Heartstopper oneshots <3

12: birthday party

words: 1592
the plot is not based off of the series, only the characters

Charlie walked into the crowded house holding a gift bag in his hands, music was blaring out of speakers in every corner as drunk teenagers made out and grinded on each other. Charlie slipped past a group of drunk girls at the door and walked to the kitchen. He only came because it was Nick's birthday party, and Nick was his best friend, and crush.

He looked around, looking for the brown eyed boy he was lucky enough to call his best friend. Charlie was wearing black skinny jeans and a light blue band t-shirt. The more people that entered the kitchen, the tighter his clothing felt against his body. Although the house was huge, it felt so tiny and crammed. Nick Nelson was known for being the richest boy in town, his father owned a global hotel business and his mother was a travel agent. Since his mom could work online she went with her husband on all of his work trips, which meant that Nick was home alone most of the time.

Charlie quickly left the kitchen and went upstairs, trying to find a quiet place. He walked through the halls until he got to Nick's room. He saw the door was slightly open, so he peeked inside. He saw the balcony door open and saw Nick standing against the railing, looking out at the sunset.

Charlie walked into the room, closing the door behind him. He slowly walked over to the balcony and leaned against the door frame, setting down the gift he had brought. The noise got Nick's attention, he quickly turned around but let out a sigh of relief when he saw it was just Charlie.

"Hi," Nick breathed out.

"Hi," Charlie replied. He walked over to Nick and leaned his forearms on the railing, just like Nick was doing. "What are you doing out here birthday boy?"

"Just, taking a break I guess," Nick replied, not looking away from the sun.

"Having a good birthday?" Charlie asked.

"Yeah, I guess so," Nick replied with a shrug.

"C'mon, cheer up. It can't be that bad," Charlie joked. "You have everything in this house."

"Yeah, I guess I do," Nick said, his smile disappearing. Charlie frowned and turned his body towards Nick.

"Hey, what's wrong?" Charlie asked sincerely.

"It's stupid."

"No it's not. Tell me," Charlie pushed.

Nick chuckled dryly before looking up as high as he could. He then looked back down at his hands and fidgeted with the ring on his finger.

"You know, my parents didn't even wish me a happy birthday. No phone call, no present, no letter, not even a simple 'happy birthday' text," Nick explained. "I know I shouldn't have expected it because it happens every year, but I'm 18 now, so maybe I'd get at least something, even if it was 'glad you're 18, you can move out any day now'."

"Nick— I'm so sorry, I shouldn't have said anything," Charlie apologized.

"No, it's fine. You're right. I do have everything, I have a nice house, I have food, I have a bedroom bigger than a single person will ever need," Nick spoke quickly.

"Nick—."

"No, stop. It's fine. I'm fine," Nick spoke. Charlie frowned when he saw Nick wipe away a tear. He picked up the gift from the ground and smiled at Nick.

"I brought you a gift," Charlie said softly. Nick looked over at him and sniffled, smiling softly. He took the present from Charlie's hand and looked up at him.

"You didn't have to get me anything," Nick spoke.

"Yes I did. Now open it."

Nick took out the tissue paper and set it down on the outdoor table. He stuck his hand into the bag and pulled out what was inside. He smiled when he saw a notebook. The notebook was a dark blue colour (nicks favourite colour), and it said "ideas of a genius" in gold. Nick chuckled slightly, him being a "genius" was an inside joke between him and Charlie. He opened the notebook and on the first page was a note. It said;