nick and charlie: love is the strongest force

chapter twenty one

Tw: being outed, bullying

A week after their confrontation with Ben, Nick and Charlie were beginning to settle back into a routine. The tension of the past few days had started to ease, and they felt more secure in their relationship. That security, however, was about to be tested in ways they couldn't have anticipated.

Nick and Charlie walked into school together, holding hands as they always did. They had just been talking about the upcoming weekend, planning a quiet movie night at Nick's place. But as they entered the school, they noticed people staring and whispering more than usual.

Nick frowned, his anxiety prickling. "Why is everyone looking at us?"

Charlie squeezed his hand reassuringly. "I don't know. Maybe it's just one of those days."

They made their way to their lockers, but the whispers and stares didn't stop. Nick's unease grew, and he clutched Charlie's hand tighter. Just as they were about to head to their first class, Imogen approached them, looking concerned.

"Hey, can we talk for a second?" she asked, glancing around nervously.

Charlie nodded. "Sure, what's up?"

Imogen bit her lip, clearly struggling with how to say what was on her mind. "Have you guys heard what Ben's been saying?"

Nick's stomach dropped. "What do you mean?"

Imogen lowered her voice. "He's been spreading rumours about you, Nick. He's telling everyone about what Tyler did to you."

Nick felt like the ground had fallen out from under him. "What? How does he even know about that?"

Imogen glanced at Charlie. "I don't know. But it's all over the school now. People are talking about it in the halls, in the classrooms... everywhere."

Nick's vision blurred with tears. The last thing he wanted was for everyone to know about his trauma. He felt exposed, vulnerable, and humiliated. He turned to Charlie, who looked just as shocked and angry.

Charlie pulled Nick into a protective hug. "I'm so sorry, Nick. We'll figure this out, I promise."

Imogen looked like she wanted to help but didn't know how. "I'm here for you guys. Whatever you need."

Nick managed to nod, though he couldn't find his voice. The reality of what Ben had done was sinking in, and it was crushing him. Charlie guided him away from the bustling hall, finding a quiet corner where they could talk without being overheard.

"Nick, listen to me," Charlie said, his voice firm but gentle. "We'll get through this. We'll talk to Mr. Barnes, tell him what Ben's been doing. This isn't okay."

Nick nodded again, though his mind was racing. "I just... I don't want everyone to know. I don't want them to look at me differently."

Charlie cupped Nick's face in his hands. "No one's going to look at you differently. If anything, they'll see how strong you are for surviving everything you've been through."

Nick took a shaky breath. "okay."

They made their way to the principal's office, feeling a mix of dread and determination. As they explained the situation to Mr. Barnes, the principal, his expression grew increasingly serious.

"This is very troubling," Mr. Barnes said, leaning back in his chair. "I'll speak to Ben immediately and put a stop to these rumours. No student should have to go through what you're experiencing, Nick."

Nick felt a small measure of relief at the principal's words, but the anxiety still gnawed at him. As they left the office, Charlie wrapped an arm around him, offering silent support.