The smell of popcorn and the distant sounds of arcade machines filled the air as Nick Nelson and Charlie Spring stepped into the dimly lit arcade, the neon lights reflecting off their faces. It was a Friday night, and the arcade was surprisingly empty—a perfect, quiet escape for the two.
Charlie's hand brushed against Nick's, a familiar spark running through him as their fingers intertwined naturally. Even after months of being together, the simple act of holding hands still made Charlie's heart race. Nick glanced down at him, his brown eyes soft, always silently checking if Charlie was okay. Charlie smiled in response, nodding as if to say, I'm good. I'm always good with you.
"Alright, Charlie," Nick said, his voice playful. "What game are we hitting first?"
Charlie looked around, pretending to be deep in thought. He pointed toward a skee-ball machine tucked into the corner. "You up for some competition?"
"Bring it on," Nick teased, his dimpled grin spreading wide.
They made their way over, and Nick dropped a coin into the machine, the familiar clatter of wooden balls rolling into the tray. The game began, and Nick took the first shot, effortlessly rolling a ball straight into the 50-point slot.
Charlie narrowed his eyes, laughing. "Okay, show off!"
Nick only shrugged innocently, taking another perfect shot. Charlie stepped up next, determined. He took a deep breath, focused, and launched the ball a little too hard—it bounced off the guard and landed in the 10-point slot.
"Oops," Charlie muttered, cheeks turning pink.
Nick laughed softly, leaning closer to Charlie. "You know, you don't have to win to impress me."
Charlie nudged him with his elbow, though the blush on his face deepened. "Yeah, well, I don't want to lose either."
They played a few more rounds, Nick easily taking the lead. But with each roll, Charlie found himself laughing more, relaxing in the glow of Nick's warmth. It wasn't about winning. It was about being there with Nick, in this quiet, hidden moment just for them.
After the last round, Nick draped his arm around Charlie's shoulders, pulling him close. "Guess I'm buying the victory milkshakes, then."
Charlie rolled his eyes playfully. "Fine. But next time, I'm practicing before we come here."
They made their way to the little snack bar in the arcade, sitting down at a booth with two chocolate milkshakes. As Charlie took a sip, he glanced at Nick, who was staring at him with that soft, adoring expression that still made his heart do somersaults.
"What?" Charlie asked, setting his drink down.
Nick smiled and shook his head. "Nothing. Just thinking about how lucky I am."
Charlie's heart skipped. "Nick..."
"I mean it," Nick said, reaching across the table to take Charlie's hand. His thumb brushed over Charlie's knuckles, grounding them both. "You're everything to me."
Charlie felt a warmth flood through him, not just from Nick's words but from the way he said them—so sincere, so full of love. He squeezed Nick's hand back, feeling the weight of everything they'd been through and how far they'd come.
"I'm lucky too," Charlie whispered. "More than you know."
Nick leaned across the table, and in the dim light of the arcade, surrounded by the soft hum of machines and the quiet clinks of coins, their lips met in a gentle, lingering kiss. It wasn't grand or flashy, but it was perfect—just like them.
When they pulled away, Charlie couldn't help but smile, the kind of smile that felt like it started from the deepest part of his chest. "You know what? Maybe we'll both win next time."
Nick chuckled, his forehead resting lightly against Charlie's. "Deal."
In that moment, beneath the arcade's neon glow, it was just them—time frozen, their love simple yet infinite.
YOU ARE READING
One shots
RomanceThese stories are fanfictions inspired by some of my favourite shows and movies, books. I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I enjoyed writing them! All of these were completed before posting, so you can dive right in without waiting for updates...
