I woke up in Nick's bed, alone. We had school this morning so I assumed Nick got up earlier to get ready. I walked to the bathroom only to find out the door was locked. I knocked.
C - Nick, you in there?
N - Um, yeah, hold up.
He slowly opened the doors and rubbed his face. I could see that his eyes were bright and that he had been crying.
C - Hey, come here.
I grabbed him in my arms and held him tight.
C - What's wrong darling?
N - I don't really know honestly. I just kinda woke up realizing that I literally came out to the whole school yesterday and I just know that they're gonna talk about it. But, like, that was my whole point but... I'm scared Charlie, I'm so scared.
C - I know. But, you know, you shouldn't have done that baby. I would've been fine.
N - No, I would do it all again... for you. I'll be fine. I just know people are gonna be rude about it. But that's who I am so...
I held him even tighter.
C - Come on, we have to go to school.
We both got ready and left for school. Once we got there, I could already see people staring at Nick and whispering stuff to each other. I glanced over to Nick who looked like he was about to burst into tears. I discretely held his hand.
C - Ignore them.
N - That's what I'm trying to do.
We walked through the hallway and that was when Harry came up to us.
H - Nicholas Nelson. You didn't tell me you were into men. Who would've thought you would also become a faggot?
My heart skipped a beat as I looked at Nick, his cheeks turning bright red. His expression completely changed to anger. He stepped in front of me and got so close to Harry that I thought he was going to hit him. Before he had the chance to, I grabbed his arm and dragged him to another hallway.
C - Nick... Fighting is not the answer. I know that what he just said was disgusting and mean but don't let stuff like that get to you. Cause, truth is, this is not the last time you're gonna hear it...
He looked at me with tears in his eyes. I could see that he was trying to hold it in but it didn't quite work out for him. He bursted into tears and buried his face in my chest.
C - Come on, I know a place where we can be alone for a few minutes before class starts.
He followed me to the art class where Mr. Ajayi was quietly arranging his things for the day.
Mr. Ajayi - Charlie Spring. Don't you have a class starting in 15 minutes?
C - Yes, but... could we stay here for a few minutes? Please?
He looked behind me and noticed Nick.
Mr. Ajayi - Oh sweetheart, are you alright? I heard about your coming out yesterday. Is that what this is about?
Nick shed a few more tears but didn't say a word.
Mr. Ajayi - Okay, I'll give you two some space. Charlie, if I hear that you were both late to your class...
C - I promise we won't be late.
He left us alone in the classroom and closed the door behind him.
As soon as we were left alone, Nick crumbled to the floor and cried uncontrollably. I sat down next to him and played with the back of his hair, just in case he would have a panic attack and would start scratching his neck again.
C - Hey, it's okay. Let it out.
N - Has it always been like this? I mean, for you? Have people always been this rude and ignorant?
C - Pretty much, ya...
N - Fuck... I didn't think being out was this hard.
C - I know, love, I know.
We stayed in the classroom for a couple of minutes before going to form, giving Nick some time to relax and work on his breathing. I knew today was going to be rough for him because I could tell that he was already fidgety and shaky. I held him tight in my arms and gave him a kiss on the forehead.
N - Thank you Char.
C - You're welcome Nick.
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*Nick's POV*
During break, I walked to the bathroom to take a break and run some water on my face. I turned around and saw Harry leaning on the door.
H - Hello Nicholas.
N - What do you want?
H - I just want to know what got you into men. I really wouldn't have thought that you were like that. So, tell me, is it fun getting fucked from behind? You know, just asking for a friend.
He laughed. I didn't answer, trying to contain myself, remembering what Charlie had told me.
H - Pathetic. You're literally disgusting.
I turned around trying to ignore him but he grabbed my shoulder and pushed me on the wall.
N - You know I'm stronger than you Harry. Back off.
He looked at me slightly scared, took a step back and spat in my face.
