I'm not me

Part 7

✨A/N here's 1191 words enjoy!✨
Being in England, where the Royal Mail operates 24/7, it hadn't been long since the couple had placed their order before it arrived at their doorstep.

There was a sharp knock on the door, and Nick, who knew exactly what it was, quickly got up to answer it, mindful not to disturb Charlie who was still asleep.

"Good morning," greeted the delivery person, holding out the package.

"Morning, thank you. Have a great rest of your day," Nick replied warmly, taking the package from them.

"Oh, thank you, you too," the delivery person said cheerfully before heading back to their van.

Nick closed the door softly and tiptoed to the kitchen, deciding to surprise Charlie with breakfast

Once everything was cooked to perfection, Nick heard faint movements echoing through the house, indicating Charlie was awake. He placed the pancakes on a plate, drizzled them with syrup, and poured fresh coffee into two mugs.

"Charlie, breakfast is ready whenever you want it!" Nick called out, his voice carrying through the quiet morning, though unsure of whereabouts Charlie in the house.

As Charlie descended the stairs, Nick observed their movements and read the body language they conveyed. They settled onto a barstool at the kitchen island, and Nick instinctively came around from behind, wrapping his arms gently around their waist.

"What's up, my love?" Nick asked, his voice filled with genuine concern, ensuring Charlie felt his undivided attention.

"I don't know, Nick," Charlie replied softly, their voice tinged with uncertainty. "I'm not sure who I am today."

"Oh, love, it's okay," Nick reassured her, his arms tightening slightly around them. "No matter what, even if you just want me to use 'Charlie' instead of pronouns or gendered terms, whatever you want, Char. I've always said that, even before all of this. I'm not going anywhere."

Nick kissed the top of Charlie's head tenderly, his embrace offering comfort and security. Charlie leaned into him, feeling a wave of gratitude wash over them.

"Thank you, Nick," they whispered, their voice filled with emotion.

Nick held them a moment longer, silently reaffirming his love and support. In that intimate embrace, they found solace and strength, knowing that together they could navigate whatever uncertainties lay ahead.

"What's for breakfast?" Charlie's voice floated through the kitchen, a hint of morning grogginess in their tone.

"I thought I would make some bacon, eggs, and toast. However, you pick what you want; don't feel like you need to have all three," Nick replied, expertly flipping a piece of bacon in the frying pan.

"Sure, sounds good. Can I eat off your plate today, Nick?" Charlie asked, their gaze soft and affectionate as they leaned against the kitchen counter.

"Yes, my love. What would you like?" Nick responded, smiling warmly at Charlie.

"A little bit of everything, please. Maybe a quarter or half a piece of toast with butter," Charlie requested thoughtfully, considering their appetite for the morning.

"Of course. Do you want to pick where to sit, and I'll go get it?" Nick offered, wiping his hands on a kitchen towel.

The couple shared a quick kiss before Charlie headed into the living room. Nick, after finishing preparing the breakfast, noticed Charlie sitting on the couch, legs crossed, absorbed in the morning light filtering through the window. Their peaceful demeanor brought a smile to Nick's face as he approached with a tray of food.

"Hey, it's ready," Nick called out cheerfully as he entered the living room with a tray in hand. He placed a plate of bacon, eggs, and toast on the coffee table in front of Charlie.

"Here's your fork and knife if you want to use them," Nick said, handing over the cutlery with a warm smile. He settled down beside Charlie, getting comfortable on the couch next to them.

The morning sun filled the room with a gentle warmth, creating a cozy atmosphere around the couple. Nick glanced at Charlie, admiring how the soft light played on their features, highlighting the peaceful expression on their face.

As the two finished their breakfast, Charlie gathered their cutlery and quietly made their way to the kitchen to rinse them off. After grabbing a glass of water, they returned to the living room and settled back onto the couch, snuggling up close to Nick.

This routine wasn't out of character for Charlie, but Nick sensed something was amiss. He glanced at Charlie, noticing a slight furrow in their brow and a thoughtful expression on their face.

"Baby, are you okay?" Nick asked gently, his concern evident in his voice.

"Yeah, I think so. I'm not sure," Charlie responded softly, their gaze drifting away momentarily.

"Talk to me, please. What's on your mind?" Nick encouraged, placing a comforting hand on Charlie's shoulder. He wanted them to know he was there, ready to listen and support them however they needed.
Charlie released a deep breath, the tension evident in their posture melting away as they spoke. "I think I'm just really worried and stressed about presenting more feminine. Everyone knows me as 'boy Charlie,' and I don't think I could wear the clothes we purchased the other day, especially around our friends, particularly when Tao's around."

Nick could sense the emotional weight in Charlie's words and actions. Without hesitation, he lifted Charlie onto his lap, holding them tightly in a comforting embrace. Despite his initial worry about hurting Charlie, they had reassured him many times that the weight and closeness were comforting.

"You do whatever you need to do to feel comfortable, even if that means you're not out to our friends," Nick reassured Charlie, his voice steady and supportive. "However, I think Tao would be okay with it. You know he's been dating Elle since high school."

"That's true. I kinda forgot about that side of things," Charlie admitted, their voice softening with a mixture of relief and realization. Being in Nick's arms felt safe and secure, and his understanding and acceptance meant the world to them in that moment.

"Something came for you this morning while you were sleeping," Nick said gently as he got up and walked to the kitchen. He returned moments later, holding Charlie's package in his hands.

"What's this?" Charlie asked curiously, eyeing the package with interest.

"Why don't you open it?" Nick suggested with a smile.

Charlie eagerly tore open the package, revealing the clothes they had ordered. They carefully inspected each item, feeling the texture and admiring the colors. Nick watched as Charlie's expression shifted, sensing their thoughts racing.

"What's up?" Nick asked, noticing Charlie's contemplative demeanor.

In the softest voice possible, Charlie spoke, "Would you be comfortable if I wear these around the house?"

Nick strained to hear Charlie's words, spoken in their quietest tone. Over the years of being together, he had learned to listen carefully when Charlie used this voice, understanding the significance it held. He never asked them to repeat themselves in these moments.

Nick smiled warmly at Charlie, his eyes filled with love and reassurance. "Of course, Char. I want you to feel comfortable and happy. Wear them whenever you want."