Moment in the Sun

21. Valentine pt1

Charlie POV

January passed quickly and Nick and I settled back into a routine of classes, nights in with cuddles and sex, making new friends and Saturday morning rugby games. Nick had been cleared to play again just before Christmas but had decided to wait until the new year to get back into it. He had a special brace to wear while he played to protect his knee from future damage. He said it felt awkward and bulky to wear but soon got used to it and was back to being the rugby king.

I enjoyed going along to the games each weekend, getting to know Rebecca and the other players' partners. We'd become a close circle of friends, even meeting up on campus between classes sometimes or going out to bars on Friday nights.

As February began, the weather turned icy cold. Not that it hadn't already been cold but now it was something else. I couldn't leave the flat without multiple layers and even then I shivered violently until I was back in a warm environment. Nick was extra sweet, wrapping me in warm cuddles the second I got home until I was defrosted enough to function. So I wanted to do something special for him for Valentine's day to thank him.

Valentine's day is on a Saturday this year and Nick has a rugby game in the morning. When we wake up, I bury myself deeper in the blankets and sniffle. Nick looks down at me in concern.

"Are you getting sick, Char?"

"No. Just dreading going out into the cold." I pull the blankets tighter up to my chin. As expected, Nick's protectiveness takes over and he leans back down to kiss my forehead.

"Stay here then, baby. You don't have to come to every game."

"But I love watching you play. And today's valentine's day. We should be together." I move to sit up but he pushes me back down, tucking the blankets tightly around me. I can't help the smile that forms on my lips.

"Think of this as my first valentine's gift to you; a Saturday sleep in, in a warm bed. My second present will be me coming home to you and making sweet, sweet love to you." He gives me a soft smile and gently caresses my cheek.

"Fine. As long as you text me at half time to let me know you're okay." I wriggle my arms free and hug him tightly.

"Of course." He kisses me gently before pulling away and leaving the room. I smile to myself and reach for my phone, finding a message from Rebecca.

Rebecca Scanlon: we'll miss you today Charlie. But have fun with your plans. Nick will love it xx

Charlie Spring: i'll miss you guys too. It wasn't hard to convince Nick to leave me here...he's got no clue.

Nick comes back into the room a while later, dressed and ready for the game. He brought me a cup of tea, setting it on my nightstand and sitting beside me.

"You sure you don't mind me staying here today?" I ask, just to make sure.

"Yeah, of course. Enjoy staying in a warm bed." He kisses me gently and stands back up. "I'll miss my good luck charm though."

"I'm sending all my best wishes with you." He glances at the nearby clock and grabs his coat from the chair he'd dumped it on yesterday.

"I'll be back as soon as I can, okay? I love you, Charlie."

"Love you too."

As soon as I hear the front door click shut, I sit up in bed. I have a lot to do in the next two hours or so before Nick gets home. First off, I need to clean the flat. It's not exactly dirty but we've both been so busy that we haven't had a lot of time to tidy so there's clutter around in the kitchen and loving room that needs to be put away and organised. It doesn't take me too long and I look around around the now tidy flat, feeling motivated.

My next move is to go next door and collect the cookies and presents I'd left with our neighbour so Nick didn't accidentally find them. We've become friendly with the couple who lived next door, having them over for dinner a few times and us going over to their place as well. Back in mine and Nick's flat, I carefully place the cookies on a plate on the dining table and put the presents on the coffee table. I'm not sure when we'll get around to presents, given my plans for the afternoon but I still want him to see them and know that I appreciate him for more than just the amazing sex. And his arms.

I go into our room to make the bed and check my phone, seeing a message from Nick, relieved 20 minuted ago

Nick Nelson: hey, baby. we're just finishing half time and i'm still alive...mostly unharmed. i'll be home in about 45 min. i love you

Charlie Spring: okay, i'm excited to see you. please stay unharmed for me. i love you too

Fuck. That means I only have about 20 minutes before he gets home. I rush to the bathroom and jump in the shower, scrubbing myself clean.

I'm just fiddling with my hair when I hear Nick's keys in the lock of the front door. I smile to myself in the mirror and leave the bathroom, propping myself against the wall in the hallway just as he pushes the door open and steps inside, eyes finding me instantly.