Heartstopper Imagines

Cuts & Bruises // nick/Charlie

Charlie was never one for a physical fight. Or even verbal. So when one of the boys from his school got a little too rude about Nick, he didn't expect a punch from Charlie. Charlie didn't expect it, but he couldn't stand the homophobic comments after already having a hard day at school, so he just snapped. Of course, the boy he hit played rugby, so he fought back. Hard. Too hard. Charlie didn't back down once, though. He'd do anything for Nick. So he brought down the punches, harder and faster. However, he stood no chance when some other rugby boys jumped in. The coach came and broke them up, as she was scolding the rugby boys on their comments that she had heard, Charlie ran. It was the end of the school day, so he ran to home. To Nick's.

Each rain drop felt like another punch as he ran. The tears fell thick and fast, though you wouldn't be able to tell, the English weather doing its very best to conceal his tears. His chest burnt and each breath felt like a chore. But he kept running. Blood running from his nose and lips. One eye half closed and Charlie had a horrible feeling that there was a bruise forming on his stomach, courstey of a kick to the stomach from a particularly large and strong boy who had been in the fight. 

Nick had been playing Fifa when he heard a knock at his door, he wasn't expecting Charlie until later that night, for pizza and a movie. So, you can imagine his surprise when he opened the door to reveal Charlie, black and blue, sobs escaping from his mouth, soaking wet. His parents weren't home, so he took the opportunity to swear.

"Shit Char, what happened?" He reached for Charlie's hand and brought him inside, leading him upstairs. Charlie just kept crying, quietly. He started to hyperventilate as he tried to tell Nick of the fight, as Nick sat him down on the toilet lid. 

"I - the boys - they were" he could barely get a clear word out. 

"Charlie, hey, calm down. It's okay - just breathe."

Charlie tried, he really tried. But he felt such a mix of emotions so quickly, he couldn't calm himself down. Nick cupped his cheek and looked into his eyes, seeing so much pain in them. 

"oh, char". he brought him into a soft hug. He held Charlie's head to his stomach and brought his fingers through his curly brown hair. "it's okay - just listen to my breathing". He placed soft kisses to Charlie's head, and Charlie focused on Nick's heart beat - matching his breathing until it eventually slowed.

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"I can't believe they're still doing this". Nick spoke softly as he finished cleaning off the last bit of blood from Charlie's lip, he'd already told Charlie that they would have to visit the doctors tomorrow about his ribs, he wouldn't take any chances when it came to Charlie. 

"I just can't stand when they say stuff about you." Charlie looked down, taking one of Nick's hands in his own. Nick stroked his thumb over it, gently. 

"Charlie I hate the fact that you got hurt for me, please just walk away next time."

"what, and let them talk about you?" Charlie pulled his hand away and stood up from the toilet seat. he walked over to the window, turning away from Nick, his hands going up to his head. "you don't - I can't just let it go, not when it's you, Nick."

Nick smiled and held out his hand, Charlie took it as Nick leaned in and they shared a soft, short kiss. "come on, let's go lay down" nick spoke, not wanting to get into the harsh reality of the homophobia they were both currently facing from the rugby boys in school. Though it was only a couple of boys, it still stung. And it still scared them both. Nick was adjusting to his new found sexuality, but the boys weren't helping at all. It was worth it though, for Charlie. Anything was worth it for him. 

Nick played down, pulling Charlie onto him, Charlie rested his head on nick's chest as Nick pulled the cover over them both. They were warm and comfortable, all snuggled up as the weather pelted the windows of his room. Charlie drifted off to Nick's soft breathing and the low noise of the tv, feeling Nick's rhythmic movement of his hands in his hair, and occasional kisses planted on his head and cheek. They felt safe in eahcother's arms. Anything felt manageable when they had eachother.

First imagine done! this is unedited but I hope you enjoy it, please comment if you enjoyed it or have a suggestion!