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Alt. 4. Flowers
“Welcome home!” Charlie pushed open the door to Nick’s dorm room and let his boyfriend go in first. Sarah was behind him, carrying Nick’s overnight bag, and she bit back a smile at the enormous bouquet that was sitting on Nick’s desk.
“Char, you shouldn’t have,” Nick said, turning to hug Charlie. His cheeks were flushed and his heart squeezed at the idea of getting flowers from his boyfriend; he’d never gotten flowers before. It felt quite nice.
“I wanted to get you a little something to make you feel better,” Charlie replied, gently wrapping his arms around Nick.
“I love you,” Nick whispered, hugging Charlie back. While he felt better than he had a few days ago, he was sore and exhausted and not feeling like standing for much longer.
“I love you too. Now get in bed.” Charlie helped Nick over to his bed and tucked him in. “There. Snug as a bug.”
Sarah sat on the edge of the bed and rubbed a thumb over Nick’s cheek. “You’re sure I can go home tonight? I don’t mind staying for as long as you need me to.”
“I’ll be alright. Like the doctor said, I should be back on my feet tomorrow and back to class on Monday. No point in making you get a hotel when you could be comfy at home.” Nick leaned into his mum’s hand and smiled at her. “I’m okay. Really.”
Sighing, Sarah nodded. “Alright, Nicky. And, Charlie, you’re okay getting the train home tomorrow?”
“Yeah, I already cleared it with my dad.” Charlie smiled at Nick, excited to get to spend an unexpected night with him.
“Alright. Guess I’ll go, then. Call me if you need me, love.”
“I will.” Nick hugged Sarah from where he was lying and waved as she walked out of his dorm.
Once she was gone, Charlie stripped down to his boxers and climbed in next to Nick. “Want to watch something?”
Nick nodded and watched as Charlie grabbed Nick’s laptop and opened it on his lap. “You really didn’t have to get me flowers. But thank you for them. I’ve never gotten any before.”
Charlie looked over at Nick then. “Really?”
Nick shook his head. “Bought them plenty of times, though.” He admired the way the sun shone on them and smiled. “They’re really nice.”
“I wasn’t totally sure which ones you’d like so I picked my favorites.” Charlie blushed at the admittance, which Nick found adorable.
“They’re beautiful. Just like you.”
Charlie giggled and snuggled down next to Nick, the movie starting up on the laptop.
Nick sniffled and wiped at his nose, surprised that it was running all of a sudden.
“Okay?” Charlie asked, propping himself up on one elbow to look at Nick. Frowning, he noticed the way that Nick’s nose and eyes were red and watery.
Nick nodded, his breath hitching. “Yeah, just—HTTTCH!” He sneezed forcefully into his elbow, quickly followed by a second and then a third.
Charlie jumped up and grabbed a box of tissues off of Nick’s desk and held it out as he climbed back into bed. “What’s the matter?”
Nick blew his nose and shrugged. “I dunno. Just sniffly all of a sudden.”
Charlie frowned. “Maybe it’s the flowers? Are you allergic to any?”
Nick shook his head. “I don’t think so.” He sneezed again then, blowing his nose and wiping at his eyes. “Maybe.”
“I bet you are. I’ll put them in the hallway, one second.” Charlie got up again and grabbed the flowers he’d gotten, sniffing them before sticking them out in the hall. “Let’s see if that helps.”
“I’m sorry, Char. I love them.” Nick snuggled back into his blankets and patted the mattress next to him. “I think that some cuddles will help.”
Smiling, Charlie crawled back into bed and wrapped his arms around Nick. He kissed Nick’s cheek and pulled the blankets up over his shoulder. “I love you.”
“I love you more,” Nick replied as he relaxed into Charlie’s arms. There was no place he’d rather be, stuffy and sore or not.