thehiccupingbanana

[thehiccupingbanana]

Tell Him Today

PAIRING/FANDOM: Nicholas "Nick" Nelson/Charles "Charlie" Spring (Heartstopper (Webcomic)) GENRE: fluff WORD COUNT: 3,508 WARNINGS: indirect mention of eating disorders SUMMARY: “I love you.” Nick rehearsed as he stood in front of his full-length mirror. “Nicky?” Nick’s mum called through the slightly open bedroom door. “What are you doing?” Nick cleared his throat, “I want to tell Charlie I love him.” or The first half of Volume 5 from Nick's POV. ADDITIONAL TAGS: POV Nicholas "Nick" Nelson, Nicholas "Nick" Nelson & Charles "Charlie" Spring Are in Love, Volume 5 (Heartstopper) A/N: going to keep this tagged just under the comic until s3 comes out for those who only watch the show and don't want spoilers :) thank you to the lovely beta @sleepywriter00 for helping me with my run on sentences ❤️❤️ [READ ON AO3]

“I love you.” Nick rehearsed as he stood in front of his full-length mirror. “No, wait.” Nick muttered to himself, sighing and trying again to sound more confident, “I love you.”

“Nicky?” Nick’s mum, Sarah, called through the slightly open bedroom door.

“Yeah?” Nick answered, slightly startled, as Sarah entered the room.

“Just checking if you have any last-minute laundry you need done before the trip?” Sarah asked.

Nick looked over to his almost full laundry hamper, “Err- yeah, that would- that would be great. Thanks.”

Sarah nodded, opening her mouth like she wanted to say something, but quickly closed her mouth, seemingly changing her mind.

“What?” Nick asked, slightly worried, sitting down on his bed.

Sarah hesitated before asking, “What were you doing?”

Nick cleared his throat, knowing his mum of all people would understand him most. “I want to tell Charlie I love him.”

Sarah smiled, gently encouraging Nick to continue without interrupting him.

“But… What if he doesn’t feel the same and then breaks up with me?” Nick questioned, falling back onto his bed, covering his face with his forearms.

Sarah quietly chuckled, walking over to sit next to Nick on his bed. “He’s not going to break up with you, sweetie.”

“How do you know?” Nick whined, uncovering his face and looking up at his mum.

“Mother’s intuition.” Sarah winked, before gently reassuring, “I know I don’t know Charlie as well as you do, but he isn’t going to break up with you.”

“Mum.” Nick sighed, as that was not really the answer he wanted to hear, but it helped none-the-less. He glanced over to his clock above his bed’s headboard, seeing the time and jumping up. “Oh shit, sorry Mum, I need to go pickup Charlie. I gotta go.”

“Okay.” Sarah laughed as Nick grabbed his backpack.

“Wait.” Nick paused, turning to his mum, “Can Charlie come over after the beach?”

“Of course, baby.” Sarah answered. “But Nick?”

“Yeah?” Nick questioned.

“Tell him today.” Sarah stated.

“Yeah, yeah! Okay!” Nick agreed, rushing down the stairs and out the front door.

Nick walked down the street a little faster than he normally would, both from the excitement of his mum’s pep talk, and from running late. Arriving on Charlie’s front step Nick knocked on the door, taking a deep breath.

‘I’ll tell him today.’ Nick thought.

“Hi Mrs. Spring.” Nick greeted as Jane opened the door.

“Charlie!” Jane called up the stairs, “Nick’s here to pick you up!”

Nick felt nervous. He hadn’t even thought of what Jane Spring would say about Nick telling Charlie he loved him. Maybe she would tell Charlie ‘You’re too young to know what love is.’ or worse, Jane would accuse Nick of lying and taking advantage of Charlie.

“…And how’s your mum?” Jane asked, looking at Nick expectingly.

“Yeah, she’s good. Stressing about our holiday.” Nick finished with an awkward laugh, despite not catching the first part of Jane’s question.

Fortunately, the sound of Charlie and Olly running out the stairs saved Nick from any more strained conversation with Jane. Unfortunately, Nick had almost blurted out “I love you” as soon as he saw Charlie wearing a cap with his curls sticking out.

“H-hey.” Nick stuttered, as Jane walked away, Charlie taking her place at the door.

“Hey.” Charlie replied, not hiding that he was giving Nick a once over.

“What?” Nick nervously chuckled, afraid his shirt may be on backwards with the way Charlie wouldn’t take his eyes off of Nick’s shirt.

“I’ve never seen you in a tank top.” Charlie stated, laying his hands on either of Nick’s biceps.

“I’ve never seen you in a cap.” Nick smirked, remembering a few months prior, when Charlie made a comment about Nick having “strong rugby arms” and pulled down Charlie’s cap to cover his eyes. Hopefully covering Charlie’s view of Nick’s blushing face.

“Nick!! Guess what?!” Olly announced, reminding Nick that Charlie’s little brother was still there. “Cha-”

“Nope.” Charlie interrupted, covering Olly’s mouth with his hand. “Nope. Nope.” Charlie repeated while swinging the younger sibling over his shoulder, and depositing Olly in the living room. Charlie quickly shut the door behind him and turned to Nick. “Ready?”

“Yeah.” Nick answered, albeit confused with Charlie’s reaction to his younger brother’s antics.

“Let’s go.” Charlie said, then calling out to whoever would listen, “Nick and I are leaving!”

As soon as Charlie closed the door, Nick wasted no time grabbing his boyfriend’s hand as they walked to the park where they were meeting the others.

“What was Olly going to say?” Nick asked, glancing at Charlie as they walked.

“Oh, uhm-” Charlie stuttered, his face turning pink, “Dunno, probably something about tractors.”

Nick shrugged, not putting it past Olly to be that excited over a new toy. Nick looked over at his boyfriend and gently flicked the tuff of hair sticking out the back of the cap.

“Stop.” Charlie laughed while playfully batting Nick’s hand away from his head.

“It’s cute.” Nick smiled.

Charlie rolled his eyes in lieu of a response, but Nick still saw the smile that graced Charlie’s face before he ducked his head.

“Hey, I think that’s them.” Nick said, knocking his upper arm against Charlie’s shoulder when he spotted Elle’s mum, Mariam’s, minivan at the park gates. Charlie looked up and confirmed that it was her mum’s car, and they started walking faster, getting to the car quickly.

“Sorry!” Nick apologized to Elle’s mum through the open window, “Here we are.”

“Finally!” Tao groaned, opening the door and hopping out of the car to pop the seat forward.

“Yay!” Elle cheered as Aled greeted Nick and Charlie with a Hey.”

“Hey guys.” Nick responded, climbing into the back row of the minivan, holding a hand out for Charlie to grab as he climbed in.

Nick was half-aware of Mariam asking Charlie about his family while Charlie put on his seat belt, which reminded Nick that he needed to stop looking at his boyfriend and put on his own seatbelt.

Nick watched as Charlie would talk and listen to his friends about anything and everything. Another thing Nick loved about Charlie was how Charlie cared for his friends with every ounce in his body. Nick would tell Charlie today—he will— just not right now with all their friends surrounding them.

Based on the look Tao was giving him, Nick knew he wasn’t doing a good job of hiding, what Tara called, his “heart eyes”.

“We’re here!” Nick announced as he looked out the window and saw the tall cement wall come into view.

▬▬▬▬▬

When Mariam dropped Nick and Charlie off at Nick’s house, Charlie ran upstairs to Nick’s room, stating he was getting cold now that he wasn’t outside in the sun anymore. Nick assumed that meant he was about to lose yet another jumper to his boyfriend.

Nick walked into the kitchen to make a sandwich that Charlie agreed to try to eat, getting out the lunchmeat and cheese slices from the fridge, and sorting them on the counter.

While assembling the sandwich, Nick thought back to earlier in the day, when Tara and Darcy basically dragged him into the ocean. As Nick floated on the soft waves, the two girls splashed each other, and after Darcy splashed Tara with a particularly large amount of water, Tara huffed out “You’re lucky I love you.” with no heat behind it.

Nick was happy for his two friends, but he still couldn’t wait until the day he could say that to Charlie, and hear it from Charlie. ‘Today.’ He reminded himself.

Nick cut the sandwich in half diagonally, while remembering how Charlie wrapped his arm around Nick’s waist when Aled asked Nick if he was out to his parents, and Nick felt nothing but support and maybe love from Charlie.

“There’s a basket of your clean clothes by your wardrobe.” Sarah stated, interrupting Nick’s thoughts as she walked into the kitchen.

“Thanks Mum.” Nick replied.

“You’re welcome.” Sarah responded, then lowered her voice, “Did you tell him?”

Nick blanched, “No. Not yet.”

“Tell him, tonight.” Sarah softly laughed, as she started preparing a cup of tea.

“I’ll try.” Nick whispered, more so telling himself than replying to his mother, as he walked out of the kitchen and up the stairs. The image of Charlie saturated in water after they dove under the ocean together, smiling and laughing, providing Nick the motivation he needed.

Nick knocked on the door to his bedroom, before he entered his room, seeing Charlie sitting on his bed in his joggers and a jumper.

At this point, Nick would have to buy a whole new set of jumpers before winter rolled in.

“Here you go.” Nick said as he handed the plated sandwich to Charlie and Nellie jumped on the bed next to Charlie in hopes of fallen crumbs.

“Thanks.” Charlie shyly replied, taking a cautious bite of the sandwich.

“You’re welcome.” Nick responded, ruffling Charlie’s already unruly curls, and starting his quest for his swimming goggles.

After several minutes of searching every nook and cranny in his room, Nick groaned, “I’m leaving for Menorca in twelve hours and I can’t find my goggles!” He continued shifting and tossing clothes out of the wardrobe until he admitted defeat and flopped on his back onto the bed, sighing, “I bet David took them.”

Charlie hummed, taking another small bite of the half-eaten sandwich slice, before saying, “I can’t believe you’re going away for three whole weeks. That’s the longest time we’ll have spent apart since we met...”

“What?” Nick smiled, poking Charlie’s right dimple, then resting his hand on Charlie’s side, “Are you going to miss me?”

“Maybe a tiny bit.” Charlie answered, with his menacing smile.

“A tiny bit?” Nick asked, feigning offense, “Rude.”

“Fine,” Charlie jokingly sighed, “a sizeable bit.”

Nick smiled while snuggling into his favourite spot in the crook of Charlie’s shoulder and neck.

“You know I’m gonna miss you a lot.” Charlie stated, and Nick did know, He was going to miss Charlie a lot too.

“Mwah.” Nick exaggerated a kiss, pushing his face against the same dimple he poked earlier, before getting up from the bed, glad that he was over the duvet. “Okay I need a shower. I can still feel sand everywhere. Wanna watch a movie after?”

“As long as it’s not a Marvel film.” Charlie agreed.

Nick laughed, “Oh yeah, I forgot you have no taste.”

“Hey!!” Charlie laughed.

“I’ll only be ten minutes!” Nick announced, closing his bedroom door behind him then grabbing a towel from the cupboard in the hallway.

‘Maybe we can watch a rom-com?’ Nick thought as he stepped into the shower to wash the sand off his body. ‘One where the protagonist announces their love in an over the top, cheesy way. Then I can laugh about it and say it’s cheesy, and then just tell Charlie I love him without all the dramatics. Perfect.’

“Nick.” Charlie called through the door while knocking.

‘Shit, has it already been ten minutes?’ Nick thought, squirting a dollop of shampoo on his hand and washing the sand out of his hair. “Yeah?”

“My mum said I have to go home.” Charlie said.

‘Okay, so no movie plan.’

“Oh… okay.” Nick sighed, more-so to himself. “Hang on, give me two minutes and I’ll come walk you home.” Nick announced, stepping under the water to rinse the shampoo out of his hair.

“No, it’s fine, I just-” Charlie stuttered, “you know when we were talking in the sea?”

“Yeah.” Nick replied, turning his head to rinse out the last bit of soap from his hair.

The silence that followed was so long Nick thought he might’ve missed what Charlie said over the sound of the running water. Before he could ask Charlie to repeat himself, he heard Charlie respond with a timid “I lied.”

‘Lied about what?’

Nick dropped his arms as the water cascaded around him, “What do you mean?”.

“When you asked me whether the eating thing was what I wanted to talk to you about. That wasn’t actually what I was gonna talk to you about.” Charlie started, “I was actually gonna say…”

Nick’s eyes widened, a little scared and unsure what his boyfriend was about to tell him.

“I love you.” Charlie stated, as Nick stood stock-still. “So yeah… anyway- uhm-“

‘Did he say-?’

“Bye! I can walk myself home.” Charlie finished.

The shower water suddenly turned cold, and pulled Nick out of his motionless state. “Wait!” Nick yelled as he turned the shower handle off, failing over the ledge of the shower and landing on his back on his way out.

“Charlie, hang on!” Nick called while standing up quickly—thanks to years of rugby training him to get up from a fall or tackle—and grabbing a towel from the rack. “Charlie-” Nick said as he opened the bathroom door only to see Nellie where Charlie once stood.

“Oh no.” Nick whispered to himself. “Oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no.” Nick repeated aloud. running down the hall to the stairs, before stopping himself, and muttering, “Clothes, I need clothes.”

Nick rushed back up the hall to his bedroom, tossing on the first pair of basketball shorts, shrugging on a jacket and not bothering to zip it up, before running down the hall and stairs.

“What are you doing, young man?” Sarah asked, standing in the doorway of the kitchen, iPad and tea mug in hand.

“Where did Charlie go‽” Nick nearly shouted, making a mental note to apologize to his mum later.

“He said he had to go home.” Sarah answered, her tone softened, “Why?”

Nick groaned again, turning around without a stop, and running out the front door.

“Nicky!! You could at least put some shoes on!” Nick heard Sarah call after him as the gate latched behind him. He continued running in the direction of Charlie’s house for several seconds before he saw the beautiful figure that is his boyfriend turn around with wide eyes.

“Charlie!” Nick yelled through his huffs of breath.

“Y-yes?” Charlie timidly asked, as Nick slammed into Charlie, He wrapped his arms around the slightly shorter boy’s shoulders, and rested his head on Charlie’s shoulder as he tried to catch his breath.

“H-hi.” Charlie hesitantly said, as Nick took a step back and put his hands on his knees, still trying to catch his breath.

“Uhm…” Charlie squeaked, “You are not wearing many clothes.”

Nick put his hands on Charlie’s shoulders, feeling the water still dripping from his hair down his face and neck, ignoring Charlie’s observation. “You said it to me while I was in the shower!” Nick raised his voice in excitement.

“…sorr-” Charlie started.

Moving his hands to Charlie’s face, Nick interrupted, “And don’t you dare say sorry.”

A beat of silence passed before Charlie responded, “…okay.”

The situation at hand caught up to Nick as he smiled at Charlie’s stunned face, laughter suddenly overtaking him. Between the laughter —and not totally having had his breathing back to normal— he rested his head on Charlie’s shoulder, Charlie joining in on the continued laughter.

‘What if he didn’t mean it?’

“Say it again?” Nick asked, sobering up and wrapping his arms around Charlie’s torso, pulling him close. “Can you say what you said… again?”

“It’s embarrassing.” Charlie whispered, looking at the ground.

“Do you want me to say it first then?” Nick smirked as he placed his index finger under Charlie’s chin to raise his gaze.

“Uh, I definitely said it first.” Charlie stated with a smile, cupping one of Nick’s cheeks with his hand. Nick couldn’t help it and laughed; the whole situation was making him so happy. “I’m not letting you have this one!”

Charlie moved his hand from Nick’s cheek to his shoulders, before softly declaring, “I love you.”

Nick opened his mouth, ready to return the sentiment, when Charlie took a step back, dropping his hands, confusing Nick, and continued, “And you don’t have to say it back! I just wanted you to know because I’m not gonna see you for weeks and-”

To stop the rambling that Charlie was wont to do, Nick put his pointer finger on Charlie’s soft lips, abruptly stopping Charlie’s verbose. Nick dropped his arms and gently grabbed Charlie’s hands in his own. “I love you too.” Nick said, pressing his forehead to Charlie’s, noses grazing one another. “I love you so much.”

“You’re not just saying it because I said it?” Charlie asked, insecurity flooding through his voice.

“Charlie!” Nick cheered, intoxicated by hearing those three words from his boyfriend, pulling Charlie into a hug. “Come here you idiot.” Nick said as he rested his arms on Charlie’s shoulders, hands grazing his neck.

Nick could hear Charlie’s soft laughter before he pulled Charlie into a much-needed kiss, the best kiss in Nick’s opinion, filled with love for one another. After a few seconds, Charlie broke the kiss, laughing, “You’re still damp!”

Nick didn’t want to lose the physical contact, and lightly brushed his nose against Charlie’s, before announcing, “Yeah, well, you said ‘I love you’ for the first time while I was in the shower.”

“Oh my God.” Charlie groaned, burying his head in Nick’s chest. “Why did I do that? Why are we like this?”

Nick sighed happily, resting his chin on the top of Charlie’s head, “Because you’re Charlie. And you love me; and I love you.” Nick hugged Charlie for another long moment before realizing that they have spent far too long on the pavement, and Nick was not wearing the proper clothing to apologise to Jane Spring for Charlie’s tardiness.

Nick dropped one arm, keeping Charlie close, asking “So, can I walk you home now?”

“You’re literally not wearing a shirt.” Charlie smiled, poking Nick’s bare chest.

Ignoring the tingle rising from his chest, Nick smiled. “I thought you like it. I saw you peeping at the beach.”

“I-I was not peeping.” Charlie maintained, continuing his interrupted walk home.

“It’s okay.” Nick gently laughed, “We’re in love.”

“Oh my God, shut up.” Charlie laughed while rolling his eyes.

Nick squeezed Charlie closer under one arm, still feeling a high from the mutual love, when the cool night air hit his still drying bare chest. “Also, I need my jumper back.”

“Oh.” Charlie whispered, defeatedly.

“Charlie.” Nick smiled at his silly jumper-stealing boyfriend, “You have like five of my jumpers already. Maybe fifty.”

“I don’t have fifty!” Charlie laughed, playfully shoving at Nick’s chest.

“Charlie!” Nick chuckled, grabbing Charlie’s hands with a quick squeeze before dropping them.

“Fine.” Charlie sighed, leaning more into Nick’s side.

The two continued the very short walk back to Charlie’s house, enjoying the quiet night and the company of one another, knowing they have minimal time left together until school started back up again.

“Here.” Charlie said, slugging off his backpack and handing it to Nick as they stood in front of the gate to the garden.

“Wha-” Nick started, as Charlie quickly pulled off the jumper he was wearing and exchanged the backpack for the jumper in less time than Nick could blink.

Reluctant to leave, Nick softly kissed Charlie’s forehead, saying, “I love you.”

“I love you too.” Charlie repeated, glancing back to the house. Nick could only imagine what Charlie’s mum would tell him about being home at such a late hour.

“You’ll talk to your parents about…?” Nick trailed off.

Charlie looked at the house again, then back to Nick with a weak smile, “I’ll try.”

Nick responded with a small smile of his own, “Okay, bye.”

“Bye.” Charlie repeated with a small kiss before he walked up the pathway to the door of the house.

Once Charlie was safely in his house, Nick turned around to start walking home, deciding he would be the first to say it in text if he wasn’t the first to say it aloud.

Nick: I love you 💙

Nick wasn’t really surprised that there wasn’t an immediate response from Charlie and added a second message.

Nick: Sorry for making you late 😬

Nick spent the rest of the walk regretting not stopping to put on shoes in his haste to follow Charlie as his bare feet slapped against the cool pavement.

Nick knew he had a huge smile on his face—he couldn’t help it—and nothing was going to erase it.

“Care to explain what that was about?” Sarah asked as Nick walked through the entryway and passed the dining table.

Nick stopped, with what he knew to be a dopey smile covering his face, “He loves me, Mum.”

Sarah smiled at her youngest son, “I’m happy for you, Nicky.”

“I’m happy too.” Nick breathed.

“I can tell.” Sarah chuckled, taking a sip of her tea. “Now go wash your feet.” Sarah said as she scrunched her nose. “And finish your packing! We have to leave by nine tomorrow morning!”

“Mum!” Nick groaned as he made his way upstairs to do as he was told, his smile still unfaltering.

[thehiccupingbanana]

Sweet Treats

PAIRING/FANDOM: Patrick Jane/Teresa Lisbon (The Mentalist) GENRE: fluff WORD COUNT: 1,134 WARNINGS: food SUMMARY: “How much do I owe you?” Teresa asked. “I was thinking… five?” “Five?” “Yeah.” Patrick responded before turning back to his wife. “Five what? Five hundred?” Teresa laughed. “No. Not five hundred.” Patrick started, before smirking, “Five dozen.” “And.” Patrick interrupted, taking a step closer to Teresa, “I get to eat every- last- one.” Teresa furrows her eyebrows, “You want me to bake you cookies?” or Jane fixes the sink while Lisbon makes cupcakes for Charlotte's class bake sale and fluff happens. ADDITIONAL TAGS: Charlotte is alive, Fluff, Domestic Fluff, Established Patrick Jane and Teresa Lisbon, Married Patrick Jane and Teresa Lisbon, Post-Season/Series Finale A/N: Inspired by this Facebook post Thank you @sleepywriter00 for help with the title and looking this over for me 💟 [READ ON AO3]

“Jane, how’s the sink repair going?” Teresa asked as she pulled the last batch of cupcakes from the oven. “We can’t let the bowls with batter sit overnight.”

“It’s-” Patrick started, tightening one last bit, “-done.”

Patrick sighed and stood up, patting away the invisible dust on his jeans. Teresa couldn’t help but do a once over Jane in his white t-shirt and dark denim jeans. He decided to ditch the suit as his every-day outfit once their toddler decided it was fun to run away from their parents at the age of eighteen months.

Teresa finally looked up and saw a smirk plastered to Patrick’s face.

“Like what you see?” Patrick half joked.

‘Two can play at that game.’ Teresa thought.

“How much do I owe you?” Teresa asked, with a smirk of her own.

Patrick hummed in response, turning around to check the water was flowing from the tap without any leakage from the pipe below, before turning back around. “I was thinking… five?”

Teresa furrowed her eyebrows, “Five?”

“Yeah.” Patrick responded wiping his hands dry on a cup towel hanging from the oven door, standing close to his wife.

“Five what? Five hundred?” Teresa laughed at her own joke. “What do you want with five hundred dollars? You would just spend on the girls anyway.”

“No. Not five hundred.” Patrick started, before smirking, “Five dozen.”

Teresa blamed their youngest, Emilie, keeping them both up all night lately for not understanding a word out of Jane’s mouth.

“What are you on about, Jane?” Teresa asked.

“And they have to be sugar with those little dehydrated strawberries I like.” Patrick continued.

“Patrick, what are you—” Teresa started.

“And.” Patrick interrupted, taking a step closer to Teresa, Lisbon standing her ground. “I get to eat every-” Jane takes another step towards his wife, pressing Teresa against the counter, “-last-” Jane puts his hands on the counter on either side of Lisbon’s hips, “-one.”

Teresa furrows her eyebrows at her husband’s words again, “You want me to bake you cookies?”

“Yes.” Patrick nods, leaving a soft kiss against Teresa’s cheek.

“We just made 3 batches of cupcakes; eat some of those.” Teresa said, lightly pushing Jane back so she could cover the cupcakes.

Teresa watched as Patrick silently left the kitchen, keeping an eye on him as he rounded the corner, knowing he was up to something.

Lisbon started washing the dirty mixing bowls so Jane could make dinner in a semi-clean kitchen that night, when their youngest, Emilie came toddling into the kitchen.

“Mama.” Emilie stated.

“Yes, sweetie?” Lisbon asked, crouching down slightly to be eye level to her daughter.

“Staw-bewie cookies?” Emilie asked.

Teresa glanced to the archway of the kitchen to see Patrick “hiding” behind the wall watching the interaction, quickly moving back behind the wall when he caught Teresa’s eye.

“Pweese?” Emilie asked, looking at Teresa with eyes that matched her own.

Teresa pursed her lips before replying, “Daddy will make some tomorrow, and you can have one then.”

Teresa listened to the juxtaposition of Emilie cheering and Jane groaning as he walked towards them, trying to hold in her own laughter.

“Go on.” Jane chuckled, lightly tickling his daughter as her cheers turned into giggles. “Go ask Charlotte to come down and help with the cupcakes.”

“Okay!” Emilie replied, jumping from her dad’s hands to run across the house to her older sister.

“I can’t believe you told her that I would make strawberry cookies tomorrow.” Jane faux pouted.

“I can’t believe you sent our toddler in here to manipulate me into making cookies.” Lisbon started, “No wait, I actually can.”

Jane responded with an exaggerated gasp, “I never!”

“Jane, I worked with you for several years, it is exactly the thing you do!” Teresa laughed, not actually mad at her husband, then asking hopefully, “But you’ll make the cookies once we get back tomorrow?”

“Yes, dear.” Jane responded, knowing that he signed himself up for that when he got Emilie in on his little plan.

“Em said you needed me?” Charlotte asked, walking into the kitchen.

“Can you help ice the cupcakes for your class bake sale tomorrow?” Teresa asked her step daughter that she loved as her own.

“Is it the-?” Charlotte started to ask.

“Yes.” Teresa interrupted, setting down the plastic containers of pre-made cupcake frosting.

“Perfect!” Charlotte smiled, grabbing a couple of piping bags from the pantry. “Dad, are you helping?”

“Hand one over.” Jane replied, watching as Emilie sat in the living room playing with her toys. “Bet that I can do this dozen faster than y’all.”

“You’re adapting to the Texas language well, Patrick.” Teresa laughed.

“Howdy.” Jane said, tipping an invisible cowboy hat.

“Kind of.” Charlotte giggled to Teresa.

The three spent the next several minutes removing the cupcakes from the pans and frosting them, while joking around with one another. After they were done, they packed the cupcakes up in the carrier bin to bring to the bake sale the next morning.

Once they were done, Teresa took Emilie to get cleaned up after noticing how her daughter was dirty in only the way a toddler can be. Charlotte washed the piping bags, only making the mistake once to let frosting sit in them overnight, while Jane was preparing a casserole for dinner.

“Go wash up, I just need to heat up dinner and then it’ll be ready. Say, 20 minutes?” Jane told Charlotte, as he put the last of the toppings on the casserole.

“Sounds good to me.” Charlotte shrugged, as a hyper Emilie ran up to her sister asking to play blocks with her, Teresa trailing back into the kitchen.

“We’re not going to buy anything at that bake sale tomorrow, right?” Teresa asked, eyeing their own cupcakes.

“Oh no. Already have a check wrote out with a donation.” Jane responded, leaning against the island counter as Teresa walked towards him.

“Good.” Teresa sighed with relief, playing with the fabric of Jane’s t-shirt between her fingers, “I didn’t know how we would have those strawberry cookies you promised to make tomorrow along with a bunch of baked goods from the sale.”

“I promised?” Patrick laughed.

“Yep. You can’t let Emilie down.” Teresa reasoned. “And Charlotte likes those dehydrated strawberries too.”

“Okay. Only because I love you.” Jane said, kissing Lisbon once on her lips.

“I love you too.” Teresa smiled, returning a small kiss to Jane.

“Gross.” Charlotte laughed as Emilie shrieked, “Eww! Cooties!”

Teresa turned to look at the two girls with faux astonishment while Patrick laughed and grabbed Emilie, peppering her face with kisses while she laughed.

Teresa shook her head, chuckling to herself, never knowing what she would hear in a household with a teenager and a toddler, but knowing she wouldn’t change one thing about it.

[thehiccupingbanana]

The Last Streetlight on Winterage Lane

PAIRING/FANDOM: Nicholas "Nick" Nelson/Charles "Charlie" Spring (Heartstopper) GENRE: angst, smut, fluff WORD COUNT: 44,825 (as of Chapter 10) SUMMARY: “We were close. We were emotionally close. We were-” Nick gulps, “We were physically close. I guess we were what you could call friends with benefits. But I should have married him. That’s my biggest regret.” or On Charlie Spring's 21st birthday he goes missing and a month later he is presumed dead by the city of Densole. Due to corruption in the Densole Police Station, the Kent Police station reopens the case and starts to reinvestigate it, launching everything Nick thought he knew about the death of his best friend away. (There is no major character death, but please read the CW/TWs on AO3.) TAGS: angst, fluff, smut, mystery, friends with benefits, time hops, aged up characters A/N: I am not sure the tumblr guidelines would like this fic very much, so it's only on AO3. AO3 does allow guests to read, and even leave kudos or a comment if they like. I also have a few refereal links, and you can message me privatly and I can give you one if needed :)

[READ ON AO3]

[thehiccupingbanana]

xx

[thehiccupingbanana]

Zap

PAIRING/FANDOM: Nicholas "Nick" Nelson/Charles "Charlie" Spring (Heartstopper) GENRE: Fluff WORD COUNT: 1,409 WARNINGS: none SUMMARY: It’s really cold outside, so Charlie has to bundle up to stay warm, which causes some static buildup; Nick notices every time he and Charlie touch, he gets a little shock, and thinks it’s for a completely different reason. ADDITIONAL TAGS: Fluff, Smitten Nicholas "Nick" Nelson, Established Nicholas "Nick" Nelson/Charles "Charlie" Spring, tori is only here briefly, author is (still) american, forgive if there is a non-Britishism please

A/N: it’s been 100F (37.7C) almost every day for the last week where I live, so have a cold weather fic 😊

[READ ON AO3]

Zap.

“Shit.” Charlie mumbled, moving his hand away from the aluminium door handle, and shaking it a couple of times.

“Have you tried not wearing two pairs of socks, a sweater, and a blanket?” Tori asked.

“It’s cold.” Charlie stated, shrugging his shoulders under his blanket.

“Right.” Tori hummed, taking a loud sip of lemonade through her straw and going into her room.

Charlie walked into his room, thankfully not getting shocked by the door handle this time deciding it was finally a reasonable time to get ready to go over to Nick’s house and dropped the blanket onto his bed, hearing the sssss of the static pulling.

Charlie quickly touched the metal door to his locker / bedside table to release the static charge just to get it over with.

After quickly changing Charlie headed downstairs and into the kitchen to grab his shoes from next to the back door when he saw the carton of milk sitting on the counter.

“Really, Olly.” Charlie muttered to himself, picking up the carton and going to the fridge.

Just as his hand touched the refrigerator door, Charlie felt another shock on his fingertips. Shaking his head at the knowledge that it’s just going to be a static kind of day, Charlie put the milk in the fridge. Before leaving he slipped on his coat and beanie, knowing it was going to cause more static, but it was really cold outside.

Charlie practically ran to Nick’s house, both because it was cold outside, but also because he really wanted to see his boyfriend again.

“Hi.” Charlie smiled as Nick answered the door.

“Hi.” Nick responded stepping back to let Charlie in the house. “Did you walk here?”

“Yeah?” Charlie answered, stepping into the house, shutting the cold on the other side of the door.

“Charlie! It’s like four degrees!” Nick exclaimed, “Are you cold?”

“I’m always cold.” Charlie chuckled.

“Let me get you a tea? Or hot chocolate?” Nick asked.

“Tea is fine.” Charlie smiled, “Thank you.”

Charlie watched as Nick smiled at him before walking to the kitchen. Charlie took off his shoes placing them on the rack next to Nick’s, and hung his jacket on the coat rack bracing himself mentally for the static that is undoubtedly trapped between the knitted hat and his hair.

Charlie slowly took off his beanie only hearing just a little static and sighed softly in relief, maybe he won’t get shocked constantly today after all. He put his beanie in one of the pockets on his coat on the rack and started to make his way to the kitchen.

Just as he was about to enter the kitchen, Nellie rounded the corner almost barrelling into Charlie.

“Hi, Nellie.” Charlie smiled, crouching down to her level, “How’s my favourite Nelson today?”

“Oi! I heard that!” Nick called.

Charlie giggled going to give Nellie some pats and pets, when zap. Nellie tilted her head to the side clearly confused at what just happened. “Sorry, sweet girl.” Nellie seemed to accept it and enjoyed the attention from Charlie.

“Charlie.” Nick said, stepping into the living room, “Come on, we’ve had this conversation before; don’t apologise if you’ve done nothing wrong.”

Charlie glanced at Nellie and she didn’t look like she was hurt or upset at him, so he nodded once before standing up and grabbing the blue mug he always used at Nick’s.

“Do you want to go upstairs?” Nick bashfully asked.

“Yeah.” Charlie whispered, carefully walking up the stairs without spilling his cup of tea. When he was in Nick’s bedroom, he set his tea on the bedside table and turned around to look at Nick as he shut the door and placed his own tea on the table.

“Hi.” Nick whispered, raising hand to set under Charlie’s chin, Charlie feeling a slight zap.

Nick smiled but looked like he was trying to keep it to himself.

“Hi.” Charlie replied, accepting a chaste kiss from Nick in greeting.

“Let’s drink our teas and get you warmed up.” Nick said, practically jumping on the bed and pulling up the knitted blanket that stays at the end of his bed for Charlie.

Charlie really loved how his boyfriend always wanted him to be comfortable, but today was not a day to add a knitted blanket to the mix, but he was cold; and it’s not like using the blanket for a little while could cause him that much more static.

Charlie settled into his boyfriend’s bed with the blanket and his still warm cup of tea while Nick grabbed his laptop for the two to watch a movie. Less than 30 minutes later the tea was gone and Charlie could admit he did feel much warmer now, but he was comfortable and didn’t want to move the blanket, so he cuddled deeper into Nick’s arms.

Soon, now that the tea was gone, Charlie felt a little bit of dry mouth from the cold air, and asked “Can I have some of your water?”

“Of course, I just filled it up before you got here.” Nick replied, not looking away from the laptop.

Charlie dropped the knitted blanket off his shoulders and heard a little bit of static as it fell, and knew what was about that happen. That didn’t make the zap as his hands touched the metal water bottle any better though.

Charlie rolled his eyes at what has just become more annoying than painful at this point and took a few sips from the metal water bottle before setting it back on the table. Charlie decided to lay the blanket on his lap instead of around his shoulders, hoping that would reduce the static that clung to him.

Charlie looked over at Nick and smiled, his boyfriend was so pretty.

“What?” Nick nervously chuckled, glancing at Charlie.

“What?” Charlie asked.

“You’re starting.” Nick added with a smile.

Charlie shrugged, still looking at Nick.

“You’re a dork.” Nick smiled, leaning forward and placing a small kiss on Charlie’s lips, not without Charlie feeling a small zap again. Charlie would be annoyed but Nick’s kissing him so he’s okay with it. “Can I say something really sappy?”

“No.” Charlie replied, Nick dropping his jaw in faux surprise.

“Okay, then.” Nick fake pouted.

“Go on then.” Charlie playfully rolled his eyes, smiling.

“Well, now I’m not going to.” Nick said, continuing his pouting.

Charlie shrugged his shoulders, turning back to the laptop between them.

“Char.” Nick whined.

“Yes, darling?” Charlie teased turning back to a blushing Nick.

“Not fair.” Nick claimed, “You know I can’t function when you call me that.”

“Just getting ahead of your sappiness.” Charlie smiled.

“Nope.” Nick shook his head. “You know, today- this is going to sound dumb- never mind.”

Charlie looked at his boyfriend, looking like a blushing mess. “What’s up, love?”

“Stop!” Nick laughed, “You’re making it harder to tell you.”

“Okay, I’m sor-”

“Charlie!” Nick interrupted, “It’s just kind of dumb and you’re going to make fun of me for it.”

“No, I won’t.” Charlie replied, sobering his face, “I promise.”

Nick looked at Charlie and took a deep breath before turning away and looking back at the movie. “Today, almost every time we touch- I feel like a static shock.”

“Oh.” Charlie said, already getting ready to apologise and tell Nick about sometimes the cold weather just makes him carry more static than usual.

“And I know feeling static when you touch someone you love is a thing from cheesy rom-coms, but-”

“You love me?” Charlie interrupted Nick this time.

“Oh!” Nick exclaimed, looking surprised. “I mean yeah, has that not been obvious the last hundred times I told I love you?”

“I just like hearing you say it.” Charlie smiled, his tongue poking through his teeth.

Nick rolled his eyes, before his face softened, “I love you, Charles Spring.”

Charlie smiled, his whole face beaming, “I love you too, Nicholas Nelson.”

The two boys lean into one another, sharing a kiss where Charlie felt another zap.

“Tell me you felt it too?” Nick whispers.

“Yeah.” Charlie whispers back.

“You love me.” Nick smiles, “I love you. We love each other.” Nick puts his hands on either of Charlie’s cheeks, another small zap joining the touch, and pulls Charlie into a longer deeper kiss.

One day Charlie will tell Nick how he just carries static in the winter months, but today he will (secretly) enjoy his sap of a boyfriend.

[thehiccupingbanana]

reblog if you're completely okay with me asking stuff about your wip in your inbox! <3

[thehiccupingbanana]

Is This Our Date?

PAIRNING/FANDOM: Nicholas "Nick" Nelson/Charles "Charlie" Spring (Heartstopper) GENRE: Fluff, Crack WORD COUNT: 2,187 WARNINGS: the word "porn" is mentioned once SUMMARY: “How’s the date going?” Nick asked. “Not sure, looks like they got some food and a table though.” Charlie replied. “Brie was so nervous earlier; she basically threw her phone at me the moment Clem sent her “hi” and I had to type for her.” Nick admitted. “Same for Clem; it was actually pretty cute.” Charlie agreed, “Wait. Does that make this our date?” or Charlie's son goes on his first date with a girl from his class; while waiting he meets her dad and conversation occurs. ADDTIONAL TAGS: Meet-Cute, First Dates, Aged-Up Character(s), Dialogue Heavy, Fluff, Parent Charles "Charlie" Spring (Heartstopper), Parent Nicholas "Nick" Nelson, author is American, Crack Treated Seriously, Fluff and Crack, Inspired by Modern Family (TV)

[READ ON AO3]

Inspired by:  this scene in modern family s4 ep17

~~

“Clem. You’ve been in there all afternoon, are you okay?” Charlie asked through his son’s closed bedroom door.

“Yeah! I’m just watching porn.” Clematis called through the door.

Charlie narrowed his eyes and cocked an eyebrow, knowing that there is no way a twelve-year-old boy would tell their dad that, even if they had the honest dynamic Charlie had with his son.

“Clematis.” Charlie stated.

“Yeah?” Clematis questioned.

“Can I come in?” Charlie asked, hand over the door knob.

“Yeah.” Clem replied, defeatedly.

Charlie walked into his son’s room seeing his son sitting on his bed, phone in hand, tapping his foot repeatedly against the wood floor.

“Do you want to talk about it?” Charlie asked, knowing that pushing a kid into talking about their troubles, will make them not want to talk about it.

“It’s kind of dumb.” Clem responded. “And you might not get it.”

“Cause I’m old?” Charlie joked.

“No.” Clem chuckled, “It’s about a girl.”

“Oh. Yeah, I see.” Charlie paused, “I can call your aunt Tori?”

Clem rolled his eyes in the typical pre-teen fashion, before asking, “Do you know my friend Brie?”

“Yeah, the blond girl in your class?” Charlie nodded.

“It’s strawberry blond, Dad.” Clem corrected.

“Sorry!” Charlie chuckled, “Is she okay?”

“Yes, Dad.” Clem answered, taking a deep breath, “So, Leila told Evan who told Bradley who told Ashwin who told me, that Brie has a crush on me. And, I think I have a crush on her?”

Charlie had to stop himself from accidently embarrassing his son.

“Aww.” Charlie cooed, sitting down next to his son.

“Dad!” Clem groaned.

He failed.

“Sorry, sorry!” Charlie apologized, “My little boy is turning into a little man.”

“Okay, you can leave now.” Clem directed.

“No, I’m sorry. I’ll stop.” Charlie surrendered. “What can I help you with?”

“Nothing!” Clem exclaimed, hiding his face in his hands.

Charlie looked at his son, clearly in distress over his friend and crush, Brie.

“Do you want to ask her if she wants to come over and play with you?” Charlie asked.

“Dad, we’re twelve and a half, we don’t say “play” anymore.” Clem sighed.

Charlie internally rolled his eyes before asking his son, “Why don’t you just send her a simple message and go from there?”

“What? Like ‘hi’?” Clem mocked.

“Yes, actually.” Charlie stated.

Clem looked at his father clearly thinking through the actions before opening up WhatsApp and sending “hi” to Brie. Less than six seconds later, Clem’s phone vibrated once. 

“Oh my god. She said “hi” back!” Clem cheered.

Charlie smiled at his son’s cute reaction, trying not to laugh.

“And a smiley face!” Clem continued, “Okay, okay. I’m freaking out, you do it.” Clem handed his phone to Charlie.

“What? I can’t talk to a twelve-year-old girl!” Charlie exclaimed.

“You knew to tell her “Hi”!” Clem cried.

“Umm, how about, ‘What’s the haps tonight?’, and sent.” Charlie typed then looked up at his son.

“Dad! What? What’s the haps? Why would you say-” Clem stopped, hearing the buzz from his phone again.

“She said she’s going to the mall tonight and wants to know if you want to meet up with her?” Charlie explained, “Do you want to go to the mall?”

Clem nodded in response.

“Okay, ‘Dinner at the food court in an hour?’, sent.” Charlie explained.

“You can’t ask a girl out for dinner! Kids don’t eat dinner!” Clem shirked.

“What do you mean you don’t eat dinner?” Charlie asked, eyebrows furrowed, “I saw you take down almost a whole pizza last night.”

“That’s not what I meant dad!” Clem squeaked.

“What do kids do then?” Charlie questioned.

“Well, when Tobias and I go to the mall, we walk around and like, jump off things?” Clem replied.  

“I know I don’t know much about this, but I don’t think you can invite a girl to jump off stuff…” Charlie trailed off.

“Jumping off stuff is better than dinner!” Clem exclaimed, waving his arms around wildly.

“Is it?” Charlie laughed at his son’s antics. “If it helps, she replied.”

“What did she say?” Clem asked, leaning into Charlie to look at his phone. “’See you then xx’ Dad! She said yes!!”

“I see that, bud.” Charlie intoned.

“Let’s go!” Clem announced, running out of his room, Charlie following behind him shaking his head. “Dad?” Clem asked, turning around abruptly.

“Yes?” Charlie replied.

“Don’t embarrass me.” Clem stated.

“Me? Embarrass you?” Charlie faux gasped, “Well, I never.”

“See Dad, that’s what I’m talking about!” Clem pointed.

Charlie rolled his eyes this time, “Come on, let’s go eat something.”

“Okay.” Clem agreed, “And Dad?”

“Yeah Clem?” Charlie answered.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, bud.”

The drive to the mall consisted of Clem mumbling a pep-talk to himself under his breath. Charlie couldn’t help but think about how different today was compared to his first crush; his parents never would have drove him to the mall for a date.

“Okay, here is my credit card so you can get what you want. Remember, offer to buy her meal, but don’t assume you are.” Charlie instructed once the two were near the food court.

“Yes, I know.” Clem rolled his eyes, pacing in a circle.

“What’s up, Clem?” Charlie gently asked.

“What if I spill something on her?” Clem continued his pacing.

“Make sure you grab extra napkins?” Charlie supplied, “Maybe keep your arms away from open cups?”

“What if I brush my boob against her hand, or- oh my god, there she is.” Clem froze in his spot, before giggling to himself. 

Charlie looked at his son, trying to not laugh at his son’s reaction, “Did you just giggle?”

“I don’t know, I’ve never done that before.” Clem responded, waving back to Brie from across the food court.

“Well, that’s not true,” Charlie started, “when you were a baby-”

“Dad!” Clem groaned, “I asked you not to embarrass me!”

“Hi, Clemmy.” Briella smiled.

Clem jumped slightly from being startled, before stammering, “Pretty good, I mean- hi Briella. This is my dad, Dad this is Clematis.”

“You’re funny, Clem.” Briella giggled.

“Nice to meet you, Briella. I’ve heard a lot about you.” Charlie introduced himself.

“Dad.” Clem muttered, “You’re doing it again.”

“Okay, you two go get something to eat, I’ll be over there if you need me.” Charlie said, gently pushing Clem in the direction of the food stalls.

Charlie walked over to a nearby coffee cart to get an iced coffee before he chose a small table far enough away from the kids to not “embarrass” Clem, but close enough to keep an eye on them. He took a sip of his drink and pulled his phone out, opening the Kindle app to read.

“Excuse me?” Charlie heard from a tenor voice, and looked up to see a tall, beautiful, man standing in front of him, “You’re Clemmy’s dad? I’m Brie’s dad.”

“Clem, yeah.” Charlie answered, “I haven’t been allowed to call him Clemmy since he was ten and declared he was “too old” for that nickname.”

“The day that Brie told me I couldn’t call her Bri-Ella Umbrella anymore, I think I cried a little bit.” The man replied, smiling, “Also, I’m Nick.”

“Charlie. Nice to meet you.” Charlie answered, locking his phone, clear that Brie’s dad, Nick, would be a talker.

“Likewise, so how’s the date going?” Nick asked, glancing at the kids table then back at Charlie.

“Not sure, looks like they got some food and a table though.” Charlie replied.

“Brie was so nervous earlier; she basically threw her phone at me the moment Clem sent her “hi” and I had to type for her.” Nick admitted.

“Same for Clem; it was actually pretty cute.” Charlie agreed, “Wait.”

“What?” Nick inquired, leaning forward.

“Does that make this our date?” Charlie half joked, softly laughing.

Nick softly laughed along with Charlie, a slight blush on his cheeks, before responding, “Well… A good father, funny, handsome, a guy could do much worse.”

Charlie bit his bottom lip, concealing a giggle.

“Anyways.” Nick started, glancing down at Charlie’s lips, “How is Clem’s other parent reacting about his first date?”

“Oh.” Charlie sighed, “His other dad is no longer in our lives.”

“Sorry.” Nick grimaced.

“It’s not your fault.” Charlie waved off, “He was a dick anyways, it’s for the best.”

“Well, sorry you had to deal with that.” Nick apologized.

Charlie shrugged in response, he had dealt with that long ago, and was okay with no longer talking about it again. “How about Brie’s other parent?”

“Oh, her mum said she was growing up so fast, cried a little bit, and then said she’ll take Brie out to buy some makeup over the weekend.” Nick explained. “I’ve never seen Brie hang up a FaceTime call with her mum so fast. It was kind of funny actually.”

“Is your wife out of town?” Charlie asked, hoping he appeared more like making small conversation than fishing for more information. “Never mind, you don’t hav-”

Nick let out a guffaw that momentarily shocked Charlie into cutting himself off.

“Sorry, I’m not laughing at you.” Nick said, trying to catch his breath, “But no. I don’t have a wife… or husband.”

‘Or husband.’ Charlie thought, ‘Interesting.’

“Same, just me and Clem.” Charlie agreed, looking over to his son, seeing their empty food wrappers, and the two pre-teens laughing with each other.

“From what Brie has told me, it seems like you did a good job with raising him.” Nick complimented.

Charlie looked back at Nick, slightly joking, “Well, I still have to make it through the teen years to guarantee that.”

“When I was working on my PGCE I sat in on a Year 11 class, and- teenagers are scary.” Nick nervously chuckled.

“Yeah,” Charlie swallowed, “Being a teenager is kind of scary too though.”

“Isn’t that the truth.” Nick muttered, not low enough for Charlie not to hear.

“Yeah.” Charlie nodded, glancing back at the kids.

“Do you- did you want to talk about it?” Nick asked gently.

“Umm,” Charlie paused, before smiling back at Nick, “Maybe I’ll tell you on the second date.”

“Oh!” Nick exclaimed, “Are you asking me…”

“The kids.” Charlie gestured in their direction with his head, “But- yeah.”

“Well in that case.” Nick started, “We should exchange numbers, you know, for the kids.”

“Right.” Charlie smiled, biting his bottom lip, handing Nick his phone opened up to a new contact page.

“I sent myself a text so I’d have your number too.” Nick announced.

“Okay.” Charlie breathed, grabbing his phone back and pocketing it.

“Papa.” Brie popped up.

“Jesus, Briella.” Nick huffed, putting a hand up to his chest, “You need to stop doing that.”

“Okay, Dad; can we go now?” Clem asked, “I want to go by the bookstore before it closes.”

Charlie slightly shook his head to clear it, “Okay?”

“Have a good night, Brie.” Clem waved, walking away.

“Clem, wait!” Charlie called after his son, before asking Nick, “I’ll text you soon?”

“Please?” Nick questioned, holding onto Brie’s hand to keep her from walking too far.

Charlie nodded quickly before chasing after Clem, catching up easily. “What was that?”

“What was what?” Clem asked.

“Did the date go that bad?” Charlie questioned.

“No. It didn’t go bad.” Clem answered.

Charlie squinted his eyes a little in confusion, “So, do you think you are going to go on another date?”

“Oh, no.” Clem shook his head. “She said that her starter Pokémon is Bulbasaur because he’s “so cute”. I don’t think she’s the one for me.”

“Ahh.” Charlie hummed in response both from twelve-year-old logic and from maybe not seeing Nick again after all.

“You know, Dad?” Clem inquired.

“What’s up?” Charlie replied.

“You could just send Mr. Nelson a simple text.” Clem rejoindered.

“What?” Charlie laughed.

“I saw the two of you.” Clem supplied.

“I’m not saying anything about that to you.” Charlie pointed, “But what would I even say?”

“Hi.” Clem stated, matter-of-factly.

“Hi?” Charlie exclaimed.

Clem nodded in response, waiting for Charlie to unlock the car. “Now can we please go to the bookstore?”

~📲💬~

Charlie: hi 😊

Nick (Brie’s Dad): Hi 😁 Charlie: so, I guess you heard the news? Nick (Brie’s Dad): Yeah. Something about Animal Crossing? Charlie: what? 😂 clem told me that brie chooses Bulbasaur as her starter pokémon cause he’s “so cute”, and that’s why they decided to be just friends Nick (Brie’s Dad): Brie told me that Clem was telling her about his Animal Crossing island and the villager’s homes were in random places and that’s why she decided they would be just friends. Charlie: i tried to tell him that was chaotic Nick (Brie’s Dad): Chaotic neutral at least? Charlie: no all ten villagers, all spread out all around the island and he refused to pay anything towards the bridges Nick (Brie’s Dad): Oh no That’s chaotic evil Charlie: i don’t know where I went wrong with him… /s Nick (Brie’s Dad): Well… maybe we can talk about it on that second date you promised me? Charlie: promised? Nick (Brie’s Dad): Yeah… So next Sunday? Same time, same place? Charlie: yeah 😊

~~~

A/N: thank you @sleepywriter00 for taking a look at this ❤️❤️❤️

[thehiccupingbanana]

The Latte Boy

PAIRNING/FANDOM: Nicholas "Nick" Nelson/Charles "Charlie" Spring (Heartstopper) GENRE: Fluff WORD COUNT: 950 WARNINGS: none :) SUMMARY: Nick goes to the coffee shop for caffeine / inspiration for his creative writing class where he meets a cute barista. or Based off the song Taylor, The Latte Boy by Kristin Chenoweth ADDTIONAL TAGS: Meet-Cute, Alternate Universe - Coffee Shops & Cafés, Inspiration: Taylor the Latte Boy- Kristin Chenoweth (Song), They/Them Pronouns for Darcy Olsson, POV First Person- Nicholas "Nick" Nelson

Taylor, The Latte Boy by Kristin Chenoweth lyrics

[READ ON AO3]

Okay, honestly, I don't even like coffee that much. I have to get a latte with extra stuff to even tolerate the smell of it.

But one day I went to the coffee shop for some much-needed caffeine after my favourite elective, creative writing, assigned more work than I had for my core classes. I was planning on getting a matcha tea lemonade, but the cutest boy I had ever seen was working the coffee machine and for some reason I said I wanted a coffee. The barista, whose nametag read Darcy they/them, working the register asked if I wanted anything in it, so I said milk, but it came out sounding more like a question.

The barista looked at me, and then followed my line of sight to the cute barista working the coffee machine and asked me if wanted anything else. I don't know what goes in coffee so I said no. They told me what I was asking for was called a latte if I wanted to order it again in the future. I thanked them for the information and after paying, received my drink pretty fast.

That was over a month ago, and I still order lattes when I go into the coffee shop and see him. I think he might know I don’t enjoy coffee very much, because every time my drink tastes a little different, but better. I know that he has started putting extra foam in my drink, and maybe even switched the milk to oat milk.

My poetry project is due at the end of the week and the only poem I have left is my free verse poem. I know I could write anything for it, but I have zero inspiration for it. I decided to start my day with a latte, hoping for some inspiration along the way.

I got to the coffee shop and the clock indoors told me it was 8:11 which wasn’t bad considering my first class starts at 9, so I had plenty of time.

Inspiration: Nine and time? No.

I noticed that Darcy wasn’t working the register today and the cute, curly haired, barista was behind the counter by himself. If I must admit, I am pretty nervous to talk to him, but I know I can order a latte and be at least kind of normal about it.

“Hi, how are you?” he asked me the moment I stepped up to the counter.

I had to tell myself to breathe before replying, “Fine, thank you. Also, my name is Nick.”

“Hi, Nick. My name’s Charlie.” He introduced himself. I guess in hindsight I could have looked at his nametag and saw that. “Double latte?”

I nodded in response, hoping I wasn’t blushing at the fact that he knows what I want to drink.     

“Do you play guitar?” Charlie asked me, walking towards the coffee machine.

“No?” I questioned, unsure where that question came from.

“You have a guitar pin on your bag.” He said, pointing at the blue, purple, and pink guitar pin that my friend Sahar gave me when I came out to her. She told me it was the first bi-pride pin she was given and wanted to pass it on to me. I may have cried when I got home later at her kindness to me.

“Oh, my friend actually gave me this pin when I came out to her.” I rejoindered. “She plays guitar, I don’t though.”

“Oh.” Charlie hummed, “I play the drums and tonight my band is going to be playing at the pub off campus, if you want to come?”

Before I could respond, I noticed that Charlie pulled the lever for the foam three times instead of twice, so I’m pretty sure that means that he loves me too. If I was to guess.

“What time are you playing?” I implored. “And thank you for the extra foam.”

Charlie walked to the register and set my cup on the counter before responding with a smile, “We are supposed to go on at 8, but for some reason always starts eleven minutes late. Must be running on gay time for something.”

Inspiration: Latte and gay? No way.

I chuckled nervously pulling my wallet out before he interrupted me saying, “Keep your $3.55, this one’s on me.”

I bite my bottom lip to keep from smiling too hard, “Thank you, Charlie. Can I buy you a drink tonight after your show?”

I had to stop from fanning myself when Charlie nodded, smiling so hard I could see dimples. “I would like that, Nick. Thank you.”

I told Charlie it was no problem and let him know I looked forward to seeing him tonight before I left the coffee shop. I took a sip of the drink Charlie made me today and was hit with a wave of inspiration for my poem. I walked to class as fast as I could, getting to my desk with plenty of time to spare, not even another student in the lecture hall.

I pulled out the first piece of paper that I could find in my bag and starting writing my thoughts before I lost them.

Charlie the latte boy Bring me java, bring me joy Charlie the latte boy I love him, I love him, I love him

So many years my heart has waited Who’d know love could be so caffeinated Charlie, the latte boy I love him, I love him, I love him

I read what I wrote over again and while I probably can’t submit that for my assignment, at least I wrote something today.

Charlie the latte boy I love him, I love him, I love him.

[thehiccupingbanana]

Call Me Maybe

PAIRNING/FANDOM: Nicholas "Nick" Nelson/Charles "Charlie" Spring (Heartstopper) GENRE: Fluff WORD COUNT: 2,427 WARNINGS: none :) SUMMARY: Nick opened the hardcover of the textbook to see a pink sticky note, with some writing on it: "hi, hope you don’t mind me saying this, but my friend thinks you’re really cute. here’s her number: xxxx … and if by any chance you are gay, here’s mine xxxx" or Based off the meme with the same quote. ADDTIONAL TAGS: Alternate Universe - College/University, Meet-Cute, Confident Charles "Charlie" Spring (Heartstopper), Based off a meme, Crack Treated Seriously, i think it's fun when Charlie and imogen are biffles in fics, this has been in my drafts forever, Aged-Up Character(s), nick simping after Charlie from day one

[READ ON AO3]

‘I wonder if he is going to be here today. No Nick, he comes here to pick up his girlfriend, stop crushing on straight men, this never ends well for you.’ Nick thought. ‘Oh, there he is waiting at the door. Man, she’s so lucky that she gets to kiss him whenever she wants, he’s so pretty. Oh my god he opened the door and is walking in now, be cool Nick.’

“Don’t forget to submit your discussion questions before the end of day tomorrow.” Mrs. Robinson, his professor, stated. “Mr. Charles, lovely to see you again as always.”

“Same to you Mrs. Robinson.” The pretty man, Charles, responded with a smile, before he started walking towards the back of the room.

Nick attempted to quickly grab his bag out of the walk way, but suddenly felt the graze of Charles’ bag hitting his shoulder, and the smell of his cologne hitting Nick.

Nick dropped his bag and gasped, turning around quickly to see both Charles and his girlfriend looking at him with concern etched on their face.

“Are you okay?” the girl asked.

Nick looked over at the man and saw only kindness in his eyes. Nick opened his mouth to say anything but no words came out. Instead, Nick grabbed his bag quickly and walked out of the classroom faster than he’s ever walked, muttering under his breath about how embarrassing he is around his crush. 

“Oh no.” Nick muttered under his breath, spinning around to head back to the classroom. ‘Can’t believe I didn’t grab the textbook’. 

Luckily, the short walk back to the classroom was long enough for the room to have emptied out. When Nick got to his desk, his textbook thankfully still there, he noticed a small pink piece of paper hanging out the top of the book. Out of curiosity, Nick opened the hardcover of the textbook to see a pink sticky note, with some writing on it.

 hi, hope you don’t mind me saying this, but my friend thinks you’re really cute. here’s her number: xxxx … and if by any chance you are gay, here’s mine xxxx 

Nick stared at the note in confusion; he hadn’t been gone from the classroom for more than five minutes. Was someone so cruel to play a joke on the bi-guy? Nick left the note in his textbook, closed it, and promptly shoved his textbook in his bag to deal with later.

~🍃~

It’s been two days since Nick has had that sticky note in his textbook, and two days of thinking about that note.

If someone left that note in his textbook as a prank on the bi-guy, then whatever, Nick could throw away the note and not think about it.

If someone left that note in his textbook as a serious inquiry, they (both) could be waiting on a response from Nick, and Nick didn’t want to ghost anyone. He had been ghosted before and he didn’t like it one bit.

The scent of the sweet cologne in the passing wind brings him back to the present. Nick turned his head to see who walked past his desk, only to see that beautiful man with his hands on his much shorter friend’s shoulders, looking like he was consoling her over something.

Nick quickly packed his bag, doublechecking the textbook was there this time, and hastily left the room before he embarrassed himself again.

Hours of studying, a rugby match, a night out with the rugby lads, a day of nursing a hangover, and a morning of mindlessly watching TV, and Nick still couldn’t stop thinking about the what ifs of that note. It might be time to bring in the reinforcements. 

[Darcy, Tara, & Me] Nick: SOS  [image attached] Darcy: NNNNIIIIICCCCCKKKKKKYYYYYY!!!!! Tara: ?? Nick: Help me guys! What do I do? Tara: you text both of them, is what you do! Nick: I can’t! Tara: why not? Darcy: is this about that boy that comes into your class sometimes to pick up his (girl?)friend? Nick: No! Well, kinda? Darcy: have you spoken to him yet? Nick: [typing] Nick: [typing] Nick: [typing] Tara: Nick, we can see you typing! Nick: No, I haven’t spoken to him. Nick: I embarrassed myself in front of him the other day and I don’t know how I’m going to even see him again! Darcy: what did you do nickypoo? Nick: 🥴🥴🥴🥴 Tara: Nick…. Nick: He walked by my desk and his bag barely touched my shoulder and I gasped so loud, and dropped my bag. It was embarrassing. 🥴 Nick: I picked up my bag and ran out the room, leaving my textbook on the desk. So then I had to go back and get it. Nick: And when I got my textbook it had that note in it. Darcy: 🤣🤣🤣 Tara: oh honey… Darcy: nick, you know we love you, but you are an absolute disaster Nick: I know… 😣 Nick: But now you can see why I can’t say anything to him! Nick: What do I do about the note though? What if it’s a joke or they got the wrong person? Tara: what if it’s not either? and was completely meant for you, sincerely? Darcy: listen to tara!! Nick: Thanks guys.

Nick sent the last text message and sighed, not feeling better or getting an answer that he felt like he could do, but knowing what he should do.

~🍃~

Nick: Hi. Your friend left your number in my textbook the other day. I’m sure you’re lovely, but to be honest with you, I currently really like someone and I don’t think it would be fair to you if we went on a date. Unknown: That’s okay! Thank you for getting back to me 🙂.

~🍃~

Nick: Hi. You left your number in my textbook the other day, and just wanted to let you know, I’m bi actually, not gay. Unknown: hi that works too :)  Nick: 😊 Nick: Anyways, I should be honest with you. There’s this guy that I really like, and I don’t think it would be fair to you… I like him a lot. We can still be friends though! Unknown: aww, you’re such a sweetheart, thank you for telling me that 🙂 do you want to talk about it? I’m the king of unrequited crushes 😅 Nick: It’s definitely unrequited, and I think he has a girlfriend🙃 But he’s so pretty! But also, handsome! If that makes sense. Unknown: it makes perfect sense! in secondary school I had a crush so hard on the rugby team captain that i joined the team 🫠 same reason though! he was very pretty and handsome. Unknown: anyways… let me know if you ever make progress with your crush (i’m invested)! have a goodnight 🙂 Nick: 😆 Okay! Good night 🙂

~🍃~

The next day in class Nick was more focused on the work now that the note was taken care of. Nick felt better that he was able to be honest to the two people, and it didn’t seem like anyone had any hurt feelings. Still, Nick was glad that class was over and he’ll get to see his crush.

Upon hearing the sound of something hitting the ground, Nick looked to his left to see a black fountain pen sitting on the ground that wasn’t there earlier. Nick continued to stare at the pen as if it could tell him what to do. ‘Maybe Tara and Darcy are right. I should just talk to him.’ Nick thought as he picked up the pen and walked up to the man and his friend.

“Hi.” Nick greeted the man, taking in all the features he didn’t notice from afar.

“Hi?” the man questioned with a smile.

“I think you may have dropped this?” Nick asked, holding his hand out flat with the pen balancing on it.

“Oh! Umm, th-thanks.” the man stuttered. 

“No problem.” Nick smiled. “Umm, I use fountain pens too.”

“Yeah? I like to use fountain pens because it makes my hand-” the man started.

“Handwriting so much better? Yeah, same!” Nick interrupted and finished. 

“Umm, I’m Nick. I sit a couple desks in front of you…” Nick introduced himself, trying to find a reason to keep talking to his crush, and if she is Charles’ girlfriend.

“Imogen.” the short girl filled in before gesturing towards the man, “And this is Charlie.”

Charlie.

“Nice to meet you both.” Nick beamed.

“Nice to meet you too, Nick.” Charlie replied, his eyes never leaving Nick’s. “We usually go to the cafe a couple blocks away and get some iced coffee after Immy is done with this class. Do you want to join?” Charlie asked.

“Iced coffee?” Nick exclaimed, “It’s less than 5 degrees outside!”

“Yes Nick. I am very gay,” Charlie chuckles and points to the gay man pride flag pin on his bag, “I like iced coffee no matter the weather.”

“So… you’re not dating…?” Nick asked, gesturing between Charlie and Imogen.

“Oh, no!” Imogen replied with wide eyes.

“No, Imogen is just my best friend.” Charlie exclaimed then with a smile, “So… coffee?” 

“Sorry Charlie, not today; I have a paper I need to finish. You both still go though!” Imogen winked at Nick before walking away, “Have a good time boys.”

“Would you still like company to get coffee?” Nick asked.

“Yeah, that sounds nice.” Charlie grinned.

“Lead the way?” Nick asked, grabbing his stuff from his desk and following Charlie out of the classroom to the café.

“Are you in your second year too?” Nick asked, attempting to make small talk. 

“No, I’m in my first year.”

“Oh! So where do you know Imogen from if it’s not a class?”

“We went to the same secondary school, and seen each other around, but were not in the same circles. But I went to a party hosted by the Pride SOC at the beginning of the year here, and she was there so we started talking and now we don’t shut up when we are in the same room.” Charlie chuckled at the end of his story.  

“I went to one Pride SOC meeting last year, but ended up late to rugby practice and coach made me run laps for half the practice. And one Pride Soc party was happening at the same time as a party hosted by one of my team mates so I tried to go to both for a little bit. Some of my teammates and both of my best friends made fun of me for weeks after about how much of a disaster I ended up being at both parties. So, it’s kind of hard to go to events for both.” Nick finished.  

“I guess there’s not a lot of people who are in both rugby and the Pride SOC.” Charlie joked as they came up to the cafe.

“Oh no, not at all.”

The line in the cafe was short and both boys were able to order their drinks to-go (Charlie - iced coffee, Nick - hot tea) and started making their way to Charlie’s flat as it was closer.

“Okay, Nick.” Charlie started, taking a sip of his drink, “Tell me about yourself.”

“Oh, umm.” Nick stuttered.

“Only what you want to! And if you don’t want to say anything, that’s okay too.” Charlie interrupted.

“I want to tell you more about myself, Charlie.” Nick smiled, “I just don’t know where to start.”

“Let’s start simple. What’s your favourite colour? Mine’s yellow.” Charlie said.

“Okay, simple questions. My favourite colour is blue.” Nick answered, “Video games or board games? I like doing puzzles with my mum, but playing Mario Kart with my mates.”

“My friends and I have a movie and board game night every other week, but usually ends with my friend Isacc “accidently” kicking the Monopoly board over.” Charlie chuckled, “But I am really good at Mario Kart too.”

“I will also “accidently” kick a Monopoly board over. That game takes forever!” Nick started, “You have to come over to mine sometime so we can see who the real Mario Kart champion is.”

“It’s me.” Charlie smiled, “I have a younger brother, and I couldn’t let him get a big ego, so I had to be the best at Mario Kart.”

“Sounds like you’re challenging me, Charles.” Nick joked.

“Oh, I definitely am, Nicholas.” Charlie replied, taking another sip of his drink. “Okay next question, do you- on Wednesday, do you want to join Imogen and I after class for coffee again?”  

“Yes! Of course!” Nick exclaimed. “I had a really nice time hanging out with you today.”

“I had a great time getting to know you too, Nick.” Charlie beamed, before waving his hand to the building they were about to pass, “This is me.”

“Wait, Charlie?” 

“Yeah?”

“Can I have your number?” Nick asked bravely. “For our Mario Kart competition?”

Charlie paused for a moment before letting out a shy chuckle and pulling his phone out of his pocket. “Umm, you already have it.”

“Huh?” Nick questioned before hearing a ping on his phone.

Unknown: hi 🙂

“Oh!” Nick chuckled, adding a name to the contact, Charlie joining in with an awkward laugh of his own.  

“Charlie.” Nick said, bringing his hand up to the back of his neck. “I- I really like you.”

“You do?” Charlie asked, his dark eyebrows raised.

“I do. Was it not obvious?” 

“No!” Charlie chortled. “But Nick, I really like you too.”

“Really?”

“Yes! Obviously!”  

“Good!” 

“Can you text me when you get home?”

“Yes, I will.”

“I’ll look forward to it.” Charlie smiled then reached up and pressed a light kiss to Nick’s cheek. “Bye.” Charlie waved.

“Bye.” Nick blushed and waved until Charlie was inside the door to his flat.  

Nick spent the rest of the seven-minute walk to his flat trying to get his blushing under control. Once he was home and sat on the couch, he pulled his phone out and texted Charlie. 

Nick: Hi ❤️ Charlie: hi ❤️❤️ Nick: I made it home. Charlie: 🙂 i only have a morning class tomorrow… do you want to do something? Nick: Do you want to come over to mine? Charlie: 😳😏 Nick: 🫢 No! Not like that! Charlie: 🤣 I know what you mean nick. You want me to beat your ass at Mario Kart sooner rather than later. Nick: The confidence. Charlie: 😊 Text me your building and dorm number? And I’ll bring you a tea? You can think of it as a ‘sorry not sorry’ gift for when you lose. Nick: Charlie! Charlie: :laugh: Nick: Here’s the pin for my dorm: xxxx See you tomorrow 😊❤️ Charlie: See you tomorrow, Nick ❤️

~~~

as always, if there is a cw or tw that i missed, please let me know and i will add it.

title by the lovely @sleepywriter00

[thehiccupingbanana]

Elle's First Slumber Party Resources

All the screenshots I grabbed from the YouTube Reel and used as inspiration for this fic.

[READ ON TUMBLR]

[READ ON AO3]

Video: The Difference between and Trans Best Friend and a Cis Best Friend - Jessie Paege (TW/CW: there is a lot of transphobia in the comments on this video, but the video itself is not, please be safe if you venture into the comment section)

Main comment:

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Nacho table & Perler Beads

[thehiccupingbanana]

Elle's First Slumber Party

PAIRNING/FANDOM: Tara Jones & Darcy Olsson & Elle Argent (Heartstopper) GENRE: Fluff WORD COUNT: 2,381 WARNINGS: none :) SUMMARY: Based off this comment on this YouTube Reel: "My girlfriend is trans. We had a sleepover a while ago where we did all sorts of stereotypically girly stuff that she wasn't able to do at childhood sleepovers. It was so fun." ADDITIONAL TAGS: Background: Established Tara Jones / Darcy Olsson, squint and miss it reference to imogen / sahar, based off a YouTube comment, i just love the friendship between these three, Friendship, Fluff, references to pre nick / charlie

[READ ON AO3]

Elle walked into her second period classroom, seeing her two best friends at Higgs already sitting at their desk behind Elle’s desk.

“We should watch The Barbie Movie again.” Darcy stated, playing with Tara’s fingers.

“Darce, we’ve watched it seven times since it came out.” Tara sighed, exasperated.

“But it’s so good!” Darcy exclaimed before turning to Elle as she was sitting in her chair, “Elle, do you agree, The Barbie Movie is one of the greatest in cinematic history?” 

Elle chuckled thinking of how Tao would respond if he heard her, before responding, “I haven’t seen it.”

“What?” Darcy and Tara both nearly yelled, before Darcy whispered, “You haven’t seen The Barbie Movie?”

“Well, no.” Elle started, “It’s not exactly on the top of the list of movies Tao would have us watch at movie night. Plus, I haven’t seen any of the other Barbie movies, I wouldn’t know what’s going on in the newest one.”

“One. Tao needs to let you choose a movie next time. Two. It’s not a series. And three. You haven’t seen any of the Barbie movies?” Darcy listed.

“No.” Elle replied, shaking her head, “It’s not exactly something I grew up watching.”

Darcy and Tara both slowly nodded in response before looking at each other for several seconds, appearing to have a silent conversation with each other.

“Do you want to have a slumber party with us this weekend?” Tara asked, “We can watch one of the old Barbie movies and the new one, and we can do each other’s hair and bad makeup, eat a bunch of junk food, and go to sleep at 6am like we would have done as kids.”

Darcy nodded enthusiastically along with Tara’s words, adding, “And eat so much sugar.”

Elle laughed at Darcy’s words before replying, “Yes, okay! That sounds fun!”

“Party!” Darcy cheered, the other girls in the classroom looking her way.

The three girls laughed, ducking their heads together, chatting about what they would do that weekend before the teacher started the class.

~🎉📽💤~

[Charlie, Elle, Issac, & Tao]

Elle: Can’t make movie night this Saturday guys. Sorry!

Tao: Why not?

Elle: Tara and Darcy want to have a slumber party this weekend; we’re going to watch some of the barbie movies. (Charlie & Issac: ❤️)

Tao: The Barbie movies? Really?

Charlie: the new one is really good tao! (Issac: 👆)

Tao: Charlie!

Issac: it is really good.

Tao: Issac! So, it’s just going to be three of us?

Elle: Invite Nick; you can have a boy’s night

Tao: No

[Elle and Tao]

Elle: Why not?

Tao: Charlie needs to get over his straight boy crush, not spend more time with him.

Elle: 🙄 Just tell Charlie to ask Nick, they are friends after all.

Tao: Fine

[Charlie, Elle, Issac, & Tao]

Tao: Fine Charlie invite Nick. (Issac: 👆) But he’s not picking any of the movies.

Elle rolled her eyes at Tao’s last text message before conversation shifted to Charlie being suspiciously quiet in the chat. Elle had a feeling something had happened at Harry’s party Nick invited Charlie to the week before, but until Charlie said anything, it’s not her business to speculate.

~🎉📽💤~

Elle hadn’t been at Tara’s for more than thirty seconds before Darcy was shoving a bowl of “Gummy Salad” which was a bowl of Maynards Sour Patch Kids, Jelly Babies, and Fruit Pastilles, from what Elle could see, into her hands.

“Imogen said she is on her way and Sahar should be here in the next hour or so.” Darcy announced, “It’s not a real slumber party unless it slightly feels like too many people.”

Elle would have to take her word for it. The day before Darcy said that she was going to invite someone named Sahar, who was in one of her classes, and Tara invited Imogen. Elle wasn’t really sure why Tara invited Imogen, if she had to guess, it may have to do with Nick and Imogen being friends. Once again, not speculating.  

“That sounds good.” Elle smiled, “What’s the plan for tonight?”

“Well, if you want to help us finish up the nacho table, that’s what we are doing first!” Darcy cheered, running back into the kitchen.

“She ate the rest of the gummies that didn’t fit in the bowl, so she’s a little wound up.” Tara stated, looking lovingly at her hyperactive girlfriend.

“What is a nacho table?” Elle questioned, following Tara and Darcy into the kitchen.

“She saw this TikTok where people put a bunch of chips, meats, cheese, and veggies on a table.” Tara sighed, “It’s very American, but she wanted to do it.”

Elle nodded, still slightly confused, but liking all those ingredients so willing to give it a try. “Is that something done at slumber parties too?”

“No.” Tara laughed, “Well maybe, but when Darcy gets an idea, there’s no stopping her.”

The foil was already laid out on the table with 3 different types of tortilla chips on it, so Elle started laying out the ground beef and ground pork that Darcy had already cooked up on the chips. Together the three girls started laying a bag of different shredded cheeses on the meats, trying some as a taste test before too.

The door bell chimed as Elle was setting the bowl of sour cream and guacamole on the table next to the nacho pile, so Tara went to answer the door.

“Imogen’s here!” Tara called, walking into the kitchen.

Darcy and Elle gave Imogen a small hello, still unsure around her after her “I’m an ally!” comment in the lunch room the last time they spoke to her.

“Sahar just texted me saying she’s just around the corner, so I’m going to go wait for her at the door.” Tara said, walking back out of the kitchen.

“Sahar?” Imogen gasped, her face turning pink.

“Yeah.” Darcy replied, “Is that a problem?”

“Oh no!” Imogen answered, “I haven’t spoken to her in ages!”

“Let’s start this party.” Tara announced, walking back in with Sahar. “We just finished the nacho table, so help yourselves and then we are going to watch Barbie and the Princess and the Pauper.”

“Aww. I loved that one!” Imogen exclaimed.

The five girls all started to pile parts from the nacho table onto their own plates before settling on the sofa and watching the movie. Once it was over, Elle was stuffed, but had to admit, it was a pretty cute movie.

Darcy ran into another room for a moment before coming back with several plastic pouches in her hands.

“Next, we’re going to do like a little spa thing. Tara’s mom got us these, so when her parents come back tomorrow, we should thank them.” Darcy started, “There’s some feet masks and some face masks for us to use.”

Everyone grabbed one pack of feet masks and one pack of a face mask to use. Once everyone had the masks on Elle asked, “So what do we do for the next 15 minutes?”

“Play slumber party games!” Darcy exclaimed. “Like truth or dare or kiss/marry/kill. That sort of thing.”

“I haven’t played kiss/marry/kill in years!” Sahar chuckled.

“Let’s play that then!” Tara smiled, “Truth or Dare could be constricting when we can’t move.”

“Okay. How do you play?” Elle asked.

“Usually, someone will say three random people, it could be people you know or celebrities, and you choose if you would rather kiss, marry, or kill them.” Darcy explained, “But we aren’t seven anymore so we should randomly scroll on Instagram and choose three people from who posted on our feeds.”

“Okay! That sounds fun!” Elle agreed. “Who goes first?”

“Imogen, you can scroll for the three people, and we’ll choose, so Elle has an example on how to play.” Tara said.

Imogen got out her phone and scrolled for a couple of seconds before landing on “Selena Gomez, Nick, and Harry.”

“Easy.” Darcy interjected, “Kill Harry.”

The rest of the group nodded in agreement.

“I’ve already kissed Nick so.” Tara shrugged.

“Wait, what?” Imogen interrupted, “What’s the story there?”

“Oh, we kissed once, for like one second, when we were like thirteen.” Tara answered.

Darcy and Sahar snorted at the same time.

“I already told him so I can tell you too. It’s one of the things that made me realize I don’t like kissing boys.” Tara continued.

“Oh my god!” Sahar guffawed.

“That’s my favourite Nick Nelson story.” Darcy laughed.

“It surely couldn’t have been that bad?” Imogen asked, a slight blush on her face.

Tara shrugged in response, looking at Darcy with her heart-eyes.

“I’m straight, I would defiantly marry Selena Gomez if she asked.” Elle answered.

“I’m not straight and I would marry Selena Gomez.” Sahar added.

The rest of the group nodded in agreeance again.

“Elle, do you want to scroll for choices now?” Tara questioned.

“Sure.” Elle replied, scrolling on her phone once before saying, “Charlie, Tao, and the Netflix Instagram account?”

“If I had to choose, I would marry Charlie.” Darcy answered, “We could be each other’s beards.”  

“Charlie is the actual definition of a sweetheart; I agree with you Darcy.” Tara said, Sahar nodding.     

“I don’t really know Tao, but I would kiss him. He’s not bad looking.” Imogen supplied.

Elle was glad she had a face mask on to cover the blush she was sure was on her face.

“Kill the Netflix Instagram account!” Darcy exclaimed.    

The group continued playing the game until the timer went off on Tara’s phone, when all the girls peeled off the masks from their faces and feet and threw it away.

“Let’s make the cake now?” Darcy asked Tara.

“Yeah, let’s make the cake now.” Tara answered.

“Yay! Let’s go make a cake!” Darcy cheered, running into the kitchen to grab a box of cake mix. “Elle, can you grab two eggs?”

Tara pre-heated the oven and instructed Imogen where the liquid measuring cups were for Sahar to pour the amount of milk the recipe called for. Darcy mixed all the ingredients while Elle greased the pan also found by Imogen, and Sahar poured the batter into the pan. All five girls didn’t have to make the cake, but Elle guessed it was so everyone could be included.

While the cake was in the oven, Darcy had pulled out several Perler Bead boards she found on clearance at the Hobbycraft a few weeks prior. Everyone made a small square with their first initial in it as a warm up to get used to the beads, before getting adventurous and making cute animals.

At one point the cake was finished baking and Tara took it out of the oven and set it on the counter to cool, while the group pressed the iron to their beaded designs. The group made a goal to use all the beads with various designs, Tara and Darcy making a heart with their names inside. Elle made a clapperboard for Tao, a book for Issac, and a small drum set for Charlie. At some point the cake had cooled fully and the girls ate it while the making their designs.

Elle yawned feeling tired all of the sudden, looking up at the clock on the oven to see it was already well past one in the morning.

“I’m getting tired too.” Imogen whispered to Elle.

“What’s next on your agenda, Darcy?” Sahar asked, muffling a yawn herself.

“Witchcraft.” Darcy stated seriously.

Elle cocked an eyebrow, she really missed out on not going to slumber parties as a kid, huh.

“Darcy!” Tara chided, slapping Darcy’s arm with the back of her hand.

“I’m kidding- mostly.” Darcy started, “We’re going to watch the new Barbie movie!”

After putting away the leftover cake and laying out the Perler beads to cool, the girls all changed into their pyjamas and settled into a large make shift pillow and blanket fort they had built. Tara loaded up HBO and started the movie. It didn’t take very long before Tara and Darcy were fast asleep cuddling each other. Elle rolled her eyes at her friend wanting to watch the movie and then falling asleep as soon as it started playing.

Half way through the movie Elle was about to ask Imogen her opinion on the cowboy outfits the Ken’s were wearing, when she noticed that Imogen was also fast asleep, surprisingly with her head on Sahar’s shoulder. That’s a question for another time.

Elle finished the movie, already knowing she was going to force Tao to watch it at their next movie night, no matter how many times they would have to rewatch Donnie Darko to make up for it. Elle grabbed the remote off the coffee table as quietly as she could before turning the TV off and going to sleep, thinking back to how much fun she was having.

When Elle woke up the next morning it was to the gentle sound of Tara’s mum saying, “Girls. It’s time to wake up. Your parents will be here soon.”

Elle looked at the clock to see it was past noon, but she felt like she hadn’t slept more than a few hours. All of Tara’s guests sleepily gathered their Perler bead designs into their bags, while her mum made some toast and scrambled eggs for them to eat.

Elle’s mum was the first to arrive, never one to be late when given a time. Elle told all the girls her goodbyes, telling them that she would love to do another sleepover with them all again. She slipped her tennis shoes on, the bottom of her pyjama leg getting caught between her foot and the back of her shoe, but not really caring.

Elle climbed into her mum’s car and set her bag down between her feet, taking a sip from her mum’s water bottle.

“How was the sleepover, honey?” Elle’s mum asked, before driving off.

“It was really fun, Mum.” Elle smiled.

“Yeah?” Elle’s mum questioned.

“Yeah.” Elle replied, “Maybe we can host the next one?”

“That sounds like a great idea sweetie.” Elle’s mum smiled.

Elle was sure her mum was apprehensive about her going to the slumber party, but Elle knew now that her mum was just as happy as she was about her first slumber party.  

~~~

Thank you @sleepywriter00 for checking over this for me when I was nervous about posting it. ❤️

as always, if there was a cw or tw, please let me know and i will fix the a/n asap.

[thehiccupingbanana]

Charlie "Daddy" Spring

PAIRING/FANDOM: Nicholas "Nick" Nelson/Charles "Charlie" Spring (Heartstopper) GENRE: fluff, crack, very light blink and you miss it smut WORD COUNT: 1,137 WARNINGS: non-explicit sex, reader may get second-hand embarrassment (writer got second-hand embarrassment) SUMMARY: Nick has gotten used to calling Charlie "Daddy" around their kids, and sometimes forgets to call him "Charlie" when the kids aren't around. or A pure crack fic, nothing to be taken seriously in this. ADDITIONAL TAGS: Established Nicholas "Nick" Nelson/Charles "Charlie" Spring, Nick and Charlie are parents, Crack, Fluff and Crackl very small blink and miss it smut references, Future Fic, author is American, No Beta or Editor, it's not a daddy kink thing- i swear [READ ON AO3]

Nick has gotten into the habit of calling Charlie “Daddy”; but it’s not a sex thing.

Okay, twice it was a sex thing. One time in Uni when Charlie was finally able to visit Nick at his second-year flat share, when they were young, horny, and fully exploring kinks with each other, Nick called Charlie “Daddy” in bed. The both ended up laughing so hard, Charlie slipped out of Nick and they were unable to continue their activities for several minutes.

The second time, the first night both their girls slept through the night and they were, what Nick called, making love, Nick whispered “you’re such a good daddy” to Charlie.

Charlie had tensed up, tightening his legs around Nick’s waist to stop Nick’s movements and whispered, “Nick. Is that something you want to re-explore? I know we agreed years ago that wasn’t for us, but if you have changed your mind, that’s okay too.”

“What?” Nick had asked, wanting to move but knowing that might have been a conversation they needed to have, no matter how ill timed. “I’m talking about how you finally figured out how to get the girls to stay asleep.”

“Oh, okay.” Charlie had nodded, “Thank you. Now move, Nicholas.”

So, “Daddy” stayed out of the bedroom.

Except for the time, at 4 years old, both girls walked into their bedroom while they were getting ready to go to sleep and asked “Daddy, can you read us a bedtime story?”

“Hi sweetie, Daddy’s tired. Do you want Papa to read you a bedtime story? He’s much better at the voices.” Charlie had asked.

“Daddy.” Their youngest had whined, “We want you to read to us tonight.”

“Please, read us a bedtime story Daddy.” The oldest begged, both girls using the pouty face Nick taught them that Charlie could not say no to.

Charlie had looked over at Nick for what Nick guessed was him asking for help, instead Nick replied with “Yeah, Daddy, read us a bedtime story.” and a pouty face of his own, while the girls continued with “please Daddy”.

So, sometimes “Daddy” is used by Nick in the bedroom, but it’s not a sex thing.

Nick hadn’t always called Charlie “Daddy”, but when the girls were old enough to start repeating what their dad’s said, Nick and Charlie knew they needed to be more aware of what they said around their kids.

The first instance was when Charlie had one of his rare in-office work days, so Nick was home alone with the girls. He had been making dinner, so it would be ready when Charlie got home, and the girls were on their play rug in the living room playing with building blocks, within sight of Nick.

“Papa! Look what I made!” The youngest exclaimed.

Nick had looked up quickly to see a pretty tall stack of the blocks, before turning back to the stove. “That’s really tall baby girl, good job.”

“Look, Papa!” she had exclaimed again.

“I did baby. Let me drain this water and I’ll go over there for a bit.” Nick responded.

“Sweetheart!” She had stomped.

Nick had paused pouring the boiling pot of pasta and water into the colander for a moment, holding back a laugh, “What?”

“Look!” she repeated.

“What did you say just now, poppet?” Nick had questioned.

“Sweetheart, it’s your name. Now looookkkk.” She stated.

“Sweetie, that’s not my name.” Nick had chuckled.

“But Daddy calls you “Sweetheart” all the time, and you call him “Char” all the time. That’s your names.” She had reasoned.

Nick had to give her that, Charlie does call him “Sweetheart” almost every day since the day Charlie realized it made Nick blush every time he said it. Retelling this instance to Charlie that night had both men laughing but agreeing to maybe call each other by “Papa” and “Daddy” respectfully within the presence of their daughters. They did have the safety talk with their girls about their actual names if needed in an emergency the next day though.

Nick didn’t think it was weird as he grew up with the adults in his life doing the same. His grandma would say “Don’t tell Mummy I gave you this piece of candy.” and his dad saying “go ask Mum” whenever Nick had asked a question. So, it became a habit.

The question “Can I have a cookie?” was answered with “You’ll have to ask Daddy.”

The question “Can we go to the park?” was answered with “Let’s go tell Daddy we’re going to the park.”

During family dinners with the four of them, Nick would ask “Daddy, can you pass the salt, please?” with Charlie answering, “Of course, Papa.”

And sometimes the “Cuddle pile on Daddy!” exclamation that had Charlie laughing but accepting affections from his three favourite people.

So, when the first time in a couple of years, Sarah was able to watch the girls so Nick and Charlie could have a day hanging with the “Paris Squad”; Nick was having a hard time breaking the habit he had made.

“Any plans coming up?” Tara asked as a general question to the group.

“We’ll be traveling to Perth for a couple of weeks here soon.” Tao answered, “Elle has an art show coming up there, so we decided to make a trip out of it. Might be able to get some good footage for films there too.”

“Daddy and I were going to bring the girls to that new amusement park next week.” Nick supplied, looking over to see Charlie blushing, holding back laughter.

“Who?” Tao asked.

“Daddy.” Nick answered pointing at Charlie, “and I were going to bring the kids, to that new amusement park.”

“What!” Tao screeched.

“I said Daddy and I-” Nick started, being interrupted by a snort from Darcy, Elle doing a spit take into her glass, and Issac muttering “allos” while shaking his head.

“Nick!” Charlie laughed, no longer able to hold it back.

“We don’t want to hear about your sex life!” Tao nearly yelled.

“It’s not a sex thing.” Charlie answered, still laughing. “I think Nick has just gotten into the habit from having to say it around the girls a lot.”

“Well, Nick told us that one time-” Darcy started.

“No!” Nick interrupted, before whispering to the couple, “I told you and Tara that in confidence.”

Tao scrunched his nose in lieu of verbal response, Elle sympathetically patting his shoulder. “Charlie make him stop, please.” Tao groaned.

“It’s kind of cute if you don’t think about it too much.” Tara reasoned.

Luckily the conversation shifted away from the daddy kink that Nick definitely does not have. Except for how much he loves being able to raise a family with his favourite person, if that could be considered a daddy kink, then maybe he does have one.

~~~

title might change idk yet.

as always, if i misrated this or missed a cw/tw please let me know and i will fix it. thank you for reading :)

[thehiccupingbanana]

It's not her lips (i want to kiss)

PAIRING/FANDOM: Nicholas "Nick" Nelson/Charles "Charlie" Spring (Heartstopper) GENRE: fluff RATING: Mature WORD COUNT: 4,461 WARNINGS: CW/TW: if you squint: dom/sub undertones, but it's not really, they both really just like kissing, but between the 🍂's just in case. slight illusion to self harm in an insecure moment (picking at skin on fingers). SUMMARY: Nick, Charlie, and Imogen are best friends. Charlie and Imogen are neighbors. Nick and Charlie are dating; however, they never made an announcement, they just don't hide their relationship. Most of Nick's friends think Imogen and Nick are getting together. Nick is so in love with Charlie, and doesn't know how to tell him. Or A fic inspired by the lyrics in Stacy's Brother- Mad Tsai (song). ADDITIONAL TAGS: Inspired by: Stacy's Brother - Mad Tsai (Song), Confident Charles "Charlie" Spring (Heartstopper), Background Tara/Darcy, Established Nicholas "Nick" Nelson/Charles "Charlie" Spring, Cannon Divergent, POV Nicholas "Nick" Nelson, Bestfriends Imogen / Nick / Charlie

[STACEY'S BROTHER- MAD TSAI LYRICS] [READ ON AO3]

“Do you still want to come over to mine today?” Charlie whispered to Nick in the locker room after rugby practice.

“I have a chemistry test tomorrow that I need to study for, but I do want to go over to yours for a little bit first.” Nick stated.

“Maybe you should ask Imogen if she’ll study with you for your Chemistry test.” Christian interrupted, wriggling his eyebrows.

“Why are you-?” Nick started.

“Ignore him, Nick, he’s been hanging around Harry too much recently.” Sai interjected.

“No, I have not!” Christian argued.

“Then stop being gross like him.” Sai stated.

“I think we’re going to go get Imogen and start walking home now.” Nick said, shifting his eyes between his two friends.

Charlie had started walking away when Christian made the first comment, Nick appreciated his friends, but they made some dense comments about his love life while his boyfriend was standing right next to him. Nick jogged to catch up to Charlie, already outside of the locker room.

“I’m sorry about them, Char.” Nick apologized.

“You don’t have to apologize on behalf of them, Nick. I hear it all day from people that aren’t even your friends.” Charlie shrugged, stopping his walk and turning to Nick with a smirk. “Besides, I know you and Imogen are only friends, and I am the only one that gets to kiss you and touch you.”

Nick gulped, “Yeah.”

Charlie smiled once again before grabbing Nick’s hand and walking with him to the outside of the Higgs school gate. Charlie let go of Nick’s hand and leaned against one of the picnic tables looking Nick up and down.

“What?” Nick chuckled.

“What?” Charlie repeated, smirking.

“You’re starting at me.” Nick replied.

“Yeah.” Charlie hummed, “Just thinking.”

“About what?” Nick asked, head tilted to the right.

“Oh, just about how you looked all sweaty after practice before you took a shower.” Charlie answered.

“Charlie!” Nick laughed, blushing.

 “Hey guys, sorry for making you wait, cheer practice ran over and then Becky and I were talking and I just lost track of time.” Imogen said, walking up to the table the guys were at.

“It’s okay, we haven’t been here that long anyways.” Charlie replied, the three starting their walk to Imogen and Charlie’s neighbourhood.

“How was practice?” Imogen asked.

“Practice was fine.” Nick answered.

“You look flushed, Nick. If practice was fine, are you getting sick?” Imogen questioned, putting her hand up to Nick’s face.

“No, I’m not getting sick.” Nick laughed, playfully batting Imogen’s hand away from his face.

“I made a comment about him and he got all flushed.” Charlie stated.

“Aww, our little bi-disaster.” Imogen cooed.

Nick huffed in response before walking a little faster ahead of them, Charlie and Imogen chucking together.

Eventually, Imogen and Charlie caught up to Nick and the three were walking together again, talking and catching up on their days, until arriving in front of Imogen’s house. The boys said their goodbyes to Imogen before continuing their walk next door to Charlie’s house. Once inside, the boys exchanged a look and then ran up the stairs to Charlie’s room, realizing that Charlie’s parents and little brother were not home yet.

🍂

“You have a chemistry test tomorrow?” Charlie asked, pressing Nick between the door and himself, Nick dropping his backpack to the floor with the impact.

“Yeah.” Nick replied, breathily.

“Do you need help revising?” Charlie asked, leaving small kisses on Nick’s neck.

“Yeah.” Nick gasped.

“Want me to quiz you?” Charlie questioned, running his hands under Nick’s school uniform jumper. “What’s the test about?”

“The periodic table.” Nick answered. “Just the first 25.”

Charlie hummed in response, taking a small step back, “And what are the numbers called?”

“Atomic numbers.” Nick whined at the loss of feeling Charlie against him.

“Good.” Charlie said, removing Nick’s jumper and hanging it up on the door hook behind Nick. “Can you tell me what the first element on the periodic table is?”

“Hydrogen.” Nick answered.

“Good boy.” Charlie nodded.

Nick gulped.

“Here’s what we’re going to do.” Charlie started, “You’re going to tell me the first 25 elements in order, and for every one you get right, you’ll get a kiss. For every one you get wrong, well-. How do you feel about that, baby?”

“Yeah, yeah. Green light.” Nick nodded, enthusiastically.

“I wasn’t asking in that context, love.” Charlie chuckled, removing his own jumper and hanging it with Nick’s on the back of the door. “But, since you asked so nicely, do you want to grab your Chem stuff while I go change into comfy clothes?”

“Yes!” Nick nodded.

Charlie left the room while Nick grabbed his Chemistry textbook and journal from his backpack, sitting with them on the blue rug they usually study on. Nick quickly changed into a pair of shorts and a t-shirt before he started to read over his study guide for the test, he felt like he may do okay for it, but studying with Charlie never made his grade worse.

Charlie walked back into his room grabbing a textbook and homework sheet of his own, sitting down next to Nick and working. After a few minutes Nick confidently said, “Okay, I think I’m ready for you to quiz me.”

Charlie shifted closer and Nick watched as Charlie’s eyes scanned over the review sheet. “Let’s start easy, what are the metals in the middle of the table called?”

Nick furrowed his eyebrows in confusion, he should’ve known that Charlie would quiz him on more than just the order of the elements. “Umm- Transition metals?”

“Good job.” Charlie congratulated, kissing Nick’s forehead, Nick flushing from either the kiss or the praise. “What is the terminology used for a row in the table?”

“A period.” Nick replied. 

“And a column?”

“A group.”

“Very good, Nick.” Charlie stated, kissing both of Nick’s cheeks. “Do you know the first 25 elements in order? Do you want to give it a try?”

“I want to try for you.” Nick responded.

“For you and your test tomorrow, Nick.” Charlie chided, moving to straddle Nick’s thighs.

“Yeah, that.” Nick nodded.

“Whenever you want to start, Nick.” Charlie said, setting his hands on Nick’s shoulders.

“Oh. Hydrogen, Helium.” Nick started.

Charlie hummed positively in response and kissed the left side of Nick’s neck twice.

“Lithium” kiss “Beryllium” kiss “Carbon?” Nick listed.

“Nope.” Charle said before snipping a small area of Nick’s neck between his teeth.

“Char.” Nick sharply gasped.

“Do you want to try again or do you need a hint?” Charlie asked, lifting his head to be even with Nick’s.

“No, I always get these two confused. It’s Boron and then Carbon.” Nick answered.

“Yes.” Charlie nodded kissing Nick’s neck twice again.

Nick continued listing all the elements in order while Charlie kissed his neck, shifting to Nick’s right side half way through.

“And Manganese.” Nick finished, breathless and flushed pink.

“That’s my smart and beautiful boyfriend.” Charlie smiled, setting a hand on Nick’s warm face.

“Charlie.” Nick sighed.

“What do you need, Nick?” Charlie asked with a slight smirk.

“You.” Nick answered.

“I’m right here, you have me. You always have me.” Charlie replied.

“You know what I mean.” Nick said.

“Tell me anyways.” Charlie stated.

Nick sat looking at Charlie for a moment before smiling to himself, “Maybe you can give me another type of Chemistry lesson?”

“Nick!” Charlie laughed, “You’re such a dork.”

“Your dork.” Nick supplied, placing his hands on Charlie’s hips.

“You’re being sappy again.” Charlie said, Nick shrugging in response. “You’re lucky I like you so much, even when you’re sappy.”

‘I love you.’ Nick thought.

“Yeah.” Nick agreed, lifting his head to slot his lips with Charlie’s.

🍂

~🍃~

Nick was walking back home wishing he could spend the night sleeping next to his boyfriend, but it was a school night and Jane would never allow that.

Nick mentally was laying on his back in Charlie’s single wide bed, t-shirt off, Charlie on top of him leaving kisses down his torso and bruising kisses on his neck and collarbones. Nick’s not sure what happened, one moment he and Charlie were just kissing, and the next Charlie was asking Nick if he wouldn’t mind removing his shirt, then Nick was shirtless feeling the light weight of Charlie on top of him and feeling so much bliss.

Leaving the neighbourhood that Charlie lives in, about to walk through another, Nick hears a voice he really doesn’t want to hear at any time of the day, much less when he is still in an emotional high after spending time making out with Charlie.

“Nelson!” Harry cheered, “Imogen had her way with you tonight, didn’t she?”

“No.” Nick answered, pausing to see Harry and Keiren looking at him with raised eyebrows.

“Mate, you have the biggest hickey on your neck right now. You cannot deny this.” Keiren laughed.

“Wait, isn’t Imogen taking Biology?” Harry asked, turning to Nick, “You were helping her study for Biology, showing her how to get an A*?”

“That’s disgusting, Harry. You shouldn’t talk about people like that.” Nick replied, feeling angry and deciding to continue his walk home, not wanting to escalate the situation.

Once Nick was home, he went to his room and looked in the mirror seeing that Keiren was right, he has a giant hickey on his neck and his hair is the photo definition of “sex hair”.

Nick: Charles. Charlie: nicholas. Nick: [photo of hickey on neck] I ran into Harry and Kieren on the way home and they saw this. Charlie: 👀😱 i am so sorry. i don’t even know how I did that. Nick: Char, it’s okay. Charlie: nick, i’m so, so sorry. Nick: It’s really okay. I liked it. A lot. Charlie: 😏oh? Nick: 😳🙈 Charlie: you’re so cute, baby. Nick: 😳 Charlie: I’ll ask the girls if they can bring some makeup or something to school tomorrow Nick: I didn’t even think of that. I’m going to try to freeze a spoon to see if it goes away. Charlie: or you can pretend a soap bottle fell on your neck in the shower? Nick: 🤣🤣🤣 That’s believable /s Charlie: tao would believe it 🤷 Nick: He would 🤣 Good night, Char 💞 Charlie: good night 💞

~🍃~

Nick arrived at Higgs early, meeting up with Elle, Tara, and Darcy to get the hickey on his neck covered up. He spent the night before with a frozen spoon pressed to his neck while he slept, and looking for a turtle neck that he could put under his school uniform shirt in the morning, but no luck. The hickey was no longer so dark, but it was noticeable.

“Nick!” Elle called out, waving her hand so Nick could see the secluded table they chose to meet him at.

“Hey guys.” Nick greeted, walking up to the table and setting his school backpack on the bench. “Thank you for helping me with this.”

“Nick!” Darcy laughed, “How did that even happen?”

Nick blushed, looking at the ground, “Well, uhh-”

“Ignore her, Nick.” Tara said, “We all brought some concealer we had and Elle grabbed some theatre makeup, just in case.”

“Come, sit up here.” Elle stated, patting the table top next to her. Once Nick was seated Elle applied a thin green layer of theatre makeup over the bruise to “cancel out the purple” then started mixing shades of concealer to match as close to Nick’s skin tone as possible, and applying it.

“Okay almost done, just need to apply some setting powder.” Elle started, “Nick, don’t make a habit of this, please.”

“Umm, excuse me.” Nick laughed, “It wasn’t just me that caused this.”

“Yeah,” Tara interjected, looking at her phone, “according to all of Truman and Higgs, Imogen gave you the hickey.”

“Why does everyone think Imogen is in to me?” Nick asked.

The three girls all looked at each other briefly.

“Well-” Darcy started to answer, Tara’s hand covering her mouth quickly.

“You know how people are about the cheerleader/rugby player thing.” Tara supplied instead.

“Yeah but…” Nick started.

“Some people just don’t see how gone you are for Charlie as you are. You could start making out with Charlie in the middle of the corridor and people would still say you two are just “good mates”.” Darcy said, removing Tara’s hand from her mouth, but still holding her hand.

“Charlie and I have made out in the corridor.” Nick shrugged, “Although, no one was around. And Christian said the same thing the other day. I know that we never made an ‘announcement’ or anything, but is it not obvious that Charlie and I are dating?”

“Tell Charlie to not make a habit of this then, please.” Elle interjected, “And some people just choose to ignore things, now go before more people show up and see you over here.”

“Nick!” Imogen called out, walking to the table.

“Too late.” Darcy mumbled.

“Charlie said that you would be here, he said that you had to talk to Elle.” Imogen said, “Everyone’s saying that I gave you a hickey but you don’t even have a hickey, so where did that rumour even come from?”

“Harry-” Nick started.

“Of course, Harry would come up with something like that.” Imogen rolled her eyes, walking towards the school building. “Well, I’m headed to form. See you later.”

“I’m going to go.” Nick said, pointing to Truman. “Thanks again guys, I don’t know what I would have done today without you three.”

“Probably catch a lot of slack from the rugby lads.” Darcy answered.

Nick agreed by nodding quickly before crossing the street to Truman and heading to form, ready to take his Chemistry test that day.

~🍃~

Nick had decided that he would take a shower after rugby practice until he was at Charlie’s as to not have the makeup come off his neck. Nick even volunteered to pick up the cones after practice to buy himself more time for the others on the team to leave.  Luckily his plan worked because he and Charlie were left alone in the locker room. The two got dressed into their school uniforms, Charlie always so much faster than Nick. The two boys purposely did not look at each other until Nick finished tying his shoe and stood up to shoulder his bag on.

“Do want me to help you study for your physics test later this week?” Nick asked.

“No, baby.” Charlie replied.

“Why not?” Nick pouted.

“You don’t take physics.” Charlie answered.

“But I can help you study, you know.” Nick smirked, wrapping his arms around Charlie’s waist, dropping his voice to a lower volume. “Isn’t physics about gravity and the effects it has on Earth? You can calculate the weight of gravity while you’re lying on top of me.”

“That’s not what Physics is about.” Charlie pinched one of Nick’s cheeks.

Nick pouted in response dropping his arms from around Charlie’s waist.

“This makeup’s pretty good.” Charlie started, poking the area on Nick’s neck where the hickey is hidden. “It didn’t move at all during rugby practice, and you are sweating.”

“Charlie!” Nick chuckled, batting Charlie’s hand away from his neck, “I don’t want it to be noticeable now either. We told Imogen we would walk back with her today once she’s out of cheerleading practice.”

“Yeah.” Charlie said, stepping closer to Nick, “You know everyone’s saying that Imogen left a hickey on you.”

“I guess Harry thought it was Imogen or something, since I ran into him when I was leaving your neighbourhood.” Nick whispered.

“Do you think I should leave some more on you?” Charlie asked.

“Charlie.” Nick gasped.

“I could leave some in the shape of my name on your neck?” Charlie started, “Or maybe I could leave some lower?”

“Please.” Nick softly whined.

“Later.” Charlie smirked, kissing Nick’s cheek. “Let’s go get Imogen and then we can go back to mine. Olly has some open house thing so my parents won’t be home. And Tori’s doing something with Michael this evening.”

Nick quickly followed Charlie to the outside of the Higgs gate, where Imogen was just leaving. “No shower today, Nick?” Imogen asked.

“No, I didn’t want to get locked in the locker room.” Nick lied.

“Charlie, you’re a good friend. I don’t think I would be able to walk that close to any of my friends smelling like that.” Imogen chuckled, Charlie joining in.

“Oh, he’s definitely taking a shower when we get to mine. I don’t want my room smelling like rugby lad.” Charlie answered, crinkling his nose in mock disgust.

“Okay, okay, it’s make fun of Nick day, that’s fine.” Nick joked starting to walk away, Imogen and Charlie laughing behind him.

~🍃~

That evening after arriving home from Charlie’s and eating dinner with his mum, Nick went up to his room and scrolled on Instagram and DM’ing Charlie for a while before getting an idea.

Charlie: did I see that you updated your ig bio? Nick: I might have 👀 Charlie: you are being so sappy today, baby although people may think you’re a nerd with that emoji selection Nick: You like books, writing, and drums! Charlie: you dork 💞 Nick: Did you just update your bio?👀 Charlie: 👀 are you insta-stalking me, nicholas? Nick: 🙄 I get the rugby ball and dog, but why the sun? I’m not your son. Charlie: you’re my sunshine boy Nick: Who’s the sap now, Charles? Charlie: still you and i’ll deny it if you ever try to say otherwise 😜 Nick: 💞💞💞💞 Goodnight my drummer boy Charlie: 💞💞💞💞 goodnight, sunshine 🌞

‘I love him so much.’ Nick thought as he fell asleep for the night.

~🍃~

Nick woke up the next morning to see that the Chemistry test scores were posted on the school’s grade portal, and was happy to see he got an A*.

Nick: Got an a* on my chem test! Charlie: nick!! 🎉 🎉 🎉

Nick happily got ready for school, his mum dropping him off on her way to work at his usual table outside the school gates.

“I know you were nervous about our Chemistry test, how’d you do?” Sai asked, from his spot across from Nick at the table.

“Yesterday after rugby practice, Charlie helped me study for it and I actually got an A*.” Nick replied.

“An A*?” Sai exclaimed, “That’s amazing, Nick.”

“Nelson!” Harry exclaimed, putting an arm over Nick’s shoulders.

“Harry.” Nick grumbled, shrugging off Harry’s arm.

“Is it true you got an A* on your chemistry test?” Harry laughed.

“Yeah, so what?” Nick asked.

“You hang out with Spring too much; he’s turning you into a nerd.” Harry sneered.

“What?” Nick questioned, with raised eyebrows.

“Or maybe he and Imogen have been studying chemistry.” Keiren supplied, coming up next to Harry.

“Yes Nick!” Harry cheered, most of the other lads at the table joining in.

Nick rolled his eyes at the immature actions his rugby teammates were partaking in, seeing Charlie and Imogen getting off the bus and walking to the table, Imogen talking to Christian and Sai.

“Hi.” Charlie greeted, sitting on the bench next to Nick, his legs on the outside of the table. “You got an A* on your Chemistry test, I’m so proud of you.”

“Well, I had a good study partner.” Nick answered.

“Hmm, that you did.” Charlie agreed, smirking. “I have to meet Isacc in the library this morning, but I’ll see you in Form?”

“Yeah, I’ll be there. Bye.” Nick replied.

“Bye.” Charlie repeated, smiling, before turning around and walking away from the entrance table.

‘I love you.’ Nick internally replied.

“See you later, Nick.” Imogen called out, walking towards the Higgs school.

“Yeah, see you later!” Nick replied.

“Wow, Nick.” Christian started, causing Nick to turn around to face him, “You are so lovesick over her.”

‘Her?’ Nick thought.

“Who?” Nick asked.

“Her, Imogen.” Christian chuckled. “You are so gone on her. I know you and Charlie are good mates, but if you want to get with Imogen, you might have to stop hanging out with him so much.”

“I’m- Good- what?” Nick questioned.

“Ignore him, Nick.” Sai interjected, “Let’s start heading to Form.”

“Yeah, okay.” Nick agreed, following Sai, before speaking lower, “Does he really think me and Imogen-”

“Everybody thinks you and Imogen are dating.” Sai answered.

“How?” Nick laughed.

“Cause you walk with her home every day,” Sai started, “and you’ve been friends forever. You know how people like the whole, “she’s a cheerleader, he’s an athlete” thing.”

“Imogen and Charlie are neighbours, plus she’s like my sister.” Nick said, crinkling his nose.

“I know that, and anyone with half a brain, or an Instagram account, would know that she’s not the one you like.” Sai agreed, “Are you going to have lunch with us today?”

“Yeah. Charlie agreed to help Ajayi with something during lunch today.” Nick answered, standing outside his Form class.

“Cool, see you then!” Sai waved, walking into his own Form class.  

~🍃~

The following morning, Charlie had drum lessons before school, and Sai was running late, so Nick sat at his usual table, idlily making conversation with the others.

“Hey, Nick.” Imogen greeted, bouncing up to Nick at the table with the rest of the rugby team. “Can we talk for a moment?”

“Ooooo.” A few of the guys called out, like they were kids in a primary classroom when someone was called to the principal’s office.

Nick furrowed his eyebrows at the loud group of boys before nodding to Imogen and walking away from the loud group.

“What’s up?” Nick asked.

“So, I was talking to Becky and some other girls and I guess I just wanted to ask you a question?” Imogen asked, looking at Nick with wide eyes.

“Okay.” Nick smiled, trying to be polite and let Imogen ask when she was ready, as it was clear she was trying to postpone asking her question.

“You know how everybody at school thinks we are dating?” Imogen asked.

“Yep.” Nick answered, nodding his head.

“Well, what do you think about actually going on a date?” Imogen replied.

‘Oh, she wants to play a prank on the guys.’ Nick thought, ‘Like in that book that Issac and Charlie were talking about, where the characters were pretending to be in a relationship.’

“Oh.” Nick responded, “Well I think that could be fun, but I would have to ask Charlie first.”

“Why?” Imogen asked, before answering her own question with another, “Do you think it would make it weird walking home together after school?”

“No.” Nick answered, confused.

“Then why do you need to ask Charlie?” Imogen questioned.

Nick looked at Imogen for a moment, seeing a look of confusion on her face, answering with, “Because Charlie is my boyfriend and that seems like something I should talk to him about first.”

Imogen stared at Nick before saying, “You could just tell me no, Nicholas, you don’t have to lie to me.”

“I’m not lying to you, Imogen.” Nick stated.

“Charlie probably told you that you could say that if you get asked out by someone.” Imogen sighed, “You know he has a giant crush on you, right?”

“Well, I would sure hope so.” Nick chuckled. “But I promise you, Imogen, Charlie is my boyfriend and I love him, so I will need to ask him first if you want to go on a pretend date as a prank.”

“Oh!” Imogen started, looking down at the ground, “No, I-. Don’t worry about it, it was dumb. I’ll see you later.”

“Okay, bye.” Nick responded, confused, to Imogen’s retreating form.

~🍃~

The three friends walked to Imogen and Charlie’s houses, with Imogen a little more quiet than usual, texting on her phone. Eventually telling the boys to have a good evening and going into her house, Nick a little worried he may have upset her.

Once inside Charlie’s room, and both changed into more comfortable clothes, the two boys laid on Charlie’s bed, just enjoying the comfort of the other being there. Nick, playing with a clump of curls on Charlie’s head, spoke up, “I told Imogen that you and I are together this morning. I think she had no idea.”

Charlie chuckled, “Yeah, that makes sense.”

“What?” Nick questioned.

“Well, she’s always flirting with you.” Charlie answered, laying a hand on Nick’s chest.

“Hmm, she asked me on a date earlier.” Nick stated.

Nick felt Charlie tense up for a moment before he sat up, looking down at Nick, whispering, “Oh? Is- is that something you want to do?”

“What?” Nick laughed, “No!”

“I mean, if you-” Charlie started, looking at his hands, picking the skin on his thumb.

“I don’t!” Nick interrupted, “I just wanted to tell you. At first, I just thought that she wanted to play a prank on the rugby lads cause, she mentioned how the whole school thinks that her and I are something.” Nick exclaimed. “So, I told her I would have to ask you first, since you’re my boyfriend; but she thought I was lying to her. And said something about you telling me that I could say we were together to get people to not ask me out because you have a giant crush on me. I told her that I hoped you have a giant crush on me cause you’re my boyfriend, and I love you; so, I would have to ask you if I could do the fake/prank date thing with her, but then she got kind of weird and left to go to class.”

Charlie looked up at Nick suddenly, “You love me?”

“Yeah, of course.” Nick answered.

Charlie stared at Nick with his eyebrows raised.

Oh.

“Oh, umm.” Nick started, rubbing the back of his neck. “Sorry, that kind of just slipped out.”

“Nick!” Charlie laughed, jumping to staddle Nick. “Say it again.”

“No!” Nick shook his head, “It’s embarrassing, I didn’t mean to say it like this. I just have been saying it in my head for so long-”

“Can you please tell me again?” Charlie asked, his hand on Nick’s chin, tilting Nick’s head up.

“I love you, Charlie.” Nick whispered.

“I love you too, Nick.” Charlie replied, finally capturing Nick’s lips with his own for the first time that afternoon.

Charlie broke the kiss far too soon for Nick’s liking, chuckling, “Did you tell Imogen you loved me, before you told me?”

“What? Huh, maybe?” Nick asked, mind still consumed by Charlie kissing him. “Are you mad?”

“No.” Charlie shook his head, smiling, “I think it’s funny actually. But, if you feel like you have to make it up to me, you can tell me you love me more.”

“Okay, I love you more.” Nick replied, looking at Charlie with soft eyes.

“My sappy, sunshine, dork.” Charlie slowly shook his head, kissing Nick softly.

~🍃~

Nick: 💞🏉🐶🌞💞? Charlie: stop insta-stalking me 😝 Nick: 💞💞💞

~~~

title from the song

as always, if i missed a cw/tw or misrated this, please let me know and i will fix it. (The text messages are formatted kinda weird on here, if it's not readable, let me know and i'll fix that too). thanks for reading :)

[thehiccupingbanana]

Banging on the Wall

PAIRING(S)/FANDOM: Nicholas "Nick" Nelson/Charles "Charlie" Spring, Michael Holden & Victoria "Tori" Spring (Heartstopper) GENRE: fluff, crack WORD COUNT: 1,010 RATING: Teen+ WARNINGS: sexual references SUMMARY: "When Nick and Charlie are here, it starts the same every time: Charlie's bedroom door closes, there’s a loud thump with some giggles, and Micheal and I make the mutual decision to go downstairs to play tractors with Olly." or Tori is tired of having her daily routine messed with when Charlie and Nick are home after school with their own routine. Tori has a bad day and Michael has an idea to help Tori's day get better and put a stop to her routine disruptions. ADDITIONAL TAGS: Crack Treated Seriously, POV Victoria "Tori" Spring, author is american, i wrote this in 1.5 hrs when my afternoon meeting was cancelled, I didn't edit this, Fluff and Crack, time: after solitare before nick goes to uni

[READ ON AO3]

Michael and I have a new routine after school. I don’t like my parents, but Michael really doesn’t like his parents, so we go to my house. Sometimes we do homework and other times we just do our own thing; I just enjoy spending time with him. Not that I would tell him or anyone that.

Unfortunately, Charlie and Nick have their own routine too. They usually go to Nick’s after school, but sometimes Mum demands for Charlie to come home straight after school. When they are here, it starts the same every time: his bedroom door closes, there’s a loud thump with some giggles, and Michael and I make the mutual decision to go downstairs to play tractors with Olly.

I know Charlie’s therapist tells him it’s good to have a routine, my therapist tells me the same. But does his routine have to be having sex with his boyfriend every day after school? In my opinion, it’s too much sex, there’s nothing special about sex anyways.

I am happy that Charlie is happy, but I would like for my routine to not be messed with on days Charlie is home. I quite like staying in my room, scrolling on Tumblr while Michael plays games on his phone or Switch.

Today was not a good day for me, therapy yesterday evening was hard for me, and I woke up this morning knowing it was going to be a bad day. Nothing bad happened, per se, but there is still time left in the day for the world to end. Michael bought me a lemonade at lunch today, so that helped a little bit; I didn’t have to tell him, I think he just knew.

Michael and I currently are laying on my bed, I’m scrolling on Tumblr on my laptop, with my headphones on, but music low enough to hear Michael’s argument on why it would be weirder to see a fairy in front of his door, instead of a walrus.  

Then I hear it, the inevitable sound of Nick and Charlie about to start their routine. I don’t want to go downstairs and act happy for Olly’s sake today. No, today I am going to stay in my room, but first- “I’m going to tell them to stop.” I tell Michael, standing up to march out of my room.

Before I can make it two steps from my bed, Michael grabs my wrist, “Wait!”

I look at his hand on my wrist and back at his eyes, he must get the memo, because he drops my arm and mutters a ‘sorry’ before continuing. “Tori, do you trust me?”

I give him a look, of course I trust him, why else would I let him look at my Tumblr dashboard, not that I would tell him that out loud.

“Aww, you do trust me. That’s so cute.” Michael coos.

I give him another look to which he raises his hands in a mock surrender. “Okay, I get it. Follow my lead.”

Before I can respond Michael gets off the bed and squats at the foot of the bed, puts his hands on the footboard, and pushes the bed against the wall, hard.

The sounds next door stops for a moment before there’s another giggle and then the sounds continue.

Oh.

I sit on the edge of the bed and start to lightly bounce, just enough that the springs in the bed start to squeak, Michael still slamming my bed into the wall. Not for the first time today, I’m glad that my parents are at work and Olly decided he would rather play Mario Kart than tractors today.

“Harder.” Michael says in a voice slightly above his normal volume.

I stop bouncing and turn my body to look at him, and raise an eyebrow at him.

He shrugs in response, slamming the headboard against the wall again before saying, “Yes! Just like that!”.

I can feel my face break into a small smirk, and see Michael’s face light up with its own smile.

I continue bouncing while Michael is pushing the headboard against the wall.

“Ready?” Michael whispers to me, before groaning loudly, “Oh my god.”

Next door is completely quiet.

“Let’s go.” Michael whispers, standing up and beckoning me to follow him out of my room. He stops us in front of Charlie’s bedroom door.

“Nick, we should go.” I hear Charlie say in his room, “We can walk Nellie or something. Come on.”

The door opens abruptly to Charlie’s shocked face and then a squeaky, “Jesus, Tori.” and a yelp from Nick.

“Charles.” I greet him.

“How? What? Why?” Charlie huffs, holding a hand to his chest, “What?”

“You know we share a wall, right?” I ask Charlie, but glare at Nick as a blush rises on his face.

“Yeah guys, we can hear everything.” Michael chimes in.

I didn’t think it was possible, but Nick blushes harder, before walking up to hide his face in Charlie’s shoulder.

“We,” Charlie starts, gesturing between him and Nick, “are not that loud.”

“Sorry guys, but-” Michael cuts in.

“Sorry!” Nick lifts his head, “I can’t help it!”

Charlie quickly turns his head and looks at Nick before saying, “Nick!”

“Sorry Char. You’re just-” Nick starts.

“Nope.” Charlie chides, putting a hand over Nick’s mouth. “No more talking for you.”

The look Nick gives Charlie, makes me think my brother has told him that before in a different context, and I am horrified. I look at Michael and his face tells me that he caught that too.

“Glad we had this conversation.” Michael says, already walking back to my room, “Have a good evening, boys.”

I follow Michael ignoring the whine of “Char” from Nick and the “shhh” from my brother. I really don’t want to know.

I lay back on my bed next to Michael, seeing a post about a fairy sized walrus or a walrus sized fairy being weirder to see on my porch.

Today was not a good day, but I almost smiled, so it’s better now.

~~~

title by the most lovely @sleepywriter00 who always helps me with titles and i am the most greatful <3

as always, if i missed any cw/tw's or this is mis-rated, please let me know and i will fix it.

[thehiccupingbanana]

Keys to my Heart

PAIRING/FANDOM: Nicholas "Nick" Nelson/Charles "Charlie" Spring GENRE: fluff WORD COUNT: 2,112 WARNINGS: none SUMMARY: "Maybe you can move in with Charlie? You basically live there anyways, and for some reason pay your share of the rent here. Not that we are complaining.” Christian joked. “I don’t live with Charlie. We haven’t been together long enough to live together.” Nick said. “I don’t think that is true.” Sai interjected. or Nick's flatmates decided that they were not going to renew their rent for the next year, so Nick asked Charlie for help finding a flat. Charlie was under the impression that Nick was already slowly moving in with him. ADDITIONAL TAGS: Established Nicholas "Nick" Nelson/Charles "Charlie" Spring, Alternate Universe - College/University, sappy boys, no beta / editor [READ ON AO3]

It’s been four years since Charlie sat next to Nick in their form room back in secondary. It’s been three years and eleven months since Nick and Charlie have been best friends.

It’s been 2 years 6 months 13 days 20 hours and 58 minutes since their friend group decided to skip the last party fresher’s week; the plan to have a film night like when they were in secondary school. Since Nick and Charlie both got a little too drunk and said yes to a game of truth or dare. Since someone dared Charlie to kiss Nick, and Nick was pretty certain Charlie was going to kiss his cheek. Since Nick decided he didn’t want Charlie to kiss his cheek and moved at the last moment for their lips to meet. Since Nick and Charlie kissed for the first time for an unknown amount of time, only breaking apart when Darcy yelled “Get it son!”. Since they fell asleep together that night and decided to be boyfriends the following morning.

Not that Nick has been counting or anything.

Present day Nick is aware he is undeniably down bad for his best friend and boyfriend. He is also aware that he still can’t keep his hands off his boyfriend, so he understands that Charlie wanted a distraction free evening to get a project done for a class. Nick thought about just going to the library for a few hours but he was feeling a little bad that he has only seen his flat mates during rugby practice or matches for the last few months; so, he decides to go to his flat for the night. 

“I’m back.” Nick yelled into the flat he shared with a couple of his mates from the rugby team. The three guys that didn’t “banter” at him because he is bisexual, but because of how much of a sap he is about his boyfriend, Charlie.

“Hey, what happened?” Christian asked, from his spot on the sofa next to Sai.

Nick drops his backpack with some clothes in it for tomorrow at the bottom of the stairs. “Nothing’s happened, Charlie just has a project due in a couple of days, and he wants to get it done. He said that if I’m around he gets "too distracted".” Nick answered, making air quotes for emphasis.

Christian and Sai laughed at Nick’s use of quotation marks.

“Well, one of you has to be the sensible one I guess.” Sai said, once he settled down.

“I know.” Nick pouted, plopping down on the recliner next to the sofa.

“Well, it’s good to see you, we’re glad you’re here, even if it is just for one night.” Sai smiled softly.

“I’m not gone that much, and I see you at rugby 4 times a week.”

“But you’re not here, at home. Which is okay, and something we wanted to talk to you about.” Christian replied.

“Graduation is coming up in a couple months, and we talked to Otis about some things, and neither one of us are planning on staying here in Leeds afterwards.” Sai stated.

“Oh.” Nick sighed.

“We know you are going to stay here for your PGCE, but maybe you can move in with Charlie? You basically live there anyways, and for some reason pay your share of the rent here. Not that we are complaining.” Christian joked.

“I don’t live with Charlie. We haven’t been together long enough to live together.” Nick said.

“I don’t think that is true.” Sai interjected, “People move in with their partners at all different times, some don’t even live with their partners if they are married. There’s no rule book on that.”

“Also, you and Charlie have been best mates since secondary school, people can live with their friends.”  Christian added. “But we’re not saying you have to move in with Charlie. There are some guys on the team getting a flat share next year that I’m sure they wouldn’t mind for you to join in on the rent pool.”

“Yeah. I’ll look around too, since I don’t have to be so close to campus next year, I’ll see what options I have.” Nick replied.

After having some take away pizza with the guys, Nick goes to his room to start looking at some flat options.

Upon stepping into his room throwing his overnight bag on his bed, he remembers that his good pillow is still at Charlie’s flat. That’s fine, I’ll be over again tomorrow.

Nick pulls out his laptop and looks on Rightmove and starts looking at flats closest to Charlie’s flat and flats that are just close to the University; both with the idea of making it easier for Charlie if he was to come over. Finding a potential flat easily.

1 Bed | 1 Bath | Recently Upgraded | Nearby University of Leeds

Nick looked at the map and could confirm it was indeed very close to the University, but on the other side than Charlie’s flat, and the price was on the higher end of his price range. Nick decided to look through the photos on the posing anyways seeing that the bedroom barley fit a double bed in it. Maybe. Nick thought as he scrolled on to the next listing.   

1 Bed | 1.5 Bath | Paved Front Garden

Nick looked at another listing that was fairly close to Charlie’s flat, but further away to the University. It was much more affordable but the photos showed a very small kitchen. To Nick, the kitchen is the only thing that has to be perfect, everything else doesn’t really matter that much. However, not having a place to live trumps a small kitchen so the flat also gets a maybe.

He decides he may not find anything better until closer to the summer when people are moving out, so he closes his laptop and texts Charlie a “good luck on your project <3” text, and watches YouTube on his phone until he falls asleep.

~●~

“Charlie, can you help me find a new place to live?” Nick asked, laying down with his head on Charlie’s lap. Charlie lounging on his bed, one hand playing with Nick’s hair, the other holding the book he was reading.

“What?” Charlie questioned, shoving an old receipt he’d been using as a bookmark in the book and putting it on the nightstand.

“Well, the guys said that they aren’t going to stay in Leeds for another year after graduation, so I’ll need to find a new place to live.” Nick responded. “I found a couple of different options that might work, but I want your opinion as well.”

“If it’s where you want to live, then it should be your choice.” Charlie replied.

“But I don’t want you to hate it and you never come over.” Nick started, “Like one is expensive and the bedroom is barely big enough for a bed. Another is close by so you can come over whenever you want, but the kitchen is so small, you couldn't even bake brownies from a box in there and have room.”

“Sweetheart, get up for a moment.” Charlie bent his knees slightly to prompt Nick to move, both guys shifting so they were sitting and facing each other.

“Or I was also thinking that I can go down to the leasing office here and see if there are any vacancies available, so then we can live in the same building.”

“Nick-”

“Or if you don’t want that then that’s okay! The small flat is cute, and if you don’t want to come over, that’s fine! I can still come here.” Nick interrupted, already going into a spiral.

“Wait.”

“Or not, it’s okay. I can look on my own, you don’t have t-”

“Hey.” Charlie interrupted, putting his hands on either side of Nick’s face. “What’s up?”

“I don’t know.” Nick sighed, “I guess I’m a little stressed out about finding a place that works for you.”

“Works for me?” Charlie asked, furrowing an eyebrow.

“Yeah, close enough to campus so if you want to stay the night, you’re not late to classes or study groups. Or close by so you can be with your friends. But not like I’m saying you have to spend the night with me-”

“Darling.” Charlie gently interrupted Nick’s spiral again, “You have another place to live that isn’t with the rugby guys.”

“Char, I don’t want to go back to live with my mom, I want to stay here with you.” Nick pleaded.

“Nick, I’m not talking about living with your mom.” Charlie smiled, moving his hands over Nick’s hands. “Why don’t you live here? With me?”

“But what about Tao?” Nick asked.

“Tao already told me he’s been thinking about moving into a flat with Elle.”

“You don’t think it’s too soon? Won’t your mom be really upset with you?” Nick whispered.

“My mom’s been upset with me half my life Nick, you moving in with me is not going to change her feelings of me.” Charlie half-joked. “Plus, we’ve been best friends for four years, and by next school year it’ll be 2 years since we started dating...”

“But-”

“It’s not like you don’t already practically live here…”

“I don’t live here.”

“You might as well just be paying rent to the wrong bill, love.”

“That’s what the guys said. I do stay here with you a lot, but I don’t think I live here. Plus isn’t your room kind of small for two people? It definitely felt bigger when you moved in.”

“All of your stuff is here Nick; half this room is your stuff. This room has slowly become our room. Even this quilt is yours.” Charlie said, picking up the corner of the quilt closest to him for emphasis.

“Your quilt was too heavy; I was overheating every night.”

“Yes, Nick, that's what I was saying. Every night.” Charlie jokingly poked. “I’m not complaining though, I love my personal human radiator.”

“I knew you just loved me for my body.” Nick fake pouted.

“Yes, duh. Amongst other things.” Charlie chuckled. “But that’s why you have your cooling pillow on your side of the bed. Where the night stand has your reading glasses, and your half empty glass of water. Half my dresser is full of your clothes, half the closet is your clothes.”

“Is that what you’re calling the row of my stolen hoodies.” Nick poked Charlie’s side lightly.

“You needed clothes for when you stayed here, also they’re our hoodies Nicholas. We have joint custody.” Charlie joked, grabbing Nick's finger and not letting go.

“Okay so maybe I live in your room.” Nick acquiesced.

“You have all your soaps in the shower, and half the bathroom sink counter is covered with your stuff. Hell, you even have a cabinet in the kitchen full of your baking stuff.” Charlie started, “And it’s okay, I like it. I want you to feel at home here.”

“You are my home.”

“There’s you being sappy again.”

“You were sappy first!”

“Shut up, I am never sappy.”

“You are, and I think it’s because you love me.” Nick joked, pushing Charlie onto his back with Nick hovering over him.

“No, I don’t.” Charlie shook his head.

“You don’t mean that.” Nick mock gasped, tickling Charlie.

“Nick!” Charlie gasped between laughs. “Stop!”

“Are you going to take it back?” Nick asked, stopping just long enough to get an answer out of Charlie. Charlie used that moment to flip them back over, grabbing Nick’s wrists and pinning them above his head, to keep Nick from tickling him again.

“I do. I was going to say it’s because I really love you, but I’m not sure any more.” Charlie pouted.

“Well, I really love you so I hope you really love me.” Nick smiled.

“You are. Such. A. Sap. Nicholas. Nelson.” Charlie said, punctuating with a poke to Nick’s side.

“I’m your sap, Charles Spring.” Nick said, slightly dazed with the feeling of Charlie’s weight on him.

“Ugh.” Charlie rolled his eyes, before leaning down and kissing Nick.

He kept his hand pinning down Nick’s wrists in place and kissed Nick until he heard a small noise in Nick’s throat.

Charlie pulled back from the kiss gently, laughing softly when he heard Nick groan “Why’d you stop?”

“Nick, if you want to, I would love for you to officially live with me.” Charlie prompted.

“Uhm- YES. Char, obviously. As long as you want to.”

“I just said I want you to!” Charlie laughed, shifting downwards to continue kissing Nick.

~●~

It’s only 2 months and 5 days until Nick gets to officially live together with his boyfriend, not that Nick is counting or anything.  

~~~

title by the lovely @sleepywriter00 who always helps me with titles because i suck at it <3

if i missed any cw/tws, please let me know!

[thehiccupingbanana]

Main Street Drive-In Theater

PAIRING/FANDOM: Patrick Jane/Teresa Lisbon (The Mentalist) GENRE: fluff WORD COUNT: 6,462 WARNINGS: emotional and mental abuse from parent, mention of a dead parent, mention of alcohol abuse, parent using child for financial gain, mention and use of a gun but it's a carnival game not a real one SUMMARY: A new drive in theater opens up in town and the gang goes one day after school. There they meet Patrick, who has a cool car, and who Lisbon had taken a liking to almost immediately. OR Inspired by the song Main Street Drive-In by The Moxies ADDITIONAL TAGS: Song: Main Street Drive-In (The Moxies), AU: Highschool, Strangers to Friends to Lovers, Strangers to Lovers, background van pelt/rigsby

[MAIN STREET DRIVE-IN -THE MOXIES LYRICS] [READ ON AO3]

Lisbon sits down with her friends at the lunch table on the outside patio after their Criminal Justice class lets out. She notices how much nicer it is outside now that winter and all the cold fronts have passed. When Pike sees her at the table, he smiles at her, and she gives a half smile back.

“Guys, the drive-up movie theater is opening up this weekend again, we should go!” Van Pelt says glancing at her boyfriend of four years, Rigsby to let him know it is not a question. “They are going to be playing WALL-E, and it could be fun!”

“That would be fun to go watch an old movie and just hang out!” Hightower agrees, “Cho, Pike, Lisbon? What do you think?”

“I won’t mind going, I love WALL-E.” Lisbon nods. Cho and Pike nod when they notice Hightower is still looking at them for an answer.

“Yay!” Grace cheers.

~

“Yo, Cho, check out this car.” Pike grabbed Cho’s attention, “This car is so cool.”

“Thanks, it’s a Citroën.” A guy looking around their age, presumably the car owner, announced walking toward the car holding a drink and popcorn.

“How did you get this car?” Cho asked suspiciously, narrowing his eyes.

“Ehh, that’s a long story, short story is a client gave me this car as payment.” the guy chuckled, setting his drink and popcorn on the roof of the car.

“I think you just made Cho very suspicious of who you are and what you do.” Rigsby cut in, reaching out his hand for a shake, “I’m Rigsby, that’s Cho and Pike. We go by our last names because we are going to be detectives one day and we are just trying to get used to it.” Rigsby explained.

“Well, my last name is Jane if you want to call me that.” the car owner, Jane, replied.

“Rigs, do you want to find a spot somewhere, the movie is supposed to start soon…” Van Pelt ran up to them, Lisbon and Hightower right behind her, threading her left arm through one of Rigsby’s arms, “Oh, hi sorry, I’m Van Pelt.” she smiled, reaching out her right arm for a handshake that was returned by Jane.

“Hey guys this is Jane, he has this cool car. Jane, Van Pelt here is my beautiful girlfriend, and the girls are Hightower and-”

“Lisbon.” Lisbon cut off Rigsby, and held out her hand for Jane to shake, both holding on for longer than necessary. Pike shot daggers at Jane with his eyes when he saw this.

“Nice to meet you, Lisbon.” Jane smiled, “And you Rigsby and Van Pelt.”

“Nice to meet you as well Jane.” Lisbon replied, still feeling the memory of the warmth of his hand in her hand.

“Well, Van Pelt, let’s go find a spot to sit like you said.” Pike interrupted, but was looking at Lisbon.

“I’m gonna go now. See you around?” Lisbon asked Jane, turning her body towards her friends but not breaking eye contact with him.

“Yeah, go ahead. See you around.” Jane smiled watching Lisbon run back to her friends after a quick goodbye.

When Lisbon caught up to her friends, she noticed that there were some blankets laid out on the ground for them.

“So, Lisbon, Jane’s kinda cute, isn’t he?” Van Pelt knocked her shoulder with Lisbon’s playfully.

“What? I didn’t even notice.” Lisbon blushed.

“Yeah okay, if that helps you sleep better at night, Lisbon.” Hightower joked.

As the movie was going on Lisbon wasn’t really paying attention but thinking back to Jane, there was just something about him that she couldn’t stop thinking about him. Once the movie was over and they got up to leave, she noticed that the blue Citroën was gone. Trying to hide her disappointment, she said bye to her friends and all went their separate ways.

~🛣️ 🎥~

Jane walks out of the tent that his father uses to give “psychic” readings to carnival visitors, defeated just wanting the day to be over. This morning he finally told his best friend Angela that he liked her more than friends and wanted to know if she wanted to go on a proper date with him that night, to which she replied that she thought of him like a brother but they could still hang out that night if he wanted. Jane just shook his head and continued talking and hanging out with her like he normally would, trying to ignore the feeling of his heart breaking in his chest. Now his dad just involved him in a con, tricking an old woman into buying a rock that would “heal” her terminal granddaughter. He hates these cons his dad involves him in and can’t wait until the day when he can finally leave the carnival and never look back. Jane stood outside the tent gently kicking around some rocks to take his mind off the horribleness of the day, wondering what it would be like to actually have a happy day and ending, not like the lies his dad tells the visitors.

“Did you hear the drive-in theater is opening back up this weekend?” Jane heard the voice of a girl at a distance.

“The one on main street? They are playing WALL-E, it’s a cute movie and I want to go just to experience the drive in.” he heard another girl's voice say.

“Me too! Ask John if he wants to go and we can go on a double date with me and Tyler.” the first girl insisted.

“I will! It will be a lot of fun.” the second one said with what sounded like a smile in her voice.

Jane thought that maybe watching a movie would end his terrible week on a good note. Although he has never seen the WALL-E movie, and doesn't know if it's a good movie, but if it can take his mind off of the week, he will watch it.

~

Once Jane found a good spot for his car he parked and headed to the concession stand to grab something to snack on. He decided on popcorn and a drink after seeing most people with that combination walking around.

“Yo Cho, check out this car.” Jane saw a brunette guy maybe around his age staring at his car, this not being the first time his car was admired. “This car is so cool.”

“Thanks, it’s a Citroën.” Jane smiled when he got a little closer, not sure what else he could say.

“How did you get this car?” a raven-haired guy asked with his eyes narrowed, his voice dripping in suspension.

“Ehh, that’s a long story.” Jane said not wanting to explain to complete strangers what he does on a daily basis. “The short story is a client gave me this car as payment.” Jane chuckled out the word payment, while setting down his popcorn and drink on the roof of his car.

“I think you just made Cho very suspicious of who you are and what you do.” a third guy cut in reaching out his hand for what Jane had to guess was a hand shake. “I’m Rigsby, that’s Cho and Pike. We go by our last names because we are going to be detectives one day and we are just trying to get used to it.” Rigsby explained while shaking Jane’s hand.

“Well, my last name is Jane if you want to call me that.” Jane replied.

“Rigs, do you want to find a spot somewhere, the movie is supposed to start soon…” a girl with red wavy hair ran up and threaded her left arm into Rigsby’s right arm while two other girls walked up behind her. “Oh, hi sorry, I’m Van Pelt.” she smiled, reaching out her right arm for a handshake that was returned by Jane.

“Hey guys this is Jane, he has this cool car. Jane, Van Pelt here is my beautiful girlfriend, and the girls are Hightower and-”

“Lisbon.” the most beautiful girl Jane has ever seen, said cutting off Rigsby, and holding out her hand for a shake which he took and held onto for longer than most handshakes, but he knew he wasn’t the only one holding too long. Jane noticed that the brunette guy, Pike, had a look of jealousy and envy looking at their hands.

“Nice to meet you, Lisbon.” Jane smiled, “And you Rigsby and Van Pelt.” Jane remembered other people were there, letting go of her hand.

“Nice to meet you as well Jane.” Lisbon replied, clasping her hands together in front of her.

“Well, Van Pelt, let’s go find a spot to sit like you said.” Pike interrupted the conversation, looking at Lisbon.

“I’m gonna go now. See you around?” Lisbon asked Jane, turning her body towards her friends but not breaking eye contact with him.

“Yeah, go ahead. See you around.” Jane smiled watching Lisbon run back to her friends after a quick goodbye.

‘Just earlier this week I was thinking all about Angela, but Lisbon… Wow.” Jane thought, getting into his car driver’s seat with the popcorn and his drink. Jane watched the movie considering just leaving the drive in when EVE left WALL-E, but the tears pooling in his eyes stopped him from actually leaving. When the movie was over, Jane was smiling, but he still had some tears left. As the credits were rolling, he did leave the theater, not wanting to chance seeing anyone in the state he was in.

~🛣️ 🎥~

Over the week Lisbon’s mind kept drifting off to that blue-eyed boy she met at the drive-in who introduced himself as Jane. Lisbon wanted to go to the drive-in again to see if Jane happened to be there, but both Van Pelt and Hightower were busy this weekend and couldn’t go, and Lisbon did not want to go with one of the guys, especially Pike. She eventually decided she could go by herself, she was 18 and almost out of high school, one time at a drive-in by herself isn’t going to kill her. She kept telling herself this every day up until the moment she was at the drive-in after being dropped off by Van Pelt after school on Friday. Luckily for Lisbon, she did see that blue car that made her know Jane had to be nearby. She walked up towards it and saw he was not in it or around it. Lisbon started walking to the stands in the back to sit down to watch the movie and that’s when she saw him.

“Hi Jane.” Lisbon smiled at him.

“Hi Lisbon.” Jane grinned, turning towards where Lisbon was standing, hitting his cup that was next to him and knocking it on the ground behind him. “Wow, I’ve really done it now huh? I’m sorry about this.” Jane reached behind him to pick up the now empty cup, tossing it into a nearby trash can.

“I don’t think you really care about that drink.” Lisbon joked, before asking. “Are you here by yourself?”

“Is it that obvious?” Jane gestures around him slightly.

“Would you like some company?” Lisbon asks, already shooing him more into the stands so she can sit next to him.

“Even though I made a complete fool of myself?” Jane moved over enough to give her space but still where it wouldn’t take much movement for their thighs to touch.

“Especially since you made a fool of yourself, Jane.” Lisbon never stopped smiling.

“Well, I guess I can be good company; if you’ll excuse me for dropping my drink. Would you like some popcorn?” Jane offered some popcorn her way which Lisbon accepted by taking a handful of popcorn.

“So Jane, how was your week?” Lisbon asked, trying to get to know Jane better, looking at his blue eyes.

“Well, I’m glad to be here and glad to see you here again.” Jane smiled, his gaze never leaving her. “Also, you can call me Patrick if you want, I know your friends have the thing with last names and I don’t want to intrude on that.”

“In that case, Hi Patrick, I’m Teresa.” Lisbon beamed, holding out her hand which Jane shook with a small squeeze.

“Hi Teresa.” Jane replied, causing Lisbon to feel happy inside. “Thank you for spending time with me, but if you want to go back to your friends, you can, I’m sure your boyfriend, Pike isn’t it, is waiting for you.” Jane shifted.

“Pike isn’t my boyfriend;” Lisbon chuckled, “and I came here by myself today.”

“Oh! I’m sorry, I guess I misread him.” Jane replied happily with her response, “What’s his deal then?”

“No, I don’t think you misread him. He has asked me out multiple times, he’s a good guy, but not the guy.” Lisbon grabbed a few more pieces of Jane’s popcorn.

The rest of the movie Jane and Lisbon went from watching the movie to making jokes and comments to each other about the movie. When the credits were rolling Lisbon sighed, disappointed that she would now have to go home and deal with that .

“You can tell me if I am overstepping, but would you like to go get something to eat? I know a diner down the road that makes really good eggs.” Jane asked.

“You are not overstepping at all, I would love to go get something to eat with you, but I need to start heading home before it gets dark. It’s only a fifteen-minute walk home from here, and I don’t want my dad upset with me for staying out past the time I told him I would be out until.” Lisbon replied, despite what she was saying, wanted to spend the time with him.

“Okay.” Jane smiled a sad smile, “Can I drive you home so you don’t have to walk? I promise to drive the speed limit.”

“Okay, but next time I’ll buy the popcorn.” Lisbon replied, following Jane to his car.

Jane stopped and turned around facing her, “Next time?”

“Well, yeah.” Lisbon replied in a tone reflecting on that was obvious, not missing the smile on Jane’s face as she walked past him. They both got into his car and she gave him directions to her home.

Once in front of her house Lisbon unbuckled her seat belt but stayed in the seat. “I had a lot of fun this afternoon with you.”

“That’s lucky, because I had a really fun time with you as well.” Jane grinned, “I want to see you again if you would allow.”

“Of course, I do owe you popcorn after all.” Lisbon waved her hand, “What do you say about next Friday evening? The drive in?”

“It’s a date?” Jane questioned.

“It’s a date, Patrick.” Lisbon smiled, opening the passenger side door to get out of the car. “Oh, before I forget, if you want to text me before Friday, here’s my phone number.” Lisbon grabbed Jane’s hand and a pen out of her bag to write her phone number down. “I’ll catch you later.” This time Lisbon did get out of the car and walked to the door to her house when her phone vibrated in her pocket.

Unknown: Just checking :) Oh, BTW this is Patrick

Lisbon looked back to see his car still parked in front of her driveway, so she waved at him, walking inside. She looked through the blinds of the windows at the front to see him driving away. She ducked her head to hide her blushing as she went upstairs to her bedroom getting ready for bed, but knowing she is not going to be going to sleep any time soon. Lisbon turned on her TV for just some mindless background noise thinking about how she just grabbed his hand and he didn’t even flinch, when her phone vibrated on her night stand.

(Patrick) Jane: Thank you for keeping me company earlier, you made the movie much better.

Me: thank you for letting me join you and steal your popcorn xD

(Patrick) Jane: You can steal my popcorn anytime you want.

Me: that sounds like a plan

(Patrick) Jane: That does sound like a great plan. Have a goodnight Teresa :D

Me: goodnight patrick :D

~🛣️ 🎥~

The next Friday when Lisbon got to the theater and she didn’t see that blue car parked anywhere, she was worried. Before leaving school for the day, Jane had texted her that he would see her soon, which Lisbon replied saying that she couldn’t wait. Now she stood there, knowing she might be a little early, but really hoping to see that car.

‘ i’m here whenever you get here. ’ Lisbon texted Jane not expecting a text back if he was driving. Lisbon went to take a seat at the stands in the back and absently scrolled through her phone until choosing to rearrange the apps on her phone to pass time. As more and more people were arriving, Lisbon started to feel more defeated, she didn’t know if this was a date or not, but it sure felt like she had gotten stood up. Lisbon checked her messages and nothing, she sighed and decided that she would watch the movie since she was there already. About ten minutes into the movie her phone vibrated with a message from Jane.

(Patrick) Jane: Hey, I’m sorry, something came up, but I am headed up there right now. Are you still there?

Lisbon contemplated if she should reply or not, upset that he wasn’t there, but relieved that he texted her back.

Me: yes, i am still here. are you okay?

(Patrick) Jane: I think I will be once I see you. Give me 10 minutes please. :)

Lisbon’s heart felt like it skipped a beat, he wanted to see her too, but he obviously isn’t okay and she is a little worried. Sure she has only known Jane for barely two weeks, but she does care about him. Lost in her thoughts she barely noticed when she got a new text message.

(Patrick) Jane: I am here in the back viewing row if you want to join me in the car.

Lisbon walked behind the stands to the car viewing row and when she spotted his car, walked over and lightly knocked on the door, while Jane was already reaching over to unlock and open the door from the inside. “Hey.” Jane whispered, as Lisbon shut the car door.

“Hey.” Lisbon whispered back.

“It’s good to see you.” Jane breathed slightly over a whisper.

“What’s wrong? Are you okay?” Lisbon asked aloud this time.

“It was a bad day today. I don’t want to bore you with the details, but it wasn’t good.” Jane sighed.

Lisbon reached over the center console and held his hand, “You won’t bore me with any details. I care about you Jane, let me know what I can do to help.”

Jane sighed and rested his head on her shoulder, squeezing her hand a little more, “My dad is not a good person, and working with him gets harder every day. I just want to leave but I can’t leave them all, they are my family. You know?”

Lisbon shook her head, she didn’t know what he was talking about, but related to the part where he said that his dad is not a good person. “I’m not sure I understand in a whole, but my dad too, he’s not very nice.”

Jane looked up at Lisbon, not removing his head from her shoulder, “Your dad hurts you? I’m sorry Teresa. I shouldn’t be acting like this over my small problem.” Jane shook his head.

“Hey,” Lisbon grabbed Jane’s face, her hands on either cheek, “It’s fine, well it’s not fine, but it doesn’t matter what size problem you have, you can tell me and I’ll be there for you.” 

Jane leaned into her touch and chuckled, “This is a lot for a first date…” 

Lisbon froze for a moment. ‘ Is this still a date?’

“Oh, is this not a date? I read this all wrong.” Jane shook his head, “I am so sorry, I shouldn’t have assumed and used your shoulder as a pillow. I am so, so, sorry Lisbon.”

“Hey,” Lisbon whispered again, causing Jane to look up at her eyes. “I just wasn’t sure if this was a date or not, but I’m happy that you thought it was. And you didn’t do anything wrong, if you want to rest your head on me again you can.” Lisbon smiled and moved her thumbs along his cheeks. 

Jane chuckled again, “Maybe later, I’ll tell you the long story, but the short story is I grew up and still live with the carnival. My dad likes to use me to con innocent people, and I am sick and tired of it.” Jane put his hands over Lisbon’s hands, bringing them to rest in between the both of them. 

“My dad started drinking when my mom died, and likes to yell at me and my younger brothers. So, to answer your question, my dad doesn’t hurt me, no.” Lisbon replied. “If he hurts your feelings, that’s still hurting you.” Jane replied. “Did you want to watch the movie, or do you want to go get something to eat? I still have to get you to try those eggs at the diner.” Jane asked, trying to change the subject.

“I believe I still owe you a bag of popcorn.” Lisbon smirked, accepting the change in conversation. 

“How about next time you get us some popcorn?” Jane asked.

“Next time? Mr. Confident over here.” Lisbon joked.

“Well, if you want there to be a next time… My answer is yes if you want to ask me.” Jane joked with less confidence. 

“Jane of course, I’ll get us popcorn next time.” Lisbon smiled, “Also, yes, let’s get something to eat, please.” 

Both Lisbon and Jane buckled their seatbelts, while Jane put the car in reverse and left the drive-in to head to the diner.

~

“So, you and that Jane guy have had like seven dates already, is he your boyfriend now?” Van Pelt asked Lisbon, sitting down at the lunch table.

“What?! No!” Lisbon blushed, “He hasn’t asked me yet…��

“Wait, that guy with the car?” Pike interrupted, “That’s not the kind of guy you want.”

“Marcus, you don’t know what kind of guy she wants.” Van Pelt argued.

“You’ve been on seven dates, he is your boyfriend.” Cho stated.

“Plus, you told me that you hold hands and cuddle up on each other.” Van Pelt started.

“Hey! Hey! I didn’t tell you that for you to tell everyone else!” Lisbon stopped Van Pelt.

“Yep. Boyfriend.” Cho stated again, taking a bite of his apple.

Van Pelt smiled at Lisbon, “See he is your boyfriend, just admit it to yourself.”

“Well, I would like for him to be my boyfriend, but as of right now he’s just a guy I talk to. Besides, now is not the time to get serious, I’ll be leaving for college in a few months, I can’t expect anything to happen there.” Lisbon signed defeatedly.

“Why don’t you just ask him and see what he wants?” Van Pelt asked.

“Yeah, you’re right, I will do that.” Lisbon answered. 

~

Jane and Lisbon sat at the table at the diner they had started to become regulars at. Jane was pushing his eggs back and forth, not really eating it.

“Hey, Jane, what are you thinking about?” Lisbon put her hand lightly on top of his hand that was pushing the fork.

“Just thinking.” Jane barely smiled.

“What are you thinking about?” Lisbon pushed.

Jane ran his fingers through his hair, “I- I don’t want to ruin anything, but maybe? Teresa, would you want to maybe be my girlfriend? It’s okay if you don’t-”

“Patrick.” Lisbon cut him off, “Am I not already?” Lisbon joked, echoing a joke he had made to her several weeks prior.

“Well, aren’t you Miss Confidence?” Jane completed her joke.

“Maybe a little bit.” Lisbon smiled using her fork to pick up a piece of egg off his plate and ate it. ”But yes, to answer your question. If I’m not already, I would like to be your girlfriend.”

Jane breathed a sigh of relief and smiled, “That’s lucky.”

~

Jane made his normal drive to Lisbon’s house to drop her off after they finished their meal, but this time there was something different, a man sitting on the bench on the front porch. The sun was beginning to set so Lisbon knew she didn’t go out past her curfew. “Jane, my dad can be a lot, so if you want to drop me off and drive off-” Lisbon quickly explained unbuckling about to open the door to the car.

“Teresa. House. Now.” Lisbon’s dad suddenly appeared. 

“I’ll text you.” Lisbon whispered before running up the driveway and into the house, peeking out the window blinds. 

“And who are you?” Mr. Lisbon bellowed at Jane.

“My name is Patrick Jane, sir.” Jane replied weakly.

“And what are your intentions with my daughter?” Mr. Lisbon leaned down to make eye contact with Jane.

“I don’t have any plans, just to be her friend first, and love her unconditionally. See where life takes us together.” Jane smiled, slightly embarrassed. 

“She’s 18, she doesn’t know what love is, she’s not allowed to have any boyfriend, she needs to take care of her brothers.” Mr. Lisbon scoffed. 

“Respectfully sir, I believe that is her choice to make.” Jane contradicted.

“Lose her number, and don’t speak to her again.” Mr. Lisbon stated before walking back into the house.

“Teresa, get in here now.” Mr. Lisbon yelled up the stairs.

Lisbon quickly ran down the stairs, hearing her little brother saying ‘someone’s in trouble’, and shooting him a glare.

“You need to be here for your little brothers, not messing around with some boy you just met. Delete his number before I delete it for you. Now go back to your room, I don’t want to see you for the rest of the night.” Mr. Lisbon demanded, without getting her a chance to speak, heading to the fridge to presumably grab a new beer.

Lisbon ran upstairs and closed her door with a little too much force, cringing, hoping her dad wasn’t about to yell at her for ‘disrespecting his house’. After a couple of minutes, when her dad had not come up the stairs, she breathed out and looked at her phone, unsure of her next move. When the screen lit up with a notification, she guessed her decision was made for her.

(Patrick) Jane: I don’t think your dad likes me very much.I like you very much though.I understand if you want me to delete your number, like your dad told me to.But I don’t want to, but I will if you tell me to.

Lisbon was mad that her dad told Jane what to do, she was sad that he even considered the thought that she would stop talking to him just because her dad said so. Overall, she was happy that Jane told her he likes her a lot.

Me: i like you very much too Patrick :)

and i don’t want to stop talking to you

don’t even think that for one moment

Lisbon stopped typing for a moment considering if she really wanted to send the next text message or not.

Me: i’m sorry you had to witness his behavior

(Patrick) Jane: I’m sorry I can’t be holding you right now.Or sitting next to you, whichever you are more comfortable with.

Me: i think i would love a hug from you right now.

(Patrick) Jane: I can be back at yours in less than 20 minutes. Just tell me which window I need to climb through.

Me: haha jane

(Patrick) Jane: No, really Lisbon.

Me: i’m not going to sneak a boy into my room when my dad is already mad at me

(Patrick) Jane: Would you like to come to the carnival next Friday? I can teach you all the tricks to win. You can bring your little brothers if you want. Or your friends, I’m sure Rigsby might like to win a giant stuffy for Grace.Only if you want to though.

Me: trying to make good with my siblings and my friends to get the stamp of approval?

(Patrick) Jane: Maybe :DBut also looking for a reason to see you more.

Me: i’ll ask grace at school on monday.it’s getting late, i’m gonna go to bed, i had a fun evening, sorry it ended the way it did.

(Patrick) Jane: It’s okay, I had fun too. Have a good night, Teresa 

Me: goodnight patrick 

~

“Van Pelt, how would you and Rigsby like to go on a double date to the carnival on Friday?” Lisbon asked Van Pelt as she was pulling books from her locker.

“What’s at the carnival?” Van Pelt replied, shutting her locker door and walking to their next class.

“Jane asked me if I wanted to go, and make it a double date. He met my dad on Friday.” Lisbon finished when she saw Van Pelt raise her eyebrows at the initial statement. “How was your dad?” Van Pelt sighed, not having a good experience with Lisbon’s dad herself.

“He was probably three drinks in. He told Jane that I’m not allowed to have a boyfriend and I needed to take care of my brothers first.” Lisbon answered.

“So, everyone says he’s your boyfriend except for you.” Van Pelt paused her walking.

“For your information, Jane only asked me Friday, before he met my dad. When my dad told him that, Jane and I were only official for like 2 hours.” Lisbon defended.

Van Pelt squealed in excitement and continued walking, “I’m happy for you Teresa, I’m sure Rigsby would love to go on a double date on Friday.” 

“Awesome, I will let Jane know.” Teresa smiled as they walked into their classroom.

~

Lisbon steps out of the back seat of Van Pelt’s car already looking for where Jane might be, sending him a quick here :) text. 

“Where did Jane tell you to meet him?” Rigsby asked Lisbon, getting out of the passenger seat of the car and stretching his legs exaggeratingly, getting a small chuckle out of Van Pelt. 

As if on cue, Jane was walking up to them, grabbing Lisbon’s hand when he reached her. “How are you my dear?” Jane asked, squeezing Lisbon’s hand.

“I’m good.” Lisbon blushed, from the endearment. Jane gave her a smile in return.

“Van Pelt and Rigsby! Nice to see you again. Is there anywhere special you would like to see here? I can tell you the tricks to win every one of these booths if you want.” Jane said, guiding them into the gates out of the parking lot. 

“What about that balloon dart game? Why do the balloons not pop?” Van Pelt asked.

“Easy, they put a balloon inside of another before airing them up and half the darts aren’t sharp enough to pop them.” Jane replied.

“The game where you have to shoot the bottles as they move?” Rigsby piped in.

“The guns are slightly pulling to the right, so you need to shoot just before you think you should.” Jane answered.

The group continued asking questions about different booths before Rigsby decided he wanted to test Jane’s theory and see if the rifles did shoot a little to the right. Rigsby quickly found out they did, adjusted his aim a little, and ended up getting every bottle and winning a top shelf stuffy for Van Pelt, much to the booth keeper’s dismay.

Rigsby and Van Pelt decided they wanted to go into the Fun House and Lisbon would rather not do that, she would much rather just walk around through the different tents and booths, and enjoying her time with Jane.

As they were walking past one of the tents, a man’s voice interrupted their mindless chatter, “Patrick. What are you doing?” 

“Dad?” Jane turned around to face the voice, “I’m hanging out with my… friend. Showing her around and-”

“Why aren’t you here making us money?” Mr. Jane questioned.

“Because I don’t want to.” The younger Jane shrugged.

“Patrick Jane, I am not going to ask you, but tell you, to get into the tent and make me money.” Mr. Jane stared at Patrick.

“No, I don’t want to be a con man for the rest of my life.” Jane said sternly.

“Is it this girl here telling you that? You don’t need a girlfriend if they are just going to tell you what you can and cannot do.” The elder Jane asked pointing towards Lisbon.

“Nobody told me to say anything. I decided I don’t want to be pushed around anymore by you, and I don’t want you making decisions for me anymore either.” Jane exclaimed before he  quickly took Lisbon’s hand and ran off, hearing curses from his father, knowing tonight was not going to be fun, thinking he may just sleep in his car tonight.

Jane led them to an area behind the Ferris wheel where no patrons would go, where there was a bench and table. He slowed them down and sat down pulling Lisbon’s hand lightly to convince her to sit next to him. 

“So that was my dad.” Jane chuckled full of awkwardness. 

Lisbon sighed, “Our dad’s both don’t want us dating each other - nice.” 

“Do we need their permission?” Jane took Lisbon’s hand.

“Nope.” Lisbon started, “There’s been something I wanted to ask you; you don’t have to say yes. And there’s never a good time to ask, but I’m running out of time.” Lisbon squeezed Jane’s hand. “Patrick Jane, would you like to go to prom with me?

Jane let out a chuckle, “That is not��where I thought you were going with that, but yes. I would love to go to prom with you, when is it?”

“It’s on Saturday. Yes, this Saturday.” Lisbon replied, “I told you I was running out of time, you can still say no if-”

“I’m not going to change my mind.” Jane smiled, “Can I ask you a question too?”

“Of course, Jane, you can ask me anything.” Lisbon replied

“Can I kiss you?” Jane asked. Lisbon answered by kissing Jane, hesitantly at first, but found the rhythm of his lips shortly. 

“Wow.” Jane breathed, breaking away resting his forehead on Lisbon’s forehead.

“‘Wow’, is right.” Lisbon smiled. “Should we go find Van Pelt and Rigsby?”

“Nah.” Jane put his index finger under Lisbon’s chin to lift it, while capturing her lips in his again.

After several minutes of enjoying kissing each other, Lisbon put her hands on Jane’s chest and pushed him back a little before whispering, “I think we should stop for now. I don’t want to, but I think we should.” 

“I think you’re right. However,” Jane paused and gave Lisbon another light kiss, “ now we’re done.”

~

“When are the guys supposed to be here?” Lisbon asked Van Pelt as they were finishing up their prom makeup.

“They should be here very soon, if not right now.” Van Pelt replied. “I’m done, what about you, want to go wait in the living room for the guys?”

“Yeah. let’s go do that.” Lisbon replied, already walking out of Van Pelt’s room down the stairs that led to the living area, both seeing the guys right away. 

“Wow.” Both Jane and Rigsby said at the same time. 

“You look absolutely beautiful Teresa.” Jane breathed, holding out his arms to grab Lisbon’s hand and planting a light kiss on it. 

“Thank you, Patrick. You look absolutely beautiful as well.” Lisbon smiled.

After complimenting each other, the four friends got into Patrick’s Citroën and headed out to the venue that was hosting the prom, and enjoyed the rest of the evening together.

~🛣️ 🎥~

“Do you want to go on a walk? One last walk around the neighborhood before you leave for college?” Jane asked Lisbon after loading the last box she had into her SUV, shutting the rear-hatch.

“Jane, I’m moving one town over, I will probably come back to see my siblings a couple of times a month. I don’t need to see everything in the neighborhood I grew up in again. Plus, I’m tired.” Lisbon sighed.

“Just a short walk?” Jane pleaded with the eyes that Lisbon couldn’t say no to.

“Fine. No more than ten minutes.” Lisbon bargained.

“Deal.” Jane smiled, grabbing Lisbon’s hand. They walked in the direction towards the end of her street for a few minutes, before turning back around. “Before we get back, I just wanted to let you know something, you are not obligated to say anything back, I just wanted to let you know… I love you, Teresa.”

“That’s lucky, cause I love you too, Patrick.” Lisbon squeezed Jane’s hand that was in her hand. “Now what do you say we get to heading over to the apartment, you can help me unpack, and I’ll drive you back home tomorrow?”

“Are you asking me to spend the night, Lisbon?” Jane cocked an eyebrow.

“Yeah, you don't mind sleeping on couches, and I’m too tired to drive anymore after we get there today.” Lisbon poked her tongue out at Jane in a joking manner, jogging the rest of the way to her car pulling Jane with her.

~

“Can I ask you a crazy question?” Jane asked Lisbon while sitting on the couch in the apartment Lisbon and Van Pelt are renting during their freshman year of college. 

“How crazy?” Lisbon raised her eyebrows.

“Maybe a little?” Jane questioned.

“Well, I’ll say yes, just because I’m curious about what is going on in that head of yours.” Lisbon chuckled, pointing at his forehead.

“Do you want to get married?” Jane asked, turning his full body to Lisbon, watching her cough as if she choked on air.

“Are you serious?” Lisbon squeaked between trying to catch her breath.

“Well yeah. Not now though, that would be crazy, but like some day?” Jane replied.

“Wait here for a moment.” Lisbon told Jane, avoiding the question.

' I knew it was a crazy question. I should not have said anything. She’s going to tell me to leave. ’ Jane thought.

“Here.” Lisbon started, holding out her class ring from high school, startling Jane as he didn’t know she was there. “Yes, one day in the future I will marry you.” Lisbon smiled, slipping her ring onto Jane’s pinky finger.

“Wow. Did you just give me a promise ring Lisbon?” Jane half-joked.

“Yeah. I guess I did.” Lisbon breathed, still smiling.

“I love it, and I love you, Teresa.” Jane said, leaning in to kiss Lisbon.

~~~

i had this in my drafts mostly written since oct 2022, just wrote the last scene in january of this year 🫠. if i missed any tw/cw, please let me know and i'll fix it. thanks for reading!

[thehiccupingbanana]

Heartschool Years

PAIRING/FANDOM: Nicholas "Nick" Nelson/Charles "Charlie" Spring (Heartstopper) GENRE: fluff, crack WORD COUNT: 1,090 WARNINGS: none :) SUMMARY: Charlie ages up to a teen and has the full Highschool experience, complete with after school clubs, boba tea dates, and prom. or a Heartstopper and the Sims 4 crack!fic. ADDITIONAL TAGS: Crack Crossover, heartstopper x sims, the highschool years pack is referenced too many times in this fic, sorry if you don't like that pack, i wrote this in like 3 hrs while i was supposed to be working, references to "messing around" but no smut, POV Charles "Charlie" Spring (Heartstopper), 1st person pov, No beta/editor [READ ON AO3]

For my age up to a teenager day, my older sister made me a cake. After my dad was done celebrating, I made a phone call to sign up for Chess Team. I went to my dresser to plan some new outfits since I was no longer a child, and then went to bed.

On my first day of Highschool after talking to the principal and looking at my class schedule, it was time for the day to start; I was in Classroom 1 and recognized no one. I sat in the back of the classroom and a guy with blond hair sat at the desk next to me.

I wasn’t hungry since I had breakfast this morning, so I went down to the basement to play some chess, a requirement of Chess Team. While I was pondering some moves, a guy with brunette hair, that I recognized from class earlier, sat down across from me, but he didn’t join in on the chess game. He introduced himself to me as Ben, and I could tell immediately that we had bad compatibility, but then he flirted with me and the romantic in me decided it could be fun to flirt back.

Soon the bell for the second class rang so we left the basement. Half way up the stairs, Ben started jogging to class and he sat in the front where there were no available seats. I sat down and noticed that the blond guy from earlier was at the desk next to me again.

When class was over, I thought it might be a good idea to make a friend or two. I politely introduced myself to the blond guy, finding out his name is Nick, and we got along right from the get go. We talked about our interests and hobbies before he had to leave to go to football practice. I learned that Nick is really into fitness and is already football captain.

On my second day in Highschool, I was running late since I stayed up too late the night prior doing some extra credit homework, so I decided I was going to take a shower at school during morning break. Once I got to the second floor, I heard some voices in the break room next to the gym. I thought I heard Ben’s voice so I was going to go say hi right quick, and saw him and some girl I don’t know kissing. I turned around and took a sad shower before going to class.

During lunch break I sent Ben three mean messages on Social Bunny and talked to Nick for a while. Before I had to go to Chess Team, Ben came up to me and started yelling insults at me like I was part plant and alien. He then started insulting my existence, and before I could reply Nick came up of nowhere told Ben to go away and surprisingly, he listened. Nick tried to cheer me up, but due to my gloomy nature, it didn’t do much. My performance at the Chess Team that evening really suffered, but I have an aspiration to be captain of the Chess Team so I can’t miss any club meeting.

Thankfully the next day was Saturday, so I didn’t have school but I still work up at 6am due to routines. Around 8, Nick texted me that he adopted a dog and asked if I wanted to come over and meet them; of course, I wanted to meet his new dog! After hanging out for a while he asked me if I wanted to go to prom with him as friends. I didn’t have any other friends and Nick and I get along really well, so I said yes. We had a good time at prom, but I didn’t go to the after prom get together because I was tired. Before I left the auditorium Nick asked me if I would be his best friend and I said yes. I felt very happy that night and slept really well.

Sunday, I did my homework, played some chess, and a school project. Around 6, Nick called me and asked me if I wanted to go to the Romance Festival with him since it was in town. Neither one of us had been to the Romance Festival before, but we were told we had to try the tea. I’m not sure what was in that tea but we both ended up feeling very flirty. Long story short it wasn’t very long until we were sharing our first kiss together.

That night when I got home, I felt very confident. Right before I was about to go to bed, I decided to look out my window and saw Nick standing on my front porch! I ran down the stairs and before I could say anything, he asked me if I would be his boyfriend. Of course, I wanted to be his boyfriend!

The next was eventful. On Monday we went on a boba tea and thrift shopping date, Tuesday we went to his and had a pillow fight. On Wednesday I got a call saying I could graduate Highschool early if I wanted to, but I decided I would miss seeing Nick all day, so I declined. After Chess Team I started working on my promproposal sign for Nick, since this Saturday would be our only prom as boyfriends.

On Thursday morning before classes I was going to ask Nick to go to the prom with me, when I saw him doing the T-Pose challenge with some other guys on the football team. Fortunately, Nick has a really high fitness level and was able to hold the T-Pose until it was time for class to start, unfortunately, that meant that I couldn’t ask him to prom.

During lunch break, I asked Nick to sit with me in the computer lab before we went to get lunch and asked him to prom; he was very happy and said yes. After school that day we went to his to mess around, since he has a double bed, for a while before we did homework together and I went home.

At prom on Saturday, we sweetheart danced together and took silly photos together in the photobooth. This time we did go to the after prom get together at the pier with our friends. We talked to them for a little bit before deciding to mess around on the cuddle carts then going to our separate homes for the night.

~~~

fun fact: there's over 75 references to sims 4 and the highschool years pack in this fic

as always, if i missed any cw/tws, please let me know and i will fix it