up in the hospital the next. The rugby captain thought they were done after explaining the concussion, its symptoms, and recovery, but his heart sank at the news that there was more. 

The doctor had three more things to go over. Nick wished the explanations from his medical team could have stopped, but even in his confused state, he wanted to know and understand everything. Charlie's hand, over the top of the blanket, on his right, along with his mom's on his left, didn't do much to ease the growing fear. Both had gently squeezed him, multiple times, to reassure the boy they cared about. Nick wasn't able to comprehend it as anything other than a distraction. 

He almost doubted the explanation about his broken ribs. They didn't hurt that bad, as long as he kept his breathing shallow. 

“We can't keep you on an IV forever. When you're at home, you're going to have very strict physical limitations.” 

Nick knew the doctors weren't trying to be disrespectful or hurtful. They wanted him to know the truth. He knew his mother and Charlie would be there for him. It was something he never doubted, even for a second. But that didn't make what he was being told any easier. Instead, the list of injuries continued to grow. The only reassurance he had, besides the physical touch of the two people next to him, was that the concussion and broken ribs were the biggest issues. 

Despite the doctor's assurances, the rugby player in Nick was incredibly worried about the two sprains and dislocation of his knee. He knew he could be dealing with the lingering effects of those injuries for a long time. They could even affect his tryouts at university next year. When the medical team started to describe just how limited his mobility for the foreseeable future would be, his spirits sank even further. Nick was somewhat frustrated by the thought of having everyone else having to help him with almost everything he'd be doing.

Nick wasn't sure how much more he could hear. He needed time to process, no matter how much his brain refused to cooperate. He knew he was being stubborn, the doctors had told him quite a few times that he couldn't force his mind, or body, to get better. It would just take time.

“Actually, I'm pretty tired. Really tired. Is it OK if I nod off for a bit?” Afraid there would be even more to hear, Nick quickly came up with an excuse. “Alone?”

The brief look of hurt on Charlie's face, compounded by the worry on his mother's, when he added the ‘alone’ to the end of the sentence made the nausea that had been ever present, worse. Nick knew that the increase wasn't from the concussion. It was guilt. 

-----------------------------------

Charlie: He didn't want me there. 

Darcy: Don't be dense. He practically follows you around like a love sick puppy. He never wants you to not be there. 

Elle: Don't mean to sound rude, but did you misunderstand? 

Charlie: Yeah, probably. I haven't slept much since it happened yesterday. 

Isaac: Your brain needs sleep. Can't run on empty. 

Tao: Darcy is right. You're going out with a golden retriever in a man's body.

Charlie: Tao! You're still not letting that go? That's what you called him the day after I met him. 

Tao: Am I wrong? 

Tara: When it comes to any and all things Charles Spring, Nicholas Nelson is a golden retriever. 

Tara: That's not a bad thing, you know.

Darcy: You know he's a full on headcase for you, right? 

Charlie: He is not! 😂

Imogen: I bet he writes Nicholas Nelson-Spring over and over in his notebooks.

Charlie: You lot are absolutely taking the piss! 

Charlie: Thank you. 

Charlie: ❤️

Elle: Glad to help. 

Tao:  Now go play doctor with your boyfriend. 

Tara: TAO! 

Isaac: TAO! 

Elle: TAO! 

Darcy: Hold up. He may be onto something. 

Charlie: You're the worst! 

Charlie: ❤️

-----------------------------------

“Hi.” Charlie said, with a half smile, to his boyfriend. They had gotten a few moments alone while Sarah Nelson had gone down to the hospital lobby to meet her sister and brother in law, who had driven in to see Nick. 

Nick's smile lit up the darkened room. “Hi.”

“It's um, getting late. I need to go home.” Charlie explained. “I just wanted to say goodbye before I head on off for the night.”

“No. Stay.” Nick reached out with his right hand, and grabbed onto Charlie's. “I need you.”

“I wish I could. I'd stay here with you as long as you needed me.” Charlie laughed. “Now I'm the one being cringe!”

Nick started to laugh as well, but the pain in his lower torso cut it short. 

“Sorry.” Charlie quickly apologized, not realizing he had caused Nick's pain to flare up. 

“Absolutely not, Charles Spring!” Nick broke his hand away from Charlie's, and placed a single finger on the curly haired boy's lips. “No S word.”

“You're adorable when you're drugged up.” Charlie said, taking Nick's finger off his lips, and putting their hands back together on the bed. “I really wish I could stay. But I'll be back tomorrow. I promise.”

“OK. I love you.” Nick responded, but purposely not letting go of his boyfriend's hand, until Charlie had to use a bit of force. 

“I love you too.” Charlie said, turning back before he opened the door. The words spoken back gave Nick a reprieve from the events of the day. 

I love Charlie Spring. 

Nick let the happiness of hearing of his boyfriend say he loved him help lull him back to sleep. 

-----------------------------------

Nick's second day in the hospital was a strange one. It started with something the doctor and nurses had called cognitive testing. The staff explained that it was time to discover just how severe the concussion was, and how he would be affected. The term ‘grade 3 concussion’ has been used the day before, but Nick round out that it was a general term. For his first test, Nick was shown a series of cards with pictures of various objects on them, and he had to verbally identify them, which was easy enough. The medical staff assured him this was a very good sign. 

It was the second test that gave him trouble.

“I want you to write your name.” The nurse Jacob had said, sliding over a rolling table to Nick. Placed on top was a pen and paper. 

Nick took up the pen, but when its tip touched the paper, he couldn't make it do anything. 

“I can't.” Nick spat, frustrated. 

“You can try. Go slow. One step, one letter at a time.” Jacob reassured him. 

Nick eventually dragged the pen in a single yet jagged stroke, going up. He paused, before concentrating and pulling it back down, and ending in another upward line. On the paper was a single letter N, disproportionate and sloppy. 

“This is stupid!” Nick yelled, throwing the pen across the room. Anyone who knew Nick Nelson wouldn't have believed that he was capable of doing something like that.

“No, it's absolutely not. It's a sign that you went through a TBI, traumatic brain injury.” Jacob explained. “It's different for everyone. That's why we do these tests.”

Nick looked away, and crossed his right arm over his chest. He wasn't happy with his nurse's explanation. 

“Nick, it's ok to be frustrated.” Jacob reassured. “Healing any part of the body is a process. Healing the brain is just a more complicated process. There's no rush. There's no deadline. You don't have to be able to do anything at a certain time. You're going to get through this.”

“And what if I don't?” Nick asked, revealing one of his biggest fears.

“What if I don't get through…this?” Nick continued, gesturing vaguely at his surroundings. “What then?”

“Then we see where you're at in the process, and make adjustments. Your concussion doesn't call for a one size fits all treatment plan. You're going to have successes and breakthroughs, but you're going to have setbacks as well. And when that happens, we adjust and keep going.” Jacobs' words seemed genuine. 

Nick sighed. “I don't know if I can do this. I want to get better. But you're saying that it could be a long time.”

“It could also be a short time. We won't know until we know more about your condition.” Jacob said, putting another pen on the table in front of Nick. “I also never said that you had to do this by yourself. This time, don't try to write your name. Write the names of the people who care about you, and will be there for you while you heal.”

“I shouldn't need anyone else.” The words came out of Nick's mouth with a bitterness that was incredibly out of character for the rugby lad. 

“I've never met anyone, as long as I've worked here, that doesn't need help along the way. Not a patient, not even another coworker.” Jacob answered, pushing the pen closer. “You've had a lot of support since you arrived. Your mum doesn't leave your room very much. Your boyfriend is here as much as he can be. Your aunt and uncle came by, and are helping your mother out at home. Just because you're not always awake to see them doesn't mean they're not here for you. Try writing their names.”

Nick scoffed, but picked up the pen anyways. He pressed the tip down to the paper, and somewhat easier, scribbled out the name Sarah. And then  Charlie underneath. He was going to attempt his Aunt's name, Diane, but he carefully put the pen down, his headache and fatigue growing stronger again. 

“I want to keep going. But my head hurts. And I'm getting tired.” Nick explained why he had stopped. 

“You did great. It's clear that you get a lot of your strength from the people around you. It's like you did this for them.” Jacob had accepted Nick's explanation, taking the pen and paper, and pushing the desk aside. “Get some rest, we'll have some more tests this afternoon.”

-----------------------------------

Both Sarah Nelson and Charlie Spring couldn't contain their emotions when they discussed the first rounds of testing with Jacob. Their excitement at the results of the first, and heartbreak with the second, until the nurse showed them the piece of paper. 

“Your names were far easier.”

Charlie let Nick's mother take over the conversation, since it was more related to Nick's long term care and recovery. Jacob was about to leave when Charlie had the courage to ask what he felt was a silly question. 

“Could…I…um, is there a chance I could keep that?” Charlie asked, blushing slightly and gesturing to the paper with his name written on it. 

“If that's OK with you,” He continued, looking at Sarah. 

“Of course dear.” Sarah answered without hesitation.

-----------------------------------

<Attachment sent>

Charlie: I've got news. Nick couldn't write his name, but he wrote his mum's and mine. 

Isaac: I've been reading about concussions. Ones as bad as Nick's are different. It's like parts of his brain have to reset themselves. But it's a good sign.

Charlie: That doesn't sound good. 

Isaac: It's like a computer. If it's frozen and not working, you turn it off and back on again. 

Charlie: I understand what you're saying, but this is Nick. 

Tao: Charlie, he doesn't mean it like that. 

Tara: It's a good analogy. Our brains are insanely complex. 

Elle: Charlie, he's healing. It's a good sign. 

Charlie: I know, it's just, I want him to be better. 

Darcy: People can't heal overnight. 

Tao: He's not one of those super heroes in those dreadful movies he forces you to watch. 

Elle: Tao…not right now. 

Tao: No, let me explain. He doesn't have super powers. He just went through something crazy, he's going to need time. Everyone would. 

Charlie: I guess. 

Charlie: He's awake again, but it's more testing. I'll keep you posted. 

Charlie: ❤️❤️❤️

-----------------------------------

“And with the fall term break, I'll be around to take care of you when you get out.” Charlie said playfully, tapping his fingertips on the back of Nick's hand. 

Nick was torn. He and Charlie had planned on spending most of their time off from school together. Knowing that they still could, brought him much needed happiness. But he was a bit bothered by the thought of Charlie, his mother, and others, having to take constant care of him. 

“I think I like that idea, Doctor Spring.” Nick joked back, suppressing his worry. He had no knowledge of the joke in their group chat. Nick wasn't allowed to look at screens yet. 

Charlie let out a mix of a snort and wheeze, but not an explanation. 

Nick smiled, seeing his boyfriend laugh quickly drove away his concerns. “What was that about? 

“Oh, nothing. Ask Tao. And Darcy.” Charlie answered, being coy. 

Nick sarcastically rolled his eyes, ignoring the pain. “Oh boy.” He could only imagine what those two had insinuated. 

-----------------------------------

Nick sat up in his hospital bed, shirtless, while his nurse, Jacob, demonstrated to Sarah and Charlie how to apply the bandage wrap to Nick's torso. Behind Sarah's back, Charlie had even thrown some suggestive eyebrow motions in his boyfriend's way, causing the older boy to blush, even through the bumps and movements that caused him to sharply inhale with pain. 

“This sounds silly, but it needs to be tight, but not too tight. It's there for support, not to strangle him.” Jacob explained. “I've started this one, I want you to finish it.”

Nick avoided eye contact with his mother while she made several passes with the reddish brown mix of fabric and elastic. He was embarrassed by having someone other than a doctor or nurse do it. He only looked up when she had finished applying the clips that would hold it in place. 

“Thanks mum. Love you.” Nick said quietly. Thankful for his mom's care, yet feeling uncomfortable about his lack of ability to do it himself. 

Jacob undid Sarah's work. “Good. The placement and tightness are just about right. Charlie, it's your turn.”

Nick turned pale. Charlie turned a bright red. A feeling of embarrassment for both, but a mix of anger at his own limitations and shame from Nick. 

“Oh, um, ok.” Charlie muttered. Despite the fact that this was for medical purposes, Charlie was extremely embarrassed by having to touch his shirtless boyfriend, in front of his mother. 

Charlie forced himself through the task, purposefully looking away from the faces of everyone in the room, including Nick, the entire time. Only looking up when he was done, as he was sure his skin was still a dark shade of red. The younger boy was sure he saw a look of disgust on Nick's face when he had finished, but words that carried a different message came out. 

“Thanks Char. Love you.” Nick forced himself to say. He never thought he'd ever have to force the words ‘Love you’ to Charlie. It felt awful to have to say those words out of obligation, without true meaning to the person that meant so much to him. 

“Love you too.” Charlie responded genuinely, even through his hurt and confusion. 

Jacob spoke, unknowingly breaking the awkward silence that was starting to develop. “OK, now onto the brace for your arm and knee. You should be able to do those on your own, but just in case it's a bad pain day, I'll show you all.”

Nick was starting to feel ill with guilt. 

-----------------------------------

Sarah Nelson paced around the small canteen of the hospital floor that Nick was on. She had to call her sister. They had been staying in a hotel near the hospital, and occasionally going over to Sarah's house to keep it in order, prepare things for Nick's return home, and to care of Nellie. But this was more urgent. She was relieved when her sister answered after the second ring. 

“Di, I completely forgot. I have a work trip in a few days. Up to Edinburgh. I'm supposed to be gone for five, but I think I can cut it to three. I know you're leaving soon, but someone needs to be home for Nicky.” 

“I'm so sorry, but we really have to go home the day after next. The kids have school, and my practice is hosting that conference I told you about. I wish we could stay, but we can't. I know you need someone to help out with Nicky, and I want to, but I don't think we can manage to. I'm so very sorry.”

“I understand.”

“It's not my place to suggest, but they're a bit older now. Do you think Charlie could?”

-----------------------------------

Sarah wasn't sure it was the best idea, but it was her only one. It tore her emotions to shreds, knowing she had to choose between her job and her son, despite some good news from her employeer. She had spoken to her boss, and instead of being gone for five days for the meeting between companies, or even the three that she had hoped, her boss suggested that she attend the first two days and head home for Nick after that. They could video call if anything else came up. He had apologized profusely, and said that he felt awful for making her even leave for two days.

Sarah Nelson trusted Charlie Spring completely. Charlie helped Nick find himself. She never once questioned her son's sexuality, and she didn't care. She just wanted Nick to be happy. As he grew out of childhood and into his early teenage years, she had a tiny feeling that Nick wasn't fully himself. He seemed happy, he did well in school, had plenty of friends, and excelled on the rugby team. Sarah could call it a mother's intuition, but her son didn't seem like himself. It felt like Nick was holding himself back from becoming the person he was now. Things changed on that winter day he brought a new friend over named Charlie. 

Things hadn't only changed. As much as Nick had helped Charlie with his own personal struggles, she was certain that Charlie had done more. Charlie Spring had saved her son. 

She pulled up the contact card for Jane Spring and pressed call. 

-----------------------------------

Charlie's heartbeat would have set off every alert possible if he was the one connected to a heart monitor when Sarah Nelson asked him if he'd stay with Nick for the two days she'd be out of town. He knew he would be taking on a lot of responsibilities by agreeing to it, but he didn't mind. He'd get to spend two days with Nick. While neither would say they owed their boyfriend anything, Charlie would never be convinced that it was anyone other than Nick Nelson who gave him the courage to seek treatment the previous year. He would get to be that person for Nick now. 

-----------------------------------

Four and a half days. That's how long Nick had been in the hospital. After arriving at the hospital in the early afternoon, followed by four full days of testing, treatment, and getting an extensive recovery plan, Nick Nelson had been cleared to go home. 

Chapter Text

Before Nick Nelson was allowed to leave the hospital, he was offered the option of a wheelchair or crutches. Nick chose the crutches to help him walk. The doctor and nurses had explained that the wheelchair would be less painful and easier but it didn't sway him. Even with a velcro brace on his left arm that kept his elbow bent, and stretching from his mid bicep to almost the base of his wrist, Nick Nelson was determined to be as upright and independent as possible. 

Through his gritted teeth, Nick pushed himself to keep going, one step after the other. Due to the brace on his left leg being much more complex to accompany the severity of the injury, he had to put most of his weight on his right leg, mixed with the crutch on his left. It was strenuous, but he kept pushing, all the way to his mother's waiting car, door already opened. It took both Charlie and Sarah to help guide the much larger than them, 17 year old rugby player, into the back seat of the car. 

Nick closed his eyes immediately after sitting down. He was already physically exhausted from the journey out of his hospital room, down the lift, and into the car. 

“Whew, that was something.” Nick said, after a long and drawn out exhale. 

“For you and us both.” Charlie replied as he sat down next to Nick, leaving out one of his usual playful jabs about his boyfriend being some sort of giant rugby oaf. 

Nick carefully extended his hand over to Charlie’s, who was seated next to him. He expertly grabbed the drummer's hand, even with his eyes closed. He was tired, exhausted even, just from the short trek. The throbbing in his knee, elbow, and abdomen didn't help. After a second, Nick let his head and shoulders slide to the right, coming to a rest on Charlie's. When the younger boy felt the touch, he moved his free hand to Nick's leg, giving it a reassuring squeeze. The increased physical contact with his boyfriend provided much needed physical and mental relief. 

Ok, maybe this won't be so bad. Two weeks off school, and a lot of Charlie time. 

Even though Nick was much bigger than his boyfriend, he relished the opportunities where he was the one being held. Being encased in Charlie's arms made him feel safe, secure, and at home. An outsider might be confused at seeing the much taller athlete in the arms of the smaller musician, but neither of them cared.

I could really go for a lot more of this. 

Sarah Nelson spoke up, breaking the silence in the car. 

“Nicky, we've set up the living room for you. It should be easier to use the couch instead of your bedroom for a bit.” Sarah said to the boys in the back of the car, as she turned out onto the road. 

Nick's posture slumped. “Mum, I want my bed. My room.”

“Oh sweetheart, I understand. I was thinking it will just be for a few days, until you're better on your crutches, and we figure out how to help you more.” Sarah responded, not improving her son's mindset at all. 

“Nick, it will be better this way. Once you're more stable, we'll move you.” Charlie added. 

Nick felt himself grow warm. Neither statement was hurtful or mean in any way. They were spoken with pure concern. 

Help me more. We'll move you. I don't need you to help move me. 

Nick wasn't sure where his bitterness was coming from, but was genuinely annoyed by what he was being told. His annoyance seemed to trigger the painful throbbing throughout his body to increase. Nick wasn't upset by the physical contact from the two people he rode with. He wanted it. He even needed it. Their touch helped him cope with what he was feeling, both physically and emotionally. But having his mother and boyfriend need to move him brought on waves of both anger and a slight bit of guilt. 

Charlie sensed his boyfriend's frustration, but he didn't know its cause. “Nick, it's gonna be ok. I promise.”

The rugby player bit his lower lip, so he couldn't speak. Words Nick knew he didn't truly mean were dangerously close to spilling out. He was already frustrated with his lack of independence. He was angry at the pain. Angry that it wouldn't go away. Scared that the pain would be there forever. And it caused him to almost lash out at the people he loved the most. 

“Nick.” Charlie's voice temporarily broke through the downward spiral the redheaded boy was in. “When we get to your place, what do you want to do?”

The relief of being asked a simple question, without any reference to his condition, washed over Nick like the first streams of a shower after a match. It was almost a mental reset. The bitter thoughts that occupied his mind only moments earlier were gone. 

“Sleep, I suppose?” Nick answered. “No, say hi to Nellie. Then sleep.”

-----------------------------------------------------------

Nick didn't realize he had dozed off until the sound of a car door shutting pulled him back to consciousness. 

“We're home?” Nick asked with a yawn, still groggy. He deliberately did not lift his head off of Charlie's shoulder. 

“Nope. At the chemist. Your mum went in to pick up the pills. She didn't want to wake you.” Charlie answered. 

Nick deliberately turned his head a bit more, so more of his face was touching his boyfriend's shoulder and chest. “Can I just stay here? This…this is nice.” 

Charlie smiled, and brushed the back of Nick's hand with his thumb. “I don't see why not, but it would be a bit odd. Besides, your couch would be a lot more comfortable. And there would be room for Nellie.”

“Sold. Couch and Nellie it is.” Nick responded, while pushing his face further into Charlie's shoulder. 

Charlie smells nice. 

“Forgetting someone, Nelson?” Charlie teased his boyfriend, almost poking him in the ribs like he would usually have done, but stopping himself at the last second. 

Nick squeezed Charlie's hand before he answered. “Nope, don't think so. With me and Nellie, there wouldn't be room for my mum.”

Charlie's spirits rose when they settled into their usual playful banter.

Nick is being Nick! 

“Oh, ok then. In that case, I think I feel like walking home. Could use a stretch and fresh air.” Charlie moved only a millimeter towards the door, with zero intention of leaving. 

“No.” Nick said, his voice a combination of the usual sarcastic tone he used when they bantered like this, but having what sounded like desperation mixed in. 

Charlie felt his boyfriend's hand tighten around his.

Does he think I'd actually leave? 

-----------------------------------------------------------

“OK. On the count of three.” Sarah and Charlie said, getting ready to hoist Nick out of the car. 

They had their hands under Nick's armpits, and carefully raised him up out of the car, and onto his right leg. Charlie quickly pushed his boyfriend's crutch in place, while Sarah kept him steady. 

“Whew. Again.” Nick said, letting his clenched face relax. It took a lot more work, and caused a lot more pain than he was expecting, just to get upright. He was glad for the help this time around, free of the annoyance and bitterness he had felt earlier. 

“We set?” Nick asked his helpers. He was anxious to get inside, see his dog, and collapse onto the couch.

-----------------------------------------------------------

“Nellie girl!” Nick exclaimed as soon as the front door swung open. He was greeted by the sight of his dog laying at the base of the stairs, with one of his socks tucked between her paws. 

Sarah had been nervous that their dog would be wild with excitement at seeing her best friend after such a long absence, and possibly knock over her son. But the border collie sat up, tail wagging wildly, but patiently waited for Nick to approach her. 

“Oh, I missed you so much!” The rugby player reached down to scratch his furry companion's ears. “What are you doing with my sock?”

With a smile, Sarah interjected. “Your aunt said that every time they came over, Nellie had pulled something out of your dirty laundry. I think she missed you.”

The trio, now a quartet, had slowly made their way inside. 

Sarah turned around only to catch her son discard a crutch in an attempt to further pet his dog. 

“Nicholas Luke Nelson! Don't you dare!” Sarah exclaimed, only somewhat seriously. “Charlie! Get that stubborn boyfriend of yours onto the couch before he manages to hurt himself more.”

Nick knew his mother wasn't serious, and under normal circumstances, would have laughed. But this time, the words stung. 

Let me pet my dog in peace.

Wouldn't want to be more of a burden than I already am.

-----------------------------------------------------------

“Ok, go slow, I don't want to break anything else.” Nick poked fun at Charlie, who was struggling to support the weight of his boyfriend while lowering him onto the couch. 

“It doesn't help that I'm dating a giant rugby oaf with such large muscles.” Charlie verbally spared back. Both boys absolutely loved their playful exchange of words. 

Nick let out a long exhale when Charlie removed his hands, and Nick was settled onto the couch. “I'll have you know Charlie, these muscles are not for rugby. They're for my stunningly handsome boyfriend. He likes looking at them.”

Charlie was about to sit down and deliver a clever comeback when Nellie scampered in, taking up all the remaining space between Nick and the edge of the couch, her head nestled on Nick's shoulder. 

“Sorry, she's claimed me.” Nick smiled and shrugged, making no indication that he was going to move his dog, or himself. 

“I'll allow her to steal my boyfriend tonight.” Charlie admitted defeat, and moved down to the opposite end, gingerly lifting up Nick's feet. He sat down before putting Nick's legs down, as carefully as he could, across his own.

“Nicky, time to take these.” Sarah appeared with a glass of water and two very large pills. “Doctor's orders. Bottle says one or two.”

“Thanks, I'll start with one.” Nick didn't hesitate to take the pain medication and water from his mother. 

-----------------------------------------------------------

While Charlie had worked to get Nick settled in, Sarah had begun to get her things put away and take a second for herself to relax and breathe. She hadn't realized how much time had passed, but when she realized it was half past two in the afternoon, she decided she may as well feed them all. Unfortunately she had discovered that her house contained a severe lack of food. 

“Boys, I'm afraid we're nearly out of any food. Do you mind if I run to the market and get some things?” Sarah asked, to the two humans and dog in the living room, before turning to collect some items off the counter behind her. 

“Yeah, that's OK.” Charlie whispered back, and loudly as he could. “Nick's nodded off.”

Sarah had raised her hand to her mouth, apologetically. “Be back in a bit.”

-----------------------------------------------------------

Charlie: We got him home. That boy is heavy! 

<image sent>

Tara: He's out! 

Charlie: He took some meds, whatever the doctor gave him for the pain, and he didn't last much longer. 

Imogen: Charlie, why are you so far away from him? 

Charlie: You saw the pic! Nellie snuck in and stole him! You could tell they missed each other. I wanted to move one of them, but the look I got. I couldn't say no to those faces. 

Tao: Which face? The border collie or the golden retriever? 

Charlie: 🙄

Darcy: Admit it. You walked right into that one. 

Charlie: ...

Elle: Give him our best. 

-----------------------------------------------------------

Charlie left the Nelson house that night feeling like things were finally improving. Nick was home, and comfortable. His boyfriend could finally start his journey to recovery.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Over the next day and a half, Charlie spent most of his time at the Nelson house. He was happy to help with anything Sarah or Nick needed. At first, he felt incredibly happy, being the supportive one for a change. But there were tiny instances that made him question things. Nick would ignore him or Sarah. Or Nick would snap at them for asking them a question. He’d refuse help from his mother and boyfriend, but after a moment, realize he needed it and gave in. 

With Sarah’s departure for her work trip approaching, Charlie was getting nervous, but decided he wasn’t going to push anything. Nick needed to heal, and his boyfriend would do that on his own schedule.

Chapter Text

In the early afternoon, Charlie stood on the front step of the Nelson house, packed suitcase in hand, and school bag over his shoulder. That inclusion of the bag containing his coursework was a recent addition to things he was required to do while looking after Nick. It was, reluctantly, agreed upon that Charlie would attempt to get some of his school work done. Jane Spring still hadn't been fully on board with the idea of her 16 year old son staying 2 nights at his 17 year old boyfriend's house, but her husband had assured her things would be ok. 

After some worrying, talking with her husband, Sarah Nelson, and even Sarah's sister, Jane Nelson finally agreed to let her son stay at the Nelson house. Charlie had even planted suggestions that it could be considered a trial run for his upcoming appointment as Head Boy at school. To show he could handle extra responsibilities. He still wasn't sure if that had worked or not. Just as unsure as whether or not to believe Tori, when his sister had claimed she did nothing to convince their parents of anything. 

Regardless, the day was here. Sarah would be leaving in a few hours, and Charlie had arrived to go over everything in great detail with his boyfriend's mother. 

------------------------------

“Oh, I'm going to miss you Nicky. Please, promise me that you'll take it easy.” Sarah openly voiced her concerns before kissing her son on the forehead. 

Nick blushed, but decided that he would endure his mother's doting, if it meant two days with Charlie. 

“Mum, I love you, but I'll be fine.” Nick half-heartedly protested. “I don't want you to worry about me. Focus on your work, I know how important this meeting and acquisition are. I want you to focus on what's important.”

I'll be FINE. 

Sarah shushed her son. “You're what's important. And getting better is even more so.”

I'LL. BE. FINE. 

Nick could feel his headache starting to worsen yet again. 

----------------------------

Charlie scanned the several pages of notes, schedules, phone numbers, and just about anything else that Sarah Nelson could think that her son's caretaker for the next few days would need to know. Despite talking through it moments earlier, he reread it while moving his things up to Nick's room. Where they'd get to spend the next two nights and days together. Charlie let his mind wander. 

Nope, he's in no shape for that. 

Charlie quickly chased most of his inappropriate thoughts away. As much as both of them would have liked to engage in certain activities, they had privately agreed that Nick's body was in no condition for that. They didn't want to risk making things worse. 

At least dad didn't say hanky panky a thousand times. 

The boys had also been told, explicitly, and not so privately, what was off limits. In an extremely uncomfortable group discussion. It still made Charlie's stomach turn just thinking about it. 

--------------------------

The next morning, the two Truham boys were sitting in Nick's bed, watching Captain America, yet again. Technically, Nick wasn't supposed to be looking at screens for very long, but he promised, he swore, that if his headache worsened, they would stop. Charlie wasn't thrilled with what his boyfriend had picked, but he was going to let Nick make any choices he wanted for the time being. Charlie may have pictured Nick in the super hero's costume, instead of Chris Evans. He had seen the pictures and videos of last year's Halloween party, and seeing Nick dressed up like the Marvel character had given the dark haired boy some very wild thoughts. Wild thoughts that made the movie tolerable. 

The only sounds in the room came from Nick's laptop, and their breathing. Nick's had recently begun to pick up pace, and they were becoming much shorter than before. Their relative peace and quiet was broken by the alarm on Charlie's phone going off, signaling it was time for Nick to take his next dose of painkillers. Charlie already had the bottle before Nick paused the movie. He dropped a tablet into Nick's waiting hand, but forgot water. Before he could reach for it, Nick had already squirmed his way over to try to pick it up himself. 

“No, let me get it.” Charlie pushed his boyfriend's hand away, and grabbed the water bottle that was needed.

“Char, it's fine. I can get a water bottle.” Nick huffed, before he took a drink and swallowed his medication. The previous dose had almost completely worn off, and he was very much looking forward to this one.

Charlie pulled Nick back in, after returning the water and pills to the nightstand. The older boy went back to resting the back of his head on the younger's chest. “I'd rather not risk it.” Charlie explained. 

Nick took a few moments to get himself back in a somewhat comfortable position, further adjusting his body, so he was sitting between Charlie's legs, his back resting on Charlie's stomach, and their legs touching.

“Its just a water bottle.” Nick muttered under his breath, before pressing the play button on the laptop.

The taller boy relaxed again when the thinner arms that belonged to Charlie went back to their usual position, wrapped around Nick's chest. His pain was increasing, and the last pill wouldn't work for a while. 

This helps though. 

Nick's pain subsided even further when he felt Charlie's lips touch the top of his head, delivering a reassuring kiss. 

“I love you.” Charlie whispered. 

“Love you too.” Nick quietly replied. 

--------------------------

Nellie needed to go out, so Charlie left his napping boyfriend in bed, and followed the excited border collie down the stairs. He pulled on his shoes and jacket, all while attempting to deflect the dog who was desperately trying to lick his face. 

“Shh! Nellie, you're gonna wake up Nick!” Charlie playfully chided the dog while he attached her leash, which only made her more excited. 

Charlie held onto the leash with a firm grip while he guided them both out the door, shutting and locking it quietly. He didn't want to wake up Nick. Once outside, Nellie settled down a bit, realizing her message that she needed to go out had been received. Charlie let her pick the direction when they got to the sidewalk. It looked like Nellie had chosen the quieter walking paths to the left. 

Charlie walked behind Nellie, letting her sniff the various objects in their paths, her tail wagging energetically the whole time. Her company was definitely one of the benefits of dating Nick. Charlie had always wanted a dog, or even a cat, but his parents weren't big fans of animals, and Tori was allergic to most pets. His time with Nellie was always cherished.

They had been walking for close to fifteen minutes when Charlie felt his phone vibrate in his pocket. 

Nick: Where'd you go? 

Charlie: Took Nellie out. We're on the paths to the east. The alley with all the ivy growing. Everything OK? 

Nick: She likes that spot. 

Nick: Why wouldn't it be? 

Charlie: I don't know, just checking? 

Nick: I'm fine. 

Charlie: ❤️

Charlie put his phone back in his pocket after his last message displayed ‘read’ but a reply wasn't sent. He wasn't sure why his boyfriend was acting so strangely, but there were now several instances in the past few days where Nick seemed oddly irritated. Nellie gave another slight pull on her leash, eager to smell a small pile of leaves she had seen in front of them. 

“Hey girl, slow down!” Charlie happily exclaimed. “You're going to pull my arm off!”

The older border collie only slowed down once her nose met the leaves she was so eager to investigate. Charlie's phone vibrated again. He moved the leash to the other hand while pulling out his phone again. 

Nick: Can you come home soon? 

Charlie: What's wrong? 

Nick: Ugh, I'll explain when you get back.

Charlie's heart began to race.

Charlie: Are you OK? 

Nick: I told you I'm fine. I just had a bit of an accident.

Charlie quickly shoved his phone in his pocket, gave Nellie leash a gentle tug, and the pair hurried their way back to the Nelson house. 

--------------------------

Charlie unclipped Nellie's leash the second they got inside. He flung off his shoes and jacket while almost running up the stairs to get to Nick. Charlie found his boyfriend sitting on the floor of his bedroom, under the window, crutches haphazardly tossed aside, just out of reach. 

Charlie almost jumped from the doorway and down onto the floor next to Nick. “What happened? Are you OK? Are you hurt? Do I need to call-”

Nick interrupted his incredibly concerned boyfriend. “Charlie. It's fine. I'm fine.”

“No you're not. You're on the floor for no reason. What did you do?” Charlie desperately wanted an answer. He pulled one of Nick's hands into both of his, holding it tightly. 

“Ugh, fine. I woke up. I was really warm. I wanted to open the window a bit. Sometimes it sticks. I got it open, but my crutches fell. I couldn't reach them.” Nick answered, before slowly pulling his hand away, and putting it inside his pocket. 

“Are you ok though?” Charlie asked, not registering that his hands were empty. 

Nick looked away from his boyfriend. “I…kinda fell.”

“Nick! That's not ok! Are you hurting?”

Nick's eyes narrowed. 

He's scolding me like a child. I just wanted to open the damn window.

“Nick, please. Answer me.” Charlie almost pleaded, trying to get through to his boyfriend. 

Nick began to rapidly blink while his eyes watered. He couldn't hide it from Charlie anymore. “Yeah. My ribs, my stupid ribs.”

Yet again, Charlie pulled Nick into a firm embrace. “It's ok.”

“No, it's not. I just wanted to open the window. Now you're mad, everything hurts right now, and it's all gone to shit.” Nick said through gritted teeth, while attempting to stop the light crying that he couldn't contain. 

“Nick, I'm not mad at you. Not at all. I'm just worried.” Charlie said back, using his hand to wipe the tears off Nick's face. 

“You have to be. You're doing your best with me and I'm just messing it up.” Nick countered, while still unsuccessfully trying to contain his pain and crying. 

“Not mad. I swear. Let's get you back in bed. We can talk about it if you want, yeah?”

--------------------------

Nick had found that if he laid on his right side, Charlie could get behind him, and they could share a pillow. The bedroom window had remained cracked open after the accident several hours prior, giving the room enough of a chill to warrant the boys sharing a blanket. Nick was sound asleep, the combination of painkillers and concussion symptoms were still making him sleep twelve to fourteen hours a day. 

Charlie watched his boyfriend sleep. Watching the gentle rise and fall of his chest, gave the indication the larger boy was at peace, but Charlie knew that wasn't the case. The drummer didn't know what was going on. Too many things didn't add up. Nicholas Nelson seemed to switch between three different versions of himself. The first version of Nick had been acting cold and distant at times, to both Sarah and him. It even borderlined on anger or hostility. The second version seemed sad and scared, especially when there was the potential for him to be by himself. Or his pain flared up, which did make sense to Charlie. The third Nick Nelson was close to normal, just a lot more clingy. Not that Charlie minded in the slightest. 

I wish he'd just talk to me. 

It was very unlike Nick to hold anything back. The pair had spent countless hours talking about all the various aspects of their lives. Charlie Spring was worried about his boyfriend. More than ever before. 

--------------------------

“You hungry?” Charlie asked a sleepy looking rugby player. Nick was starting to wake up again, and it was early evening. 

Nick lifted his head off the pillow, blinking out the sleep, and looked at his boyfriend. “Did I ever tell you that I love you?”

Charlie blushed, even after hearing it countless times. “Yep. Definitely. But I like the reminders.”

Yawning, Nick carried on. “Good, because I like saying it. I love you Charlie Spring.”

The doubts Charlie had while watching his boyfriend sleep an hour earlier seemed to have left his mind completely. “And I love you. Now, are you hungry?”

Nick tilted his head to think. “Actually, yeah. I'm quite starving in fact.”

Charlie set his laptop and chemistry book down, getting up off the bed. “Your mum left us quite a bit. Anything you fancy tonight?”

“I'll let the chef choose. But, um, if you could, another pill would be great.” Nick said, sounding almost shy. 

Charlie looked at his phone. There were forty seven minutes left on the timer. He remembered a note from the doctor that said sometimes keeping the pain at bay before it got worse was a good idea.

“Absolutely.” Charlie looked back as he crossed the bedroom. “Anything else?”

“I could really go for a kiss from my boyfriend.” Nick confidently answered.

Charlie retraced his steps back to the bed, leaned down and kissed the taller boy, eagerly waiting for him. Nick pushed in, deepening the kiss. 

“Whoah, now. Don't start anything you can't finish.” Charlie said, breaking his lips away. 

“But Charlie.” Nick drew out the final syllable in his boyfriend's name. “I need more. For my recovery. Doctor said I needed to do things that were familiar.”

Charlie crossed his arms over his chest, faking a stern look on his face. 

“Nick Nelson, you are ridiculous!” Charlie laughed loudly, unable to keep up his attempted ruse. “Besides, you know I'd kiss you, regardless of what the doctor said.”

“I don't know if I do. You should prove it.” Nick really thought he was being clever. 

“Food first!” Charlie answered, quickly darting out the door. 

“Charlie! Get back here!” Nick shouted after his boyfriend, with laughter mixed in. 

--------------------------

After delivering Nick's painkillers and water bottle, Charlie stood in the Nelson kitchen, refrigerator and freezer open at the same time. 

Wow, Sarah really went all out. There's enough here for a month!

Charlie settled on a pizza. One of Nick's favorites. He set the oven, and waited a few minutes for it to warm up. He checked his phone for the first time in a few hours. He had over a dozen unread messages. 

Tao: I can imagine it now. Our own Doctor Charles Spring is taking very good care of the injured Nick Nelson. 

Darcy: Tao, you're taking this playing doctor thing way too far. Is there something personal you want to share with the class? 

Isaac: He's totally projecting. 

Tara: Elle, you could control him by just putting on a doctor costume. 

Tao: I am not! 

Elle: My Halloween costume idea list just became much smaller. 

Tao: This isn't fair! 

Charlie looked at some of his other messages. 

Mum: Hi Charlie. Is everything OK? Do you need anything? How is Nick? 

Charlie: Hi! We're all good here. Thank you for checking. I appreciate it. It means a lot. ❤️

-x-

Sarah Nelson: Hi Charlie. Sorry to be a bother. We've arrived, and things are busy, but I wanted to see how Nick is doing. 

Charlie: He's OK. Been sleeping a lot. Making him some food now. Thank you for checking up on us. 

Sarah Nelson: I don't want you to worry and I hate to ask. But there's a chance I have to stay one more night. Is that alright? 

Charlie: Yeah, that's OK. Just please call my parents. 

Sarah Nelson: It's not for sure yet, but yes, I'll call. 

-x-

Dad: Charlie, we're all thinking about Nick. Hope you both are doing well. 

Charlie: Thanks Dad. We're good here.

-x-

Tao: I resent these accusations. 

Darcy: Did we get too close to the truth? 

Tao: No! I just want Charlie to have some fun. It can't be easy to have to take care of that oaf. He'd crush Charlie! 

Charlie: I will have you know Tao Xu, that I have successfully lifted my oaf up off the floor and bed multiple times today. 

Elle: Tao is currently choking after reading that. 

Charlie: Since Tao is so obsessed with my love life, no, I have not played doctor yet. Probably not safe right now. Nick's pretty bad, even if he won't admit it. 

Isaac: Charlie, that doesn't sound good. 

Charlie: Forget it. Just me being weird. 

Darcy: Wait, not safe? What kind of things do you two do? 

Darcy: Never mind, don't tell me! I don't need mental images of our sweet and innocent Charlie being corrupted! 

Charlie: What makes you so sure it's me that's being corrupted? 

Tara: One more word from either of you and I'm tossing my phone out the window. 

--------------------------

Charlie had thrown a pizza in the oven, and set a timer on his phone. He started heading back up to Nick's room, still scrolling on his phone, when he heard a voice talking. It was Nick, talking to Nellie, of all things. Charlie stayed silent, eavesdropping on the conversation between boy and dog. 

“It hurts so much girl. I don't know what to do sometimes. I just want to get up and take care of myself. I know, I can't, and that doesn't make sense. I hate that I'm forcing him to do it. He shouldn't have to. I'm trying to make it easier for him, but sometimes I just can't. It hurts, so, so bad. You guys shouldn't have to deal with me like this. I'm sorry Nellie. I'll make it up to you girl. And mum. And Charlie. I promise.”

Charlie silently went back down to the kitchen, shocked by what he had heard. Nick wasn't forcing him to do anything.

What's Nick thinking? He's not forcing me. I love him so much, it's awful seeing him like this. I'll text Geoff later. He could help. 

Charlie's thoughts crashed to a halt when his phone alarm went off, causing him to jump in shock. 

--------------------------

The two boys and border collie found themselves laying together in a bed that was at its capacity with the three of them. Eating, watching yet another Marvel movie at Nick's insistence, and chatting. Charlie wasn't able to shake what he accidentally overheard out of mind. He made a mental note to text his therapist later that night, and hopefully talk to his boyfriend tomorrow morning. 

--------------------------

After they had finished eating, Nick had fallen asleep. While Charlie cleaned up and took their dinnerware down to the kitchen, Nellie took the opportunity to get in some snuggle time with her injured best friend, taking up any remaining room between Nick and the edge of the bed. Charlie sighed, and decided that he could actually get some more coursework done, since he didn't have much else to do. He opened his history text, and grabbed a well worn notebook and pen. Before getting to work, he silenced the alarm for Nick's next round of painkillers, since his boyfriend was fast asleep.

Several hours later, Charlie could feel Nick start to squirm at the other end of the bed. Nellie didn't take kindly to her nap being disturbed, so she got up and trotted off. 

“Hey you up there. How are you feeling?” Charlie asked his semi awake boyfriend. 

Nick's head was pounding again. His ribs were burning. It was bad. The only good news was that his elbow and knee weren't too bad. 

“I'm fine.” Nick lied. He felt guilty about the lie, but he didn't want Charlie to worry. Not after the fall that morning. 

Charlie only raised a single eyebrow, displaying his obvious doubt.

“I said I'm fine.” Nick reiterated, hoping his boyfriend would believe him. “But I gotta use the loo”

Charlie got up, and was ready to help his boyfriend off the bed and get him to the washroom. He extended a hand down to assist. “OK, let's go.”

“Charlie, if there's one thing I can do by myself, it's the loo.” Nick replied, clearly annoyed.

“What?” Charlie watched in confusion as Nick swatted his hand away, and struggled to get himself into a sitting position. 

He slapped my hand. 

“I said I can do this on my own.” Bitterness and anger coated each of Nick's words, as he continued to pull himself up, clearly in pain. “Get out of my way, and let me do this.”

“What's wrong with you Nick?” Charlie asked, still shocked by what was happening. 

Nick glared at the shorter dark haired boy in front of him. His head felt like it was about to explode. His ribs were screaming in pain. “Are you deaf or just fucking stupid? I said get out of my way, so I can take a piss!”

“Move arsehole!” Nick yelled again, after his boyfriend appeared glued to the spot. 

Charlie was stunned. Nick Nelson had never spoken to him like that before. There was an anger in his boyfriend's voice that was so foreign. Nick's voice was always so supportive, so kind, and full of feeling. Yet that familiar voice had been tainted. It had been directed straight at him, speaking vile words with such anger, frustration, and pain. 

“No. Tell me what's going on.” Charlie stood his ground. He wasn't going to let whatever was happening continue. 

In an instant, something changed. Gone was the person that had just unleashed such horrible words. In their place, was a broken 17 year old man named Nick Nelson. Nick's face was bright red, eyes watering, and a look of shame painted clearly across his face. Charlie Spring didn't hesitate for a second. The person in front of him was about to break. Charlie quickly enveloped his boyfriend in a careful yet meaningful hug. He felt Nick's face crash into his neck, spilling the tears that had barely been contained. The sobbing that emanated from his boyfriend made Charlie's heart strain with his own kind of pain, but he stayed quiet. 

“I'm so sorry. I didn't mean it. Charlie. Char. I love you so much. Please, I'm so sorry.” Nick stammered out between bouts of shallow breaths and crying. “I'm sorry, Charlie. I'm sorry. I love you.”

Charlie knew all too well what had happened. His own personal experiences gave him the insight to understand. That person moments prior was not his Nicholas Nelson. That was a Nicholas Nelson in pain. A lot of pain, physical and emotional. A Nicholas Nelson still in the early stages of recovering from a severe concussion.

“Shhh, Nick, listen to me.” Charlie said, making sure his voice was calm and kind, securing his arms around his boyfriend. “That wasn't you. I know you didn't mean anything that you said. You'd never be like that.”

Nick's sobbing became worse. The reality of how he had just treated the most important person in his world crashed down on him. “Charlie, I'm…I…it's just…I love you so much…and…I said horrible…I almost hit you…I'm an awful…You…hate me…”

Charlie silently guided them both down onto the bed. He sat somewhat upright, and let Nick awkwardly and painfully curl up into his arms. The older boy buried his face into Charlie's sweater, letting the wool absorb his tears. Charlie let Nick cry for a few more moments while gently caressing his boyfriend's back.

“Nick, I love you. One of my biggest hopes is that one day you might understand just how much I love you and how much you mean to me.” Charlie quietly spoke, continuing to hold his boyfriend tight, and moving his hand gently up and down his back. “The Nicholas Nelson that I have been so lucky to call my boyfriend is the kindest and most caring person I have ever met. He's so, so, beautiful, inside and out. He's the most amazing person in the world.”

Had this been any other situation, Charlie and Nick would have laughed about how cringey they were being, and asked yet again, why they were like that. But Charlie knew this wasn't the time.

“He doesn't deserve you.” Nick said, his emotions still spiraling out of control. 

Charlie leaned in, and gently kissed his boyfriend's forehead. “Yes, you do. Since the day we first met, Nicholas Nelson, you've made me so happy. I was so scared at first. To me, you were nothing more than one of those awful year 11 rugby boys who tortured me. But when I sat down next to you, you smiled. It wasn't fake either. You smiled. God, your smile is so beautiful.”

“And…I was…just as awful to you…today.” Nick stammered out.

“You have never been like that. You couldn't. You're not even capable. You're such an amazing person. You became my friend, despite all the negativity from people at school. Then, you kissed me that one night. You took such a big risk. I'm so proud of you Nick. You're so strong. You were so afraid, but you did it. You took me to the beach, and said I was your boyfriend and you wanted the world to know. A bad person could never have done those things.”

“You're always so strong. School, the stuff with your dad, your brother, the stuff in Paris, and even when I was breaking apart last year, you were always there, being such a strong and caring person. You do so much for other people, and you never ask for anything back. You're not awful. You're the opposite. You never could be. You're amazing, more amazing than you know. I love you. I love you so much. I need you in my life. You deserve the whole world Nick Nelson. And the world needs more people like you in it.”

Charlie stopped talking and held his boyfriend, letting him continue to cry into his sweater. 

“It's ok Nick. I'm here. I'm not going anywhere.” Charlie whispered. “I know you're hurting, so bad. I'm still here.”

Charlie kept his hand moving up and down Nick's back. The older boy still crying, and not speaking. 

“I love you Nick. Nothing has changed that.”

“Take your time. I'm here. You're the only thing that matters to me right now.”

The silence, punctuated with Nick's emotional turmoil, continued for several minutes. 

“Charlie.” Nick said, sniffling through his words. “I love you too.”

Charlie let his boyfriend speak. “I love you, and I need you too.”

Nick wiped away some of his own tears. “I am so sorry for what I did tonight. For how I've treated you. You don't deserve that.”

“I've just been, I don't know, so scared since I woke up in the hospital. I've been…so confused.” Nick started to let his true feelings and thoughts that he had tried to hide out. “It hurts, a lot. I haven't told you the truth. I try so hard to not make you worry, I say that I'm fine, and I'm not, and it just gets to be too much. I don't want to be a burden.”

“Oh Nick. You don't have to. I want to help. I want you to get better. I'll do anything it takes.” Charlie explained. “You're not a burden. You never will be.”

“But I've said… done…horrible things to you Char.” Nick was almost trying to focus on what he had done, not why. 

“No, you didn't. That was the pain. Trust me, I know. When I was at the clinic last year, I saw a lot of people in a lot of pain. It makes you do…things that don't make sense.” Charlie was giving it his all. “You've never been anything other than absolutely amazing to me. Regardless of what I was going through, you were always there. Always. You made sure I was ok and got through it. Every time. No matter what. You deserve to have that too. You don't always have to be the one helping everyone. You can be the one getting help too.”

Nick stayed silent for a while. “Thank you Charlie. You're really good at this.”

“I'd do anything for you Nick.”

Chapter Text

“Nick, I love you, a lot. I need you to talk to me, please. Tell me, what’s really going on? I promise, I swear, I still love you, no matter what.” Charlie said, still speaking affirmations to his boyfriend.

The two had laid down in Nick's bed, and had been silent for a while. Charlie was behind his boyfriend, with arms wrapped around the larger boy. Charlie noticed Nick's heart rate had been steadily decreasing, his breathing evening out, and crying almost coming to an end. It was absolutely devastating for Charlie to see Nick suffering. He wished he could take away everything that was hurting his boyfriend, even if it was for only a few moments.

No matter what the younger boy said, Nick knew how he had treated Charlie was horrible. The best he could hope for was to give an explanation that made sense, before the cute, dark, curly haired boy broke up with him. No matter what words had been spoken, Nick was sure Charlie was going to break up with him. He deserved it. Any control Nick had of his emotions was lost.

The tears started to flow again, as Nick was wracked with guilt. “I'm sorry Charlie…and I love you. I need you…to know that. What I said…did…to you wasn't ok…ever. It's just…it's all…it's all just too much. It's like…my head hurts all the time, and I can't even move without everything else hurting…and it makes me so angry, because I just…I want it to stop.”

Charlie stayed silent for a few moments, pondering what he was hearing. He knew his boyfriend had snapped, but it was for reasons far outside of his control. He just wanted to help Nick get through that night’s breakdown, as well as the recovery of his various physical injuries. It was hard on the drummer, to hear the person he loved so much be so upset, and for the lack of a better word, broken. Charlie fought to keep his own emotions in check.

I have to be strong. For Nick. He’s so…this isn’t ok. Please Nick…you need to pull through. I need you.

Charlie placed a kiss on the back of Nick's head, a physical gesture to signal his boyfriend to continue. “And you've been amazing. Better than amazing. But when I can't do something, I get frustrated. Ugh, it doesn't make sense! I know I can't, either…my stuff gets in the way, or it hurts, and that…makes it worse, and I just stop…thinking and the next second…all I know is I'm mad and then I'm…I’m saying…I’m doing…horrible things to you, and now…you’re-”

“Nick, that makes perfect sense.” Charlie interrupted, as Nick began to ramble, becoming more upset and agitated.

Placing another gentle kiss on the top of the red haired boy, Charlie wanted, no, needed his boyfriend to calm down. “I understand.”

Nick's body stiffened. “I wish you didn't Char. I wish nobody knew what this was like. I'd take this a million times if it meant you never did.”

“You're always trying to help. Like a gold-” Charlie moved slightly, so he could place his chin on the back of Nick's head, and not finish his sentence. “You can get help sometimes too.”

Nick sniffed hard, tears continuing to fall, but not from physical pain. It was from the emotional kind. “I want your help. I know the pills work, but they're not enough. You're…you make it bearable, Charlie. Every time you, um, you hold me, it's like the pain melts away a little more. You make me forget how much…it hurts. I want you to help. I need you…to help Charlie. I need you to help make it…stop hurting. But you’re…you’re breaking…up…with me…I deserve it…I deserve it and more…and I don’t know…how I’m going to do…this without you.”

“Nicholas Luke Nelson. Look at me.” Charlie pushed himself up on an elbow so he could look at his boyfriend's face.

Nick didn’t want to open his eyes and look at the boy he had hurt so much. But he knew he had to accept the consequences of his actions. He shifted his weight, rolled to his side slightly, wincing through the pain, and looked at what he was sure was about to be his ex-boyfriend.

“I am not breaking up with you. Nick, I am not breaking up with you. I am not breaking up with you Nick.” Charlie began repeating that fact, over and over. “I am not breaking up with you, and I love you with all my heart.”

Nick only half believed his boyfriend. “I don't believe you.”

“Listen to me.” Charlie continued. “I know you didn't mean those things. It's the pain, Nick. It does things to people. Horrible things. It takes root, and twists and turns their thoughts until nothing makes sense anymore, even without them realizing it. I saw it in the clinic last year. I…I lived it myself.” Charlie doubled down, determined to get through to his boyfriend. “You got hurt Nick. You can't help that. You're not doing these things. Your pain is.”

Charlie realized his words weren't fully effective. He needed to do more. He leaned in, and planted a light and gentle kiss on Nick's lips. “I love you Nick Nelson. You're my boyfriend.”

Nick's tears freely flowed down his face. “I love you too, Charlie Spring.”

Charlie slowly eased himself back down onto the bed, and pulled the rugby player with him closer. As close as he could without putting pressure on the broken ribs. As close as possible, with as much of their bodies touching. Nick needed this. Charlie needed it too. He needed to be absolutely sure his boyfriend felt loved, felt supported, and could begin to heal, both physically and emotionally.

The larger boy's body continued to shudder with his crying. Charlie knew what made more normal moments like these feel deeper. What made him feel safer and more secure. He had told his sleeping boyfriend about it a few days prior, while in hospital. He decided to give it a try, with no ulterior motives or desires, other than love. Charlie pulled his own shirt off, and tossed it on the ground, next to the bed. He pressed his body against Nick's, who was still distraught, and struggling to regain control over his emotions. In a single, gentle motion, he slid the well worn Leeds Rugby t-shirt off his boyfriend before pressing his chest into Nick's back. The warmth of his larger boyfriend's body was a familiar and comforting sensation. Charlie hoped the contact between the two of them would help.

“Charlie?” Nick asked, highly confused by what was happening.

“Shh, it's ok. Just breathe. It's ok.” Charlie answered.

After a few moments, Charlie spoke again. “Hey, tell me something. Anything.”

Nick was absolutely puzzled. He was now shirtless, still crying in bed, while his boyfriend held him. “What?”

Charlie's reply was natural. “Just talk to me. Doesn't matter what it's about. Just talk.”

Nick looked around his room, his mind frozen, unable to comply with Charlie's request, at first. Not until his eyes landed on a small trinket on a shelf. One he was sure Charlie hadn't noticed before. Since things couldn't get much worse, he decided to try it.

“You see that small medal over there? The one behind the blue and yellow rugby one?” Nick directed Charlie's attention to one of his various trophy shelves.

It was one of the more out of the way ones, and Charlie had never really paid close attention to it before. “It's my lowest place out of everything I have. A third place medal.”

“You got third place in rugby?” Charlie asked, the smile on his face just as evident as the amusement in his voice.

“Nope. Not rugby. I took third place in my year four spelling bee.” Nick explained with pride.

Charlie snorted, absolutely amused by the thought of a nine year old Nick Nelson in a spelling bee.

“There is no way!” Charlie forced out between laughs.

“Well, I'll have you know, I earned that medal. I still remember the word I got wrong.”

-----------------------------

Before either boy had realized, almost a full hour had passed, a time filled with Nick boasting about his many smaller trophies or awards, Charlie listening intently to Nick's stories. Charlie's plan has worked. Nick's emotions started to stabilize, and the almost always chipper athlete was beginning to return, gradually replacing the distraught one.

“Charlie.” Nick said, after finishing a taken about a 2nd place invite rugby team tournament.

“Yeah?” The increasingly tired younger boy responded.

“Thank you. I'm so sorry about tonight. I don't know what I did to deserve you.” Nick apologized, yet again.

“Nick, it's ok. I understand. I'm here for you. You're going to get better, I promise. I'm going to make sure you get all the help you need, and before you know it, this whole mess will be just another memory.” Charlie explained.

While Nick was not fully back to his normal self, he was in a far better place than he had been. And he had Charlie Spring to thank for that. “How did you know to do all that for me?”

Charlie wasn't exactly sure how he knew, but he recognized his sources of inspiration. “Well, a lot of that was Geoff. Things I've talked about with him. Back when I was in the clinic, and even now. I only see him once a month, but he's so good at what he does. And then there was your nurse in hospital. That giant, Jacob.”

Nick smiled. He really liked Jacob. He wished he could get in touch and thank the towering rugby player turned nurse. “Did you know the first time I saw him, I was absolutely terrified?”

“Nick Nelson, afraid of a huge guy in the hospital?” Charlie teased his boyfriend.

“Oh absolutely Char.” Nick explained, not hiding his past fear. “And then he spoke. His voice was so calming. Not like yours, nobody can beat that.”

“I know what you mean. Same thing happened when your mum and I met him.” Charlie acknowledged his boyfriend's opinions.

“It was really cool when he told me about his husband. And that he was a rugby player too, even in uni.” Nick added.

“What? He mentioned his husband, which was so awesome, but not that he played. Could that be a future Nick Nelson, A&E nurse then?” Charlie asked.

Nick's answer made him think about his future. “Nah, I don't think I could work in a hospital. Seeing people hurt and sick, it's hard for me, it makes me feel for them. It would be cool to help people like that though.”

Charlie intended to say something, but he broke out in a very long yawn. “Nick, any chance you're as tired as me?”

His boyfriend's answer came with no hesitation. “Char, I've been tired since I woke up in hospital.”

The dark haired drummer pulled his boyfriend closer. “Good. Because I'm right exhausted. I think it's time we turn in.”

“I like that idea. But can you please hold me? I know I took a pill a bit ago, but I meant what I said earlier. They help, but they don't make it all go away. I know I've said I'm ok after I take one, but I really haven't been. Sorry for lying to you.” Nick asked and explained.“When I'm with you, and I'm in your arms, it helps a lot.”

Charlie's answer had multiple points in its purpose. “First of all, no more saying sorry. I've let you get away with that too much today. Second, you don't have to hide what you're feeling. I'm here for you, no matter what. And finally, Nick, you realize that I'm already holding you? I haven't let go in a long time.”

“I know…but…I meant…like hold me more?” Nick knew the idea of what he wanted to say, but couldn't find the exact words.

“I think I get it. Here, hold on.” Charlie replied. He temporarily scooted away from Nick to reposition himself. He went to the edge of the bed, and propped his head and shoulders up on a stack of two pillows while laying on his side. He gently pulled Nick back in, to get the two of them comfortable. Nick was able to get his head onto Charlie's pillow stack. He got his chin and shoulders placed in the bend of Charlie's arm, with their bodies pressed together, yet again. Charlie pulled up the thick yet soft blanket over the top of them, and then draped his other arm around Nick, fully enveloping him, and pushing the rest of their bodies together, from stomach all the way down to their feet.

“This what you meant?” Charlie asked, satisfied with his work.

“Yes. Almost perfect.” Nick said, his voice full of relaxation.

“What do you mean Nelson, almost perfect?” Charlie pretended to be offended.

Nick didn't answer. Instead, he let out a two pitched descending whistle. The following silence was broken by the sounds of paws quickly trotting to Nick's room. Nellie appeared in the doorway, before Nick whistled again, giving the border collie the added encouragement to jump into bed with her two best friends. Nellie settled in, pressing herself into Nick as much as she possibly could.

“Now it's perfect. Thank you Charlie. For everything. I couldn't do this without you.” Nick said with a yawn. “Good night. I love you.”

“Good night Nick. I love you too.”

Chapter Text

Epilogue 1

2 Days Later 

The two Truham boys yet again found themselves in Nick's bed, cuddled up in each other's arms, and joined by Nellie. To Charlie's relief, Nick hadn't picked a Marvel movie. Charlie absentmindedly played with the red hair belonging to the head that was resting on his chest, since he wasn't too interested in the generic action sequences playing out on the screen in front of him. Charlie was content with his current situation. The movie content didn't matter. The company did. 

“Nick, you know your mum is coming home later today. I should probably straighten up.” Charlie said, the reality of the day's schedule setting in. 

Nick let out a groan. “Awww, let's finish the movie first.”

“Ok, deal. But you also need to shower then. I don't want her to think I was slacking.” Charlie countered his boyfriend's offer. 

“Come on, I'm really tired.” Nick continued to whine, feigning fatigue.

Charlie stayed firm with his offer. “Nick, no offense, but you smell. Like, not good.”

“And here I thought my boyfriend liked my smell. That's why he's always stealing my shirts and jumpers.” Nick said back, poking Charlie in the ribs. 

“He usually does, but not when his boyfriend smells like he's wearing week old gym clothes.” Charlie playfully shot back. 

“Ugh, fine. You stay for the rest of the movie, and I'll shower.” Nick caved in. 

“And put new clothes on.” Charlie added. “Or I take Nellie to help me clean.”

Nick laughed as hard as his broken ribs would allow. “Wow, wow Charlie.”

The drummer shrugged. “I know your weaknesses. Your dog and your boyfriend.”

“They're not my weaknesses. They're some of my biggest sources of strength.” Nick bragged. 

--------------------------------------------

Charlie stood in the Nelson kitchen, bin in hand, really wishing he would have been more on top of keeping it clean over the last few days. Not horrible by any means, but it was enough to know that Sarah Nelson would not be happy to see the state of her kitchen. He was about to begin by gathering up the bits of trash, but felt a presence enter the kitchen behind him. Charlie turned around to see a pair of brown, inquisitive, and comforting eyes staring back at him. 

“Nellie girl! Don't suppose you'd like to help, would you?” Charlie asked his boyfriend's canine companion. Instead, the dog laid down, but kept her head raised, just watching Charlie. 

Charlie pulled up his Spotify app, pressed play on a random playlist, before setting it down and starting his task of cleaning up the mess he had left. Occasionally talking to the border collie to break up the monotony of cleaning. 

“Ah, you're the supervisor then. Making sure I do things right?” Charlie asked the dog laying in the doorway, who was still watching her human's boyfriend. 

Nellie let out an audible yawn during the silence between songs emanating from Charlie's phone. The dark haired boy paused, and sat down on the floor next to the furry creature, scratching her ears. 

“You're adorable, you know that? Such a good girl.” Charlie said, making sure his fingers found all of the dog's favorite spots. “If I'm not around, you take good care of Nick, ok?”

The border collie made eye contact with Charlie, seeming to understand what she was being asked. The drummer was happy that Nick had such a caring creature in his life. He knew that he nor Sarah couldn't be around for every moment of Nick's recovery, and knowing Nellie would be there by his side in their stead, was a major relief. Deciding it was time to get back to work, Charlie stood up, but tilted his head to the side, listening for, and hearing, the sounds of the shower running upstairs.

It had been quite an event to get Nick into the shower. Charlie had started with a question, instead of a command or giving directions. ‘How would you like me to help?’ It was a new tactic that had come about after the traumatic outburst and subsequent trauma processing a few nights prior. The boys found that saying things like that helped.

Both boys had become incredibly flustered when Charlie had to help Nick get undressed, and remove the wrap around his ribs. Both were certain that they were the one that blushed more. But Charlie knew he had won out and had the better experience. He had been able to enjoy the view. Until Nick had gotten seated in the shower chair, something they had so he didn't have to stand and potentially fall and get hurt again. Then it was just amusing. And maybe just a bit pathetically adorable. 

Charlie was getting close to finishing his cleaning, but hadn't noticed the shower turning off upstairs. Not until a voice rang down from the second floor. “Charlie! Need your help!”

Charlie paused the music on his phone. “OK, I'll be right up.”

“I'm guessing you're not going to help me with this either?” Charlie asked Nellie, who just tilted her head a bit. “Didn't think so. Do you at least want to supervise again?”

The border collie got up and happily followed Charlie up the stairs and beat him into the bathroom. When Charlie arrived, he saw that Nick had managed to wrap a towel around his waist, and was leaning against the tile wall. Much to the relief of both of them. But Charlie didn't go into the bathroom. He stood in the doorway, just taking in the view. 

“Oi, you gonna just stand there?” Nick joked. 

Charlie smiled at first. “Actually, yeah. I'm doing a bit of sight seeing.”

“You're so cringe Charlie Spring.” Nick very un-seriously scolded his boyfriend. 

“Well, if anything, I think this is your fault.” Charlie tried defending his actions while still eyeing up his dripping wet boyfriend. “I just happen to be going out with a very fit and ridiculously handsome rugby lad. Who looks really good right now.”

Nick's comeback was more serious. “Charlie. I'm getting cold.” 

“Oh, oops. Sorry.” Charlie blurted out, grabbing another towel and quickly started to dry the very wet athlete off.

“I think this is an ok time to use the S Word. You let me get cold and I-” Nick was cut off by a towel playfully, and repeatedly, dragged across his face. 

“All done. Let's get your wrap and braces on.” Charlie said with a smile after removing the towel from Nick's face. 

The shorter boy carefully guided the taller one to a seated position on the toilet, grabbing the towel and making sure the spots he was about to cover were fully dry. Nick lifted up his arms, as far as he could without pain, so Charlie could get his ribs protected. He let Nick do his elbow brace by himself, which went very well. 

“So, I think I need some clothes. It's warm, just grab me some shorts and a shirt, please.” Nick requested. 

Charlie got up from where he was kneeling, and went to the dresser in Nick's room. He grabbed some grey gym shorts and was about to pull a t-shirt out of the drawer when another request came from the bathroom. “Char, can you please get me that red Kent shirt? It's pretty roomy, I think I'd like that today.”

Charlie blushed with embarrassment, even though no one other than Nellie could have possibly seen him. “Ummm, no, I can't.”

“Why?” Nick asked, confusion wrapped around his one word question. 

“Well, umm, it's not here.” Charlie hoped his explanation was enough, while he picked through Nick's clothes. 

There was a short pause before the next question arrived. “So where is it?“

For a moment, Charlie considered lying, but he didn't. “It's, umm, well, it's at my house.”

“Charles Francis Spring. Did you steal another one of my shirts?” The accusation coming from the bathroom had no serious tone to it. Just sounds of amusement. 

“Maybe. Or maybe you left it there.” Charlie tried to deflect in an effort to buy time.

“Oh I absolutely did not. Haven't left a shirt, or anything, at your house since your sister…found my trunks…in your bathroom.” Nick's voice was coated in embarrassment.

Charlie physically shivered at the memory.

At least it was Tori. And not mum or dad. 

“Charlie, did you steal my shirt?“ Nick reiterated his question. 

Charlie just grabbed a random white t-shirt and returned to his unclothed boyfriend waiting in the bathroom. “No, I didn't steal it. I borrowed it. Last month, when you went to your aunt and uncles for the weekend. I just sorta forgot to give it back.”

“And what did you borrow it for? Last time I checked, my clothes are still a bit too big on you.” Nick asked while pulling the shirt on. He managed it just fine, even with the elbow brace. 

“I wore it to bed. I missed you, and it smelled like you, so I, yeah, wore it to sleep.” Charlie sheepishly answered. “Now let's get your shorts and brace on.”

“I don't mind. The shirt. Just, could you please return it soon?“ The redheaded boy asked. 

Nick was about to discard his towel, when he saw Charlie holding the grey shorts. “Um Char, some trunks would be nice.”

“Oh, oops, be right back.” Charlie darted back to Nick's dresser, quickly pulling open a drawer. His eyes were instantly drawn to a certain pair. Plain black. They were his favorite to see on his boyfriend, they helped ‘accent’ things, in Charlie's words. He quickly returned to the bathroom yet again, offering up the additional clothing. 

“Um, Charlie, usually you like pulling those off me, not putting them on.” Nick said, knowing exactly what he was doing. 

Charlie was sure his skin turned the deepest shade of red a human could possibly be.

“Char, I'm just having a laugh. I know we can't.” Nick followed up, while he put them on. “Brace or shorts first?“

Charlie exhaled heavily at the change of discussion topic. “Brace.”

The pair worked together to get the knee brace and shorts on before returning to Nick's bed. 

“What time did my mum say she would get back?” Nick asked, settling in nicely up against his boyfriend. 

Charlie remembered the notes Sarah had left him. “4, I think.”

Nick looked at the clock on the bookcase. “Good, time for one more movie.”

Charlie groaned as his boyfriend pulled the laptop over to them. 

Chapter Text

Epilogue 2

5 days later

Charlie: Nick wants you all to come over at least once before the break is over!

Tara: Is that OK? 

Charlie: Yeah. His mum took him to his first followup for the concussion with the Doctor this morning. He's doing well. Still gets some headaches, gets a touch confused, gets tired a lot, sometimes thinking is hard, but he's getting better. 

Tao: Best thing I heard all day! 

Darcy: Way to go Nick! 

Isaac: How's the other pain? 

Charlie: His ribs are still bad. Arm is getting better, but his knee is still not good. 

Imogen: Boooo! 

Elle: Awww, poor lad.

Tara: It's still ok for us to come round then? 

Charlie: Yeah, I think so. His mum said it's fine. It won't be anything big. Just come over for an hour, say hi, catch up. But nothing big, or too loud. He really misses you all. He won't admit it, but I think he's starting to go a little stir crazy. 

Tao: He still giving you trouble? 

Charlie: Nick is Nick. He's been stubborn at times.

Elle: Not like that one night? 

Charlie: Thank heavens no. I know I didn't tell you much about it, and I'm going to keep it that way. It was pretty intense though, but we're good now. Nothing like that. 

Tara: ❤️

Elle: Any update on when our favorite rugby player can rejoin us here? 

Charlie: Not quite yet. His head is better, but with how bad it was, they don't want him to aggravate it by having him look at screens. 

Isaac: You said you had watched movies together. 

Tao: Those don't actually count as movies. 

Imogen: Charlie, did you let him watch movies? 

Charlie: OK, yeah, he swore he was fine. We took breaks. And he made me let him. 

Tao: Oh my god, he did the pouting thing where he looks like a sad puppy, didn't he?

Imogen: Charlie has no defense against that look. 

Charlie: He doesn't look like a sad puppy when he pouts! 

Elle: Your golden retriever knows how to get what he wants. He did the sad puppy look. 

Charlie: Yeah, he did the pouting thing. I can't help it when he looks so cute 

Tao: 😂

Tara: Knew it. 

Darcy: You doing OK? 

Tara: I was wondering the same thing. Charlie? 

Charlie: I'm good, I promise. It was a lot tougher than I thought. Taking care of him for 3 days. But I'm glad I did. I'm glad it happened. It helped us both, you know?

Charlie: OMG, that sounds terrible. I'm glad I was able to help him, not glad that it happened. 

Darcy: No, I don't. Tara is pretty graceful, and she doesn't play any sports that involve running into other people. 

Tao: Elle's painting is pretty safe. She threw a brush at me once, but I don't think there's much injury risk with art. 

Elle: You deserved that btw. And yes Charlie, that does make sense. You saw him at his most vulnerable, and you both came out for the better. 

Isaac: Tao, how does it feel to have a girlfriend way smarter than you? 

Tao: It's nice. She does all the thinking for us both. 

Darcy: I agree. Tara's the brains in our relationship. Makes things so much easier. 

Tara: That's not true! You're just as smart as me! 

Imogen: It's actually nice to see people other than N & C flirt so hard it makes me want to puke. 

Charlie: We are not that bad! 

Isaac: Yes you are. 

Tao: Yes you are. 

Elle: Sometimes, you are. 

Imogen: Yes you are. 

Charlie: Nick takes back his invite. 

Tao: That is a dirty lie. He misses us, and you said you were at your house, not his. So how would you know? 

Isaac: We have read reports Charlie. You said you were home. 

Darcy: Wait. Charlie may not be lying. We're off school, and he claims he's not with Nick. 

Tara: Suspicious…

Imogen: Very suspicious indeed.

Charlie: Nick may have not taken back his invite.

Tao: Because he never said that? 

Charlie: Yes Tao, because he never said that. He's at his place, resting. Follow up appointment, remember? We thought it would be best if he got some sleep, so I'm at my house. 

Tara: That's good Charlie. You should probably get some sleep too. 

Charlie: It's 3:36 in the afternoon. 

Tara: And how late were you up with Nick? 

Charlie: OMG he can't do that right now! He's not in good shape, and we don't want to risk it. 

Tara: First of all, ew. Second, that is so not what I meant. 

Darcy: My love, why are you so against Charlie getting some love? 

Imogen: I am throwing my phone out the window. 

Isaac: Me too. Maybe we can get a 2 for 1 deal on new ones? 

Imogen: Meet you at the store tomorrow? 

Isaac: Sure. 

Charlie: Why are you all like this? 😂

Tara: What I MEANT was that you probably had to do quite a bit more than just cuddle your boyfriend for a few days. You're probably tired.

Charlie: I definitely did. We weren't up too late though. Nick actually slept quite a bit. But yeah, I am tired. 

Tao: Self care? Need a little bro time with your supportive straight best friend™? 

Charlie: Actually, that sounds like fun. Isaac, you in? 

Isaac: Sure. 

Charlie: I mean, y'all are invited to whatever Tao wants to do too. 

Tao: What do you want to do? 

Charlie: It's been a few days since I've seen you guys, but I'm kinda tired. Want to meet up at the park and just hang out? 

Elle: We'll see you there. 

Darcy: On our way. 

Isaac: Getting shoes now. 

Charlie: You're the best. ❤️

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Charlie: Thanks guys, I really needed that. It was fun. Just wanted to let the greatest friends of all time know how awesome they are. Looking forward to seeing you at Nick's soon.

Chapter Text

Epilogue 3

9 days later

Nick Nelson was going absolutely stir crazy. He had been stuck inside his house for nearly two straight weeks. The only escapes from what he called his ‘confinement’ were to doctors appointments. At least the appointment that morning brought good news. His elbow sprain had not been nearly as severe as they initially thought, and it had almost fully cleared up. The 17 year old rugby player was ecstatic to learn he was done wearing the brace. The improvements in Nick's life from no longer needing the brace were immense. It made moving on his crutches easier. He could do more of his own self care, having both arms available. However, Nick was most excited that the lack of an elbow brace made two specific activities easier and far more comfortable. It was easier to pet and hold Nellie, and it made the time he spent curled up with Charlie far more comfortable. 

With permission from his doctors to return to very light physical activity, he got permission from his mother to go over to Charlie's house that afternoon. The two Truham boys found themselves in Charlie's room, just spending time together. Nick was sitting upright in Charlie's bed, nestled up against the wall. The younger musician was seated at his drum kit, quietly tapping out various rhythms and combining parts to see what he could create. 

Nick was whining. “I don't want school to start up again.”

“We still have one more day.” Charlie reminded him. 

“Ugh, don't remind me, Charlie.” Nick took the exact opposite meaning of his boyfriend's words. Nick grabbed a pillow and hugged it, purposefully pouting in an effort to manipulate his boyfriend. 

Charlie didn't fall for it. “You'll get to see everyone again. You loved having them all over yesterday.”

Nick huffed, knowing he wasn't getting what he wanted. “That was nice. Made me feel kinda normal again.”

Nick had some fears about returning to school in his condition. He knew that it would all be ok in time, but the looming changes made him nervous. He knew he should probably talk it over with his boyfriend. Both boys felt like their relationship was stronger after the various ups and downs that had occurred over their autumn break, and one of the things that had improved was their communication, especially about things that bothered them. 

“Nick, you've never been normal.” Charlie accented his joke by hitting a crash cymbal. 

Nick hugged the pillow tighter, and exaggerated his pout. He made sure to make direct eye contact with his boyfriend. They both liked to joke, but Nick really needed to talk.  “Charlie, can you please come here? I want to talk to you about something.”

Charlie noted the change of tone in Nick's voice. He needed to talk. Charlie set his drumsticks down, and powered off his electric drum kit. Charlie slid onto the bed next to Nick, and took the larger hand into his, intertwining their fingers. 

“Hey. What's bothering you?“ Charlie wanted to know. He was ready to listen and provide whatever support he could. 

“So, it's school. It's not just that I don't want to go back. It's like, how am I going to do it?” Nick asked. “The crutches suck. I've got stuff to carry. My ribs are still killing me.”

Charlie pondered for a moment. “Good question. Do you want me to help you out on Monday?“

“Yeah, that would be nice. We don't have many classes together, but even just helping with my bag would be cool.” Nick answered, knowing Charlie would do anything in his power to help. 

“What about your crutches?” Charlie asked, gesturing to the metal tools propped up against the bed. “You haven't been moving around with them much. Want some practice?” 

Nick smiled. “That's a really good idea!”

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Charlie and Nick stood on the walkway outside of Charlie's house. Getting Nick down the stairs was still a chore. Luckily, there were no stairs at Truham. Tori and David casually overlooked from a second floor window. Tori's phone was ready to dial 999 at a moments notice. 

“Well, I guess I'll go over here. You come to me. Go slow, no rush.” Charlie explained, walking a handful of paces away from Nick. 

The redhead athlete shifted his weight onto the crutches, lifted his left leg up, and moved towards his boyfriend. He made the trek with almost no issue. Charlie wanted to hug his boyfriend, but didn't want to embarrass him. Or knock him over. 

“OK, that wasn't bad.” Nick said, looking relieved. 

“I guess those big rugby muscles have more than one use!” Charlie resumed poking fun at Nick.

“Well, I guess they won't be used to hold my mean boyfriend, if they only have two uses.” Nick teased back. 

Charlie cleared his throat in a dramatic manner. “Excuse me, I believe I misspoke. I meant to say those big rugby muscles have…um…more uses?”

Nick laughed at Charlie's attempt at correcting himself. “Definitely what my boyfriend meant to say. Can we do that again? You go further this time.”

Charlie walked away, this time going about twice the distance. “OK Nelson, show me what you've got!“

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“Feel better?” Charlie asked the tired rugby player sitting next to him on the front step of the house. Nick wanted to keep going, but Charlie had convinced him they had enough practice for the day. And they both knew Nick's mother was on her way to pick him up. 

Nick leaned over, letting his head slump down onto the dark haired boy's shoulder. “Yeah. Thank you Charlie.”

Charlie let his own head slide and rest on his boyfriend's. “Of course. I'm here for you, always.”

Both of them noticed Sarah Nelson's car turn at the end of the road. 

“I love you Nick. See you tomorrow?” Charlie asked. 

“Love you too Char. And yeah, I'd like that.” Nick answered, before kissing his boyfriend goodnight.

-------------------------------------------

Charlie: We're going out tomorrow. 

Nick: No way! We are?

Charlie: Yep. 

Nick: ❤️❤️❤️

Nick: Where are we going? 

Charlie: It's a surprise. My lips are sealed. 

Nick: 🙁

Charlie: Pout all you want. I'm not saying anything. 

Nick: 🙁🙁

Charlie: Nope. 

Nick: Nellie says she wants to know. 

Charlie: How dare you use her against me. 

Nick: Did it work? 

Charlie: No. 

Nick: 🙁

Charlie: I am immune to your charm. 

Nick: I have a concussion. I am confused. I need to know where we're going. 

Charlie: Nick…

Nick: Too far? 

Charlie: Yes. 

Charlie: Don't you dare say it. 

Nick: Say what? 

Charlie: Now I'm feeling guilty. 

Nick: And? 

Charlie: OK, fine. You get a hint. Bring your crutches, a blanket, and Nellie. 

Nick: And? 

Charlie: That's all you get. 

Charlie: Go to sleep, you're going to need some rest. 

Nick. Alright. Good night Charlie. I love you. 

Charlie: Good night. I love you too. 

-------------------------------------------

Charlie's plan of keeping their date destination a secret was encountering some disruptions. He wanted Nick to close his eyes, but being on crutches made that near impossible. Charlie tried to hide their destination by being distracting, or even trying to block his boyfriend’s view, but between the crutches and holding onto a happy Nellie at the end of her leash, Charlie didn't have another choice than to give up. 

“Ugh, I wanted this to be a surprise.” Charlie admitted defeat, holding Nellie's leash in one hand, and giving up on distracting Nick. 

“Charlie, it's ok. If it means spending time with you, I’m happy.” Nick replied, moving down the sidewalk easier than either of them had anticipated. 

“Ok, fine. It’s nothing special. But we’re going to the park. By that tree. Where we took Nellie that one time.” Charlie explained.

Nick was beaming. “Char, that’s perfect.”

“Really?” Charlie was skeptical. He had just wanted to get Nick out of the house.

“Yep. Almost as perfect as you.” Nick confirmed.

Charlie blushed. “I’m not perfect.”

Nick doubled down. “You’re perfect for me.”

Chapter Text

Epilogue 4

10 days later 

“You ready?” Charlie asked his very nervous boyfriend sitting on the bus seat next to him.

Nick didn’t respond right away. He just squeezed his boyfriend’s hand several times in rapid succession, while continuing to stare out the window.

“You’ve got this. You’ve been so good on crutches. Your mum called the head office, and it’s ok if you’re late to class. I’ll help you carry anything. You can ask me for anything.” Charlie tried consoling his boyfriend.

“Yeah, I’ve got this. You’re right, I’ve got this.” Nick finally responded. “I just don’t want people to stare.”

Charlie perked up, ready to support his boyfriend. “Nick, people stared at us for weeks after Paris. I think that was worse. What got you through?” 

Nick didn't hesitate to answer. “You. And our friends.”

“Exactly. And we'll do it again.” Charlie added. “You ready?”

Nick Nelson stood up, securing his crutches under his arm “Sure.”

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“Nick, need a hand?” Tao approached the rugby player as soon as the bell rang to end their English literature class. 

“Yeah, could you grab my bag for a moment, until I get up.”  Nick asked, boosting himself up from the uncomfortable chair, and started making his way to the door and his next class.

“You good?“ Tao asked the boy who was moving away, but without his school bag.

Nick laughed. “Oh, I might need that.”

Tao quickly caught up to his best friend's boyfriend, but didn't hand over the bag. He held onto it, and walked next to the injured athlete. “All good mate. You've got chem next, right? I'm two rooms down. As your boyfriend's supportive heterosexual best friend, I feel obligated to make sure you get there safely and on time.”

Nick laughed again, even harder. “Well, if you're obligated, I can't refuse your help!”

-------------------------------------------

A pair of voices rang out in the hall. “Oi, Nick! Wait up!”

Nick paused and pivoted a bit, to see Christian and Sai, two of his rugby teammates, and friends, pushing through the crowd to get to him. “Hey lads! How's it been?”

“We're good Nick, we're good. You?” Both boys quickly took up positions on each of Nick's sides. 

“Well, I've been better.” Nick chuckled, “But overall, I'm ok. Could use a bit of help though. I've got maths next, and this bloody corridor is packed.”

“Say no more. We're used to blocking for you on the field, what's a crowded corridor?” 

Nick didn't even have a chance to say thank you before his teammates pushed ahead of him, breaking apart the crowd so their team captain could get through.

-------------------------------------------

Nick was bored to tears in maths that day. Yet another review lesson. Normally, he would have welcomed it, but Charlie's insistence on helping him get ahead made that day's work almost useless. He felt his phone vibrate in his pocket, and decided to take a risk and check it. 

Charlie: I miss you. 

Charlie: You doing OK?

Nick: Miss you too. And yeah, it's been good actually. 

Charlie: Want a quiet lunch? Recover a bit? Mr. Ajayi's room? 

Nick: It's a nice day. Courtyard would be cool. 

Charlie: Ok! And probably for the best. Mr. Ajayi has been wanting more privacy at lunch. Kinda weird. 

Nick was about to respond when a booming voice rang out. “Mr. Nelson! We don't allow phones during class. You're obviously just that entranced by your work, correct?“

Nick swallowed hard, out of embarrassment, and stealthily put his phone away. “Yes sir, just concentrating.”

-------------------------------------------

Charlie: Where are you? We're in the courtyard waiting. I even grabbed your lunch. 

Nick: On my way. Leaving the nurse's office now. 

Charlie: What's wrong? 

Nick: Ribs hurt. Stopped in to take a pill. Mum dropped some off. Didn't mean to scare you. 

Charlie: Need some help? 

Nick: I should be ok. See you in a few. ❤️

-------------------------------------------

“Charlie, can you grab my bag? Oh, and my water?” Nick asked while involuntarily standing up the second the bell rang to signal the end of their lunch period. Tao and Isaac had already left, since their classes were in very different parts of the school. But Nick and Charlie had history together. The only class other than their morning form they had together. 

“Already did.” Charlie said, already standing at Nick's side, both items in hand. 

“I wouldn't say no if you offered to carry them too.” Nick was being cheeky on purpose, trying to see what he could get away with. 

“Nick, are you trying to take advantage of your incredibly supportive boyfriend?” Charlie teased his boyfriend. 

“I would never. He's told me I'm a perfect gentleman.” Nick replied, feigning offense.

The pair quickly made their way to the history block, but Nick stopped short, on purpose. When Charlie looked back, Nick gestured with his eyes towards an empty supply closet to his left.

Charlie rolled his eyes. “Absolutely not, Nelson. We're already late, and if you fell over and got hurt, we'd be in it pretty deep.”

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After the final bell rang, Nick sat on a bench out in front of the school, letting the sun coat him in its heat. His eyes were closed, resting, which made him unaware of his boyfriend's approach until the drummer sat down next to him. 

“Hi.” Charlie said to what looked to be a very tired Nick, before grabbing his hand. 

“Hi.” Nick replied, not opening his eyes, but squeezing the hand that was currently holding his. 

Charlie broke the silence first. “Tired?” 

“Very. That was a long day.” Nick explained, finally opening his eyes to look at the boy seated next to him. 

Charlie scooted a bit closer. “Everything go OK?” 

“Yeah, actually.” Nick answered. “Really well. Everyone was cool about everything.”

“Wow, that was very descriptive.” Charlie smiled at the incredibly detailed description Nick had provided. “Your mum isn't gonna be here for a few. You could elaborate.”

Nick had almost forgotten about that day's doctor appointment. Yet another follow up. But it was a dual purpose appointment. The concussion and his knee were on the docket. 

“Ha, funny.” Nick verbally poked back at Charlie. “But yeah, it was actually a really good day. Nobody really stared. You guys were all super cool about helping me make it through ok. And my ribs don't hurt as bad as I thought they would.”

“Nick, that's great!” Charlie exclaimed before giving Nick a quick kiss. 

Nick raised an eyebrow. “Oh so the bench out in public is fine, but when I try to drag my devilishly handsome boyfriend into a closet to make out, it's a hard pass?”

“Absolutely. We said no making out at school after we got caught the last time.” The drummer was sure he was morally correct, and was enjoying every second of it. “What I did was pure and innocent. I did that because I was happy for you.”

“Wow, Charlie, just wow.” Nick was determined to defend his actions, no matter how wrong his comparison had been. It was fun. “I just wanted to have a bit of fun. And I'll remind you that you're not so pure and innocent.”

“And I'll remind you, Nick Nelson, that we got caught three separate times last term, and we were lucky to not get suspended. Or have them call home.” Charlie was sure he was winning the duel of words the two of them were currently in.

“But I missed you.” Nick tried an underhanded tactic. 

“And I missed you too. Doesn't mean what you were trying to do was ok.” Charlie thought he scored another victory. 

“Charlie, you are the worst!“ Nick caved, erupting in laughter while throwing his arms around the younger boy and pulling him in for a hug, before wincing. “Ow, ok, too much.”

“Now just imagine that happening in a closet.” Charlie tried his hand at a scolding. 

Nick shook his head. “Would have been worth it.”

“Nick! You're terrible!” Charlie joined his boyfriend in a fit of laughter. 

The moment of laughter and relaxation was broken by the sound of Sarah Nelson's car approaching. 

“Nick, good luck at your appointment. Let me know how it goes. Love you.” Charlie quickly said, his boyfriend getting up to leave. 

“Love you too Char. I'll text you. See you tomorrow.”

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Nick: Guess who only has one more level of concussion protocol to clear! I'm almost done! 

Charlie: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Nick: Come over? 

Charlie: Nick, it's late, I can't. I wish I could. 

Nick: :'(

Charlie: How's the knee? 

Nick: It's getting there. Doc says I'm healing well. I might be able to drop down to a single crutch in a week or two. 

Charlie: 🤞🤞🤞

Nick: I'm also going to start physiotherapy soon. I want to make sure I'm going to be able to play rugby in the spring. 

Charlie: That sounds smart. I hope it works. 

Nick: The physio people here are really good. They actually work with the Kent team. 

Charlie: That's so awesome! 

Nick: I'm about to nod off. Just wanted to say good night, and I love you Charlie. ❤️

Charlie: Good night! I love you too, Nick. ❤️

Chapter Text

Epilogue 5

5 months later

“Nick, you ok?” Charlie asked, incredibly concerned about what he had just found. The boyfriends had talked about what they thought would happen that day. They both were pretty sure there was nothing to worry about. Everything would be fine. Nick Nelson swore he could handle what was coming. Charlie Spring had concerns, but was confident that his boyfriend had the courage to face what was coming. 

School had ended for the day, and it was the day that spring rugby practice started. The first day Nick Nelson would be on a rugby pitch since the day he was severely injured several months prior. On his way, Charlie had stumbled across Nick, sitting on a bench outside the changing rooms, arms wrapped around his legs, with knees up against his chin. The older boy was staring off into the distance, clearly lost in his own head. 

“Oh Nick, are you OK?“ Charlie asked again, while sitting down, and clearly startling his boyfriend. 

“Charlie!” Nick almost yelled, after being scared back to the present.

Charlie grabbed Nick's hand. “It's OK. It's natural to be scared.”

Nick resumed staring off at the horizon. “Doesn't make sense, Char. I've been looking forward to this for months. I've been through physio. I've been tossing the ball around with you and Nellie. I've been so excited to finally play again, but when I got here, I…it's like I shut down.”

“Makes perfect sense. The last time you were out here, it wasn't a good day.” Charlie started to help Nick talk through something that was clearly bothering him.

“Charlie, I barely remember that day. I remember going out onto the pitch, but after that, it's only flashes of things. I probably won't ever remember either.” Nick explained, gaze still fixated on the horizon. 

No matter how hard he had tried, Nick Nelson couldn't remember the events that led up to the most painful and frightening day of his life. He clearly remembered that the weather had cooled off. It was sunny that day, but with a much cooler temperature and a refreshing breeze. He changed into his kit with the rest of the team. They had been looking forward to the ‘grudge match’ as they had started to call it. 

He remembered giving his team a short pep talk before taking the pitch. He remembered smiling and waving at Charlie moments before the game started. But that's where his memory faded into nothing but short and intense flashes. Pain, shouts, loud sounds, and then nothing until he woke up in a hospital bed the next day. Nick had asked others to tell him what happened, but they always gave him vague descriptions. After a while, the team captain started to believe that not hearing and knowing the details of how he had gotten injured was a blessing. 

Charlie scooted closer, still holding his boyfriend's hand, but wrapped his other arm around the shoulders of the boy in crisis. “And that's scary by itself. Not remembering things. You may not ever find the memories of what happened, but you do have the memories of what happened after. That wasn't a good time for you.”

“Not really, no.” Nick replied. 

Charlie paused for a few seconds. He needed to find the right words to help the frightened team captain next to him. “Nick, do you think you're ready, physically, to do this?”

“One hundred percent.” Nick didn't even hesitate. “I'm sure I'm stronger now than I was last year. The physio team was amazing. And I've been hitting the gym too. I'm good to go.”

Charlie didn't need to hear about Nick's physical growth. He knew all about it, and wasn't complaining about Nick's gym regiment. He needed his boyfriend to hear it, out loud. “So you know your body is ready.”

“No doubt.” Nick's next answer also came without a single moment of hesitation. “It's just…I'm scared. I don't want to go through that shit again.”

“So what else can you do? Your body is ready. Better than it was, even.” Charlie took a gamble, and challenged Nick's thinking, in an effort to boost his confidence, and realize that he was physically and mentally strong enough to go out and play the game that he loved. 

“I need to get out of my head. I'm stuck. I'm spiraling.” Nick said, recalling the many conversations the two of them had in preparation for this moment. 

“It's ok to be scared. It's ok to have doubts and concerns. But what do you do when they take over?” Charlie was surprised by how much he was sounding like his therapist. 

“Remember that I'm ready. Remember all the work I put in to get here. Remember why I want to play.” Nick answered. 

“See, you've got this!” Charlie was excited to see his boyfriend process and work through his own mental blocks. 

“Well yeah, you did a lot to get me to this point. So did the physio team. I've got to go play!” Nick said, spirits clearly rising. 

“There he is, there's my confident and handsome boyfriend.” Charlie still provided the support that he knew Nick needed.

Nick only slightly blushed. “I'm only confident because of the people that helped me get here, and you lads out there on the field. You've done so much, and I owe you a ton. 

“Nick.” Charlie started to say before quickly kissing his boyfriend. “You owe me nothing.”

The redheaded captain looked serious for a moment. “Yes, I do. You saw me at the one of the lowest points in my life Char, and you did everything you could to help me get here. I don't know if I could have done that without you.”

“You're strong Nick, but nobody is strong enough to do everything by themselves.” Charlie acknowledged Nick's feelings.

“You know, you were awesome Charlie. But the physiotherapy team was too.” Nick started to talk, but Charlie didn't know what point his boyfriend was trying to make. “Remember when you asked me if I saw myself in that giant nurse I had in hospital? And I said it would be nice to help people who were banged up like me, but I didn't like hospitals?”

Charlie nodded in silent acknowledgement.

“What if I could do that? You know, help people who got hurt playing a sport, and get them back to it?” Nick asked. 

Charlie kissed his boyfriend again. “Nick, that sounds exactly like something you'd be good at. You're always trying to help, and you're a great athlete. You'd be so good at it!”

Nick laughed nervously before pulling himself and his boyfriend up off the bench, and towards the change rooms. “OK, enough about the future. As your team captain, it's my job to make sure my players aren't late for practice. And you, Charlie Spring, are very close to being late for practice!”

Charlie playfully slugged Nick's shoulder. “Oh that is so not fair!”

Chapter Text

Epilogue 5.1

Nick Nelson stared at the ceiling of his dorm room, which was still spinning. Normally, that only happened when his anxiety got the best of him. A problem that was becoming more and more frequent during his first year at Leeds University. He would have said yes, he was adjusting to life so far from home just fine, but at some point, he wasn't fine anymore. The pressure from piles of coursework, rugby practices, and a long distance relationship had begun to take its toll. Things that wouldn't have bothered Nick suddenly did, sending ripples of worry through his head, and dominating his thoughts. 

The redheaded man felt the familiar sensation of sweat forming on his forehead, but it had nowhere to escape to. He squeezed his eyes shut, dreading the conversation that he knew was heading his way. The negative thoughts were a whirlwind that consumed the rugby player's mind. What started as a worry dominated his thoughts. He was certain of what was going to happen. 

Charlie is breaking up with me. He should break up with me. I don't deserve him. I fucked this up pretty bad. He deserves better. 

Nick was supposed to have gotten on a train back to Kent. Instead, he stopped at his dorm, intending to take a quick nap after a particularly grueling rugby practice, at the end of an intense week of academics and athletics. What was supposed to be forty five minutes of rest had accidentally turned into just over two hours, a missed train ride, and an invalid ticket. Nick had tried frantically to rebook, online and even calling the station directly, but everything had already been booked. No open seats. He should have called, but settled for a message, since he was feeling particularly disgusted with himself. 

Nick realized the severity of his mistake after receiving only a message back from Charlie, saying he had gotten a train ticket to Leeds. He didn't need a ride or anyone to get him from the station. He had booked an Uber to bring him to campus. There was only one reason for his boyfriend to do that. 

Fuck, I'm such an idiot! He means more to me than that. 

Nick felt the sweat on his forehead begin to drip down the sides of his head, and mix with the tears he didn't know were present until they made their way down the sides of his face. The crushing reality of his situation was all he could think about, and in the rugby player's mind, the consequences were justified. It wasn't going to be just any return home trip for Nick. Charlie had FaceTimed him earlier in the week, holding a very official looking envelope from Leeds University. They planned on opening it together, and depending on its contents, starting to plan what the following year would be like for them as a couple, attending the same university together. 

I just hope he does it quickly. 

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Charlie: 10 minutes out.

Nick Nelson intently stated at the message on his phone screen, attempting to force the tears to stop. The message was so unlike anything his boyfriend had ever sent. Normally, Nick's heart fluttered whenever he got a message from his boyfriend. But not this time. The message was too short, too much to the point, and lacking any sort of emotion. Nick interpreted the lack of emotion as another sign of what was coming. It was far too serious for it to mean anything else. The rugby player was too lost in his own head, and didn't hear the knock on his door until it happened a second time. 

The few paces it took to cross the room seemed like a year long marathon to Nick. Knowing what awaited him on the other side felt like he was marching towards his own execution. When he finished the short journey, Nick opened the door, and while it was exactly what he had expected to see, it still made his heart sink. Right in front of him was who he soon expected to be his ex-boyfriend, Charlie Spring. 

Charlie was greeted by a sight that caused him a great deal of pain. Gone was the tall, proud, handsome athlete. In his place was a man that looked like his soul had been broken. Nick's shoulders were slumped, his eyes red and puffy from countless tears that had been spilled, and worst of all, the look of pain displayed clearly on the normally happy face. 

“Hi.” Nick hoarsely said out loud, the harsh and gravel like tone of his voice had surprised him. 

Charlie didn't wait to even respond. He practically flung himself through the door, and using every ounce of strength he had, pulled his incredibly distraught looking boyfriend into the tightest hug he could muster. Nick's attempts at holding back any more tears was futile, allowing himself to cry freely into the shoulder of the hoodie his boyfriend was wearing. It seemed familiar, and Nick identified it as one of his that he had left with Charlie right before he had moved for the start of university that year. The redheaded man didn't know why he was being hugged, but it hurt to think that this would be the last time he got to experience it. 

“Oh Nick, it's going to be ok.” Charlie whispered, in an effort to calm his boyfriend down. “It's going to be ok.”

Nick Nelson choked out a few words. “No it's not. I know why you're here.”

Charlie Spring tried to hold his boyfriend tighter. “Why do you think I'm here?”

Nick didn't want to answer, but he forced himself to pull away, and sat down on his bed, bringing his knees to his chest, and hugged them. “You're breaking up with me. I messed up, bad, and now you're breaking up with me.”

“Nick, that's not true. I have no intention of breaking up with you. Not now, not ever.” Charlie sat down next to the still incredibly upset man on his bed. “I came because I'm worried about you. So, so worried.”

The rugby player was incredibly confused. “Why?”

Charlie put his arm around Nick. “Well, look at today. You missed your train. That's not like you at all.”

“Which is why you should break up with me. I don't deserve you Charlie.” Nick sniffed, hard, pausing his crying momentarily. 

“Nick. Listen to me. I am not breaking up with you.” Charlie said firmly. He needed his boyfriend to understand. “I came because I'm worried that you're not ok. I don't think you've been OK for a while.”

Nick wasn't sure how Charlie knew. He didn't want to burden his boyfriend with how much stress he had been under, or how it wasn't just stress anymore. “I'm fine. It's just stress.”

Charlie's hand found its way to Nick's knee, and squeezed. “It's not just stress though, right? Not anymore.”

Nick was astounded at how accurate his boyfriend's words were. “How'd you know?”

Charlie pulled Nick into a hug and down onto the bed. “Well, look at today. You absolutely lost it. But I think I noticed maybe a month ago. Your messages, they sounded…not like you. You weren't happy. You were always worried about something. And then you messaged less and less. Yeah, I was kind of upset at first, but when you just were worrying more and more, about your midterms, practice, it kind of made sense.”

Nick's crying intensified again. “I'm sorry Charlie. I didn't want…I didn't want to worry you. And I wanted to come today. I didn't mean to miss the train.”

“And I um…maybe…I talked to your mum. She told me that you were worrying about everything, all of the time. And you know, I know what it's like.”

“I'm sorry about today. I'm sorry about making you worry. But you're right Char. It's just everything seems like too much, and I end up here in bed, or some corner somewhere, and all I can think about is some problem, even if it's nothing, and it just spins and spins in my head, until I feel like I'm spinning, and I sometimes taste metal in my mouth, and I want to hide from everything. And it sucks! It fucking sucks, and it's making everything miserable. I want it to stop.” Nick finished his rant and exhaled sharply. It actually made him feel a tiny bit better finally telling someone about how out of his control his life had seemed to feel. 

Charlie waited a few moments, letting Nick process his emotions and see if there was anything else left to say. “Nick, I love you, and I want to support you any way I can. Have you talked to anyone about this, other than me?”

“Does my mum count?” Nick asked, almost trying to deflect. 

“I don't think so. She's lovely, but this is probably something you need more help with.” Charlie was truthful, just as Nick had been with him two years earlier. 

“It's like we had this conversation before.” Nick observed. 

“Yeah, I suppose we have. But I mean it as much as you did then. I love you so much, and I care about you, and I think it's time to get some help?” Charlie replied. 

“Ok.” Nick acknowledged. “What do I need to do?”

“First, listen to me. No more breakup talk. I'm not, Nick. Now, can you say it? Tell me that I'm not breaking up with you.”

Nick stuttered a few times before finding the words. “You're not breaking up with me.”

“Because I love you, and I care about you.” Charlie added. 

“I love you too Char. What's next?” Nick asked. 

“Now, we breathe for a few minutes. And then we look at the counseling center here on campus.”

Chapter Text

Epilogue 6

About 2 years later

Charlie Spring was on the verge of failing to contain his excitement. The now 18 year old man was barely able to control himself. He had been waiting for this day for a year now. No matter how different the scenery outside of the car window looked compared to his hometown, or how many more people lined the streets, the biggest, and most important change in his life was a mere moment away. It would be a good change, one that would bring new possibilities and open up the path to the rest of his life. It was a day the dark haired boy had been longing for, ever since autumn the previous year. 

Today, Charlie Spring was beginning the next chapter in his life at The University of Leeds. 

Charlie had been devastated the previous year when his boyfriend, Nick Nelson started the same journey. Moving away from their hometown, to the opposite side of the country had hurt in many ways. Both boys knew it was what needed to happen. They vowed to keep their relationship strong, knowing it would be a temporary separation. The long term relationship had brought its ups and downs, but the two boys had remained strong in their commitment to each other, and their dedication was finally going to pay off. They would be attending the same university, at the same time, but in quite opposite settings. 

Nick Nelson had enrolled in the sports medicine program. He had decided he wanted to learn how to care for injured athletes and how to help them recover. The injuries he had sustained playing rugby two years prior, and the various medical professionals who assisted him in his recovery helped him realize the good he could do for other people in similar situations. Nick had also joined the university rugby team after a very successful tryout at the beginning of his first year. By the end of his first season, he was poised to become an impact player in the following year. 

Charlie Spring on the other hand, wasn't 100% positive about what he wanted to study. He had ideas, like music, and even education, but he had been pulled in a different direction during his final year at Truham. He hadn't shared that idea with anyone yet. Charlie wanted to make sure it was what he wanted, and that he'd be good at it. He figured that since it was his first year, he could take the time to figure it all out. 

“Charlie, we're a few minutes away. Are you ready?” Julio Spring asked his son, from the front seat of the car. 

“Yes.” Charlie's answer was simple, yet carried a lot of emotion and meaning. 

-----------------------------------------

“CHARLIE!“ A familiar voice yelled from across the campus road, echoing off the buildings. Nick Nelson had spotted his boyfriend arrive and get out of the car. 

The two men ran towards each other, their bodies creating an audible thud when they made contact. Nick picked his boyfriend up off the ground, wrapping him up in one of the tightest possible hugs they had ever exchanged. 

“You two make me want to vomit. I'm so happy for you. Hello, Nick.” Tori Spring had appeared out of nowhere, greeting her younger brother's boyfriend in a way that only Tori Spring could. 

“Let's get you unpacked.” Nick caught his breath and said, putting his boyfriend back down onto the ground. “I missed you so much.

-----------------------------------------

Charlie couldn't believe how well things had worked out for his housing situation at the University of Leeds. Almost every single new student was placed in one of the older and cramped buildings. That's just how it was. People who lived at the campus got better accommodations. But there were many perks to dating someone on the rugby team. And his housing assignment was one of them.

Nick's position on the team had allowed him to get into one of the nicer and newest buildings, as well as picking his own roommates. Charlie, and the rest of his family opened the door to the apartment, and were stunned to see it in person. It was almost like a regular apartment you could rent out in the city. In the unit, there was a living room and a full kitchen. There were also 4 small bedrooms attached to it. 

“Sorry, the boys are out. Otherwise they'd help unload and move you in.” Nick explained, referring to their other two roommates. They would be sharing the space with two of Nick's rugby teammates and closest friends at Leeds, Liam and Henry. At first, Charlie was hesitant to agree to live with three rugby players. They had a reputation of being rowdy on campus, and Charlie was accustomed to seeing the state of Nick's room back home. The drummer didn't fully believe it would happen, but he couldn't escape a nagging fear that things would be similar to the year he had been outed at Truham.

Nick had worked at convincing his boyfriend not to worry. Both Liam and Henry were some of his closest friends, and he trusted them. His friends took their studies seriously, and weren't the most rowdy type. Charlie felt safer and more at ease when Nick revealed that Liam's younger brother, at the age of 13, had come out as gay, and Liam was fiercely loyal and protective of his brother. 

“Charlie, you ready? Let's get your stuff.” Nick had reappeared with a small hand trolley to help the Nelson family move their son into his Leeds housing. 

-----------------------------------------

Nick jumped out of fright when Tori Spring suddenly appeared behind him. The rest of the family was making another trip to the car for more things. 

“Take care of my brother. Don't let him get overwhelmed.” Tori seemed to warn the rugby player. 

“I'd do anything for him. I mean it, anything. He means so much to me.” Nick said with a gulp. He still wasn't used to how the older girl could mysteriously appear out of thin air. 

“Good.” Her answer was short. “You mean the world to him too.”

-----------------------------------------

“So, Charlie, which bedroom are you taking?” Julio Spring asked his son, while they pulled a few boxes out of their car. 

Charlie hadn't really thought about it. “Whichever one is still free, I guess.”

Most of the students on the campus moved in on the same day, so in other circumstances, Charlie could have had a choice. But the rugby team had been back at school for almost 3 full weeks at that point. They had a training and practice regiment before the start of school. 

His father leaned in a bit closer, lowering his voice so his wife wouldn't overhear. “Just be safe. Please. You don't have to spend every night in each other's bed. Your mother, she worries.”

Charlie felt his skin flush. Talking about those things with his parents never failed to become incredibly awkward. “OK dad. I promise, we'll be safe.”

-----------------------------------------

Several hours later, after a long, tear-filled goodbye from everyone involved, the Spring family had departed Leeds, leaving Charlie and Nick to unpack and set up his room. Luckily, Charlie got the bedroom directly next to Nick's. He didn't know that his boyfriend had ensured his friends took the others. 

Charlie had dozens of partially unpacked boxes strewn around his room. The only fully unpacked item was his electric drum set. He paused to look around, and just took the moment in. He had a dorm room, at a great university. And he was living with the boy he had been madly in love with for three years. 

“So, does my handsome scholarly boyfriend need a hand?” Nick said, casually leaning on the door to Charlie's room, before heading out to the living room to look for more boxes they may have missed. 

Charlie followed, and flashed a very mischievous smile at Nick when he turned around, not finding anything else. “Oh, I could definitely use a hand with something.”

Nick had barely processed the words and the smile that accompanied them before he found himself being shoved up against the wall by his boyfriend. Nick's mind had almost gone blank when Charlie aggressively shoved his lips into his own. 

“Mmm, Charlie, mmm, what are you, mmm, never mind. I missed you, mmm, too.” Nick was barely able to get words out during the short moments his lips were not occupied. 

“Shh. Need you.” Charlie harshly whispered, before resuming his assault on his boyfriend's lips with his own. 

“OK.” Nick admitted defeat, and let his boyfriend take charge. 

This is so hot. I didn't know Charlie had this in him. 

Nick didn't protest in the slightest when he felt a hand fly up the front of his shirt, freely exploring all the various muscle groups before returning to the hem, with the intent to pull the shirt off. Nick Nelson didn't have many coherent thoughts or desire to protest at all at that moment. 

“Oi, Nick, your boyfriend here yet? We can't wait to meet - oh come on! It's the first day!“ The boyfriends had been startled apart by the front door of their apartment flying open, and two other people quickly filing in. Two university rugby players that were not expecting to see their friend and teammate pinned up against the wall by a younger and smaller guy they had only heard about, and never had met in person, until now. 

“I guess you're Charlie! Uh, Good to meet you mate, uh, and sorry, we didn't know.” The man with short black hair, and a taller but thinner frame than Nick had said, obviously embarrassed by what he had walked into. Charlie knew it was Liam. 

“Nick has, well, um, told us all about you, he can't stop himself, really. Just, um, we, um, didn't expect you two to be, well, so eager to see each other.” The second one, with very bright blonde hair, and about Nick's size added. That was Henry. Nick had told his boyfriend about his friends, and Charlie had seen pictures on social media. 

“Sooooo, um, this is awkward.” Charlie tried breaking the ice, while slowly backing away from Nick, and turning a very dark shade of red. “Really embarrassing, actually.”

Nick followed up with an attempt of his own. “Hey lads, why don't you give us a minute, and we can try this introduction again? Without um, what you just saw?“

“Sure. Just keep the door open!” Henry laughed before walking to his own room. 

Liam just sighed, and followed suit. 

“Oops.” Charlie looked at his equally embarrassed boyfriend, his stress levels rising by the second, as they retreated into Charlie's still unpacked room.

“Oh my god, this is worse than that time Mr. Farouk caught us in the-” Nick started to say before he was cut off, while Charlie pulled him into his very unpacked bedroom. 

“No, way worse. Those are your friends! Our roommates! We have to live together for a whole year! I don't know what they're going to think, what they're going to do-” Charlie had started to absolutely ramble, clearly upset by what he had initiated and the subsequent interruption. 

“Charlie, it's not a problem! They're good guys, I swear. They're going to give you some crap, because they thought it was funny, I think. But I promise you, they don't mind that we're together.” Nick tried interrupting his possibly panicking boyfriend. “They've been dying to meet you, I really do mean it.”

Charlie raised his eyebrows, silently signaling his suspicions. He didn't want to tell Nick that a tiny part of him was still skeptical, and that he was possibly facing some homophobia while at university. 

“Hey, I'm serious. They're really good blokes. They're supportive. They've become my best friends. I trust them completely, on the pitch and off.” Nick wanted to make things work, and he knew that their living situation would be great, it just was going to take a little time to figure out.  “Besides, it's not like I haven't accidentally done that to them before.”

“Awwww, this is going to be a thing, isn't it!” Charlie threw his head back and laughed, clearly snapped out of his worry. 

“Yeah, we'll need a system or something.” Nick laughed too. “I mean, it could have been worse though.“

Charlie's eyes widened. “How?“

Nick chuckled. “I mean, you could have actually gotten my shirt off, for starters. 

Charlie groaned, and face planted onto his bed. 

“I mean, if we're on the subject, you could also have gotten my-” Nick's teasing of his boyfriend was abruptly cut short. 

“Absolutely not. Nope, stop right there!” Charlie said, still smiling, as he sat back up. “Why does this always happen? 

“Well, you missed your incredibly charming, attractive, smart boyfriend, and didn't remember where you were.” Nick tried explaining. “And Charlie, it's not like I was saying no. If anything, I wanted to say yes, but my mouth was… well, a bit preoccupied.”

Charlie groaned yet again. “Oh my god Nick, why are we like this?”

“Because I love you, that's why. Now, you ready to try that introduction again?” Nick asked. 

“Absolutely. I don't think I could make a worse introduction. Let's go.” Charlie regained his composure. 

Nick stuck his head out of Charlie's bedroom. “Hey lads, come meet my boyfriend Charlie!“

“Living room? Want a beer?” It sounded like Liam had yelled back from the other side of the apartment. 

Nick looked at Charlie, who answered confidently. “Yes, absolutely.”

“Two for us! Henry, get out here!” Nick yelled, yet again, while pulling Charlie out into the cozy living room in the middle of their unit, and down onto the nicer looking couch. 

“Only if you promise that you're not getting your shirt pulled off the second I get out there!” The next reply came.

Nick and Charlie exchanged glances before the redheaded boy decided to answer back. “I promise!”

Nick's two teammates emerged from their side of the unit, bottles of beer in each hand, cracking them open before distributing them and finding seats of their own. 

“So…” Nick began after exhaling loudly. “This is Charlie, my boyfriend.”

“Yeah, I figured that out when he had his tongue shoved down your throat.” Liam joked, causing Nick to lightly choke on the beer he was in the middle of drinking. “Sorry, I'll let that go for now.”

“Hey, I'm Henry. Nick has told us so much about you!” The other man said, providing a proper introduction. 

“Yeah, sorry about earlier. Liam.” Their other roommate took the queue from Henry, and also introduced himself in a more polite fashion, even extending his hand and shaking Charlie's. “It's kind of odd, I feel like I already know you. Nick has barely stopped telling us about you since we got the housing thing figured out.”

“Really? I've heard about you guys, but it's not been like that.” Charlie subtly elbowed Nick in the side. “Barely stopped telling you about me? How much does he say?”

“Both Liam and Henry laughed in unison. “Mate, you should hear him carry on sometimes! It's clear Mr. Nelson is head over heels for you!”

Charlie leaned forward, placing his elbows on his knees before taking another large drink from the beer in his hand. “Oh, I'd love to hear more about this.”

Out of the corner of his eye, Charlie could see Nick turning a very red shade of embarrassment. 

-----------------------------------------

The four roommates carried on for several hours, swapping stories over bottles of beer, about themselves, stories about how much Nick had moped and missed his boyfriend over the past year, as well as stories about how excited the redheaded rugby player had been about Charlie coming to Leeds. 

“You know, you lot are pretty cool. I'm glad Nick convinced me to room with you.” Charlie said as he placed his fourth empty bottle of beer down. He was done drinking for the night. He wasn't sober, but he didn't feel like he needed to drink any more on his first night. 

“Convinced?” Liam asked with an inquisitive grin.

Nick jumped in to clear up any misunderstanding. “Yeah, our hometown isn't the biggest. Lots of close minded folks. Charlie got outed back in year nine. A lot of the rugby team at school…were pretty awful to him.”

“Yeah, it sucked. But it's better now. Nick had to deal with some shit too, when he said he was bi.” Charlie added. He felt comfortable with the conversation, but didn't feel like expanding on it. 

Henry sat down his own beer, and appeared to get serious for a moment. “Yeah, Nick told us a bit. I'm glad you're good now. You don't have to worry Charlie. Nick told us he's bi a long time ago. He told us you're gay. That's completely cool with us. Who you're attracted to doesn't matter. Nick's our friend, you're his boyfriend, so you're good in our books.”

Charlie breathed a sigh of relief. He was never truly worried about what his roommates would think, but it was good to have the issue settled for good. That's when he noticed Liam, obviously the loudest of them all, had gone quiet, and was staring at the floor. 

“Charlie, if you don't want to talk about it, that's fine, but how bad was it?” Charlie's new acquaintance, Liam, clearly looked like something was bothering him. “My little brother, he's 13. He came out over the summer. And I'm worried about him. A lot. He doesn't deserve that shit. You and Nick didn't either. I just want him to be safe, you know? He shouldn't have to worry about bullying, or God forbid, worse. It just, it makes me so fucking pissed that you have to go through stuff like that. I mean, who the hell cares who another person is attracted to? You're not hurting anybody.”

Liam paused, but continued. “I love my brother, he's such an awesome kid. And Nick, he's been a great friend and teammate. You know how awesome your boyfriend is, Charlie? Don't think I've met anyone nicer. I just met you, but you're cool. I can see why Nick likes you. And it just pisses me off, so damn much when there are arseholes out there who think there's something wrong with what you're doing and treat you like shit because of it. Sorry, didn't mean to go off like that. 

Charlie hesitated, not sure of how to proceed. He had only met Liam a few hours earlier, but this was something that was clearly worrying his new roommate. He was just as compassionate as Nick. He wanted to help, but he didn't know if what he wanted to say would help or not. 

Charlie got up and sat down next to the tall rugby player. “Liam, I'm not going to lie, it sucked. Messed me up for a long time. ‘Til I met Nick, actually. But you can help, just like he helped. Let your brother know how much you care. Remind him, often. Check in on him. Ask him how his day was. Doesn't have to be a question about whether or not he's OK, or even anything with his sexuality. Just talk to him, often. Does he have a good group of friends?”

Liam hesitated before answering. “Yeah, actually. He joined the swim team at school last year. He loves it. Can't stop talking about it. He said his team had been awesome since he came out. Really supportive. Makes me have hope for the future, you know?”

“Then tell him to surround himself with those people. There's always gonna be people who talk shit. Always. Can't do anything about it. But if he has good people around him, they'll support him. Don't let him isolate himself. He doesn't have to go through it by himself.” Charlie finished his thoughts, and gave Liam time to process. 

“If it helps, you can give him my number or something. If he ever needs to talk to another gay guy, I'd be happy to help.” Charlie added. 

“Thanks. That's good to hear. Helped a lot.” Liam said, appearing to return to his usual self while Charlie went back to the couch he had been sharing with Nick. “You're really great at helping people through their shit.”

“Well, I've had practice. Did Nick ever tell you about the time he got really banged up in year twelve?“ Charlie explained, trying to change the subject. 

Henry chimed in, clearly interested in hearing an embarrassing Nick Nelson story. “A bit, but you gotta tell us, how much did he whine? You should see how mopey he gets when he says he misses you. It's the worst.”

Charlie laughed. “A mopey Nick Nelson, never! Tell me, does he do the sad puppy look?”

It was Henry's turn to choke on his beer with laughter. “That's it! That's what he looks like! We could never figure out what he reminded us of when he got like that.”

“Hey, lay off the man. He's got an awesome boyfriend, if he misses his guy, he misses him.” Liam humorously came to Nick's defense. 

Nick stayed silent. He was used to the banter and friendly teasing that had become commonplace between the three of them the past year. He would have defended himself, but he just sat back and enjoyed how easily Charlie had fit into their group dynamic, and how quickly his friends had welcomed Charlie like they had known him for years. 

“So, back to this Nick getting banged up in year twelve story.” Liam tried to redirect the conversation. 

Charlie was about to explain some of it, but was interrupted before he could even begin. 

“Oh no you don't. I'm telling this one!” Nick clamped a hand over his boyfriend's mouth, clearly intending to make sure the more embarrassing parts of that event stayed a secret. 

-----------------------------------------

The quartet carried on for another hour, before they realized the time. The three rugby players had an early morning practice, while Charlie started his three day long first year orientation. 

“Alright, time to nod off for the night. We've all got a busy day tomorrow.” Nick decided for them all, being the responsible one. 

“Yeah, you're right.” Henry agreed. “Catch you lot tomorrow night? Nick says you're unbeatable at Mario Kart. I'd love to put that claim to the test.”

“Oh, you're on! Can't wait 'til tomorrow. ” Charlie excitedly answered, holding Nick's hand and following his boyfriend into his room. He was far more tired than he realized. 

“Hold it!” Liam yelled as loudly as he could at that hour in the dorms, pointing at the boys entering Nick's room. “Henry, pay up. I called it.”

Henry sighed, and pulled a handful of coins out of his pocket, and begrudgingly handed them to Liam. 

Nick and Charlie stared at their roommates, clearly puzzled by what they just saw. 

“What?” Liam asked, equally as confused. “We had a bet. Which room you were going to be in for the night. I won.” 

“Wait, one more thing.” Henry butted in. “New house rule, ok? No making out, or other stuff, in the living room. That goes for all of us.”

“And if you need extra privacy, just do the old ‘put a sock on your bedroom doorknob’ thing, please.” Liam added. 

Nick sighed. “Come on Charlie, let's go to bed.” 

-----------------------------------------

-----------------------------------------

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Autumn had turned to winter, and the entire city of Leeds had been blanketed by its first snowfall of the year. The vibrant colors of the university architecture contrasted beautifully with the layer of white on the ground and rooftops. Despite their age, the snow seemed to lift the spirits of the students at Leeds. Even collegiate students would revert to a child-like state of joy the first time snow fell. 

The boyfriend duo of Charlie Spring and Nick Nelson had eaten lunch together, and began their short walk back to their housing unit, hand in hand, while enjoying the beautiful transformation of the school grounds the snow had brought. 

“It's always so exciting when it snows for the first time.” Charlie pointed out a larger snow drift up against a budding. “It's just so much more peaceful.”

“It's nice.” Nick agreed cheerfully. 

“You ever play a match in the snow?” Charlie asked. 

Nick chuckled. “Luckily, no. Messing about with my friends, yeah, but not a real one. That would be dreadful!”

“Hold on a second.” Charlie told his boyfriend, breaking their hands apart, a plan forming in his head. 

Nick kept walking, and took a few paces, which was perfect for the devious idea that Charlie had just concocted. When the older boy was about to turn around, he felt a wet clump of snow hit him square in the back, followed by cackles of Charlie's laughter. 

Nick turned around, barely containing his own smile and lighter. “Charles Spring, you did not!”

Charlie responded to his boyfriend's accusation by pelting him with another snowball square in the chest. 

“Oh, it's on now!” Nick dove to his left, grabbing as much snow as he could between his two hands, and flung his own projectile back in retaliation. 

The two boys exchanged volleys of snowballs, their laughter and taunts echoing around them, signaling calls for reinforcements. Other students, many of which neither boy knew, came running out to join the fray. 

“He started it!” Nick yelled to the various people around him, pointing right at Charlie. 

Soon, what started as a light exchange of snowballs between two boyfriends became an all out battle between groups of students. Soon, there were as many shrieks of laughter in the air as there were snowballs. When things seemed to be drawing to a close, both sides exhausted and covered in snow, Charlie Spring saw an opening and took it. Drawing on his brief time as a rugby player, he charged at Nick, tackling him into a large snowbank. 

“Hi.” Charlie said quietly to the boy underneath him, encased in snow. 

Nick's reply was simple and familiar. “Hi.”

Charlie shook out some of the snow still clinging to his hair. “Do you admit defeat?”

“I'll admit that was a solid tackle. Maybe you should dust off your kit and try out?“ Nick countered. 

“No way! It's more fun to watch you. And, do you admit defeat?” Charlie refocused on the outcome of their snowball fight.

“Never.” Nick declared. “I'll never admit defeat.”

Charlie quickly dove in and gave his boyfriend an incredibly quick kiss. “OK, how about now?“

Nick closed his eyes and turned his head away, inadvertently getting more snow in his face. “Coercion will never work. I got you good Char. You should admit defeat.”

Charlie repeated his tactic, quickly kissing his boyfriend yet again. “Now?”

“Sure, yes. You won.” Nick caved quickly after the second kiss. 

“Good. Because you did get me good a few times.” Charlie answered, feeling a few very compacted clumps of snow still on his jacket. 

Nick chuckled. “Well, you did start a snowball fight with a rugby player.”

“That I won.” Charlie boasted back, before kissing Nick for a third time. 

“What was that for? I already said you won.” Nick asked about the kiss, but not complaining.

Charlie smiled. “Because I love you Nick Nelson.”

“And I love you too Charlie Spring.”

----------------------------------------- 

After a particularly excruciating week, Nick had accidentally fallen asleep while working on an assignment, by himself, in Charlie's bed. He didn't know what time his eyes had closed, but was a bit concerned when he woke up, still alone. It was Thursday night, so his boyfriend was out with his usual music group on the other side of the campus. It wasn't anything serious, just a handful of people who got together and played each week. But after looking at the clock and seeing a time of 11:27pm, Nick was becoming increasingly worried by the lack of Charlie's presence. They usually wrapped up a bit after 10, and Charlie was back by 10:30.

Nick leaned over and grabbed his phone off the nightstand, and saw that he had an unread message from Charlie. 

Charlie: Hey, I'm going to be a bit late. Something came up, and I'm trying to help out. 

Nick sent a quick reply. 

Nick: OK. I'm in your room. 

Nick set his phone back down, before moving his school materials to the floor, with the intention of going back to sleep, but was interrupted by the bedroom door opening, and his boyfriend entering the bedroom. 

“Oh, you didn't need to wait up.” Charlie said, kicking off his shoes and already starting to change into something to sleep in. 

“I didn't. I just woke up. Fell asleep doing my anatomy assignment. Guess you were probably here when I texted you back.” Nick explained with a very long yawn. Sometimes the coursework for Nick's sports medicine degree were excruciating to him, and this was one of those times.

Charlie got into his bed, pulled one of Nick's arms over him before placing his head on his boyfriends muscular chest, and finishing off by pulling up the blanket. “Probably. But you may want to check some of that homework over, to be safe.”

“So, what came up? You guys playing and lose track of the time?” Nick asked, enjoying the sensation of Charlie in his arms. 

“Not exactly. One of the bass players, Jenna, she had some stuff come up right as we finished playing for the night.” Charlie explained. “Don't think you met her before, but she reminds me of Elle, if she was a musician, and not an incredibly successful artist. 

Both boys considered that mental image. It was hard to picture their friend as anything other than an artist, no matter what the circumstances. Elle and her brand new fiancé Tao, had visited Charlie and Nick at Leeds recently. They were on their way to yet another large exhibition, featuring a lot of Elle's work. The four friends, and the rest of the group from home, stayed in constant contact, but in person hang outs were rare. Which is why the meet-up only a few weeks prior when Elle and Tao announced their engagement to Nick and Charlie was such an amazing time for them all. 

“Is she OK?” Nick asked, concerned about Charlie's bandmate.

Charlie exhaled. “I hope so…I think so, for now.”

Nick pulled Charlie in closer, and kissed the back of his head. “Want to tell me about it?” 

“I guess. Probably should talk about it before I go to sleep.” Charlie started his recollection of that night. “We finished our last song, and we were about ready to head out for the night. Jenna got a phone call from her parents. Her grandmother had passed away. She had been sick for a while, so it wasn't unexpected. But Jenna was really close with her, so it hit hard.”

“Aw, Charlie, that's awful. Is she doing OK?” Nick asked, very unsure of what to say. 

“She's doing better now, but it was hard for her.” Charlie answered. “It was just her and me. We sat in the back of the rehearsal room, and I let her talk. About everything. She told me stories. Asked me a lot of questions, like she wanted to know what to do. I did the best I could, but I hope it was OK.”

Nick paused at first. “Charlie, have you ever noticed you're a really good person to talk to, especially when someone is upset? You've been doing it for years now.”

Charlie boosted himself up off his boyfriend, so they could be face to face. “Nick, I wasn't one hundred percent sure until you said that, but I think I've decided what I want to study. Psychology. I think I want to be a therapist.”

Nick wasn't sure if his response was the appropriate one for the situation, but he didn't care. He was so proud of his boyfriend, that he pulled Charlie into a deep hug, refusing to let go. “Char, that's incredible. You're absolutely amazing, and that's something you're going to be so, so good at. You're so good at listening and care about people who aren't OK, and you're so thoughtful with what you tell them. It's perfect Charlie. It's so perfectly you.”

“Thank you. It means a lot hearing that from you.” Charlie responded to his boyfriend's proud ramblings. 

“I love you so much, Charlie. I'm so proud of you.” Nick said, failing to suppress another yawn.

“I love you too Nick.”

Chapter Text

Epilogue 6.1

The buzzing of Nick Nelson's phone on the nightstand, combined with the increasing volume of the alarm tone was threatening to crush his head from the sides. He wanted to reach up and turn it off, but as much as he willed his arm to move, he couldn't do much. The feeling of everything on his body aching registered, adding to the vice like grip his head was in, seemed overwhelming. Fortunately, the rugby player didn't have to suffer long. A much thinner arm reached over the top of him and silenced the racket that was borderline torture. 

“Nick? Your alarm has been going off for a while. You ok?” The calm and comforting voice of Charlie Spring, his boyfriend, pressed up against the back of Nick's neck. 

The pair had gone to bed early the night before. Nick had just felt tired from class and training, and didn't think much of it. Unfortunately, he now knew better. Ne had dragged his boyfriend along with him into the double bed he had procured for his dorm room, under the guise of helping heal any rugby injuries he could sustain. They had fallen asleep with Nick's back pressed into Charlie's chest, with the younger boy's arm draped over his shoulder and chest.  

“Don't feel good.” Nick mumbled. He felt Charlie's arm tighten around him, which helped with how cold he suddenly realized he felt. 

“Guessing you weren't just really tired last night, just didn't know it yet.” Charlie shifted and put his free hand on Nick's forehead. “Hey, you're really cold. You going to call off class today?”

Nick fought through the pounding in his head, the waves of pain, and now full body shivering. “Yeah. Can you get me some meds? Feel like utter shit.”

“Just stay here, I'll be right back.” Charlie instructed, climbing over his sick boyfriend, and retrieving a water bottle along with a bottle of over the counter painkillers from Nick’s randomly discarded rugby bag. “You should probably eat something too.”

The athlete took the two pills with a large mouthful of water, but the idea of  food made his stomach churn. “Ughhh, I don't wanna. Feel sick.”

Charlie sat down on the edge of the larger than usual dorm bed, slightly amused at his older boyfriend's use of childlike words, but still concerned. “Nick, please, you're sick. You need to.”

“No.” The redheaded rugby player buried his face into his pillow, to avoid his boyfriend's accurate suggestion, but he didn't last long before coming back out for air. Nick's sinuses were completely blocked with congestion, and it made breathing hard. 

Charlie sighed. “Please? Do it for me.”

Nick shifted his body, trying to get comfortable, which wasn't easy, given the flu-like symptoms he was experiencing, but his attempt at delaying an answer didn't hold off further prodding. 

“If you eat something, I'll go to class and let you get some sleep.” Charlie had decided bribery was the way to go. He wasn't sure bribing his boyfriend with leaving was a great idea, but he knew Nick would go for the sleep part of the bargain. 

Nick settled on his back, but pulled the blanket up as far as it would go. “OK, fine. There's a protein bar in my bag.”

Charlie was relieved. “Thank you. I've got my morning lectures, but I'll come check on you at lunch, ok?”

“OK.” Nick stuck one hand out from under the blanket to take the already unwrapped protein bar offered by his boyfriend. “Thanks Char, love you.”

“Love you too Nick. Now, finish that up and get some sleep. I've already got the bin here next to your bed, in case you get sick.” Charlie started his tasks to leave.

----------------------------------------------------

Nick Nelson woke an unknown amount of time later. He could see that it was still morning based on how much sunlight was poking through the gaps in the blinds. What he did know was that he wasn't alone in his bed. There was someone there with him. He rolled from his left side where he was facing the wall, onto his back, and turned his head to take in a welcome sight. 

“Hi.” Charlie responded to the movement out of the corner of his eye. He was back wearing his pajamas, but sitting upright in bed, his laptop on top of his blanket covered legs. “I got halfway to the east hall and I turned around. I was worried, you didn't seem well.”

Nick's heart filled with happiness but strained against the various physical symptoms that were still assaulting his entire body. “You didn't have to.”

Charlie shushed his boyfriend. “I wanted to. It sucks seeing you like this.”

“Cuddle please?” Nick was sure Charlie would be happy to oblige his request, but he threw an attempt at sadness into his voice.

“Just let me finish this last paragraph, and I'll be right there.” Charlie smiled. He wasn't going to turn down a Nick Nelson cuddle session, even if the older man was sick. 

“Mmmeeeemmm.” Nick whined and pouted, even throwing in a toddler impression and making a grabbing motion with his hands. 

Charlie sighed and continued typing. “I already lied to my professors and said I'm sick. Can't slack off now.”

“But Charlie…” The rugby player drew out the last syllable in his boyfriend's name in an effort to guilt him into not finishing his work. 

“Nelson, you're such a baby. I'm almost done.” Charlie didn't even look away from the screen. 

Nick continued to silently pout as much as he could, since it was still a struggle to keep his eyes open with all of his symptoms. He just wanted his boyfriend to hold him, and right now, that wasn't happening. 

“OK all done Mr. Dramatic.” Charlie said as he shut his laptop and slid it to the floor. “Now come here you sick oaf.”

Nick didn't waste a second to accept the invitation. He instantly slid onto Charlie, putting his head on the younger man's chest and wrapped one arm around his torso. For added measure, he brought his legs up and tangled them with his boyfriends. Nick's frustration with his body's illness eased a tiny bit more when Charlie wrapped an arm around his shoulders.

“Better?” Charlie whispered to the larger man who was shivering despite their embrace. 

“Yes. But I'm still cold. Everything hurts. Everything.” Nick truthfully answered. He didn't feel like there was any reason to disguise the severity of his symptoms.

Charlie was starting to grow concerned. “Have you eaten anything? Drank anything since you woke up the first time.”

Nick tried to bury his face into Charlie's jumper to hide from the question. He also realized it was one of his jumpers that Charlie was wearing. Nick didn't mind at all. He did mind telling Charlie no to both of the questions. He wasn't hungry, and with how nauseated he felt, he didn't want to eat. “I love you Charlie.”

“I love you too, my sick rugby giant. But don't deflect. Did you eat or drink anything else?” Charlie was all too familiar with Nick's methods of deflection. 

“No.” Even without anywhere to go, Nick tried pushing his face further into Charlie's chest to muffle his answer. 

The younger man lifted up his free hand to his boyfriend's forehead, and gently started to run his fingers through the messy and sweaty red hair. Charlie knew how much it made Nick melt, and used it to hopefully break through the defenses put up by the sick man. 

“I'll make you some tea, yeah?” Charlie offered, and started to stand up, but he was quickly pulled back down, and the arms that held him in place would not let go.

“No. Please don't leave. Need you.” Nick sounded desperate, and not in control of himself.

“Hey, it's ok. It's ok, I'm not going anywhere.” Charlie started to run his fingers through Nick's hair again. He was growing increasingly concerned. Even when healthy, Nick Nelson could easily be described as clingy, but this was a bit more extreme. “How bad do you feel?”

“Like shit, Char. It's the worst I've been sick since I was little.” Nick was truthful with his boyfriend. 

“OK. I'll text Henry to get some tea. He should be back soon. You get some rest OK?” Charlie suggested the only thing he could think of while texting their friend and roommate. 

“Promise you'll stay?” Nick asked, feeling like more sleep would be great.

“I promise.”

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It only took moments for Nick Nelson to drift off to sleep, still physically clinging to his boyfriend for comfort. Once Charlie was satisfied that Nick was asleep, he carefully wiggled his phone out of his almost inaccessible pocket and started to look up Nick's symptoms. It wasn't a surprise that Influenza-A was the most likely culprit. The treatment was very simple for something that made a person feel so bad. Rest, liquids, and over the counter paracetamol. Charlie Spring would have provided all those things to his boyfriend, but he was currently trapped by a shivering in his sleep Nick Nelson. Charlie grabbed his phone. 

Charlie: Hey, Nick is pretty sick. I can't get up right now, could you grab some paracetamol and some tea on your way back? 

Henry: Aw shit, that sucks. He seemed a little off at practice yesterday. I'll stop by the corner shop. How come you can't get up? 

Charlie snapped a slightly embarrassing picture of the sleeping rugby player that was firmly entrenched on his chest and sent it. 

Henry: You two, it's ridiculous, seriously mate, makes me want to puke and I'm not even ill. 

Henry: Only slightly joking, take good care of our fly-half. What was it you needed? Paracetamol and? 

Charlie: Tea, and maybe some lucozade, he needs fluids. 

Henry: Paracetamol and lucozade it is. 

Charlie: Tea? 

Henry: Absolutely no teammate and friend of mine is getting some generic tea from the store. My grandmum taught me her blend, I'll make you some when I get back. 

Charlie: Now who's being ridiculous? 😂

Henry: You, getting trapped like that. No way you could even move him if you tried. 

Charlie: You got that right. 

Henry: You should have seen him last year. He got sick and he whined for days about wanting you. 

Charlie: When was this??? 

Henry: Oh, I thought you knew. 

Charlie: When? 

Henry: I don't know what you're talking about. I think that concussion I got over summer is acting up. 

Henry: How bad is he? 

Charlie: Not good. Can't stay awake for long. Won't eat. He looks terrible, and I feel terrible for saying that. 

Henry: 🤮

Charlie: Sounds like you're jealous. 

Henry: Mate, anyone would be jealous of you two. People date and stuff, but like, you guys have something different. In a good way. 

Henry: See you in a few. 

----------------------------------------------------

Henry: Nick is ill. Sounds bad. 

Liam: How bad? 

Henry: He's absolutely buggered out. Got Charlie in a death grip. So, bad. 

Liam: As bad as last year? 

Henry: Worse, it sounds like. 

Liam: Does Charlie know how bad Nick's gonna get? 

Henry: He never told Charlie about it. 

Liam: Oh boy. 

Henry: Yeah, they're both gonna have a rough few days. 

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Charlie's nose perked up when Henry carefully and quietly set a very large mug of still steaming tea on the nightstand next to the bed. The smell was different and quite enticing. He mouthed a silent ‘thank you’ at his roommate who gave an equally silent wave of appreciation. Henry placed a bottle of paracetamol and a 6 pack of lucozade next to the tea before disappearing out the door, closing it behind him. If Nick hadn't been so ill, Charlie would have been tempted to steal some of the tea himself. Since Nick needed to work on getting some hydration, and he needed to use the loo, it was time to wake up the sick and sleeping man.

“Nick, hey, I don't want to wake you, but I really need you to drink something, ok?” Charlie gently spoke, giving his boyfriend a small series of nudges. 

Nick groaned and tried grabbing onto Charlie even tighter, never even opening his eyes. “Don't want to.”

“Smell that tea? It smells really good. Henry made it. Used a secret family blend.” Charlie resorted to different means of persuasion. 

“Can't smell anything Char.” Nick was still protesting. 

Charlie decided to try again. “Well, it does. If you don't want it, I'm going to drink it myself.”

“Ok.” Nick didn't even try to make some sort of witty comment. 

Charlie was getting frustrated. Nick needed fluids, and he needed to empty his body of fluids. “Nick. You're going to drink some tea while I go to the loo. Not negotiable.”

“Promise you'll come right back?” Nick sounded almost upset. 

“I promise.” Charlie was starting to count this development as a victory. 

“Ok, I'll try.” Nick slowly released his vice-like grip on his boyfriend who quickly made an exit. He pushed himself up and grabbed the mug, blowing on it before taking a few small sips. To his surprise, it actually did taste quite nice, and the warmth it sent through his freezing body was an added benefit. Nick just wished the headache and the pain rippling through his body would stop. 

“Told you it smelled good.” Charlie said, reappearing in the doorway. 

“Can you make it stop hurting?” Nick asked, taking several more sips of tea, each one longer than the last. 

Charlie Spring felt like there were knives being stabbed into his heart when he heard his boyfriend make the request. Not only did Nick look miserable, but the verbalization of how sick he actually was made things seem worse. “Here, we got you some paracetamol too. It will help, I promise.”

Nick extended a hand, waiting for the pills that would hopefully give him some relief. He took them with the last of the tea in the mug. “Thank you. Come back to bed please?” 

“Can you manage on your own for a bit? I'm getting stiff. I could go for a bit of a walk, or a stretch.” Charlie didn't like that he had to ask, but he was telling the truth. 

Nick looked like he was about to cry, but steeled himself. “OK.”

“I'll be back in a few minutes, I swear. I'll go take a lap around the floor, and come straight back.” Charlie reassured his rather distressed looking boyfriend. 

-----------------------------------------------------

Charlie waited until the dorm unit door closed behind him before he grabbed his phone again. He figured he could get some help while he took the promised one lap around their floor of the dorm. He pulled up a contact for Sarah Nelson, Nick's mother. 

Charlie: Sorry to be a bother, but I thought I'd ask. Nick is pretty ill, and he's kind of a handful. That sounds awful, I'm sorry. Is that normal? 

Sarah: Charlie, you're never a bother, ever.

Charlie: Sorry. 

Sarah: Nicky says you're not supposed to apologize for things that aren't your fault. How is he doing? 

Charlie: He's got me worried. Can't stay awake for more than a few minutes. He's freezing. Won't stop shivering. Says his whole body hurts. Can't smell anything, he's pretty plugged up. It's been a battle to get him to eat or drink anything. 

Sarah: Unfortunately, that sounds exactly like him. He's always had a good immune system. He never got sick much, but when he did, it was always rough. Lasted for days, and you said it well. He's a handful. Let me guess, he won't let you leave him alone, even for a minute? 

Charlie: Pretty much. He's been really fussy. 

Sarah: That's my Nick. 

Charlie: I'm kind of relieved? 

Sarah: Makes sense. A word of advice? Be insistent. Don't let up. He'll cave. It used to be a battle when he was little and was sick. Stubborn. He gets, for lack of a better word, needy. 

Charlie: I've discovered that. 

Sarah: I'll tell you a secret, that I don't feel good about. If he got too stubborn, I'd tell him that I was going into work. He caved every time. I would never have left, but don't tell him that. 

Charlie: I won't. I'll only resort to that if it's dire circumstances. 

Sarah: I'm only telling you because I know how much you love him, and how stubborn he's going to be. You're so good for him Charlie. I know you'll take good care of him. 

Charlie: That means a lot, thank you. I'll have him call you when he can. 

Sarah: That would be nice, thank you.

-----------------------------------------------------

Charlie returned to Nick's bedroom and was surprised to see him awake. “You're still awake. I thought you'd be asleep.”

Nick looked up, the physical exhaustion from fighting what was most certainly the flu evident on his face. “Missed you. Need you.”

“Aww, Nick. You're absolutely adorable. Be right there. I'll get you something small to eat.” Charlie decided Nick needed some more assistance with recovery, and food would help. 

“Nooo.” The rugby player whined, extensively drawing out each syllable. “I need my Charlie. And my stomach hurts. Don't want to eat.”

The younger man's heart fluttered when he heard the ‘my Charlie’ part of the statement, but it didn't break his resolve. “But you need to eat. You're ill you silly lad. Come on.”

“No. Cuddle first, and then I'll eat.” The sick Nick Nelson stubbornness was starting to show. 

“Nope. You're ill, and if you don't eat, you're not going to get better.” Charlie took his boyfriend's mother's advice, and stood firm. 

“I feel like I could be sick. Please?” Nick tried to argue. 

Charlie decided to try Sarah's strategy. “If you're not going to eat, you're not gonna get better, and you'll get me sick. Maybe I should just go to my room and do some homework.”

Nick's reaction was almost instant. “OK, I'll eat. Just, something simple, please?”

“That's my good little patient. I'll be right back.” 

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Only a few minutes later and Nick had finished the buttered toast that Charlie had brought him, and he fulfilled his promise of more cuddling time with the sick rugby player. Nick hadn't remained awake much longer after that, but woke up again, no more than an hour later, fully latched onto his smaller boyfriend. 

“Thank you Doctor Spring.” Nick yawned before opening his eyes. 

“Any time. Anything else you need? You look quite…well…like complete shit.” Charlie honestly appraised the situation. 

“Some bedside manners you have. You're lucky you're so handsome, otherwise I'd ask for a different doctor.” Nick had actually managed to crack a joke. 

Charlie took this as a good sign. “You're using complete sentences. You must be feeling a bit better?”

Nick didn't realize it at first, but most of the body aches had eased somewhat, and the pounding in his head had subsided. He was still freezing. “A tiny bit, I guess.”

“Told you.” Charlie said as he rolled onto his side, letting Nick nuzzle in more. As needy and stubborn as his boyfriend had been that day, he couldn't deny that it was still somewhat endearing.

“Thank you.” Nick mumbled into Charlie's shoulder. 

“You're kind of cute when you're like this.” Charlie smiled. 

“You said I'm always cute.” The redheaded athlete countered. 

“This is true. You're always adorable. But this is different. Your mum said…” Charlie had accidentally given himself away. 

“You talked to my mum?” Nick asked, not bothering to remove nearly his entire body from his boyfriend's. 

Charlie blushed. “Yeah…I was worried, ok?”

Nick's smile pressed into Charlie's shoulder, a physical sign that they both felt. “I'm not mad. I think that's adorable.”

“Good. Now, get some rest?” Charlie was relieved. 

“Only if you promise to stay.” Nick closed his eyes, but didn't move another muscle. He had no intention of not being attached to Charlie. 

“Anything for you, as long as you get better.”

Chapter Text

Epilogue 6.2

Nick Nelson felt an irrational anger at not being able to teleport directly into his bed and disappear under a pile of blankets at that exact moment. He knew that everyone had shitty days, and today was one of those for him. Not only had he been late for his first class, forgot his laptop, which made the hour and a half long lecture nearly unbearable. By the time he had gone back to his dorm to get it, he had to sprint to his next class. Which meant he didn't have time to grab lunch, and had to sit through that class with his stomach rumbling, louder and louder. 

Nick thought he had a reprieve before his third and final class, and collapsed into a chair in the breezeway between buildings with some vending machine food. His brief moment of peace was interrupted by a text from a study group asking where he was, as they had agreed to work on a group project. Thus sending the rugby player sprinting off again, to a meet up that he was unprepared for. Nick left the meeting feeling drained, and he would have preferred for his day to just end there, before begrudgingly making his way to his third and final class of the day. 

Fortunately for the rugby player, the class was uneventful. With his academics done for the day, Nick headed off to rugby practice, where his day took yet another series of unfortunate turns. Nick arrived at the change rooms only to realize that he had forgotten to wash the clothes that were in his bag, and they were still damp and had a smell from the day before. The actual practice seemed to follow the same pattern as everything else did that day. Missed tackles, passes falling short, and a general lack of cohesion amongst the team plagued them from start to finish. Nick took the shortest shower he possibly could after practice before heading straight back to his dorm, and wishing he could just get there sooner. 

Nick all but ignored the few people who greeted him when he arrived at his dorm. He gave nothing more than a polite hello or acknowledgement as he passed through the doors of his building and made his way down the long hallway. Nick silently swore to himself as he fumbled with his keys, unable to get his door unlocked, his frustration skyrocketing, knowing he was so close to his goal. Once the very fed up rugby player managed to find the correct key and enter his dorm, he found himself alone in the living room. Nick stood motionless in the silence and took a few deep breaths. He knew that looking at his day with a wider lens, nothing particularly bad had happened, but the string of events had left him emotionally drained and physically exhausted. 

Nick turned towards his bedroom, and dropped his bag and kicked off his shoes before exiting, and instead of taking refuge in his own room, he went to the bedroom directly adjacent to his. The bedroom that belonged to his boyfriend, Charlie Spring. Nick faceplanted down into the pile of pillows at the head of the bed and just breathed in. Charlie wouldn't be back for another hour or two, so the rugby player substituted the scent of his boyfriend for his physical presence. 

The redheaded rugby player was tempted to text his boyfriend and ask him to come back to the dorm and cuddle. He knew Charlie would do it in a heartbeat, but decided against it. Nick didn't want Charlie to skip class for his benefit. He settled on his own idea of a compromise. Nick rolled onto an elbow, which let him use a single hand to pull his phone out, while keeping his face still somewhat buried in the pillows. He pulled up a picture he had sneakily taken the day before in the dining hall of the two of them, and posted it, with a caption that read “Boyfriends ❤️.”

Nick failed to stifle a yawn before he stuffed his phone back into his pocket. He rolled partiality onto his side, and grabbed one of Charlie's many pillows and hugged it to his chest, still enjoying the calming scent of his boyfriend before closing his eyes and waiting to see the man that never failed to make him feel better. 

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“Your double bed too big? Needed mine?” The voice of Charlie Spring brought Nick back to consciousness. He wasn't sure how long he had been asleep, but seeing that it was dark outside gave him the indication it had been at least two hours. 

“No. Needed you, but your pillows had to fill in. Didn't want you to skip class for me.” Nick explained quietly. 

“Rough day?” Charlie asked, taking some of his things out of his bag and placing them on his desk. He knew that Nick wasn't his usual self, but a lack of messages from his boyfriend gave the indication that it was nothing serious. 

“How'd you know?” Nick was already glad Charlie knew. 

Charlie laughed quietly. “You're in my bed, hugging my pillow. You didn't message me, and you didn't tackle me the second I got here.”

“I don't tackle you when you get back. I'm just very excited to see the most amazing boyfriend in the world.” Nick joked. 

Charlie kicked off his shoes and pulled on a hoodie that they were both sure belonged to Nick. “I actually hit the wall yesterday you oaf.”

“Ok, I was very excited. Still not a tackle. I just love you, a lot. Now, get over here. Don't want to wait anymore.” Nick tried to brush off his enthusiasm from the day before, and extended both arms towards his boyfriend, signaling his patience was up, and he needed his boyfriend. 

Charlie ignored his boyfriend's outstretched arms, and instead crawled into bed behind Nick, pressing his chest against Nick's back, before reaching his arm around the larger man's side and holding him at the waist. “If my ridiculously fit boyfriend has a bad day, I'm going to hold him. Not the other way around.”

Nick yawned. “Thanks Char. And I meant it. I love you. A lot.”

“Me too. I mean, I love you a lot too.” Charlie replied, fixing the awkward sentence. His mind still froze up on occasion at hearing Nick express his feelings. “Better?”

Nick didn't answer right away. He was enjoying his chance to be the one getting held. “Yeah. Can we stay like this for a bit?”

Charlie kissed the messy red hair in front of him. “We'll stay here for as long as you need.”

“Ok, clear your schedule. I think I'll need this for at least a week.” Nick smiled and let the stress and frustration from the day fade away, tacking the joke on for good measure. 

Charlie playfully poked Nick's back with his free hand. “I give you an inch and you take a mile. 

“You gave me a lot more than an inch last night.” The rugby player continued to push the jokes. “And I'm not complaining.”

Charlie turned a deep shade of red, despite his blushing not visible to anyone. “Nicholas Nelson, you are seriously the worst! You bring that up now?”

“Well, it would help make up for my shit day.” Nick didn't know if his suggestions were going to work. 

“Don't think it's a good idea. Liam and Henry are both home.” Charlie explained, trying to redirect the conversation. “Let's just stay like this.”

“Fine.” Nick huffed. “This is good too.”

“Want to talk about your day?” Charlie offered. He was happy with their current cuddle arrangement. 

“Nah, it's fine. Just a lot of little crap, one thing after another.” Nick answered. “But they don't matter anymore. You're here.”

“I am. And I'm sorry you had a bad day. And I love you.” Charlie said, before kissing Nick's head again.

“Thanks. Love you too, Char.”

Chapter Text

Epilogue 6.3

“Yourrrr'e so pretty Charlie.” A very drunk Nick Nelson slurred out to the shorter boy who was struggling to drag him through the door and into their dorm. “I'm the luck-lucky-luckiest bloke in the whole wide world.”

Charlie Spring would have smiled if he wasn't using every muscle in his body to keep his drunken boyfriend upright and get him inside. Obviously, he had far too much to drink at the rugby team party. “Nick, move your feet, please! You're almost crushing me!”

Nick felt like he had been stabbed in the heart. “Nooooooo, Charlie! I'm so sorry! I'd never hurt you!”

Charlie sighed. “I didn't mean it like that. But you gotta help here a little bit.”

The drunk rugby player tried his best, and the two men collapsed onto the dorm's living room couch, out of breath.

“Greatestest boyfriend ever.” Nick smiled and placed a wobbly fingertip on Charlie's nose. “Boop.”

Charlie giggled, not entirely sober himself, at the touch. “You're absolutely ridiculous.”

“And you're absolutely fit.” Nick replied.

Charlie blushed a bit. “You're absolutely a liar.”

Nick legitimately frowned. “Stop saying-er that. You're fit. You're handsome. You're-re so smart Charlie. Just face it. You're perfect, and I love you.”

“Same goes for you.” Charlie sighed again. “Now, let's get you to bed.”

Nick Nelson clumsily helped getting up from the couch, forcing Charlie to use up all of his strength again. “Wait. You didn't say it back.”

Charlie paused his attempts at coordinating their movement towards the bedrooms. “Say what?”

“I said I love you. You didn't say it back.” Nick actually looked sad yet again.

“Well, I love you too. Now, please, help me help you get to bed.” Charlie answered, feeling a tiny bit guilty about missing the spoken affirmation of love.

The two men were physically spent by the time they got into Nick's bed, the door shut, and the lights turned off.

“I meant it. I love you too, Nick.” Charlie almost whispered, settling in up against his larger boyfriend for the night.

“Good, because I love you Charlie.” Nick replied, his voice trailing off near the end, indicating sleep was near. “And I'm gonna marry you one day.”

Charlie wasn't sure he had heard the last few words, Nick was very close to being asleep, and his voice so quiet. But he chose to believe what he heard, smiling as he pushed his face into his boyfriend's chest, and drifting off to sleep himself.

Chapter Text

Epilogue 7

Nearly 5 years later

“Welcome home Charlie.” Nick said quietly to his boyfriend, tenderly grabbing the 21 year old man's hand. 

“Nick…this is…this is perfect.” Charlie looked around, dumbfounded, not realizing he had dropped his bag with a loud clatter onto the floor. 

“I told you Char.” Came Nick's voice, still speaking in quiet tones, letting Charlie take in his surroundings. 

Only minutes earlier, Nick Nelson opened the door to a newly rented flat in their names. He had only a few moments before Charlie Spring, the love of his life, would arrive. Nick had suspicions it had something to do with how well the rugby season had gone the previous year, he was still unsure how he was able to find a first floor unit, with a fenced in back yard, a short commute to their university, and within their financial means. But he wasn't going to question it. No matter what the cost was, it was all worth it to see the wonder, excitement, and happiness on the face of Charlie Spring. 

Charlie had been away at a four day psychology conference and seminar, and was looking to expand his knowledge in the field, since he would be graduating in two years. On the second night, Charlie received a frantic phone call from his boyfriend saying that he found a flat for them to rent, but he needed to take up the offer very quickly, it was that special. Charlie was hesitant to sign onto a lease without seeing the place in person, but the way Nick had spoken about it, and the few blurry photos he had been sent, gave him the courage to give his boyfriend permission to go for it. 

Nick could see small tears of joy in the younger man's eyes, still slowly turning around in place, absorbing the sight of their very first home together. The dorms at Leeds had been fun, but as they got older, the pair had wanted a place to call their own. A place where they could settle in for their future, and Leeds had become home. This was that space. Not large or extravagant, but it was roomy, and had everything they could want at that time. A large kitchen, with an island, that opened up into a living room that featured gorgeous windows. Two bedrooms, one with a large bathroom, as well as one off the living room. Nick was excited for the yard, but nothing matched the happiness he could almost see radiating off of Charlie.

“It's still empty, but we still have two weeks before classes start, and the team's training schedule is mostly in the mornings, so we'll have plenty of time to make it ours.” Nick said sheepishly. He was still a bit embarrassed that he had gotten them a place to live together, but nearly forgot to think about furniture or anything else they would need to move in and live together. 

Charlie sat down on the floor, back up against the kitchen island, and signaled his boyfriend to join him. “Nick, I don't care. We'll figure it out.”

“Um, I may have forgotten to mention…we have to get everything out of our unit on campus…by Friday. I gave them notice that we're moving out, and we have to be out before move in day for the first year's.” Nick added, still feeling embarrassed by his lack of planning. 

“Still don't care. This is perfect.” Charlie quickly silenced his boyfriend's concerns verbally, before he leaned over and planted a deep kiss on Nick's lips, silencing the concerns physically. “I love you. This is perfect. And you're absolutely amazing.”

“Not as amazing as my gorgeous boyfriend, who's going above and beyond his coursework, and attending fancy seminars. You're going to be an amazing therapist, Charlie.” Nick's heart was melting in happiness, and his only defense mechanism was to shower Charlie in equally earned praise. 

Charlie blushed. “Well, I'm not as amazing as my incredibly handsome boyfriend, the fit rugby player, and future sports medical trainer at the University of Leeds.”

Nick blushed just as hard as Charlie. It still made his stomach feel like butterflies when Charlie would say such flattering and hopeful things. He didn't want to get his hopes up, but the rumors among the various athletic teams on campus was that the head athletic trainer would be retiring at the end of the year. If true, they would hire someone, internally, with experience to fill the position. But that would leave an open position, maybe two, on the athletic medical team. 

“Well, you have a bag from the seminar. I have a bag packed. If you want to stay here tonight, we'll at least need a bed.” Nick said, hopeful that Charlie would take the bait and agree to go shopping. 

“Let's see.” Charlie replied, pulling his phone out of his pocket. “There are three furniture stores nearby. One place sells used. It wouldn't hurt to go look at least, right?”

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Several hours later the pair had returned home, with a few more items than just a bed. They had pooled their money from their part time jobs. Nick was working as an instructor at the campus fitness center. Charlie had been teaching drum lessons after his classes a few days a week. Their combined assets allowed them to visit all three furniture stores, before stopping at their dorm to collect some essentials that would allow them to start living in their new home. Their longtime roommates and friends, Liam and Henry knew the move was coming, but were both happy and sad to see the pair move in together. Nick and Charlie assured them both that they would be invited to the new flat very soon. 

Charlie had gone to lie down in their new bed, which had ample room for both of them, while Nick took a shower. They had placed the bed in the dead center, deciding that they'd pick a permanent spot once they had more of their things moved over, and furniture purchased. Charlie opened up his phone, took a selfie, and not only posted it, but sent it to a very familiar and still strong group chat. The Truham and Higgs friends still routinely talked via their phones, and met up when they could, but it was extremely rare for them all to be together at once. 

Charlie: We're home! 

Tao: No way! That's amazing! Congratulations! 

Tara: I'm so happy for you two! 

Isaac: How did you two manage to get a place like that? 

Charlie:  Not quite sure. Nick found it. He was confused by it too. He has a hunch that the landlord is a fan of the team, and cut him a break on rent, especially after how well last season went. 

Tao: Having a famous significant other has its benefits, doesn't it? 

Charlie: I wouldn't call Nick famous. He's not going pro or anything.

Tara: Is that what you guys decided? 

Charlie: I let him decide. He got scouted a tiny bit, but it would be a rough time to get signed anywhere big, and he'd travel all the time, probably get bounced around from team to team. He'd rather focus on his program and play for fun once he graduates. 

Darcy: Wait. Where's Nick? 

Charlie: Shower. 

Darcy: Without you? 

Tara: Darcy, don't ruin this moment! Our lovesick boys are finally living together! 

Darcy: I'm literally in the same room as you, you could have just said it! 😜

Tara: ❤️

Isaac: That's awesome. Happy for you both. 

Elle: Now you get to enjoy the bliss of domestic life. 

Tao: When do we get to do that? Our little hole in the wall rental isn't the most spacious thing. Wait, why am I complaining? Getting to gallivant around the country with my famous artist fiance is actually quite nice! 

Charlie: We only got into the place today, it's pretty empty. I don't know if domestic bliss is what I would describe this as. 

Nick: Anywhere with you is blissful. 

Darcy: 🤮🤮🤮

Charlie: Finish your shower! 

Nick: But I miss you. 

Tao: 🤮🤮🤮

Nick: OK, FINE! 

Tara: You got yourself a keeper there Charlie. 

Charlie: I swear, he's much more charming in person. 

Tao: If you say so. 

Tara: So when are we coming over? 

Charlie: Whenever you can! Classes start in two weeks, and Nick started team training already, but he doesn't have any matches for a bit. Weekends are good. 

Imogen: I think it's official. We're old. Planning things for weekends only. 

Tao: Well, maybe if you all hadn't decided to run across the country the second you discovered unis…

Isaac: I'm in Kent, Tao. 

Tao: Isaac is sensible. Close to home, easy to visit. Didn't you all ever consider that? 

Darcy: Elle literally is traveling all the time and you two live in bloody LONDON!

Tara: What my darling girlfriend meant to say was we're so happy and proud of you. She's just trying to point out the hypocrisy of that boy you decided to marry. Congratulations by the way!

Darcy: Yes, that's it exactly. 

Elle: Tao's grasp of the obvious is sometimes…questionable.

Tao: It is not. 

Charlie: He's pretty perceptive sometimes. Quite the eye for detail. 

Tao: This is why Charlie is the best. 

Nick: He is. 

Charlie: FINISH YOUR SHOWER YOU SMELLY OAF! 

Tao: You could go help him. 

Elle: TAO! 

TARA: TAO! 

Imogen: TAO NO! 

Nick: He could.

Charlie: Wow, look at the time. Getting late.

Darcy: Worst distraction ever. 

Charlie: I meant what I said earlier. We want you all to come over. Together. 

Tara: Please get furniture first. 

Charlie: Yes, that's on the to do list. 

Elle: Charlie, you're not going to believe this, but I have a 3 day gallery show in York next month. On a Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. That's kind of close! 

Charlie: So…what's everyone doing next month? 

Darcy: Going to Elle's show. 

Darcy: And visiting you two! 

Charlie: Let's plan on that then, yeah? We can go see Elle's exhibit, and you can all come over on Sunday, spend the day? 

Isaac: I'm free.

Tao: It's official! 

Nick: This better work out, I miss you lot. And yes Charlie, I'm done with my shower. 

Charlie: The rest of you check your schedules. We have to make this happen! 

Charlie put his phone down when Nick entered their bedroom. Somehow, he hadn't noticed the shower turn off in the attached bathroom. 

“Charlie, this is incredible. They're really all coming to visit!” Nick said, giddy with excitement. 

Charlie was at the same level of happiness. “Nick, this has been one of the happiest days of my life.” 

Nick climbed into their bed, almost immediately dragging his boyfriend into his arms, holding the younger man tightly. “I can easily say the same.”

The two stayed silent for a moment, taking the events of the day in. 

“I could get used to this.” Nick borderline mumbled, his ability to speak clearly impacted by how much of his face was pressed into Charlie's hair. “Going to sleep with you, every night, in our home.”

“Same for me too. This is almost perfect.” Charlie replied. 

“Almost?” Nick questioned. 

“Yep, but that's for a different time.” Charlie stayed elusive. 

“Good night Charlie. I love you.” Nick whispered through the dark locks of curly hair his face was still pressed into. 

“I love you too, Nick. Good night.”

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The next few months were a whirlwind for Charlie Spring and Nick Nelson. Classes, jobs, rugby, furnishing their flat, and having various friends come to visit made the time fly by. Before either had realized it, they had comfortably settled into their new lifestyle. Both were incredibly happy, and eager to continue to build their life together. They had a lot to look forward to. Nick was graduating at the end of the year. Charlie was near the top of his class, even though he wasn't graduating until the following year. However, both Nick and Charlie felt like something was missing in their home. Both men knew what that thing was, but neither had brought it up. 

It was a lazy Sunday afternoon, with the two of them half sitting, half laying on the couch together. Charlie decided it was time to test the waters. He knew he had to do it carefully though. 

“Hey Nick, I've been thinking-” Charlie got interrupted. 

“Yes, take out sounds great.” Nick only half seriously replied. He liked Charlie's cooking, but he also liked to tease his boyfriend. 

“Ugh, you're lucky you're so handsome and I love you so much.” Charlie played right back into Nick's banter. “No, like really been thinking.”

Nick took the queue that his boyfriend actually wanted to talk about something important. “Sor…I mean, what's on your mind?”

Charlie exhaled. He knew this was a delicate subject, but also he knew that it was something both he and Nick wanted. It was just hard for him to bring up, as Nick had been struggling with one aspect of his life since he started at Leeds. Being on the rugby team kept him quite busy, and he didn't get to go home as much as he would have liked. Breaks were always shorter for Nick, not only because of rugby, but he had also started to job shadow with the various athletic trainers for various sports at their university. Being unable to go visit his home made him miss the ones who lived there. 

“I was thinking, I know it's not the greatest time for this, you graduate in a few months, and I've still got next year, and we've just gotten settled here, and we don't know-” Charlie was interrupted again. 

“Char, you know I think it's cute when you get nervous and ramble, but please, whatever is on your mind, you can talk to me about it.” Nick was being supportive, but completely oblivious to what his boyfriend wanted to talk about. 

Charlie was trying to not ramble, but he couldn't help himself. “I was thinking that maybe we should get a puppy. If you want. If you're OK with it. We'd have to figure a lot of things out, like a schedule, but we have a yard, and it's something I've always wanted, but I didn't know if you'd be ok with it, but you miss Nellie so much, and I've been thinking about it for awhile now and-” The third interruption wasn't spoken. It was made by Nick grabbing both of his boyfriend's hands in his. 

“Charlie, it's been on my mind too. I would adore getting a puppy with you. I just don't know if we're ready for something this big right now.” Nick explained.

Charlie was relieved that his boyfriend shared his sentiments, but was a tiny bit disappointed with Nick's answer. “Whew, ok. So, where do we go for here?”

“Well,” Nick leaned forward a bit. “We look into our options. See what we would need to do to get ready, and maybe look at our options once we're more comfortable with it?”

Charlie nodded. “Sure.”

Nick sighed. “You're disappointed, aren't you?”

Charlie carefully moved over on the couch, wedging himself sideways between Nick and the backrest. He interlaced his fingers with his boyfriend's. “Yes, and no. I'm happy you feel the same, and I'm excited, but I guess you're right. Now isn't exactly the greatest time.”

Nick acknowledged his boyfriend's feelings, gently guiding his free hand up into the dark curly locks of hair on Charlie's head, gently playing through them with his fingers. “I understand Charlie. I want this just as much as you do. But are we ready for this? Do we have the time to dedicate to raising a puppy? The rugby season is over, but I'm so close to graduating. You have one more year left. Let's start preparing now, so when the time comes, we'll be ready. Deal?”

Charlie felt like that was a reasonable solution and compromise, but it was still paired with a bit of disappointment. “Deal.”

-------------------------------------------

The couple had spent some of their down time over the next month reading about how to become dog parents. They bought some basic supplies, and had even begun to look at the online adoption pages for a few local shelters. But with Nick's graduation quickly approaching, they had put the puppy adoption to the side for the time being. 

On a particularly dreary night, Nick Nelson was alone in his flat, but loudly preparing a dinner for him and Charlie. The pots and pans being used, along with his music player being turned up, provided sonic insulation against the sheets of rain that were loudly pouring down from the sky and pelting the windows. He wasn't sure when Charlie would be home, but he knew it would be soon. Charlie had two extra drum lessons to teach that day, since he was planning to not teach during his final year, and focus on academics, graduation and finding a job. Nick heard his phone vibrate on the counter behind. 

Charlie: Sorry I'm late. I'll be home in a minute. Please don't be mad though. 

Nick was puzzled. There was no reason he would be mad at Charlie for allegedly being late. 

Nick: I'm still cooking, it's fine. Why would I be mad? 

Charlie: Can't tell you. ❤️

Nick had absolutely no idea what his boyfriend was trying to say. Charlie was allegedly late, which was fine, the meal being made still wasn't ready. Nick's attention was quickly snapped back to cooking at the sound of some vegetables starting to burn in the pan on the stove. Before the redheaded man could attend to them, the front door swung open, revealing a soaking and dripping wet Charlie Spring, with what looked like a large and equally wet blanket in his arms. 

Nick was about to say something but he didn't get a chance. “Nick, please, please don't be mad, I was driving home, and when I passed the park, and I looked over and I saw her and she was so wet and it's cold and-”

Before Charlie could finish his sentence, the blanket in his arms started to come alive, moving and shifting, giving away the signs that something was inside of it. A soaking wet golden retriever wiggled its head out of the blanket, looked at its surroundings, before proceeding to crawl its way out of Charlie's grasp, landing on the floor, before shaking its body in an attempt to dry off. The dog was bigger than a puppy, but not fully grown yet. Both men estimated it was about a year old. 

Nick was about to get upset and say something he probably would regret, until he made eye contact with the canine in front of him. The dog was intensely shivering, water still falling off its fur, and the look in its eyes clearly sent the message that it was scared. Without any hesitation, Nick Nelson dropped to his knees and scooped up the wet animal into his arms. “Shhh, it's ok, it's ok, you're safe now. I'm going to get you warm. It's ok.”

Charlie looked down at his boyfriend, cradling the cold and wet dog, but didn't speak right away. He clearly could see the tears forming in Nick's eyes, his boyfriend overcome with emotion. “I had to Nick, I had to. I checked her out, and she's a girl. She was alone in the park, and hiding. She looked so scared. There was nobody around. She was stuck in the rain, and you know the temperature is dropping.”

“Ch…Charlie…” Nick stammered out. Clearly overtaken by the emotions inside his head. “She's…we have to help her. She's so…scared.”

Charlie joined his boyfriend on the floor. “That's why I brought her home.”

“No, I mean…can we…can we keep her, please?” Nick asked, tears still falling, from the emotions that came with suddenly caring for an abandoned animal. Nick's focus was entirely on providing the scared dog in his arms as much comfort and warmth as he could. 

Charlie was surprised by Nick's reaction. He highly suspected his boyfriend would not be pleased that he brought a strange and most likely stray dog home in the middle of a rainstorm, when their lives were very full already. “Nick, I think that's a wonderful idea. We'll have to see if she belongs to anyone, but in her state, I doubt it.”

Nick was still overwhelmed by his emotions. On one hand, he was overjoyed that he had a dog in his arms. A dog that he and Charlie could possibly call their own. But he was also deeply hurt that such an innocent creature could be so uncared for, especially in the current conditions outside. “You're such an amazing person, Charlie. You probably saved her tonight.”

“You're also amazing Nick. You saw her and immediately went to help too.” Charlie replied. “Now, let's all get dried off and warm.”

Nick was about to agree, when the sound of burning food on their stove caught their attention. “Charlie!”

-------------------------------------------

After the two men had spent a chaotic several minutes dealing with burnt food, drying themselves and their new canine companion off, they settled in on their couch, with plates of takeout food, and the young golden retriever nestled between them. She was finally dry, and had stopped shivering, but the dog was clearly still scared. Charlie had grabbed the remote to turn something on, when he caught his boyfriend sneaking some of his food to their new family member. 

“Nick,” Charlie drew out his boyfriend's name in a disapproving tone. 

Nick's focus stayed on the young dog. “She's starving, Charlie. And what better way to earn her trust than through bribery?”

“We have dog food. For some reason.” Charlie answered. During their research phase, Nick had picked up a habit of bringing supplies for a dog home, ‘just in case.’

“For situations like this.” Nick continued to feed the now excited dog his food. “See? Look how she's coming out of her shell already!”

Charlie could see the changes in their furry new friend already. She eagerly watched as Nick selected pieces of his food before gently accepting them from his outstretched hand. “Yeah, she's looking a bit happier.”

“Charlie, I think this was meant to be. We've been looking and preparing for a dog. And you happen to find one, who needs help while on your way home? Char, we have to. We have to keep her.” Nick almost pleaded with his boyfriend. 

Charlie laughed. “Nick! I was the one who brought it up and you said you wanted to wait!”

Nick had started to hold the small dog again, who returned the kindness shown to her by stretching up to lick Nick's chin. Charlie could see Nick had tears forming yet again. “I know. That's before I met her. She's perfect, Charlie. She's absolutely perfect. I love her already.”

Charlie had created a scenario like this in his head on the drive home after he found the golden that night. But he had quickly banished it, as it seemed so unlikely to ever happen. Seeing it unfold in front of him made the feelings of happiness in his heart swell even higher than it had been. His own eyes began to swell with tears. “Nick, I secretly wanted this to happen. Once I got her in the car, I hoped this was what your reaction was going to be, but I just didn't think it would.”

Nick sniffed and wiped at his face before he went back to petting the golden retriever in his lap. “This is why you're the greatest boyfriend ever. When you brought up getting a dog, I wanted to, so bad. But the timing wasn't great. And then tonight, you're just out  being my Charlie, helping whoever you can, and as soon as I saw her, I knew. I knew she's what we need in our life.”

Charlie's stomach started to churn when he remembered that he said they would have to check to see if she was missing and anyone was looking for her. “Nick…we have to see…if she's missing and anyone is looking for her.”

Nick didn't respond. He just sniffed again, even harder. 

“I don't have a class until 1 tomorrow. I'll call the vet around the corner. They'll be able to see if she has a microchip, or know if she matches any reports of a missing dog. If she doesn't, I promise you, she's coming right back home with me. I promise.”

“Thank you Charlie. For everything tonight. You made me really happy.” Nick's focus was still on the golden retriever in his lap, but his hand still managed to find Charlie's. 

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Nick: Char, I have amazing news! 

Charlie: Me too! 

Nick: You first! 

Charlie: I'd rather do this in person. My class got canceled today, so I'm at home. 

Nick: I have another class, and then I have to teach a training session at the gym. 

Charlie: 🙁

Nick: I have to, I'm sorry. 

Charlie: Nope, you take that back. 

Nick: I take it back. 

Charlie: OK. I'll be here. Can't wait.

Nick: ❤️❤️

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Nick couldn't open the door to his flat fast enough. Not only did he have incredible news to share with Charlie, but he was also eagerly awaiting what his boyfriend wanted to share with him, considering he highly suspected what that news was. 

“Charlie?” When Nick finally got inside, he was greeted by an empty living room. 

“We're in here!” Charlie's reply came from the bedroom. 

Nick's heart skipped a beat when he heard the word ‘we.’ He dropped his bag and almost sprinted the short distance into the main bedroom. He came to a stop after clearing the open door, where his heart skipped a beat yet again. Charlie was laying in bed, with the golden retriever he had found the night before. Except she was wearing the dark purple collar that Nick may or may not have accidentally bought while they prepared to adopt a dog. 

“No way, this is…this is…” Nick collapsed into the bed, pulling his and Charlie's dog closer to him, petting her head, much to her excitement.

“Yep. She's ours.” Charlie said quietly, not wanting to disturb how happy his boyfriend was, clearly overtaken with joy.

“She's perfect Charlie. She's perfect, and she's ours.” Nick's eyes yet again watered with tears of joy. “Thank you Charlie. I love you, I love you both so much.”

Charlie smiled sheepishly. “Well, she does have a name. And yes, I love you both too.”

Nick's tear streaked face showed signs of confusion. 

“When I took her into the veterinary office, the receptionist said that she reminded her so much of her dog that had recently passed. I asked her what her dog's name was. She said Sophie. I think we have a Sophie now.” Charlie explained. 

Nick gently kissed Sophie's head, before giving a kiss to his boyfriend. “I love you and Sophie. A lot.”

“Me too, Nick.”

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After nearly a half an hour of the trio laying in bed, and petting the new addition to their family, Charlie forced his boyfriend to take a shower after the class he taught at the campus fitness center. He had to bribe Nick with cooking dinner for them, as that was the only way he could get his boyfriend to release their new family member. Sophie happily followed Charlie to the kitchen, switching back and forth between playing with a miniature rugby ball, and watching her new human prepare food. 

Nick emerged from the bedroom after showering and changing, but stopped short, not wanting to disturb the scene he was watching. Sophie was sitting only inches from Charlie, watching him cook. Charlie explained everything he was doing to their new golden retriever. 

“And then, we add the basil. That's really important. Did you know that?” Charlie said out loud to the dog intently watching him. 

Nick could have watched this go on forever. Instead, he took out his phone and snapped a picture. Moments later, he had posted a picture of Charlie's back, with a very curious golden retriever staring up at him. He added a quick caption, ‘We're Dads now ❤️’ before sliding it back into pocket. Nick took another few moments just watching the interaction, before remembering he had big news of his own to share with Charlie. 

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Tao: Two golden retrievers Charlie? You got yourself a second? She's so cute, I'm almost shaking with jealousy. 

Charlie: Tao, it's been 6 years, might be time to let that joke go. 

Darcy: He will let it go when the comparison is no longer accurate. 

Nick: I take it as a compliment. Call me a golden retriever all you want. 

Charlie: He's been doing it for 6 years. 

Nick: Wait, when did he start? 

Isaac: The day we started year 10, and he caught Charlie staring at you from across the courtyard. 

Nick: Oh, I guess I never realized. 

Elle: He means it as a compliment. And your puppy is adorable. So jealous of my favorite new dads. 

Tara: You're lucky we don't live closer. We'd be stealing her in a heartbeat. 

Nick: Never. You'd have to pry my Sophie from my cold dead hands. 

Charlie: Our. You meant our. 

Nick: Yes, our Sophie. 

Imogen: O. M. G. SHE'S SO CUTE! 

Tao: She is. It's almost maddening. 

Nick: She'd love to meet you. 

Charlie: She really would. It's summer break soon,just saying. 

Darcy: My bag is already packed. 

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Charlie took Nick's empty plate to the kitchen, only placing it in the sink. He wanted to hear the good news his boyfriend had promised to tell him. “OK Nick, it's your turn. You've kept me waiting.”

Charlie sat down next to Nick on the couch, careful to not disturb a sleeping Sophie who had clearly had an exhausting day in her new home with her new parents. 

“Whew, here goes.” Nick was nervous, even though he had absolutely no reason to be. “So, remember when I told you that the rumors about our head sports medic on campus was retiring? It was true. They hired one of his assistants to replace him. With that, two positions on the team opened up. I think I told you. We'll Charlie, I applied. I got an interview last week. I didn't want to tell you, because I didn't want to get your hopes up. It was a long shot. I haven't even graduated yet.”

“And?“ Charlie could read Nick's face quite easily. He knew exactly what the news was. 

“I got a phone call today. Charlie, I got it! I've got a job right here in Leeds, working with the teams on campus!” Nick Nelson had almost burst with excitement, for the second time that day. 

Charlie enveloped his boyfriend in a tight hug, accidentally disturbing a sleeping Sophie. “I am so proud of you. This is the second best thing I've heard today. I am so, so proud of you!” 

Nick welcomed the hug, and pulled Charlie in tighter. “Thank you Charlie. I couldn't have done this without you. And yes, it's second best thing I've heard today too. 

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The boyfriends and canine companion had stayed up talking about how well things were going for them, and the excitement they shared about their future, eventually retiring to the bedroom for the night. Charlie stopped in the bathroom to brush his teeth, and when he was done, his heart almost burst with joy. Nick, barely awake on his side of the bed, was gently petting a sleeping Sophie. She was smack dab in the middle, meaning Charlie had no hope of getting to Nick. 

“She's the only one I'm ok with being between us.” Charlie whispered gently, not wanting to wake up the peacefully sleeping canine. 

“Same.” Nick answered. “Charlie, this has been one of the most perfect days of my life. I love you so much.”

“Good night Nick. I love you so much too.”

Chapter Text

Epilogue 8

Almost 6 years later

Charlie Spring came crashing through the front door of his flat, startling his boyfriend and dog. He was breathing heavily from running all the way from the bus stop combined with his excitement. Sophie, their golden retriever, instantly got up from her spot to check on one of her parents. Nick Nelson stayed seated, but his attention was solely on his boyfriend. 

“Charlie, you went to the shop with a list of three things, it's not that urgent.” Nick joked with his slightly out of breath boyfriend. “Besides, you graduated last month. You're not late for anything.”

Charlie, still catching his breath, and attempting to calm himself down, petted Sophie's head, who gave several tail wags of approval. “Nick, you're not going to believe this.”

“I might. Tell me!” Nick's interest was piqued. “Come sit down, tell me what's got you running home and all worked up.”

Charlie moved to the couch, quickly followed by Sophie, who jumped into his lap. Neither man complained that their fully grown golden retriever believed she was a small lap dog. “OK, I was on my way to the shops, but I got a phone call.”

“A good one?” Nick asked. He knew Charlie was waiting to hear back from several places he recently interviewed at for a job. His newly graduated and licensed mental health therapist boyfriend seemed incredibly excited, so it seemed likely that's what the call had been about. 

“Yes! The new place, the one about 10 minutes away, The Refuge, they called. They offered me the job, and I took it!” Charlie's news and excitement had burst from his mouth. 

Nick threw his arms around his boyfriend. “Charlie, that's incredible! That's the one you really wanted! I'm so proud of you, you're going to be awesome. I'm so happy for you!”

Charlie's news that he was the newest hire at a recently opened counseling and mental health care facility, specializing in working with LGBT teens, called The Refuge, as a therapist was something of a moment that seemed to bring his life into a full circle. From someone who had needed those services, to now providing them, Charlie felt complete. His life had new meaning to it. 

“Nick, this is some of the best news ever.” Charlie told his boyfriend, who still had him held tightly in a hug, with Sophie eagerly trying to join in. “It's like…I don't know, it makes me feel better, knowing that I can give the help that I needed when I was their age.”

“I'm so proud of you Charlie. He's going to be amazing, right girl?” Nick said, while making sure their dog could join the embrace. “I had an idea. It's about time for Sophie's walk, why don't we both take her and you can tell me everything about it?” 

“Um, can we swing by the shops? I never actually made it there.” Charlie admitted, somewhat embarrassed. 

“Absolutely.”

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Nick was busy in the bedroom getting ready for their walk, while Charlie and Sophie were waiting, patiently, near the front door. He could hear his increasingly excited dog struggle to be patient, so he knew he had to quickly finish changing. But Nick paused while pulling socks out of his drawer. He thoughtfully stared at the small black velvet box he had carefully tucked away and hidden, after purchasing almost two months ago, that had become slightly visible at that moment. Nick briefly considered bringing it with him, but he decided against it. This was Charlie's day. 

“Nick, come on!” Charlie shouted at his boyfriend from the other room.

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Charlie hooked up Sophie's leash, and kept most of his attention on keeping his increasingly impatient golden retriever calm before she was overloaded with excitement about their impending walk. With Nick seeming to take forever to change, Charlie's free hand drifted into his pocket, and began to fidget with the small black velvet box he had been keeping on him since he had bought it the day after he had graduated from Leeds. He wasn't sure when he was going to use it, but he decided to keep it pocketed for the day. 

“Nick, come on!” Charlie shouted at his boyfriend, still in the bedroom. Sophie was spinning in circles, wanting nothing more than to leave for their walk. 

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“So, when do you start?” Nick asked his boyfriend, who was still holding onto Sophie's leash, as she pulled her parents along on the walk. Her nose was to the ground, actively sniffing everything in her path. 

“Monday! I won't start seeing clients right away. They're having me set up my office, and go through an orientation of sorts, but pretty soon I'll start meeting with people. It's exciting, and I'm glad I'm getting the chance to help people like me.” Charlie was still excited about his new job. He would be happy to tell Nick everything about it. 

Nick directed them around a corner, which meant they were taking the long way to their destination, which gave him more time to ask Charlie questions. “Well, what are you most excited for?” 

Charlie smiled so wide the muscles in his face were clearly stretching. “They said that if it would help with a client, I could bring Sophie in for some sessions.”

“Oh, you have the best job ever!“ Nick exclaimed. “Now I have to figure out how I can do that!”

Charlie chuckled. “Not sure how she'd help a sports medical trainer. Maybe she could help you with getting people to stretch? Or having them throw her ball when they're rehabbing an injury?”

“Hmm, both of those could actually work, you know.” Nick's mind was actually busy thinking up ways he could justify bringing his dog to work with him. 

“Well, we'll have to get her a work calendar and schedule.” Charlie joked.

“Want me to take her?” Nick asked, after Sophie had stopped and dug her nose into a particularly interesting bush next to the path. Her tail had started to wag even faster, indicating the golden had found the scent of something. 

“It's ok, I like our walks. Besides, you're always hogging her!” Charlie teased his boyfriend. Both men adored their canine companion, but Nick was definitely more attached. 

“I do not!” Nick responded to the accusation with fake offense. “She's so cute, and I am in love with our girl here.”

“Sure Nick. Whatever you say!” Charlie answered, right before Sophie decided she had sniffed that particular bush enough, and it was time to continue their walk. 

Nick rolled his eyes at Charlie. “I seem to remember you trying to squeeze in between me and her when you got home last night.”

“Well, she was hogging you. I needed some boyfriend time.” Charlie kept teasing, not regretting it for a second. 

“You never have to worry about anyone hogging me. You're entitled to boyfriend time whenever you want.” Nick replied, completely unaware that it would cause Charlie to burst out in laugher. 

“Nick! That is one of the most cringe things you've ever said!” Charlie got out between laughs.

The trio continued on their walk, exchanging jokes and Charlie telling Nick, and Sophie, all about his new job. They eventually stopped at the corner shop that Charlie had intended to visit earlier, before deciding it was time to head home. The two men enjoyed the more leisurely pace on the return trip. Their dog had used up most of her energy on the long and winding route they had taken to start. 

Nick had taken over Sophie duties while Charlie carried the small sack of food. At Nick's suggestion, they stopped and sat down on a bench, not far from their home. “Charlie, can I ask you a serious question?”

Charlie leaned back onto the bench. “Of course.”

“I guess I'd like to say, this is probably the happiest I've ever been in my life. I know it sounds weird to ask, but how about you?” Nick was internally horrified by the words that came out of his mouth. His thoughts were preoccupied by the small black box hidden in his sock drawer. 

“Absolutely. No doubt about it. This is going to sound ridiculous, but this is kind of the life I've wanted. A home with my boyfriend, our dog, and a job where I can help people who are struggling like I was.” Charlie's answer was sincere. “Oh, that got a bit dark at the end. Didn't mean it like that.”

Nick wanted to test the waters without revealing too much. “No, I know what you meant. You're so amazing like that, using your experiences to help. I love that so much. But, I don't know, is that what would make you happy long term?”

Charlie didn't hesitate for a second. “Absolutely. Our life here, it's honestly kind of perfect. It would be great if it was that way forever.”

Charlie Spring had absolutely not picked up on the hidden meaning behind his boyfriend's question. 

“Besides, you're doing the same thing as me, really. You took that nasty rugby injury you had back at Truham and are now helping people from having to go through that, and helping them recover if they do.” Charlie complimented his boyfriend. “I absolutely love that about you too.”

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The boyfriends and their dog spent a somewhat quiet night at home. Nick was perfectly happy to play with Sophie while Charlie told him all the new exciting things he was looking forward to at his new job. He didn't care how many times Charlie would bring up the same thing, he was just so happy and proud of all the good that therapist Charlie Spring would be doing. When the trio went to bed for the night, Nick found himself still awake, with his head resting on Charlie's chest, and Sophie curled up near their feet. His smile was  quite evident, even in the dark room.  He glanced over at his dresser, his eyes passing over the sock drawer in the top left, and thinking about the object he had hidden there. 

I'm going to ask Charlie Spring to marry me. Now, how do I do it? 

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Charlie's first day at The Refuge was uneventful, but still had him filled to the brim with excitement, even on his short drive home. He was given an office, was given a full tour, and met most of the people who worked there, along with more time getting to know the other people on his team. It was a great day, and he was looking forward to helping LGBT teens that needed his help. His excitement didn't diminish at all on his commute, it only grew because he knew that when Nick got home later that night, he would get to tell his boyfriend all about it. 

When Charlie got home, he was surprised to see the lights on through their windows. Nick was supposed to be at work late that night, he was going to be on the sidelines for a football match that day, which wasn't supposed to end for another hour. His surprise only went higher when he opened the door and found Nick sitting at their kitchen table, and a fully cooked meal on the table. Sophie was sitting next to him, wearing the Captain America scarf Nick had recently bought her. 

“Nick, you're supposed to be at the football match tonight! What is this?” Charlie asked, his heart melting with the love his boyfriend had intended to convey with this gesture. 

“Happy first day of work Charlie! I switched assignments with another trainer. I had to make sure I was here so you could tell me all about your first day!” Nick explained. 

“Nick, this is amazing. You didn't have to do this.” Charlie felt a few tears form in his eyes when he hung up his bag on the metal hook near the door and sat down at the table, hungry as ever. 

“I wanted to though. You mean so much to me Charlie, and I need you to know that.”

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Once it got later in the evening, the three of them had gone to bed, with the athletic trainer and golden retriever falling asleep quite quickly. Nick was still holding Charlie as close as he could in his sleep, with Sophie pressed firmly up against Charlie on the opposite side. The new therapist was still awake, still filled with the excitement of his day, and how happy he had been upon arriving home. That night's gesture from Nick helped Charlie come to a decision that had been a long time coming. Charlie glanced at the trousers he had been wearing that day, before closing his eyes and thinking about the small box nestled in one of the pockets. 

I'm going to ask Nick Nelson to marry me. Once I figure out how. 

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Before heading out to his second day of work, Charlie Spring was eating breakfast, while Sophie sat next to him, keeping an attentive eye on her father. She had seen her other dad off to work only an hour prior. Charlie pulled his phone out, and decided to ask for advice about his marriage proposal, since he was kind of stuck. 

Charlie: Keep this between us. You cannot say ANYTHING to anyone about it. For now. Promise? 

Tao: I'm your best friend Charlie. I promise. But what are we talking about? 

Charlie: I'm going to ask Nick to marry me. 

Tao: NO WAY! 

TAO: NO FREAKING WAY! 

Tao: FINALLY! 

Charlie: What do you mean, finally? 

Tao: You two have been head over heels in love for years. 

Charlie: And? 

Tao: We figured it would have happened by now.

Charlie: OK, we'll talk about THAT later. I need your help. I don't know how. 

Tao: Charlie, that man is CLEARLY crazy about you. You could probably throw a ring at him and he'd say yes. 

Charlie: Not helping. I want this to be special. He deserves the best. I want this to be something we'll never forget. 

Tao: OK, what is your favorite thing to do together? 

Charlie: I don't think you want to hear about that.

Tao: CHARLES SPRING NO! 

Charlie: Sorry! 

Tao: Seriously, what is your favorite thing to do together that won't make me vomit when you tell me? 

Charlie: I don't know, we're honestly kind of boring people. And I like that. I guess I'd have to say taking Sophie on a walk together. 

Tao: OK, what if you popped the question while taking your ridiculously cute dog for a walk? Is there somewhere special that you both really like to take her? 

Charlie: There's this really neat park nearby. Towards the back, there's this kind of secluded pond with a bench. It's quiet there, peaceful. 

Tao: I think you just answered your own question. I'm assuming you have a ring already? 

Charlie: Bought one the day after I graduated. It was kind of a spur of the moment thing, I knew I wanted to ask him, but I just wasn't sure it was the right thing to do. Now I do know. 

Tao: That's actually kind of beautiful. He's gonna say yes. 

Charlie: Thank you, Tao. You're an amazing person. 

Tao: You're welcome. I'm happy for you. Really, I'm so happy for you. I can't wait for the wedding. 

Charlie: I hope my best man is excited. 

Tao: And who's that then? 

Charlie: YOU, YOU MORON! 

Tao: Just making sure! 

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Nick Nelson sat down on a bench that was placed up against the back wall of the large sports medicine rehabilitation room. He had about fifteen minutes before his next appointment would arrive, and he decided to be productive. Nick needed help with something, and he was out of ideas. Pulling his phone out, the athletic trainer decided it was time to call in reinforcements, in the form of Tao Xu, Charlie's longest and closest friend. 

Nick: Hey Tao, I have a favor to ask. 

Tao: Nick! What's up? 

Nick: OK, but first, you have to promise me, you have to swear, you will not tell anyone about this. Not yet. 

Tao: I really don't like where this is going. 

Nick: It's nothing bad, I promise.

Tao: OK, I swear. Not a word to anyone. 

Nick: I have to ask you, because you're Charlie's oldest and best friend. I need your help with this. I'm going to ask Charlie to marry me. I just don't have any clue how. 

Tao: OH. MY. GOD. 

Tao Xu literally broke out in a sweat. Charlie had said the exact same thing to him only minutes before. His stomach was twisting into a knot of anxiety. He had to be extremely careful about handling this absolutely insane position he had been placed in. 

Nick: Really left you that shocked? 

Tao: Yes.

Tao: I mean no. 

Tao: I mean, I don't know what to say! I'm so happy for you! But, um, I don't know if you should be talking to me about this. I may have some personal conflicts here. 

Nick:??? 

Tao: Hard to explain. 

Nick: Can you try? 

Tao: No. 

Nick: I am really confused here. 

Tao: Me too. 

Nick: I have no idea what's even going on anymore.

Tao: Me neither. 

Nick: OK, but I really need your help. I want to marry Charlie. I love him so much. I want to spend the rest of my life with him, he's that incredible of a person. I just can't figure out how to ask him. 

Tao: What if you didn't? 

Nick: WHAT??? 

Tao's mind was racing. He had slipped up, bad. Muttering “oh shit,” repeatedly he quickly typed out a reply. 

Tao: No, that was dumb. What I meant to say was that you really don't need to go big with some grand gesture. Let it happen naturally. I am 1000% certain that he wants to marry you too. 

Nick: How do you know? 

Tao looked up from his phone. He had talked himself into a corner, and he didn't see an escape. 

Tao: Because he's been crazy about you since the first day of year 10 back at Truham when you sat down next to him. You're still together 7 years later. You have a flat. You have a dog together. You both would do anything for each other. If what you two have isn't true love, then I don't know what is. 

Nick: That's actually really awesome of you to say. But how do I ask him?  I know it doesn't have to be the biggest and wildest thing ever. That's not Charlie. I just want him to feel special and him to say yes. 

Tao looked away from his phone. His mind had come up with an idea, that was either the greatest thing he had ever come up with in his life, or something that would make the lives of his two friends incredibly awkward. 

Nick: You still there? 

Tao needed to make a decision, and he had to do it right then and there. He decided to risk it. 

Tao: Yeah, just thinking. 

Tao: OK, what is your favorite thing to do together? 

Tao cringed when he saw that Nick was typing a response. 

Nick: Gut reaction? Taking Sophie for a walk together. I know, it sounds lame, but when it's just us three, I feel like we're all just a bit happier. 

Tao's fingers started to shake a bit. 

Tao: That's adorable. In a non condescending way. OK, is there somewhere you like to go on your walks? Somewhere that you like more than anywhere else? 

Nick: Yeah, there's a park nearby the flat. It's really green and vibrant. Way in the back there's a pond with a bench next to it. Sometimes we go there and just sit and talk. Sophie plays around, and there's just something so special about it. Hard to explain. 

Tao: OK, what if you asked him there? Think he's like it? 

Nick: Yes. Yes I do. 

Tao: Well, I think you have your answer. 

Nick: You are such an incredible friend Tao. Thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. 

Tao: I'm happy to help you two dorks. 

Nick: Hey! 

Tao: I mean that in the nicest way possible. 

Nick: Thank you. For everything. 

Tao Xu set his phone down next to him. The anxiety from what he had just done and the events he had just set in motion were life-changing for everyone involved. He still wasn't sure if he was brilliant, or the biggest idiot on the planet. He quietly got up from his chair and went to the art studio where his fiancé was working on yet another gorgeous piece. 

“Elle, I may have just done the stupidest thing of my life, or the smartest. I don't know which.”

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Charlie Spring waited ten minutes into his lunch hour to proceed with his plan of asking Nick Nelson to marry him. He needed to make a very important phone call, and he didn't want to be interrupted, or his boyfriend find out what he was planning. The therapist took a series of deep breaths, and utilized some of his own relaxation and calming exercises before he picked up his phone. Charlie dialed an important contact, despite the nervous waves washing over him. 

“Charlie, hello! How are you, dear? Nick told me all about your new job. That's wonderful!” Sarah Nelson's voice carried over the phone's speaker. She sounded happy to hear from her son's long time boyfriend. 

“Hi Sarah, I'm doing really well right now. Thank you so much, I'm happy I get to make a difference.” Charlie responded kindly to her greeting. “So, Sarah, I have something important I need to talk to you about. Before you worry, Nick is fine, Sophie is fine, and I am too.”

Sarah had appreciated Charlie's clarification. “Charlie, whatever you need to talk to me about, please go ahead.”

Charlie exhaled deeply, preparing himself for a conversation that he was incredibly nervous about. “Well, it's about Nick. You know how amazing he is, and I love him so much. I can't even imagine what my life would be like without him, and I don't want to. I want to be together for the rest of our lives. I guess, what I'm saying is, I'm going to ask Nick to marry me. I wanted you to know, and I wanted to ask if you're OK with it?“

At first, there was no reply, only the sounds of Sarah Nelson choking up with emotion. Charlie could practically hear Sarah start to lightly cry over the phone. “Oh Charlie, you're making me cry, because I know Nicky feels the exact same way about you. You're going to make him the happiest man on earth, and that makes me feel wonderful. Of course it's ok. It's even more than OK. I'm so happy for both of you.”

Charlie's own tears of happiness had started to fall as well. “Thank you, thank you so much. I love your son with my whole heart, and I think it's time I told him.”

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Nick sat down in his small office in the fitness center at the University of Leeds. It was his lunch break, but he wasn't going to eat right away. He had something far more important to do. He locked the door behind him, and closed the blinds that covered the window that looked out into the first floor of the building. Nick took a few deep breaths and prepared himself for the phone call he was about to make. Nick pressed dial, and closed his eyes, trying to slow his rapidly beating heart before someone picked up on the other end of the line.

“Hello Nick. I wasn't expecting a call from you, is everything OK?” The voice of Julio Spring, Charlie's father, came through his phone and brought Nick back to the present moment. 

“Hi Julio, yes, everything is good. Is Jane around? I'd like to talk to you about something. I wish I could do it in person, but you know how that goes.” Nick worked hard at keeping his voice even, and free of the anxiety he was currently wracked with. 

“Yeah, she's right here, I put you on speaker. Are you sure everything is OK? You sound a bit nervous.” Nick's future father in law asked.

“I promise, everything is fine. Actually, it's better than fine. A lot better. Which is exactly what I wanted to talk to you about. It's about Charlie, and it's hopefully really good news.” Nick reassured his boyfriend's parents. 

“Nick, it's ok. What can we do for you?” Jane Nelson's voice came through for the first time. 

“OK, here goes. Jane, Julio, I want to start by saying that I love Charlie so much. I never knew it was possible to feel this way about someone until I met your son. We've been together for awhile now, and lately, it's been like every day is just another dream come true. We're so happy together, our lives seem to be exactly what we both want. More importantly, I want Charlie to know how much I love him, which I'm not sure it's even possible for him to understand exactly how I feel about him. But I'm going to try. I would like to ask Charlie to marry me. But I wanted to tell you first, and ask for your permission to marry your son.”

Nick could hear the sounds of his future in laws becoming emotional over the phone line. 

“Nick, that's wonderful. You have my full support. I love Charlie, and I love seeing him happy, and you make him so happy. I'm really proud of you for asking us, and I'm even happier that I'm going to be gaining a second son.” Julio spoke first, giving his blessing to the impending proposal. 

After a few seconds of dead air, Jane Spring spoke. “Nick, I know this sounds silly, but I still regret how coldly I treated you when you and Charlie first started going out. I feel guilty that I had those options about my future son in law. I think you should ask Charlie to marry you. You two have grown into such fine men, and you have done so much for my son, and he cherishes having you in his life, and so do I. There's nobody other than you that I would rather see Charlie marry.”

Nick was glad he had closed the blinds to his office. He was on the verge of crying incredibly messy tears of joy. “This means so much to me. Thank you. Thank you so much. I can't say when I'm going to do it, but it will be soon. I promise, you'll be some of the first ones to know. Thank you.”

Nick looked at the digital clock on his wall, seeing that he had twenty six minutes until he had a rehab session with a tennis player to help with a lingering elbow issue. He was going to need all of those twenty six minutes minutes to regain his composure. 

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Charlie woke up that Saturday morning, his third week as a therapist was complete. He already enjoyed the work. It was hard, emotionally draining, but he felt he had been doing a lot of good in people's lives. Regardless, he was happy for his weekend to arrive. Charlie Spring had also decided that today was the day he was going to ask Nicholas Nelson to marry him. He just needed the courage to go through with it. 

Carefully and quietly, he untangled himself from the various limbs of his still sleeping boyfriend, before getting out of bed. Sophie had detected the movement immediately. Her head shot up and stared at Charlie with something resembling a human smile on her face. 

“Good morning Soph. Want to go out and help me make breakfast?” Charlie asked the golden retriever he adored so much. 

With a seemingly impossible level of comprehension, the two year old dog got out of bed just as carefully as Charlie, and followed him into the kitchen, where he let her outside into their small fenced yard to do her business, before he got out their tea kettle and began to prepare food. 

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Nick woke up slowly. He welcomed that Saturday morning. The sun was shining brightly through the gaps in the curtains, lighting up their bedroom. After a long week of being on the sidelines of various sports matches almost every day that week, he had also taken on the rehabilitation regiment for a second year rugby player with a dislocated knee. A case that seemed all too familiar. 

Still groggy, Nick stretched out his limbs, and found that the bed was empty. He didn't mind, as the sounds of kitchen utensils tapping out various complicated rhythms made him smile. It was just another reminder about one of the countless things he loved about his boyfriend. Those drumming sounds cemented an idea in Nick's head. This was the day he was going to ask Charles Spring to marry him. 

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“Hey Charlie, it's a really nice day. Gorgeous outside. How about we take Soph for a W-A-L-K.” Nick's stomach was in knots. It had taken him nearly 20 minutes to work up the courage to ask. He had decided hours ago that he was going to ask Charlie to marry him that day. Even having to spell out the word walk so Sophie didn't get overly excited didn't help. 

Charlie didn't know what a heart attack felt like, but he was sure he was on the verge of having one right then and there, at the age of twenty one. He had been trying to force similar words out of his own mouth for the last hour, with the intention of proposing that exact same day, but his brain wouldn't cooperate. How Nick had asked him to do the exact thing he had been trying to, felt like a blow to the head. It had completely thrown him off balance and struggling to regain his mental composure. And then, through some wild twist of fate, the words that he couldn't make himself speak came casually floating through their living room from his boyfriend. 

Charlie managed to stammer out a reply. “Ummm…yeah, ummm…sure…sounds good.”

Nick was so nervous, he didn't even realize how strange his boyfriend's response was. He just registered it as a yes, and knew he had to get to the bedroom before Charlie, and secure that black velvet box that he had recently hidden inside two different socks before burying it as far back and deep as he could in the drawer. “Great. Umm, I'm gonna, um, I guess go get changed. Can't go out in my pajamas now.”

“I need to…I need to change too. Can, you, um, stay out here with Sophie?” Charlie was on the verge of losing his mind. The small black box was currently sitting inside a shallow pocket of a jacket, which hung precariously from the corner of his wardrobe door. 

The odd behavior from their significant other didn't register with either of them. They had no need to change clothes separately. Yet each of them was hyperfixated on getting the item hidden in their bedroom. Each of them was suddenly faced with a conundrum. 

Nick got up from his chair first, quickly moving towards the bedroom, brain racing at the speed of light to come up with a reason to change clothes, by himself, with the door closed. “I need some privacy, to um, I've got this bruise, and um, it's nasty, and hold on, I'll be right out.”

Charlie was sure he was seeing stars and a fuzzy white hue had started to cloud his vision when Nick closed their bedroom door behind him. He was seconds away from entering full blown panic mode. He was glued to his chair, and just staring at the closed bedroom door, with no real solution in sight. He considered barging into the bedroom, but decided against it. Charlie didn't want his boyfriend to know what he was planning. 

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The first thing Nick Nelson did after shutting the bedroom door was make a mad dash to his dresser and grab the small box he needed that afternoon. 

I hope he says yes. Please, please say yes. 

Once he acquired the box, he picked out some clothes for their walk. 

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“All set Char! Bedroom is free.” Nick emerged a few short minutes later, sounding a bit more calm and normal than he did before. 

Charlie tried to remain calm until he closed the bedroom door behind him. His first move was also to get the small box he had been hiding, before he changed clothes. 

I really hope he says yes. 

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Nick was the one who ended up holding Sophie's leash at the start of the walk that would change their lives. A fact that neither thought the other knew. The happy golden retriever wagged her tail as she kept her head raised, sniffing the summer afternoon air. Both boyfriends seemed to be walking quicker than normal, their nervousness starting to show. They had thought about blaming their ‘daughter’as they had started to call her, for their increased pace, but neither wanted to draw attention to their own anxiety about what they planned to do. 

“Soph is sure enjoying this. I'm glad we went out.” Charlie tried to make small talk to deceive Nick about his current level of anxiety. He hoped directing their attention to Sophie would work. 

Nick knew he had to say something before his thoughts drove him crazy. “She's such a good girl. I still can't believe I was the one who was so hesitant to get a dog. I swear Char, it was fate that you found her that day. You saved her, and you made our lives so much better. I love her, and I love you.”

“I love both of you too. I'm telling you, this is the life I've always wanted. What we have is perfect. I have an amazing boyfriend, and the cutest creature I have ever seen in my life.” Charlie let his happiness about his life take over his thoughts and suppress the whirlwind of anxiety that was tearing through his whole body. 

“Hey, I thought I was the cutest? You've always said that to me.” Nick decided some boyfriend cringe would help ease his tension. 

“Well, don't be mad, but I think she's officially cuter. But you're in the closest second place spot possible. It's the closest second place in the history of second places.” Charlie's choice of words and description was just as cringe worthy as what his boyfriend had spoken moments earlier. Which Charlie loved. They could be as cringey as they wanted with each other. “Nick, we are so cringe! Why are we like this?”

“If we haven't figured it out after 7 years, we probably won't, even if we're together for the rest of our lives.” Nick almost puked once the words left his mouth. He was certain he'd just blown his cover, and Charlie would know exactly what was going on. 

“I'd be OK with that.” Charlie's response was oddly calm and happy. 

“Hey, let's go to the park. It's probably really empty right now, and the quiet would be nice. Pond is probably beautiful too. ” Nick suggested, trying to cover up the butterflies in his stomach from hearing Charlie basically say he'd be ok with spending the rest of their lives together. 

Charlie's calm and happy demeanor from just moments earlier were a long distant memory. Nick's suggestion of their favorite little spot on dog walks almost seemed like he knew exactly what Charlie had planned. There was no possible way Nick had the ability to read minds, but Charlie was struggling to find another explanation. He should have been relieved that things were going exactly as planned, but Charlie wasn't the one making the plan unfold. It was Nick, and that made no sense. 

“Yeah, that's a good idea. Umm, Sophie would probably like that. I would too,actually.” Charlie decided he'd let his boyfriend, and hopefully soon to be fiancé move the plan along. It would give him more time to think and figure out what was going on, whether or not Nick had somehow discovered his plan, and just what he was going to say once they arrived at their destination. 

“Great. Soph! How does the pond sound?” Nick acknowledged his boyfriend's approval, and hoped the distraction of talking to his dog would help him calm down. His planned proposal was a mere moments away, and he still had no idea what to say. Every time he had gone over his plans for the day, Nick had never made it far enough to even think about what he was going to say. He just became so nervous and happy, he couldn't maintain focus. 

The two men joined hands, not noticing how sweat covered their partners had become, and kept on walking, making incredibly nervous small talk. Sophie's excitement upon reaching their destination was the only thing that brought both Nick and Charlie back to reality. Nick exchanged Sophie's usual walk leash with a much longer one. It allowed her a lot more room to happily explore her favorite corner of their favorite local park. Charlie realized that Nick had given their dog more freedom, and decided now was the time. He grabbed his taller boyfriend's hand, and nervously guided them down onto the park bench.

Charlie gulped. “Nick, I wanted to ask you something. It's important.”

“Actually, I had something to ask you too. But you asked first, so I'll let you go.” Nick was sure the thundering sounds of his pulse echoing in his head meant the concussion he had sustained back at Truham many years ago had returned, and it wasn't just his completely unfounded fears about asking the boyfriend of his dreams to marry him manifesting. 

“OK, Nick. From the first time I met you, I felt something different. About myself and about you. Something happened in my brain. Everyone told me it was a stupid crush on a straight boy, and I was just going to get hurt. I wanted them to be wrong. I had never hoped everyone in my life would be so wrong before. Then, you became my friend, and I had hopes. Then, that night at Harry's party. I knew it wasn't going to be fun, but I went because you asked me to. When we were alone in that room, I was so scared, because I thought things could be different, and you liked me as more than a friend. I almost didn't take that risk, holding your hand, and then kissing you. Then, you kissed me back, and for some reason, I thought I made everything worse.”

What is going on? Why is Charlie saying all this? 

“What started that night became the greatest adventure of my life. I always wanted the stereotypical boyfriend experience, but what you gave me was anything but. You made me happier than I ever thought a person could be. You saved me from my own brain, from something that could have destroyed me, and you never looked back and wished you did things differently. Here we are, years later, and I swear Nick, I swear, I still get a little nervous when you text me, or you come home, because it's only in my dreams that I have someone like you to call my boyfriend. I love you so much Nick. I don't think it's possible for anyone other than myself to understand just how much love I have for you. I feel like you're a part of me, a part of me that I could never be without, ever. I want you to be that part of me forever.”

He's…no way…he's actually doing this…how…how did he plan this? Does he know that I was going to do this? 

Nick took an enormous risk. One that hadn't scared him as much as anything else in his life since he had posted a picture to Instagram with a caption that had said ‘boyfriends ❤️’. 

“Charlie, I have to say something. I have heard every word you have said, and I've heard it in the deepest part of my soul. Everything you said, I can almost say the exact same thing. Getting put next to you in form was the greatest moment of my life. Meeting you would set me on a path of happiness that I never thought possible. You said I saved you, but I need you to know that you saved me too. If I hadn't met you, I don't know if I ever would have found out that the person I was back then wasn't really me. You found me, Charlie. You found the real me and helped me become the person I am now. There is nothing I could ever say or do for you that comes close to what you did for me. But I want to try. I want to try for the rest of my life.”

Is Nick saying…what I think he's saying? How? Why? How did he figure out what was happening today? 

“Nick, I feel like you're saying the words that I've wanted to say to you for a long time. I love you. I know we say those words every single day, but right now, they mean so much more than they usually do. I love you so much that there's no way anyone could ever understand. But right now, I have to have an answer to a question that means more to me than anything else I've ever asked, or could ever ask anyone.” Charlie said, while slowly sliding off the park bench, down onto a knee, in front of the person that meant more to him than anyone else before. His hand trembled as it went into his pocket, fingers grasping the small, black velvet box that he had kept on his person for awhile. Now was the time he would finally take it out and reveal its existence. Charlie pulled it out, and gently opened it, revealing a plain but beautiful silver wedding ring nestled inside. “Nicholas Luke Nelson, would you make me the happiest man on earth and marry me?”

Nick suddenly forgot everything about that day before that exact moment. Without a single second of build up, the happiest tears he had ever cried in his life coated his face. Nick Nelson practically fell forward off the bench when he extended his hands to meet those of Charlie Spring's. He felt Charlie's hands cradle his, and slide the most beautiful piece of jewelry he had ever seen onto the fourth finger of his left hand. Nick did fall forward off the bench when he planted his lips on those that belonged to the most beautiful and truly wonderful person he had ever met. The rest of Nick's body landed firmly on the man he was going to marry. The man he was going to call his husband. The love of his life. And now the two of them were laying on the ground, still caught in a kiss that had more meaning to them than any other kiss before. 

“Does that mean yes?” Charlie asked, laying flat on his back underneath his new fiancé, his face soaked with just as many tears as Nick's.

“I'm saying yes, only after I ask you something.” Nick responded, freeing one of his hands from Charlie's, and grabbing his own gift and symbol of love in the palm of his hand, before sitting up and off of the smaller man beneath him. Nick rested his back on the seat of the bench, not bothering to get up, instead offering his left hand, adorned with a ring, to his fiancé, pulling him up into a similar position.

“Charlie, what you said made me happier than I ever thought was possible. Nothing I could say could even come close to matching the love and happiness of what you said and how it made me feel. But, I have to say this.  I have so much love I need to give you, that one lifetime isn't even close to enough time. You're that special, and you mean that much to me. I want to keep on loving you, and giving you everything I have in my heart to you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you, as your husband. Yes, absolutely, with every part of my soul, yes I will marry you. But Charles Francis Spring, will you marry me?” Nick Nelson silently removed his hand from his pocket. 

Charlie Spring didn't know he could have been any happier than he was only a second earlier when Nick Nelson said yes to his marriage proposal. Then, what had followed finally registered in his brain. He had heard Nick say yes he would marry him, along with his own unique brand of a Nick Nelson declaration of love, which ended in another wedding proposal. Nick had revealed his own ring, which was identical to the one that he had just given Nick. Even the box it came in was the same. They didn't like to use the words fate or destiny, but this truly felt like it was meant to be. Charlie's head was spinning from the pure joy he was overwhelmed with. “Nick, I have no idea how this just happened. But in typical you fashion, you have made something so incredible, something so perfect, even more incredible and perfect. I could never find the words to express just what today means to me. You're the most perfect person for me, and there's nobody else I would rather spend the rest of my life with. Yes, a million times over, yes, Nicholas Luke Nelson, I will be your husband, and yes a million times over, I will marry you.”

~~~The End~~~

Chapter Text

Epilogue 8.1

Charlie Spring knew something was wrong when his alarm went off, and found himself not alone in bed. His fiancé, Nick Nelson, was still asleep next to him, wrapped up in as many of the blankets and sheets as possible, all while holding onto Sophie, their two year old golden retriever. The other observation that set off alarm bells in Charlie's mind was just how cold his fiancé appeared to be, indicated by the hoarding of blankets and their dog. Normally, Nick was a human space heater. Particularly while he slept, the man radiated body heat. 

Nick should have left for work at least an hour ago, but that didn't appear to be the case. Charlie put observations together, and came to one conclusion: Nick was sick. Charlie laid back down, and placed his hands behind his head. He had a tough decision to make. Nick rarely got sick, but when he did, it was usually pretty bad, and lasted for days. Despite his age, his fiancé would also become unbelievably clingy. Charlie didn't mind a clingy Nick, the two men were almost always engaged in some sort of physical contact. But when the older man was sick, it was on another level. The last time Nick got sick, it was pneumonia, and several times Charlie found himself making excuses to leave because he needed a break from his then boyfriend, now fiance, and his need for physical contact.

Charlie made eye contact with Sophie, who looked somewhat content in her dad's arms. “Do I call off work, or do you think you can handle your sick father?”

Charlie was torn. Part of him wanted to just go to work that day, but he knew that if Nick truly was sick, and it was as bad as his rare bouts of illness, he knew he should stay home for at least a day or two. As annoying as Nick's neediness could sometimes get while sick, Charlie would have help from Sophie. “Well girl, I guess we have to take care of our favorite lad. I'll call off, you stay here and keep him company.”

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Nick woke up for the second time that day, and he felt even worse than he did the first time. At least the first time he had the energy to fire off a quick text to his boss that he was feeling ill, and wouldn't be coming in. Unfortunately, his various symptoms worsened since then. Currently, every part of his body was hurting. For some strange reason, it was his eyelids that ached the most. 

Nick was also freezing. He could tell right away that he was shivering uncontrollably, despite the pile of blankets and sheets he was currently wrapped in. Nick realized that it was only blankets too. The last time he was awake, he managed to snag Sophie and bring her into his blanket fort for additional warmth. Luckily, the golden retriever didn't mind. 

Despite the throbbing headache he was also experiencing, Nick was sure he could hear a tea kettle whistle from their kitchen, through the closed bedroom door. Normally, neither man ever bothered closing the bedroom door, unless one of them was sleeping. If he could hear the kettle, that meant Charlie was still home. His fiancé was one of the only things that made him feel better when he was sick. At that moment, the only thing Nick wanted was Charlie. 

Fortunately, the sick man didn't have to wait long. The bedroom door opened slightly, followed shortly by Charlie's head, looking for signs of whether or not his fiancé was awake or not. Nick weakly waved hi when the two made eye contact. 

“Hi.” Nick croaked out. 

“Hi. I brought you some tea. Thought it might help.” Charlie said, bringing a travel mug to his fiancé who eyed it suspiciously. “So you don't spill.”

Nick took gentle sips of the tea, welcoming the warmth that the liquid provided. “Char, I don't feel good.”

“Yeah, thought so.” Charlie replied, taking the mug that was handed back to him. “Anything I can do?”

“Hold me?” Nick asked, his voice sounding somewhat desperate, yet having a childlike innocence to it. 

Charlie knew that request was coming. He was prepared. He chose to enjoy the extra time he'd get with Nick, but he didn't want to get sick. Charlie pulled a face mask out of pocket and put it on before climbing back into bed, and pulling his fiancé onto his chest, securing him with an arm. Nick didn't say anything, and Charlie had to admit to himself that this was kind of nice. Other than Nick being sick. 

“So, can you tell me how you feel?“ Charlie asked, gently running his fingers through the reddish blonde hair on his fiancé's head. 

“I'm cold. Really cold. Everything hurts, but my head is pounding. Tired, too.” Nick's explanation was simple, but accurate and enough for Charlie to work with. 

“Sounds like the flu.” Charlie answered, checking Nick's symptoms on Google. “Don't suppose you took anything?”

“No, I didn't want to get out of bed.” Nick's answer was right in line with his symptoms. “I texted my boss I wasn't coming in, and went back to sleep.”

“And you kidnapped our daughter.” Charlie teased. “You had her completely tangled up in the blankets with you.”

“You can't kidnap someone who wants to be there.” Nick teased right back.  “Do you have to leave for work yet?”

Charlie continued to run his fingers through Nick's hair, and held him tighter with his other arm. “Nope, I called off when I woke up and saw you weren't right.”

“Thanks.” Nick replied, rubbing his face a bit into Charlie's shirt. “Need you.”

“And I'm here.” Charlie said with a smile that was concealed under his mask. “I do have to keep two of my appointments today, but we'll do video calls. Think Sophie can take my place?“

“Yeah, I think she'll do a good job with your clients. She's such a good girl.” Nick said with the slightest of grins. 

Charlie rolled his eyes. “I meant she could take my place here with you.”

“Then no. I need my fiancé.” Nick pretended to be grumpy, even if he didn't have the energy to make it convincing. 

Charlie sighed. He was afraid of this, but did feel guilty. Nick was sick, and he could definitely use some care. Charlie had no complaints about cuddling his fiancé either, it was just the amount of it that would be demanded over the next several days would make it hard to do anything else.

“Mm, better already.” Nick mumbled out, tightening his grip on his fiancé. “Thank you. Love you lots Char.”

Charlie's heart melted a little bit at Nick's last sentence. “Love you too, Nick.”

Nick groaned a little, adjusting his position and getting more comfortable. “You're the best fiancé ever.”

Every ounce of reservation of how clingy and needy his fiancé would be inside of Charlie Spring seemed to vanish in an instant. Suddenly, the idea of having a clingy Nick Nelson for the next few days didn't seem so bad. In fact, it seemed nice. “Maybe, maybe not. I think I share my title with you though.” 

Chapter Text

Epilogue 8. 2

Everyone has bad days at work, and today was one of those days for Nick Nelson. He threw his work bag into his car and sat down to drive, with far more force than was necessary. Instead of working with athletes for injury prevention and injury rehabilitation, he had spent most of the day in his bosses office and a conference room. Nick had received a complaint that he had provided inadequate care, which led to a Leeds athlete re-injure a shoulder that he had been working closely with the university athlete on healing from, and preventing further injury. Nick had been cleared of any wrongdoing after a review of his case notes, and treatment plan. The athlete had just pushed themselves too hard and started to play again before they were ready, which went against the rehab plan Nick had created. Even with the decision that he wasn't at fault, Nick didn't feel any better.

Nick was still mad when he arrived home. He sighed when he saw the lights on, meaning his fiancé had already gotten home. Normally, he'd want Charlie Spring to be home, but this was one of the very rare occasions when he wanted to be alone for a bit. To calm down and cool off. Enough at least that he wouldn't unload all his problems on the man he was going to marry. While his fiancé was a mental health therapist, Nick felt like he would make Charlie to be his own personal therapist a bit too much. 

Nick sighed and rapidly blinked before he got out of his car. He took a series of slow breaths before putting his forehead down on the steering wheel. The athletic trainer was steeling himself for the walk inside. He didn't want Charlie to have to unpack the issues and frustration from his day, especially since it was decided that he did nothing wrong. In Nick's mind, it wasn't fair that he would come home in a mood, and then make his fiancé have to deal with it. 

“Maybe I'll just pretend it was a normal day.” Nick said out loud to nobody, before he lifted his head and opened the car door and got out.

“Hi Char, I'm home.” Nick said as he opened and then closed the door behind him. He tried to keep his voice somewhat neutral. The guilt of lying to his fiancé ate at him, but Nick justified it by thinking that it would just make the night go easier for them both. 

“I'm in here! You can shower and change if you want, dinner is going to be a few minutes!” Charlie shouted back from the kitchen, the smells already wafting their way to their front door. 

Nick inhaled deeply. He loved Charlie's cooking. It was a hidden talent that neither of them knew the dark haired man possessed until they got their flat together. Normally, Nick would have gone along with his fiancé's suggestion of shower and changing, but there was something he needed to do first. Nick quietly made his way into the kitchen, gently wrapped his arms around Charlie's waist, and set his chin on the shorter man's shoulder. 

“Needed to recharge first?” Charlie asked, not taking his attention off the meal on the stove. 

Nick closed his eyes. “Yeah. Needed you for a minute. Then I'll go change and shower.”

Charlie set down the large wooden spoon he had been using. “Bad day?”

“Sorta.” Nick's answer was short. It wasn't a lie either, which settled his conscience. 

Charlie wiped his hands on the small towel he had next to the stove, but didn't move, and let his fiancé hold the embrace. “Let's talk about it. This has to simmer for a few more minutes.”

“Don't want to. It's fine.” Nick still hadn't let go of Charlie. He hoped his attempt to stop the conversation was enough. 

“I don't think it's fine, considering you're still doing your recharging thing. Nick, you can talk to me. It's kind of my thing.” Charlie didn't take Nick's hint that he didn't want to talk. 

It didn't make sense, but the feelings of guilt about lying to his fiancé were being erased by anger. Nick just wanted to let the events of the day disappear into the past, and become forgotten. “I said it's fine, just leave it. It's done.”

“Nick, what's going on? Something is very wrong right now.” Charlie asked, genuinely concerned about his fiancé. He had pulled out of the embrace, and turned around to have a face to face conversation. 

“What's going on is that I had a shit day at work, and I don't want to talk about it. Let it go!” Nick verbally lashed out, his voice raised and anger seeping through each word.

“So talk to me about it!” Charlie shot back, but voice lacked the intensity of Nick's. 

“Damnit Charlie, stop treating me like a child! If I wanted to talk to you about it, I would! You're not my therapist! I don't need to spill every little thing in my head to you every single day!” Nick had full on yelled. 

An uncomfortable silence hung in the air after the outburst. 

“Fine. I'm going out, I need to clear my head. Don't bother following me.” Charlie muttered, grabbing a jumper and hooking their dog, Sophie, onto her leash, before disappearing out the door. 

Nick Nelson didn't move, he just stared at the door as the reality of what he had just said and done began to crash down on his conscience. 

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Nick found himself laying in bed, staring at the ceiling as tears slowly streamed down the sides of his face. He knew how badly the words he had yelled at his fiancé had hurt. He had never meant to yell at Charlie. He never meant to hurt his fiancé like that. Nick had taken his frustrations out on the person that mattered the most to him, and possibly even belittled Charlie's professional skills. The words ‘you're not my therapist’ were particularly cruel, and Nick wished he could somehow take them back.

Unsure of how much time had passed, Nick reached for his phone, hoping to see that he had missed a message from Charlie. After seeing the time, and not a single message or missed call, Nick dropped his phone and slumped back down onto the bed, feeling empty, defeated, and most of all, horrified by what he had done. The older man had debated calling or messaging his fiancé, but after a bit of self reflection, Nick decided against it. He'd give Charlie his space, and would have to suffer in his thoughts, alone, until his fiancé returned home. 

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Nick Nelson hadn't realized that he'd fallen asleep until some time later when the sound of the front door closing pulled him awake. He wanted to bolt out the bedroom and wrap his arms around Charlie, apologize, and beg for forgiveness. But he didn't. He was going to let Charlie do things his way, and talk when the younger man was ready. Each second of waiting seemed to be an eternity, with Nick staring at their almost fully closed bedroom door. 

Eventually, the door was pushed open, and Charlie entered the room, looking at the floor. 

“Hi.” Nick said quietly, intending to offer an olive branch, signaling that he wanted to talk. 

“Hi.” Charlie said back, still looking at the floor before he started to change for bed. “I have some things I'd like to say to you Nick.”

Nick's heart began to race, the time between each beat grew shorter and shorter. “Me too. I'll let you go first, when you're ready.”

Charlie sat down on the edge of the bed, avoiding physical contact with his fiancé. “I know you didn't mean to yell, and you didn't mean to hurt me. But you did. It hurt, a lot, Nick. I know why you did it. Something really upset you today. But that doesn't excuse your actions. You took your anger out on me. I want to forgive you, but…more importantly, I need you to know that what you did tonight wasn't OK. And it still hurts.”

Tears started to break free from the corners of Charlie's eyelids. “Hearing you yell at me like that…and say what you did…it's not something that I expected from you. I'm not naive enough to believe that we're never going to have a fight, or that we're never going to get mad at each other. It's going to happen. We're getting married, and spending the rest of our lives together. But we can't do that, we can't say such hurtful things. If you're mad, just say it.”

Nick didn't respond with words. He almost flung himself at Charlie, wrapping his arms around the shorter man, sobbing into his shirt. “Charlie, I am so sorry. I never wanted to hurt you. I never want to hurt you, ever. You're so special to me. I care about you more than anything else in the world. I'm sorry Charlie. I'm so, so sorry. I love you so much, and I don't want to do that to you, ever again.”

Charlie didn't respond immediately, but eventually brought his arms up and placed them around his fiancé's shoulders, returning the embrace. “Nick, I believe you. But we have to face it. We're gonna argue. We're going to get mad. But promise me, if you're mad, just say it. You have every right to be mad, but not hurtful.”

 “I promise Charlie, I promise.” Nick's tears didn't stop. “I love you so much. I'm sorry I hurt you. I love you, and I'm so sorry.”

“Me too Nick, I promise that to you too. And I love you. I'm so happy I get to marry you some day.”

Chapter Text

“Nick, please don't be mad.” Charlie called out when he got home from work, and hung up his bag on the hooks next to their door.

“How could I possibly be mad now that you're home? It's like I love you and am going to marry you, you dork.” The reply came from the bedroom, where Nick was changing after a shower. 

“Hey, there's my girl!” Charlie exclaimed as a golden retriever came bolting out of the bedroom when she realized her other father had come home. “Come on Sophie, let's tell your dad the news.”

“What news?” Nick asked, coming out of their bedroom, reddish blonde hair still wet, but in dry and clean clothes. 

Charlie smiled sheepishly. “That Sophie's Aunt Tori is coming to visit.”

Nick sat down on their couch, turning on the TV, absolutely unbothered by that bit of news. “That's nice of her to drop by. She's your sister, why would I be mad?”

Charlie audibly gulped. “Because she'll be here in about twenty minutes.”

Nick's eyes widened to a point that neither man knew was possible. “Come again?”

“Tori will be here in about twenty minutes.” Charlie responded. 

Nick bolted up off the couch, clearly panicking. “Charlie! Our place is a mess! Your sister cannot see this! She'll think I'm some sort of slob who has you trapped in a flat sized bin or something!”

Charlie started to share in his fiancé's panic. “OK. Straighten up. Only the stuff in the living room. Essentials only.”

-------------------------------------------

“Hello Charlie! How is domestic bliss with your mountain sized fiancé treating you?” Tori Spring gripped her younger brother in a tight hug before breaking it and turning her attention to the patiently waiting golden retriever sitting a few feet away. “Miss Sophie, how is my favorite niece? Are your dads taking good care of you?”

“Hi Tori.” Charlie said to his sister, who had not taken her attention off the dog who was happy to be petted by a person she had only met a few times. “We're good. You know, the domestic bliss, as you called it, is pretty good for us. And yes, we take good care of our girl. She's the best.”

Charlie tried to casually glance into their corner kitchen, strongly sending hints that Nick needed to end his panic cleaning, and join the social interaction. “We both just got home from work, otherwise we'd have made you something.”

“Oh Charlie, it's not a bother. I'm just stopping by for a bit. Back to London, but I wanted to visit my baby brother during the few hours between trains.” Tori explained while making her way to the living room and sitting down on the couch. 

Nick and Charlie joined her, choosing chairs opposite of her. 

“So what brings you through Leeds?” Nick asked, settling himself down out of the breakneck speed he was moving at moments earlier. 

“Other than visiting my favorite brother? Just going back home. Was in Glasgow for work, but I thought I'd drop by.” Tori replied, in her typical cryptic fashion. 

“Work treating you good? Michael still doing OK?” Nick asked, trying to make conversation, even though his brain hadn't quite made the transition to normal conversation. He was still shaken a bit by the news of their visitor. 

“Yes, and yes.” Tori's lack of detail in her reply was not uncommon. She reached down at the coffee table in front of her,  picking up a pair of Nick's rugby magazines to examine a framed picture of Sophie that had been knocked over. Both men looked on in horror as Charlie's sister picked up the magazines, and the small object that was hidden between them, forgotten about until that moment, tumbled out and down onto the floor. 

There was an awkward silence as the trio stared at the near empty bottle of lubricant lying on the floor.  

“Nicholas Luke Nelson. Charles Francis Spring. What kind of unspeakable acts are two committing on the sofa that I am currently sitting on.” Tori stared at the couple sitting opposite of her. Both were turning darker shades of red than either thought possible. Their lack of eye contact betrayed their overwhelming embarrassment. 

“Ummm…I wonder how that got there.” Charlie tried to not have a heart attack and deflect. “And why is it almost empty?” 

Nick took a different approach. “Who says it was on the sofa?”

Charlie stared daggers into his fiancé. “Nick. Not now.”

“What? I mean yeah, it was on the couch, but it's not like it wasn't other places too.”  Despite his intentions, Nick wasn't helping. 

“Nick.” Charlie hissed through gritted teeth. “Not another word.”

“I completely agree.” Tori finally chimed in. “Do you have a bathroom I can vomit in?”

-----------------------------------------------

Both men breathed a sigh of relief a few hours later when Tori Spring left to go back to the train depot. 

“Charlie, I seriously thought you put that away last night.” Nick said, squeezing his eyes shut and placing his forehead on the wall, in a vain effort to banish the nearly unbearable embarrassing previous two hours.

“Nick, I thought you did.” Charlie replied, walking away and slumping down into the couch. 

Nick joined his fiancé. “I don't ever want to think about this day, ever, ever again.”

Charlie leaned into Nick, putting his head on the taller man's chest. “Good luck. Tori may have pretended to be disgusted, but she loved every second of it. The torture has only just begun.”

Nick groaned. “Remember when you said please don't be mad? I think I might be.”

“Well,” Charlie began, slowly sliding his hand under Nick's shirt, fingers inching incredibly close to the older man's waistband. The action Charlie took definitely began to elicit the response in his fiancé that he was looking for. “I think I know how to make it up to you. That bottle is almost empty. We could use the rest and get rid of it. No evidence.”

“God, I love you so much.” Nick's voice was mixed with a sharp exhale of excitement. 

“Shut up. Get the bottle.”

Chapter Text

Epilogue 8.4

“Did you hear about that pathetic year 9? Gay? Absolutely disgusting mate.”

“What a faggot. Someone should kick his arse.”

“Oi, Nick, you hear about that queer year 9 kid?”

Nick Nelson bolted upright and out of the unsettling nightmare he had been trapped in. He was covered in sweat. He could feel it and see it shing on his arms and chest in the moonlight peaking through the blinds in their bedroom. Nick noticed his rapid and shallow breaths, and put his face into his hands in an effort to ground himself. When his hands made contact, he felt a small number of tears on his face. A gentle hand touched Nick's bare and sweat drenched shoulder.

“Nick, are you OK?”

Charlie.

Nick focused on slowing down his breathing before he responded. In through his nose and out through his mouth. “I think I am now. It was a nightmare. Weird one.”

“Hey, come here.” Charlie Spring almost whispered, pulling his fiancé down onto his chest, their size difference irrelevant. Charlie felt Nick's sweat covered body come to a rest on him, and an equally sweaty head of reddish blonde hair find the nook between his chin and collar bone.

“I'm getting you all gross.” Nick tried to protest. “Your shirt is…wet.”

“Doesn't matter right now. You're safe.” Charlie silenced his fiancé's complaint. He kissed the top of Nick's head while one of his hands found the older man's shoulder, and the other came to rest in the hair he had just kissed.

Nick noticed he was breathing more evenly since Charlie had applied his usual calming touch. “Thanks Char.” Charlie applied another kiss. “You're welcome. Want to talk about the nightmare?”

Nick started to think back to what his unconscious brain had been replaying in his sleep, and his heart felt like it was still being slowly and painfully ripped apart. The memories of hearing what his fiancé had gone through back in grammar school still occasionally resurfaced to haunt him, years later. It was a rare occurrence, but despite the infrequency, they never failed to bring the feelings of fear, anger, and sadness.

“Yeah, but also no at the same time. I don't want to relive it, but it's…it makes me feel…Ugh, I don't know what I'm saying.” Nick struggled to explain what was going on in his head. “I feel like you know what I'm saying. You're just that amazing. Make sense?”

“Yep. Perfect sense.” Charlie acknowledged. “What if you talked about how you felt, and not what was happening?”

Nick paused.

He is the most perfect man in the world. How is he so good at this?

“I was angry at what I was hearing. Angry that I couldn't help, couldn't make it stop.” Nick started to explain, before wiping at the small number of tears in his eyes. “And it hurt because it made some else hurt.”

Charlie Spring knew exactly what his fiancé was talking about. Nick had this dream before. Usually once or twice a year. While he had dealt with the events of his past, Charlie had used those issues to help him find his career. But they still seemed to bubble up in Nick's mind, and it never failed to upset him. Charlie wished he could help, but he knew it was Nick Nelson being Nick Nelson. Charlie knew how much his fiancé loved and cared for him, and his protective nature just couldn't be turned off. All in all, not bad qualities for the person he was going to marry to possess.

“You can't change the past, Nick.” Charlie tried to explain. “But you can learn and grow because of it.”

“But you shouldn't have had to learn and grow from yours. I wish I could have stopped it from happening to you. You didn't deserve to be bullied like that.” Nick's eyes started to fill with tears again. 

Charlie sighed, understanding where his fiancé was coming from. “Do you think I'm a good therapist? Do you think I'm making a difference at work?”

“Yes, you're amazing. You're the best therapist there.” Nick didn't even hesitate.

“Well, that's subjective, but do you think I would be doing what I'm doing, working at a counseling and mental health center for LGBT teens, if I didn't struggle when I was their age?” Charlie was working on adjusting his fiancé's thought pattern. “I'm not going to lie, it was awful. Terrible. Messed me up a lot. You know all about that. But I'm helping kids not have to go through what I did.”

“Head therapist. Don't forget about your promotion.” Nick wiped his nose on Charlie's shirt without realizing it. “I just wish I could have stopped it. Or met you sooner and helped more, or-”

“Nick, you're such a good person.” Charlie interrupted, trying to soothe the still upset man in his arms.You're so caring, you're always looking out for everyone, and want to protect them. The world would be such a better place if there were more people like you. I believe that if you could have helped me, you would have.”

Nick sniffed. “Thank you Charlie. I love you so much.”

“I love you too Nick. Ready to go back to sleep?” Charlie asked, with his eyelids drooping.

“Only if I can stay right here for the rest of the night.” Nick burrowed his face deeper into the younger man's shirt. He knew he could if he hadn't been so sweaty, so he decided to ask.

“Of course. But tomorrow you have to do the laundry.”

Chapter Text

Epilogue 8.5

Nick Nelson took a break from his Saturday afternoon task, sitting down in the folding chair he had temporarily set up. He wasn't tired, he was nervous. Anyone in his situation would be, but Nick had his own personal fears. They had started about a month prior, and at first, we're nothing more than a nagging annoyance, like the sound of a fly buzzing around. But they steadily grew stronger, increasing in intensity, until Nick Nelson felt like he had a marching band following him, playing a cacophony of his fears and insecurities. 

What if I'm a bad father, like mine? 

Nick Nelson, and his husband, Charlie Spring, had a wonderful first year of marriage. They had gotten married in the late spring, took a two week honeymoon traveling around southern Europe before returning home, and continuing their lives. Near the time of their first anniversary, Nick had brought up a conversation about starting their own family, a topic Charlie had been thinking about as well. After many late nights spent in each other's arms and talking, they decided they were ready.

They had bought a house in a quiet Leeds neighborhood, allowing them to stay in the city they had called home. Nick was enjoying his job as a sports medical trainer at the University of Leeds. Charlie greatly valued his position as a therapist at The Refuge, a mental health and counseling center specifically for LGBT teenagers. They treated their golden retriever, Sophie, as if she was their own daughter. The married men had a lot of good things going for them, and it had been time to add something new. 

The pair had found a surrogate, and blindly selected which one of them would be the biological father. They were pretty sure they'd figure it out after the birth, but it really didn't matter. They were going to have a son. Nearly nine months later, it was almost time to welcome Jack William Nelson-Spring into the world. But one of their final tasks, assembling the crib, in the nearly completed nursery, had been the final piece to force Nick's fears of being like his own father out into the open. 

“Char, can you come here please?” Nick shouted, his voice traveling down the stairs to his husband, who was completing another baby related task. He didn't know why he hadn't talked to Charlie sooner, because the younger man always had a way of making his fears either manageable, or even disappear completely. Charlie Spring was his rock. 

“Be up in a second. Just gotta get this…” Charlie's voice trailed off as his physical exertion increased.  “OK, on my way.”

Nick counted the footsteps on the stairs. When his husband got near the top, he slid out of the chair and down onto the carpeted floor, his back up against the light blue wall, painted only yesterday. “I need to talk to you about something.”

Charlie joined his husband on the floor, and grabbed the larger hand that was waiting for his. “For the last time, we are not changing his name to Steve Rodgers.”

Nick actually smiled at the joke. He had only suggested that name once, and it wasn't even a serious suggestion. “Tony, I mean, Anthony is still an option? Thor?”

Charlie playfully shoved the older man with his free hand before trying to redirect the conversation. “No. No Marvel names. But I doubt that's what you wanted me to come up here for. What's on your mind?“

Only thirty seconds prior, Nick desperately wanted to share his fears with Charlie, but now that it was time, a familiar pit of anxiety had opened in his stomach. “Are you nervous Charlie? About being a dad? Like, a good dad.”

“Absolutely. Every day I think about it. I'm already worried about it, that means I'm already doing OK at it. I care enough to worry, and he hasn't been born yet.” Charlie took an optimistic view of his impending parenthood. 

Nick sighed. “Me too. Every day I think about it. Am I going to do a good job? Am I going to love him enough? What if I'm too strict? What if I'm not strict enough?”

“Nick, we're in this together you know. Neither one of us has to do it by ourselves. It's like we're married or something.” Charlie prodded the silver wedding ring on Nick's left hand. “We're going to help each other. We're going to do our best.”

Nick Nelson finally spoke the biggest concern he had out loud. “What if I'm not around enough?”

“Oh, Nick.” Charlie pulled his husband into a powerful and reassuring hug. Since they had officially started the process of becoming parents, he had suspected that somewhere in Nick's mind was the echo of his own father and childhood. “You're going to be a great dad. Not like…yours. I know it.”

“But what if I am like him? I have late nights when there's a match. Sometimes I travel with a team. That's how it started for me, it was work. And then more and more work, until he was just gone.” Nick wanted to believe he would do better, but it was hard, as he saw himself in almost the exact same role as his own father. 

“Nick, you're good at your job. But I'm here too. He's gonna have me if you're gone. You also have this thing in your pocket called a mobile. You can call. You can video call. And, if you get that promotion, you're probably going to set your own travel and schedule.” Charlie wanted to let his husband know it would be ok. “The fact that you already care is a good sign. Can you promise that you're going to do your best? That you'll always try to be the best dad that Jack and I need you to be?”

Nicholas Luke Nelson didn't hesitate. “Of course. For Jack. And you. Always.”

“See? Would a bad father make those promises and be as worried as you are right now?” Charlie was sure he was getting through. 

“Probably not. They wouldn't care enough.” Nick answered, seeing where his husband was going. 

“Exactly. That's why you'll be a great dad.” Charlie said as he stood up, seeming to indicate the men should resume their baby preparations. 

“Thanks Char. You're the best. I love you so much. I don't know what I'd do without you.” Nick smiled at the man he was still unbelievably in love with, a love that had not diminished in the many years after they had first met. “You're really good at this, talking to people, making them feel better, helping them with their problems. Ever think about making a career out of it?“

Charlie laughed, the deep full body kind that comes when you're not expecting it. “Mmmm, once or twice. I might try it out.”

--------------------------------------------------

The ringtone on Charlie's phone woke both men out of a deep sleep at 2:17am. Nick jolted upright, looking around in an effort to clear the sleep out of his brain. Charlie had practically flung himself out of the bed and onto the floor, he had been so startled. The sudden motion from her humans sent Sophie running off the bed and down the stairs. It took only a moment for the two men of the Spring-Nelson family to realize what they were hearing. It was the specific and special ringtone that Charlie had set for only one person: their surrogate. 

It was time. Jack William Nelson-Spring was nearly here, his 9 month journey into the world was almost complete. Charlie answered his phone while Nick took off at a speed neither man had seen since his last university rugby match. The older man didn't need to hear what his husband said on the phone, he knew what was happening. It was time to meet their son. 

Despite his insistence on being prepared, Nick Nelson appeared to be anything but. He had almost fallen face first down the stairs, still pulling on the last of his clothes from the ‘baby pile’ that he had set out almost a full two weeks prior. As he repeatedly explained to Charlie, they had to be ready, since they never knew what time the call was going to come in. His athletic instincts and muscle memory were nowhere to be seen in the frantic running from room to room. Nick was checking, re-checking, and triple checking they had everything they needed, and things would be in the right place whenever they returned home to be a family of four, a statement that had confused his husband. 

“Three people and a dog, Charles. That's four! I thought you were good at maths.” 

Charlie Spring was the exact opposite of his husband. His demeanor appeared much more relaxed, despite what was going on inside his mind. His motions were smooth and thoughtful. Charlie carefully ticked off each item on his mental list before heading downstairs. He was amused at the sight of his husband frantically chasing around the house, their golden retriever following closely behind as if it was some sort of game. 

“Charlie! Have you seen the diaper bag? I can't find it anywhere!” Nick frantically shouted while running into the kitchen.

“It's right-” 

Charlie was cut off by Nick almost slipping and falling again as he darted into the living room. “I swear, I put it by the steps.”

“Nick, I have-” 

“How did we lose it already!” The desperation in Nick's voice was evident. 

“Nick. Stop.” Charlie said firmly, yet kindly. “I have it. I moved it next to the door when we went to bed.”

Nick Nelson came to a screeching halt in front of his husband. “Have I ever told you that I love you?”

“Yes. Many times. Now, get in the car. And I love you too.”

----------------------------------------------------

“Nick, he's perfect.” Charlie managed to choke out between tears, holding his son for the first time. “I didn't think it was possible to be this happy.”

“Yeah, I…this is incredible.” Nick struggled to find the words to agree with his husband. 

Charlie Spring and Nick Nelson sat in a small room next to the xxx. Just the three of them. It was quiet, and gave the new family time alone before they introduced their son to the rest of the Nelson-Spring family waiting on the other side of the doors. 

Julio and Jane Spring had driven in, while Tori and Michael took a train. Sarah Nelson had also recently arrived, by herself. Nick and Charlie didn't expect either David or Stephane to make an appearance, and their predictions were correct. Nick's father had been late to their wedding, and his brother David was hungover. Their absence from this family event was a relief to everyone involved. 

Jack Nelson-Spring had been born only moments after they arrived at the hospital, and they were overjoyed to finally meet their son, even if for only a few brief moments. Now, it was their time to actually take custody of their son. Charlie was still spilling happy tears, perfectly content to hold the sleeping infant in his arms. Nick was seated next to his husband, and patiently waited for his time with their new son, knowing fully well he would become overwhelmed when it was his turn. 

“Jack, I think your dad wants to say hi.” Charlie gently whispered to the sleeping newborn, before carefully passing their child to Nick, who immediately began to cry, just as his husband did. 

“Char…I can't believe this is real…he's so beautiful…and small…” Nick managed to stammer, clearly as overtaken by happiness as Charlie had been only moments earlier. 

Charlie just smiled and wiped at his tears for a bit. “He really is. Jack William Nelson-Spring is perfect. Our son is perfect. And this is perfect. We have a son, Nick. You and me, have a son.”

“It is.” Nick agreed, still not taking his eyes off the child he was holding. 

“He's definitely yours.” Charlie added, indicating the lighter skin, the dusting of freckles on Jack's face and shoulders, and most obviously, the tufts of red hair. The outcome of the medical staff randomly selecting the biological father was clearly evident. 

That statement annoyed Nick, but he understood nothing was meant by it. But he was going to set the record straight. “No Charlie. He's ours. He's our son.”

----------------------------------------------------

The rest of the hospital stay was a whirlwind that lasted for a few days. The new fathers were pulled between lessons on how to care for Jack, introducing their child to the rest of his family, and one final thank you to their surrogate, along with a stack of paperwork, which Charlie had agreed to handle.

“We don't want any accidents on the birth certificate. It's Jack William Nelson-Spring, not Steven Rodger Nelson-Spring!”

It all seemed to blend together, but didn't do anything to dampen the spirits of the two new parents. When it was time to take their new son home, the families said temporary goodbyes. Jack's grandparents would be staying in a nearby hotel, but wanted to give their sons a chance to get home and rest. The new grandparents would visit tomorrow. 

When it was time to leave the hospital, both men went to grab the handle of the car seat that Jack Nelson-Spring was securely fastened inside, their hands gently colliding on top of the handle. 

“This is going to be a thing, isn't it?” Nick asked, referencing their hands on Jack's car seat. 

Charlie smiled. “I wouldn't have it any other way.”

“We could share? Both take a side?“ Nick suggested, noticing that neither of them had let go. 

“Sounds perfect.”

----------------------------------------------------

“OK Jack, it's time to meet your big sister!” Nick was putting on a performance for his increasingly fussy son. The drive home had been uneventful, but things had changed while he struggled to unbuckle the car seat from the back of his car. Since then, Nick turned up the dial on his energy, hoping it would calm the infant. 

A screech had proved his hopes wrong. 

“You two ok out there?” Charlie yelled through the open door, at the sound of his son screaming. 

“Just hold on, this bloody seat buckle…damn thing.” Nick finally got the buckle undone, releasing the carseat from its prison. 

“Language, Nicholas! We have a son now!” Charlie playfully scolded his husband for cursing, which Nick ignored in favor of his now crying child. 

“OK, come on bud, someone else wants to meet you.” Nick tried soothing the very upset infant, to no avail, as he carried the car seat and bundled up child inside of it. “Sophie's ready?“

“She's sitting like a proper lady, but she knows something is up. I've got her leash on, just in case.” Charlie was only slightly nervous about introducing their dog to their son. Golden retrievers were known for their gentle and kind nature, especially with kids. 

Nick stepped through the door, and set down Jack, still very upset, in his car seat. Sophie immediately realized that the cause of the noise was the object that Nick had just set down. She stayed sitting, tilting her head and manipulating her ears for several seconds, before she stood up and cautiously made her way to the source of the screaming. The golden retriever slowly laid down in front of the car seat, and set her head down inside of it, between the writhing legs of the three day old baby. Her nose drew in the new scent of the tiny human in her presence. Feeling something warm on his body, Jack's screaming drew to an abrupt end. He was curious about the new presence, wriggling his feet around the warm lump that had inserted itself in his space. 

“Char…this might be the cutest thing I have ever seen.” Nick Nelson felt his heart swell with love and his eyes fill with tears yet again. Neither man would admit it, but they both heard the squeak that escaped the older man's mouth when their dog moved her head up further onto Jack, her snout now fully resting on her little brother's body.

“I didn't think my heart could be any more full, Nick. I love this. I love you. I love Sophie. I love Jack.” Charlie said, as he moved to Nick's side, grabbing onto his husband, who quickly pulled the smaller man into a hug. 

“Thank you Charlie. For everything.” Nick said, burying his face into the shorter man's hair. 

Charlie was confused, but he didn't break free from the embrace. “What are you thanking me for?“

“All those years ago, you took a risk, and asked a very confused boy if he'd kiss you. I'm really glad you did, because it led to this.” Nick explained, face still firmly planted in the dark curly hair that couldn't reach much higher. 

“Me too. I love you, Nick. I love you, Jack.” Charlie agreed with his husband's historical analysis of their relationship. 

Nick had to point one thing out with what Charlie had said. “I think you're forgetting someone.”

“And I love you, Sophie.” Charlie added. 

“Good. Because I love you three too.”

----------------------------------------------------

Charlie Spring collapsed into bed next to his husband, Nick Nelson. Neither cared that it was 7:28pm. They were exhausted. It had been one week since they brought their son, Jack Nelson-Spring, home from the hospital. While the two men had been able to keep up with all the new tasks that went with having an infant in their home, it had taken its toll on both of them. 

“Nick, I didn't know I could be this tired.” Charlie mumbled, his mouth partially embedded in his pillow. “It's worth it though.”

“Sure. Worth it.” Nick sarcastically replied. “He's lucky he's so cute and I love him so much.”

Nick rolled over, planting his face firmly against his husband's chest. “This…I missed this.”

Charlie laughed. “He's only been home for a week.”

“And? Doesn't mean I didn't miss getting held by my favorite husband in the whole world.” Nick tried deflecting. 

Charlie un-seriously frowned, even if Nick couldn't see it. “I better be your only husband in the whole world.”

“Of course you are. You just also happen to be the best, and my favorite.”

----------------------------------------------------

Charlie Spring was hit squarely in the chest with a rugby ball the second he opened the front door of his house after returning home from work.

“Dada! Catch!” A giggling two and a half year old Jack Nelson-Spring exclaimed, after he threw the ball that was way too large for him, at his father. 

“We're still working on that. Saying catch, and then throwing it.” Nick Nelson sheepishly admitted to his husband before picking up Jack. “Sorry.”

Charlie set his bag down, and hung up his coat. “Nope, no S word. You're going to teach our son bad habits.”

“More catch?” Jack asked, trying to wriggle free from Nick's arms.

Nick set their son down who ran as fast as he could to the rugby ball. “Sure buddy, just remember, say it first, then throw it.” 

“Don't know if I can live with two rugby boys again. Try not to break anything, please?” Charlie jokingly scolded his husband, who feigned offense. 

“Charlie, I know I only get to play every now and then, but my arm is not that rusty!” Nick chased after the child moving so fast that his vivid red hair turned into a blur. 

“Make sure he shares that ball with Sophie!” Charlie called out. 

“Papa you share with Sophie!” Jack redirected the direction meant for him at his father before they disappeared out the door and into their back yard, closely followed by a very eager golden retriever. 

Charlie paused before heading into the kitchen, talking to no one in particular. “He has his father's sense of humor.”

Chapter Text

Epilogue 8.6

“Char, are we doing anything tonight?” Nick Nelson asked his husband after they had put Jack, their nearly three year old son, down for a much needed nap. 

“No, I don't think so. I think Henry said something about meeting him and Liam down at the pub round the corner, but I don't remember if that was today or tomorrow.” Charlie Spring answered, trying to keep his voice even and under control. Liam and Henry were some of Nick's university rugby teammates, and their friends and roommates. He didn't want to give away the surprise they had planned, a surprise he actually felt quite guilty about, after being talked into it. 

“Oh…I wasn't sure…never mind.” Nick's voice was filled with disappointment. He sat down, loudly, on the recliner in their living room. 

How? How could he forget? 

“Nick, you're pouting.” Charlie observed, sitting down on the couch after moving several of Jack's toys out of the way. “What's on your mind?”

Nick didn't respond right away. Feelings of hurt had started to eat away at him. “Nothing, just tired, I guess.”

Charlie's brain was wracked with guilt. He knew he never should have agreed to this. “Same here. I've got some case files to sort, I'm going to head upstairs, yeah?”

“Charlie, it's Saturday. It's…just forget it.” The disappointment was being replaced by hurt, and Nick Nelson was not hiding it anymore. 

Charlie paused at the base of the stairs. The plan was to go double check the secret group chat, but his heart was being ripped apart. His husband was clearly upset by the perceived slight. He wanted to turn around and tell Nick everything, but the carefully laid plans were too close to coming to fruition. Charlie pulled every ounce of mental strength he had, and took the first step. 

“I'll be down in a bit. I promise.” Charlie said, without turning his head, and going up another step up towards his home office. “We'll meet Henry later, I'm pretty sure it's today.”

Charlie had made it another two steps before his husband spoke again. “I don't want to. That's…not what we should be doing today.”

The pause in Nick's sentence broke Charlie Spring. He turned around and went back down the stairs before pulling a short stool over and sitting in front of the hurt older man. Charlie noticed that Nick wouldn't even look at him, and he mentally cursed himself for agreeing with the stupid plan. He reached out to take his husband's hand, but Nick pulled it away. It was time for the truth. 

“Nick, listen.” Charlie said, again taking the hand that had just been pulled away. “It wasn't my idea. It was Liam and Henry's. I don't know why I went along with it.”

“Their idea to forget?” Nick didn't want to be mad at his husband, or old friends, but it was hard not to.

Charlie signed. “Nicholas Luke Nelson, I could never, ever, forget that today is our anniversary. When I married you, it was probably the happiest day of my life, til we got Jack.”

Nick lifted his head. “You didn't?”

“Nope. I haven't stopped thinking about it. But…the lads convinced me it would be fun to throw you a surprise party, even though I said it would be better if we did that for your birthday, not our anniversary.”

Nick startled his husband with a laugh. “You're serious? They actually suggested a surprise anniversary party? Absolutely on point with those two! Completely oblivious.”

Charlie felt all his regret and tension drift free. “You're not mad?”

“Well not anymore! Those blokes are so dense sometimes, but how in the blazes did they get you to agree?” Nick felt suddenly ridiculous that his husband would actually forget their anniversary. He got up and pulled Charlie into a combination of a hug and an inescapable grip of smothering. 

Charlie tried to wriggle free, giggling like a lovesick teenager again, but his husband's grip was too strong. “Nick you oaf! Let go! It's not fair! You can't use those muscles for evil!”

“Nope. You love these muscles. You're my husband, and you've been mean to me. Suffer the consequences!” Nick got caught up in Charlie's silliness. 

“I only love those muscles when I'm not trapped in them!” Charlie still protested, figuring he'd have to resort to tickling the large man who currently had him trapped. 

Nick tightened his grip to pull Charlie completely up and onto him. “That's an absolute lie Mr. Spring. The court finds you guilty.”

Charlie managed to get a hand to Nick's ribs and applied the only method of defense he had left, since his strength was no match for his husband. Nick's laughter caused his grip to release, but Charlie didn't move at all. “See what happens when you use your strength for evil? With great power comes great responsibility.”

“You did not just quote Spider Man to me.” Nick said, out of breath from laughing and the force he had used to contain his husband.  “Not fair, either.”

Charlie kissed the man he was still madly in love with. “You left me no choice. Not my fault you're still as ticklish as Jack.”

As if on queue, the sounds of a 3 year old boy waking up came over the camera in his room and out the video monitor in the living room.

“Looks like we're needed.” Charlie pointed at the monitor. “And please, act surprised tonight? The lads put a lot of time into planning this party.”

Chapter Text

Epilogue 8.7

“Are we ready?” Charlie Nelson asked his husband, seated next to him on their living room sofa. Their fingers had become intertwined with each other during the course of the conversation. 

“Can anyone ever be ready? I think it's something you just have to do.” Nick Nelson replied to his husband. “I think it's the right time. We've both gotten promotions at work, and we can afford it. I don't have to travel as much anymore. Jack is 3, and he's so smart, and so kind, just like you. He's ready too.”

Charlie smiled, and squeezed Nick's hand. “OK, let's do it. Let's become parents again.”

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Charlie: He's due this week, but we need someone to stay with Jack, just in case it's the middle of the night again. Any chance you could come round our place and stay a few days? 

Tori: Charlie, my baby brother, I would say yes, but I can't. Michael has his work trip, and I'm going with. We leave tomorrow. But we'll be back in four days. If your hatchling hasn't spawned by then, we'll be there. 

Charlie: Thanks Tori. I'll let you know.

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Nick: Mum, I have to ask a favor. He's due any day now, but we need someone to stay with Jack. Any chance you could stay with us and watch your favorite grandson in case me and Charlie have to leave suddenly? 

Sarah: Oh Nicky, I would be there in a heartbeat if I could. I'm in Madrid right now with your Aunt Sarah. We don't get home for another four days. Once I'm home, I'd be happy to. 

Nick: Oh that's right. I'll let Charlie know. Thanks mum, love you. 

----------------------------------------------------

Charlie: Sorry to bother you at work, but Tori and Michael are gone for a few days. 

Nick: My husband is never a bother. 

Nick: No Sorries allowed either! 

Charlie: 🙄

Nick: I forgot, my mum's in Madrid on vacation right now, same thing, won't be home for a few days.

Charlie: My parents can't either. Dad is still in hospital with a kidney stone.

Nick: Sounds painful. 

Charlie: He says it is. 

Nick: So what are we going to do? It's not like we can just drag Jack to the hospital in the middle of the night. He'll wake up the whole building.

Charlie: One thing he didn't inherit. Your ability to sleep so heavily. 

Nick: 😑

Charlie: Cross our fingers and hope he's born during the day? 

Nick: Charlie…

Charlie: I won't suggest David. 

Nick: Neither will I.

Charlie: So…

Nick: Do we hope he's shy and doesn't pop out for a few days? 

Charlie: At this point, it's an option. 

Nick: Or hope he inherits your genes and takes his time? 

Charlie: 🙄

Nick: I meant that in a good way. You're thoughtful and usually don't rush things. 

Charlie: Nice save Nelson. 

Nick: I was serious.

Charlie: ❤️

Nick:❤️

Charlie: Wait. Isn't Elle in Birmingham right now? Some artist residency thing? 

Nick: And Tao is writing his screenplays from home, only goes into the office for meetings, right? 

Charlie: Yeah! After his last one was a hit, he's been able to work more freely now. 

Nick: Uncle Tao and Aunt Elle to the rescue? 

Charlie: Jack loves them too. I'll ask after my next appointment.

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“Un-tle Tao! Aunt Elle!” Jack Nelson-Spring squealed in delight when Charlie opened the front door. His pronunciation of certain words was still a work in progress. The open doorway revealed the identity of their special guests. They had planned on making it a surprise for their son, but Nick had accidentally mentioned that people were coming over earlier in the morning. They only placated their rambunctious son by telling him who it was would be a surprise. 

“There he is!” Tao Xu exclaimed, kneeling down so the eager child could run into his arms for a hug. “You've gotten so big! How old are you now?”

“Three!” Jack proudly answered. “And my little brother is zero!”

“The little bugger is already three?” Tao replied, picking up the redheaded boy, and grunting at the surprise of the weight. “But he’s way too big for three!”

“It's the Nelson genes.” Charlie joked, which elicited a silent eye roll from his husband. Genetics and biological parenthood were topics that Nick didn't think were particularly funny, but he allowed Charlie to get away with them on rare occasions. Charlie could already hear his husband's words in his head. 

“He's our son, and we're both his dads.”

Nick hung back in the entryway to their house with Elle Xu, while Charlie, Jack, and Tao went further inside. 

“You guys are lifesavers. Thank you so much.” Nick quietly thanked half of the duo that came to babysit. 

Elle smiled at her old friend. “It's not a problem, we haven't seen you guys in forever. We missed you. Tao missed Jack, a lot.”

“He's so good with kids. Who would have thought?” Nick truthfully replied as he heard squeals of delight coming through their open back door.

“Me. He's just a giant kid. Trust me.” Elle sighed, giving insight to her husband's personality. 

----------------------------------------------------

“Nick, he's coming. Time to go!” Charlie had to wake his husband up this time. Mirroring the birth of Jack, their second son was also being born in the very early hours of the morning. 

Nick sat up quickly, but paused a moment to clear the lingering grogginess from his head. “What time?”

Charlie was already out of bed, and changing clothes. “3:09. Let's go sleepyhead.”

Just as their second child's birth seemed to be similar to their first, Nick Nelson turned into the same nervous, excited, and hyper person he had been three years earlier. When the reality of the situation sunk in, Nick bolted out of bed, switching between tasks without finishing them. Getting dressed, finding his overnight bag, brushing his teeth, texting family and friends, all were switched to and from, seemingly at random. 

“Charlie! Did you get the-” Nick tried pulling on a sock before he fell over to the ground, unable to keep his balance. 

Charlie chuckled at the thud his husband made when he hit the floor. “Yes, whatever it is, I have it.”

“No, the-” Nick got up, but was interrupted. 

“Nick, it's ok. Calm down, take a breath.” Charlie was amused by his chaotic ball of nerves that had become his husband, but he needed Nick to calm down. “I'm going to let Tao and Elle know, if they haven't already been woken up by your ruckus.”

Nick did pause for a moment, and finished pulling on his sock before looking at his husband. “Thanks. I love you.”

Charlie stopped before he left their bedroom to alert their babysitters. “I love you too.”

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Upon arriving at the hospital, Nick Nelson and Charlie Spring were ushered into a somewhat familiar area of the hospital. They had been there three years prior, and not much had changed. A nurse led them up to the ward, and into a small, private waiting room, to await the birth of their second son. Just as they had done three years prior, the men had found themselves a surrogate, and had the medical staff blindly choose which one of them would be the donor for parenthood.

Nick rapidly tapped the heel of his foot, unaware of his own nervous physical manifestation. “How much longer? Jack didn't take this long.”

Charlie grabbed his husband's hand and held on tightly. “Could be minutes, could be hours. Us humans are tricky that way.”

Nick's foot picked up speed as he looked around the sparse but comfortable room. “Hope it's not hours. I want to meet the little man.”

“Did I tell you what Tori said, about him being born?” Charlie decided a good distraction via humor was what Nick needed. 

“No?” Nick wasn't sure what the question meant. 

Charlie pulled his phone out of his pocket. “She said, and I quote, if your hatchling hasn't spawned by then.”

Nick stopped his rapidly glancing around the room and smiled, with a tiny laugh possibly escaping his mouth. “That's a Tori Spring sentence if I've ever heard one.”

“Leave it to my sister to so eloquently describe the birth of her nephew.” Charlie, still amused, replied. He had that line from Tori's text still rolling around in his head, days later. 

Nick was going to say something to follow up about his sister in law, but the door to the room was pushed open by a different nurse than the one who brought them there. “Charlie, Nick? We have some news. You have a healthy and safe son. Congratulations!”

Both men breathed a sigh of relief and felt their excitement skyrocket. 

“We'll bring him in for you in a few moments, we're just getting him cleaned up.” The nurse had added before disappearing back out of the room.

“You ready?” Nick asked his husband, his excitement barely contained. 

“Absolutely.” Charlie's enthusiasm was an even match for Nick's.

A few moments later, the delivery nurse carried in a sleeping infant boy, with some defining physical appearances already evident. Olive skin, and wisps of dark and curly hair. Just like Charlie. 

Nick's emotions had changed from excitement to unsuppressed joy, tears forming and spilling from his eyes. “Char, he's perfect. Just like you. And Jack. But I get to hold him first.”

Charlie wiped his own tears away and smiled, allowing Nick to be the first one to hold their new son. 

Greyson Daniel Nelson-Spring was born at 5:44am that day. 

Chapter Text

Epilogue 8.8

The autumn air had a slight chill to it on a beautiful Saturday morning at Leeds Grammar School for the year three boys football match. The chaotic mess of seven year old boys wearing blue jerseys running about came to an immediate end when a tall redheaded man blew a whistle twice. The boys became silent and took a single knee, eagerly awaiting instruction. 

“Coach Nick, my shin guard keeps slipping, I even did the twisting trick you showed me.” A usually quiet boy named Christopher said after raising his hand but not waiting to be called on. 

Nick Nelson looked down and smiled. He lived for these days. Getting to coach his son Jack's football team was a dream come true. Even if it wasn't rugby. 

“Look at the bright side. It's a little bit safer.” 

Nick fondly remembered the day Jack had brought home the permission slip for the team, and how his husband, Charlie Spring, had talked him out of his slight disappointment at Jack's choice of sports. His follow up indifference had turned into happiness when they had later gotten a phone call that the school was looking for a coach. The first call the school made was to the parents of Jack Nelson-Spring, when they found out the boy had a parent with an extensive history in athletics. 

“OK, you gotta twist just a little more, it makes the strap just a little bit tighter.” Nick kneeled down and helped the boy with the plastic guard. Nick was about to get back to his pregame routine when another voice asked him a question. 

“Dad? I think I forgot my water bottle in the car. Can I get it?” Jack looked at his father, looking a bit embarrassed. 

Nick smiled. “No, because I threw it in my bag. It's by the bench, but you can wait.”

“Coach Nick?” Yet another seven year old boy's voice interrupted the rugby player turned football coach.

“Yes?” Nick answered, trying not to sigh. 

-----------------------------------------------------

Charlie Spring held the small hand of his three year old son, Greyson, after they got out of the car and started to make their way to the bleachers. If Jack had been the spitting image of Nick, then the same was true for Greyson and Charlie.

“Papa, come on! Faster!” Greyson strained against his father's grip, moving his small legs as fast as he could in an effort to get to the bleachers sooner. The two of them enjoyed watching the other half of their family during the weekend sporting events. 

“Ok, we'll get there, just hold on.” Charlie struggled to keep up with his energetic son. 

“But Dada and Jack!” Greyson emphasized his family names, not satisfied with how slow his father was moving. 

“This is going to be a long day.” Charlie muttered under his breath. 

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During warm ups, Nick Nelson's eye caught movement in the bleachers. He spotted a very familiar dark haired man, wearing an equally dark coat, holding a small child in a matching blue hat and coat. He waved at his husband and younger son, before returning to directing his team of eighteen various seven year old boys through their drills. 

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“Dada!” Greyson happily exclaimed when he spotted his older father waving from the field, despite the fact that the coach had not heard his son.

“And there's Jack!” Charlie pointed at the blur of red hair running across the field, causing Greyson to giggle with delight. 

“Can I play?” Greyson asked, wanting to join his older brother.

“Sorry buddy, not today. They have to concentrate.” Charlie explained to a disappointed three year old.

-----------------------------------------------------

Immediately after the opening whistle of the match, Jack Nelson-Spring took control of the ball and began to lead his team down towards their opponents goal. The cheers from the crowd of parents and family fueled him on. 

“Watch the defense Jack!” Nick shouted at his son from the sidelines. “Marcus is open! Pass it!”

The former rugby player proudly watched as his son did exactly as his coach instructed, clearing the way for the Leeds Grammar boys to continue moving the ball towards the goal. 

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“Go Jack! Go!” Charlie stood up to cheer with a few other parents near him. Jack's athletic skills were very good for a seven year old, and definitely inherited from Nick. 

“Go Jack!” Greyson Nelson-Spring imitated his father and cheered his brother there. 

“Do you see him?” Charlie asked, momentarily taking his eyes off the game after Jack had passed the ball to another player, to help keep Greyson engaged. 

“Yeah! Right there!” Greyson pointed directly at his older brother. 

Charlie thought he could hear his husband shout instructions at the boys on the field, but with the light wind and back turned, he couldn't make anything out. What he did see was a wide open Jack get a pass from a teammate about to be swarmed by the opposing defensive players, before turning and letting muscle memory and reflexes take over to kick a goal, the first of the game. 

“Way to go Jack!” Charlie yelled, enjoying his own proud parent moment.

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“Yeah! Great job lads!” Coach Nick Nelson yelled from the sidelines at his team. Barely two minutes in and they had already scored. A break was called by the other team, which sent all of the players to their own side of the field. 

“Alright, take a knee.” Nick addressed his team of seven year olds. “You're doing so good today. Keep your eyes open, and remember, what do we do when we're on defense?”

“Communicate!” One boy quickly answered. 

“Know where our mates are!” Another boy added. 

Nick smiled. “Right. And offense?”

“Don't be selfish. If someone is open, pass.” Jack answered his father. 

“Eyes up!” A different seven year old tacked on. 

“You boys are the best. So proud of you, let's go have fun!” Coach Nick Nelson finished prepping his team for the rest of the match. 

-----------------------------------------------------

Once the match ended in a score of 4-2 for a Leeds Grammar victory, the bleachers cleared out with parents collecting their kids. Charlie had grabbed Greyson's hand and led him down to the field. 

“Jack!” Greyson shouted before breaking free from Charlie's hand and running to his big brother. 

Charlie took his eye off his children and focused on the coach. “Well Coach Nick, another win. Proud of you, you're doing such a good job.”

Nickblushed. “Nah, it's the kids.”

“Well, I'm proud of you for coaching them then.” Charlie hugged his husband, before a fit of giggles and laughter brought his attention back to their kids. Jack had begun to chase around Greyson. “I think it's time we collect them and head on home. Fancy some lunch?”

“Always! Especially if you're making it. Coaching is hard work.” Nick tried to deadpan his delivery like he was completely serious. 

“You're not as funny as you think, Nelson. But you're lucky you're so handsome and that I love you.” Charlie didn't want to admit it, but he knew he'd end up on food prep. 

“Ew! Papa loves Dad!” Greyson tried being funny after eavesdropping on his parents. 

“Well, I love him, and both of you too!” Nick bellowed before charging at his sons and scooping them up, one in each arm. 

“Dad, you're so embarrassing!” Jack tried to protest, even though he enjoyed the fun family moment. 

“Come on you three, let's go home and get you fed.” Charlie turned towards the parking lot, gesturing for his family to follow. 

Chapter Text

Epilogue 8.9

Nick Nelson shut his suitcase, confident that he had everything he needed and was ready to depart on a child-free vacation with his husband Charlie Spring. The two men enjoyed being parents of eight and four year old sons, who seemed to possess an infinite amount of energy and curiosity. They enjoyed the activities that came along with parenthood, like coaching and watching Jack's football games, seeing Greyson start school at Leeds Grammar that year, and coordinating the social lives of their two very outgoing sons. But just like most parents, they did need a break. 

“Looking forward to this?” Charlie Spring asked his taller husband as he wrapped his arms around Nick's waist. His approach wasn't even detected. 

Nick closed his eyes and took in the calm and warming embrace. “Absolutely.”

“Your mum is amazing for taking the boys. And even helping us book this.” Charlie said, still holding onto Nick.

Nick placed his hands on top of Charlie's, still secured at the front of his waist. “She knows so many people with connections. But four days in Greece, right on the sea? That's on another level.”

Charlie finally released his grip on his taller husband. “Unreal is what it is. And the best part is that we can afford it. But I have to finish packing. Can you help the boys finish too?” 

Nick quickly grabbed at Charlie's hand, and pulled him back in for a quick kiss before answering. “Sure. And I love you.”

“Love you too. Now go help the boys and quit distracting me!”

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“It's not fair!” Jack Nelson-Spring whined. He was not pleased that his parents were going to Greece without him. “How come you and Papa get to go somewhere fun, and we don't?” 

Nick sat in a chair in the hallway, outside of his son's bedrooms, and looked up from his cup of tea. “You're saying that staying at your grandma's isn't fun?”

Jack looked up from stuffing clothes haphazardly in his bag. “No, but you get to fly somewhere warm.”

“But grandma is fun!” Greyson tried to take his dad's side. 

“Your brother is right, Jack. Now finish packing please, we have to leave soon.

-----------------------------------------------------

Charlie Spring breathed a sigh of relief as he sat back down in the car. “Well, that's it. The boys are with your mum, and their train is leaving any minute.”

“That was…more work than it should have been. Did we, or more importantly they, forget anything?” Nick Nelson asked his husband, and let his head lean up against the head rest. He was glad he was done trying to navigate his two excited children through a crowded train terminal. It was only 9:15am, and he was already exhausted after that task. They had already dropped off Sophie, their dog, at Henry's place, and had no other destinations other than the airport. 

Charlie looked into the back seat of their car. “Looks clear. Our bags are in the boot, I think we're good?”

Nick opened his eyes a bit, and placed his hand on top of his husband's, which was currently resting on the gear shift. “Let's go.”

-----------------------------------------------------

The husband pair of Charlie Spring and Nick Nelson sat in the airport terminal, waiting for their flight to board. They had a few minutes to themselves, and enjoyed the peace and quiet. They chatted away while Charlie checked restaurant reservations and tickets for places they planned to see on his phone, while Nick looked out the large windows onto the runways. 

“Hike or beach tomorrow night? Each has a restaurant.” Charlie asked, giving his husband's hand a squeeze. 

“Doesn't matter, as long as you're there.” Nick answered, causing the younger man to blush. 

“You're ridiculous, you know that? Absolutely ridiculous and cringe, Nicholas.” Charlie shrugged off Nick's lack of help. 

Nick smiled. “Just ridiculously in love with you, Charles.”

“Oh my god Nick, we're in our thirties! We can't still be like this!” Charlie laughed, playfully shoving his older husband. 

-----------------------------------------------------

Charlie Spring dropped his bags on the floor of the small seaside villa they'd be staying in, and slowly turned in circles, taking in the view. “Nick, this…this is incredible.”

Nick Nelson stood unmoving in the doorway, smiling as wide as his face would allow. Instead of doing anything, he chose to enjoy how much his husband was already taken aback by their vacation accommodations. “Told you.”

Their villa featured an open kitchen and very small living room that looked out onto a beach of almost white looking sand that faded into the deep blue water of the Mediterranean Sea. Charlie managed to drag his feet and move himself to the window, with his nose almost touching the glass. “Screw it, we'll unpack later. Fancy a swim?”

“Absolutely. Last one in the sea cooks dinner!” Nick finally moved from his spot near the door, flinging one of his suitcases into the lone bedroom and chasing after it. 

Charlie sighed. “Nickkkkk, we're going out tonight! You know this! I told you a million times, and I even sent you a pdf of all our reservations.”

The redheaded man's childlike enthusiasm wasn't affected in the slightest as he clumsily pulled off his shirt and kicked off his shoes, before almost ripping the zipper off his bag in an effort to open it quicker. “Then you're paying!”

Charlie was still amused, but wasn't going to let his husband win any sort of fantasy competition he invented. “Oh my god, we have a joint bank account!”

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Nick laughed with a volume that caused echoes to hit the two men as he chased Charlie up out of the water and back onto the beach before they collapsed onto towels they had set out under a pair of sun umbrellas that had been firmly placed in the warm and bright sand. The pair laid on their backs, and only the sounds of them panting were exchanged. 

“Do we have to go out? We've got basically a private beach, can't we just stay here the whole time?” Nick asked, still somewhat out of breath. 

Charlie propped himself up on his elbows. “And eat what? We both know you get a bit…cranky…when you're hungry.”

Nick rolled his eyes. “It's called being hangry, and it's completely normal.”

“Nope. We're going out, you're going to love what I picked for our first night.” Charlie replied. 

Nick rolled onto his side so he could face his husband. “Not as much as I love you.”

Despite the already warm temperature and salt water still clinging to his body, Charlie felt himself blush, just like he had been doing for fifteen years when he heard those words. “You're so cringe, Nicholas Nelson, and I love it. I love you, I love how cringey you are, and I love going on vacations like these with you.”

It was Nick's turn to blush. “I love all of that too. Can we stay here just a bit longer? I've got a bit more swimming energy left, if you'd care to join?”

Charlie blindly reached for his phone on the small wooden table behind him, and looked at the time. “Yeah, we've still got a bit of time.”

Nick practically jumped onto his feet in one fluid motion, before extending his hand down to help his husband get up. “Well?”

Charlie was about to get up, but he noticed something that needed to be fixed. “Hold it. You're already starting to turn red! Sunscreen first, then we can go back in the sea.”

Nick's shoulders slumped, but he knew there was zero point in arguing, Charlie wouldn't let him anywhere near the water without reapplying more sunscreen. He sat down onto the towel next to his husband, ready for him to help apply the lotion. “Ugh, it's so not fair. The ginger gene strikes again. You never burn.”

“That's because my dad is Spanish.” Charlie answered, squeezing a thick line of lotion out of its tube onto Nick's shoulders. “Now stop your whining, and sit still.”

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“I don't know what you've planned that could top this. It's already been so perfect.” Nick Nelson said with a hushed tone, as he navigated his head into his usual spot on Charlie's bare chest. 

The two men laid in bed, their sea facing bedroom bay window open, allowing a gentle yet cool breeze to flow inside. The only light in the room came from the half moon in the clear night sky, reflecting off the water and into their villa. They both were tired from their first day, and had eaten their fill at a local restaurant, serving only local and fresh dishes, and featuring their in-house Agiorgitiko, a Greek red wine. They had lazily walked, arm in arm, back to their accommodations for the night, before quickly making their way to bed. 

“Well, I had to rearrange some things to give you more time to swim, but I think you're going to like it.” Charlie answered while his fingers gently combed through the red hair resting on his chest. 

“Excuse you, Charlie. You had as much fun as I did.” Nick tried to defend insistence on free time while on vacation. 

 “Yep.” Charlie didn't feel the need to deny his husband's accusation.  “Now, go to sleep, we have a big day tomorrow.”

“Ok. Love you, Char.”

“Love you too, Nick.”

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On their second day, it was Nick's turn to be speechless. After being woken up at the entirely unreasonable time of 9:35am, Charlie had dragged him out into a cab, which dropped them off at the base of a cliff. Charlie had a very large backpack on, and wouldn't give any clues to its contents. He only had to tell Nick eight times that he'd find out what was inside once they reached their destination, which was at the end of a trail that had taken them up the cliff. The view that they had hiked up to provided them a clear view of the town they were staying in and the surrounding countryside. It seemed like something out of a nature documentary, displaying how the town nestled up against the Mediterranean, the various beaches and cliffs being the highlight. 

“Worth it?” Charlie asked after he slid his backpack off, and placed it on the wooden bench next to the trail. He joined his standing husband, and wrapped his arm around the taller man's waist, while the two stood side by side in silence. 

“Yes.” Nick struggled to find the words he wanted to speak.

“Well, care for a spot of lunch? That's what was in the backpack, by the way.” Charlie asked, not making any indication that they should sit and eat. 

“In a minute. I want to enjoy this a bit more.” Nick almost whispered, before turning a bit, and kissing the top of Charlie's head. “Thank you. This is incredible.”

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“No, we're not going home. I've decided. We're quitting our jobs and staying here forever.” Nick Nelson whined and pulled his husband back down into the bed, wrapping his much bigger arms around the leaner man.

Charlie Spring didn't try to fight it, he felt the same way, but knew that after four unbelievable days of their first proper child free vacation since becoming parents, they did have to go home. “With what money? And what of the boys, and Sophie?”

Nick was annoyed that Charlie was being the practical one, even if everything he said was true. “I've got it all figured out. We open a joint mental and physical therapy center. One of a kind place, we've got the market cornered. Besides, you're the breadwinner, don't talk about money, we've got plenty.”

“And the boys and our dog?” Charlie pointed out the lack of them appearing in Nick's grand plan. 

Nick furrowed his brow. “Well, we get Sophie here ASAP. There's not enough room here, so the boys can live with my mum, she would like the company after being an empty nester.”

“Nick! You're bonkers.” Charlie laughed at his husband's suggestions. 

“I know. I just don't want this to end.” Nick followed up by holding Charlie even tighter. 

“I know. Me neither.”

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Charlie struggled to keep his eyes open while lazily looking out the airplane window. There was nothing to see, just a completely unbroken layer of clouds below them, and a pale blue sky above. His attention was only occasionally broken by the feeling of his husband's thumb gently gliding over the back of his hand. 

“We could bring the boys next time. They're older now.” Nick leaned in and suggested. “Because there will absolutely be a next time.”

“Agreed.” Charlie replied, widely yawning, before giving into the temptation of sleep, and resting his head on Nick's shoulder. “I love you Nick, the last four days were amazing, and getting to do these things with you for the rest of our days makes me so happy.”

“Love you too, Char. Close your eyes, I'll wake you when we land.”

Chapter Text

Epilogue 8.12

Being parents to a teenage boy was not always an easy job. Nick Nelson and his husband Charlie Spring were very proud of their thirteen year old son, Jack. Their eldest child was everything a parent could hope for. His grades at school were outstanding. Jack was incredibly well liked by his peers and teachers, easily navigating the social dynamics of secondary school, and never quite limiting himself to one friend group. His skills on the football pitch were already noteworthy. Not content with being exclusively known as an athlete, Jack had thrived as a member of his school's orchestra, already sitting as the first chair trombone player. His chipper, kind, thoughtful, and chatty personality won over almost everyone he met. Jack Nelson-Spring truly had blended the characteristics of his parents, who could not have been more proud of him. Unless the boy took on the exact stereotype of a moody teenage boy. 

These incidents were rare, but frustrating to his parents as well as his younger brother Greyson, and the family pets. The happy go lucky boy was replaced with a quiet, withdrawn, and foul mouthed one who would lash out at his family. Being a therapist, Charlie knew this was completely normal, but he illogically worried due to it being his own son. Luckily, these incidents were not frequent, and usually resolved in a few days. Unfortunately, Charlie Spring knew that day was going to be one where the moody Jack was present based on how hard the front door had been slammed shut, followed by the volume of the impacts from shoes being thrown at their wooden bench near the door moments later. 

Charlie had been in the kitchen, which did not provide a clear view to the entryway to their house. He looked up from his tablet, where moments before he had been reviewing patient notes. “Jack? Everything OK bud?”

The lack of a response and the sound of feet stomping up the stairs were a clear indication that things were not ok. Charlie sighed, knowing he was now on duty as a father, since Nick wouldn't be home for another two hours. Luckily, Greyson had an after-school activity, and would be spared from the misdirected angst from the older brother he idolized. Charlie looked around his currently quiet kitchen, and forced himself to switch off the therapist portion of his brain. It wasn't what his son would need. He eventually looked down and made eye contact with George, their black cat, who had been interrupted mid face cleaning by the clamor moments earlier. 

“Hey boy. Want to help me out with your big brother?” Charlie asked the overly friendly and affectionate cat, who just stared back, before resuming his routine grooming. “Of course, the one time you're not interested in getting petted and headbutting someone.”

Charlie set his tablet down, and made his way towards the stairs, getting a curious look from Ringo, their very young golden retriever. “Puppy energy and kisses to the rescue?” Ringo stated back, unmoving from his spot at the base of the stairs. 

“You're lucky you're cute, because helpful you are not.” Charlie Spring closed his eyes, before starting the trek up to his son's bedroom, which abruptly began to emanate the sounds of a mildly angry punk sounding band from the speakers within it. 

“Jack?” Charlie knocked gently 3 times on the closed door, and did not receive an answer. “Jack, I just wanted to see if you wanted to talk.”

Charlie's inquiries were met with the volume of whatever music his upset son was listening to being turned up. “Jack, I don't want to be…well…I just wanted to see if you needed anything, or-”

“Ugh! Fine! Come in.” The music had come to an abrupt end and was replaced by the voice of a clearly annoyed teenager. 

Charlie entered the bedroom, closing the door behind him. He sat down at the desk chair on the opposite side of the room from his son, who was currently sitting on his bed, knees pulled up to his chin, and his arms wrapped around his legs. If he didn't know any better, Charlie would have sworn he was looking at a much younger version of his husband. The upset boy was the spitting image of Nick, albeit with much shorter hair, a longer buzz cut. 

“What's bothering you?” Charlie asked, wanting to get to the root of Jack's distress. 

“Nothing.” Jack said, avoiding eye contact like his life depended on it. 

“Jack…it's ok to be upset.” Charlie responded, his concern evident. “Just talk me through it.”

The thirteen year old drew his legs in tighter, trying to physically withdraw even more. It didn't work out very well, as the tall for his age boy was still working his way through an awkward growth spurt. “You wouldn't get it.”

“Try me.” Charlie leaned forward, not prepared for what he was about to hear.

“I said you wouldn't get it! You're gay! You wouldn't understand!” 

The words that came out of his son's mouth stung Charlie to his very core. Being a veteran therapist, granted he was one who specialized in working with LGBT teens, Charlie Spring thought he was prepared for whatever Jack was going to say, but he was very mistaken. He and his husband had ensured their children were educated about the spectrum of human sexual orientations, and were insistent that understanding and inclusivity were incredibly important in their family. Charlie and Nick truly believed their two sons held no negative opinions of anyone's orientations, and would never say anything along the lines of what had just been spoken. 

“Jack…I…that's not…” Charlie struggled to find the right thing to say while he dealt with his own emotions. He didn't even realize that he had stood up. “We'll…talk later, ok?”

Charlie fumbled around in his pocket after leaving Jack's bedroom, closing the door behind him. He was still shaken by the time he had found his phone, his finger hovering over the ‘swipe to unlock’ portion of the screen, which sat at the bottom of a family photo from a few months prior. It showed Nick and Charlie sitting on a large boulder at the beach, each with a hand on both of their sons shoulders, who were seated below them. All four faces plastered with wide and genuine smiles. 

Not registering the single tear that fell from his eye, Charlie finally found the courage to swipe before pulling up a message to his husband. 

Charlie: Nick, Jack's in a mood again. He said some very hurtful things. We need to talk with him.

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Nick Nelson met his husband in their kitchen immediately after arriving home from work. After hearing Charlie's recollection of the afternoon, he felt like he had been punched in the stomach. The two men talked through what had happened in hushed tones, not wanting their younger son to know how upset they were.

“Charlie, I'm sorry he said that.” Nick pulled his husband into a hug. “That's just not like him.”

“I know. Something must really be bothering him.” Charlie leaned further into the hug. “I'm not mad, you know. Just…hurt.”

Nick sighed. “I understand. Knowing him, he's probably hurt too. He loves you, Char.”

“Maybe you should go talk to him. He probably doesn't want to see me right now.” Charlie suggested. 

“Ok.”

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“Jack? It's me.” Nick knocked gently on the bedroom door before quietly entering, and closing it behind him. He found his son still in the same place Charlie had described. Except now Jack's eyes were bloodshot, and his cheeks were wet with tears still streaming down them. 

“Hey Dad.” Jack sniffed.

Nick joined his distraught son on his bed, slinging an arm around his shoulders. “Hey bud. I heard you had a rough afternoon. Want to tell me about it?”

Jack wiped at some of the tears on his face, which were instantly replaced by new ones. “Dad, I messed up.”

“We all mess up Jack. It's what you do afterwards that matters.” Nick tried to guide his son into opening up. 

“I said something to Papa I shouldn't have. I didn't mean to, and I didn't mean it like that.” Jack explained. “I said I didn't want to talk to him because he's gay.”

Nick briefly closed his eyes, pushing the knot in his stomach away. “Why would you do that?”

“I don't know. I was upset when I got home. I know he wanted to help, it's kind of his thing. But I felt like…he couldn't, and yeah.” Jack's crying didn't show any sign of stopping. 

“You know that really hurt him, right?” Nick asked his son. 

Jack pulled the sleeve of his jumper down around his hand, using the fabric this time to attempt to dry his face. “Yeah, and I hate that I did it. I love you guys so much. You're the best Dads ever. I'm sorry.”

“You should really tell him that.” Nick suggested. 

“He probably hates me.” Jack instantly replied. 

“Jack…” Nick used his free hand to wipe at a few tears of his own. “He doesn't hate you at all. He loves you with everything he has. We both do.”

“I guess.” Jack sniffed again. “Can I talk to you about…you know, today?”

“You know what? I think it would mean the world to your father if you talked to him about it.” Nick suggested to Jack, hoping that his husband would see it as a peace offering 

“Ok.”

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“Hey, your Dad said you wanted to talk.” Charlie said as he entered his son's room for the second time that afternoon. Jack had moved to the floor, his legs stretched out in front of him, and his back up against the side of his bed. The thirteen year old held a football in his lap, gently rocking it back and forth. 

“Yeah, I sorta do Papa.” Jack responded, not looking up from the ball he used to keep his hands occupied. 

Charlie sat down on the floor next to his teenage son, and looked at the football too. “What's got you so worked up?“

“Sorry for what I said earlier. I love you, a lot, and I shouldn't have brought up that you're gay like that. It's never bothered me, I swear. It's just…I'm really sorry. I didn't mean it like that, and I wish I didn't say it.” Jack Nelson-Spring finally looked up at his younger parent before being pulled in for an extremely tight hug. Father and son sat in silence for several moments, the only sound during their embrace was the football falling out of the teenager's lap and rolling away. After many seconds passed, and feeling his heart start to recover, Charlie finally broke the silence. 

“I forgive you Jack. I love you so much, and I always will.” Charlie held firmly onto his son. “I've told you about what I went through when I was about your age. How awful it was. That's why what you said got to me.”

Jack pulled his face up onto Charlie's arm. “I know, and that's why I felt so bad. I swear Papa, I didn't mean it like that…or at all, really. I'm so happy you're married to Dad. It doesn't matter that you're both men to me. And I wish it didn't matter to anyone. I shouldn't have said that.”

“Then why did you say I wouldn't understand because of my orientation?” Charlie asked, wanting to get to the root of the issue. 

“Ummm…I don't know…its…kinda awkward…especially after what I said to you…” Jack fumbled his words, trying to work up the courage to talk about what had been eating away at him. 

“Jack, I said I forgive you. If you don't want to talk about it right now, that's fine, but I think at some point-” Charlie was quickly interrupted by his son. 

“Ok, there's a girl in orchestra that sits near me and I really like her because she's so pretty and smart which is why I never know what to say to her because every time I try to say anything not about what we're playing I just feel so nervous and I say something super awkward which makes me feel dumb and she's really popular too and I don't want people to think I'm some idiot and lame and…” Jack's rapid explanation came to a stop when he ran out of air and needed to stop and breathe, taking several deep breaths. 

Charlie smiled, but suppressed his urge to laugh, not sure that it was appropriate at that moment. “Awww, buddy, you have a crush on a girl!”

“Papa! No! You're so embarrassing!” Jack Nelson-Spring tried to squirm his way out of his father's still locked tight hug, laughing as his desperation to escape increased. “Oh my god, this is so unfair!”

Charlie eventually released his grip on his son, who didn't even move away once he was free. “Sorry Jack…that may have crossed a line, but I was so worried, and honestly, I'm kind of relieved, because I really had no idea what was going on with you.”

“But, you're like this amazing therapist. How did you not know?” Jack asked. 

Charlie grabbed Jack's hand, which somewhat to his surprise, wasn't pulled away. “Wow, using flattery against me. Taking a page from your Dad's playbook I see.”

“No way, not his. Yours. He can't help himself as soon as you call him strong or handsome or something.” Jack replied before making a gagging motion to tease his father. 

“Stop avoiding the subject. You really thought I wouldn't understand that you like a girl and didn't know what to do, because I'm gay?” Charlie chuckled at the end of his question. 

“When you put it like that, it sounds dumb.” Jack started to turn red out of embarrassment. He gently let go of Charlie's hand, and picked up the football again, absentmindedly toying with it. “It's just that, we only sometimes talk in orchestra. It's the only class we have together. But I see her quite a bit. We have a lot of the same friends. We usually sit at the same table at lunch, but she's several people away. She comes to our footie matches, one of her three best friends is dating Jacob. But I never get to talk to her, like, just us. And when I do, I say something stupid, and before I can make it any worse, I just kinda bolt out of there.”

Charlie started to run images of Jack at school events through his head, trying to identify who the girl whom his son was crushing on could be. He knew Jacob of course, he was on the football team with Jack, which Nick still coached. Jacob and Jack were two of a group of five boys who had been close friends for years. It was a rare occurrence when the five weren't together on weekends or outside of school. But Charlie couldn't picture who this girl was.

“Papa, you ok? You sorta…went somewhere else for a bit.” Jack's voice brought Charlie out of his own head and back to the present. 

“Oh, yeah, I'm good. So…who is she? Tell me about her!” Charlie asked his son for more info. 

“Do I have to? This is kinda embarrassing.” Jack did look mildly uncomfortable. 

Charlie decided to back off with his curiosity for the time being. “OK, tell me why you're so frustrated then. You interrupted me before, and you were talking so fast, it was a bit hard to keep up.”

“I was doing it again, wasn't I?” Jack asked, still blushing. He was referencing his ADHD. Diagnosed only a year prior, talking in very long and uninterrupted sentences was one of the things that the teenage boy was self conscious about. 

“Yes, and no. It wasn't from that, it's just that you were nervous. You've never told me about a crush before.” A bit of Dr. Spring, licensed clinical therapist and psychologist slipped out.

Jack sighed. “Well, like I said. I just can't find a way to talk to her, just us. When I do, my brain just stops, which is so weird. I don't know what to say. Which is what happened today. She had a bit more than usual to throw in the bin after lunch, so I tried to help. And do you know what I said?” He paused before running a hand over his face. “I said," Wow, that's a lot of trash,” before I dropped the one tray she gave me.”

An incredibly wide smile spread over Charlie Spring's face, as he recalled many moments in his own life that were far more embarrassing when it came to talking to a crush. “Won't lie to you bud, that's not great, but it's far from the worst thing that could have happened.”

Jack looked incredibly confused. “Papa, what? I was so embarrassed! I literally ran and hid in the change rooms.”

“Aw, Jack, I'm sorry that you felt like that. But did you skip class?” Charlie empathized far deeper than his son knew. 

“No, I pulled it together. I was only a minute late. I swear. But what do you mean, not the worst that could have happened?” The red haired teenager asked. 

Charlie wasn't sure which of the many stories of him and Nick in their teenage years he had told, but he had a few he thought might make his son feel better. “Bud, do you have any idea how awkward your Dad and I were when we met? Not even talking about him learning he was bisexual. I just mean in general. We weren't always the cool dads you think we are.”

It was Jack's turn to laugh. “I have never thought that. Awesome and loving, yeah. Cool, nope…well…maybe Dad, yeah, he was a total rugby lad back then, wasn't he?”

“Jack William Nelson-Spring! Rude!” Charlie playfully threw a pillow from Jack's bed at him. “And yes, he was.”

“You have to tell me. I don't think I could feel any worse about today than I do now. Might help.” Jack suggested to his father, with a sly grin he was unable to hide from his face.

“His pen exploded once.” Charlie confidently replied. 

“What? How? Like, how did you know?” Jack was eager to hear this story. 

“We were in form. Out of nowhere, he comes up to me and says his pen exploded. Both hands, past his wrists, were completely covered in blue ink.” Charlie Spring took delight in telling the story. He fondly remembered that event clearly in his mind. “Before I knew it, I was dragging him to the loo, and was going mad trying to clean him off.”

Jack fell to his side with laughter, picturing his teenage and ink covered parents. 

Charlie continued. “One of the first times he tried flirting with me, he took my hand and drew a smiley face on it.”

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After several more laughter filled stories, Charlie Spring decided to bring the conversation back to his son's crush. “Alright, it's your turn. Tell me about her.”

“Ok, fine, I guess I can manage.” Jack relented, the awkward stories of his parents earliest times together was enough to calm him down. “Her name is Olivia. She sits in front of me in orchestra. Plays violin. She plays tennis too. She’s so smart, and she’s so pretty. The way she smiles when she plays something well, or gets a set on the court, it’s like…I don’t know how to describe it.”

“Jack, just because I’m gay doesn’t mean I don’t know what that feels like. I do. I was the same way with your dad. I was so nervous just to be around him, and then he did something like that, like he’d score a try, or just tell a joke, and he’d smile like the world was just perfect.” Charlie explained to his son.

“Papa, ew. That’s Dad you’re talking about. I don’t want to hear that!” Jack mimed gagging again.

“Ok, I get it. Just…can you promise me that you don’t think I don’t want to talk to you about these things? Because I do, and I know you probably don’t, because I would have never talked to my mum or dad about that. Your Aunt Tori, yeah, but that’s different. Greyson is too young.” Charlie realized he was now the one rambling. “Or your Dad. He works. He was always being hit on when he was your age…even if he didn’t know it.”

Jack choked a bit on the drink he was taking from his water bottle. “He didn’t?”

“Not in the slightest. He once got suckered into a date when the girl told him her dog died.” Charlie fondly remembered that story, one that Nick, Imogen, and he could easily laugh about now.

“No way. Dad is…he’s smarter than that.” Jack tried to understand the story, but couldn’t.

Charlie chuckled. “Well have Imogen tell you all about it the next time she and her husband come visit.”

Jack didn’t even respond, having no idea that his father had once been so close to dating their family friend.

Charlie felt like their conversation was nearing its completion. They both had a better understanding of each other’s lives, and any hurt that had been caused was now in the past. “Jack…I love you so much. We, your Dad, and I, love you so much. You’re becoming such an incredible young man, and we’re so proud to call you our son. We want to be there and support you as much as you’re willing to let us. Promise me, that if something is bothering you, you’ll make an attempt to let us in. If you don’t want to, that’s fine too. But remember, your words can hurt, even us, your super cool dads. Can you promise that you’ll let us try, or you’ll do your best to not repeat today?” 

“I promise.”