Heartstopper Nick and Charlie oneshots

a burden to bear by PicassoPickel

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"Are you sure you don't want to catch a lift with me?"

Charlie smiles fondly at Nick's question as they loiter on the corner of the high street in town, waiting for Nick's mum to come and collect him after their date. Their interlaced hands idly swing between them as Charlie leans into Nick's side, their shoulders bumping together. The thought is tempting, purely so he can spend a bit more time with Nick before they inevitably must part ways, but his dad's birthday is tomorrow and he still hasn't got him a present.

"You know I need to stay," Charlie says with a twinkle in his eye. "The shops will be shutting soon and I still have no idea what to get him. Why are dads so hard to buy for?"

There's a whisper of a frown on Nick's features and Charlie has to resist trying to kiss it away. "I wish you'd told me before I texted mum to come get me. I would've hung around to help you find something."

He shrugs and squeeze's Nick's hand in an effort to placate him. As much as he loves the idea of enjoying another hour or two of Nick's company, he's got a weird thing about browsing the shops with others. "You know I'm weird about this kinda stuff... I like shopping alone. It's dumb, but I get so flustered when there's someone else with me... like... like I'm inconveniencing them."

Nick leans in and presses a kiss to the tip of Charlie's nose. His mouth is so warm compared to the coolness of his own skin. "You'd never inconvenience me."

Huffing, Charlie feels his cheeks heat at the affection. Ever since Nick's come out to his mum, their relationship has been soaring high above the stratosphere. Nick's paranoia of being spotted has seemingly vanished overnight—gone are the days of looking over his shoulder, the constant unease that used to etch his features. It's such a breath of fresh air to be in a relationship where they don't need to hide themselves from the world.

A car rolls up to where they're both standing and the window rolls down to reveal Nick's mum, who sends Charlie a small wave and a warm smile. Nick sighs, and Charlie can't help but echo the sentiment. The worst part of his day is when he and Nick must go their separate ways.

"I'll text you tonight?" Nick asks, which Charlie responds with a firm nod. They always speak before going to sleep, sometimes into the early hours of the morning. "Okay. See you later, Char."

Nick doesn't even hesitate as he envelops Charlie in a tight hug, and he finds himself melting into the warmth of his body. They linger for a few seconds as the car engine rumbles on behind them. Too soon they are pulling away, but not completely. Nick cups Charlie's cheeks and presses his lips to Charlie's in a chaste kiss. There's no way it could be anymore passionate—not with Nick's mum watching.

"See you later," Charlie echoes against his lips.

With one last look, Nick opens up the passenger-side door and hops in, sending Charlie a little wave before the car draws away from the kerb. Charlie lingers on the pavement as he watches the car fade into the distance before he turns and walks down a side street, mentally mapping the different shops he's going to try—maybe Waterstones to find a book his dad might enjoy, or even splashing out on something more extravagant at John Lewis? Not that Charlie's budget could probably reach far enough for anything more than a novelty pen, but it might be worth a look for inspiration.

So lost in thought, Charlie doesn't notice the footsteps behind him, or the hushed voices and the looming shadows.

His phone buzzes and Charlie quickly pulls it from his pocket, the screen illuminating with a new message. His heart thuds as he reads it, a small smile forming on his lips. Nick is such a sap, although Charlie's not complaining.

He's just about to tap out a response when he hears a voice behind him.

"Hey, kid!"

The voice is so close behind him that it makes Charlie startle before he swivels on his heel, coming face-to-face with a man. Glancing behind him, there is no other kid that the man could've been speaking to. He's looks to be in his mid-fifties judging by his receding hairline and weathered face, and flanking him are three others of similar stature. Swallowing, Charlie takes a small step backwards, his knuckles turning white as he grips his phone. Alarm bells start to ring and his pulse quickens.