I Can Hear Your Silence (A Heartstopper FanFic -- BOOK 2)

7. Normality

Something soft was tickling Nick's cheek. He nestled his face further against it and inhaled.

He woke up slowly. He was so incredibly relaxed. His room was bright with sunlight, the clock on the bedside table telling him it was nearly midday.

Charlie had his head pressed up against Nick's chest, his face tipped up a little, his lips parted in sleep, eyes relaxed under long-lashed lids.

Nick watched him sleeping there in his arms and sighed. He planted a delicate, feather-light kiss over his forehead and re-affirmed his embrace. Charlie was so perfect. Why did so many people not see it?

A light breeze from the open window lifted the soft curls gently.

Nick felt the slight change in Charlie's breathing as he transitioned from sleeping to waking. His eyebrows scrunched together adorably, and he made the sweetest little mumbling noise before he opened his eyes and smiled sleepily.

"Morning," he said. "Were you watching me sleep?"

"You looked so cosy and peaceful. You're so cute when you're asleep."

"Hmm..." Charlie hummed, snuggling back into Nick's chest. "As opposed to the rest of the time when I'm unsightly?"

"Can't stand you usually," Nick teased. "Quick, go back to sleep so you don't ruin it!"

Charlie closed his eyes again. "Gladly."

Nick kissed Charlie's bare shoulder. "I'm joking, my love. You're my favourite thing to look at, whatever you happen to be doing... But last night. Charlie..."

At that, Charlie looked up again, the events of yesterday evening flooding through his brain like an emotional whiplash of a flip book. His eyes widened in realisation. "Nick... I'm so sorry..."

And suddenly Charlie was very aware of how sticky and gross he felt. They had clearly fallen asleep after last night's escapade -- they had barely talked afterwards they had been so exhausted.

Charlie made to roll onto his back, out from where he'd been feeling so safe between those strong rugby arms.

"W-what are you talking about?"

"Last night..." Charlie screwed his eyes shut. "I can't believe I did that. It was so inappropriate and reckless. I shouldn't have used you like that --"

"Hey hey, Charlie, no." Nick sat up, ignoring the stickiness he could feel over his chest. "You didn't use me, baby."

"But I did though. Not just the -- the sex -- but at the party too. I shouldn't have made you kiss me like that, just to rub it in Ben's face."

"Charlie, you didn't make me do anything. No, no, look at me, baby." He gently helped to pry Charlie's palms away from where he'd been scrubbing at his eyes. "I wanted to rub it in Ben's face as much as you did. And if doing so includes making out with my hot-as-fuck boyfriend then I'm always gonna be all in. And last night... it was fucking fantastic, Charlie. You were fantastic. It... it makes me so proud of you. I've said it before, but you truly are the bravest person I know." Nick flopped back down and planted a kiss just below Charlie's ear. "And the sexiest."

Charlie let his hands fall to his sides, the tension and the spiral so successfully tamed he felt almost lightheaded. "It did feel good to show off to Ben," he admitted.

"And maybe our incredible sex is an even bigger 'fuck you' to him," said Nick with a chuckle.

"Is it bad that I kind of want to like, text him right now and tell him all about it?" Charlie giggled.