All's fair in Love and Hockey - A Nick and Charlie Fan Fiction

start of summer

Char's POV:

"Okay class that concludes this semesters class on classical philosophy." The professor sets his glasses on the table and turns to face us. "Let's not forget to congratulate Nick on your way out for being the first student invited to play hockey in France this summer".

I look over at Nick and his cheeks are flushed from the attention. He picks up his book and quickly darts out of the room. I stay behind to talk to the Professor one last time about Plato.

I make it back to my room and sink into my bed. The first year of college is finally over. All I can think about is how much different next year will be.  A soft knock on the door takes me out of my trance. I get up slowly and make my way to the door. "What?" I ask Max after he doesn't say anything. "Uh, can I come in?" He takes a step forward and pauses. "Sure" I roll my eyes and gesture for him to come in.

"Are you really just going to let Nick leave without saying anything?" He coughs awkwardly.

"We haven't spoken once since class started. Why would I go out of my way now". I snap. In reality I want nothing more than to talk to him, but it's not good for either of us.

"I can't believe your letting your feelings for each other get in the way. Do you know he's talking about staying there after the summer and studying abroad?" He huffs. "Good for him" I shurg my shoulders as my heart breaks into a million pieces.

"You know.." he pauses, trying to find the right words. "You said you wouldn't date Nick because you didn't want to loose your best friend. But you've lost him anyway". He shoves past me and walks out the door.

I sink back into my bed pondering what he said.

Flash back to the first day of the semester:

"Hey Char, can I sit here?" Nick stutters. "I think it would be best if we don't sit with each other this semester" I mutter "what?" He steps back stunned. "I just think we need some space and I'd really like to do well in class and I can't do that with you messing around all semester." He takes another step back, the hurt spreads across his face. "Well I'm sorry I'm such a distraction" he turns on his heels and storms off.

That was the last time we talked.

Present day:
Nicks Pov:

"Well?" I ask my hand is gripped tight on the suitcase handle. Max just shrugs and shakes his head. "He's really not coming?" He shakes his head again. I grip my suitcase tighter. "Okay, then I'm off to the airport." I try to hold in the tears. This is my worst nightmare. Not only am I not with Charlie but I lost my best friend in the process. "Hang in there, he will come around" Ryker yells from Max's bedroom. They have been inseparable these past few months.

I stop outside Char's door and I reach my hand up to knock but I just can't bring myself to do it. If he doesn't want me in his life then so be it.

I arrive at the airport and get checked in. I make my way over to the gate. "There's our star player" Hayden throws his arms around me. He leans back and gives me a kiss on the cheek. "Gotta prepare for greetings in France" he winks. I nod my head slowly.

I check my phone one last time before boarding for any text from Charlie but see nothing. He's made up his mind, so be it. I made up my mind. Charlie Spring, if this is how you want to play it then let's play.