nick and charlie: love is the strongest force

chapter seventeen

Tw: Anxiety, smut kinda

In the weeks that followed, Nick found himself settling into a routine of therapy sessions with Geoff, the steady guidance and support helping him navigate the complexities of his emotions. With each passing week, he felt a glimmer of hope ignite within him, a sense of resilience blooming in the face of adversity.

Slowly but surely, Nick began to reclaim a sense of normalcy in his life. He returned to school, his steps a little lighter, his smile a little brighter. The once daunting hallways and crowded classrooms no longer held the same power over him, their shadows giving way to the warmth of newfound confidence and self-assurance.

Charlie watched with pride as Nick embraced each day with courage and resilience, his unwavering support a constant source of strength in his boyfriend's journey towards healing. He marvelled at Nick's resilience, his heart swelling with admiration for the remarkable person he had become.

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As the soft light of morning filtered through the curtains, Nick stirred from his slumber, his body shifting closer to Charlie's warmth. With a contented sigh, he nestled against Charlie's chest, seeking solace in the comfort of their embrace.

But as Nick snuggled closer, he couldn't help but notice the subtle shift in Charlie's body, the faint stiffness against his thigh stirring a sense of curiosity within him. He glanced up at Charlie, his brow furrowing in confusion as he realized the cause of the sudden tension.

Charlie's eyes widened slightly as he met Nick's gaze, a faint blush colouring his cheeks as he shifted uncomfortably beneath the sheets.

"Uh, Nick... I, uh..." he stammered, his voice trailing off as he struggled to find the right words.

Nick's heart skipped a beat as he realized the source of Charlie's unease, a flush of embarrassment colouring his own cheeks as he looked away.

"Oh, uh, sorry about that," he muttered, his voice tinged with awkwardness.

Charlie reached out and gently lifted Nick's chin, his touch soft and reassuring.

"Hey, it's okay, Nick," he said softly, his eyes filled with understanding. "It's... it's a natural response. There is nothing to be embarrassed about."

Nick nodded, his cheeks still burning with embarrassment as he buried his face against Charlie's chest.

"Do you want to take a shower? To like calm you down?" Charlie suggests, trying to make his boyfriend feel as comfortable as he can because he knows that these things still affect him after everything

"Um, actually, I think im ready for like other things..?" He says quietly, trying to find the words for it

As the weight of Nick's words hung in the air, a heavy silence settled over the room, the tension palpable between them. Charlie's heart skipped a beat at the realization of what Nick was implying, his mind racing as he searched for the right response.

Nick could feel the weight of Charlie's gaze upon him, his own thoughts swirling in a whirlwind of uncertainty and apprehension. He had never broached this topic with Charlie before, never dared to vocalize the tangled mess of emotions that had plagued him since the trauma he endured.

Sensing Nick's hesitation, Charlie reached out and gently took his hand in his own, his touch a silent reassurance of his unwavering support.

"Nick," he began softly, his voice filled with tenderness and understanding. "If... if you're ready for this, then I'm here for you. But please know that there's no pressure. We can take things at your pace, okay?"