Nick and Charlie 6 years into the future

back at work

Charlies pov:

A few days ago, Nick got a call from the school asking him to go back to work as his class has gotten really chaotic without a proper teacher there, so he's going in to work tomorrow

I'm in the kitchen making both me and Nick a cup of tea when Nick sneaks up and hugs me from behind, I jump up in surprise

"Oh hi!" I laugh

"Hi.." He says quietly

"You okay?" I say while stiring our tea

"Do I have to go into work tomorrow?" he asks, nuzzling his head into my neck

I put the spoon down, and I turn around, so I'm looking at him, and I put my hands on his cheeks

"Yes baby, you have to." I rub my thumbs over his cheeks."It's your job,"

Nick shakes his head and hugs me tight, I smile and hug him back, I know this is hard for him. He's probably had it his whole life thanks to his dad

Nick rests his head on my shoulder, I gently kiss his head. I start to sway us from side to side, Nick likes this when he's stressed it helps him relax and feel comforted

"Can you try for tomorrow, please?" I ask

Nick doesn't say anything

"How about I'll text you when the kids are at break and while they are busy?" I ask again

Nick nods, agreeing to what I said, and I smile

*the next day*

As I watched Nick get ready for work, I couldn't help but notice the tension in his movements. His usual morning routine, filled with light-hearted banter and playful kisses, felt strained today. I could see the worry etched on his face, his brows furrowed in deep concentration.

"Hey, baby, are you okay?" I asked, trying to keep my tone light despite the concern bubbling inside me.

Nick turned to me, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Yeah, just... feeling a bit anxious about work today."

I nodded understandingly, knowing all too well about Nick's struggles with separation anxiety, especially when it came to his job as a primary school teacher.

I wanted to reach out and comfort him, to tell him that he didn't have to face this alone, but I knew better than to push him when he was feeling like this. Instead, I offered him a supportive smile and a gentle squeeze of his hand.

As we made our way to the school where Nick worked, I could sense his anxiety growing with each passing minute. His grip on the steering wheel tightened, his knuckles turning white with tension. I wanted to reach out and hold his hand to offer him some form of physical reassurance, but I knew he needed space to work through his emotions.

When we arrived at the school, Nick's breathing had become shallow and rapid. He glanced at the building with a mixture of fear and dread. His shoulders hunched as if preparing for battle.

"Hey, you've got this," I said, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Just take it one step at a time."

Nick nodded, his jaw clenched tight as he forced himself to open the car door. I watched him take a deep breath before stepping out onto the pavement, his gaze fixed on the school building looming ahead.

As Nick disappeared into the school, a wave of helplessness washed over me. I wanted nothing more than to swoop in and protect him.

Throughout the day, I couldn't shake the nagging worry gnawing at my insides. I tried to distract myself with work and errands, but my thoughts kept drifting back to Nick and his struggles.

During the lunch and break hours, Nick and I texted and called, and we talked about how his day had been so far

When the final bell rang and Nick emerged from the school, I could see the exhaustion etched on his face. But there was also a glimmer of pride in his eyes, a silent acknowledgement of the battle he had fought and won.

As we drove home together, I couldn't help but feel a swell of admiration for the man sitting beside me. Despite his fears and anxieties, and as his boyfriend, I vowed to always be there to support him through the good times and the bad.