Tw: seperation anxiety
Nick and Charlie lay on Nick's bed, entangled in each other's arms. The room was dimly lit, the soft hum of the ceiling fan providing a soothing backdrop to their quiet conversation. For the first time in what felt like ages, Nick felt a semblance of peace. He closed his eyes, letting himself sink into the warmth and security of Charlie's embrace.
Just as they were beginning to drift off, the tranquil moment was interrupted by the insistent buzz of Charlie's phone. He sighed, reluctantly disentangling himself from Nick to check the screen.
"It's my mum," Charlie said, his voice tinged with worry as he sat up and answered the call. "Hey, Mum."
Jane Springer's voice came through the phone, loud enough for Nick to hear the agitation in her tone. "Charlie, you need to come home right now! I've been calling you all afternoon."
Charlie frowned, glancing at Nick, who was starting to look uneasy. "Mum, I told you I was at Nick's. He needs me right now."
"I don't care, Charlie," Jane snapped. "You have responsibilities here, too. You can't just spend all your time at Nick's house. You need to come home."
Charlie tried to keep his voice calm, knowing how upset Nick was. "Mum, it's not that simple. Nick has separation anxiety. He needs me here to feel safe."
Jane's tone was unyielding. "Charlie, you're not his therapist. You need to come home and do your chores and your homework. This isn't up for debate."
Nick, who had been listening quietly, felt a lump form in his throat. He couldn't bear the thought of being alone, especially after everything that had happened with Ben and Tyler. The fear and anxiety threatened to overwhelm him again. He clung tighter to Charlie, his eyes wide and filled with tears.
Charlie saw the panic in Nick's eyes and squeezed his hand reassuringly. "Mum, please understand. Nick's going through a really hard time right now. I'm helping him cope. Can't you give me a bit more time here?"
"Charlie, enough!" Jane's voice was firm and final. "If you're not home in the next thirty minutes, there will be serious consequences."
Charlie sighed heavily, feeling trapped between his mother's demands and his commitment to Nick. "Fine. I'll be home soon."
He hung up the phone and turned to Nick, who was now trembling, tears streaming down his face. "I'm so sorry, baby. I don't want to leave you like this."
Nick shook his head, his voice breaking. "Please, Charlie, don't leave me. I can't do this without you. I need you here."
Charlie's heart broke at the sight of Nick's desperation. He wrapped his arms around Nick, pulling him close. "I'll talk to her again later. Maybe if she understands more about what you're going through, she'll be more understanding."
Nick nodded, but his grip on Charlie tightened. "I just... I don't want to be alone."
Charlie kissed Nick's forehead gently. "You won't be. I'll call you as soon as I get home, okay? And I'll come back first thing in the morning."
Nick clung to Charlie, sobbing into his shoulder. "Okay. Just... don't forget to call."
"I won't," Charlie promised, giving Nick one last, lingering kiss before he reluctantly stood up and grabbed his things. Nick's tears continued to flow, his sobs echoing in the room.
As Charlie made his way to the door, Nick's crying grew more frantic. "Charlie, please don't go. Please."
Charlie turned back, his heart aching. He rushed to Nick's side, holding him tightly. "I know, baby. I don't want to leave either. But I promise, I'll be back as soon as I can. You're going to be okay."
Nick buried his face in Charlie's chest, his body shaking with sobs. "I'm scared, Charlie. What if I can't do this without you?"
"You can, my love. You're stronger than you think. And I'll always be here for you, no matter what," Charlie said, his voice soothing.
They stayed like that for a while, Charlie holding Nick as he cried, whispering reassurances. Eventually, Charlie knew he had to go, even though it tore him apart to leave Nick in such a state.
He gently pulled back, wiping away Nick's tears. "I'll call you as soon as I get home, okay?"
Nick nodded, still clinging to Charlie's hand. "Okay. Just... don't take too long."
"I won't," Charlie promised again, giving Nick one last kiss before finally, reluctantly, walking out the door.
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Charlie arrived home just as his mother had demanded. Jane was waiting for him in the living room, her arms crossed and her expression stern.
"Charlie, you need to learn to balance your time better," she began. "I understand you want to help Nick, but you have responsibilities here too."
Charlie nodded, his jaw clenched in frustration. "I know, Mum. But Nick really needs me right now. He's been through so much, and I'm one of the few people he feels safe with."
Jane's eyes narrowed. "I don't care about Nick's problems, Charlie. You have a family here, and you need to be present. You're not his babysitter."
Charlie's frustration boiled over. "Mum, it's not like that! He's my boyfriend, and he's going through something really traumatic. I can't just leave him alone."
Jane's voice turned icy. "You need to prioritize your life, Charlie. You can't always be running off to Nick's whenever he has a problem. You have responsibilities and obligations here. End of discussion."
Charlie clenched his fists, trying to contain his anger. "Mum, you don't understand. He's been through so much, and he needs me. Why can't you just be a little understanding?"
Jane shook her head, her expression unyielding. "You're not his therapist, Charlie. If you keep this up, you'll lose yourself in his problems. You need to come home and focus on your own life. Now, go to your room and do your homework."
Charlie sighed heavily, knowing there was no point in arguing further. "Fine. I'll do my homework."
He turned and trudged up the stairs, his heart heavy with worry for Nick. He knew his mum wouldn't understand, but he couldn't abandon Nick in his time of need. He'd find a way to be there for him, no matter what.
YOU ARE READING
nick and charlie: love is the strongest force
RomanceNick and charlie have been going out for a little over a year, and they are ready to take their relationship further, but can anyone break these two. Started: 21/10/23 Finished: 07/10/24