nick and charlie: love is the strongest force

chapter fourty six

Tw: Smut

A few weeks later, Nick and Charlie found themselves nestled comfortably on the couch, a blanket draped over their legs as they watched a movie. The flickering light of the screen illuminated their faces, but the warmth between them came from their closeness. Nick leaned against Charlie, feeling safe and content, the stresses of the world outside forgotten for the moment.

As the movie played, Charlie turned his head slightly, a soft smile spreading across his face. "You know, I've been thinking," he began, breaking the comfortable silence. "I'm really proud of you, Nick."

Nick glanced up, curiosity sparkling in his eyes. "Really? Why?"

Charlie chuckled lightly, nudging Nick playfully. "For so many reasons! Like how you've been so brave with everything that's happened. It takes a lot of strength to keep moving forward, and you're doing it."

Nick felt a warm flush creep into his cheeks, the compliment washing over him like sunlight. "Thanks, Charlie. I'm just... trying my best."

"And you're doing amazing," Charlie continued, his tone becoming more serious but still filled with warmth. "Remember when we first started showering together? I thought you were going to explode with nerves!"

Nick laughed, the sound bright and genuine. "I was terrified!"

"But you've come so far since then," Charlie said, brushing his fingers through Nick's hair affectionately. "You're so much more comfortable with everything now, and I love that we can share those moments together."

Nick felt a flutter in his chest, a mix of happiness and pride. "I couldn't have done it without you," he admitted, feeling grateful. "You make it so much easier."

Charlie smiled, his eyes sparkling. "And let's not forget how you've been getting more confident about your boundaries and what you want. You've really grown into yourself."

Nick nodded, feeling a surge of appreciation. "I guess I have. I just—"

Before he could finish, Charlie leaned down and planted a gentle kiss on Nick's forehead. "And you're still the best at making me laugh. Remember that time you tried to dance to that cheesy pop song? I thought I was going to die from laughing!"

Nick laughed, his heart soaring at the memory. "I can't believe you saw that! I was just trying to impress you!"

"Well, you definitely did!" Charlie grinned, nudging him again. "And how about that time you defeated me at Mario Kart? I still don't know how you pulled that off."

"I have my secrets," Nick teased, a playful smirk on his lips. "But I'd say it was just luck."

Charlie shook his head, chuckling. "Luck or not, you made my day."

As they continued to cuddle, Nick felt a swell of happiness wash over him. Charlie's words meant the world, and he couldn't help but feel proud of how far they had come together.

"Thanks for believing in me, Charlie," Nick said softly, his heart full. "You make everything feel possible."

Charlie's expression softened, and he tightened his embrace around Nick. "Always. I'm here for you, no matter what."

The movie faded into the background as they shared another kiss, the world outside feeling distant and unimportant. In that moment, it was just the two of them, wrapped up in their own little bubble of warmth and love, feeling content and hopeful for whatever came next.

As they continued to cuddle on the couch, Charlie shifted slightly to face Nick, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "You know," he began playfully, "I've been thinking about how adorable you look when you blush."