#tara singh

[didanagy]

KAMA SUTRA: A TALE OF LOVE (1996)

dir. mira nair

[glimmerfander]

my first contribution to this year's Oseman pride event - gay/lesbian week 💚🩵🤍💙💜🤝❤️🧡🤍💗🩷

Carys and Darcy are exchanging childhood traumas, Imogen is sharing her comphet phase with Pip (who is very amused) and Rita (who is less amused), Daniel is rethinking his entire existence, and Jimmy is being interrogated by annoying fans

close-ups under cut

[heartstopperupdates]

Some Behind the scenes photos from season 2!! You can tell it's from season two by the way Kit and Bradley are dressed. It's there prom outfits. 🤍🍂

[embodiedinscribed]

Feeling emotional with a creeping sadness. So obviously, it's time to watch Heartstopper again.

[tritogeneia]

Fan Casting James Gunn's DC Universe's Teen Titans

I have been on Tumblr for about 10 years now(good god I'm ancient) and have mostly reblogged but today have decided to put my comic knowledge to the test: by fan casting James Gunn's DC Universe's Teen Titans because why not. I will be including pictures and links to Youtube videos when I reference them, but otherwise, enjoy. This was mostly fueled because Creature Feature or whatever it's called had a still that included Starfire, confirming her existence in this universe.

Side note: there's like 50 members of the Teen Titans across comics and I ain't doing all that so to make it easier for me(and you), here is the team I've made to make it more digestible.

Also, I want to make it clear that ages don't really matter here, because this is tumblr, but I do mention them just for sometimes. However, I did try my hardest to actually get actors and actresses in, and not just models because not all models can act, and also because they are called the TEEN Titans, but several of them were on the team when they were in college and not teens anymore.

Obviously, there's the Perez + Wolfman team of Nightwing, Starfire, Beast Boy, Raven & Cyborg, but also some of the other obvious ones: Arsenal(Roy Harper), Wally West, Rose Wilson/Ravager, Cassie Sandsmark/Wonder Girl II, Speedy II, Miss Martian, Jaime Reyes/Blue Beetle III, Bart Allen/Kid Flash, Kiran Singh/Solstice and, of course, Tara Markov/Terra. That's a lot of people so let's get into it!

Dick Grayson/Robin I/Nightwing

So, there aren't a lot of Romani actors that are both

a) young enough/alive to play Dick

and/or

b) actually able to match his skill set

So, I decided to think outside the box a little bit. A youtube video I watched recently casted an actor from the Ms. Marvel show, the one who played the love interest character for Kamala Khan as Dick Grayson. And while I don't think it's necessarily a bad choice, I just don't think it's one that I personally would pick because the actor himself is pretty beefed up. I honestly would have him play Jason instead because of his build. Anyways, for my pick, I decided to essentially look at old maps of Romani populations pre-World War 2, because that's when their populations in Eastern Europe would've been the largest. Romania housed the largest population of Romani people pre-World War 2, and Romania was apart of the Ottoman Empire, and Romani people had civil rights in the Ottoman Empire dating back to the 15th Century.

With all that said, I decided that a Romanian actor would probably be a little bit more fitting, since it was a little more historically relevant(unless a young Romani actor becomes huge in the next few years, in which I will edit this and add them in here instead). Without further ado, my choice for the role of Dick Grayson is... Stefan Iancu.

Stefan is 27, and has starred in a number of projects since the age of four. Most notably, for people in the states, he was in Killing Eve! I chose him mostly for the reasons above, but also because a lot of his projects have been either physically active projects(such as war/spy/historical wartime projects) and also because he has won several awards in Romania for his acting prowess.

~~~

Koriand'r/Starfire

Okay, so this isn't going to be controversial because while I have never seen the show Titans(mostly because half the time the screen is basically pitch black so you can't watch it anyways), I actually don't mind Anna Diop as Starfire. And ever since I saw Megan Thee Stallion's Starfire cosplay for Halloween last year I was FLOORED. So no, I am NOT in the "black women can't play Starfire" camp. I think a black woman SHOULD play Starfire. But who?

To start, she should be tall. Most incarnations of Starfire show her as being as tall as or even taller than Dick. Stefan Iancu is 5'7"(sorry anyone who uses the Metric System- that's about 1.702 meters). So we're aiming for someone who is 5'7 at least or taller. And that person is Tati Gabrielle. So I did originally want someone taller, but Tati is the same height as Stefan and also while I don't exactly love the idea of wedge heels , regular degular heels will also work, or shoe inserts.

She is slated to play the protagonist in the newest Naughty Dog game, and also starred in You season 3, The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Uncharted(movie) and so much more! Miss girl IS the moment.

~~~

Garfield Logan/Beast Boy

So Beast Boy is a little bit of an interesting case. For Dick and Kori, their backstories are pretty cut and dry. But Garfield's is pretty long and complicated, and also he's been around since the 60's, and he was a member of the Doom Patrol, and also he was experimented on(but sometimes he's not? Comics are weird), but he's smart, but he's also not. And he has a healing factor, but then he doesn't.

So, yeah. For Garfield, I think it would be better to just give him the most basic of basic backstories, and just do that. Since I know this will(probably) only be read by like four people anyways, I will continue on as if you, the reader, know this already. Garfield comes from a family of scientists who live in Africa studying animals and sometimes they're trying to bring back extinct species, and sometimes they run animal sanctuaries. Either way, they are animal lovers. His race isn't necessarily a huge part of his identity, considering he's... you know... GREEN. So honestly any actor will do here.

And that actor, I have decided is going to be Josh Heuston. So this man is Australian(and tall at 5'11), and he's also very pretty. I am very slightly tempted to switch this man and Stefan Iancu, because LOOK AT HIS EYES AND JAWLINE. But, I stand by my decision, because I did all that research and I'll be damned if I let it go to waste. I think him having green eyes is just the cherry on top. Now, let's move on!

~~~

Rachel Roth/Raven

Raven isn't hard to get right and I am tired of people acting like it is. Raven isn't a teenager who is looking for attention or some random kid that's just losing her mind for fun, she's a tormented soul. Her powers are connected to her emotions, so she genuinely can't allow herself to feel any emotion, positive or negative. Think of trying to jumpstart a car. You have to be careful because if you're not you could hurt yourself or mess up your car, right? That's Raven's power in a nutshell. I have OCD, and so I can relate to having that shadow hanging behind me, saying "you are everything bad they think you are", which is still something I struggle with. All in all, Raven isn't someone who just has these crazy freak outs- she loses control because Trigon deliberately makes her by controlling her mind.

Anyways, rant over. Raven is one of my favorite characters of all time so this was more of a passion rant than anything else. My pick to play Raven is Barbie Ferreira!

Now, I have never seen Euphoria, I honestly haven't really been interested in watching it. It's always felt kind of fetishy and exploitative to me and I don't want to consume content like that anyways, so it's never really been on my radar. But, from the snippets I've seen on social media, I think Barbie can really pull it off, because it seems like she has a skill that I also share- no one ever knows what I'm ever feeling. I'm very good at chameleoning my way through life, and no one can ever read my body language or facial expressions very accurately, because I've mastered just... not giving them up. So Barbie is my choice.

~~~

Victor Stone/Cyborg

Victor is definitely one of those characters who needs to be the most human of the team. Getting him right means getting the reason why the Titans work so well right. If you've seen the teaser trailer for the new Fantastic Four movie and saw how they behaved and talked around the Thing/Ben Grimm, Victor is essentially the Titans' version of Ben. He holds the team down, and he also knows what humanity means, even though he's surrounded by Gods and Monsters and often feels like a monster himself. Anyways, for Victor, I have chosen the amazingly talented Jharell Jerome! I was originally going to go with John Boyega, but then decided to go with Jharell because he's from the Bronx, and it was really important for me that for Cyborg at least, that he was African American, so that there was that cultural understanding of POCs in the US and already not trusting police or law enforcement.

With Victor, he basically goes into hiding immediately after his transformation, and it was important for me to have that connection of why he would be so afraid to go outside(aside from the normal, I'm now half robot stuff) and why he would be such a rock for the Titans, and it would give him motivation to be that person for others as well.

~~~~~

Okay so now that we have the MAIN FIVE Titans out of the way, I'm going to start going into the other Titans that I want to see and would love to see be included, as well as my dream casting for them.

So to start, there's Roy Harper/Arsenal, Wally West and Donna Troy, who are all founding members of the original Titans but haven't been members in decades(looking at you Wally and Donna). Donna I am keeping off this list because her comic background is just so weird and confusing that even I don't get it(and that's saying something), so for everyone's sanity I am keeping her off this list.

For Wally, most of the comics have him either die or "disappear into the speed force" before returning after a while, so I'm thinking of either having him as a background character that's mentioned as dead already OR have him actually just be the Flash because for a really long time Barry Allen actually was just dead for a while and Wally was the Flash.

Roy is simply Roy. He's had three names, has a daughter with Cheshire(this is important later), and sometimes is a clone, sometimes is the original and has 3 other clones, and sometimes he's hooking up with Starfire who's also hooking up with Jason Todd(THANK YOU NEW 52 #THENEW52SUCKS). So let's just take it easy and start with Wally.

So don't throw pitchforks at me, but I actually hate when studios change red headed characters from red headed to people of color. NOT because they're now people of color but because it's really lazy. Like, really? You couldn't just CREATE a new charater with a similar-ish name and call it a day? MCU's Spiderman did it with Michelle Jones-Watson, and it worked perfectly because she's not MJ. Sure, her name is MJ, but it's not Mary-Jane.

Anyways, all this to say that Wally, Roy and Miss Martian will be sporting their red hair because those are my rules. Bart has brown hair so he doesn't count. And Starfire was already established to basically be a woman of color at her creation anyways so she also doesn't count. So, interlude over, let's continue.

~~~

Wally West/Kid Flash

So, for Wally, I actually was pretty quick with choosing him because apparently there's an abundance of ginger actors in Hollywood but also I already had someone in mind. And that someone is Cameron Monaghan!

Now, not only was he hilarious on Shameless, but he's just genuinely talented in general. Most people consider him to be a GOOD Joker in Gotham until the writers did the split personality type thing and ruined all the plot they had built up. And that's a feat few people have under their belt. Especially for a pretty "meh it's okay" TV show. I think he would work as Wally either as the Flash or even as a flashback because he just is able to adapt as an actor, which is what makes him so talented.

~~~

Roy Harper/Arsenal

So I also got Roy figured out pretty quick, only because I was looking for someone who just kind looks rough. Roy in the comics usually has a past with addictions, and also he is almost always portrayed with long hair and a trucker hat. So for Roy, I found someone who has long red hair and looks a little rough around the edges(which is fine, I also look rough about 90% of the time). And that person is Caleb Landry Jones!

Caleb is most well known for being in Get Out, but he's been in other films and projects since then. He was pretty menacing in Get Out, which is also why I picked him, because Roy has a pretty complicated relationship with Green Arrow and even the other Titans at certain points in the comics.

~~~

Rose Wilson/Ravager

Okay, so this one might be my magnum opus. Rose Wilson is the second child and only daughter of Deathstroke. As a child, he wanted her to be exactly like him so he blinded her in one eye to match his. Rose has enhanced strength, speed, stamina, durability, agility, reflexes, senses, intellect, accelerated healing and decelerated aging. She's also an expert marksman and swordsman like her father.

Originally I was going to try and find a Black woman with albinism to portray Rose, because Rose has stark white hair, just like Deathstroke. But there sadly aren't any actresses that fit the part. So we are going to have to break the mold a little bit.

Thando Hopa. She's a South African model with albinism. She is the first person with albinism to strike the cover of Vogue magazine. She's a little older than my age cutoff, but honestly she's clearly been blessed with the no-age gene because she looks like she's in her early 20s

~~~

Cassie Sandsmark/Wonder Girl II

Wonder Woman is my favorite superhero. There, I said it. She is the moment, and Cassie is probably my favorite sidekick ever because she's just so unique. Something that the writers at DC did that really surprised me is that they actually took tropes from Ancient Greek myths when they wrote Cassie's stories in the early 2000s.

One of Cassie's follies is rage. Like the story of Heracles, she becomes enraged to easily and often just relies on her strength and lets her anger fuel it. So, naturally, Ares gives her a lasso that can channel Zeus' lightning bolts, but only when she gets angry. Ares wants Cassie to be his champion, and often tries to fuel her own anger to convince her to join his side.

Obviously, this is metal as hell and needs to be a plot point, so we need an actress that can actually portray mad. Who can portray that primal feeling of anger and show no remorse for nearly leveling a town because of it. And that can only be done by one person specifically(at least for this role): Samara Weaving.

I don't know if you guys have seen Ready or Not but she absolutely slays the house DOWN in this. She takes no prisoners, kicks ass, and has no remorse for it. She is absolutely perfect for this role.

~~~

M'gann M'orzz/Miss Martian

Hoo boy. You thought my rant on Raven was bad? Put your seatbelts on, we are about to enter a new level of rant.

I grew up watching Young Justice. It was the show I would watch everyday before going to school. And M'gann's story of desperately wanting to fit in and doing anything to achieve that? Yeah, super felt. Being constantly rejected or left behind left me clinging to this character like a life line, waiting for life to reel me back in. And honestly? I'm kind of still waiting.

But anyways, M'gann is one of my favorite animated characters, and she is so complex. Her motivations, wants, needs and even attributes are all in an attempt to hide her true Martian heritage.

In DC lore, there are 2 main races of Martians on Mars. Green Martians(duh) and White Martians. They were once the same, some stuff happened, they split, and now they're somehow the same but different? Comics are weird. Anyways, M'gann is a White Martian that 'disguises' herself as a Green so that she can have more acceptance due to the constant rejection and bullying she received as a child. So, she uses the name Miss Martian and shapeshifts her skin green.

This is a SUPER important part to her character and cannot be fudged up. It's the ultimate motivation for her, and her slowly coming to accept it and be more open with her true self.

The reason why I say her appearance is so important is because in the Young Justice show, she ties her appearance to a show that her uncle, Martian Manhunter, used to send to Mars when she was a kid that she latched onto. So, her appearance is super important and it's why whenever I see her being played by someone who just kind of looks normal or doesn't look recognizable, it does a giant disservice to M'gann and her character. So, I chose Sadie Sink as the actress to play M'gann.

The reason why I chose Sadie is because Sadie is recognizable. You know what she looks like and can instantly say "oh, that's Sadie Sink". I think that either Stranger Things or something similar that Sadie has been in that is very recognizable to the audience should be the reason why M'gann uses this as her "face" essentially, because then it would be more relatable to the audience, and make M'gann's reasonings and motivations more clear. And, they could literally just essentially paint Sadie green it would still work- that's how committed M'gann is to keeping her true form a secret. She doesn't need to be unrecognizable, she needs to look like Sadie Sink but green.

~~~

Jaime Reyes/Blue Beetle III

Oh Jaime, how thankful I am that the Blue Beetle movie exists. Xolo Maridueña is somehow my dream casting and the perfect role for Jaime, so thanks for doing my job for me, Blue Beetle movie!

~~~

Bart Allen/Impulse/Kid Flash

Sooooo, two speedsters on one list? Shocking, I know. But Bart is one of the funniest characters known to comics(at least for speedsters) and that's saying something because Wally exists. There's this great comic of Bart getting a Green Lantern tattoo or something(because he can't get a Flash one, that would give away his secret identity, duh!) and from just him going from tattoo shop to the Titans Tower, he shows the team(who are all thoroughly unimpressed) and it literally disappears due to his metabolism and healing factor. 100 bucks down the drain, my guy.

This makes me laugh every time I think about it. Truly one for the ages. Also those bangs and headband combo on Cassie? Iconic.

Anyways, I think that Wyatt Oleff would make a great Bart, just because of his one-liners in It and It Part II. I think with a good script, it would be a match made in heaven.

~~~

Kiran Singh/Solstice

So Kiran is someone who is really important because good Desi representation in Western media is lacking, and with the release of Ms. Marvel, that gaping hole of Desi representation is becoming more and more visible. So, I added Kiran because we need good Desi and good South East Asian representation. Kiran has been described by her creators as "a positive spirit - influenced by the various cultures she’s encountered during her travels throughout the world. She embraces life and all the adventure and experiences it offers". She manipulates light and can fly. She basically can blast you with light, and therefore I believe she should be played by someone who just radiates kindness and light and smiles as bright as the sun.

And obviously is Desi or Indian. I was kind of stuck trying to find an actress that fit into this idea that I had until I found her- the brightest star(because all suns are stars) in the galaxy of actresses who could play Kiran- Alia Bhatt.

She is SO gorgeous and just has that radiant energy, even through pictures. She is also the moment.

~~~

Tara Markov/Terra

Alright, now we have a heavy hitter. Terra is definitely one of those characters that is both a good character and a bad character. At her worst, she is a CSA victim that is used and abused by Deathstroke and then tossed aside when he has no more use for her, only for her to then take revenge at the last second, killing both herself and Deathstroke in an act of... self sacrifice? At her best, she is a complicated, abused character who has questionable motive and is manipulated by Deathstroke into betraying her family/team because he has convinced her that he is the only one that actually cares, only for her to break free of those chains and redeem herself and become a hero(thank you Young Justice season 3).

Terra is another one of those characters who you really have to understand to get right. If you don't get her right, then you're misunderstanding why The Judas Contract was such a big deal for the Titans history and why it keeps being adapted. Terra herself is both a martyr and a villain, but she's also someone who makes mistakes and has to work hard to earn forgiveness for those mistakes.

Now, do I prefer her and Beast Boy together or Beast Boy and Raven together? Honestly, I prefer Terra to be Beast Boy's first love- the one that got away, the one that he really thought was going to last forever and it just... didn't. Raven and Terra are so opposite from each other, but they're also very similar.

Anyways, rant aside, I truly believe that Terra needs to be played by a scream queen, because that girl is extremely emotionally stunted(which is totally okay and makes sense with her history) and has these outbursts a lot. So, I chose Jenna Ortega to play her.

If you haven't seen the clip of Jenna screaming in X, then you need to see it because that girl KNOWS how to scream like she means it.

~~~

Mia Dearden/Speedy(aka Artemis Crock/Tigress)

Okay LISTEN. You really didn't expect me to just not include my girl Artemis in this list? Hell no.

So, Artemis in the comics is actually a villain. Like a super crazy big villain. She's actually married to Icicle Jr.. Her father is Sportsmaster, her sister IS Cheshire/Jade Nguyen(told you she'd come back!). But, Artemis has mostly been unused since, which sucks because the Young Justice did such a good job with her. So, I'm bringing her here. I'm kind of mashing both Mia Dearden and Artemis Crock together, mostly because Artemis was never a hero in the comics.

Mia's backstory is really dark- she's also a victim of CSA, and a victim of human trafficking. Now, Mia is eventually rescued by Green Arrow and becomes 'Speedy'. So, I'm kind of mashing their characters, with Artemis' origins being the same, but having her taking the Speedy mantle. So, Artemis is half Vietnamese, half White, but I'm choosing to just have a Vietnamese actress play her, because wigs exist but also, like I've said- South East Asian representation matters. So, I chose Lana Condor(who is Vietnamese) to play Artemis.

I think it would also be a good subversion of what we're used to seeing from Lana, we're used to seeing her play these rom-coms, and seeing her play a tough and mean character that fights dirty is something that I think that would ultimately boost her even more. Sis can ACT, okay, and I want to see her in more roles, not just the To All the Boys type films.

~~~

Alright, so that was all my picks for the 2025 Teen Titans draft. I tried to include as many POCs as possible, but if you have any other suggestions let me know!

[flopianasupreme]

**SPOILERS**

Casts for each episode according to IMDb

[ethereal-occultist]

Rewatching Heartstopper again (shocker). Making a running list of my favorite moments in both seasons:

Season 1

“You look so cuddly like that”

“You’re automatically gonna assume they’re a she? “

Their second kiss, in Charlie’s bedroom. Followed by “And it’s not that I didn’t want to, you know.. kiss you.”

Nick coming out to his mom 😭

Isaac faking sick to give Tao and Elle their movie night alone (I’m assuming this is why he did it)

Nick’s face like 🥰 when Charlie walks into form the day after they kissed

“I wish I’d met you when I was younger. I wish I knew then what I know now”

“I thought I was the one who said sorry too much” “Oi!”

“Well, we thought it would be fun to go on a triple date.” “A TRIPLE date?!”

Nick punching Harry at the movies

Nick putting his head on Charlie’s shoulder in form the day after the fight with Harry

“You’re not ruining my life”

Season 2

“You do know it was me, right?”

Charlie taking Nicks hand and leading him upstairs (after prom)

Nick standing up to his dad and brother at dinner

Imogen falling in love watching Sahar perform

Tori kicking David’s phone down the stairs and calling him a “pathetic little man”

Tao and Elle kissing in the Louvre

Isaac having an ace awakening while viewing the persons art at the art show and them explaining it to him

Nick/Charlie/Imogen hug in the bathroom

Mr. Ajayi and Mr. Farouk by the vending machine

Coach Singh encouraging Mr. Ajayi to ask Mr. Farouk to come to prom

Coach Singh having a gay heart to heart with Nick after catching them kissing

Charlie ❤️ Tao on the lock

Nick telling Tao he is funny and interesting and “a good looking guy”

[totallynormalaboutthat]

Heartstopper!

Hi Friends!

In this episode we had a totally normal conversation about Heartstopper seasons 1&2! We had a blast talking about identity realization & coming out. We also talked about ace representation and what we think will be happening with characters like Torie and Isaac in future seasons. We discussed the themes of mental health and bullying, and continued our ongoing conversations about found family, queer community, and queer mentorship.

We love this show and can't wait for more seasons!!

Check out our conversation here!

[aye-masakalii]

kabhi kabhi aas paas chand rehta hai...

This sequence was so, so gorgeous, but the music took me out - hence, my own version.

[ruksarcreations]

Deva & Tara ● Chand Jalne Laga Ep.7.

[akultalkies]

Puneet Issar, Mugdha Godse, Grusha Kapoor, Veeraj Rao, Tara-Alisha Berry, Kanchi Singh, Rakesh Bedi, Aakkash Dabhade, Ishtiyak Khan, Amol Khairnar, Pravin Chandra, Aseem Ali Khan, Chaudhary Manikk, Karan Solanki, Sultan

[whitestopper]

Before Season 2, I thought that Tao's father had left Tao and Yan, and since Tao('s actor) is mixed white and Asian, it could've been shown that Tao's anxiety over fitting in as a half-Asian boy in a white school started from a young age. Maybe his father told Yan to stop teaching him Cantonese, or not letting him bring egg noodles for packed lunch. Maybe Yan would agree out of fear that Tao wouldn't assimilate with his classmates or maybe she'd just agree so he wouldn't cause a fight about it. Just little things that started building up the idea that being 'too Asian' would make Tao unlikeable, which would then reach its peak when his white father leaves him.

Or if Tao's dad needs to be good but dead so Yan can speak happily about him without any issues, then Tao could've just had a bad time at school. Teachers expecting him to be a minority model student (quiet, polite and getting exceptional grades) and peers doing racist stuff like broken accents and stretching their eyes. His parents could do their best to make sure that his spark isn't dulled but his insecurities still come out, especially at school where they started.

Now I'm speaking as a white-passing half south-east Asian who was spared being targeted - to my memory the school I went to, while having all white staff, had a decent of mix of white and (east to south) Asian kids. But make no mistake, kids are very much exposed to racism and internalising it. My brother and I were younger than 10 when we learned about the aforementioned racist imitations. We watched Family Guy (to my mum's displeasure) and Eurocentric beauty standards are very clear (and I did internalise the idea that because I was 'ugly', I should put my pride into being 'smart'). And when I became a teenager who realised just how detached I was to my Asian heritage - to the point of thinking myself as less than half-Asian due to lack of exposure - it very much fucked with my sense of self and made me feel like a tourist/outsider when trying to get in touch with it.

All this to say, you can get away with not addressing race when your story is centred around two white boys and poc are just side stories (I mean, you shouldn't and you can't really, but you can), but when you're trying to bring poc to the spotlight, it's really bad to only acknowledge homophobia, mental illness and passing sexism/transphobia (Elle's experiences with transphobia are only mentioned as happening at Truham, but who really believes that the homophobes at Higgs are trans allies?) and not racism, colorism, or xenophobia. Like, does Elle being able to pass as cis supercede the fact that she will never pass as white? Is there not a certain reason Tara struggled to accept that she was a lesbian for longer than Darcy did? Would Tao not have had experience with white peers who bully him and white peers who don't stand by him?

And I won't say much on it as a cis woman, but as Asian men are emasculated as 'weak', Tao's seemingly inexplicable aggression towards Nick becomes... well, explicable when you recontextualise it as (subconsciously) trying to match the white masculine ideal of aggression.

[ryan-sometimes]

I love how much Heartstopper emphasises queer COMMUNITY and how important it is to see other people like you. Nick finding the courage to hold hands with Charlie after seeing an older gay couple. The rainbow ocean reaching out to Ben at the queer art exhibition. Coach Singh telling Nick about her wife and promising to protect him from homophobes on the rugby team. Nick watching Tara and Darcy kissing on the dance floor and realising he can be both happy and queer. Elle meeting other trans people at the art school and feeling at home.

Heartstopper constantly shows that surviving as a queer person is a group effort and it’s not only accurate, but comforting to queer youth. It’s a plot point that only a queer person could have the conscience to write.

[thisnerdjason]

Heartstopper Headcanons/fic ideas:

Any time Tori hands Micheal a bottle of anything his muscle memory kicks in and he just opens it and hands it back to her because she always hands him her diet lemonade bottles to open

When Nick becomes a teacher, Micheal offers to come in to the school once a year because the kids get so excited that their teacher knows an Olympian

Coach Singh nonchalantly mentions her wife to the Paris Squad and everyone freaks out except Nick

On almost every anniversary of their beach date, they go back and Nick recreates the 'we're boyfriends' thing

When they're older, Charlie buys Nick a camera for his birthday because he loves taking photos and filling up family photo albums

Nick has some really obscure allergy like kiwi or peaches or something

There are obviously theatre kids in the group so hc for their favorite musicals:

Charlie-Hadestown, Tao and Sahar-Rent, Nick-Mamma Mia, Isaac-Little Women, Elle and Imogen-Legally Blonde, Tara-Chicago, Darcy-Spongebob

Darcy cried the first time they heard Pink Pony Club

Besides Tara, Charlie is Darcy's favorite out of the Paris Squad

Nick isn't sure that Tori likes him until he asks for her blessing to marry Charlie

Then she smiles the biggest he's ever seen her do and he gets scared that he broke her

[cutecurly-hair]

Hearts Unleashed (Part 6)

Pairing: Nick Nelson x Black!fem!reader

Warning: Fluff, Smut in later chapters, Body Shaming

Words: 6,417

It has been a minute since I uploaded, but I made it up to yall by making this chapter a LOT longer. Enjoy!

"You don't know what you're talking about," I finished as I bit into my banana. Charlie rolled his eyes for the fifth time this morning, taking a bit of his breakfast sandwich and throwing the rest in the garbage.

"I swear your love life needs some proper tending to or it is just going to end up nonexistent,"

"How can you throw that away, I could have finished it for you," I protested, looking at banana resentfully. Mother only gives me fruits for breakfast or protein bars since she thinks having carbs first thing in the morning is terrible for the diet.

Charlie shook his head, his expression a mix of amusement "The sandwich was terrible, you wouldn't like it," which I knew was a lie.

"Ok enough about me, what about you! How are you and that guy you were talking with I completely forgot his name," Charlie face fell, quickly regretting on even asking.

Charlie scratched his head, a sheepish grin appearing on his face. "Um, actually, I decided to break things off."

I blinked, surprised by his response. "You did? Why?"

Charlie sighed; his expression somber. "It's just… things weren't working out between us. We wanted different things, and it was causing too much strain on the relationship. If there was even a relationship"

"I'm sorry to hear that," I said, genuinely feeling for him. "Are you okay?"

He nodded, though his smile was wistful. "Yeah, I'll be fine. It's for the best, really."

I reached out, giving his hand a reassuring squeeze. "If you need anything, I'm here for you, Charlie."

"Thanks, Y/N," he said, his voice appreciative. "I appreciate that." I knew something was up, he had that look on his face far too long, I can tell it's starting to eat him up badly.

As we walked towards the school gates, I noticed a gathering of the rugby team, and my heart sank as I recognized Nick among them. And standing right beside him was Imogen.

"Just when you think things couldn't get any worse," I muttered under my breath.

Charlie's expression darkened as he caught sight of them too. "Of all the days..."

I could feel Charlie's stare intensely at the side of my skull, his concern palpable. It was clear that seeing Nick and Imogen was the last thing I needed on top of everything else.

"Do you want to, you know, avoid them?" Charlie asked quietly, already knowing the answer.

I let out a resigned sigh. "I wish we could, but unfortunately I have practice with him after school." We haven't talked ever since that night, he hasn't messaged me, and I haven't messaged him. It seems that everything has been put on pause I swear this boy is just giving me a straight whiplash to Tara Jones and now Imogen.

"You can probably ditch," Charlie suggested, offering a glimmer of hope. "I'm sure Coach Singh won't mind, plus I can probably cover for you."

The thought of skipping practice tempted me, but then I remembered the inevitable consequence: being bombarded by my mother's relentless fitness regimen. She had been devouring articles on quick weight loss methods before spring started, and I wasn't ready to endure another lecture about healthy living.

I shook my head firmly. "Nope, I will definitely be at practice. I'll just head to the library and study while I wait for them to finish, then clean the locker room." he nodded in understanding.

"Thanks, Charlie," I said sincerely, feeling grateful for his support. But as I glanced over at Nick, I noticed him saying something to Imogen, causing her cheeks to flush with a bright smile. My mouth turned sour, and I quickly grabbed Charlie's arm, leading him through the gates.

"Let's go before we miss out on breakfast from the cafeteria," I urged, my tone a little more urgent than intended.

Charlie furrowed his eyebrows in confusion. "But we just ate?"

I swallowed hard, my stomach tying into knots. "I'm still hungry,"

-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈ +

Anywhere else in the world would be better than this classroom right now. I sink into my seat, doing everything I can to avoid looking at the one person I wish I could avoid the most.

I should have just skipped school entirely

"Hi,"

I glanced up reluctantly, meeting Nick's gaze. His smile was warm, but it only intensified the knot in my stomach.

"Hi," I replied, keeping my tone neutral.

His brow furrowed slightly, sensing my unease. "Is everything okay?"

I forced a smile, hoping it looked convincing. "Yeah, everything's fine. Just not feeling great today."

There was a moment of hesitation in his expression before he spoke again, his voice softer this time. "Do you want to go to Harry's party... with me?"

My heart skipped a beat at his unexpected invitation. I blinked, caught off guard "I don't think it's my type of thing and if it's for Harry definitely count me out," The guy was just a straight up asshole, there is nothing that can make me like that man, especially with the awful things he says.

"Please come. I want you to be there," he looked at me hopefully, and I couldn't ignore the sincerity in his eyes. It almost hurt to see him like this, his vulnerability making me soften.

"Okay," I smiled sheepishly, feeling a little guilty for giving in so easily. I could practically feel Charlie's eyes boring into the side of my head, likely already knowing that I was about to agree.

---

"I can't believe you did that," Charlie sighed, shaking his head. "I swear, you have the willpower of a peanut."

I chuckled nervously, feeling a flush of embarrassment creeping up my neck. "Yeah, well… he practically begged me. There's no way I could have said no."

Charlie raised an eyebrow, a skeptical look on his face. "Begged you, huh? Sounds like quite the convincing argument."

I shifted uncomfortably under his gaze. "Well, you know Nick. He can be quite persuasive when he wants to be."

Charlie sighed, shaking his head in mock disbelief. "I swear, you're like putty in his hands."

I rolled my eyes but couldn't help the small smile tugging at my lips. "Yeah, yeah, laugh it up. But I'm sure it'll be fine. Especially since you're coming with me."

Charlie raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Wait, what? I didn't agree to that."

I grinned, nudging him playfully. "Come on, Charlie. You can't let me face this party alone. Besides, it'll be more bearable with you there."

He sighed dramatically but smiled back. "Fine, I'll go. But only because I don't trust you to stay out of trouble on your own."

"Deal," I said, feeling a bit more confident about the party with Charlie by my side.

----------

The afternoon sun was beginning to set as Charlie and I rummaged through my closet, looking for something decent to wear to Harry’s party. My room was a mess, clothes strewn everywhere as we tried to find the perfect outfit.

Charlie held up a shirt, scrutinizing it before tossing it aside. “This one’s too plain. You need something that stands out.”

I groaned, flopping down on my bed. “I don’t even know why I agreed to this. Harry’s parties are always so... Harry.”

Charlie laughed, shaking his head. “Agree, but you’re doing this for Nick, remember? And besides, it’ll be good to get out and have some fun.”

I shot him a skeptical look. “You think hanging out with Harry and his crowd is fun?”

He thought for a moment, pulling out a vibrant top from the pile. "Absolutely not but we must preserve. But at least you won’t be alone. We’ll stick together.”"

I took the top from him, eyeing it critically. “Alright, I guess this could work. What about you? What are you wearing?”

He smirked, holding up a simple yet stylish outfit. “Already got it covered. Unlike you, I came prepared.”

I rolled my eyes but couldn’t help but smile. “Show-off.”

Charlie threw a pillow at me, laughing. “Hey, someone’s got to keep us looking decent.”

As I changed into the outfit he picked, Charlie sat on the edge of my bed, giving me a thumbs-up when I emerged from behind the closet door. “See? You look great. Nothing to worry about”

Just then, Charlie's phone buzzed, and I noticed his smile falter as he looked at the screen.

"Shit!" he muttered under his breath.

I turned to him, concerned. "What’s wrong?"

"Tao and Elle just texted me about film night tonight! I completely forgot," typing furiously on his phone.

Trying to lighten the mood, I suggested, "Hey, why don't we invite Tao and Elle? Nick definitely won't mind."

Charlie shook his head, a wry smile playing on his lips. "Tao would rather be caught dead than step foot into one of Harry's parties."

I laughed, nodding in agreement. "Yeah, you're right. But it’d be nice to have them around."

Charlie sighed, glancing at his phone again. "It's fine. Elle's going over there, and Isaac called in sick. He'll be okay," he said, slipping the phone into his back pocket.

I could already tell I was at the very top of Tao's shit list, and it wasn’t about to get any better.

We were halfway out the door when my mom's voice rang out, stopping us in our tracks.

"Do you kids need a ride?" she asked, looking up from her magazine with a hint of concern in her eyes.

I shook my head, forcing a smile. "No, thanks. Charlie's dad already offered to give us a lift."

"Alright then," she said, her gaze sweeping over my outfit. I can feel the eyes pouring at every single detail of what I was wearing, I knew she wouldn't say anything infront Charlie, she wouldn't do that to me "But honey, make sure to suck in your stomach. It looks a little chubby."

I was wrong

My cheeks burned with embarrassment as I forced a smile. "Got it, Mom."

Charlie gave me a sympathetic glance, his eyes full of understanding. "Ready?" he asked, trying to shift the mood.

"Yea," I replied, taking a deep breath, rushing out the door. "Let's get out of here."

As we stepped outside, the cool evening air hit my face, and I felt a mix of relief and lingering embarrassment. Charlie nudged me playfully.

"Don't let it get to you," he said with a grin. "You look great."

I smiled, grateful for his support. "Lets have some fun."

-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈ +

"Pick up at 10, okay?" Mr. Spring said, glancing back at us in the rearview mirror.

I nodded absentmindedly, my attention drawn to the enormous house outside. The place was massive had Harry really rented out an entire hotel? Just how rich was he?

Charlie’s voice broke through my thoughts. "Can't it be 11?" he pleaded, looking at his dad hopefully.

"No, 10 is late enough," Mr. Spring replied firmly.

Charlie sighed, looking defeated as he got out of the car. "Fine," he muttered.

I quickly followed suit, turning back to say goodbye to Mr. Spring. "Thanks for the ride!"

"Have fun, you two!" he called after us as we stepped into the cool evening.

The smell of cheap perfume and artificial vape flavors filled my nose. There was a long line of people, and everywhere I looked, girls were squeezed into tight dresses, their faces caked with makeup. I started to wonder if we were at the right party. Thank God Charlie helped me pick out my outfit, or I would have stood out like a sore thumb.

Charlie nudged me with a grin. "I could have used your help back there, you know?"

I shot him a flabbergasted look. "You're crazy if you think I was going to argue with your dad."

Charlie laughed, shaking his head. "Fair enough. But you owe me one."

I rolled my eyes playfully. "Yeah, yeah. Let's just get inside before I change my mind."

We joined the line, inching our way forward as the music thumped louder with every step. The hotel loomed above us, lights flashing from every window, just from taking a peek inside I can definitely tell that Harry went all out.

We stepped inside, the noise and lights hitting us full force. People were everywhere, dancing, laughing, and shouting to be heard over the music. I didn't know which way to look; it was so crowded. Charlie grabbed the hem of my top so he wouldn't get lost in the crowd. My palms were starting to sweat.

The sheer volume of people and the pulsing music made my head spin. Charlie leaned close to my ear, his voice barely audible over the noise. "Let'd find somewhere quiet I can barely hear myself think."

I nodded, my heart pounding feeling the bass within my body. We pushed through the throng of people, dodging couples and groups of friends. Every corner seemed to hold a new spectacle: a group of girls taking selfies, a guy attempting an impressive but ultimately disastrous dance move. The flashing lights made my head feel fuzzy.

I was already overstimluted and I haven't been here for five minutes. "Do you want to get a drink?"

He nodded in agreement. "Good idea. I swear, did Harry invite the whole city?" Charlie looked frazzled; it seemed he wasn't doing any better than me.

We walked down a quieter hallway, only a few people milling about. "You stay here; I'll go get the drinks," Charlie said, glancing back at me with a smile.

I nodded gratefully, leaning against the wall to catch my breath, trying to ignore the overpowering smell of smoke and alcohol that filled my nose. Charlie disappeared into the crowd, and I took a moment to collect myself, looking at myself in the mirror. My curls seemed to be frizzing up from the humidity, and I quickly ran my fingers through them, trying to tame the wild strands.

Nearby, a table was filled with enough snacks and drinks to feed an army. I made my way over, deciding a quick bite might help settle my nerves. Mother would actually kill me if she saw me eating this stuff.

I grabbed a handful of chips and popped them into my mouth, the salty crunch grounding me a bit. I picked up a cup of the red liquid and took a gulp, but quickly grimaced at the terrible aftertaste.

Looking around the room, trying not to get knocked down by stumbling people who had clearly had enough to drink, I spotted a familiar face in the crowd. I could feel the heat rising in my face as I realized it was Nick.

Spotting me instantly, a look of relief filled his face. He started making his way through the crowd. "I have been looking for you!" we said in unison.

Even in the chaos of the party, I couldn’t help but notice how good he looked. His hair was perfectly tousled, and his smile lit up his eyes, making my heart skip a beat. He had this way of making me feel like I was the only person in the room. I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks. No matter how overwhelming things got, just seeing him made everything easier.

Nick and I exchanged a warm smile, “How about we go grab a drink?” he suggested, his voice soft but somehow cutting through the noise.

“Yeah, that sounds good,” I agreed, feeling a little more at ease with him by my side.

We made our way through the crowded room, and every time someone bumped into me, Nick would gently place his hand on my back, guiding me forward. It was such a small gesture, but I couldn’t ignore the tingling sensation it left behind.

Finally, we reached the drinks table, a mix of colorful concoctions laid out before us. Nick picked up a couple of cups, handing one to me with a playful grin. “I think this one’s safe,” he said, making me think back to that horrid red liquid from earlier.

I laughed, taking the cup from him. “Let’s hope so. I had one earlier, and I swear I thought it was roofied.”

He immediately looked concerned. "Sorry about that. I forgot how some of Harry's parties can get kind of crazy. I was even debating whether to come," he admitted, staring down at the red cup like it was the bane of his existence.

"It's alright, really," I reassured him. "It’s good to hang out with your friends."

Nick shrugged, a small, honest smile tugging at his lips. "Ehh, they're not my 'friends friends.' It's a lot more fun hanging out with you."

I tried not to let my surprise show, but his words caught me off guard. The idea that he’d rather spend time with me than his usual Rugby buddies made my heart flutter. “Really?” I asked, trying to keep my tone casual, though I could feel my face warming.

“Yeah, really,” he said, meeting my eyes with a sincerity that made my chest tighten. “I always have more fun when you’re around. Those guys are great, but they’re not...” he was trying to find the words

“Fun?” I offered with a teasing smile.

Nick’s eyes trailed off, lingering on mine for a moment longer before he nodded slowly. “Well, there’s never really a dull moment with you,” he said with a mischievous grin, “so I tend to keep you close. You know, just in case things get too boring I need someone to liven things up.”

I laughed, shaking my head. “So, I’m your emergency backup for fun?”

“Exactly,” he said, nodding with exaggerated seriousness. “In case this party sucks, I know who just to call .”

I playfully nudged him. “And here I thought you just enjoyed my company.”

“I do,” he said, leaning in slightly with a playful grin. “I just need someone to keep me entertained”

I laughed, shaking my head. “Well, I’m flattered to be your go-to for fun. I have to say, your backup plan is working pretty well tonight.”

Nick grinned, shaking his head. “I’m just glad that your here, I swear I barely know anyone here"

Trying to play it cool, even though I was secretly thrilled that Nick was happy to see me, we made our way to a quieter corner of the party. We found a spot away from everything, where we could actually sit and talk without having to shout over the music.

"You know," Nick started with a grin, "I’ve been forcing my mum to play Mario Kart ever since you absolutely destroyed me at that game. Thought I might finally get a win somewhere."

I burst out laughing, nearly spilling my drink. "You’re practicing with your mom? That’s dedication! Even for you?"

"I'm being serious," Nick replied, his tone earnest. "I’ve never seen anyone play that good. You completely embrassed me"

I grinned, feeling a bit of pride. "Well, I’m glad I could leave such an impression. Guess all those hours of practice paid off."

Nick shook his head, still looking amazed. "You don’t understand. I’ve never been so thoroughly beaten at anything in my life. It was like you had cheat codes or something."

"Just pure skill," I teased, giving him a playful nudge. "Maybe next time I’ll teach you how to win," I teased, then quickly realized it sounded more flirtatious than I intended.

"I—"

Before he could finish, someone called out, “Nick!” From the number of times I’d heard that voice at practice, I could almost smell the narcissism dripping from it. Nick’s expression shifted to mild annoyance as he glanced over his shoulder.

“All right, mate,” Nick said, eyeing Harry up and down with a look of uneasy tolerance. Despite the size of the place, it seemed Harry’s presence was as unavoidable as ever.

“Why are you hanging out here? Bit boring, innit?” Harry asked, his gaze directly fixed on me. The group behind him exchanged knowing glances, their eyes lingering on me with an air of smugness. I shot him a withering glare, not liking where this was going.

Nick shot me a worried look, trying to diffuse the tension. “We just are”

Harry smirked, flopping down on the couch next to Nick and draping an arm around him as if marking his territory. “I’ve got important news for you,” he announced with exaggerated enthusiasm.

“Yeah, what?” Nick asked, clearly uninterested but trying to play along.

"Tara Jones is here" he annoucned gaining the ooos from the boys. My breath hitched, and a sinking feeling settled in my stomach. I knew coming here might have been a mistake.

Nick’s expression turned to confusion. “So, what?”

Harry looked around as if he couldn’t believe on what he was hearing. “This is your big second chance, mate. Let’s make it happen,” he said with a chuckle, Harry looking over at me "They kissed when they were thirteen. Proper romantic" egging on crowd. He says it like I have been dying to know but all I want to do right now is disapear.

“He should go for it, right?” Harry asked, his words dripping with smugness as he pretended to care about my opinion. I could see the tension building in Nick, his discomfort almost palpable. My own irritation was rising fast, and I was seconds away from telling Harry to back off, because if there’s one thing I can’t stand, it’s seeing Nick put on the spot like this.

"Come on, mate," Harry urged, tugging at Nick's arm to pull him up from the couch.

"Harry—" Nick started, his voice laced with protest.

"Come on. She’s just down the corridor,” Harry insisted, ignoring Nick’s reluctance.

Nick hesitated, clearly uncomfortable. "I haven't talked to her in years."

"So? She's super hot, man," Harry insisted, not letting up.

Nick barely had time to respond before Harry turned toward the crowd, calling out, "All right, ladies!" His voice carried through the room, gathering curious glances.

My stomach twisted as Harry’s words sliced through the noise, “Hey, Tara! I've got someone who wants to see you!” I glanced over, and there she was stunning in a way that made it hard to look away. My chest tightened as her eyes locked onto Nick, her smile effortlessly brightening the room. I could feel my heart sinking, a wave of insecurity washing over me. Tara wasn’t just beautiful; she was the kind of beautiful that made me question what I was even doing here.

The music drowned out their voices, but I could still see the way Tara’s eyes lit up as Nick talked to her. A tight knot formed in my chest as I watched, feeling like an outsider in a scene I didn’t belong in.

I’m so pathetic, I thought, standing here, just watching.

I slipped away, disappearing down the corridor, hoping to lose myself in the crowd and escape the sinking feeling in my gut. As I tried to shake off the unease, someone stepped in front of me.

“Hey, you wouldn’t happen to know where Charlie Spring is, would you?”

I glanced up, recognizing the boy but struggling to place his name. “No, actually, I’ve been looking for him too,” I admitted. After a beat, I added, “And you’re…?”

He smiled, looking a bit bashful. “Ben. We met a while back when you were trying to find the film club.”

It clicked, and I nodded, a small smile creeping onto my face. “Oh, right! I remember now. I can’t believe you still remember me,” I said, laughing a bit, though I couldn’t help but feel a bit flustered.

He chuckled softly, “You’re pretty hard to forget…” There was something in his tone that made the words linger, and I found myself blushing slightly.

A warm flush spread up my neck, I honestly had no idea how to respond to that, so I just offered a shy smile. My mind racing for something to say.

Ben’s smile widened, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “So, what are you doing hiding out back here? The party too wild for you?”

I shrugged, glancing back toward the crowd where Nick was still talking to Tara. “Yeah, something like that,” I mumbled. “Just needed a break from all the noise.”

Ben followed my gaze, his expression turning a bit more serious. “Ah, I see. Sometimes these things can be a bit... much.”

I appreciated his attempt to empathize, even if he didn’t know the half of it. “Yeah,” I agreed, nodding. “It’s just one of those nights, I guess.”

Ben seemed to sense my discomfort and shifted the conversation. “Well, if you ever need to disappear for a while, you can always come hang out with me. I’m more of a ‘quiet corner’ kind of guy myself.”

I smiled at that, feeling a little less alone. “Thanks, Ben. I might just take you up on that.”

Catching something in the corner of his eye, he gives me a fleeting smile and then quietly excuses himself. “I’ll catch you later,” he says, before slipping away, leaving me by myself…again.

Finding a lone couch off to the side, I flopped down onto it, feeling like I might as well get a goddamn trophy for being the lamest person in the room. I pulled out my phone, scrolling through notifications that didn’t interest me, my eyes glazing over texts from friends from back home and ignoring the persistent messages from my mother. Only an hour left before Charlie's dad picks us up. Time seemed to crawl, each minute stretching into an eternity.

I sighed, sinking deeper into the cushions, trying to disappear into the background.

"Hi," a familiar voice cut through the noise. I looked up to see Nick standing in front of me, his hands shoved awkwardly into his pockets. He offered a small, hesitant smile, as if unsure of whether he was welcome.

“Hey,” I replied, sitting up a bit straighter, surprised he’d sought me out again.

"You left."

"Sorry, I was just... starting to feel out of place. The guys can be somewhat intimidating," I admitted, my voice trailing off as I glanced at the crowd. It was a bit of the truth, but it didn’t fully capture how overwhelmed I felt.. Not like I am going to tell him that I have a crush on him, that would certainly make matter worse.

He shook his head, a subtle furrow creasing his brow. "Don’t be sorry," he said firmly, his tone edged with genuine concern. "Half of them are just... dickheads. I’m tired of being around them. I'd much rather hang out with you." His words were sincere, his gaze steady.

This was the second time I heard him say that, and I couldn't stop the smile that spread across my face. But as the reality of his words sank in, a flicker of fear ran through me this was real, and that scared me.

I turned my gaze, my smile slipping as my heart raced. What if I was misreading this? What if he was just being nice? My thoughts tangled, and the crowd seemed to close in on me, the noise growing louder and more intense.

Just as I felt myself sinking, Nick reached out and took my hand. The warmth of his touch was immediate, grounding me in the present. His thumb gently brushed against the back of my hand, and I looked up to find his eyes still on me.

"Shall we go somewhere quieter?" he asked, his voice soft yet firm, offering me an escape.

I hesitated for a moment, my mind still reeling, but the gentle pressure of his hand, the way his fingers intertwined with mine, made the decision for me. I nodded, feeling a wave of relief wash over me as I let him lead the way.

As we moved away from the noise, the tension in my chest began to ease. Nick glanced back at me with a playful smile, a glint of mischief in his eyes.

"You want to race?" he teased, the challenge evident in his voice.

I couldn’t help but grin back at him. "You want to race me?" I repeated, already taking a quick step forward to get a head start, my laughter bubbling up as I broke into a run.

"Come on!" I called out over my shoulder, the thrill of the chase energizing my every step.

"Wait, stop!" he shouted, his voice tinged with both surprise and amusement as he sprinted after me, his footsteps echoing up the stairs.

"Unfair, you got a head start," he called out, his mock outrage only making me laugh harder.

"I'm dying!" Nick shouted, his voice breathless yet filled with laughter. I couldn’t believe it the star of the rugby team, gasping and trailing behind me in a race. The thought sent another burst of giggles through me as I glanced back to see him trying to catch up, his grin just as wide as mine.

"Am I hearing an old man complaining?" I teased, slowing down just a bit, but not enough to let him close the gap completely. The sight of Nick, usually so composed and confident, now playfully struggling to keep up, was a rare and delightful reversal that made me wish that we could run just a little while longer.

As we finally reached the top of the stairs, our breath still catching, pushing open the doors

We stepped inside, and I felt my breath catch again, but this time for an entirely different reason.

The grand ballroom before us was stunning. The ceiling reached up high, covered with detailed paintings, their colors bright even in the soft light of the chandeliers that looked like stars. The walls were lined with tall mirrors in fancy frames, reflecting the golden light and making the room feel even bigger.

Nick let out a low whistle, clearly as awestruck as I was. "Wow," he breathed, his voice echoing slightly in the vast space.

Nick shaking his head in disbelief. "Jesus, I knew Harry was rich, but this hotel must have cost him a fuck ton of money," he muttered, his tone a mix of awe and amusement.

I couldn’t help but laugh, the sound echoing softly in the grand room. "No kidding," I replied, glancing around at the opulence surrounding us. "I feel like this place matches his ego big and obnoxious."

Nick snorted, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Yeah, it’s like he’s trying to outdo himself every time. Next thing you know, he’ll be renting out the Eiffel Tower"

I grinned, imagining the absurdity of it. I found a spot against the wall and sank down, admiring the shimmering lights and grandeur of the room. Nick settled beside me, his gaze following mine, but my thoughts were stuck on that moment from earlier. The way he looked at me, the way he said he’d rather hang out with me I couldn’t shake it. It felt like I was becoming delusional, this constant flutter of hope mixed with doubt. I just needed to know, one way or another, so I could either put this silly crush to rest.

"So..." I started, trying to sound casual, but the slight tremor in my voice betrayed me. "Was Harry being serious? Do you like Tara?"

The words felt heavy as they left my mouth, like they were dragging something deeper out into the open. I didn’t know if I was ready to hear the answer, but I had to ask.

Nick's eyes practically bulged out of their sockets. "What? No! No, definitely not," he blurted out, his voice rising in pitch with each word. The intensity of his reaction caught me off guard, making me question why I’d ever worried in the first place.

There was an awkward silence that hung in the air, thick and heavy. I fidgeted with my hands, suddenly hyper-aware of the tension between us.

"Uh… So… you don't have a crush on anyone at the moment?" I asked, trying to keep my tone casual, though my heart was pounding in my chest. I forced myself to meet his gaze, hoping to find some clue in his expression.

He looked away from my gaze, his eyes shifting to the glimmering chandeliers above us. "Well, I didn't say that," he murmured, a hint of something unspoken lingering in his voice.

"Oh," I managed to say, though the disappointment in my voice was unmistakable. It felt as if the air had thickened, the silence resuming its heavy presence as if it had never left. The excitement and playfulness from earlier faded, leaving behind a quietness that neither of us seemed to know how to break.

I broke the quiet first, curiosity tinged with a hint of nervousness. “So, what’s she like, then?”

Nick’s eyes flickered up to meet mine, a trace of uncertainty shadowing his face. “You’re just going to assume they’re a ‘she’?”

“Oh,” I said, my voice softening with realization. “Are they… are they not a girl?”

He hesitated, his gaze drifting to the elegant patterns on the floor. “Um…”

I leaned in slightly, trying to read his expression. “Would you go out with someone who wasn’t a girl?”

Nick’s lips twisted into a thoughtful frown. “I don’t know. Maybe.”

I pressed on gently, my heart pounding. “Would you kiss someone who wasn’t a girl?”

He met my eyes again, his expression a mix of confusion and vulnerability. “I think… I think I might. But I’m not entirely sure yet.”

I nodded in understanding, my mind processing Nick's words. I was genuinely touched that he trusted me enough to share this, but the relief I expected didn’t quite come. Instead, a mix of embrassement and lingering dread churned inside me. The fear of complicating things or making him uncomfortable gnawed at me, my feelings for him never leaving.

“But I wouldn’t mind going out with a girl,” he said, his voice steady but revealing a hint of uncertainty. My head snapped up, meeting his eyes.

He continued, “I wouldn’t mind kissing a girl either.” His eyes searched mine, looking for a reaction. I didn’t know what to say. I turned to him, the question on the tip of my tongue, but the words wouldn’t come out.

His hand was so close to mine, just an inch apart; I could practically feel his warmth. The proximity made it hard to think straight, each moment stretching longer as I struggled to keep my composure. Our fingers were touching, and neither of us pulled away.

Nick glanced down at our intertwined fingers, his gaze lingering on them. He swallowed hard, his nervousness palpable. I took a deep breath, gathering my courage, and finally asked,

“Would you kiss me?”

Nick leaned in closer, tightening his hold on my hand. His voice was soft but steady. “Yeah,” he said, his eyes locked onto mine.

The distance between us shrinking until it was almost nothing. His lips hovered near mine, and I could feel his breath, warm and soft, tickling my skin. My heart raced, a wild, fluttery feeling in my chest as I waited, anticipation buzzing in the air around us.

His lips met mine in a sweet, delicate kiss that sent a rush of warmth through me. It was soft and tentative, like he was savoring every second. My senses where filled with his signature scent, the one that I have missed so much. The familiarity of it made my heart ache in the best way, and I found myself melting into the kiss, wanting to hold onto this moment forever.

Pulling away slowing we looked away from each other, I could hardly believe it Nick Nelson had just kissed me. I’d just had my first kiss… and I liked it.

Really liked it

I glanced over at him, my heart still racing, but he was already looking at me, his eyes soft and searching, as if he was trying to gauge my reaction. The realization that this moment was real, that it had actually happened, made my heart swell with something indescribable.

Without thinking, I reached out, my hand finding the back of his neck, and pulled him closer. I kissed him deeply, pouring everything I was feeling into that moment. He responded by pulling me in tighter, his arms wrapping around me as if he didn’t want to let go, the intensity of the kiss growing with every second. It was as if all the emotions we had been holding back finally found their release in that one, perfect moment.

I could hardly breathe when we finally pulled apart. Staring at him, I just couldn't look away.

"Are you okay?" I asked softly, my voice barely above a whisper.

"1..." he began to say, but was cut off by the sound of Harry's voice echoing down the hallway.

"Nick, are you here?" Harry called out, his voice drawing closer. Nick's body tensed instantly, the warmth between us replaced by a sudden rush of panic.

"I just want to talk, mate," Harry's voice came closer, more insistent.

Nick pulled away immediately, standing up with a look of sheer panic. He glanced anxiously at the door, his body flinching at each echo of footsteps in the hallway.

"Why are you hiding?!" Harry's voice called out, growing louder and more frustrated.

Nick's gaze was locked on the door, his anxiety clear. Without a word, he took a final, fleeting glance at me an expression of regret or maybe apology flitting across his face. Then, he bolted out, disappearing through the door just as Harry's footsteps grew closer.

The sudden silence that followed was deafening. I sat there, trying to process what had just happened. The kiss had been amazing, but now it felt like a distant, shattered dream.

I felt confused, the warmth of the kiss now gone. My mind was filled with unanswered questions and a sudden ache. It felt like the ground had moved under me, leaving me with just the memory of his touch.

As I tried to steady my breath, my phone vibrated in my pocket. Glancing at the screen, I saw multiple messages from Charlie asking where I was and letting me know that his dad had arrived.

Banging my head gently against the wall, I couldn’t believe how quickly the night had gone from one of the most memorable to one of the worst.

Part 7 Link Here: https://www.tumblr.com/cutecurly-hair/763787688625192960/hearts-unleashed-part-7?source=share