A Collection of Heartstopper Oneshots

If It's For You - binkitten

Summary:

In which Nick makes a big, sweeping declaration of love, and Charlie is Charlie.
Notes:

(See the end of the work for notes.)

Work Text:
"I would die for you, Charlie Spring," Nick whispers. He really has no reason for being this sentimental except that it's a Wednesday night and the most perfect human being that has ever lived is in his bed, soft and warm, and he is lucky enough that they both exist on this earth at the exact same time. "I mean it," he brushes his thumb gently over his boyfriend's cheekbone. "I love you so much, I would die for you."

"You sap." Charlie forces a short breath out of his nose which is almost a giggle. But then he inches forward on the pillow and rewards Nick with a soft little kiss. "I would die for you, too," he says, shuffling back slightly again so they can look at each other. Both of his arms are bent at the elbow, tucked up between their chests, his hands pressed over Nick's heart. "Although, to be honest, I don't know if that means as much coming from me."

"What do you mean?"

"Like, when someone like me says they'd die for you, it's not that much of a compliment, is it? I would die for you, because I love you. But I'd also die for a lot less." He casually shrugs one shoulder.

"Char, don't," Nick says softly. He looks sad. His hands, one cradling Charlie's face and one curled around his back, grip just a tiny bit tighter. As if the comment has reminded him that Charlie's attachment to this plane of existence is slightly more tenuous than most other people's. As if he can keep him here, just by holding onto him.

"Sorry," Charlie whispers. He should know better than to make such a cold joke to Nick, even if it is true. His poor little puppy dog heart can't take it. It's best to save that kind of thing for Tori. Or Tao.

"Shh," Nick chides gently for the use of the s-word, even though it's probably warranted in this particular situation. He sweeps his hand around to the back of Charlie's head, fingers scrunching into his hair, and draws him carefully forwards so that he can kiss his forehead.

They stay like that, with Nick's mouth resting against Charlie's brow, his chin perfectly slotted into the curve of Charlie's nose, until Charlie says quietly, "I would live for you, though."

"What?" Nick pulls back, trying to read Charlie's face. He's confused, not sure what that means. But Charlie's expression is thoughtful and open.

"I would live for you. I think that's way more of a commitment, honestly."

"I don't understand."

"Dying for you would be an easy choice. If I had to die to save you, or something. Yeah, sure, no problem. But choosing to live every day, that's not always easy." He looks down, not sure he'll be able to say the next part while maintaining eye contact. Instead he watches his finger as it traces along the hollow of Nick's collar bone. "The things I have to choose to do to keep going, the effort it takes, it doesn't always feel like it's worth it if I'm just doing it for me. But it's worth it for you, though. I can do it for you." He glances up to see Nick's eyes shining in the dark, looking at him like he is the most precious thing in the universe.

There's nothing more to say after that. Nick pitches forward until their lips meet. Once they're connected he moves slowly, like he wants to make this moment last as long as possible. That's all Charlie needs, he knows what it means. When they eventually break apart, Charlie wriggles down and tucks his head under Nick's chin, feeling Nick's arms wrapping tightly around him. It's a well practiced manoeuvre. Muscle memory. Charlie presses his ear to Nick's chest, listening to the steady, unrelenting beat of his heart as they both fall asleep.

Notes:

This was inspired by this tumblr post, because I identified with it deeply and also it just felt Charlie Spring coded to me