Archive of Our Own ^beta

Nick wasn't quite as panicked the second time Charlie fainted, but it wasn't any less worrying. If anything, it was more worrying, because now he knew the reason.

And he knew Charlie wasn't eating again.

Charlie knew leading up to the incident that he wasn't well, but he didn't think too hard about it. Hunger pains and weakness had become a constant for him, only ever easing up when he forced himself to eat something because he didn't want to worry Nick too much.

He hadn't eaten a thing all day or the day before, though, and it was really starting to weigh on him.

He and Nick were walking to his house from school when he started to feel lightheaded and dizzy. Panic began to set in because the sidewalk really didn't seem like the best place to pass out.

He was fading fast and he knew it so, as he could feel himself starting to lose consciousness, he muttered Nick's name and just hoped the boy got the hint.

Thankfully, Nick realized what was going off before he hit the ground and managed to catch him and sit him down to the side. A few other students walked by and looked over in concern but Nick dismissed them and told them not to worry and that he had it handled.

While Charlie was still out, he began digging through his backpack. He always kept a granola bar handy just in case something like this happened. It was small and he knew it was one of the few things Charlie would willingly stomach on short notice but it also would provide at least enough energy to get back home to eat something a bit better.

As he dug it out of his backpack, Charlie began to regain consciousness and looked around in confusion.

"You passed out" Nick explained. He grabbed his half-empty water bottle, opened it, and handed it to his boyfriend, who took a greedy sip. The ginger held up 3 fingers in front of him. "How many fingers am I holding up?"

"Three"

"Good" Nick smiled. He took the water bottle back, opened the bar, and gave it to Charlie. "Eat that, please" he said.

"Nick..."

"I don't ever want to force you, but you just passed out and you need something on your stomach" Nick said. "You can take your time" he added hopefully. Charlie sighed, staring at the bar and building up the courage to take the next step. After a moment, he took a deep breath and began eating it slowly.

When he was done, he awkwardly handed the wrapper back to Nick, who pocketed it and helped him up.

"...Thanks, Nick"

"Of course" Nick said, holding out his hand for Charlie to take in his own. "It can wait, but can we talk about this?"

"Sure" Charlie nodded. As much as he didn't really want to talk about it, he knew it was necessary. "Later though"

"Of course"