I'm not me

Part 4

About an hour after dinner, the couple found themselves in the living room, wrapped in each other's arms, engrossed in a movie. The silence was interrupted only by the faint sound of Charlie stirring.
"Nicholas can we chat please?" Nick swiftly adjusted his position, recognizing the significance when Charlie addressed him by his full name, Nicholas. With a decisive motion, he switched off the television and repositioned himself, crossing his legs to face Charlie directly, prepared for whatever awaited their conversation."Of course baby I'm ready whenever you are."

Charlie paused for a moment, his chest rising and falling with a deep breath, gathering his thoughts before finally parting his lips to speak. The room held a hushed anticipation as he prepared to voice what was on his mind.

"Nick, I don't quite know how to put this into words," Charlie began, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "I'm feeling scared, nervous, and incredibly anxious about what I'm about to say. Your thoughts, your opinion, your reaction means everything to me." Charlie's words spilled out in a rush, betraying his apprehension.

Nick gently took Charlie's hands in his own, a reassuring gesture that conveyed his steadfast presence. He squeezed Charlie's hands gently, silently assuring him that he wasn't going anywhere and that he was ready to listen patiently. "I'm right here, I'm not leaving, I promise," Nick reassured Charlie with a gentle squeeze of his hands. "Thanks," Charlie replied softly, taking a moment to collect his thoughts before continuing.

"So, you're still bi, right?" Charlie asked tentatively, seeking confirmation from Nick.

Nick chuckled softly, his voice warm with affection as he affirmed, "Yes, I am, Charlie. Why do you ask?"

"Okay, good," Charlie said, visibly relieved. "This makes it a little easier. Um, well, as you know, with my job, I stay up to date with information that may affect my clients."

"Yeah," Nick nodded slowly, a hint of hesitation in his response, indicating his partial understanding of Charlie's line of work. "Three months ago, I started delving into research within the LGBTQIA+ community and discovered so many labels I didn't even know existed, especially under the trans umbrella," Charlie began, his voice tinged with emotion. Nick nodded in acknowledgment, encouraging Charlie to continue.

"I dug deeper because I've been feeling lost, disconnected from myself," Charlie confessed, tears welling up in his eyes. "I came across the label of gender fluid, and I've been thinking... maybe that's me. I'm not the same as Boy Charlie, the high school nerd you fell in love with. That's not who I feel like anymore, Nick. I don't feel like myself."

Charlie's voice cracked with emotion as he struggled to articulate his feelings, worried that Nick's silence might mean disapproval or rejection. "Nick, say something, please?" he pleaded, desperate for reassurance.

What does Nick think? Is he leaving Charlie?