Under Your Skin: Nick and Charlie fanfic

Protective (Nick's Version)

The next day, I'm on my way to work when I see Charlie coming out of his building and walking to his car. I hadn't been a hundred percent certain the man I had seen when walking with Christian and Luke had been him, but now I know it was.

He's wearing a light blue denim jacket with a fleece collar, black skinny jeans that are ripped at the knee and white converse. He looks gorgeous, and I feel a buzz of excitement that I've got to see him today even though he's off work.

I don't think he's seen me, but it would feel weird just walking past without saying hello.
"Charlie!" I call, he looks up and his face goes slightly pink as I cross the road.
"Oh, hey." He says casually.
"I didn't know you lived here," I lie, "I live just up the road." I chuckle.
"Oh, do you?" He says as he opens his car door.
"Yeah, how come you drive? It's not far to walk." I laugh.
"I uhm, I don't like walking home on my own in the dark." He says awkwardly.
"I could walk with you when we leave at the same time," I blurt out, "to save you money on petrol." I add, in an attempt to not sound needy.
"Uhm, yeah. Maybe." He says quietly, looking down then back up at me.
"Well, the offers there. I need to go to work now, I'll see you tomorrow." I say, giving him a crooked smile.
"Yeah, see you tomorrow." He says as he gets in his car and I walk away.

I really hope I didn't come across as too eager. Since I got the impression that he also likes me, I've been trying to avoid being too 'Nick Nelson' with him. I've been told that not everyone appreciates the gold retriever energy that I apparently give off.

When I arrive at work, Monica greets me with a warm smile. I'm working the opening shift with her today, then she's leaving when Lily starts at twelve.
"Morning." I say, smiling at her as I walk over to the bar.
"Morning love." She says affectionately.
"Should we take the Halloween decorations down? I don't think Charlie's very keen on them." I say, picking up a fake pumpkin.
"He seems to be warming up to you." She says, giving me a mischievous look.
"Yeah, we seem to get on." I say, feeling my face flush.
"I think he's quite fond of you." She says, smiling.
"Really?" I ask, trying to stop myself smiling.
"Mmhmm." She murmurs, playfully.

I make a start on taking the Halloween decorations down, I notice that Monica keeps smirking at me. I don't know if she's picked up on the fact I like Charlie, but she seems like she wants to say something.

"What?" I chuckle, looking at her.
"Nothing, I don't want to pry." She says, giving me a mischievous look again.
"There's nothing going on between us." I laugh.
"But there could be?"
"I dunno." I say quietly, and I know I've gone bright red.
"You like him! I knew you did!" She laughs gleefully.
"I'm not really... Out... Or anything." I say awkwardly.
"Oh don't worry love, I'm not going to say anything." She says reassuringly.
"Thanks." I chuckle.
"Charlie comes across as a bit... Well, you know. But he's actually really sweet." She says, smiling.
"Yeah, I can see that." I laugh nervously.
"Don't be afraid to tell him you like him, it's very likely he feels the same."
"Yeah." I say quietly.

I wish I could just tell Charlie how I feel, he probably hasn't even realised. I know I'm very straight passing, when I've kissed guys when drunk, the always seem surprised that I actually like men.

It surprised me too, I spent my teenagers years being someone nobody would have assumed was anything but straight. I could always appreciate when a man was attractive, but I just assumed everyone thought that way.

When I told my close friends, Imogen, Otis, Sai and Christan, they were shocked but very supportive. My mum didn't seem very surprised, but maybe it was more the fact she doesn't care what my sexuality is.

****

On my way to work the following day, I start feeling a little nervous. I checked the rota yesterday, so I know that Charlie will already be there. Speaking to Monica yesterday, made me realise that I should stop being so scared to tell him how I feel. I don't plan on doing that today, but maybe I could try actually flirting with him.