Charlie and Nick Oneshots

Twenty: I Didn't Expect This From You. Part Two

Suggested by 81n0b0dy18

Trigger warnings: swearing, mentions of ED, mention of body image issues

1069 words.

Nick:

Breaktime comes around rather slowly and although I can see Charlie is better than yesterday, it's still clear that what Tao has said is still affecting him. So that's why I am currently heading towards Tao's table with a very determined look on my face. Charlie's not eating much or at a regular speed so it's clear this has to be done, even if he doesn't appreciate it right away.

I sit down in the space Charlie is usually in, I share pleasantries with Isaac and then death stare Tao. He catches on and stares me back in the eyes, starting a staring competition. We stay there for a while until the one of us breaks, hoping it's the other.

Finally Tao gets fidgety, "What?" He spits.

"Do you always believe rumours? Who are you to Charlie if you genuinely believe that Charlie is actually saying what the rumours suggest? Because you and I both know Charlie quite well, and if you know the Charlie I know, you will know that all this is bullshit. I'll tell you this Tao, when he talks to me about you: all he does is praise you. Like, you are his best friend, why the fuck would he talk shit about you behind your back? Think about that Tao, really think about it. Think about how Charlie came to me bawling his eyes out not being able to speak for ages. Think about how he skipped school yesterday. Think about how he isn't eating properly. Think about how he felt so insecure yesterday, he kicked me out my room to change. Think about how he fell asleep with his head on my shoulder, sobbing. Think about how you, your stupid brain, huge fucking mouth and insecurity caused that." 

Tao sits there stunned, I don't give him time to reply. I get up from the bench scoffing and go back to my boyfriend. As I walk in the art room, Charlie looks so upset, it's clear he's overthinking. He's scrunched himself into a ball to appear as small as possible. 

"Hey, where were you?" He asks as I sit behind him, my legs either side of him and his back to my chest.

"I just went to the toilet. You eaten anything?"

"No, I'm not hungry. I've got a sandwich for lunch." He lied, he's good at lying but since becoming his boyfriend I've learnt to detect one as soon as his mouth opens.

"I've got some grapes, can you have some please?"

"Niiiiick." He whines.

"Charlie," I say, slightly stern, "You have to eat."

"I'm not hungry."

"You're also lying."

He rolled his eyes and took some of the grapes I was offering. Nick and Charlie 1, anorexia 0.

We stay till the bell goes and I walk him to his next lesson, he's got Latin. Which is on the other side of the school site but I don't really care. I give him a peck goodbye and make my way to geography. 

"Nick, why are you late?" My geography teacher, Miss Davenport asks me.

"Sorry, Miss. I was in the toilet."

She nods her head in approval and I take my seat. Now I have the main task of trying not to fall asleep while I'm here.

Charlie:

Lunch time rolls around and I'm sat in the art room waiting for Nick to join me. I hear footsteps and looks up to see Tao walking in. A quiet 'oh' leaves my mouth without consent and I look down again.

"Charlie," Tao says, taking a seat infront of me, "I am so sorry for what I said yesterday. I don't know what I was fucking thinking, you have never talked shit about me behind my back so I don't know why I would now. I know over the years I've been a shot friend and keep saying that I'll get better but I never seem to. I am so fucking worried that one day you'll wake up and see how horrible the real me is and leave me for a different friend group. I hope you can forgive me but I totally understand if you can't." 

"Oh, Tao. You don't have to be worried about me leaving you. I've been by your side since the first day of year seven haven't I? I don't want to and I don't plan to ever get up and leave you, And there is no way I'm going to wake up and realize that you're horrible because I'm awake right now and I can see how fucking brilliant you are."

"Soooo, apology accepted?"

"Apology accepted." I confirm, "I love you Tao, don't ever think anything different."

"I love you too, Charlie. Now come on and eat outside with us. For once in the history of the UK, it's sunny."

I giggle, "We have to wait for Nick first."

Tao turns around and points at Nick who was leaning against the doorway with a fond smile on his face, "Who, him? He's been here for aaaaages Charlie." 

I get up and pull him with me. I then walk to Nick and intwine our hands together. We all walk outside and stop immediately. It was chucking it down.

I turn to Tao, "You were saying?"

"Let's eat in the art room shall we?"

Nick and I agree and we go back to the art room where we find Isaac has just entered, looking ever so slightly wet. He turns around and grins at us. 

"Me Weatherman needs to decide if he is at peace or war with the world, I swear to God."

Isaac doesn't talk much but when he does, he's really funny. We all die of laughter and sit down to eat our lunch.

This is my life and I fucking love it.  

Authors note:

Okay, so we all now that took a while for me to do. I'm sorry for the wait. But it is now that I'll be telling you all that this fanfic is now officially over. It was so much fun writing but I've moved on from my heartstopper faze. I am so grateful for all of you who have supported me along this journey. I have another heartstopper story but that's only three chapters long and I don't know when it will be finished, I might push myself to do so. I'll see all of you in the future. 

(The video has nothing to do with the chapter, it's just me saying goodbye. Sappy, I know.)

Teagan x