nick and charlie: love is the strongest force

chaper twenty seven

Tw: hospital, mention of sh

Nick woke to the sound of muffled voices and the steady beeping of a heart monitor. His body felt heavy, weighed down by exhaustion and the lingering sting of his self-inflicted wounds. He blinked, trying to focus his vision, and realized he was in a hospital bed. The sterile scent of antiseptic filled the air, mingling with the soft hum of machinery.

His mum, Sarah, sat beside him, her eyes red-rimmed and puffy from crying. She clutched his hand tightly, her face etched with worry and relief. Nick's heart sank as he saw the pain in her eyes, knowing he was the cause.

"Nick, sweetheart," Sarah said softly, her voice trembling. "You're awake. Thank God."

Nick tried to speak, but his throat was dry and raw. He managed a weak nod, his eyes filling with tears. The weight of his actions pressed heavily on him, and he felt a deep sense of shame.

Sarah squeezed his hand, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Why, Nick? Why didn't you tell me you were hurting this much?"

Nick shook his head, tears spilling down his cheeks. "I'm sorry, Mum," he croaked. "I didn't know how to... I didn't want to be a burden."

"You're never a burden, Nick," Sarah said firmly, her voice breaking. "You're my son. I love you more than anything, and I'm here for you. Always."

Nick's heart ached at her words, the love and concern in her voice piercing through the fog of his despair. He nodded, unable to find the right words to express his feelings. The door to his room opened, and a nurse stepped in, followed closely by Charlie.

Charlie's face was pale, his eyes wide with worry. He rushed to Nick's side, his hands trembling as he took in the sight of his boyfriend lying in the hospital bed. "Nick," he whispered, his voice choked with emotion. "I'm so sorry. I should have been there. I shouldn't have left you."

Nick shook his head, his voice barely a whisper. "It's not your fault, Charlie. I just... I couldn't handle everything. I felt so alone."

Charlie's eyes filled with tears as he leaned down to gently kiss Nick's forehead. "You're not alone, Nick. I'm here, and I'm not going anywhere."

The nurse stepped forward, her expression gentle and understanding. "We're going to keep you here for a little while, Nick, just to make sure you're okay. There are people who want to help you, and it's important that you let them."

Nick nodded, his heart heavy with the weight of his emotions. He knew he needed help, that he couldn't continue down this path of self-destruction. The nurse checked his vitals and made a few notes before leaving the room, giving Nick a reassuring smile as she closed the door behind her.

Sarah sat back down, her hand never leaving Nick's. "We'll get through this, Nick," she said softly. "Together."

Nick closed his eyes, feeling the warmth of his mother's love and Charlie's unwavering support. For the first time in a long while, he allowed himself to hope that things might get better.