I'm not me

Part 6

✨A/N here is another long one 1025 words. Enjoy! ✨

After a while of silence, Nick finally pipes up, breaking the tension with a hesitant but sincere tone. "So, Charlie," he begins, "when you're feeling something different from day to day, or depending on the time frame, how do you want me to address you? For example, right now, do I call you my girlfriend?" His voice is filled with a mix of curiosity and concern, clearly wanting to understand and respect Charlie's feelings and preferences.

Charlie hadn't thought this far ahead. She had assumed it would take Nick longer to get used to the idea of his love identifying as something different.

"Um, well, I don't know. I hadn't thought that far ahead. I guess so, I would like to be your girlfriend if that's o—"

Charlie gets cut off before she can finish her sentence.

"Charlie, love, how long until it sticks in your mind that you don't need to say 'is that okay?' I love you for who you are, however you're identifying."

"Sorry, Nick. It may take a little while. Can I show you the clothes I've been looking at?"

"Of course, baby. I'd love to see them."

"Okay, I'll get my laptop. I'll be right back." Charlie ran to grab her laptop. As she was doing this, Nick found himself lost in thought.

"Oh my god, what is happening? I'm totally proud of Charlie for coming out, and I would never leave her. But I guess it will take time to fully adjust. However, it does make sense now why Charlie has been acting the way she has been."

Just as he finished his thought, Charlie returned with the laptop, her face lit up with excitement. She climbed onto Nick's lap, settling in comfortably as she always did when showing him things. Nick wrapped his arms around her, offering a reassuring squeeze.

"Alright, let's see what you've been looking at," he said with a smile, eager to share this moment with her.

Charlie opened her laptop and quickly navigated to the webpage she wanted to show Nick. "So, here are a few floaty dresses I've found. I thought they would be cool to try since they're not tight or restrictive."

Nick looked at the screen, seeing the dresses that Charlie had carefully chosen. The dresses were beautiful, with light, flowing fabrics and vibrant colors. Each one seemed to reflect a different aspect of Charlie's personality.

"They look amazing, Char," Nick said, genuinely impressed. "I think you'll look great in them. You've got a good eye for this stuff."

"I thought it would be cool to explore and challenge myself. Here it's my favourite," Charlie said, her excitement palpable. She pointed to an image on the screen of a black leather tight skirt.

Nick was momentarily at a loss for words. His eyes widened as he took in the bold choice. "Oh my, Char, that looks beautiful. No, it looks hot. And I know you will be beautifully sexy in it," he said, unable to contain the grin spreading across his face.

"Omg, Nick, shut up, please," Charlie responded, playfully hitting his arm, her cheeks flushing with a mix of embarrassment and happiness.

Nick laughed, pulling her closer. "I mean it. You always surprise me in the best ways. I can't wait to see you in that skirt."

"Another awkward question," Nick began, his tone gentle yet curious. "Have you been looking at undergarments? Would you want undergarments?"

Charlie hesitated for a moment before responding. "Um, no, I haven't. Not at this stage."

"That's totally okay, baby," Nick reassured her, giving her a comforting squeeze. "I just wanted to check. How about I buy you some of these clothes, and once they arrive, you can wear them whenever you want?"

Charlie's eyes lit up at the offer, her gratitude evident. "Really? You'd do that for me?"

"Of course," Nick said, his smile warm and genuine. "I want you to feel comfortable and happy. Plus, seeing you light up like this makes it all worth it."

Charlie hugged him tightly, feeling a swell of love and appreciation for Nick's unwavering support. "Thank you, Nick. It means a lot."

"Anytime, Char," he whispered, kissing the top of her head. "Now, let's get these ordered."
"Nick, you don't have to. I promise I can buy them myself," Charlie insisted, her voice filled with determination.

"No, Charlie," Nick replied gently but firmly. "I would like to get them for you. Please let me do this as a 'well done, I'm proud of you' gift. You put what you want in the cart, and I'll take care of it."

Charlie sighed, a smile tugging at her lips. "Okay, only because I know you won't give up and you'll insist on buying them. I love you so much, Nick."

"I love you so very much, baby girl," Nick said softly.

They kissed, a soft, gentle, and relaxed kiss that conveyed all their emotions. As their lips met, Charlie felt a warmth spread through her, and the last words Nick had spoken sent chills down her spine. She snuggled into Nick's chest, feeling his heartbeat steady and strong beneath her cheek. This moment, tender and intimate, felt like a promise of many more to come.

Charlie never imagined how quickly Nick would adjust his vocabulary and adapt to the changes. His ability to understand and embrace her evolving identity touched her deeply. Each word of affirmation and every small gesture of acceptance made her feel seen and loved in ways she hadn't expected.

Charlie was extremely appreciative of Nick and everything he had done since they had been together. His unwavering support, patience, and genuine effort to understand her made her feel incredibly fortunate. She knew that not everyone would be as accepting or as willing to change, and it made her love Nick even more.

Every day, Nick's actions reinforced his commitment to her, and Charlie couldn't help but feel a surge of gratitude and affection. In moments like these, nestled in his arms and feeling his warmth, she felt an overwhelming sense of contentment and joy.