nick and charlie: love is the strongest force

chapter thirty three

Tw: smutish? Anxiety

As the evening continued, the room was filled with a soft, comfortable silence. Nick and Charlie lay close to one another, the steady rhythm of their breathing creating a calm and intimate atmosphere. Nick’s head rested on Charlie’s chest, listening to the steady thump of his heartbeat. It was a sound that always reassured him, grounding him in the present moment.

Nick knew that tonight was different. Over the past few weeks, he had been working through his fears and anxieties with Geoff, and slowly, he began to feel more in control of his emotions. He was still healing, still finding his way back to himself, but there was a part of him that wanted to take a step forward with Charlie—something that felt like reclaiming what Tyler had tried to take from him.

Charlie, ever patient and attentive, had noticed the shift in Nick. He didn’t push or rush anything; he simply let Nick take the lead. As they lay there, he could sense that Nick was deep in thought, perhaps considering what they might do next. Charlie gently rubbed his hand along Nick’s back, offering silent comfort and support.

Nick took a deep breath, feeling the warmth of Charlie’s hand and the steady rise and fall of his chest. He lifted his head slightly to look at Charlie, meeting his gaze with a mixture of determination and nervousness.

"Char," Nick began, his voice soft but steady. "I think... I’m ready to try going a bit further tonight."

Charlie’s eyes softened, filled with love and understanding. "Are you sure, Nick? We don’t have to do anything you’re not comfortable with."

Nick nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "I’m sure. I just... I want to try. But I’ll let you know if I need to stop, okay?"

"Of course," Charlie replied, his voice gentle. "We’ll take it slow. You’re in control."

Nick’s heart swelled with affection for Charlie. He leaned in and kissed him, a soft and tender kiss that conveyed all the love and trust he felt. Charlie kissed him back, just as tenderly, his hand continuing to rub soothing circles on Nick’s back.

The kiss deepened gradually, both of them losing themselves in the familiar sensation. It was slow and unhurried, a gentle exploration of each other’s emotions. As the kiss grew more passionate, Nick felt a flutter of nerves, but it was accompanied by a growing sense of confidence.

After a few minutes, Charlie’s hand moved from Nick’s back to the hem of his shirt. He paused, his eyes searching Nick’s for any sign of hesitation. Nick nodded, giving him permission to continue. Charlie slowly lifted Nick’s shirt, pulling it off and discarding it to the side.

Nick felt a brief moment of vulnerability as he sat shirtless before Charlie, but the warmth in Charlie’s gaze quickly eased his nerves. Charlie leaned in, pressing soft kisses to Nick’s collarbone, his chest, and his shoulders. Each kiss felt like a reassurance, a reminder that Nick was safe and loved.

Nick closed his eyes, focusing on the sensation of Charlie’s lips on his skin. It felt good—more than good. It felt right. The anxiety that had been lurking in the back of his mind began to fade, replaced by a sense of closeness and connection.

Charlie’s hands moved down to the waistband of Nick’s trousers, pausing once again to check in with him. "Is this okay?" Charlie asked, his voice full of care.

Nick took a deep breath, feeling the last remnants of his anxiety slip away. "Yeah, it’s okay," he whispered, his voice steady.

Charlie carefully unbuttoned Nick’s trousers, his fingers moving with deliberate slowness. Nick watched him, feeling a mix of nervousness and anticipation. But as Charlie gently began to pull down Nick’s trousers, Nick found that he wasn’t as scared as he thought he might be. Instead, he felt a growing sense of comfort in the moment in the trust he had in Charlie.