Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Charlie’s car sputters as he makes his way through the Welsh countryside, creating a series of concerning sounds as he grows closer to his destination. His small Toyota is not made for the long six-hour journey from Glasgow to Wales, it's much more accustomed to the stop-and-go of the city.

“Come on, don’t fail me now.” He says under his breath as he rolls slowly uphill. Once he's safely up and can see the cottage in the distance, he lets out a long breath. Finally.

Now that he’s not white-knuckling the steering wheel, he can take in the gorgeous view around him. He is driving on the winding road along the grassy hilltops, to his right is the sharp drop to the sea below, crashing into the rocks; slightly terrifying, but beautiful nonetheless. As he pushes along, he spots a few houses dotted about, but for the most part, it's only grassy hills as far as the eye can see.

The cottage he’s renting for the summer is in the Wales countryside, about a twenty-minute walk from the town of Tenby. He wanted something that was not completely isolated, but secluded enough that he could sit in silence without hearing the constant bustling city life around him. He enjoys the city, he does, but this is much-needed silence.

He pulls along the side of the white picket fence that is in front of the cottage, it’s even more beautiful in person. It’s a small white cottage with baby blue shudders and a matching door, the paint chipping off from what is probably years of salty air wearing it away. It’s nestled on the flattened clifftop with bushes of flowers in front and the sea behind it. His home for the summer.

The aforementioned blue door opens to reveal a woman with overalls and short brown hair, she smiles wide and waves to him. That must be Sarah Nelson, the owner he’s renting from.

“Hello! You must be Charlie, so nice to finally meet you” She says, meeting Charlie halfway as he walks up the stone path to the cottage.

“Um, yes, nice to meet you too,” Charlie says, shaking her hand.

“Come, follow me, I’ll show you around,”

Charlie does so and follows her inside. The interior is just as gorgeous as the outside with exposed wooden beams on the ceiling, big windows that look out to the sea, and dark oak floors; It feels homey and lived in.

“This is gorgeous,” Charlie says, taking it all in.

“I’m glad you think so, dear!” She beams. “So, downstairs is the sitting room, kitchen, and one of the bathrooms. Upstairs is the bedroom and a half bath, everything should be working properly, I had my son check this morning, but feel free to walk over to my place if you need anything or have any trouble, my house is just down the road.” Sarah puts a hand on his shoulder and smiles. “I’ll leave you to it unless you have any questions or need me to help you bring in your things?”

Sarah has one of those warm smiles that Charlie can't help but match. “I think I’m all set, thank you, Sarah.”

“No worries dear, I’ll see you around!” and with that, she is out the door and Charlie is alone in the cottage.

It’s quiet beside the faint sounds of the sea crashing into the cliffside and loud seagulls squawking overhead, it’s so silent he can hear the house settling beneath him. It’s music to his ears.

Charlie brings in his too many bags and begins unpacking. He places his childhood stuffed cat on the bed, his toothbrush next to the sink, and his meal plan on the kitchen counter. But most importantly, his computer on the desk in the bedroom– one of the reasons why he is even here in the first place.

You see, the past year has been pretty shit, and that's putting it lightly. It all started last December, well it’s been longer than that, considering he’d been dating Ben for two years before they broke up, but things got worse last winter when they moved in together.

Charlie met Ben two years ago. They first met during Charlie’s last year at university and quickly became friends. Then quickly became more than friends. Charlie was head over heels for him, he was an attractive, seemingly charming guy, and he liked Charlie. Charlie had no experience with romance before Ben, so he was willing to take anything Ben would give him, even when the ‘nice guy’ walls came down and his actual personality was uncovered.

But, Charlie had rose-tinted glasses when looking at him, so when Ben wanted Charlie to move in with him when Charlie’s lease on his flat was up, Charlie said yes, it seemed like the obvious next step. But it wasn’t until he moved in and they were together every day, sharing a small space, that Charlie could finally see clearly what a horrible person he was.

But, the breaking point was when Ben tried to force Charlie into intimate acts he didn’t consent to, which snapped him out of his ignorant bubble.

It has been six months since Charlie moved out of Ben’s place, but the pain he caused still lingers. Which not only affects Charlie’s mental health but also his job.

Charlie is a romance author… ironic, he knows. And it’s because of Ben that Charlie hasn’t been able to write anything sustainable in months.

When Charlie was a kid, books about queer love and joy were few and far between. But when he did find them, those were the types of books that filled him with hope. Hope that maybe one day, someone like him could find love like that. So that’s what Charlie wrote. Books filled with queer love to help other people feel that happiness he felt. But, now that his one and only romantic experience was quite literally the worst thing that could have happened, it was hard to write about the love he so desperately wanted, but couldn’t seem to find. Love he’s not even sure actually exists outside of book pages and movie screens.

Who knew it would be so hard to write about love when his life was so devoid of it?

So, Charlie decided he needed to get out of Glasgow, the town where with every corner he turned, it felt as if Ben haunted it. Because, after the worst few months of his life, he thinks he deserves a break; a new, beautiful place where he can clear his mind and focus on getting his next book written before his publisher murders him. So, for the next three months, it’s just him and his laptop, no distractions.

After he finishes unpacking, he makes his way to the kitchen. He hasn’t eaten dinner yet, and he promised his therapist and himself he would follow his meal plan religiously. He had a relapse last month, and he knows how important it is to stay consistent, especially right now.

He opens the fridge and the cabinets to see them mostly bare, but enough to make himself a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. He makes a mental note to ask Sarah where the nearest supermarket is.

He makes his sandwich, after searching every single cabinet for the knives, and sits on the back porch to eat.

He finds it pretty easy to finish his whole sandwich when he’s distracted by the gorgeous view. The back garden isn’t huge, but there is a small grassy patch that is fenced in by a white fence that opens to wooden steps leading down to the rocky shore.

As he swallows his last bite, his phone pings with a text from his sister, asking if he made it there in one piece. Charlie smiles and presses the call button.

It rings twice before Tori’s face fills his screen. “Looks like you made it there without your car blowing off the cliff, then.” She says, expression flat as always.

Charlie just laughs and flips the camera to show Tori the view. “Gorgeous, isn't it?”

“Eh, it’s alright.” She says, but Charlie can see a hint of a smile on her face.

Charlie flips the camera back to him so he can stick his tongue out at her. “I should probably start working, I just wanted to let you know I made it,”

“Okay, but make sure you actually give yourself time to rest too.” Her voice is stern, a big change from her usually monotone voice, which tells Charlie she's serious. “I mean it, Charles, if I find out you’re not taking time for yourself, I will walk all the way to Wales and steal your laptop.”

“I would expect nothing less,”

They exchange goodbyes and Charlie hangs up with a sigh and the silence returns. Tori is the only person he told that he was going on this trip besides his publicist. There wasn’t really anyone else to tell. He didn’t have many friends back in Glasgow, not anyone he was close enough to that they would wonder where he went if he disappeared for three months. Charlie never noticed his lack of social life until he broke up with Ben, he realized pretty quickly that Ben demanded so much of Charlie’s time and undivided attention that he never really had the chance to go out and meet people. So, at the moment, his sister is his best friend. Quite sad, if he thinks about it for too long.

He sits out on the porch for a long while, just letting himself unwind and decompress from his long drive. He is just about to head inside when he hears distant barking and… shouting?

The noise quickly becomes less distant when suddenly there is a dog in his yard, a brown and white border collie that bounds up the steps of the porch and stops at Charlie’s feet, tail wagging wildly.

“Oh,” Charlie smiles. “Hello there,”

“Nellie!”

Oh, now there is a man in the garden. A very attractive man, at that.

Charlie’s eyes go wide as the man comes to a stop, putting his hands on his knees and breathing heavily, his blond hair falls in front of his eyes. The man, suddenly realizing Charlie is staring at him, quickly stands up straight and brings a hand up to rub the back of his neck. And Charlie definitely doesn’t notice the way his very large biceps flex as he does so.

“Oh my God, I am so sorry!” The man rushes out. “I was taking her for a walk and she got off her leash and your fence gate was open, I’m so sorry. She’s friendly, I promise, she just wants pets,”

“It’s fine, really,” Charlie smiles at the flustered man and crouches down to scratch Nellie behind the ears. “She’s adorable,”

“Not so adorable when she makes me chase her through the neighborhood,” He lets out an exasperated laugh. “Um, do you mind if I come up and get her?”

“No, of course,”

He walks up the steps and crouches down to clip her leash back on. “I’m Nick, by the way, Nelson. Nick Nelson.”

“Oh, you’re Sarah’s son?”

“Yup, I’m home for the summer, so I’m helping her out with the cottage.” Nick smiles and stands up and it’s then that Charlie realizes he has to look up to meet his eyes. “So, what brings you to Wales?”

“Oh, um,” I’m mentally ill and tired and I needed to get out of the town my toxic ex lives in, would be the truth, but he couldn’t exactly say that, could he. “I am an author and needed some inspiration,” He eventually settles on. “And Wales is beautiful from what I’ve seen so far, so it seems like the right place for that.”

“It definitely is beautiful,” Nick says, warm eyes locked on his. “Have you had any time to explore yet?”

“Not yet, I just got here today,”

“Oh, could show you around sometime, if you’d like? Unless you are busy, which you probably will be since you are here working, sorry, forget I said anything–”

“Nick,” Charlie cuts him off with a laugh. It’s quite endearing to watch this unit of a man get so flustered over something so simple. “I’d really like that.”

“Oh, yeah okay, well, you know where I live so,” He smiles shyly. “Just let me know whenever you want the grand tour,”

“Yeah, I definitely will.”

“Okay, well, I see you around,”

And with that, Nick and Nellie walk back to the road to continue their walk but not before Nick throws a dorky wave over his shoulder.

Nick Nelson… interesting.

Chapter Text

The first few days in Wales are quite disorienting. He wakes up in the morning with that heart-sinking feeling when you don’t know where you are; his bed is on the wrong side of the room and his duvet is a different color. But, once that feeling subsides, and he comes to his senses, he actually wakes up with a pep in his step, which isn’t something that happens often.

Most of the time, Charlie is not a morning person, he lies in bed, doom-scrolling Instagram before eventually dragging his feet to the kitchen to down a cup of coffee. But, these past few days he’s had the urge to do something he used to do every morning but hasn’t done in a long time; running.

Running was always something Charlie loved, something he was good at. He ran a lot in secondary school and university; it helped distract his mind and he enjoyed the ache of his calves after a particularly long run, a reminder that he did something good for his body.

Here in Wales, he has nothing but time, so on the fourth day of his stay, he laces up his trainers, pops in his earbuds, and sets off on one of the coastal paths near the cottage.

He starts off slow, not wanting to over-exert himself since it’s been a while since his last run. But after a few minutes, he finds a steady pace, and it doesn’t take long to feel the familiar burn of his lungs and stretch of his legs.

He smiles to himself as the salty air cools his skin and blows his hair back, he breathes in deeply through his nose and out through his mouth, letting the fresh air fill his lungs.

It’s easy to lose track of time while running, especially with this view. He’s high above the sea, running along the worn paths circling through the cliffside. He doesn't even realize he can hardly feel his legs anymore until he comes to a stop when he spots something to his left.

To the left of the path, there is a small dip in the cliff where what looks like a few wooden steps that lead down to a little grassy area that juts out and looks over the water. He carefully makes his way down the janky steps and stops in his tracks when he sees something familiar.

Nellie?

Nellie hears Charlie and snaps her head toward him, standing up and wagging her tail when she spots him. He walks a little further to see Nick sitting on the ground, reading a book, his head also looks up when Nellie stands.

“Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t know anyone was over here,” Charlie says shyly, already turning around to walk back up.

“Don’t apologize,” Nick sets down his book in his lap and gestures for him to sit next to him. “I don’t mind the company,” Charlie sits a couple of feet away from him, Nellie coming over to him to rest her head on his thigh. “She really likes you,”

“Good thing I like her too,” Charlie smiles and Nellie rolls on her back for Charlie to scratch her belly. “I didn’t mean to intrude or anything, I was just running and I saw steps so I decided to explore.”

“Don’t worry about it, I don’t mind,” Nick smiles sweetly at him. “It’s beautiful here, isn’t it? I accidentally discovered this spot a few years ago, I’m not sure what it’s actually for, but I’ve never seen anyone else here before, so I just claimed it as mine,” He laughs.

“It’s gorgeous,” Charlie agrees. He looks over to Nick who is sitting cross-legged and looking out in front of him, his open book in his lap. “What are you reading?”

“Oh, just a book one of my friends from London recommended. He’s a huge book nerd and is always giving me books he thinks I will like,” He picks up the book and shows Charlie the cover, he vaguely recognizes it but he doesn’t think he’s ever read it. “You said you are an author right? Maybe he has read some of your stuff,”

“Oh, I doubt it, my books aren’t that popular.”

He lying. His books actually have gotten pretty well known in the last few years, almost every time he walks into a bookshop his books are set out on one of the front tables with something like ‘your next summer read’ or ‘queer books written by LQBTG+ authors’ and he has a pretty devoted fan base. But, every time he thinks about it for too long, he kind of feels like he’s going to vomit. He’s ecstatic that people love and resonate with his books, but he can’t help but feel like he doesn’t deserve the praise. Imposter syndrome is what his therapist had called it.

So yeah, Charlie definitely doesn't want to know if one of Nick’s friends has read his books.

“So,” Charlie clears his throat, changing the subject. “Have you lived in Wales long?”

“Yup, most of my life.” Nick smiles. “Though, I don’t live here at the moment, I actually live in London, but I stay here with my mum during my off-season.”

Charlie knits his eyebrows. “Off-season?”

“I play professional rugby, so I have summers off to recover a bit before training again.”

“Professional rugby, huh?” Charlie teases. That explains the arms, he thinks. “You didn’t tell me I was in the presence of a big-time athlete,”

This surprises a laugh out of Nick, he throws his head back, Charlie watches the way his whole face lights up as he does so. “I could say the same about you, mister author,”

It’s quiet between them for a few moments both turning back to look out in front of them until Nick says, “The offer to show you around still stands if you’re not doing anything today,”

Charlie turns to smile at him. “Lead the way,”

And so, the two of them start off on the path that leads into town.

They make easy conversation as they walk, talking about their families and plans for the summer. It’s not uncomfortable small talk like it usually is with someone you just met, but simple conversation that flows without much thought. Nick is easy to talk to, he doesn’t even realize they are entering town until Nick points in front of them.

The town is bustling and full of life with people walking down the cobblestone streets, swimming in the sea, and lounging in the sand. Brightly colored buildings line the streets, lively restaurants and shops full of people.

“Have you been into town yet?” Nick asks.

“No, I’ve mostly stayed at the cottage so far, but this is gorgeous,”

“Right?” Nick bumps his shoulder into Charlie’s. “Follow me, I’ll show you all the best spots.”

They walk side by side through the city, Nellie in front of them pulling on her leash. Nick shows him his favorite pubs and restaurants and the best meals to get there. He then leads him down to the dock and Nick recalls a memory of the one and only time he tried to fish and accidentally threw his pole into the water. They look at all the boats sailing in the water and watch Nellie try to chase seagulls. Finally, they head down to the little ice cream shop next to the beach, order their ice cream, and sit in the sand to eat.

“I can't believe you like bubblegum-flavored ice cream,” Charlie crinkles his nose as Nick takes a bite.

“It’s better than boring chocolate,”

“Chocolate is consistent and classic, bubblegum is an abomination to society,”

Nick snorts. “An abomination to society?”

“I said what I said,”

They spend a while sitting in silence as they finish their ice cream and people-watch. He watches as two little kids, a boy and a girl probably about eight years old run around and chase each other in the water. It reminds him of him and Tori when they were younger when they would travel to Spain to visit their grandparents. Back before anything bad happened to them, when all they were was two happy kids playing in the water. A depressing thought, but a good memory. He wants to make more of those good memories; he needs to convince Tori to go back to the beach with him sometime.

By the time they finish their ice cream, grey clouds begin to fill the sky so they decide to head back to the cottages. The joys of spontaneous English weather.

The sky only grows darker as they get closer to the cottage, the wind getting rougher and crashing against the side of the cliffs and onto the rocks.

“You mentioned you liked to run, right?” Nick says, breaking the comfortable silence that settled between them.

Charlie looks at him, unable to keep the surprise off his face at the fact that he remembered such a minor detail about him he had mentioned in passing. “Yeah, I did,”

“Fancy a race then?” Nick says, a teasing smile on his face.

“Oh, I don’t know,” Charlie sighs dramatically. “I don’t think I’d be able to keep up–”

Charlie takes off running mid-sentence, laughing manically as Nick yells after him.

“Hey! That’s not fair!” Nick shouts. Charlie turns his head back for a quick second to see Nick already gaining on him, so Charlie picks up speed until he is running at a full sprint.

The two race downhill and Charlie can feel rain start to fall from the sky, cooling his skin.

“Might want to keep up otherwise you’ll get soaked!” Charlie taunts over his shoulder.

Once he gets to the junction where they have to part ways, Charlie stops, waiting a few seconds for Nick to catch up.

“That was entirely unfair,” Nick stops next to him, hands on his knees and huffing.

“I took advantage of the opportunity,” Charlie shrugs.

As they catch their breath, the light rain begins to fall harder, Charlie cringes as he feels water drip from his hair down to his neck.

“Well, I should get back,” Charlie says. “Thank you for today, seriously. I had a lot of fun,” It was the most fun Charlie had in a long time, actually, but he leaves that bit out.

“Yeah, so did I,” Nick stands to his full height and rubs the back of his neck, something Charlie realizes he does when he’s nervous. “Um, some of my friends and I are going to the beach next week, if you’re not busy I’d love for you to come,”

Something in Charlie’s chest flutters and Charlie wills it to calm down. He’s probably straight, so he shuts any of those thoughts down immediately. Besides, he doesn’t even really know Nick, though, he would definitely like to, he wouldn’t mind some company this summer. “Yeah, I’d like that, if you’re sure I’m not intruding or anything–”

“Charlie, I asked you, remember?” Nick cuts him off, pulling his phone out of his pocket and handing it to him. “You can put your number in my phone so I can text you the details,”

Charlie smiles and takes the phone, punching in his number before handing it back. “I’ll see you later?”

“Yeah, yeah definitely,”

Charlie knows he told himself no distractions while he was here, but maybe just this one didn’t hurt.

_____

On the day Charlie joins Nick and his friends at the beach, he feels decidedly less nervous than he thought he would feel.

It has been a week since Nick showed Charlie around Tenby, and he and Nick have been texting nonstop since then. It started with Nick texting him letting him know he saved his contact, then with Charlie clarifying what day they were going, but then it turned into talking about books, and their families, and their jobs, and sending each other Tiktoks and memes. Charlie left out a few key details from the past few years, not wanting to completely scare him away, but besides that, they talked about anything under the sun. It is just so easy to talk with Nick; he is funny and witty and smart and Charlie just finds himself wanting to know everything about him. Which may or may not have led to a Google search.

As soon as he got back to the cottage after they hung out last week, Charlie immediately went to his laptop, typing Nick Nelson into the search bar. Nick’s face immediately popped up, a picture of him on the pitch, mid-tackle. Under the picture was a bunch of articles, but one stood out to him the most, the top article titled ‘Rugby King Nick Nelson; I’m Bi, Actually’.

He clicked on the link and spent the next thirty minutes in a rabbit hole of articles. Apparently, Nick came out as bisexual in his first year of playing professional rugby, not wanting to hide who he is just because he plays a masculine sport. Nick openly talks about being queer while playing sports and is very passionate about the fact that everyone should feel safe while doing what they love.

Charlie’s heart did a little flip as he read, in the articles and interviews you could just feel how much of an amazing person he was through his words, and Charlie thinks it's safe to say from what he knew about Nick so far that he was the same person he was in real life that he was on screen.

And of course, Charlie didn’t do a little happy dance when he found out he was bi, because he’s not looking for a relationship, he’s here to work on himself, not to possibly get his heart broken again, remember? Even if he was, just because Nick is bi doesn't mean anything, that doesn't indicate Nick is automatically into him. It’s not like someone like Nick would ever like someone like him, things like that just didn’t happen.

Charlie’s pulled out of his thoughts by a knock at his door. Already knowing who it is, he grabs his bag and his sunglasses and hurries to answer it.

“Hi,” Nick smiles his lopsided smile. He is wearing light green swim shorts, a baggy white tee shirt, and a backward cap that would make anyone else look like a douchebag, but somehow, on him, it doesn't.

“Hi,” Charlie says back. “Ready to go?”

Nick nods and puts out an arm for Charlie to go first.

Even Nick’s car screams… Nick. He has a bumper sticker of a rugby ball that says ‘Harlequins’, the rugby team he plays for, and a little bobblehead figurine of Captain America sitting on his dashboard. It’s quite endearing, honestly.

They arrive at the beach within a few minutes and unload their things out of the boot, charlie laughs as Nick pulls out a big pink donut floatie.

“I told everyone about you and they are really excited to meet you,” Nick says as they walk from the parking lot to the sand. As if on cue, a tall woman with long braids calls Nick’s name, waving over her head. “There they are,” Nick smiles. “Beware, they are a rowdy bunch, but they mean well,”

“Nicholas, finally!” The woman stands from where she was lying her towel next to a guy who is… wearing a beanie at the beach? “You must be Charlie,” She turns to Charlie wrapping him in a tight hug, surprising a laugh out of him. “So good to meet you, love.”

“Elle, let the boy breathe,” Nick laughs beside him.

“Sorry, sorry, I’m just so excited to finally meet you, Nick usually doesn’t bring many friends around for us to meet,” The woman– Elle, pulls away with a smile. “You must be pretty special, then.”

Charlie knits his eyebrows, wanting to ask what she meant but before he can he’s being introduced to the rest of the group; Tao, the beanie wearer who is Elle’s boyfriend, Tara, a girl with a kind smile and a long sundress, and Darcy, Taras partner who doesn't waste a second to pull Charlie by the hand and have him sit down next to them. Nick follows suit and sits next to Charlie, bumping his shoulder into his.

They seem like a nice lot, not wasting a moment to pull Charlie into whatever conversation they were having.

“So, Charlie,” Tao says. “This is a test to see whether or not I can trust you,”

Charlie’s eyes widen and the rest of the group groans.

“Ignore Tao, he does this to everyone,” Tara says.

“No, no, this is important.” Tao waves Tara off and turns back to Charlie. “So, have you ever watched the masterpiece that is Donnie Darko and if so, what are your thoughts on it?”

“Um,” Charlie looks to Nick for help but he just smirks and shrugs. “No, I haven’t watched it.”

“Hm,” Tao narrows his eyes and studies him intently. “I still have the potential to completely change the way you view cinema, so, you passed, welcome to the friend group.”

“Oh my God, Tao,” Elle smiles and rolls her eyes, shoving her boyfriend's shoulder.

They spend the afternoon sitting in the sand, chatting about anything and everything. Like Nick, it’s very easy to like this group. They take Charlie under their wings and treat him like they are lifelong friends just catching up, not some random guy they just met.

He learns that Elle owns an art studio not far from Tenby and Lives with Tao, who works in filmmaking. Tara and Darcy live about a two-hour drive away in Cardiff but make the trip up to Wales every couple of weeks to meet up with Elle, Tao, and Nick. Tara teaches ballet to primary school kids and Darcy is a graphic designer.

“Charlie here is an author,” Nick says proudly. “That’s why he's visiting actually, for inspiration.”

“You’re making me sound way cooler than I actually am,” Charlie laughs.

“Nick has told us so much about you, I feel like I’ve already known you for years,” Tara smirks, elbowing Nick in the side.

Charlie looks to Nick who has gone suspiciously red, and not just from the sun. “Right,” Nick says, standing up quickly. “So, who's playing volleyball with me?”

He ends up convincing Darcy, Tara, and Tao to play with him, leaving Charlie and Elle to laugh as Tao accidentally bumps the ball backward, sending it over his head.

“You know, Nick really has talked about you a lot,” Elle says, looking away from the group and toward Charlie. “You’ve only known each other for what, a week? I feel like I already know just as much about you as Nick himself does,” She looks back to the group, a curious expression on her face. “I think… I think Nick has a hard time connecting with people. Well, maybe less of a hard time and more he doesn’t let himself. He travels a lot for rugby, so I think he's afraid to let himself get close to new people.” She then smiles at Charlie. “He must be pretty fond of you,”

Charlie ducks his head, he feels heat rise to his cheeks. “I’m pretty fond of him, too,” He admits. “I mean, yeah, we’ve only known each other for a short period of time, but I can say confidently that he’s a great guy. You can't say that about just anyone,”

Their conversation is cut short by Darcy calling their names and telling them to come swim. Elle smiles at him before standing and running to catch up with everyone.

Charlie takes a long deep breath before pulling his shirt over his head. Being shirtless isn’t as difficult as it used to be for him, but it's definitely a thought that still tries to worm its way to the forefront of his mind. He has gotten better at ignoring those negative thoughts though, so he doesn’t waste a moment, running into the water after them.

The water isn't necessarily cold, but not quite warm either. He involuntarily shivers as the water touches the tops of his knees, goosebumps forming on his skin.

He smiles as he watches everyone splash around in the water, and just as he wonders where Nick went off to, there are hands on his waist, and he's being lifted into the air. Before he can even protest, he is twisted around and thrown over a shoulder. Charlie is very confused and slightly panicked until he puts his hands on the person’s back for support and notices the freckles spattered around the bare skin– Nick’s skin.

“Nick!” He shrieks as Nick submerges deeper into the water, Charlie can feel Nick’s laugh reverberate through him. “Put me down!” He yells but makes no effort to escape, he just grips his back tighter.

Suddenly, Nick is lifting him up again and throwing him into the water. Charlie’s only thought as he is plunging into the sea shouldn’t be awe at the way Nick can manhandle him with ease, but it is. If Charlie wasn’t into muscular guys before, he definitely would be now.

Charlie resurfaces with a scowl, his hair plastered against his face which only makes everyone laugh harder.

“Dick,” Charlie mutters. He can't keep his act up for long, a smile tugging at his lips as he watches Nick double over in laughter.

They spend the rest of the day sitting on the beach, just sharing stories and enjoying each other’s company. Charlie laughs harder than he has in a long time and instead of feeling drained at the end of the day, he feels full of life. It can be hard for Charlie to be around groups of people for a long period of time, his social battery usually doesn’t last very long. He finds himself putting up a front, which gets exhausting after a while. But, with this group, he feels like he can be himself. Charlie really enjoys their company, and he hopes they feel the same.

Chapter Text

On the fourth week of his stay, Charlie wakes up with a pit in his stomach.

It’s a feeling that was familiar to him, just not recently. For these past weeks, Charlie has woken up with a pep in his step, excited to start his day. So this dread in his gut is a shock to his system.

It jars him awake by causing his heart to drop in his chest, he sits up in bed quickly, panic immediately spreading through his body for no apparent reason.

As he wakes up further, the fog of sleep clearing from his brain, he recognizes the trigger instantly; a nightmare. A nightmare about his ex-boyfriend, specifically.

He used to get them much more frequently, they are few and far between now, but still unwelcomed regardless. They are less like nightmares and more similar to flashbacks. It is a common symptom of PTSD, his therapist had told him, that it's common to have random flashbacks, but Charlie’s often occur while he is sleeping; sudden traumatic memories that manifest in his dreams.

A flash of Ben’s unforgiving grip on his waist, then his shoulders, then his neck, pulling him in with force Charlie didn’t know he possessed. The feeling of complete dread, total helplessness as he fought Ben off.

Charlie forces himself to get out of bed and shuffle through his morning routine, attempting to shake the memory from his mind. He tries to eat all of his breakfast, he really does, but he only manages two bites of toast and a few strawberries, better than nothing, he guesses. He can at least say he tried.

He hops in the shower, scrubbing his skin and scalp, trying to rid the feeling of Ben’s hands on him. He hates that this still has such an effect on him after all these months.

He has an emergency Zoom call meeting with his therapist, which helps him marginally, but he knows the only thing that will really help is time. He knows that this is just an off day, it will pass, and the memory will dim. He just wishes it would pass more quickly.

By the time the evening rolls around, there is a knock at the door; three soft taps that he has come to know as Nick’s. His chest feels warm at the familiarity.

“Hi,” Nick’s expression wanes from a smile to a frown as he takes in Charlie’s state. “Are you okay?”

Charlie knows he looks like shit, his limbs feel heavy, there are bags under his eyes from his lack of sleep, and he didn’t bother with taming his hair after his shower. If Charlie were in a better state of mind, he would be shutting the door in Nick’s face and not opening it again until he looked somewhat decent, but right now, he can’t find it in himself to care.

“Um,” Charlie could easily just dismiss him and say that he’s fine, but he and Nick have hung out almost every day for the past three weeks, and they’ve grown to be what Charlie hopes are good friends. He cares for Nick, he knows Nick cares for him, so he decides there really isn’t any point in lying to him anymore. “Not really,”

Charlie opens the door further for Nick to come in, and he does, toeing off his vans and following Charlie to plop down on the sofa.

“Sorry for showing up unannounced,” Nick says, rubbing the back of his neck. “I haven’t heard from you all day and you didn’t text me back this morning so I got worried. Sorry, I probably should have called first.”

Charlie smiles at Nick's kindness despite it all. He was worried about him. He cares.

“Don’t apologize, it’s not your fault. I’ve just… it’s just been an off day.”

Nick studies him for a moment, Charlie smiles at the way he can almost see the cogs turning in his head.

“What are you thinking about,” Charlie says, turning his body to face Nick.

“Well, if you’re feeling up to it, I know something that might cheer you up a bit. And if it doesn’t, then at least you got some fresh air,”

“Where are we going?” Charlie raises his eyebrows.

“It’s a surprise,” Nick smiles and stands to his feet, putting out a hand to help Charlie up. “All I’ll tell you is to bring your laptop.”

“My laptop?”

“Yup, no further questions.”

And so, Charlie grabs his laptop, follows him out the door, and hops into Nick’s car. They sit in the car quietly as soft music plays through the speakers, charlie looks out the window in an attempt to figure out where they are going. He's been in Wales for a month, so he considers himself pretty well-versed with the lay of the land by now, but he doesn’t recognize the road they are currently driving up.

He notices the road getting steeper the longer they drive until Nick turns right, pulls into a small empty parking lot, and shuts off the car.

“We’re here,” Nick turns to him, smiling.

“Where is here, exactly?”

Nick gets out of the driver’s seat and hurries around the front of the car to open Charlie’s door. “Follow me,”

Charlie smiles and steps out of the car, following Nick as he starts along a worn path along the clifftop.

“You know, if I didn’t know better I would think you’re taking me out here to murder me–”

The rest of Charlie’s sentence dies in his throat as he sees where Nick has taken them; they are on top of a grassy clifftop, overlooking expanses of hills and cliffs, and miles of beautiful blue water below them. It’s absolutely breathtaking.

“Wow,” is all Charlie manages to say.

“Right?”

Nick leads him over to a wooden bench, there are a few other benches, but there is only one older couple a ways down from them.

“How did you find this place,”

“Perks of living here for most of my life,” Nick smiles. “I thought this would be a good place for you to write. It might give you some inspiration, and figured some fresh air would go you good if you’re not having the greatest day,”

Charlie looks at Nick in complete awe. How is this man the sweetest person he’s ever met and why is he wasting his time by spending it with Charlie? “You’re amazing,” Charlie says, barely above a whisper.

“I’m really not,” Nick’s cheeks blush a light pink and he looks away from Charlie and out in front of them. “I just enjoy making you happy,”

Charlie’s heart squeezes in his chest. “See? Amazing.”

“Write, you idiot.” Nick blushes further, it’s adorable, really.

Charlie opens his laptop and pulls up his document. He’s been in Wales for a month and has made decent progress in his novel. He was able to finish finalizing his idea pretty quickly and has managed to finish the first draft of the first four chapters, but still, he is far from finished.

His book is about a man born in 1714 but set in the current day. He makes a bargain with the dark, making him immortal, the only catch is he is forgotten by everyone he meets. It’s a life that he enjoys, he gets to do everything someone who only lives one life could never do. that is until, for the first time, he meets a man who remembers him, and who makes him want to give up his immortality for a chance at love.

It’s a historical, magical realism romance that is going to be challenging to write, it’s something different from what he normally writes, but he’s excited to see where it takes him.

Charlie sits and writes for nearly an hour, his fingers hardly catching up with the speed of his thoughts. He finishes a chapter and a half before he looks up from his laptop. He glances at Nick, who is already looking at him.

“Sorry, you’re probably bored,” Charlie says closing his laptop.

“No, no, I’m fine, you can keep writing if you want,”

“I was finished for today anyway, I can’t feel my fingers and my eyes feel like they are going to fall out of my head,”

Nick laughs. “Well, are you feeling a little better?”

Charlie smiles at him. “Yeah, I am,” He grabs Nick’s hand and squeezes it before quickly pulling it away. “Thank you, seriously, you didn’t have to do this.”

“I know, but I wanted to,” Nick smiles his lopsided smile and bumps his shoulder into his. “Do want to talk about what’s bothering you? It’s obviously okay if you don’t want to, but I’m here if you would like to talk.”

Charlie sees sincerity in his eyes, he has a pinched expression on his face, and Charlie fully believes that he cares. Nick is here and he cares and he’s willing to listen.

“Um,” Charlie starts, taking a deep breath. “I guess I haven’t been entirely honest about why I’m here. I mean, I am an author and I am here for inspiration, that’s just not the only reason.”

Nick turns his body toward him, nodding at him to continue.

“Um, I’m mostly here because I just couldn’t be in my hometown anymore, my abusive ex lives there and I couldn’t do anything without feeling like I would turn around and he was going to be there. It was affecting my whole life; my mental health, my job, my physical health, my relationships, everything. I had… unhealthy coping skills begin to come back, and that’s how I knew I needed to get away for a while.” Charlie can feel tears begin to spring in his eyes, he quickly blinks them away. “I’m in therapy and am working on healing, but it was hard to heal in the place that I got hurt in. And being here has really helped but last night I just… I just had a flashback that really triggered me, so that threw me off. Today has just been hard, but you’ve really helped brighten my mood.”

He looks up at Nick for the first time since he started talking and his heart breaks. Nick’s face looks so pained, so hurt, so angry. Not angry at Charlie, but angry that he had to go through that.

Nick suddenly leans forward and gathers him in a hug, startling Charlie for a moment before he comes to his senses and hugs him back just as tight. Charlie buries his face into Nick’s neck and his resolve breaks, he lets himself cry as Nick holds him, running soothing hands up and down his back.

“I am so sorry Charlie,” Nick says, voice thick with his own tears. “I’m so sorry you had to go through that.”

“Thank you for being here with me,” Is what Charlie says in return because that's the only thing that can process through his brain; gratitude. Nick doesn't have to be here with him, he didn’t have to bring him up here, he doesn’t have to hang out with him every day, he doesn’t have to sit and hold him as he cries. But he does. Because he wants to.

“Don’t thank me for that,” Nick whispers. “There is no place I’d rather be,”

Chapter Text

Charlie circles the cottage for the third time, making sure it is cleaned to perfection. He understands it’s unnecessary to stress himself over the cleanliness of the sitting room knowing it will be a disaster by tomorrow morning, but he is nothing if not an overthinker with a sprinkle of OCD. Thus, he is letting himself focus on cleaning to distract himself from the fact that Nick and his friends would be arriving within the hour to watch a movie.

Of course, he's excited, but it’s not often that Charlie is excited without a bit of anxiety being accompanied by it, it’s just the way his brain is wired. It’s the first time Nick’s friends will be around here and he wants to make sure everything is perfect and everyone is comfortable and happy.

Charlie has become a common fixture in their group since their beach day, they have had nights out to the pub, days at the park, and walks around town. This is the first time Charlie has had what feels like a solid, loving friend group, even if it’s just for the summer. He tries his best to ignore the quickly decreasing time he has in Wales and soaks up every moment that he can despite it. He knows this summer will most likely just be a pleasant memory he has years down the line, something he looks back fondly on, wishing it wasn’t just a memory.

He shakes the upsetting thought from his mind and channels himself on wiping down the coffee table; he’s here right now, so he’s going to make the most of it.

The comfortable warmth of July has transitioned into the sticky heat that August often brings, so instead of meeting up to go on a hike like they planned and inevitably melting into the ground, they decided to change their plans to an airconditioned movie night and sleepover. Despite his cramped living area, Charlie had offered to have it at the cottage. This leads him to his current dilemma; he has a total of four pillows and three blankets in the cottage, and there are six of them.

He pulls out his phone to send a text to Nick asking if he has any spares he can bring over, but before he can hit send, there is a knock at the front door he immediately recognizes as Nick.

“Please tell me your extra pillows and blankets at your place we can use, I definitely don’t have enough for six people,” Charlie says as soon as he opens the door.

Nick stands in his doorway, overnight bag slung over his shoulder and a smirk on his face. “Hello, it’s so good to see you too, Char.”

Any rebuttal that Charlie has died on his tongue as Nick’s words wash over him. One word specifically.

“Char?”

“Oh, um…” Nick’s smirk drops from his face and his cheeks turn pink. He brings up a hand to rub at the back of his neck. “Sorry, that was weird, I didn’t even mean to say that I guess it just slipped out–”

“Nick,” Charlie can’t help the giggle escaping his lips. “Don't apologize,” he leans forward just slightly, looking up at him through his eyelashes (he isn’t above some shameless flirting, sue him). “I like it, it’s cute,”

Nick’s blush deepens and drops his head, trying and failing to hide his flustered smile. “Well, now I’m never calling you it again,”

Charlie would be lying if he said he doesn't feel anything between him and Nick, because there definitely is something. What that something is, he doesn't know, but he would absolutely like to find out.

They have hung out together incessantly for the past month and a half, and their teasing banter seems to be shifting into something more flirty. Charlie’s no expert on real-life romance, but he’s quite well-versed in fictional romance, and he knows enough to understand that the heat between them feels like more than just the August humidity.

Charlie shakes the thought, rolls his eyes affectionately, and steps outside, grabbing Nick’s arm to pull him along. “Come on, I need you to help me steal all the pillows and blankets from your house,”

Nick goes easily and they walk side by side down the path to his place. “You're not stealing anything, it’s quite literally my mum’s job to provide you these things,” Nick laughs.

Nick leads the two of them up the steps to the front door of the cottage, the door is painted a dark green and there is a wooden ‘N’ hung from it.

“Are you sure your mum will be okay with a tenant going into her house,” Charlie asks cautiously.

Nick laughs and puts a hand on the small of his back, opening the door and guiding him in. “Of course, you goof. Besides, you are my friend, she loves it when I bring my friends over, it gives her an excuse to fuss over someone.”

The inside of the house is much bigger than Charlie’s and a little more old-fashioned with vintage paintings hung on the wallpapered walls and floral curtains hung from the windows. It should look tacky, but instead, it feels warm and lived in.

“You can wait here, I’ll go and get everything,” Nick says before disappearing upstairs.

Charlie stands awkwardly in the sitting room, looking around at the many pictures on the shelves and hanging from the walls. There is one picture in particular that catches his eye; a framed photo resting on one of the shelves, Charlie immediately recognizes little Nick with his freckled cheeks and lopsided smile. But, there is another boy next to him who looks to be a few years older than him, he clearly looks like he doesn't want to have his picture taken, standing next to Nick with his arms crossed and a scowl on his face. The two of them are standing in front of this same cottage, the same ‘N’ hung on the door.

Nick never mentioned having a brother, Charlie talks about Tori all the time, he figures he would have brought him up at some point.

His attention is pulled away from the photo when a familiar voice says his name.

“Oh, hello Charlie!”

Charlie spins around to see a smiling Sarah walking down the stairs with a laundry basket on her hip. She sets the basket down in favor of wrapping him in a hug. What is it with the Nelsons and giving the best hugs?

“Hi Sarah, sorry for turning up unannounced, Nick is upstairs grabbing some pillows and blankets,”

Charlie hasn’t seen too much of Sarah besides the few times she’s popped by to check up on things and the one time in the first week of his stay when he couldn’t figure out how to work the very old-fashioned oven.

“Don’t apologize, sweetheart, I’m just so happy you and Nicky are getting along so well, usually my tenants are old people or couples on a little getaway, so I’m glad he has some compy while he’s back home.” She pulls away and smiles at him. “It’s nice to see Nick open up to someone so quickly, you must be pretty special.” She winks at him and picks the basket back up. “Well, I should finish the laundry, you guys have fun with your movie night!” She pats him on the shoulder before vanishing down the hallway as quickly as she appeared.

Pretty special.

That’s the second time someone has said that.

“Hey Charlie, how many do you think you need,” Nick calls from upstairs, and Charlie takes a deep breath before following his voice.

Nick is in front of the open hallway closet, arms full of pillows and blankets so high that Charlie can’t see his face. Charlie laughs before taking some from him so Nick can see.

The two of them take what they need, say goodbye to Sarah, and head back to the cottage.

“I think your mum likes me,” Charlie says as they walk. He finishes his sentence hesitantly, avoiding Nick’s eyes. “It seems like you like me as well. Your mum said I must be special,” Charlie knows he’s probing, but there are parts of Nick that Charlie thinks he avoids talking about. Both Sarah and Elle had told him that Nick has trouble opening up and Charlie wants him to know that he can talk to him.

“You are special,” Nick says nonchalantly, shrugging his shoulders and meeting Charlie’s eyes. “It can take quite a bit of effort to crack me open, but you make it easy.”

Charlie’s heart pulls in his chest. No one has ever said something like that to him before.

“Is there a reason it's hard for you to open up?”

Nick is quiet for a few moments and Charlie thinks he overstepped until he continues.

“It’s a variety of things, I think.” He starts. “I mean, for one, I travel a lot for rugby, so I feel like it’s hard to make meaningful connections with people knowing I’ll eventually have to leave. I don’t have many friends besides Elle, Tara, Darcy, and Tao. I mean, of course, I’m friends with the team, but that’s a little different since technically we are coworkers as well.” Nick takes a deep breath before continuing. “But my dad and brother are the main reason. They are really shitty, to put it plainly. My dad has always been absent, which I think gave me pretty bad trust issues, and my brother is a homophobic prick, so that doesn't help.” he laughs humorlessly.

“I’m really sorry you went through that,” Charlie says, bumping his shoulder into his. “Those seem like pretty valid reasons for putting walls up. But, really glad you feel comfortable enough to let me in,”

“Yeah,” Nick looks at him, smiling. “Me too,”

They arrive back at the cottage and begin setting up; they put out the pillows and blankets on the couch and the ground and Charlie sets out some snacks and drinks.

“You seem stressed,” Nick looks over at him from where he is placing down bags of crips on the coffee table. “There is no reason to be stressed,”

“I know that,” Charlie says, pointing at himself. “But try telling that to my OCD, it wants everything to be perfect for your friends.”

“Our friends,” He corrects. “I wouldn’t be surprised if they like you more than me by now,”

Charlie laughs but doesn’t let Nick in on the way his heart sings at his words.

After a couple of minutes, Nick’s—their friends show up in a flurry of chaos. First Elle and Tao, Tao already talking their ears off about his opinion on the film they are watching, because of course he’s already watched it. Not long after Tara and Darcy arrive, Darcy with bottles of vodka tucked under their arms.

They settle in on the sofas and Charlie clicks on the movie. They are watching The Ring, not Charlie’s first choice, but, a horror movie won the popular vote.

Charlie learns pretty quickly into the movie that Nick isn’t a fan of it, he cowers back and hides his face into Charlie’s neck when there is a particularly bad jumpscare, squeezing his eyes shut and holding his breath. He pulls back quickly when he realizes what he’s done.

“Sorry,” Nick says sheepishly, putting a bit of space between them. “I’m not the biggest fan of horror,”

“Don’t apologize,” Charlie smiles. “I don’t mind, I’ll protect you.”

He can see Nick’s soft pink blush even in the dim light and Charlie giggles. Nick pouts and mumbles something incoherent but still moves closer to him so their sides are pressed together. He would be lying if he said he doesn't find Nick's apprehension for horror movies equally amusing as it is adorable. Nick– a big, strong, professional rugby player who is getting spooked by The Ring.

A few moments later, samara appears back on screen and Nick’s face returns to Charlie’s neck, Charlie coos dramatically and circles an arm around his shoulder to pull him closer and pat him on the head… only to protect him, of course, no other reason.

They spend the rest of the movie pressed together, their legs tangled beneath the blankets and Charlie’s arms circled around his upper body, again, just to protect him. And maybe a little bit because the smell of Nick is entirely intoxicating and makes his legs feel like jelly, but he keeps that to himself.

The movie eventually ends and everyone gets up to begin getting ready for bed and Charlie doesn't let on to the fact that he immediately mourns the loss of Nick when it’s his turn to get up to use the bathroom.

He lets all of his guests use the bathroom first to change into pajamas and brush their teeth until finally, it’s Charlie's turn.

He looks at himself in the mirror as he brushes his teeth, unable to control the smile that takes over his face. He really loves it here, he loves these people, how can somewhere he’s only been in for a little over a month feel so much like a home?

Then, Charlie’s attention is drawn away from his thoughts and to the voices coming from the kitchen. The bathroom door is ajar and he can just make out the voices of Nick and Tara.

“You seem really happy around Charlie,” Tara’s voice says, he can hear the sound of a cupboard opening and closing then the sound of the kitchen sink running.

There is a beat of silence, then Nick’s voice, barely audible over the running water. “Tara, don’t look at me like that,” He says, groaning.

Tara laughs. “Like what?”

“Like you're perceiving me,” Another beat of silence and the sink turns off, letting Charlie hear what Nick says next clearly. “Okay, yes, he’s like, the definition of my type personified, and he's the sweetest, funniest person I’ve ever met… but he’s never said anything that like, made me think he might be into me.”

The hand that is brushing his teeth freezes and his eyes go wide.

He hears Tara laugh incredulously. “Come on Nick, he looks at you like you’re the greatest thing to ever exist, he obviously fancies you.”

“Uhm, first of all, I am the greatest thing to ever exist thank you very much, and second, you can’t possibly know that for sure.”

Charlie snaps out of his trance and pulls the bathroom door shut completely, he shouldn’t be eavesdropping on a conversation that definitely is not meant for him to hear. He quickly rinses his mouth and moves through the rest of his routine, a mix of various feelings in his gut.

Charlie had an inkling that maybe Nick had feelings for him, but that was wishful thinking. But now, he’s just heard him verbally admit it, he can't just deny and ignore it like he normally would.

The verbalization is a terrifying but thrilling feeling, and maybe it’s time to act on it.

—

Everyone else is fast asleep around him, Tao and Elle are cuddled up on one of the sofas, Tara and Darcy on the other, and Nick and Charlie are on the ground atop layers of blankets. Charlie, whose racing thoughts are relentless and keeping him awake. A shirtless Nick sleeps a few feet away from him, he’s lying on his back and snoring softly, Charlie watches the steady rise and fall of his chest.

He smiles as his eyes trace over the man’s face, he looks so peaceful when he’s asleep, his face is in a state of complete relaxation and his lips are parted slightly, puffs of air passing through them. One of his arms is outstretched beside him, Charlie wants so badly to tuck himself under it and curl up next to him. He now knows Nick probably wouldn’t mind considering the conversation between him and Tara and couple of hours earlier, but they need to talk first. And Charlie is going to… he just has to work up the courage.

A glance at his phone shows him it’s nearly four in the morning. With a soft sigh, Charlie quietly stands and slips out of the living room and carefully pads his way through the door to the kitchen. He opens the cupboard and pulls out a cup then turns on the sink, waiting for the water to run cold before filling up his cup.

He leans his elbows on the counter and sips from his cup while aimlessly looking out the window, trying to let his mind wind down. But then a voice says his name from behind him, causing Charlie to startle and nearly choke on his water.

Charlie spins around to see Nick standing in the kitchen.

“Jesus Christ, Nick, you scared the shit out of me,”

“Sorry,” Nick says sheepishly. “I just heard you get up and wanted to make sure you were okay,”

Charlie sets his cup in the sink and leans back against the counter. “Yeah, yeah I’m fine, just can't sleep.”

“I could make you some tea if you would like?” Nick asks, even though he is already moving toward the cupboard. “It usually helps me sleep,”

“Yeah, tea sounds nice.” Charlie hops up to sit on the counter and watches as Nick moves easily around the kitchen. He looks gorgeous like this, Charlie thinks, so soft in the dim lighting. “Sorry I woke you,”

“S’okay, I’m a light sleeper,” Nick smiles at him. “Any reason why you couldn’t sleep?”

Because I can’t stop thinking about you.

“Not that I can think of,” He lies.

They sit in comfortable silence while the kettle boils. Once it’s done, Charlie opens his mouth to remind him how he takes his tea, but he shuts it when he realizes Nick is already making it correctly.

It’s such a simple act of intimacy, to remember how someone takes their tea, but something in Charlie’s chest pulls.

In all of his time dating Ben, he could never remember. Every time they had tea, Charlie had to remind him; a splash of milk and a drop of honey, not too sweet but enough so it wasn’t too bitter. It wasn’t the end of the world that Ben couldn’t ever remember, but it still hurt Charlie a little bit more every time. It was something so simple, yet, Ben never bothered to learn. But, Nick, wonderful Nick who has only known him for a little over a month doesn't have to think twice about it.

Charlie is pulled from his thoughts when Nick steps in front of him with a sweet smile on his face, they are so close that the tops of Charlie's knees are brushing against his abdomen. “Splash of milk and a drop of honey, right? I know you like it not too sweet but sweet enough so it isn't–”

Charlie doesn’t think before he puts his hands on Nick’s face and pulls him in, crashing their lips together.

He feels Nick startle just slightly before sighing and deepening the kiss. He sets the mug down on the counter next to where Charlie is sitting and his now free hands find his hips. Charlie is lost in the sensation of it all, he feels like he’s floating. Nick’s soft lips, Nick’s smell, Nick’s rough and calloused hands, Nick, Nick, Nick.

It’s not until Nick moves his face to change direction that he comes crashing down to reality.

Charlie pulls back harshly. “Oh my God, I am so sorry,”

Nick’s dazed expression turns to a mix of hurt and confusion. “What–”

“I am so sorry, I didn't even ask if I could kiss you!” He covers his face with his hands, unable to look Nick in the eyes after what he had done.” I wasn’t thinking straight and I overheard you and Tara talking earlier so I just assumed, and my assumptions are not consent and now I've just screwed it all up. God, Nick I am so so sorry–”

Charlie’s rambling stops when Nick gently pulls his hands from his face. He finally meets Nick's eyes and he’s surprised to find him smiling.

“Charlie,” He laughs incredulously. “Please kiss me,”

“Are you sure–”

“Char,” He says more seriously this time, taking both of his hands in his and stepping in the space between Charlie’s legs. “Ive wanted this since we met. Trust me, there is nothing I’ve wanted more.”

That’s all Charlie needs to hear before he reconnects their lips.

Chapter Text

The humid days of August push along, and neither Nick nor Charlie talk about what happened between them. But, Charlie thinks he's fine with that.

It's been two weeks since they first kissed, and since then they have continued to kiss and cuddle and flirt… they just yet to have an actual conversation about it, about what they are. It's easy to blissfully ignore the elephant in the room; Charlie going home and Nick returning to rugby in just a few short weeks, so that's what they do. They ignore it.

It's not like they could start something anyway, no matter how badly Charlie wants to. It would just be too difficult, their lives are vastly different, he doesn't think it's possible for them to blend outside of this perfect summer bubble they've created. So, Charlie tries not to think about the inevitable and focuses on what they have now, because it’s all he can do.

The two of them have been spending all their time together, soaking up each other’s company while they can. Even on days when they do nothing, they are together, a day like today.

They are sitting on the back porch, the same porch that they first met on, sitting on opposite ends of the hanging porch swing while the sun is quickly dipping below the skyline. Charlie has his legs slung over Nick’s as he reads from his book while Nick is checking emails on his laptop with one hand, his other hand resting on Charlie’s knee. It’s a perfect way to spend the evening in Charlie’s opinion; simply existing with one another while enjoying each other’s company.

“Hey,” Charlie breaks the stretch of comfortable silence, looking up from his book and smiling at Nick.

Nick also looks up and matches his smile. “Hey,”

“Can I ask you something,”

“Of course you can,”

“Do you believe in soulmates?”

Nick shuts his laptop and places it on the ground, giving Charlie his full attention. “Yeah, I think so.” He says thoughtfully after a few moments.“Why do you ask?”

“Well, I'm reading ‘The Symposium’, a book by Plato, who was a Greek philosopher.” Charlie picks up his book and points at the cover before reading a quote from it. “‘According to Greek mythology, humans were originally created with four arms, four legs, and a head with two faces. Fearing their power, Zeus split them into two separate parts, condemning them to spend their lives in search of their other halves.’”

Nick is quiet for a moment, letting the words wash over him. “I think that’s a beautiful way of seeing it. It feels nice to think that there is someone made just for you, like, destined to be together.”

The pair look at each other for a beat, smiling. Charlie tries not to think too much into it.

Nick clears his throat. “What do you think?”

“I think it'd be nice,” Charlie decides. “But I also think that a lot of work goes into a relationship too, it’s not just as simple as ‘Oh look, we are soulmates and now our relationship is perfect and everything is great.’”

“I agree, I think the only way a relationship can work is for two people to be mutually invested in making things work,” Nick says. “In my past relationship, I felt like I was putting in all the effort and love and I was getting half-assed affection in return. It’s a shitty feeling,”

“I know what you mean,” Charlie grabs Nick’s hand that is resting on his knee and intertwines their fingers, Charlie fidgets with the rings on his hand. “That’s how my last relationship was as well, which is why I appreciate you so much, you make me feel important.”

Charlie’s eyes go wide at what he just said. He didn’t mean for it to sound like he is implying that they are in a relationship, because this isn't a relationship, it’s just… well, he’s not entirely sure what this is, and he'd rather keep it like that. Something in-between; because this can’t be a relationship, he can’t let himself get heartbroken again when he eventually has to go home. But, before panic sets in, Nick just smiles at him, clearly not understanding the accidental weight of Charlie’s words.

“You are important Char,” Nick smiles and kisses Charlie’s open palm.

They eventually make their way to Charlie’s bedroom, Nick’s lips are attached to his neck as soon as they fall back into bed.

“Is this okay?” Nick asks, pulling back to look him in the eyes.

“Yeah,” Charlie nods vigorously. “More than okay,”

The rest of the night is filled with Nick’s gentle hands on Charlie’s body, lips hardly leaving each other, and expanses of skin. It’s perfect. So, so perfect.

Nick is gentle with him in a way Charlie’s never experienced before, he makes him feel precious. Not because he thinks he is fragile, but because he thinks he’s important. Something sacred.

By the time the clock hits midnight, Nick is fast asleep, head on Charlie’s chest and an arm slung over his middle. Charlie runs delicate fingers through Nick’s hair as he stares at the ceiling, his mind running much too wild to sleep.

He wonders if Nick thinks about the unavoidable future as much as he does, he doesn’t want that to be the only thing he can think about, but it is. He feels like so much of his life he has been stuck in the past, unable to escape the looming shadows of his history. But now, with Nick, all he can focus on is the upcoming weeks, about how little time he has with him.

He looks down at Nick’s sleeping form, his peaceful, beautiful face. He looks gorgeous, he looks like everything Charlie has ever wanted.

Nick is unlike anyone Charlie has ever met. He’s someone Charlie didn't even think could exist, let alone want Charlie as much as Charlie wants him. It’s like someone plucked this man from only his wildest dreams.

There were times in Charlie’s relationship with Ben when Charlie would lie next to Ben while he slept, and he would let himself contemplate slipping out of the covers and never coming back, to leave in search of love that he deserved. But then he would come back to reality, the reality where Ben made him think the love that he gave him was the love that he deserved. That Ben was the best Charlie would ever get.

But Nick, wonderful Nick, has been the only person to show Charlie what real love looks like.

Love.

Charlie takes a sharp intake of breath. This is the first time he admitted that to himself.

That he loves Nick.

Silent tears begin to fall from his eyes, a deep ache plaguing his chest. Why did it have to be like this? Why does Charlie have to leave?

He wishes more than anything that he could hold onto this. He doesn't just want to have Nick during the humid nights of August, he wants to be the one to warm his soul on the coldest winter days, to watch the new blooms of spring, to walk hand in hand through the autumn leaves. He wants it all.

In every one of the books that Charlie writes, the characters eventually get their happy ending. Why can’t Charlie get his? Every good thing Charlie has in his life feels like it’s on a timer, a ticking time bomb until it’s ripped away from him.

—

The next morning, Charlie doesn't tell Nick about last night’s realization, he doesn't talk about his fears, and he doesn't talk about his worries, instead, he does what Charlie does best, he ignores it completely.

He ignores the looming anxiety and pretends everything is okay, they meet up with their friends to go on a hike and he laughs along with the group like everything is fine and dandy.

The hike is beautiful, which helps him genuinely relax and enjoy the day. The sky is grey, causing there to be a slight chill in the air making it a comfortable day for a hike. It’s a long hike up in the mountains, looking over expanses of water and grassy cliffs. Every time he explores another part of Wales, it never fails to amaze him with its beauty.

Though, Nick, Charlie, and Tara seem to be the only ones enjoying their time. The three of them are at the front of the group, trudging along at a steady pace while the other three drag along, complaining with every step.

“My legs feel like they are going to fall off,” Darcy groans.

“We should have just had another movie night,” Tao grumbles.

Elle makes a notice of agreement. “Why didn’t anyone tell me it’s significantly colder all the way up here,”

Tara snorts. “I feel like that’s implied,”

There is a chill up in the mountains, Charlie doesn't realize goosebumps have covered his arms until Elle mentions it. He brings his free hand up to run up and down his arm in an attempt to rid of them.

Not even a moment later, Nick lets go of Charlie's hand in favor of pulling his jumper over his head and handing it to him. He looks up at Nick to see him smiling at him, Charlie swears he can read his mind. He takes it with a small “thank you,” and bumps his shoulder into his.

Elle scoffs from behind them. “Tao, why didn’t you wear a hoodie to give me,”

Charlie glances back to look at her and Elle smiles and winks knowingly at him.

The end of their hike ends where they began; at the beach. They decide to sit on the beach for a while to rest their legs before heading home.

Everyone falls dramatically into the sand, complaining of sore feet and legs, but Nick keeps walking, pulling Charlie with him.

“Where are we going?” Charlie giggles.

“You'll see,”

Nick leads him up on the pier and steps down onto the big rocks that line it, holding both of Charlie's hands to help him down. They both sit on one of the flatter rocks, watching as grey clouds roll over the water, bringing a chill along with it. Nick puts an arm around Charlie’s waist to pull him closer to his side, kissing the side of his head.

The beach is pretty empty besides for their group considering the dreary day, it’s quiet and peaceful. They sit in silence for a while, causing Charlie’s mind to wander back to his anxiety from last night.

He tries to shake the negative thoughts, but they are becoming unavoidable. He wants so badly to enjoy his last two weeks here, but it’s difficult to be in the moment when all he can think about is the looming future. He can’t help the tears that prick his eyes and he involuntarily sniffles, prompting Nick to look at him.

“Hey,” Nick says softly. “Are you okay, what’s wrong?”

“I’m okay,” Charlie forces a watery smile and nods. “I just wish I didn’t have to leave.”

Nick closes his eyes and puts his head atop Charlie’s, letting out a long sigh. “Me too,”

The act of intimacy makes the tears in his eyes turn to full-on crying. “I just love it here so much,” He sniffles. “And I hate that I have to go back to my childhood home until I find a more permanent place to live.”

“You don’t have to leave, you can just live in my pocket until you find somewhere to stay.”

Charlie knows he’s obviously joking, but he doesn't doubt that Nick would let him if he could.

“If only,” Charlie sighs.

Nick removes one of his arms from his hold to pull something out from his back pocket, Charlie watches as he produces his wallet, opening it and removing a small picture from the back.

“Look,” Nick says, handing him the photo.

It’s a Polaroid picture of them from a few days ago, a picture of them lying on the sofa, Charlie on his back with a book in his hands, and Nick lying fully on top of him, head on his chest. Neither of them notices the camera with Charlie focused on his book and Nick fast asleep. It’s a beautiful picture, the big window behind them looking out to the back garden and the afternoon sun streaming through the window, casting them in a golden glow.

“Elle took it on her Polaroid and gave it to me. Now you really will always be in my pocket.” Nick smiles and takes Charlie’s chin in between his thumb and pointer finger, lifting his head to look at him. “I really, really like you, Charlie.”

Charlie looks at him with wide, watery eyes. This isn’t fair, none of this is fucking fair. Why does Nick have to be so perfect and why doesn't Charlie get to have him forever?

Charlie looks away from him and puts his head on his shoulder, gazing back out to the water. He can’t bring himself to look at him as he whispers; “I really like you too, Nick.” Knowing that for the sake of both of them, Charlie needs to start pulling away.

Chapter Text

None of it feels quite real until Charlie begins packing.

Two days. Charlie leaves in two days. The day after tomorrow Charlie will be driving back to Kent, to his parent’s house where he will stay until he figures out a permanent place to live. He is leaving this place that has grown to feel more like a home than any other place he had lived previously, leaving the once-in-a-lifetime friendships he’s created, and he’s leaving behind Nick.

He hasn’t talked to Nick since their hike a few days ago, he knows it’s not fair of him to ignore him, but it’s what will be easiest in the long run. Hopefully, this way Nick won’t get as hurt, and Charlie will just be a memory that fades with time. He can't see Nick again, he won’t ever be able to forgive himself for the hurt he will inevitably cause him.

These past couple of days have been weird without them filled with Nick. Since he first arrived, Nick had been a fixed part of his day, and he already mourns the loss of it. There have been a few times when he has absentmindedly reached for his phone to text him or send him a meme he knows he would find funny, but then reality would dawn on him, and it would send a fresh wave of sadness through him.

It’s been three days without him and he already feels like he’s missing a limb, how will he live the rest of his life without him?

Charlie lets himself cry as he packs up his things, he hardly feels present in his body as he folds his clothes and places them in his suitcase. As he pulls out Nick’s jumper he had let him borrow from the drawer, he can’t bring himself to put it in the closet for Sarah to find when she cleans up after he leaves, instead, he puts it on, letting himself be engulfed in Nicks sent as he finishes packing.

As he moves to the sitting room to scan for anything he might have forgotten to pack, there is a knock at the front door.

Charlie freezes. It doesn't sound like Nick’s knock, but he’s not sure he wants to risk it. He is just about to bolt for the bedroom when a faint voice comes from the other side of the door.

“Charlie?”

It’s Sarah's voice.

“Charlie, sweetheart, are you in?”

Well, he can’t quite ignore her, can he? He takes a deep breath before opening the door.

Sarah immediately frowns when he gets a look at him, he’s sure he looks a mess; eyes bloodshot from crying and obvious tear stains on Nick’s hoodie.

“Oh, sweetheart, come here.” Sarah opens her arms for him and he can’t help but fall into them. The second her arms wrap around his back, a sob escapes his throat. Sarah coos into his ear and rubs her hands up and down his back.

“Nick must have told you, then?” Charlie croaks out after a few moments.

He feels Sarah nod against him.

“He must be so angry at me,” Charlie sniffles. “But I– I just don’t think I can face him, it would just make things so much harder.”

“He’s not angry with you,” Sarah pulls back but keeps her hands on his arms. “He’s hurt, but he understands where you’re coming from,”

He is not sure why Sarah is being so kind to him, he’s hurt her son. But, something about her kind, loving eyes makes him feel like he can be honest with her.

“I love him Sarah,” Another tear runs down his cheek. “And I– I just don’t know what to do,”

Sarah wipes the tear from his cheek with her thumb and smiles at him. “I know Nicky loves you just as much as you love him. This summer is the happiest ive seen him in a long time, he’s much more himself around you, it seems no one else can make my boy smile quite as much as you do.”

Charlie takes in a deep, shaky breath. “I’m sorry,”

“Whatever are you apologizing for?”

“I’m just– I wish I didn’t need to leave. I wish I could be with him,”

“I think you should go talk to him, baby. You two are long overdue for a conversation,”

“I don’t know if he would even want to talk to me now–”

“He told me to tell you that he is waiting for you at the cliff where you two met for the second time,” She smiles. “He said you'd know what he is talking about,”

That’s all he needs to hear before she hugs Sarah once more and runs down the path.

The wind whips his hair as he sprints along the path, he doesn't know what he’s doing, he doesn't know what he’s going to say, he doesn't know anything. But what he does know is that he needs to see Nick. Even if it’s just to say goodbye, he won’t be able to leave without seeing his face one more time.

Charlie doesn't hesitate to run down the wooden steps to the clifftop spot, quickly turning the corner to see Nick sitting on the ground, looking out to the water. He quickly looks up when he hears Charlie approach, he dosnt look much better than Charlie with his bloodshot eyes and tear-stained cheeks.

As soon as their eyes lock, Nick is up on his feet, crashing into Charlie.

A fresh wave of sobs racks through him as he grasps Nick’s back like a lifeline, Nick’s death grip on his waist is the only thing keeping him upright. Charlie brushes his fingers through Nick’s hair as he also begins to cry

Nick runs his hands along Charlie’s arms, his back, his waist, like he’s making sure he is really here.

“I’m here,” Charlie whispers between tears. “I’m here, I’m so sorry.”

“Don’t apologize,” He whispers back. “I understand,”

The two of them stand there holding each other, keeping each other held together and not letting go until their cries subside. Eventually, they are both reduced to just sniffling messes and they sit down in the grass facing each other. Charlie’s hands find Nick’s and he runs soothing circles into his palm that says; I’m here, and I’m not running away again.

“Charlie–”

“No,” Charlie cuts him off. “I want to hear what you have to say, but I need to apologize first,”

“I told you you don't need to apologize,”

“I know, but I’m going to anyway.” Charlie gives him a soft smile and kisses his hand. “I’m so sorry I hurt you, Nick. I’m so fucking sorry. I thought I was doing what was best for both of us by pulling away, but I ended up making us both miserable instead. It wasn’t fair of me, I just… I didn’t know what else to do,”

Nick gives him a sad smile, brushing back a curl from Charlie’s forehead. “It’s okay to not know what to do, I’m not angry at you. God, I know just as little as you do,” He lets out a wet laugh. “But I do know one thing, I know I want to be with you.”

“Nick…” Charlie whispers because he doesn't know what else to say. He doesn't think he can say anything else, his whole mind is just a loop of; Nick, Nick, Nick.

“Ive never felt this way about anyone, and that’s a fucking terrifying feeling, but It’s also so, so wonderful.”

Charlie knows that feeling all too well. He feels so much for Nick that it scares him, he loves this boy so much that he doesn't even know what to do with himself, but he wouldn’t have it any other way.

“Can… can I kiss you?” Charlie puts a hand on Nick’s cheek and Nick doesn't waste a moment to bring their lips together.

The kiss is soft and slow, tender lips on tender lips, moving together softy. It feels different, but different in a good way. It feels like coming home.

Charlie pulls away first, resting his forehead on Nick and looking him in the eyes. He doesn’t hesitate when he says; “I love you, Nick.”

Fresh tears spring in Nick’s eyes, he closes them for a moment, a smile on his face as a tear runs down his cheek. Charlie wipes it away with his thumb. “God Charlie, I love you too. So fucking much,”

“I want to be with you, but, you know how much of a mess I am right?” Charlie giggles, gesturing down to himself. “I want to know what you’re getting yourself into,”

“A beautiful, smart, funny, gorgeous mess,” Nick says. “And I want all of it.”

Charlie smiles and kisses him again, long and slow. There are so many thoughts running through his mind, but one is louder than any and all of the negative ones; Love. He loves Nick, and Nick loves him, and that’s all he needs to know that however difficult things might be, it's all going to be worth it.

Nick lies back in the grass, pulling Charlie with him so he can lie on his chest. Charlie wraps his arms around his torso and lets out a deep breath, listening to the wind and the wounds of waves crashing into the cliffs below.

“So, does this mean we are boyfriends?” Nick says giddily, making Charlie giggle.

Charlie lifts his head to look at him.“If you'll have me,”

Nick smiles and rolls his eyes. “Obviously,”

They sit in silence for a while, letting their conversation run through their heads. It’s a lot to process, but he couldn’t be happier.

“I wish I didn’t have to leave, I wish I could stay here with you, lying in the sun for the rest of our lives.”

Nick is quiet for a few moments, and Charlie can hear the cogs turning in his head. He looks up to see him already smiling down at him. ‘What?”

“What if you just… didn’t leave?” Nick sits up on his elbows, clearing his throat. “Um, I talked to my mum, I told her that you were looking for a place to stay…”

“Nick, you didn’t,” Charlie says in disbelief, unable to help the smile that takes over his face.

“I mean, it makes sense, doesn't it? She hardly gets any tenants in the winter months, and she already loves you as much as I do, she said she would love to rent the place to you for as long as you’d like.” Nick shrugs like he didn’t just turn Charlie’s life upside down in the best way possible.

Charlie doesn't say anything, he just tackles Nick into a hug, knocking them both back down to the ground.

“I take it you like the idea then?”

He removes his face from the crook of Nick’s neck. “I love you,” Charlie kisses him on the lips, then the forehead, then the cheek. “So much,”

Nick beams at him, and suddenly everything feels right. He could never run away from this boy, not when being with him feels like this; like his heart has finally slotted into place, like he found something that he had been missing his whole life.

This is all a little crazy, he realizes that, but honestly, for Charlie’s whole life, he has been so fucking scared. Scared of his past, scared of his future, scared of the unknown, to start his career, to gain the courage to leave Ben, to admit he needs help, scared of everything. And frankly, he’s tired of being scared.

Charlie has finally found the type of love he's written about for years, the type of love he’s been dreaming of since he was a boy, the type of love he began to believe didn’t exist. But, despite it all, he has found it with Nick, and he’s not planning on letting it go that easily.

Chapter Text

Charlie thinks there is nothing better than watching his boyfriend in his element… okay and maybe it’s slightly terrifying.

Charlie’s elbows are on his knees as he sits in the stands, he's leaning as forward as he can without falling out of his seat, his eyes not leaving the field. No matter how long he has been watching Nick play, it never gets easier watching his boyfriend getting tackled to the ground. Luckily, Nick is amazing at what he does, so it’s not often he gets bodyslamed, but it still never fails to make him wince.

“Charlie,” Elle giggles in his ear. “Remember to breathe,” Charlie snaps out of his trance, letting out a breath he didn’t know he was holding. Elle laughs again and gives him a knowing smile.

“You’d think after five years of watching him play you’d know by now that Nick knows what he’s doing, he's okay,” Darcy says from the other side of him, their tone a mix of mirth and understanding.

“Yeah, yeah,” He waves them off. “You know me, though, I can’t not worry,”

Their conversation is cut short in favor of standing up to cheer when Nick scores another try.

Charlie always loves watching Nick play, but he especially loves it when he plays in Wales, meaning their friends can come up to watch as well.

If he had told Charlie five years ago that he would be attending a rugby game almost every week, he would have laughed in his face. Hell, just telling him five years ago that he had a long-term boyfriend with who he is hopelessly in love with, he probably wouldn’t have believed it.

Nick and Charlie have been dating for a little over five years, and somehow, that spark that was there when they first got together hasn’t dimmed one bit, it only grows stronger with every passing day. There is no doubt in his mind that they are made for each other, he doesn't know how he ever lived life without Nick Nelson in it.

The two of them got a flat together a couple of months after they got together, they have been residing in London since that is where Nick’s team is located. London wasn’t their first choice, but it’s only temporary until Nick retires, which he plans to do at the end of this year. Charlie both looks forward to and mourns the day that he will retire; he adores watching his boyfriend do what he loves, but the two of them have talked it over many a time, and they both have agreed that they are ready to settle down. What settling down entails for them, he's not quite sure, but he’s more than ready to find out.

Of course, Nick’s team won, and friends and family storm the field to find their loved one. And like always, Charlie lingers back near the changing room while their friends head back home, not keen to get trampled by the crowd since they are meeting up with them again tomorrow. And as usual, Nick finds him.

Nick scoops him into a hug, lifting him off his feet. He’s all muddy and sweaty but Charlie shoves his face into the crook of his neck anyway. This had become a routine, something unspoken between them, something Charlie always looked forward to, mud be dammed.

“I’m proud of you, baby,”

Nick kisses the side of his head in response and sets him back down but keeps his arms around his waist. “Thank you for coming,”

Charlie rolls his eyes and kisses his cheek. “You don’t need to say that every time, you know I’ll be here.”

With being an author, Charlie has the privilege of being able to travel with Nick to most of his games. Sometimes he misses a few when he has a strict deadline or book signing, but he prides himself in being one of the WAG's , something Nick teases him for. He loves gossiping with the other teammates’ wives and girlfriends while their partners play, he has grown to love all the people on and associated with the team as much as Nick does.

“I know,” He says, a soft, fond smile on his face, a smile that only Charlie gets the pleasure of seeing. “But I still mean it every time, you’re my good luck charm.”

“You are so cringe,”

“I love you,”

“I love you too, idiot.”

They stand there, just looking at each other for a minute, because no matter how much time passes in their relationship, they keep falling more and more in love. It’s something that their friends tease them about, about being so stupidly sappy, but they don’t care.

“Oi, Nelson!” One of Nick’s teammates breaks them out of their bubble. Both of their heads turn to look at the voice– Mason, he realizes, one of Nick’s best mates on the team. “Stop ogling at your boyfriend and hit the showers, we have to get to the pub!”

Nick rolls his eyes playfully at him and looks back to Charlie “I think we are going to skip going out tonight,” Nick says to Mason, but not taking his eyes off Charlie.

Charlie gives him a curious look, raising his eyebrows. Nick just smiles at him in return and gives him one last kiss before disappearing into the changing rooms.

—

They drive back to the cottage in comfortable silence, Nick’s hand on Charlie’s thigh as soft music wafts through the car. Since they are in Wales this week for Nick’s game, they have been staying in the cottage, the one that they met and fell in love in.

Sarah stopped renting the cottage out last year and it since has been sitting vacant, waiting for Nick and Charlie to eventually move into. The two of them knew ever since they first began dating that the cottage was where they wanted to settle down, their forever home. It holds a special place in both of their hearts and Sarah was more than happy to have her boys live there whenever they are ready.

It’s a beautiful night; the sun is beginning to set and warm, salty air fills the car. Charlie loves Wales, more than anywhere, he thinks, and he can’t wait for the day he gets to live here forever.

Charlie is pulled out of his thoughts when Nick begins to drum his fingers against Charlie’s leg absentmindedly, prompting Charlie to look at up and him with a knowing look.

“What,” Charlie asks, knowing the telltale signs that his boyfriend is up to something; he is fiddling his fingers, he keeps running his hand through his hair, and he has a permanent cheeky smile on his face. Nick is an open book, it’s just one of the many things Charlie loves about him.

“What,” Nick repeats, quickly glancing at him.

“You’re up to something,”

Nick hums, squeezing his leg. “Maybe I am, maybe I’m not,”

“Nick,” Charlie draws out. “You know I hate surprises,”

“I promise it's a good one, just be patient, sweetheart.”

They arrive back at the cottage a few minutes later and before Charlie can step out of the car, Nick jumps out and runs around the car to open the door for him.

“What are you doing?” Charlie giggles, letting Nick take his hand.

“Follow me,”

He expects Nick to go through the front door, but instead, he leads him around the side of the house and Charlie’s heart begins to pound in his chest as they get to the back.

“Nick,” Charlie breathes out, taking in the sight in front of them.

In the back garden, Nick has hung fairy lights between the three trees, tied from those lights are strings hung with pictures. On the ground between the trees are a couple of quilts laid out.

Tears fill his eyes as he walks around, examining the all photos. There is a picture of the two of them at the beach, a picture of them with Sarah from their trip to Menorca last year, a picture of them at their London flat in matching Christmas pajamas in front of the Christmas tree, one of just charlie while fast asleep that he didn’t even know was taken, one of them in the snow, and the picture Nick keeps in his wallet at all times; the one from when their first began dating of them on the couch.

“Nick this is…” Charlie is in awe as he takes in the scene, unable to verbalize the love he feels for this man.

It’s not until Nick takes both of Charlie’s hands in his and leads them to stand in the middle of the quilts that Charlie realizes what is happening.

“Nick you Dick!” Charlie manages to laugh out through tears. “I was going to do this first!”

“I know,” Nick smiles at him, tears already streaming down his face. “It was pretty obvious when you not so subtly asked for my ring size a few months ago, so I knew I had to get there first.”

“I can’t believe you–”

“Char,” He cuts him off with a watery laugh. “Shut up and let me propose to you,”

Before Charlie can make a stupid rebuttal like he wants to, Nick pulls out a ring box from his pocket, which definitely does shut him up.

“Charlie,” Nick starts, his voice thick with tears. “I don’t have a speech because it would be impossible to even begin to put into words how much I love you. You are my everything, and I knew that you were the one since our very first summer together, I knew right away that you were one of a kind Charlie Spring. You're my favorite person, my lover, my partner, my best friend, my soulmate, and there is no one more perfect for me than you, you're the best thing that has ever happened to me.”

“I don’t know how it’s possible, but I fall further in love with you every single day, and everyone who knows me could tell you the same because I can literally never shut up about you. So much of who I am is thanks to you, you have changed my life in unimaginable ways, you are my everything. I love you infinitely, Charlie Spring, will you marry me?”

A sob escapes Charlie’s lips and he crashes himself into Nick, putting his arms around his neck and holding him tight against him, feeling his heart beat against his in tandem, made to beat as one forever. “Obviously, you idiot,”

Nick laughs wetly, pulling his impossibly tighter.

Eventually, they let go and Nick opens the box to reveal the ring, a gorgeous gold band woven with inscribed leaves.

“It’s beautiful,” Charlie whispers as Nick slips the ring on his finger. “Now you have to be on your toes because I don’t care if you proposed first, you better believe I still have a plan of my own,”

Nick smiles and wipes a stray tear from Charlie’s cheek. “I can’t wait,”

Charlie holds Nick’s face in his hands, he looks gorgeous in the warm glow of the fairy lights above them. His eyes are shining with tears, and not for the first time, Charlie can see his whole future laid out in them.

Soon, they will go back inside to see a crying Sarah ready to congratulate them and treat them to a private dinner at their favorite restaurant.

And the back garden that held their proposal will eventually be their first dog’s favorite place to run. And it will be where their wedding is held, small and private and perfect with their closest friends and family. And one day, it will be the very spot where their daughter takes her first steps.

Every stage of their life will be spent in the same place that saw them fall in love.