nick and charlie: love is the strongest force

chapter thirty six

Tw: Anxiety

Nick and Charlie were curled up on Nick’s bed, the soft afternoon light filtering through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room. They had been watching a movie, though neither was really paying attention to it anymore. Instead, they were tangled together, with Nick’s head resting on Charlie’s chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

Nick held Charlie tightly, his fingers gripping the fabric of Charlie’s shirt as if letting go would mean losing the sense of safety he felt in Charlie’s arms. He had been unusually clingy all day, barely letting Charlie out of his sight since he arrived.

Charlie shifted slightly, trying to get more comfortable, but Nick tightened his hold, making a small, distressed noise.

“Hey, Nick,” Charlie said softly, running his hand through Nick’s hair. “I’m just trying to get comfy. I’m not going anywhere.”

Nick looked up at him with a vulnerable expression, his eyes wide and a little anxious. “Promise?”

Charlie smiled gently, cupping Nick’s face with his hand. “Promise. I’m right here.”

Nick nodded and relaxed a bit, but his grip on Charlie remained firm. They stayed like that for a while longer, the movie playing on in the background, forgotten. Charlie’s phone buzzed on the nightstand, and he reached for it, but Nick stopped him, pulling his arm back.

“Do you have to?” Nick asked quietly, his voice tinged with a hint of worry.

“It’s probably just my mum,” Charlie replied. “I’ll be quick, I promise.”

Nick hesitated before slowly letting go, watching intently as Charlie picked up his phone. He was relieved when Charlie didn’t get up but instead checked his messages while still lying beside him.

Charlie read the text and then set the phone down, turning his attention back to Nick. “See? Didn’t take long at all.”

Nick gave a small, sheepish smile. “I just… I like having you close.”

Charlie’s heart ached at how vulnerable Nick sounded. He leaned in and kissed Nick’s forehead. “I like being close to you too.”

They settled back into their comfortable position, but it wasn’t long before Charlie felt the need to stretch his legs. He gently untangled himself from Nick, sitting up on the edge of the bed.

“I’ll be right back,” Charlie said, noticing Nick’s slightly panicked expression. “Just going to the bathroom.”

Nick immediately sat up, reaching out for Charlie’s hand. “Can’t you wait?”

Charlie paused, seeing the anxiety in Nick’s eyes. He knew that Nick was still struggling with everything that had happened, the trauma making him more dependent than usual. Charlie squeezed Nick’s hand reassuringly.

“I’ll be quick, I promise,” Charlie said softly. “I’ll leave the door open so you can hear me.”

Nick bit his lip, clearly torn. He knew it was unreasonable to expect Charlie not to move, but the thought of being alone, even for a minute, was overwhelming. He nodded reluctantly, finally letting Charlie go.

“Okay… but hurry,” Nick whispered.

Charlie leaned in and kissed Nick gently before standing up and heading towards the bathroom. True to his word, he left the door slightly ajar so Nick could hear the water running.

Nick sat on the bed, his arms wrapped around himself, feeling a little lost without Charlie’s comforting presence next to him. Every second felt longer than it should, his mind racing with anxious thoughts. He knew Charlie would be back any moment, but that didn’t stop the fear from creeping in.