Heartstopper oneshots/ requests

The New Kid P2

"Come on boys, let's show him how it's done!" Nick shouted to the rest of the team who were all bounding about like they knew what to do.

Meanwhile I stood near Nick, a little unsure about what I'd signed up to. I thought it would be a good thing, to start up a new hobby - something to keep my mind off everything else.

"You'll be fine - we'll start with some warm ups and I can teach you everything else" Nick reassured me with a small smile which I returned.

So off we all went, Nick took the lead as Captain and talked us through some warm ups which I tried to keep up with. Then we went onto practice which I found myself somewhat enjoying.

It was nice to be active after school, plus it kept me out of the house for almost two hours. So I just came home to a nice home cooked meal.

Which was how it was every Tuesday for a while. Mum seemed to be proud of me for settling in so well and I was genuinely feeling like I found somewhere I belonged.

"You're picking it up really well" Nick told me after practice one day. The rest of the boys had filed out, some of which I could call my mates now.
"Thanks, yeah - it's a bit of fun" I told him
"How are you getting on with the rest of school?" Nick asked, his eyes meeting mine as he finished tying his shoe laces.

Both the question and the sincerity of it took me off guard. My mind scrambled for an answer as he continued to look at me. His eyes burning into mine.

"It's fine" I finally managed, "Same as my old one really" I quickly added before suddenly having a great interest in my own shoe laces.

The comment was a bit of a lie, at my old one I didn't have this horrible group of  lads making my life hell. But that wasn't worth mentioning. Nick didn't want to hear about that. He probably didn't really care at all really, just trying to be polite-

"It's just that I saw you walking home the other day and Harry's lot were giving you a hard time"
My heart dropped. Not only had he noticed, he knew them.

"Wh-oh, that" I stumbled over my words slightly but hoped that it made it sound like I didn't know what he was on about at first, "Yeah, no - they're alright" I added although my voice wasn't as sure as I wanted it to be.
"I'll speak to them tomorrow - they just think they're better than everyone else. Especially Harry" Nick said, getting up. He put his backpack over his shoulder and waited for me to do the same

"I've already defended Charlie, Charlie wouldn't stand up for himself and I hate homophobic people"
"Charlie's gay?"

We were outside now, walking across the school grounds to the front entrance to walk home.

"Yeah, that's not a problem for you too is it?" Nick asked coldly
"No, no - not at all. I don't care"

Fuck. So much for giving a chill response. It's like finding that out unlocked something in me, but I couldn't put my finger on what.

"Good - I can trust you, right?" Nick asked, moving his shoulder to adjust his bag
"Yeah, why?"
"Well, me and Charlie - we're-"
"Oh, okay - yeah that's fine. Your secret's safe with me" I said, trying my best to smile
"I just thought, if you're hanging out with us you should know"
"I mean it's none of my business, that's cool though - thanks for telling me"

I glanced over to Nick and could see his face was brighter, it must be so nice to be comfortable enough to tell people that. Especially someone you've only known a month.

Once we got to the front of the school I saw Nick had a car waiting for him.

"Did you want a lift? Mum won't mind" Nick offered, gesturing to the car
"Okay, thanks"
"Yeah, just get in the back" He told me as he got in the front, "Could you quickly drop Joe home?"

I wouldn't normally agree to a lift home. I much prefer to keep school and home separate. I always found it strange when people were so happy to have people from school around their house. But Nick had trusted me with his secret so I felt it was only fair I reciprocated.

Which sounds stupid, it's not like he even knows that I don't normally accept lifts.

"Of course, dear - hi Joe, it's nice to meet you" Nick's mum turned in her seat to look at me, I smiled. She seemed nice.
"Hi, thank you for this - nice to meet you too"

We made small talk during the short drive to mine. Mostly about rugby and how I was the new kid.

"My dad died and we were only living up there for him so we've moved back down here to be closer to my nan and grandad on my mum's side" I explained for what felt like the hundredth time since starting here.
"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that, Joe" Nick's mum said and I could tell she meant it.

We stopped right outside the house we were staying in which I now realise isn't much to look at. It was a roof over our heads though and I think mum got some money. Maybe from dad's pension which is helping to pay for it.

I'm not sure though, mum never talks to me about that sort of stuff. I guess she thinks I'm not old enough to worry about that sort of thing.

"Here we are, love. If we can be of any help at all, let us know okay?"
"Thank you, Mrs Nelson"
"Call me Sarah" She smiled
"Okay, thank you, Sarah - see you tomorrow Nick"
"Yeah, see you tomorrow"

So that was that. I wonder if Nick realises how grateful I am that he came up to me on my first day?

🥺