A Collection of Heartstopper Oneshots

capy little accidents - AJDBSJSBSISBFC

Summary:

Charlie: I'm gonna pet the capy
Nick: that's probably a bad idea
Charlie: *pets the capy*
Nick: holy cap

Or: A triple date at the zoo, and three reasons Nick loves Charlie.
Notes:

I may as well have done absolutely zero research on this bc I'm just making stuff up. maybe that's how imagination is supposed to go, idk. enjoy the chaos!
(See the end of the work for more notes.)

Work Text:
Nick would be hard-pressed to find something he doesn't love about Charlie. He's brave, kind, and funny. He's incredible at literally everything he does, including brightening Nick's mood whenever they're together. Not to mention how gorgeous he is—Nick could go on for ages about those radiant smiles and soft curls. Needless to say, he's head-over-heels in love with his boyfriend, and convinced he could spend a lifetime listing admirable qualities without running out. It's actually one of his favourite pastimes on days like today.

#1: Charlie loves animals.

This is the biggest common interest the boys share—besides each other, obviously. Nick thought 'accidentally' flashing a picture of Nellie in form one morning would create the perfect opportunity to invite Charlie 'round his house, and he was right. Charlie fawned over Nellie, Nick fawned over Charlie, and they had what was practically the best day ever. The rest is history.

#2: Charlie is determined.

He does everything whole-heartedly, living true to his convictions even in the face of defeat; like when he asked Nick to kiss him despite expecting rejection, for example. From antagonistic bullies to youthful zoo trips, there's nothing Charlie can't tackle. Well, maybe he's not the best at tackling in the literal sense of the word, but he never goes down without putting up a good fight. The point is, he's got spirit

#3: Charlie can run really fast.

The first time Nick noticed Charlie—actually noticed him—was when he saw him running in PE. Then, Nick noticed Charlie each time he saw him running in rugby practice. Now, Nick notices Charlie again as the boys skip hand-in-hand around the exhibits at London Zoo. They're on a triple date with Elle, Tao, Tara, and Darcy, which—Nick can't help but gloat about having the world's best boyfriend—Charlie arranged.

All that's to say, Charlie's running expertise was a catalyst in their deepening friendship and eventual romantic relationship, which is mainly why it's important to Nick. It's also incredibly hot.

After an hour of walking around and suggesting animorphs (a unanimous vote decides Tao's is a giraffe, despite his vehement protests that it doesn't make sense as he's among the shortest in the group), they break for lunch and decide to split up for more exploring. Charlie wastes no time challenging Nick to a race.

However easy it is to believe otherwise, Nick knows Charlie isn't perfect. Like anybody, he's a multifaceted person who makes mistakes and whose complex qualities—while not toxic—sometimes lead to trouble. These traits have a higher propensity for negative consequences in certain contexts, but Nick and Charlie always work together to solve problem situations—or, 'happy little accidents' as they lovingly call them. In fact, several of Charlie's characteristics are manifesting into a happy accident just now.

#1: Charlie loves animals.

Maybe it's because he didn't have any childhood pets. Maybe it's an intense special interest or sensory-seeking behaviour, or a combination of things. Whatever the reason, Charlie needs to touch every animal that crosses his path, regardless of species. While always gentle toward them, he's hardly cautious.

It's while Nick's admiring a three-toed sloth that the telltale cooing rings from around a corner. "Aw, you're such an adorable little thing, aren't you? What a sweetie pie." He leaves the exhibit to check what Charlie's fussing over, and is completely unprepared to find a juvenile capybara.

Outside of its enclosure.

In the middle of the room.

Charlie crouches down, slowly extending a hand toward the rodent as he continues in a singsong voice, "You want some pets and scratches, don't you? Yes, you do!"

"I really don't think that's such a good idea, Char..." Nick warns, his voice low and steady so he doesn't spook the animal.

Charlie pauses to beam at Nick. "Isn't she cute, though?"

"Yeah, so is a mountain lion, but you don't pet it. How d'you know it's a girl, anyway?"

"I just know. Look at the innocent sparkle in her eyes, she's completely harmless!" Then, focusing back on the capybara, "I'm naming you Bianca."

Nick braces for havoc when Charlie makes contact, but instead of lashing out, Bianca starts... purring? The sheer joy on Charlie's face as he gently cradles the pup and strokes her fur melts Nick's heart—until a stern, booming voice stops it in his chest.

"Exactly what the redacted do you boys think you're doing?" Before they have a chance to answer, the zookeeper commands, "You can't hold the animals! Step away this instant."

#2: Charlie is determined.

Unfortunately, Charlie pursuing his dreams sometimes means blatantly defying authority figures. "Yes I can. I'm holding her right now, see?" He plants a kiss atop Bianca's head and flashes his eyes that are impossible to say no to—

"No, you can't." The man unclips a radio from his utility belt. "This is Kilo Echo November requesting backup in the rainforest enclosure. There's an attempted capnapping in progress. Over."

Nick's panicked glance to Charlie is met with a familiar mischievous smirk when they lock eyes. A subtle quirk of his eyebrow and tilt of his head says everything he needs Nick to hear.

#3: Charlie can run really fast.

With a rushed goodbye to Bianca, the boys are off in an instant, everything a blur as they weave around exhibits and security guards until they're through the zoo gates. As always, Charlie is lighting on his feet; and as always, Nick finds it incredibly, extremely hot. It's just over three minutes later that they collapse in the shade of an oak tree down the road. Gasps for breath punctuate the air.

"Charlie?"

"Yeah, Nick?"

"Let's never do that again."

It takes Charlie a few moments to respond, nodding. "Yeah, okay."

They lay in silence, catching their breath for a bit longer.

"Char?"

"Yeah?"

Nick can't keep the smile from taking over his face. "I love you."

Charlie grins back and links their pinkies, and without hesitation says, "Yeah, I know. I love you, too."

Notes:

imnewintown pointed out a while ago that a giraffe reminded them of Tao and I haven't been able to unsee it 😂 thanks so much for reading! happy pride, babes!! 💕