Charlie and Nick Fanfic - PG13 Version

Floral

A year and a half later.

Tara and Darcy's wedding was in a few months and they had somehow pulled Nick and Charlie into their event planning. Today, Charlie was with Elle and Darcy across town sampling cake. Tara had noticed Nick's beautiful mini-garden on their balcony and asked him to help her with the floral arrangements. Luckily, Nick knew someone who could give Tara a great deal on all of those flowers.

They had to drive into London, but Nick swore it would be worth the drive. He had been to this shop several times before his brother, David's wedding. It was a cute, little shop that almost felt like a greenhouse inside. There was a wide variety of species to choose from, some dyed gorgeous blues and pink. Nick hadn't been back since before David got married, and now found himself excited to revisit and show his friend this amazing place.

When they arrived, the shop owner/florist lit up with joy, running over to embrace Nick in a hug.

"Nick! It's been too long," Ingrid, the florist told him. "We missed you at Christmas."

"This is Ingrid," Nick told Tara. "My sister-in-law." He turned to address Ingrid. "I wanted to spend the holidays with my mum. Plus, Christmas in France doesn't feel quite right."

"I respectfully disagree," Ingrid grinned. "I loved it. You should come next year."

"Maybe."

Impatient and ignored, Tara spoke up and introduced herself to Nick's sister-in-law.

"Yes, one of the lovely brides," Ingrid cooed as she eyed the notebook Tara clutched to her chest. "What did you have in mind?"

While Tara showed Ingrid her notebook and explained what she and Darcy had decided on, Nick excused himself from the conversation. Aimlessly, he browsed the different plants and flowers to fill the time.

Eyeing a pot of tulips, Nick decided he would buy them before they left. They would look nice in the bedroom. Charlie liked tulips, said he liked the smell more than other flowers. He'd enjoy the surprise flowers.

Then, Nick heard a voice that made his stomach turn.

"Baby brother!" David called to him as he emerged from the back room. His gaze settled onto Tara and he flashed Nick a cheeky grin. "You finally left Charlie."

Nick furrowed his brow in offence. "Don't be dim. Tara's shopping for her wedding. I thought Ingrid could give her a good deal."

David sized his brother up. Although David was older, Nick towered over him. "Dad was upset you didn't come for the holidays."

"I'm sure he was fine," Nick replied. "After all, he had you there."

David smirked and let his intense gaze fall back onto Tara. "Didn't you hit that?"

Nick couldn't believe how repulsive his brother could be. "No."

"Wasn't she your sweetheart when you were, like, 12?"

"13," Nick corrected. "And we weren't sweethearts. We kissed."

"You still kiss?" David teased before puckering his lips to make smooching noises. "Where's your special friend, anyway?"

"Special friend?"

"Yeah," David nodded, causing his light hair to bounce atop his head. "You know, your experiment." He glanced around and lowered his voice. "I mean, it must he fun screwing your best mate and everything, but you're getting older. Maybe it's time to find a nice woman who'll make a good wife."

Nick sucked his teeth in disdain. "Best mate..." he repeated his brother's words.

"Yes. You think I wouldn't love hanging around the lads all the time, never have to worry about feelings or other womanly bullshit? Fuck, if I was cool with fooling around with my best mate, I'd never leave his flat. But that's just fun, innit?"

His knuckles cracked as he balled his hands into fists. Over ten years and he still had to listen to David's ignorant opinion. Nick faced his brother square on, looking down at him. "Charlie isn't just a mate."

"Boyfriend. Whatever."

"Fiancé," Nick spat. "This isn't some phase I'll grow out of. He's the love of my life and I'm marrying him. And you know what? If you keep talking like this, I see no reason why I should invite you to our wedding." Crossing his arms over his chest, Nick turned back to the potted plants.

David silently did the same, finally shutting up for a minute.