Chapter Text
Charlie knows.
Charlie knows when I'm having a bad day. He can tell by the way my step hits the ground, heavier than usual, or how my smile doesn't quite reach my eyes. On those days, he knows all I want is to be close to him. So he'll cuddle me up in his arms on the sofa, sprinkling soft kisses across my face, down my neck, on my lips. Each kiss slowly washes away the burdens of the day until I'm only left with the warm feeling of knowing that Charlie is mine.
Charlie knows how hard it is when another birthday passes, and Dad hasn't even bothered to reach out, not even a simple "Happy Birthday Nick" text. How easy would that be? So Charlie tries to make up for it, leaving surprise love notes around- in my sock drawer, in the pocket of my jumper, in my lunch bag. It helps.
Charlie knows that when I'm sick, I want that extra fluffy blanket stored in the linen closet, the one with the pink polka dots. Normally, it's much too warm, but when I'm sick, it feels just right. Without me needing to ask, Charlie will retrieve it for me and wrap me up in it. It makes me feel so cared for.
Charlie knows how I can hold back my opinions from others. A tendency to people-please. When I'm in a group, I can easily nod along, even when I don't necessarily agree. Charlie notices. He'll lean in, asking me, "What do you think, Nick?" or "How do you feel about this?" His questions give me the space to speak my mind. Reminding me that my voice matters just as much as anyone else's and I'm allowed to use it. He gives me the confidence to do that.
With Charlie, I'm seen. I'm safe. I'm loved.