thesparkling-diamond27

[thesparkling-diamond27]

Hello!! :)

I was wondering if you will be doing a part 2 on the Henry Creel fic? I love it so much and would love to read more !! :D

Hiiii lovely I’m glad you enjoyed it. Yes I definitely will! I’m trying to work things out with my current schedule and works that I have to finish writing. I already wrote bullet points for the next part and it just has to be written and stay tuned because I’m planning on turning it into a series. I don’t know when the next part will be posted, but the latest will definitely be September. I wrote this after I saw stranger things: the first shadow on broadway and the series will contain scenes from the broadway show like in part 1. I’ll try to get part 2 out as soon as possible😊

[thesparkling-diamond27]

When Love Remains: Bully

Nick Nelson x Reader Nick x Charlie Reader x oc

Summary: Wicked movie was great. Fun night at the cinema goes wrong. Harry is an asshole as always. Ben is back for a bit (yippee). Nick sticks up for Charlie. Nick sticks up for Charlie. Code🟣. Noah takes a page out of Romeo’s book. The new normal now exists.

Warning: mentioning of eating disorder and body dysmorphia. If you or anyone you know is struggling with an eating disorder please call (846)952-6293

༄˖°.🍂.ೃ࿔*:･༄˖°.🍂.ೃ࿔*:･༄˖°.🍂.ೃ࿔*:･༄˖°.🍂

With tech week looming around the corner, Noah thought it would be a good idea for us to go to the movies to have some fun. He invited me and a few other people to go see the new Wicked movie. Fitting for theatre kids like us.

Imogen and I arrived at the cinema and we saw Charlotte, Caitlin and Jordan (our fellow cast mates) already waiting in line, so we joined them.

“Hey Y/n! Hey Imogen!” Charlotte said.

“Hey!” We responded

“Are you excited for this film? I know I am!” Said Caitlin.

“I’m so excited! I’ve had the broadway cast recording on repeat for the past week and although it was hard, I refrained myself from hearing the movie soundtrack.” I said

“You’re stronger than me. I caved as soon as the album dropped.” Jordan said and we all laughed.

Imogen looked around before saying, “Are we still waiting for Noah and Freddie?”

“Yeah.” Caitlin said.

“You would think the person who planned this hangout would be on time.” Charlotte joked.

“Well it looks like Noah will be one of the last ones to arrive.” I said.

“I’m sorry what was that?”

I turned around and saw Noah and Freddie standing behind me.

“Oh look who finally decided to show.” I said sarcastically.

“I would have been here on time, but my mum was taking forever. I’m sorry”

“It’s okay. At least we’re all here now.”

“I wish we could drive already! I hate having to wait for our parents all the time.” Freddie complained.

“Don’t worry Freddie. We got one more year.” I said.

“And I’m counting the days until I’m 17.” Freddie said. We all laughed at that.

I started to look at the menu when I heard Noah ask, “Do you know what you’re going to get?”

“Well I always get a cherry slushy, so I’m definitely getting that.”

“Excellent choice.”

“And I usually get chips or nacho’s but the wicked popcorn looks so good! But I’m not sure if I’ll like it.”

“How bout this. You can buy the wicked popcorn and if you don’t like it, I’ll buy a medium popcorn so we can share.”

I looked at Noah shocked.

“Are you sure? I don’t want you to be spending unnecessary money on me.”

“Don’t worry it’s fine and if you like the wicked popcorn you can still have some of my popcorn if you want.”

“I don’t know what to say.”

“You can start with thank you.” He joked.

“Ugh you sound like my brother.”

Noah laughed.

It was finally my turn to order so I ordered my slushee and wicked popcorn and Noah ordered a medium popcorn with a coke.

Once everyone ordered their food we all headed to the theatre with excitement.

We found our rows, I happened to be sitting between Noah and Imogen, and we settled into our seats as the previews played.

“Ahhh I’m so exited! I can’t wait to hear Cynthia’s and Ariana’s amazing angelic voices!” I exclaimed.

“I know and the fact that they sang live on set for the entire movie makes me look forward to the movie even more.” Imogen agreed enthusiastically.

Charlotte said something to Imogen, so I took a slip of my slushee when Noah asked me, “Are you the type of person to eat all their popcorn before the movie starts or do you like to wait?”

“I’m more in the middle. My popcorn is about halfway done, by the time the movie starts.”

“Ah half and half.”

“Yup.”

We both laughed.

“Did you try the wicked popcorn yet.”

“Ah no not yet. Do you want to try it with me?”

“Sure.”

I grabbed one green popcorn and one pink popcorn and handed them to Noah before I picked a green and pink pair for myself. We counted down to three and popped the popcorn into my mouth. It was sweet, but not too sweet. It was hard to describe, but it tasted really good.

“Wow not bad.” Noah said.

“Yeah it’s really good.”

I went in for another one, but then I winced when I tasted caramel.

“Are you okay?” Noah asked.

“Yeah I think I just tasted a caramel one. I’m not a caramel person.”

Noah nodded with understanding.

I looked into my popcorn bucket and sure enough there were brown popcorn pieces scattered around with the pink and green ones.

“Do you like caramel?” I asked.

“I sure do.”

“Do you want the caramel ones? I’m not going to eat them.”

“Sure I’ll trade some of my popcorn for your caramel popcorn.”

“Deal.”

We both brought our popcorn buckets closer to each other, so that we can reach into each other’s popcorn buckets. Eventually the movie started and me and Imogen both shared looks of excitement.

Occasionally during the movie, Noah and I’s hands would bump into each other and it didn’t feel awkward.

A few times my eyes wandered over at Noah and I would see him seriously paying attention to the screen. I remembered the words Xander told me at the diner.

“I think he likes you”

There’s no way that Noah likes me. It’s impossible. We’re just good friends and the only time we’ll be doing anything even remotely romantic will be on stage.

Cynthia Erivo’s character Elphaba rode her broom out into the sunset, now that she’s a wanted fugitive, and the movie came to an end. To be continued was shown in big letters to inform the audience of part 2.

The majority of the audience, and myself included, were in tears due to the cinematic masterpiece we had just witnessed.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen a movie adaption of a musical be done with such perfection.” I said.

“I know! I have no words.” Imogen said.

My friends and I stood in the theatre for a a little longer, mainly to compose ourselves, before we all exited out into the hallway.

“I am definitely going to see that movie 10 more times!” Charlotte said.

“I’ll be in the theatre with you.” Caitlin said.

“Me too.” I added.

“Hey do you guys want to go freshen up in the bathroom?” Imogen asked. All of the girls agreed.

“Jordan and I actually have to go to the bathroom.” Freddie said.

“I’ll come with you guys.” Noah said, “I don’t want to be the only one out here.”

The six of us went into the bathroom and agreed to meet outside in the hallway. I checked in the mirror and noticed that I didn’t look too bad. Just a little bit of water did the trick.

I decided that I should probably call my mum to come pick Imogen and I up, but the girls still weren’t done.

“I’m just going to step outside and call my mum.” I said.

“Alright!”

“Sounds good.”

“Okay!” They all responded.

I stepped outside the bathroom and opened my phone, when I heard familiar voices coming from down the hallway.

“Do you like musicals?” That voice sounded familiar.

“Harry, can you just piss off, please?”

I froze for multiple reasons.

1) I knew the second voice belonged to Nick and it made me freak out. I wasn’t prepared to run into him at the cinema.

2) Nick said Harry, so that means that the first voice was Harry’s. The bane of my existence (insert eye roll).

3) If Harry and Nick were here that meant the rest of the rugby team were here too. Great.

“What sort of guys do you like then?”Harry asked.

This question peaked my interest mainly because I don’t think Nick told the rugby team about his sexuality because

1) they were all grade A assholes

2) most of them were homophobic. Sorry not sorry. And especially Harry. Even if none of them realized it. Harry must have asked that question because Charlie was here.

“I don’t know.” That voice sounded like Charlie’s

“Are you okay?” I turned around and saw Noah, Jordan, and Freddie looking down at my hands concerned.

I looked down and realized that I crushed my empty slushee cup to a crisp. I must have not realized I did that because I was so anxious thinking about running into Nick and the conversation that I just heard. I released the cup and threw it in the trash.

“Yeah it’s just…I think Nick, Charlie, and the rugby team are here. I just wasn’t prepared to run into any of them.”

The three of them gave me understanding looks. After I told Noah the news of the break up I slowly began to tell the rest of the cast, so now everyone in my life knew that Nick and I called it quits.

“Well you’re not alone. I’m here and your friends are here. We can all walk out together.” Noah said with a smile and Jordan and Freddie said they’ll be there for me too. I gave them all a thankful smile.

I have gotten a lot closer with the people involved in the play and I was glad we could do fun things outside of rehearsal with each other like going to cinema.

A few moments later, the girls walked out of the bathroom and the six of us walked down the hallway and just as I feared I saw Nick, Charlie and the rugby team.

Imogen grabbed my hand. “It’s okay.” I nodded. I can do this I said to myself.

“You definitely have a crush on him.” Harry said.

“No.” Charlie said. He was standing very rigidly and I could tell he was extremely uncomfortable with the situation. I’m uncomfortable with the situation and I’m not even a part of it.

“You do.” Harry pestered on. Harry went over and put his shoulder around Charlie, Nick broke them up and he pushed Harry back with his friends. Charlie walked away.

“Wow, take a joke mate.” Harry said and I rolled my eyes. This obviously wasn’t a joke. Why couldn’t Harry take the hint that Nick and Charlie don’t like him. He obviously tried to make Charlie uncomfortable on purpose and it pissed me off.

Nick was about to follow Charlie when he noticed me. His expression changed from annoyance to surprise. Then there was something else flickered in there. Sadness. Harry turned around and noticed me standing there. A mischievous smile played on his face.

“Trouble in paradise?” Harry joked.

Nick said nothing and just stared at me. I ignored Harry’s comment and began to walk away to the entrance of the cinema. I still had to call my mum about picking me up. I reached to where Nick was when Harry said.

“Where you running off to Y/n? Did you two break up?”

I turned around and glared at Harry “That’s none of your business.”

“Come on I just want to know.”

“I still don’t see where that’s any of your business. I don’t remember you being involved in Nick and I’s relationship, so stay out of it.”

“Why do you have to be so rude Y/n? I’m just a concerned mate here.”

“You’re the furthest thing from a mate. I saw how you were treating Charlie earlier. He was clearly uncomfortable with your choice of words and actions, but you still kept on going. You didn’t stop until Nick intervened.”

“Charlie and I are mates. He’s cool with me.”

“Well that just shows how ignorant you truly are.” I said with a fake smile.

I began to walk away and then I felt a hand on my arm. It was Nick. He had a pleading and determined look in his eyes. I know he wants to talk things out and make amends, but I don’t know if I could do that right now.

I shook my head and pulled myself from his grasp, before I walked away to the concession stand at the theatre.

“Are you okay?” Imogen said as soon as she caught up to me.

“Yeah I just need a minute.” I began to walk away, but Imogen asked. “Do you want me to go with you?”

I shook my head. “I just need to be alone right now and I still need to go call my mum for a ride.”

Imogen nodded and then I walked away.

༄˖°.🍂.ೃ࿔*:･༄˖°.🍂.ೃ࿔*:･༄˖°.🍂.ೃ࿔*:･༄˖°.🍂.

Charlie

I took myself out of the equation at the cinema. Although I was used to hearing such rude types of questions and comments, it didn’t make them hurt any less. I heard the door that I just came out of open, and I turned around and saw Nick standing there.

“My dad’s here. I have to go.” I turned around and walked to the parking lot before Nick could say anything. My dad wasn’t here yet, but I didn’t want to talk about what just happened with Nick.

“Charlie.”

I continued to walk. I just wanted to be home already. My dad was right. Those guys did say something and I shouldn’t have been so naive with thinking that nothing bad can happen just because Nick would be there.

“Hey. Wait.” I felt Nick’s hand on my shoulder and he guided me to face him.

“I’m so sorry.” Nick said.

“It’s fine.”

It wasn’t fine, but what could I do. There were simply people in this world, like Harry, who acted like this towards people like me and there’s nothing I can do about it. I just have to learn to ignore them.

“No. Harry was being a complete idiot and some of the others were being really unfriendly and…We should have just left.”

“Nick. I’m honestly used to it by now. I’ll see you at school.”

Nick looked like he wanted to say more, but I turned around and continued to walk. He didn’t seem to be following me anymore, so I guess our conversation was over.

“Charlie.”

That voice didn’t belong to Nick. That voice belonged to….I quickly turned around and my assumption was right when I saw Ben standing there.

Ben was with us at the cinema earlier and I did a good job with avoiding him as much as possible. I thought I was going to get away with not having to interact with him at all, but it seems like Ben had other plans.

“I saw you holding hands with him. In the cinema.”

I said nothing and looked down at the ground. I was frozen. I didn’t know what to say to him. A part of me wanted to scream at him and say that Nick and I are going out, but I know I can’t do that to Nick. Nick is still trying to figure things out and he’s not out yet. Not to mention that he has to straighten out things with Y/n.

“No.” I said.

“But you are getting with him?”

“No.”

Ben shook his head with frustration. “Don’t lie. Well I believe that you’re not going out with him. As if anyone would ever want to go out with someone as desperate as you.”

“You did”. I shot back.

“Are you joking? You actually thought I liked you? You were just there like some tragic loser with barely any friends, who ate lunch alone and let bullies walk all over you. I never liked you. I’m not even gay. I just felt really sorry for you.”

I knew he was lying. I’m sure that at one point he did have feelings for me and maybe he still does. That would explain why he still wants to talk to me now after we parted ways.

I knew his words were all lies, but a part of me believed that what he was saying was true. That he actually did feel sorry for me and I did let those bullies walk all over me.

The sound of a running car appeared and it turned out to be my dad. Thank god. I didn’t know how much more of Ben I could take.

Charlie are you ready to go?” My dad asked.

“Yeah.” I said and I entered my dad’s car. I buckled my seatbelt and my dad looked at Ben and then at me.

“Are you okay? What was that about?”

I looked out tue car window. “Nothing.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.

My dad could sense something was up, but he said nothing.

“Right. Let’s go home.”

My dad put the car into drive and pulled out of the cinema parking lot.

༄˖°.🍂.ೃ࿔*:･༄˖°.🍂.ೃ࿔*:･༄˖°.🍂.ೃ࿔*:･༄˖°.🍂.

Nick

“So are you going to tell me what happened?”

I pulled the tissue away from my bloody nose. “There’s not really anything to tell.”

My mum didn’t buy it.

“Oh, Nicky, come on, baby.” Nellie whined from in front of my seat and I petted her head.

“Harry was saying some really nasty stuff about Charlie. He’s been really gross and mean about him for ages, and I just…I lost it.”

My mum didn’t say anything, so I continued.

“I’m just so angry at myself for not seeing that all my friends…suck. Y/n has been telling me for years to leave them, but I never listened.”

“Sweetheart, fighting is not the answer.”

“I know.” I said. My mum was right about fighting not being the answer, but I just saw red when Harry said the F word.

“He just used a really bad word.”

I looked at my mum and concern was shown on her face when she realized the word I was referring to.

“I see.” She simply said. “Charlie’s a really special friend, isn’t he?”

I didn’t know how to answer. I wanted to tell my mum how much Charlie meant to me, but she doesn’t know about that part about myself yet. I want to tell her, but I just don’t know where to begin.

“Yeah. He is.” I said and I left it at that.

༄˖°.🍂.ೃ࿔*:･༄˖°.🍂.ೃ࿔*:･༄˖°.🍂.ೃ࿔*:･༄˖°.🍂.

Charlie

I walked the hallways to form with determination. I couldn’t shake what Harry just said to me out of my head. He said that him and Nick had gotten into a fight and normally I wouldn’t believe a thing that comes out of Harry’s mouth, but he did have a busted lip. I needed to get to the bottom of it.

I entered form and Nick was already sitting in his seat. I pulled my chair back and when Nick heard the chair scrape he turned to face me and that’s when I saw a bruise under his eye. So it was true. Nick and Harry got into a fight after I left. It had to have happened after Nick and I had our conversation outside.

“Hi.” Nick said, but I ignored our usual morning greeting and cut right to the chase.

“What happened?” I pointed at his face.

Nick straightened and said, “Oh, uh…Yeah I kind of got into a fight. With Harry. After you left and I went back to the group, he…he started saying some…things about you. I just lost it.”

I looked at him shocked. I thought Nick and Harry had a physical fight, because they had a disagreement, not because of me.

“And I punched him, and…yeah.” Nick finished.

“Nick. You didn’t have to do that. I promise, I’m used to people saying stuff about me.”

“No, but you shouldn’t have to be.” Nick said frustrated. “People shouldn’t be saying stuff about you in the first place. You shouldn’t have to put up with anything like that.”

I know what Nick was saying was right. What he said are thoughts that I’ve always buried deep down, but what could I do? It’s not like I could shake all the rudeness and negativity out of people like Harry. I turned away from Nick and faced forward.

“I’m sorry.” I said.

“No. You’re not allowed to say the “s” word.”

I looked up at and Nick and the mood shifted to a lighter tone.

“I don’t even want to be friends with those people anymore.”

“I don’t expect you to dump your friends for me.” I said. “Some of the rugby boys are nice.” And that was true. Three of them have always been nice to me.

“Even they just…stood there.”

I looked down when I realized that Nick was right. They might not have done anything wrong, but they didn’t do anything to stop Harry either.

“I’m tired of all of them.” Then Nick put his head on my shoulder. I put my head on top of his.

༄˖°.🍂.ೃ࿔*:･༄˖°.🍂.ೃ࿔*:･༄˖°.🍂.ೃ࿔*:･༄˖°.🍂.

I was currently in my dressing room at the square theatre putting on my makeup for the show. I couldn’t find my mascara anywhere, so I stood out of my chair to go look for it in my bag. Immediately I started to see white cloud my eyes and I instantly leaned on the counter for support.

I haven’t eaten all day and now I was starting to feel the effects. I haven’t really eaten much all week and it seemed like it was starting to catch up to me. But I can’t back down now. I still have three more days.

Once my vision cleared, I sat back down and that’s when I heard a knock on my door.

“Come in.” The door opened and Ivy stepped in the doorway.

“I have your dresses.”

“Oh thank you.” I said with a weak smile.

Ivy shut the door and set the dresses on the counter beside me.

“The dresses were adjusted, so they should fit now.”

I grabbed Ivy’s hand. “Thank you so much. Truly. For helping me out with the costumes.”

“My pleasure.” She said with a smile.

I turned back to the mirror and found my mascara sitting on the table behind my makeup bag. I unscrewed the cap and saw Ivy through the mirror. I thought she was going to leave after dropping off my costumes, but she simply stood there and watched me.

“Is there something else?” I asked.

“Yes actually.”

“What is it?” I turned around in my seat and faced my body towards her.

“Did you notice anything different about your dresses?”

I looked at them on top of the table and noticed nothing different about them.

“No..I don’t think so.”

“No? The color doesn’t seem different or maybe…the size.”

There was nothing wrong said in her statement, but it was the way she said it that didn’t sit right with me. I placed the top of my mascara back on and set it on the counter.

“Well you altered the dress, so that it could fit me for tonight.”

“Yes.”

I looked at Ivy confused. “What are you implying?”

“Oh nothing it’s just….” Ivy began to walk to the other side of my dressing room and her back was faced to me. “….did you ever wonder why the dresses never fit, even when Ms. Carlotta altered them?”

That’s something that I have constantly wondered. Dreaded even. It’s the reason why I fell back into old habits. Habits that I can’t brake anymore. I didn’t say anything, but Ivy smirked and continued.

“Well I’ll leave any suspicions that you might have.” Ivy turned around to face me. “It was me.”

“What? What are you talking about?”

“I’m the one who made the dresses smaller and every time Ms. Carlotta let it out, I would secretly alter the dresses to make them smaller.”

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. All this time I have been blaming myself for not fitting into the dresses and now I’m hearing that it was because of Ivy.

“W-why would you do that?”

“Why? Why?!” Ivy laughed. “Because I should have been Juliet. Not you! I auditioned for the role and I should have gotten it, but Ms. Swan had to give it to you. I didn’t even get to be an understudy or have any role! Ms. Swan gave me nothing. At first I was going to take it out on Ms. Swan, but then I decided it would be more fun to mess with you.”

So that’s why she did it? Because she was jealous?

“That’s why you did it? To get back at me?”

“Yes, but also to make everyone see who you truly are. Someone who is ugly and doesn’t deserve anyone.”

I wanted to protest, but my words got stuck in my throat. What Ivy just said to me is what has been clouding my mind for months. I tried to deny the negative thoughts, but maybe I was right. Maybe Ivy is right. Maybe I wasn’t beautiful. And that’s why Nick cheated on me with Charlie. Tears began to well up in my eyes.

“It looks like my work here is done.” And with a little wave, and an innocent smile, Ivy walked out of my room and left me to cry.

༄˖°.🍂.ೃ࿔*:･༄˖°.🍂.ೃ࿔*:･༄˖°.🍂.ೃ࿔*:･༄˖°.🍂.

Nick

I’ve contemplated all week on whether I should go see the play. When the tickets became available for purchase, I brought a ticket for all three nights, because Y/n and I were still together. Now that things aren’t the best between us I wasn’t sure if she would even want me there.

However, Charlie said that I still should go. He said that although Y/n probably doesn’t want me to be there, the least I could do is show my support.

He also brought up the fact that Y/n and I have been friends since forever and that I should be for her no matter what even if she doesn’t want nothing to do with me.

Charlie and the whole friend group are all going as well and it would be weird if I was the only one who didn’t go. I was nervous, but hopeful because maybe Y/n would be willing to talk.

We all agreed to meet up at the square theatre at 6:20, so that we can be there on time for when the doors open at 6:30. My mum found a parking spot and parked. I got out of the car and went over to meet everybody who was already in line. My mum also had a ticket, but she wanted to give me some space, so she let me go ahead first.

I passed the front of the line and I saw Y/n’s family: Her parents and her brother. Her parents didn’t notice me, but Xander did and if looks could kill I would be six feet under the ground.

A couple feet down the line were Elle, Tara, Darcy, Isaac, Tao, and Charlie. I gave a small wave and they all smiled in return, minus Tao.

“Hi.” Charlie said with a smile.

“Hi.” I said in return. I wish Charlie and I could interact more, but there were too many people here. I’m not out yet, so doing anything in that light with Charlie would definitely cause some stares and I just don’t think I’m ready for that yet.

“Are you guys excited cause I am!” Tara said.

“I am! I’m ready to see one of my best friends go up onstage and say “oh Romeo! Romeo! Where out thou oh Romeo.” Elle exclaimed.

“I’m always excited to see Y/n! I know she’s going to kill it as Juliet.” Isaac spoke up.

“I can’t believe we’re going to see Y/n make out with a stranger onstage, but I heard he’s insanely cute.” Darcy said teasingly. Tara nudged her in the ribs. Darcy was confused until she realized what she just said.

“Sorry.” She said as she turned to me.

“It’s okay.” I said.

Everyone knows that Charlie and I are sort of together, but Y/n and I broke up, and I was still learning how to move on from her. Y/n and I were together for a while and my feelings for her aren’t just going to go away over night. Not to mention that my relationship with Y/n is rocky at the moment.

Charlie put a hand on my shoulder and that was all the comfort I needed. It amazes me how Charlie has been sticking by me through all my confusion and I’m forever grateful for him. I’m still trying to figure out everything about my sexuality and my situation with Y/n and Charlie hasn’t moved one bit.

I knew I was slowly getting there though. I knew the first step to moving on from Y/n was making amends with her. The other day Y/n didn’t seem happy to see me at the cinema, but she did defend me and Charlie, so maybe that can be seen as a sign that she’s ready to talk.

The time reached 6:30 and the doors of the theatre were opened to the audience. We walked in and it was as if were transported into another world.

We haven’t even entered the theatre yet and I could hear the music blasting from where we were standing. It felt like we were at a party. The lights were dimmed and LED lights were all around to give that club feeling.

There was even a merch stand. There were baseball caps, water bottles, jewelry pins, t-shirts, posters, stuffed animals, etc. A life sized stuff bear was even there to take pictures with.

“A poster of Y/n Collins? Don’t mind if I do.” Darcy said as she went over to the merch stand.

“You do realize that the guy playing Romeo is on the poster as well.” Elle pointed out.

“I know, but my dear friend is in the center of it. I better be getting an autograph from her after the show.” I laughed at her comment.

Darcy went to go buy merch with the girls and Isaac, while Charlie, Tao, and I stood off to the side. As the seconds ticked by, I became more and more nervous. I wanted to talk to Y/n tonight, but I don’t know how willing she will be to do so. Charlie must have sensed my nervousness.

“Are you thinking about Y/n?” Charlie asked.

I nodded. Tao rolled his eyes. I pulled Charlie a few feet away to give us some privacy.

“I’m pretty sure she’ll be willing to talk to you. From what we saw she didn’t seem mad at you at the cinema.” Charlie.

“I know it’s just she’s my best friend and I know taking this step will help me get over her faster and I want to for you.”

Charlie looked surprised at what I just said, “For me?”

“Yeah. You don’t deserve any of this. You’re waiting for me to get over Y/n and it’s one of the reasons why we’re not together yet.”

“Okay let me stop you right there. I’m not going anywhere. Would it be ideal that you didn’t have feelings for Y/n anymore? Sure. But I understand. I understand how important she is to you and you want to make things right with her the right way. The only way to do that is to approach with caution and that takes time. Now as for the other thing. There’s no clock that’s counting down the time you have to come out. That’s up to you to decide and I will be with you every step of the way. Okay?”

I didn’t say anything and instantly hugged him. I didn’t realize how much I needed to hear those words until Charlie said it. Hearing those words made me feel more confident for tonight and for the future.

“We got our merch.” Tara said, “Are you guys ready to go?”

I wondered where Tao was and I realized that he was already with Isaac and Elle. Charlie and I nodded.

The actual theatre itself was even more impressive. It was in the round, which meant that there was a round stage in the center that was surround by the audience.

There were two pathways, opposite of each other, that looked like pathways to backstage. Above each pathway looked like a mini stage and there were huge crosses that were made with bright LED lights.

There were also ladders and cat walks above, so it made me wonder if maybe this show would be interactive. We were all able to find seats in the front row and I was even able to save a seat for my mum.

“Y/n specially said that one of us should sit in that chair.” Tara said and she pointed at the only chair in the aisle that wasn’t a part of the seats in the audience.

“I’m not sitting there.” Darcy said.

“Why not. It’s not the only one in the audience.” Tara said and she had a point. A few summed chairs were scatters throughout the first row.

“I don’t want to sit there.”

“Rock paper scissors?” Isaac offered. Darcy sighed before she agreed. While they were playing rock pare scissors, I opened my phone, so I could text my mum, when I noticed a text notification from someone I didn’t expect.

I received a text from Y/n.

༄˖°.🍂.ೃ࿔*:･༄˖°.🍂.ೃ࿔*:･༄˖°.🍂.ೃ࿔*:･༄˖°.🍂.

I tried on both dresses and they both miraculously fit, like a glove how they’re supposed to. It was loose in a few areas, but it was only noticeable up close. I don’t know if they fit because it’s a coincidence or maybe Ivy fixed them for the play. Either way the dresses fit, so I’m not complaining.

I managed to finish my makeup and hair and get dressed into my first outfit (black tank top, washed out jeans) all while remaining in my seat. That was the only way I could get ready without passing out. I needed food in my system pronto, but I couldn’t break my streak. If I could just get through this performance thought, but even I knew that wouldn’t be possible.

I put my head in my hands. How did this even happen? If I would have told the me in January about what was happening right now I would have laughed. Well look who’s laughing now. Probably Ivy.

How could someone be so despicable and evil? She got so jealous that she managed to get me to relapse into old habits that I swore I never would get into them again, but here I am. In the same old spot.

I lifted my head and grabbed my phone to check the time. It was 6:35. The show started in 25 minutes and I wanted to cry. As much as I wanted to continue what I started, I knew I needed to eat something if I was going to go on stage tonight. My only problem was getting the food.

I could ask Imogen, but she doesn’t know about my history of food and I would have to explain the situation to her and I didn’t have the energy to do that right now.

I couldn’t ask my family because they had no idea how I’ve been feeling about food lately and they would severely panic and thats not what I need right now. Especially when I’m about to go onstage.

My friends in the audience was a no go either, because just like Imogen, they had no idea about my history with food.

There was another person I could reach out to, but I don’t know if they would be willing to help me. We weren’t on the best of terms right now. Then my mind went to the words he said to me not too long ago.

“Whenever you’re feeling not okay you can come to me. Remember that. And it doesn’t matter what I’m doing. It doesn’t matter if I’m in class, or sleeping, or doing whatever. It doesn’t matter what the status of our relationship is either. It doesn’t matter if we’re happily in love or aren’t talking with one another. If you need me. Come find me.”

When he said this to me he was trying to comfort me because he could sense something was wrong. Things were different between us now, but if there was one thing I knew about Nick, it was that he always kept his promises. If he said it back then, then that means he meant it which means that he might be willing to help me.

I picked up my phone with shaky hands, and did something I never thought I’d do today.

[Y/n]: can you come to my dressing room?

[Y/n]: code purple

6:40 pm

After Nick discovered my condition, we decided to come up with a code for us to use. If I ever relapsed again, or had bad thoughts that could lead to a relapse, all I had to do was say code purple and he would know.

Immediately after I sent the text I placed my phone on the table face down. I grabbed my water-bottle and took a sip since that’s all I had in here. A couple seconds later I heard a ding from my phone and I quickly grabbed it and saw a text from Nick.

[Nick]: yeah I can come

[Nick]: how do I get there?

[Nick]: am I even allowed back there?

6:40 pm

[Y/n]: it’s fine

[Y/n]: just wait until a guy in a grey sweatshirt comes out from backstage

[Y/n]: once you see him follow him

6:40 pm

Nick liked all of my message, so I hope he understood and gets here without any issues. I was feeling a little better now so I stood up and began pacing.

What do I do when he gets here? What do I say? Do I hug him or cut right to the chase? No that would be rude. I should maybe quickly explain the situation and not go into too much detail because

a) this would be the first time we will be properly talking since we broke up and

2) the show was going to start in , I checked the time on my phone, 18 minutes.

I wonder if— I heard a knock on my door. I brushed the hair behind my ear and walked over to the door. With bated breath I slowly opened the door and saw Nick standing nervously in the hallway.

“Hi.”

“Hey you.” He responded.

I opened the door wider so he could enter in and he obliged. I quietly closed the door and turned around to look at Nick.

This was the first time I was seeing Nick up close since the break up and it was a lot to take in. I was feeling a lot of emotions. Anger. Sadness. Hurt. Anxious. Frustration.

But one emotion that overwhelmed me was relief. I felt relief that Nick still cared about me. I know he really wanted to talk to me in order to fix things, but i thought he wouldn’t want nothing to do with me after we talked things out.

That’s why I’ve been so adamant about not talking with Nick. I didn’t want to accept the fact that I could be loosing one of the most important people in my life. Now that Nick was here I knew that he still wanted to be in my life. I felt the care through his texts messages and I saw the concern in his eye and that alone made me want to cry on the spot, but I held it in. That’s not why I called him here.

I was about to speak, when I noticed that he had something in his hand. Nick noticed my line of sight and he brought what he was holding up in front of me, so that I could see what it was. He brought a bottle of apple juice and a cinnamon roll.

“If it’s as bad at it was before, I thought I could give you something to eat and drink. You’re going to need something in your system since you’re about to perform. I could only go to the vending machine since it was such short notice, but-“

I was feeling so overwhelmed with emotions, and I didn’t know how to compute them into words, so I did something that shocked the both of us. I went up to Nick and hugged him.

His body was rigid at first, but then I felt his arms wrap around me. Being in such a familiar place made me feel so warm and safe and it caused a smile to display on my face.

“Thank you for coming. I know you probably don’t want to be here, but you once said that if I ever needed you, I should come find you. No matter what our relationship status is.”

Nick softly laughed, “You remembered that.”

I nodded. “I remember everything you say. You are my best friend after all.”

“You’re my best friend too. And I meant what I said. If you need me come find me.” Nick said and broke away from the hug, “Now go on and eat the food and drink that I so graciously brought for you with my own money.” Nick joked.

He didn’t ask why I did it and he didn’t ask how. He didn’t get mad at me or disappointed in me. He came running when I needed him and that only solidified that I would always have Nick in my life. It didn’t matter that we were together or just friends. Nick will always be a part of me.

I gladly took my snack and I sat down in my chair, so I could eat. Nick grabbed a nearby chair and took a seat in front of me. There were a lot of things left unsaid, we both knew it, but we said nothing. Those discussions will have to be for another time.

“Are you going to tell me what happened to your face?” I asked.

Nicks face fell and he sighed. “I got into a fight with Harry.”

“You what?! When? How?”

“It was at the cinema. It was after you and your friends left.”

“Okay-“

A knock came from my door and Ms. Swan walked in. Her eyes widened a bit when she saw Nick, but she didn’t say anything.

“You have 2 minutes until you have to be onstage for the pre show.”

“Okay give me a minute.”

Ms. Swan was about to leave, but she turned around and looked like she remembered something.

“After the show Carlotta would like to speak with you.”

“With me?”

“Yes. You’re not in trouble. We have recently been made aware of something and we would like for you to be a part of the conversation when we talk about it.”

“Okay.”

No I was curious about what this was all about, but I couldn’t think about that right now because I’m about to go onstage. Ms. Swan left and I turned back to Nick.

“I should get going because you have a show to act in and I have a seat to sit in.” Nick said as he rose from my chair. I rose from mine and laughed at his words.

“Break a leg. I know you’ll be amazing. You always are onstage.”

“Thank you.” I said with a smile.

“And tell Imogen to break a leg too. I’m looking forward to see her dramatic rendition of the nurse.”

“Oh well you’re in for a treat.” I said as I began to walk to the door. Nick followed and together we both walked out of my dressing room.

༄˖°.🍂.ೃ࿔*:･

I’ve been out onstage for almost 10 minutes for the pre-show. Ms. Swan wanted to make the show as immersive and interactive as possible, so she decided to have us all come out one by one and “hang out” onstage before the show began.

I was currently playing a card game with Jordan, Conor, and Charlotte, when the music changed which indicated that it was time to begin. The four of us quickly placed the cards aside as everybody onstage started to jam out. Charlotte stepped on top of a platform center stage.

“Ladies and Gentleman.” Charlotte said with a hand held microphone. “Are you all ready for Truhman and Higg’s rendition of Romeo and Juliet?!” Charlotte began to hipe up the crowd’s and the audience cheered.

“First up we have Conor Barry as Balthasar!” Conor began to run around the stage and everyone cheered for him. Everyone did the same when it was their turn.

“Lester Mosley as Benvolio!”

“Jordan Velez as Paris!”

“Freddie O’ Moore as Capulet and Lady Capulet!”

“Imogen as the Nurse!” I heard Nick and my family cheer for her.

“Myself, Charlotte Christensen, as Tybalt and Friar Lawrence!”

“Bobby Munoz as Mercurion!”

“Now the two people that all of you have been waiting for! We have Y/n Collins as Juliet!”

I began to run around the stage and I saw all of my friends and family cheer for me that bright a smile to my face.

“And last, but not least we have Noah Harding as Romeo!”

Once Noah was done with his lap everybody on stage jammed for a few more seconds and Noah and I got into our starting positions which were on opposite ends of the round stage.

The sound of the gong rang and everybody on stage dropped “dead” on the floor. The spotlights were shown on Noah and I as we stared at each other. Charlotte stepped off from the platform and began the beginning lines of the play.

“Two households, both alike in dignity,

In fair Verona, where we lay our scene,

From ancient grudge break to new mutiny,

Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean. From forth the fatal loins of these two foes a pair of star-cross'd lovers take their life;”

Noah and I start to walk around the parameter of the stage with our eyes locked as Charlotte continues.

“Whose misadventured piteous overthrows do with their death bury their parents' strife. The fearful passage of their death-mark'd love,and the continuance of their parents' rage, which, but their children's end, nought could remove, is now the two hours' traffic of our stage;”

Now I stood where Noah once was and Noah stood in my old spot.

“The which if you with patient ears attend, what here shall miss, our toil shall strive to mend.”

Noah and I stared at each other for a few more seconds before the transition music began and we both turned around and walked offstage in opposite directions.

༄˖°.🍂.ೃ࿔*:･

We were halfway through the show and now it was the 10 minute intermission. Everybody was filled with adrenaline and excitement backstage.

“We’re doing soooooo good!” Charlotte said.

“I know and the crowd went wild!” Imogen said.

I smiled at their cheerfulness and grabbed a water bottle from the mini fridge.

“Hey good job out there.”

I stood up and became face to face with Noah.

“Thanks. You too!”

“You’re welcome and thank you.”

“I can’t believe this show is almost over. I’ve been having so much fun getting to do what I love and getting to become friends with all of you.” I said.

“I get what you mean. I didn’t expect to have as much fun as I did. I was also kind of nervous because this was first time I’ve ever acted.”

I looked at Noah shocked, “Really?!”

He nodded.

“I knew you never acted here, but I assumed that you must have acted somewhere else because you’re really good!”

Noah smiled sheepishly, “Thanks, but you don’t have to say all that.”

“But I mean it. Truly. What made you decide to audition for the play then?”

“This is going to sound embarrassing. Please dont judge.”

“I won’t judge. Scouts honor.” I said as I crossed my heart.

Noah smiled before he said. “You.”

I looked at him confused. “Me? But-“

“Alright everyone places for the second half!”

Noah said nothing and simply smiled before he began to walk to his spot for the top of the second half of the show. I stood there dumbfounded as I thought about what he just told me.

He auditioned for the play because of me. But why? What does this mean? I wanted to spend time and think about this, but I had no time to think and I went to my beginning spot.

༄˖°.🍂.ೃ࿔*:･

Noah’s body halfway fell on top of mine after his character Romeo drank the real vial of poison after discovering Juliet’s “dead” body in the tomb.

I waited a few seconds before I lifted my head and then moved Noah’s body off of mine. I sat up on top of the bed I was laying on and tried to shake “Romeo” awake as I called out his name, but he stood face down on the mattress.

I stood up from the mattress and began searching for the vial of poison prop.

“What’s here? A cup closed in my true love’s hand.Poison, I see, hath been his timeless end.O churl, drunk all, and left no friendly drop to help me after! I will lie thy lips.Haply some poison yet doth hang on them,to make me die with a restorative.”

I kneeled against the bed and kissed Noah’s lips.

“Thy lips are warm! Yea, noise? Then I'll be brief. Oh, happy dagger.”

I bended down to reach the side of my leg and I pulled out the prop dagger.

“This is thy sheath; there rust, andlet me die.”

I brought the dagger into my stomach and it punctured the mini bag of fake blood that was hidden under my white satin dress. I pulled the dagger back and revealed the fake blood that was now visible to the audience. I turned around and leaned against the bed so that the other side of the audience could see.

I began to struggle and act like I was dying until I fell backward on top of Noah with my back against his back. My head fell back over the bed and I caught a glimpse of Nick and my friends in the audience before I closed my eyes and was “dead”.

༄˖°.🍂.ೃ࿔*:･

The play came to an end and the entire cast and I were currently taking our bows. The smile on my face was beaming when I noticed my parents and brother cheering for me on the audience. Well my parents were cheering and Xander was just smiling, but still.

I shifted my position and that’s when my eyes landed upon Nick and the rest of the group. When they caught my eyes on them they immediately started cheering louder than they were before and that caused me to laugh out loud. I looked at Nick and he had a huge smile on his face and he gave me two thumbs up.

After we all finished our bows we started to head backstage to change out of our costumes and get ready to leave. I entered my dressing room and began to change into my sweats and sweatpants.

I carefully placed the white dress on the rack to be washed for tomorrow and after I packed all of my items I plopped myself onto the chair in front of the mirror.

My face was thinner than it was before. It wasn’t guant or anything, but if I continued down that path then my face probably would start to look like that. My face also became extremely pale, but make up helped with that.

I accomplished my goal with what I wanted to do, but I felt worse than I did before. I didn’t really know what to expect to feel when I got to this point, but I didn’t expect to feel empty.

I didn’t even know where to go from here. I know I have to tell my parents what has been going on, but probably after the play. I would eat more properly of course, but I want to get this out of the way first.

I continued to think about what to do next until a knock from my door broke me from my thoughts. I rose from my seat, opened the door and Noah was standing in front of the door.

“Oh hi.”

“Hi. Can I come in?”

“Yeah sure.” I stepped aside to let him in before I shut the door.

“I came here to talk about what I said earlier.” Noah said.

My mind immediately went to the single word he said to me after I asked him why he decided to do the play: “You.”

That wasn’t on my mind a minute ago, but I knew that conservation was going to cross my mind some time tonight. I want to know what he meant by that. Was Xander’s crazy theory actually true?

“Ok. Do you want to sit?” I offered.

“No you can sit. I want to stand up for this.”

I quietly sat down and waited for Noah to start.

“Okay I don’t really know how to word this, so I’m just going to come out and say it.”

I nodded.

“I like you.”

I froze even though I wasn’t even moving. So it was true. Noah likes me. Xander was right.

“I’ve liked you for a long time.” Noah continued. “And when I found out that you were dating Nick I was disappointed, so I decided to take a step back. Now you and Nick are broken up and I’m not trying to swoop in or anything, but I just want to put myself out there by telling you how I feel. I’m not trying to pressure you or anything. I know you just got out of a serious relationship and finding out someone likes you is probably the last thing you need right now. You don’t have to feel the same way either. We can still be friends, but I just wanted to let you know how I feel about you.”

I was speechless. I didn’t know what to say. All this time I thought Noah and I were just friends, while he had all these feelings for me hidden deep inside. I didn’t say anything for a while, so Noah spoke again. He grabbed the chair that Nick sat in earlier and sat across from me. “I will let you think about what I just said, so you don’t have to say anything now.”

Noah then grabbed a strand of my hair and placed it behind my ear. “But the ball is in your court. I’ll wait for you if I have to.”

I blushed at his words. Without a word he grabbed my bag and handed it to me.

“Are you ready to meet your fans?”

I smiled and rose to meet him. “The real question is are you ready to meet your fans.”

“Me? Always.” He joked. I laughed in response. Noah opened the door for me and the two of us walked out to greet our families.

༄˖°.🍂.ೃ࿔*:･

I walked out from backstage with Noah and I was immediately brought into a hug by my mum.

“Oh sweetie you were incredible!”

“Thank you mum.” My mum pulled away from me and my dad was the next to hug me.

“You did so well Y/nn.”

“Thank you dad.” After I pulled away from my dad I saw Xander talking to Noah. After a few seconds Xander looked away from Noah and turned to me.

“I didn’t like how you kissed one of my friends, multiple times might I add, but you did an amazing job Y/n.” Xander grabbed my shoulders and brought me into a hug.

“Is my brother actually being decent and congratulating me? What a shocker!” I said as pulled away.

Xander was about to fight back, but our “fight” was interrupted when I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned around and saw Elle with a beaming smile.

“Y/n you did so good!” Elle exclaimed before she brought me into my fifth hug of the night.

“Thank you!”

“Hurry up Elle you’re hogging the celebrity!” A voice said that sounded like it belonged to Darcy. And my assumption was correct when I saw Darcy holding a poster from the merch stand and a sharpie.

“An autograph please.” She said.

I laughed before I signed my name under the name Juliet on the poster title.

“Finally an autograph from an icon!”

I playfully rolled my eyes at Darcy’s antics.

“Ignore her.” Tara said. “I’m so proud of you Y/n you did so well.” Tara said as she brought me into a hug.

“Thank you so much.”

“I can’t wait to see you again and again.” She said as she pulled away. I chuckled at her comment.

“And I shall look forward to seeing you in the audience again and again.”

After I talked with the girls for a while my eyes wandered a few feet away to where Nick and Charlie were standing. I excused myself and walked over to the pair.

Nick had a huge smile on his face before he pulled me into his embrace.

“You were wonderful Y/n” Nick said into my hair.

“Thank you.” I pulled away. “Thank you so much for coming.” I then turned to Charlie. “Both of you.”

“It was a pleasure. You did an amazing job Y/n.” Charlie said with a smile.

“Thank you.”

It looked like Nick was about to say something, but he was soon interrupted by the sound of Imogen’s voice.

“There you are! I’ve been looking everywhere for you!”

Imogen now stood in front of me with a curious look on her face. She looked at me and then at Nick. There was a sense of relief and excitement in her eyes, but she didn’t say anything. Imogen turned back to me and said, “Ms. Carlotta is looking for you. She’s over there in the corner.”

I looked to where Imogen was pointing and I saw Ms. Carlotta talking to a small group of students.

“I wish I could talk more, but I have to talk about something urgent with Ms. Carlotta.” I said to Nick and Charlie.”thank you once again for coming. I’ll see you two around.”

I gave one last smile before I began to walk away until I felt a hand grab my wrist. It was Nick.

“Can we please talk some time soon?”

I nodded. “You know where to find me.” I said with a smile.

Nick smiled in response and let go of my wrist. I gave another smile to Charlie, which he returned, before I began to walk away.

I never thought that things would get better between Nick and I tonight, but it did and I’m forever grateful. I was getting tired of having to continue to avoid him all the time and I missed my person. I’m glad things are slowly going back to normal. The new normal.

[thesparkling-diamond27]

hi hi hi, here I have an angst yet lovely request of scarecrow!Fiyero x ragdoll! female Reader

I imagine like, after Fiyero turbed into scarecrow, the Gale Force will try to kill reader for being Fiyero' secret lover since Glinda say it while she confront Fiyero, to prevent her from dying, Elphaba managed to revive her but as a ragdoll, after the whole wizard of Oz again, scarecrow Fiyero see his love again but she's scared he wouldn't like her appearance, since has been hiding from her family and all the people, thinking she's scary because she's like a frankenstein tall doll now :'3

I hope you like this idea! ❤️

Fiyero x Ragdoll Reader

A/n: hi lovelies!! I’m sorry @arakoty for posting this so late, but it’s finally here. This will be a two parter, so in this part y/n will be human and in part 2 y/n will be a ragdoll and will finally be together with Fiyero. Credit to the drawing of y/n goes to @arakoty. I hope you like it!! :)

🫧⋆｡˚ · ⋆✴︎˚｡⋆ · *•`.🫧 · 𖦹 ☼ ⋆｡˚⋆ฺ ♡ · °‧🫧

Fiyero

“Guards! Guards!”

Maxon, a fellow guard, and I were currently on duty and were posted outside the doors of the Wizard’s office. We immediately rushed through the doors after we heard the Wizard’s plea.

I looked around and noticed no immediate danger, but I was met with a woman I never thought I’d see again.

“Fiyero.”

Elphaba and I were somewhat friends after we met through Y/n. Y/n befriended Elphaba when no one else had, before Glinda, and I crossed paths with Elphaba whenever I was with Y/n. Or whenever Y/n and I snuck off together.

She shouldn’t be here. She’s a known fugitive of Oz and is wanted by the Wizard. Is this why the wizard called for us? Although she is accused of several crimes against the wizard and Oz, a part of me thinks that these stories can’t be true. Or there might be another side to the story.

My relationship with Elphaba was only surface level, but she doesn’t seem like the type to go against the wizard or the government. Not without a valid reason at least. Not to mention that Glinda always seemed off whenever her green friend was mentioned.

But if the wizard is calling for us to abtain Elphaba, that still doesn’t answer the question of why she came back. She had no purpose to return, except maybe to see Glinda, but Glinda wasn’t even here. Unless she was here for a certain four legged creature.

Seeing Elphaba standing before me made me feel sorry for her. Everybody wants to see her head on a spike and would do anything to make that happen. I wanted to help her, but I knew I couldn’t.

I was loyal to the wizard as head general and unfortunately I couldn’t help Oz’s most wanted. I had a duty and moral code to follow and I had plans. Plans to run away from all of this as soon as things quiet down and that won’t happen if I don’t stay in line.

“Are you alright your Ozness?” I said to the big giant head in front of me. I am here for the wizard not for Elphaba I reminded myself.

“Fiyero! Fiyero, thank Oz!”

“Silent witch!” I shouted. I had no idea where this malice came from, but I couldn’t defend her. Not now.

“There’s a goat on the lamb sir!” One of ten guards told me.

(A/n: this line makes no sense, but I used the original script so)

“I know that! Just fetch me some water!”

“Water sir?”

“You heard me!”

“Yeah sir!”

My guards wasted no time and rushed out of the room to retrieve the water I requested. I don’t know how it came about, but a rumor started to spread throughout Oz that Elphaba can be killed with water.

Now I don’t know this to be true, but the theory sounds absurd to me. However I still have to uphold the laws of Oz and this just happends to be one of them. Kill the wicked witch with water. I wasn’t going to kill Elphaba, but maybe I can act like I was.

“Fiyero not you too.” I looked at Elphaba and I saw her eyes filled with hurt. Her lips sagged into a frown and once again I felt bad for ostracizing her. Y/n would hit me against the back of my head for doing such a thing.

I can imagine her scolding through the words that were scribbled on the pages from her letters. Her letters that I kept tucked away in my drawer.

After Elphaba became public enemy number 1, Glinda became the new spokesperson for the wizard along with Madame Morible. Since I was publically in a relationship with Glinda, I got appointed the position of head guard for the wizard.

When I first heard the news I was honored, but that feeling soon depleted when I realized I would have to leave Y/n behind to go to the emerald city.

Y/n is originally from the emerald city, but her family thought it safe for her to remain at Shiz Univetsity. Since Y/n has connections in the Emerald city, it was easy to exchange weekly letters, when there was a strict city lockdown.

I have kept Y/n updated with what I knew about Elphaba’s whereabouts. Y/n had expressed countless times her concern for Elphaba’s safety. Despite all the stories she has heard about Elphaba, she doesn’t believe any of them. Claiming that they’re all fabricated by the wizard and Madame Morrible.

Which brings me back to the image of Y/n smacking me on the back of the head if she discovered that I talked to Elphaba in such a way. However, if I strayed now things can go array and that won’t be good for Y/n or myself. But Y/n would tell me that sometimes the right thing to do is the wrong thing to do.

“I said silence!” I shouted. I ignored Elphaba’s sad expressions and walked over to behind the life sized golden face that the wizard used to hide who he truly is. I harshly grabbed the wizard’s arm and pulled him out from his hiding place.

“No!” The wizard protested.

“Don’t make a sound, Your Ozness! Unless you want all of your guests to know the truth about the Wonderful Wizard of Oz!” I threatened. My statement seemed to shut him up.

I then turned to Elphaba who was staring at me like I had three heads.

“Elphaba, I will find Dillamond later now get out of here!”

“Fiyero, you frightened me. I thought you might have changed. I have some information-“

“Elphie?”A new voice chimed.

Elphaba and I turned to the source and it was Glinda dressed in her bubble gown with her wand.

“Elphie what are you doing here?”

“Well I wanted to free Dr. Dilamond, but I originally came here for Fiyero.”

I looked at Elphaba with surprise and curiosity.

“Me?”

Elphaba nodded. “It’s about Y/n. She-“

“She is doing wonderfully.” Glinda interrupted.”

“Why would you come all this way to tell me that Y/n is alright?” I asked Elphaba, but there was something creeping in the back of my head. A message perhaps.

“Y/n is not alright!” Elphaba exclaimed.

“What?!” My grip loosened on the Wizard’s arm and I almost lost hold of him. “What do you mean she is not alright?!” I shouted.

My blood turned cold as I thought about the possibility of Y/n being in any kind of harm. It was one thing to imagine losing her, but it was another to see her hurt. My worst fear on this planet was hurting her that I didn’t even think about something else causing her harm.

“The Gale winds went after her. I don’t know why. They came to Shiz looking for her, but she managed to escape somehow. I found her on her way to munchkin land. She’s on the run.” Elphaba stated.

“Did you know about this?” I asked Glinda sharply. Glinda worked more closely with the wizard then I did, so she would definitely have had to hear about this.

“No I d-didn’t. This is the first time I’m h-hearing about this.”

I didn’t know much about Glinda, but one thing I did know was that she stuttered whenever she lied.

“When was the order called?” I asked.

“I have no idea!”

“Don’t lie to me!” I bellowed. I couldn’t believe this! Although Glinda, didn’t know about our relationship, she knew that Y/n and I were close. I thought that Glinda would have come to me if she heard such news. Glinda still remained silent and didn’t answer my question.

“Glinda. When was the order called?” In a much calmer tone.

Glinda stared at her feet as she played with a piece of her dress. After a few moments of silence she finally spoke in a quiet meek voice.

“About a week ago.”

“A week ago?!” That would explain why I haven’t received any new letters from her as of late.

“Who called the order?”

Glinda didn’t answer.

“Glinda. Who called the order?” Elphaba asked softly. It probably would have been better to ask Glinda questions in a calmer approach, but I was frantic and scared with the thought of Y/n’s life being on the line.

“Glinda?” Elphaba.

Then Glinda’s shoulders began to shake and the sound of whines started to come from her.

“I’m sorry.” she managed to say in between cries.

“Sorry? What are you sorry for?” Elphaba asked as she placed a comforting hand on her friend’s shoulder.

“You shouldn’t feel guilty Glinda. You did what you thought was right.” The wizard spoke up.

The three of us stared at the wizard in shock due to the fact that we forgot he was even here. Hell I forgot he was even here and I was holding him.

“Silence.” I said to the wizard.

“What was he taking about?” I asked Glinda. “What did you do?”

Glinda brushed the tears out her eyes and straightened out the invisible wrinkles on her dress.

“I didn’t know that it would come to that. I didn’t think that that would happen. Two weeks ago, you were acting strange Fiyero. You weren’t yourself. I knew something was going on with you and you wouldn’t tell me. Every time I asked you if you were okay you would say you were fine, but I could tell you weren’t. I needed answers, so while you did your nightly rounds, I snuck into your room.”

“You what?!” I can’t believe this! I trusted almost no one here and Oz, but the one person I trusted was Glinda. She was the only person back from shiz who I truly knew.

I trusted Glinda and she went into my private room and went searching. What kind of person does that? A paranoid enough person might.

Wait she couldn’t have found them. Could she? No. No my letters were tucked away in a hidden spot. There’s no way she could have found them, but then she said the words that I absolutely dreaded.

“I found the letters Fiyero. The letters between you and Y/n. You two are in love with each other! You have been the whole time we were together and our whole relationship is a lie! You both plan to run away together and leave me behind!”

I stood there in shock as the truth came out. This was definitely not how I wanted Glinda to find out about Y/n and I.

When the time was right, I was planning on having a sit down conversation with Glinda before leaving. It’s the least I could do and it’s what she deserves. But what did any of this have to do with Y/n being on the run?

“I was hurt and furious and not thinking straight, so I went straight to Madame Morrible and told her everything. I simply only meant to confide in her, but she indulged more into my fury rather than my sadness. She tricked me into saying something awful and she allowed it to happen. Now that I think about it I think she wanted me to suggest such a thing and manipulated me into doing so.”

“What did she make you say?” I asked. I had some idea about where this was going, but I wanted to hear the words come from Glinda herself. I didn’t want to believe what I thought.

“It was me.” Glinda said. “I told Madame Morrible that I wanted Y/n dead.”

My heart stopped as I felt the blood drain from my face. No! No there's no way. There's no way that Glinda is the cause of Y/n being scared for her life. There's no way Glinda is the reason Y/n’s parents sent me a letter because they haven’t heard from her in a while. There's no way that Glinda is why Y/n is scared for her life and on the run.

But she said it. "It was me."

God. Glinda’s words continued to echo in my head. I never took Glinda to be this type of person, but I guess there is a first time for everything. In our short time together I never would have imagined Glinda doing something so cruel. So vile. Even if it was unintentional.

I've never formed an attachment towards Glinda. Yeah I guess we were in a public relationship, but that was more of Glinda’s doing and I simply went along with it because why not. Glinda was pretty to look at and nice too. The picture perfect girl for the Prince of Winky Country.

We sound perfect for each other on paper, but I never felt anything for her. I've never felt anything for anyone until Y/n. Oh Y/n.

Y/n must be so scared running for her life. She’s out there all alone and scared. She can die at any moment and I’m not there to protect her. I partially blame myself for what is happening to her.

I’m the one who came out here to the Emerald city and left her behind. There was no one there at Shiz to protect her when the Gale force came after her. I wanted to blame myself for her circumstances, but I soon realized that I’m not the one to blame here.

The color came back onto my face at the thought of Galinda ever harming Y/n. Rage filled my body as I walked towards Glinda. I wasn’t going to hit her, I would never do that to her no matter how angry I may be.

However, the Wizard’s guards seemed to think that I was resorting to violence and they pulled me back before I could even walk two steps.

I had no idea when the guards came back from their errand that I ordered them to fulfill, but I didn’t expect them to restrain me. I was on there side, so why would they stop me?

Their alliance is to Glinda, but they have a stronger bond with me, so it was puzzling that they could change on me so easily.

I struggled to break free from the Wizard’s guard’s hold, but it was no use. I was a strong man, but not stronger than a trained soldier.

“You monster!” I shouted at Glinda.

Glinda looked heartbroken, but a look of understanding was displayed on her face as well.

“Now I don’t think monster is the right word to describe your betrothed.” A shrill voice said.

I turned to my right and saw Madame Morrible standing by the entrance. Her steps were slow and intimidating and she made her way towards Glinda. She placed a comforting arm around the girl and gave me a pointed look.

“She was the one who found out about your affair with that girl.” Madame Morrible stated. “She did what she thought was necessary. As am I. As of today you are no longer head guard of the wizard. You betrayed poor sweet Glinda and is henceforth considered treason.”

“No what Glinda did was treason! She sent death towards an innocent girl!”

“Innocent? You two were off doing god knows what, while you were with Glinda. That doesn’t seem innocent to me. Not to mention that she frolicked with a specimen like that.” Madame Morrible said as she pointed at Elphaba.

She nodded her head and a set of new guards restrained Elphaba. “Hey! Hey let go of me!”

“Now. Send Fiyero to one of the jail cells and I’ll take care of the green one.”

There was a sinister tone in her voice that made me worry about what they were going to do to Elphaba. The guards began to pull me away, which meant I wasn’t going to stick around and find out.

“Hey what are you going to do with her?! What’s going on?! Hey?! Hey?!”

But it was no use. My screams echoed down the hall and no one seemed to listen or care.

🫧⋆｡˚ · ⋆✴︎˚｡⋆ · *•`.🫧 · 𖦹 ☼ ⋆｡˚⋆ฺ ♡ · °‧🫧

I don’t know how far I’ve traveled, but I wasn’t going to stop now. I’ve never been to Winkie country, but from what I learned from home and in class, it looked like I was going in the right direction.

A little further in the forest there was a large willow tree. Its leaves were so long that it touched the ground and it concealed the confinements of the tree. A perfect place to rest and hide.

After walking around the maze of roots, I opened the flaps of the willow leaves and entered the willow utopia. Towards the base of the trunk was a huge rock that looked sit-able. With careful steps I reached the rock and I sat on its mossy cushion.

I’ve been traveling non-stop for days. Only taking a break when I could find a place to hide or sleep. This was the second “safe haven” I encountered on my journey, the first being a secluded cave, and I was glad I was finally able to rest my body once again.

My limbs sighed in relief as I gave them the much needed respite that they desired. Maybe I can stay here for a night or two I thought. Just enough time to rest up and regain my strength, maybe find some food while I’m at it, before I’m on the run again.

Now that I catched my breath I decided to finally take a look at my surroundings. I looked up at the willow tree and I was transported into another world.

The willow trunk curved in a twisted motion and it continued into the branches.

The willow leaves hung down from the top and streamed down like streamers. The light that creeped through the forest trees looked like lights you would see at a party. Or the Ozdust ballroom.

🫧⋆｡˚ · ⋆✴︎˚｡⋆ · *•`.🫧 · 𖦹 ☼ ⋆｡˚⋆ฺ ♡ · °‧🫧

The music thumped through the dance floor of the Ozdust ballroom. After Glinda and Elphaba’s touching moment, the duo went off back to Shiz and the music went back on without a hitch.

After a few more songs, I started to get hot, and I needed some air, so I left the ballroom and went down a hallway to look for an exit. I was taken to a large staircase that went upwards and there was no where else to go, but up.

I reached the top and a set of blue double glass doors were displayed in front of me. The cold night breeze blew on me as I opened the exit to a balcony. I stepped out into the night I let the moonlight shine on my skin.

I looked over at the waves of the ocean as one wave passed on top of the other. And if a lucky wave survived and managed to make it to the bottom, it would soon disintegrate when it crashed into the rocks below.

It was a beautiful scene. One you would find in a museum painting. I was so absorbed in the image of ocean that I didn’t notice that someone followed me outside.

“Beautiful isn’t it.”

I jumped at the voice and turned around to see the man of the hour. The man of the night even.

“Yeah it is.” I tuned around to the ocean and leaned over the balcony railing.

“What are you doing out here? You know that party is in there right.” He joked and joined me on the edge of the balcony.

“I needed some air. Shouldn’t you be back in there.”

“Yeah, but I’d much rather be here with you.”

“Are you trying to hit on me?”

A cheeky grin appeared on his face. “I don’t know you tell me.”

I playfully scoffed and looked away from him. “Didn’t you come here who little miss pinkalicious?”

“Yeah, but she left about 20 minutes ago with Elphaba.”

“So you decided to target the next girl you set your eyes upon.”

“No I decided to target you.”

I looked towards Fiyero and I almost jumped back due to his close proximity. His face was closer to mine than it was before and if I inched closer, ever so slightly, our lips would touch.

“Why me?” I asked.

“Because I know you.”

I laughed out loud.

“I’m serious! I know you.”

“Really? From where?” I said sarcastically.

“From Winkie Woods.”

My eyes widened. Winkie Woods was a stay away summer camp that lasted the whole summer, however I always stood there for a week. It was around Winkie country which would make sense why Fiyero went there. I just don’t remember him being there, but he seemed to remember me.

“You went there?”

“Yeah.” He answered enthusiastically. “I went there every summer and I remember you.”

“Well I don’t remember you from back then.”

“It’s okay.” He said but I could tell he was disappointed.

“Okay well now I feel bad.”

“Well don’t be.”

“Why?”

“Because I have all the time in the world to tell you about that.”

I looked at him confused. “All the time in the world? What do you mean all the time in the world?”

“You didn’t think this was a one time thing sweetheart. Did you?”

His face was now close to mine and his breath fanned the side of my face. My breath hitched. I turned my head and looked into his deep blue eyes.

His eyes drifted down to my lips and I took a deep breath as I did the same thing. His face inched closer and closer to mine and I held my breath waiting for him to make contact, but he didn’t.

Instead he moved past my head and held his hands on the back of my neck. Before I knew it the clasp of my necklace opened and in his hands was my family heirloom.

“Hey give that back!” I grabbed for my necklace, but he pulled it behind his back.

“No I think I’ll keep this for a short while.”

“My mother gave that to me.” I tried to reach around his waist, but he dodged my attempts.

“And I’ll keep it safe.” He carefully placed the necklace in the inside pocket of his suit jacket. “Having this gives me an excuse to see you again.”

“What?”

“We’ll meet again, so I can return your necklace.”

I stopped wrestling him for the necklace and looked up at him. “You want to see me again?”

“Yeah. So I can tell you all about how you know me from Winkie Woods.”

I looked down at the floor in embarrassment and laughed.

“But.” Fiyero tipped my chin with his index finger. “I want to get to know you better. Properly.”

“Really?!”

“Really.”

I smiled at him and he returned the gesture.

“Well I’m going to leave you out here, but I’ll see you later?” Fiyero said as he made his way back inside.

“Yeah.”

“And I still have to return this of course.” He patted his suit pocket and I nodded my head. With one last look he opened the double glass blue doors and walked back to the party.

I sighed and looked back out at the ocean and I couldn’t fight the smile that creeped up on my face with the thought of getting to see Fiyero again.

🫧⋆｡˚ · ⋆✴︎˚｡⋆ · *•`.🫧 · 𖦹 ☼ ⋆｡˚⋆ฺ ♡ · °‧🫧

Flashback to reality. I wasn’t in the Ozdust ballroom. I wasn’t standing on top of the balcony and looking at the view of the ocean. I was under a willow tree that was in the middle of the woods.

There were no decorative streamers dangling from the ceiling. There were willow leaves hanging from the willow. There were no party lights lighting up the night. There was only light from the sun that shone through the trees.

I wasn’t with the one person I wanted more than anything in the world. I was all alone. I wasn’t back at Shiz and I knew deep down that I could probably never go back there.

My eyes teared up thinking about the night Fiyero and I met. That was so long ago, but in reality it really wasn’t. It’s crazy to think how important a person can turn out to be in just a short amount of time, and Fiyero is that person to me.

He is the air I breathe. The oxygen I need. And it’s hard to breathe without my favorite person beside me.

I crouched down at the base of my rock seat and brought my legs into my chest. I lowered my head to my knees and cried. I still couldn’t believe this was my life. The life I once knew was slipping through my fingers and I’m not sure I’ll ever get it back.

[thesparkling-diamond27]

Rokesby Masterlist

A/n: This is the masterlist for characters from the Bridgerton prequels. I only write romantically for males, so female characters will be platonic

George Rokesby

Not yet

Sybilla (Billie) Bridgerton

Not yet

Edward Rokesby

Not yet

Cecelia Harcourt

Not yet

Andrew Rokesby

Not yet

Poppy Bridgerton

Not yet

Nicolas Rokesby

Not yet

Georgina Rokesby

Not yet

Edmund Bridgerton

Not yet

Violet Ledger/Bridgerton

Not yet

Bridgerton Masterlist

[thesparkling-diamond27]

Benedict Bridgerton

⋆ ˚｡⋆౨ৎ˚ ⋆ ˚｡⋆౨ৎ˚ ⋆ ˚｡⋆౨ৎ˚ ⋆ ˚｡⋆౨ৎ˚ ⋆ ˚｡⋆౨ৎ˚ ⋆ ˚｡⋆౨ৎ˚ ⋆ ˚

[thesparkling-diamond27]

Bridgerton Masterlist

A/n: I only write romantically for males, so all female requests are platonic

Anthony Bridgerton

Nothing yet

Benedict Bridgerton

Colin Bridgerton

Not yet

Daphne Bridgerton

Not yet

Eloise Bridgerton

Not yet

Francesca Bridgerton

Not yet

Gregory Bridgerton

Not yet

Hyacinth Bridgerton

Not yet

Penelope Featherington

Not yet

Simon Basset

Not yet

Rokesby Masterlist

[thesparkling-diamond27]

Henry Creel x Reader

[thesparkling-diamond27]

Stranger Things Masterlist

A/n: I only write for males romantically, so will Byers will only be platonic with reader, or romantically during the first 3 seasons. Female characters can be written upon request, but platonically.

Steve Harrington

Nothing yet

Jonathan Byers

Nothing yet

Mike wheeler

Nothing yet

Lucas Sinclair

Coming soon…

Dustin Henderson

Nothing yet

Will Byers

Nothing yet

Henry Creel

[thesparkling-diamond27]

For Better Or Worse

Henry Creel x Reader

Summary: Henry Creel turned out not to be how you thought he’d be

A/n: I saw stranger things on broadway a few weeks ago and my mind was blown. That was the first time, in a long time, I walked out of a theatre in awe. I definitely will be seeing it again and the show inspired me to write this one shot. I’m not sure if I’ll turn this into a series, but if I do I will wait to finish The Second Bridgerton and I and When Love Remains first. I hope you like it :)

⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚⋆ ˚｡⋆ ⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚⋆ ˚｡⋆ ⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚⋆ ˚｡⋆ ⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚⋆ ˚｡⋆

Hawkins India, 1959

Hawkins High

I walked with a pep in my step down the hallway towards my locker. I slept through my alarm and was woken up by my mother. By the time I was ready to go, my older brother, by 2 years, had already left. He didn’t like to be kept waiting, so I had to ride my bike to school.

Now I was slightly sweaty as I stood in front of my locker and put in my combo. I grabbed the books I needed for class before I fixed my appearance in my locker mirror. Once I was done, I slammed my locker shut and rushed to first period, which was English.

The bell rang 3 seconds after I entered the door and I thanked all the gods above for not making me late. I gravitated to my seat which was right next to one of my friends Karen Childress (A/n: Mike and Nancy’s mom).

“Y/n! Thank god! I thought I was going to suffer through English alone!”

“Not a chance!”

Mr. Smith began teaching the class, so Karen and I stopped talking, but that didn’t stop us from passing notes during class. Eventually he gave us the last 15 minutes of class to work on our own, so Karen and I started talking while doing our work.

“Have you seen the freak yet?”

“No not yet.” I replied.

The freak. The weirdo. Those were a few words the everybody used to describe the new kid. “Stay away from that kid.” Was a common phrase used to warn others about him. I don’t really believe in all the rumors surrounding him, considering I have never interacted with him, but the rumors did make me curious.

“Well you’re lucky.” Karen continued. “He’s weird. His audition at the drama club yesterday was awkward and odd, but Joyce seemed to like it. Ted couldn’t believe he managed to get the lead, but he did.”

“Huh. Interesting.”

“You want to know what else is interesting, but kind of scary.”

“What?”

Karen leaned in closer and brought her voice down to a whisper.

“Apparently he blinded a kid at his old school. He stabbed a girl in the eyes and now she won’t ever see again.”

My eyes widened at Karen’s words. “That can’t be true!”

“Well no one knows if it’s true, but I wouldn’t put it past him. He’s creepy. That story is an extra reason to stay away from him Y/n.”

“Well I don’t believe it. If he did blind a girl shouldn’t he be in Juvie? He clearly isn’t since he’s here.”

“Maybe his parents paid to not get him sent to Juvie.”

“You really believe this story do you.” I said in disbelief.

Karen nodded. “It makes sense.”

I rolled my eyes and said nothing as I focused back on my work. I loved Karen, but sometimes she blindly conformed to believing things, just because everybody else believed it. It wouldn’t kill her to have her own opinion for once.

“Hey do you have cheer practice today?” Karen asked.

“Yeah I have cheer practice everyday since the game is on Friday.”

“Okay. I just needed to know so I can tell Ted you’re not coming with us after school.”

“Sounds good.”

Soon the bell rang which indicated that English was over. My next class was history which was with all my cheerleader friends and basketball “friends”.

I got along with all the girls on the cheer team and we were all a tight knit group. It especially helped when we had to trust each other in order to do stunts. However, I barely tolerated the basketball team.

There were about 3 guys on the team that I actually liked, but I had to hang out with most of them because that was expected from cheerleaders and basketball players.

My third class was gym, then science and math until lunch rolled around. Now that lunch was over, it was my free period of the day. I was sat at my usual table, in the library, with Joyce doing homework together.

Many people wondered why I studied, so hard, but with my parents I had to. I would be murdered if I got lower than a B. The table near the window was Joyce and I’s usual spot during free period. And when we weren’t doing homework we talked to each other about drama club and cheer.

Joyce tried to get me to join drama club, but that was something I just couldn’t do. Reciting monologues and singing was honestly terrifying. And people would look at me funny if I decided to join the club full of freaks.

I liked to think I didn’t care about what others thought about me, but I did and I was definitely not the only one. Everyone at school had a role to play and mine happens to be with the popular crowd.

However these ideas didn’t stop me from being friends with Joyce. She had a fire and spirit in her and there was something about her that just drew you in. Nothing can stop you from being friends with someone like Joyce Byers.

The both of us were currently solving our math homework and she was once again trying to recruit me to the drama club.

“Come on Y/n! It would be so much fun. You don’t have to be the lead, you can just be in the background.”

“I’ll still be in front of people.” I argued.

“Y/n you literally perform in front of crowds during basketball games.”

“I-fine you got me there, but I still don’t want to do it.”

Joyce sighed in defeat before a lightbulb lit up in her head. “That’s okay. You don’t have to be in the cast. You can be in the crew! You won’t be seen at all. You won’t step a foot onto the stage. Well except for bows, but still you won’t be seen.”

I let Joyce’s words sink in my mind for a bit.

“I won’t be seen?”

“Nope.”

“I won’t have to sing or recite monologues?”

“Nope.”

“I won’t have to-“

“Just say yes Y/n!”

“Alright fine I’ll be a part of the crew.”

“Yes!” Joyce celebrated in her seat.

The deal was done and the two of us continued back to our homework. I was trying to figure out who the 10th president was when my mind wandered to the mystery kid.

Joyce and Henry Creel were both in drama club. Joyce interacted with him first hand so maybe she can tell me how he really is. I know Joyce will tell me only the truth if I just ask.

“Hey…so um I have a question.”

Joyce looked up from her homework. “Yeah.”

“I heard rumors about the new kid and most of them…wait who am I kidding, all of the rumors are negative. Now I don’t want to believe them, because I like to judge people in person, and I don’t know what to believe. And I know you are in drama club with him, so I guess I’m asking…How is he in real life?”

Joyce put down her pencil on the table and her eyes flickered behind me for a second before she looked back at me.

“He’s nice. Quiet, but nice. Maybe a bit odd, but that’s not such a bad thing. He’s not as odd or weird as everyone says he is.”

“So all those rumors about him?”

“I don’t think they’re true.”

“Huh.”

“You’ll see him for yourself in drama rehearsal.”

“I guess. Speaking of drama rehearsal, when is the next meeting?”

“Friday. I have so much to do. I knew I would have a lot of work as president, but-“ A series of curses fell from her mouth.

“Shit! I have to go there’s some things I need to take care of for the play. I have to pull all the stops to get that scholarship!” She began to gather her belongings and shove them in her bag. Joyce made her way to the door when she realized she forgot something and came back.

“HeycanyoupleasehandthisovertoHenryCreelit’sthescriptfortheplayhe’sseatedatthecornerby!” And Joyce was gone before she could even finish her word vomit.

I barely registered what she said except for “script” and “seated by the corner”, so I assumed that she wanted me to give the script to someone.

I turned around in my seat and found only one person sitting in the corner. Then my mind went to when Joyce looked behind me before answering my question about

Henry. Was she looking at him? Could this be the boy that nobody could stop talking about? The freak. The weirdo.

Of course due to all the rumors surrounding this kid I built up an image of him in my mind. I imagined a buff, scruffy scary looking kid with a scowl permanently edged in his face. Dressed in black from head to toe. Having an aura that wouldn’t even make the cronies of Hawkins high come near him.

A boy that fit the image of someone who was violent and looked capable of doing something like poking someone’s eyes out. Someone that I would be afraid of from first glance, but Joyce was correct. He was almost the complete opposite of what everyone has been saying about him and what I imagined.

His hair was blonde and styled in a popular cut and it wasn’t black at all. Instead of being dressed in black from head to toe, he was dressed in an orange and blue plaid long sleeved collared shirt paired with brown pants.

He seemed shy and reserved instead of mean and violent and instead of having an intimidating aura, there was a gentle presence about him.

He seemed normal. Like any other boy I would see on the street. He looked nothing like the description that was given from everyone else in school.

I looked down at the script in my hands to solidify my suspicions and sure enough written in chicken scratch, on the first page of the script, was the name: Henry Creel.

I looked up at Henry and saw him writing in a notebook. Probably working on homework like myself. I took a deep breath before I walked over to the boy that I have never spoken to.

I stood in front of the table he was sitting in and his eyes immediately went up when he noticed my presence. He said nothing which meant that he was waiting for me to speak

“Hi are you Henry Creel?”

He nodded.

“Hi I’m Y/n! I’m not sure if you knew that already.” I held out the script for him to take. “This is from Joyce. It’s the script for the play.”

He extended his arm and took the script from my hands. “Thank you.” He said with a deep voice. I was taken aback by his voice because it contrasted his meek appearance.

“You’re welcome.” I said with a smile. I was about to say goodbye when I noticed that he was completing the science homework assigned by Mr. Clarke.

“Oh are you working on science. I have no idea where to even start with that.” I took a seat across from him and Henry’s eyes widened, but I didn’t notice and continued to talk.

“I always try in that class, but I can never seem to comprehend anything. It’s like everything Mr. Clarke says goes in one ear and out the other you know. I just wish I understood science like I do English or history. Are you good at science? You probably are. You seem like the type of person who would be good at science. Not that I’m stereotyping you or anything.”

I finally stopped talking and looked at Henry who look surprised from my previous rant.

“I’m sorry I rambled didn’t I. Sometimes I tend to talk and talk without thinking and I can’t stop my mouth.”

Henry remained silent. He didn’t say anything during this entire one sided conversation, so I took that as a sign to leave.

“Right so um…I’m going to get out of your hair and subtract myself from this equation. It was nice meeting you though.” I left without looking at Henry’s reaction, but it was nice talking to the mystery kid. Well talked at the mystery kid. He was not quite what I expected.

⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚⋆ ˚｡⋆ ⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚⋆ ˚｡⋆ ⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚⋆ ˚｡⋆ ⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚⋆ ˚｡⋆

It was the day of the big game. My last class of the day just finished and I quickly went to the bathroom before I went to my locker to fix up my look and grab my pompoms.

Everyone was heading to the game, so the hallways were pretty much empty except for a few strays. I was applying lipgloss on my lips when I heard quiet mumbling a few feet away.

“I’m not see things. I’m not crazy…I’m normal…I’m Henry Creel.”

I peered over my locker door and saw Henry with his hands over his eyes while he repeated his personal mantra.

“I’m not seeing things. I’m not crazy. I’m normal. I’m Henry Creel. I’m not seeing things. I’m not crazy-“

I gently grabbed his arm and he immediately jumped back in shock. I retreated my hand to not discomfort him any further.

“Hi…um I just wanted to make sure you were okay. You didn’t seem well.”

“Well I’m fine.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

“You don’t seem fine.”

“Well I’m fine.” He said sharply. I took a step back at the volume of his voice.

He seemed to regret that because he apologized immediately. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to yell.” He rubbed the sides of pants with his free hand.

“It’s okay.” My eyes wandered to his non free hand, which held a red hand held radio.

“Is that a radio?”

“Yeah.”

“I love radios. I have one too except mine is teal. I usually use it around eight, so that I can listen to Elvis or Ella Fitzgerald. What do you listen to?”

He froze for a second, but he answered. “Whatever is playing.”

“Cool. Well um…are you headed to the homecoming game?”

“No.”

“Why not.”

“I don’t like games.”

“Oh well I just figured you would be going since everyone else is, but that’s okay. Games aren’t for everyone.”

I slaked back to my locker to finish up my lip gloss.

“Are you going?” Henry asked. I grabbed one of my pompoms from my locker and shook it.

“I kind of have to.” I said.

“You’re on the cheer team.” He asked, but it was more of a statement rather than a question.

“Yup” I said with the pop of the p.

I looked at the clock hung in hallway and realized that I should get going, so I wouldn’t be late.

“Hey I have to head the game, but I’ll see you around. Maybe at the game.” I grabbed my pompoms and slammed my locker shut. “Bye.”

“Bye.” Henry called after me.

I rushed to the gymnasium and found my group of cheerleader friends. They were all huddled in the corner and I let out a sigh of relief when I noticed a few of my teammates missing.

“Oh good! You’re here Y/n. I’ll mark you as present.” The cheer captain Karly said.

After some time, the auditorium seats were all full, so we all lined up towards the gymnasium entrance to cheer for the basketball players.

One by one the players were announced and ran out to the court. We all used our pompoms to make a makeshift bough for them to cross under.

The energy in the gym was high as we all gathered towards the benches to take our seats. Both teams began to warm up on the court before the game started.

I started to scan the crowd for Karen, she was here to watch Ted play and me cheer, when I noticed a familiar head of blonde hair standing in front of the entrance is the gymnasium.

Henry’s eyes were scanning the line of cheerleaders until his eyes landed on mine. I smiled and his mouth turned upwards into a semi smile.

I motioned my head to the bleachers behind me and he seemed to get the message because he began walking to find a seat.

“Who are you looking at?” My friend Clara asked.

“oh uh no one.”

Henry might have been a no one back then, but he wouldn’t be no one in a little while. If only I knew how much he would change my life.

He changed it for the better and the worse.

[thesparkling-diamond27]

When Love Remains: Girls

Nick Nelson x Reader Nick x Charlie OC x Reader

Warning: mentioning of eating disorder and body dysmorphia. If you or anyone you know is struggling with an eating disorder please call (846)952-6293

A/n: I hope you enjoy! I’ve been awful with updates, but here it is. Also I got the Heartstopper book series and I can’t wait to read them😊 (stay tuned for more things). From here on out was after I saw Romeo and Juliet, so there’s a lot of references to that lol

I unlocked the door of my house and slammed the door. I didn’t check if Xander was home or not and immediately rushed to my room and slammed the door shut. I grabbed my fuzzy blanket from my chair pulled the bed skirt open that I had under my bed. I crawled under my bed and buried myself under my blanket.

Nick and I just broke up. I thought I wanted to rot in bed and cry yesterday, but yesterday hasn’t met today. Yesterday I was crying, but right now I was sobbing.

Breaking up with Nick has crossed my mind before whenever I thought about life after high school.

If long distance didn’t work, I thought about us splitting, but with the assumptions that we would still be on good terms where we could still be friends. I didn’t think we would end things like this.

The door of my room slowly creaked open and I heard the sound of muffled footsteps against my carpet. It wasn’t even 1:00 yet, so it wouldn’t be my parents, which meant that it was Xander. My tears turned into silent ones as I slowly revealed my head from under my blanket and I saw a concerned Xander looking at me.

Without a word he crawled under my bed and laid down next to me. I was going to ask him what he was doing here, but my mind wandered back to Nick and my tears started to pick up again. Xander slowly brought me into his chest and I cried into his t-shirt. He began to softly stroke my back as I continued to cry under my bed.

…

After what felt like hours, it was only thirty minutes, Xander managed to pull me out from under my bed and told me to sit on my bed and wait for him to get back.

He left my room and I grabbed my phone that was sitting on my bed. I noticed a ton of messages from Nick, so I turned off my phone and chucked it at my chair. I put my head in my hands and processed what had just happened.

Nick cheated on me. He developed feelings for Charlie. Kissed Charlie and I broke up with Nick.

Nick cheated on you because he doesn’t think you’re beautiful anymore. Stop it. He cares more about Charlie. Stop it. He doesn’t love you anymore. Stop it!

Suddenly the door opened and I was interrupted from my thoughts by Xander walking in my room with a glass of water in his hand. He took a seat beside me on my bed and passed me the cup.

“Drink.” He said.

I grabbed the cup and slowly brought it to my lips. I took a few sips and then Xander spoke again.

“What happened?”

“Nick and I…we uh…broke up.”

Xander looked at me and said nothing. I took another sip of water.

“I’m sorry. I know how much you liked him. I liked him too.”

I looked up at Xander shocked.

“You? You liked Nick.”

“Yeah. You two have been friends since forever. I only started being mean to him when you started dating because I wanted to be the protective older brother.”

“You’re only older by three minutes.”

“Yeah, but I’m still older.” He playfully shot back. “And I wanted to make sure that he didn’t break your heart, but now it looks like he did what I feared.”

I had no idea Xander cared so much for me. Sure I knew he loved me and I loved him, even though we never saw eye to eye, but I didn’t know how much he looked out for me.

“Yeah. He uh, cheated on me.”

“He what?!” Xander shot up from me bed.

“He cheated on you?! With who?! When?!”

“Can you please calm down.”

I tried to pull him back down to my bed, but he didn’t let me.

“Calm down?! No I will not calm down. You just told me that your boyfriend cheated on you!”

“I know, but can I explain.”

“You’re defending—“

“I’m not defending him can you just relax and let me speak!” I shouted.

Xander looked down at me and sighed before he joined me again on my bed.

“Look. I can’t tell you all the details, because some information is not my information to tell.”

I was not a fan of Nick at the moment, but I wasn’t going to talk about his sexuality with my brother. That wouldn’t be fair to him.

“But it did happen, and I can’t understand why he did it…”

Xander looked at me sharply and I placed my hand on his shoulder to calm him down.

“…but that doesn’t mean what he did was okay. Which is why I broke up with him. Please can you just try to understand.”

Xander looked at me for a moment before he nodded.

“Good. Now don’t go and pick a fight with him at school.”

“I wasn’t-“

“Xander.”

“Fine. Can I at least glare at him?”

I sighed. “Sure fine whatever, but that’s it.” I pointed a stern finger at his face and he brought his arms up in surrender.

“Alright. Alright. I promise. Glaring only.”

I nodded in approval.

“Hey do you want to get out of here?” Xander asked. “You seem better now, but I think a pick me up can do you some good.”

I thought about it and a pick me up did sound good and maybe food. I just realized that I haven’t eaten all day.

“What did you have in mind?”

…

Xander and I went to our favorite 50’s style diner in town. We ordered our go to order: a milkshake with fries and we both sat at the bar of the diner.

“So what are you going to do when you see Nick tomorrow?” Xander asked.

“I don’t know. I guess I haven’t really thought about it. Maybe I’ll skip tomorrow.”

“But don’t you have rehearsal tmr?”

“I’ll skip school and then go to rehearsal.”

“Mum and dad won’t let you do that.”

“They might if they found out that Nick cheated and I broke up with him.”

“Touché.”

“One strawberry milkshake and one—

Y/n?”

I looked from Xander and saw Noah at the other side of the counter with Xander’s chocolate milkshake and my strawberry one.

“Noah! Hi how are you?”

“I’m good how are you?”

“I’m good. I’m just getting some milkshakes with me dear older brother. And fries.” I put my arm around Xander’s shoulders and he surprisingly didn’t repulse with disgust. He probably still feel sympathetic for me.

“That’s nice. I’m excited for rehearsal tomorrow.”

“Me too! The play is really coming along!” I turned to Xander. “I can’t wait for you to see it.”

“Yippee I’m so excited to see my friend and my sister kiss multiple times onstage.”He said sarcastically, but he was smiling so I knew he didn’t mean it.

“Oh lighten up! You should be supporting your friend and your sister.”

“Speaking of friends. Am I chopped liver here? You haven’t spoken to me this entire conversation!” Xander complained to Noah.

“I’m sorry I’m sorry. I was just talking with Y/n for a bit.”

The two broke into conversation, so I decided to reach for my shake and start drinking it, but Noah pulled away.

“Before you drink your milkshake…” Noah pulled my milkshake to the other side of the counter and he grabbed a pair of mini tongs.

He plucked three red cherries and placed them on top of my whipped cream and then he sprinkled some rainbow sprinkles on top as well. Then he slid the milkshake back in front of me.

I looked up at him in shock, “You mentioned once before how you like your milkshakes. It was when we were all talking about our go to diner orders during rehearsal.

“Huh. Well thank you for remembering.” I said with a smile.

“You’re welcome.” Noah said with a smile. I slurped my shake and I didn’t realize the look that Xander was giving Noah.

“Noah can you take table 2’s order?” A guy who looked like the diner’s manager said.

“Sure thing John. I’ll see you around Xander.” Then Noah turned to me. “I’ll see you around Collins.”

“I’ll see you around Harding.”

Noah smiled before he grabbed a notepad and pen to take table 2’d order. As soon as Noah was out of ear shot Xander said.

“I think he likes you.”

I almost choked on my milkshake. I coughed for a couple of seconds before I said, “Who Noah?”

“Yup.”

“No way.”

“Yes.”

“Uh uh.”

“He remembers everything you’ve ever said. Like how you like your milkshakes which was probably something you mentioned weeks ago. And he called you by your last name.”

“What does calling me Collins have to do with him liking me, which he doesn’t.”

“If a boy calls a girl by their last name, then that’s a sign that they like them. Trust me I know.”

“Even if your crazy theory is true, which it’s not, I just broke up with Nick like an hour ago. I’m not ready to jump into any kind of relationship any time soon.”

“I never said to get into a relationship with Noah. All I said was that he likes you.”

“Fine. Can we just stop talking about boys right now. Thinking about boys makes me think about Nick and I don’t really feel like crying in public right now.”

“Sure thing.” Xander said.

“Here’s your fries.” A waiter named Grace said.

“Thank you.” Xander and I both said. Xander stared to dig in, but I just looked down at my fries. My thoughts from earlier came rushing back. Nick doesn’t love me anymore because I’m no longer pretty. Just don’t eat the fries.

“Are you okay?” Xander’s voice brought me out of my thoughts.

“Yeah.” Then I forced myself to eat the fries in front of me.

————————

Imogen

I went to school this morning with my eyes set on one person only. My eyes were like ones of a hawk until I spotted him at our usual morning table. He looked concerned and anxious as he looked down at his phone, while occasionally looking around. He was probably looking for Y/n.

I marched up to him and he looked up from his phone and he immediately started bombarding me with questions.

“How is Y/n? Is she okay? Did you speak with her? Is she upset? Sad?”

“Let me stop you right there.” I said. I looked around and noticed Harry looking at us curiously. I grabbed Nick’s hand and moved him away from his rugby teammates and to a nearby tree, so they couldn’t eavesdrop.

“Y/n is not okay? You cheated on her! She didn’t tell me with who, but I don’t think-“

“Wait she didn’t say who I cheated on her with?”

“No and why is that important! I honestly don’t care about the other girl. I care about how you broke my best friend’s heart! How you broke your best friend’s heart! The three of us have always been best friends and I don’t know what to do if we fall apart. Which is why I need you to fix this. I’m mad at you for what you did and I could yell at you for hours, but that’s going to lead us nowhere. Which is why I’m asking you to fix this. Now knowing

Y/n, the chances of you getting back together are zero to none, but maybe you can still be friends. You two were friends for basically your whole lives, before you guys got into a relationship, so maybe you two can go back to the way things used to be before you two started dating. I just…I need my friends and I don’t want that to change.”

My voice cracked at the end. I didn’t expect to get emotional, but I did. Y/n and Nick were the only two people where I felt like I could be myself. Our trio was everything to me and if Y/n and Nick never mend things I don’t know what I would do with myself. I can’t loose the two people I care the most about in the world. Nick sighed, before he slowly brought me into a hug.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t realize how affected you would be by this.” Nick pulled away and looked down at me. “But I will try to fix things with Y/n. However, I hope you know that if Y/n wants nothing to do with me then there’s nothing I can do. I’ll really try, but I can’t force her.”

I didn’t think about the possibility that Y/n would not want to be friends with Nick. It would crush me, but I wouldn’t blame her if she didn’t want to.

“I understand. I want this to work and I know you want this to work, so we’ll have to plan carefully.”

Nick nodded. I looked down at the phone in his hand.

“Were you texting her earlier?”

Nick nodded.

“Well stop doing that she’s not going to answer. Give her some space to process the break up and her feelings. In the mean time. I’ll try to talk with her to mend things. She not going to school today, but she is going to rehearsal, so don’t wait up for her today.”

Nick was about to protest, but I stopped him.

“No. Don’t even think about it.”

The bell rang.

“Look I have to go, but remember what I said.” I said before I began to walk to Higgs.

—————————

My mum dropped me off fifthteen minutes before rehearsal started and I quickly entered Higgs, so that I wouldn’t have to see Nick or Harry. I had no where to be, so I figured I would go to the auditorium and practice one the songs for the play.

I entered the auditorium and walked up to the stage where the grand piano was. I placed my water bottle on the floor, making sure to not place it on the piano, and sat down on the piano chair. I pulled out my phone to play the plunk track Ms. Smith made for me, so I could sing along.

(A/n: bold = singing)

How sweet

You're the man of the house to me

I watch you from the window and I see the good in you

The good in me

That's who you are

And what I need

It's what I need

Do you have doubts?

I curse your name

It brought me pain and now

Without you, I don't know how to be

Hurts so bad it brings me to my knees

I still believe

As I was singing my true emotions started to pour out of me and made me think about how things currently are with Nick. Even though I want to curse him out and scream at him, I know he’s not a bad person and that’s what makes it even more painful. I still see the good in him, even when he did something that hurt me.

You're breaking my heart in the best of ways

How many versions of myself will it take?

How many men I've seen with a similar face

I always look for you in so many ways

The first one to go is the worst to take

With all of my love comes all of the pain

You come and you go and I stay the same

But if you came back now, I'd take your name

How does it feel to be God?

How does it feel to be God?

I'm in the palm of your hand

I'm in the palm of your hand

How sweet

You're the man of the house to me

I watch you from the window and I see the good in you

The good in me

That's who you are

And what I need

It's what I need

Do you have doubts?

I curse your name

It brought me pain and now

Without you, I don't know how to be

Hurts so bad it brings me to my knees

I still believe

No matter how much I want nothing to do with him, I don’t know how to move on. We’ve been friends since grade 1 and I always remembered Nick being by my side. How can I continue with Nick not even being my friend.

Suddenly I heard clapping and I jumped back in my seat. I turned around and saw Noah with a huge smile on his face, clapping.

“That sounded so good.”

“Were you here this whole time?”

“No I came about halfway through the song. The song turned out great. I could really hear you conveying the words of the song.”

“Yeah well I can somewhat relate to it?”

“Wait what? Nick killed your cousin?” Noah joked.

I laughed at his comparison. Juliet sings this song after she finds out that Romeo killed her cousin Tybalt.

“No nothing like that.”

“Thank god. What’s going on?” Noah said in a more serious tone.

I didn’t really know how to say it, so I just said it point blank.

“Nick and I broke up.”

Noah’s eyebrows furrowed, “Wait really?! I’m so sorry.” Noah sat down next to me on the piano chair. The chair was small so our shoulders were touching. I started to play a tune on the piano to distract myself.

“It’s okay. I’ll be fine. I just need a little time.”

“Well if you ever need anyone to talk to I’m here.”

My hand stopped playing. I looked up at Noah.

“Thank you.” I said with a smile.

“Of course.”

Our faces were now inches away from each other. I could see the specks of green that was sprinkled through his eyes. I looked at the freckles on his nose. Hundreds scattered his nose and cheeks. I could try to count them, but I know I would end up being defeated. Then I looked down at—

“Y/n and Noah? Is that you?”

It was Ms. Swan. I quickly turned my head away from Noah and saw Ms. Swan walking down one of the aisles of the auditorium.

“Yes it is.” I said.

“Perfect! I can mark you both down as present. Why don’t you two come sit in the audience.”

I grabbed my phone and water bottle and walked off the stage with Noah, while ignoring the odd feeling I felt in my stomach.

—————————-

Nick

My mom and I decided to have a movie night tonight and right now we were trying to pick a movie to watch. I made sure my mom wasn’t looking as I searched up best lgbtq movies online. Brokeback Mountain and Moonlight were the first two that popped up.

“Mama Mia.”My mum suggested.

I turned back to her from the floor.” No we’ve seen that four times this year already.”

“Oh, well I don’t know, you think of something, I’m going to dish up the pizzas.” My mum said before she got up from the couch to the kitchen.

I looked back down at my phone and scrolled down for more movies. Pride. No that’s too obvious. But I’m a cheerleader.

“I’ve got it.” My mum said as we walked with two plates in her hands. “Pirates of the Caribbean. It’s a classic. What do you think?”

I couldn’t think of any other movie to watch, so I agreed. After we ate our slices of pizza and about halfway into the movie mum said.

“I’m surprised you didn’t invite Y/n over. You usually invite her to our movie nights.”

I stiffened at the mention of Y/n. I’ve been doing what Imogen said and I’ve cut all contact with her and I hate it. I know she probably hates me, but I miss her. I’ve never known what it’s like to not have her in my life and I haven’t been handling it very good.

At the same time I didn’t know how to feel. According to Imogen, Y/n said that I cheated with someone, but she didn’t mention Charlie. I felt bad that Y/n couldn’t share the whole truth to people, but I felt grateful that she kept that piece of information a secret.

I guess you could say I felt guilty. Y/n could have gotten back at me by saying that I kissed Charlie, but instead she kept quiet. It made me feel like all I did was hurt her instead of protecting her like I should have. I felt like Y/n was giving more than what she was receiving and that didn’t sit right with me.

I also haven’t told my mom that Y/n and I broke up. I guess telling my mom would make the breakup feel more real, since I still couldn’t accept it myself, but now my mom was asking about her and I can’t lie to her now.

“We um…actually broke up.”

Mum stopped what she was doing and she looked sadly at me.

“Nicky I’m so sorry. Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I don’t know.” I felt tears threatening to spill, but I held them in. “I guess I just didn’t want to admit it because saying it out loud would solidify that it actually happened.”

“Oh Nicky.” My mum sat down on the floor with me and brought me into a hug. She didn’t ask what happened or whose fault it was and I was so thankful. Being in her warm embrace allowed me to let go and the tears slowly fell from my eyes.

I’ve cried over the break up on Sunday, but alone in my bedroom. This was the first time I said we broke up out loud and being comforted. It felt like a tiny weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I could finally let out what I was feeling out.

…

“Do you remember that summer when you were like 11 and we had to watch this every evening?” Mum asked referencing to how obsessed I was with pirates of the Caribbean when I was little.

“It wasn’t every evening.” I playfully protested.

“It definitely was ‘cause I could quote it word for word by the end of it.”

I softly laughed.

“And I knew it was because you loved Keira Knightley.” Mum teased.

“Mum.”

“What? She’s a very pretty girl.”

“Please stop talking.” I said and my mum and I looked back at the screen.

I looked at Keira Knightley and my mum was right she was a very pretty girl, but then my eyes shifted to the guy in the scene.

I never really paid attention to the guy in the film, but after everything with Charlie, it was hard to keep my eyes off of him. But that didnt make me think Keira Knightley wasn’t attractive.

I then thought back to what Y/n said when we broke up: You do love me. But you also have developed some type of feelings for Charlie

…

I was in my room and I began to google: bisexual. I came across a vlog on YouTube and began to watch it.

“I was about 14 when I realized I was bisexual. I had a best friend at the time, and we were completely inseparable. And one day we shared a kiss, and I didn’t feel weird about it. I didn’t feel like it was an odd thing to do. In fact, it felt incredibly right. I always felt like I had these feelings for girls up to that point, but all of a sudden I started having feelings for guys too. And that’s when realized, I’m bisexual.”

—————————

Elle, Tara, Darcy and I were eating lunch in the canteen. Just thirty minutes ago, Tara had recently made her relationship official on social media with a photo of her and Darcy, with the caption GIRLFRIENDS🏳️‍🌈, and it was insanely cute.

We of course all liked and commented and the comments seemed positive so far, except for a few stray ones. I hope Tara didn’t see those.

“This is a conversational lunchtime gathering we’ve got going on here.” Darcy said. Calling us out for the rest of us being on our phones.

Tara put her phone down.

“I’m sorry.” I apologized.

“Elle? Are you looking at Timothée Chalamet’s Instagram again?” Darcy asked.

“No.” And Elle went back to her phone.

“What are you doing then?” I asked teasingly.

“Nothing.”

“Probably texting Tao.” Tara suggested.

“I can text my friends if I want to.” Elle defended.

“Texting Toa again. Interesting. Interesting indeed.” Darcy said as we all gave Elle teasing smiles.

“What are you implying.” Elle asked.

“What do you think I’m implying.”

Tara and I chuckled in response.

Elle thought for a moment before she set her phone on the table and said, “I think I might have a crush on Tao.”

Tara and I shrieked.

“Oh my good I knew it!” Tara said.

“Me too!” I said.

“I literally knew it.” Darcy added.

“Shut up! It’s not like I can say anything to him. He’s my best friend, and he definitely doesn’t like me back.”

“You don’t know that.” I said.

“I definitely do.”

“You don’t even want to try telling him?”

Tara asked.

“No. Can we just please talk about something else?”

“Ugh boring.” Tara said.

Then Darcy turned to me. “So Y/n…how are things with Nick.”

Immediately all three girls looked at me expectantly and my mood dropped. I haven’t told them that Nick and I broke up yet. Just thinking about it made me want to cry again, but I had to tell them since they were my friends.

“Yeah…um we broke up.”

“What?!” Darcy asked.

Then they all started to ask me a bunch of questions at once.

“When?”

“Are you okay?”

“What happened?”

“What did Nick do?!”

“Hey!” I said and they all quieted down. “I don’t really want to talk about it, but long story short, he cheated and I broke up with him.”

“He what?!”

“He cheated?!”

“Nick cheated on you.”

They all said at the same time.

“But that doesn’t make any sense. Nick loves you.” Elle said.

“I know. He still loves me, but he developed feelings for someone else.” I said.

“I can’t believe him!” Tara said.

“I know right!” Darcy exclaimed.

“Please don’t let this ruin your friendship with Nick. I don’t want this to ruin our friend group. I might distance myself for an awhile just to sort myself out, but I don’t want this to change things. It shouldn’t change things.”

“Are you sure?” Elle asked.

“Cause we can totally cut him off.” Darcy said.

“Thank you for the offer Darcy, but yes I’m sure.”

“Okay.” Tara said.

“Besides there are certain things to look forward to. Like the play next week! You guys brought tickets right?” I asked.

“I bought tickets for Darcy and I for every night.” Tara said.

“Same. I can’t wait to see you on stage.” Elle said.

I smiled and then the conversation turned to something else. I was grateful that I had friends who were so understanding. I may have lost Nick, but at least I had these three by my side.

My smile soon faded when I looked down at my plate. I’ve been picking at it all throughout lunch. I slowly pushed the tray back and paid attention to what Tara was currently saying.

—————————

Nick

Charlie and I were currently in the park and we were both laying down on a blanket with Nellie.

“I had a question.” I said.

Charlie turned to me. “Yeah?”

“I just wondered, like…How did you realize you were gay?”

“Oh. Uh…I guess I’ve always been sort of aware of it. Even when I was really young. I didn’t understand it at the time, but…It’s always been boys.”

I processed what he just said. I wish it could have been that easy for me. I was still confused about everything.

“I’m guessing you didn’t feel the same when you were little.” Charlie continued.

“Well, no. I don’t know what I am.”

“You don’t have to figure it out right now. I didn’t just wake up one day like, “Oh, look, guess I’m gay now.”

I laughed at his words.

“Well…I’m sorry for being confused.”

“And I thought I was the one who said sorry too much.”

“Oi!” I exclaimed.

We both laughed. Suddenly I sat up. I haven’t told Charlie that Y/n and I have broke up yet, so I figured now would be a good time to tell him.

After I talked it out with my mum, I started to feel okay with telling people about it and since Imogen already knows, Charlie is the only other person I could think about telling.It’s either now or never I thought.

Charlie followed suit and sat up as well. “Is something wrong?” Charlie asked.

“No. I just wanted to tell you something.”

“I’m all ears.”

“Right um…so Y/n and I broke up.”

“Oh! I’m so sorry! Are you okay?”

“Sort of. I’ll get better eventually. I’m still trying to process it.”

“What happened? If I could ask.”

“I told her about how we kissed at Harry’s party.”

“Oh.” Charlie’s face fell.

“Hey listen it’s not your fault. What happened at the party happened and Y/n and I broke up, but it’s not your fault. It’s me. I made the mistake and now I’m paying the consequences. I knew this was a possibility if I told her the truth, but I had to. I had to be honest with her.”

“Are you sure it wasn’t my fault?”

“Yes I’m sure. Y/n didn’t blame you one bit.”

Charlie seemed relieved and that made me feel better. I didn’t want him to feel guilty for something that he wasn’t even a part of.

“I’m still sorry though.” Charlie said.

“I know.” I replied.

We the fell into a comfortable silence.

“So.” Charlie said breaking said silence.

“So.”

“About that kiss.”

“What about it?”

“Before it…happened. I asked if you had a crush on anyone and you said yes. When I asked you who was she, you said “so you’re going to assume there a she”. Then when I asked you, would you kiss someone who wasn’t a girl you said I don’t know. I guess what I’m trying to ask is…is the person you have a crush on me?”

I looked at Charlie and thought about what would happen if I said no. We would continue on as friends and act like the kiss never happened. I would try to mend things with Y/n and if everyone went well I could maybe ask her to be my girlfriend again. Then I thought about what would happen if I said yes.

“Maybe.” I said.

Charlie looked at me surprised at first, but then happiness shown on his face.

“Really?”

“Yeah.” I said softly. “But don’t let it get to your head.” I said jokingly and Charlie laughed in response.

We didn’t say much after that, but nothing needed to be said. We simply continued to sit in the park and enjoy each other’s company.

…

I was in my room, watching the vlogger from YouTube again.

“Growing up bisexual is constantly second-guessing yourself. One day you’ll have a crush on a guy, the next day you’ll have a crush on a girl and you’re just sitting there going “Which one is it? Make a choice.” And then you realize there isn’t a choice. It’s a combination of the both. Like, you can have both and it be okay.”

—————————

Tara

I was walking to orchestra rehearsal for the concert on Friday when I saw Nick by the doorway and I remembered Y/n’s words. She said she didn’t want to ruin my friendship with Nick, so it wouldn’t hurt to say hi.

“Hi, Nick.”

“Tara. You’re in the orchestra too?”

“Yeah.”

“I have literally no musical ability. Charlie tried to teach me the drums once and I am absolutely crap.”

I laughed.

“You and Charlie getting along well then?” I asked.

“Uh…” he looked at Charlie and then back at me. “Yeah.”

Something about his response was different. It didn’t seem like a response from a friend. I remembered Y/n said that Nick cheated on her, but she didn’t say with who. Nick could have—no. Nick doesn’t swing that way. At least that I know of. I did wonder why Y/n left the person Nick cheated with anonymous.

“Actually…” Nick started, “Well…we’re sort of going out.”

And there it is. Nick cheated on Y/n with Charlie. I felt bad for Y/n, but I couldn’t help, but feel happy for Nick. This was definitely unexpected, but he seemed happy, so that’s all that mattered. It also explains why Y/n wasn’t entirely mad at him.

“I mean we haven’t made anything official or anything, and I’m still trying to fix things with Y/n, but…yeah.” Nick was silent before the spoke again. “How is she?”

“Y/n?”

Nick nodded.

“She’s doing good, she’s obviously hurting, but doing good. She has the play as a distraction.”

“Did she tell you about what happened?”

I knew what he was implying without him having to say it.

“She said that you cheated on her with someone, but she didn’t say who. I’m assuming now I know who that “who” is?”

Nick looked down at his shoes.

“Hey it’s not your fault.” I said.

“That’s what I try to keep telling myself, but I know it’s a lie.”

“It’s not—“

“Let’s just not talk about this right now.”

“Yeah sure.” I didn’t want to push him, so I didn’t press anything further. Nick then changed the topic.

“Please don’t tell anyone though. About what I said earlier about Charlie.”

“No, of course. Funny how things turned out between us.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, when we were 13, I night we would be boyfriend and girlfriend forever.”

He laughed at my statement and that seemed to lighten up his mood.

“Yep. So did I.” He played along and I laughed.

“Are you and Darcy out to your friends then?” He asked.

“Since, I, uh, posted on Insta, everyone kind of knows now. Um, some people were surprised, a couple of people already knew…”

A huge horn from a trumpet was blown near my head and I immediately jumped. It was Darcy.

“Darcy!” I said.

“Triumph at last.” Darcy said with laughter.

“Come on girls. We’re running through it again in a minute.” Our conductor Mrs. Hyder said.

“We’re here all day if you want to meet us for lunch.”

Nick seemed to be going through some stuff, so I figured he could use the company.

“Yeah, that’d be nice.”

I nodded and then Darcy and I joined the rest of the orchestra, so that we could begin rehearsing.

—————————

It was currently lunch time and Imogen and I were running lines with each other. We were practicing off book, since we had to have everything memorized by now.

“No, no. But all this did I know before. What says he of our marriage? What of that?” I asked.

“Lord, how my head aches! What ahead have I! It beats as it would fall in twenty pieces. My back —“

I started to massage Imogen’s back like how Ms. swan directed me to.

“at t'other side, — ah my back, myback!Beshrew your heart for sendingme about,                    to catch my death with jauncing up and down!”

“I' faith, I am sorry that thou art not well.

Sweet, sweet, sweet nurse, tell me,what says my love?”

“Your love says, like an honest gentleman, and a courteous, and a kind, and a handsome, and, I warrant, a virtuous, — where is your mother?”

“Where is my mother! Why, she is within.

Where should she be? How oddly thou repliest!”

“'Your love says, like an honest gentleman, Where is your mother?'! Oh God's lady dear!  Are you so hot? Marry, come up, it row. Is this the poultice for my achingbones? Henceforward do your messages yourself.

“Here's such a coil.” Come, what says Romeo?”

“Have you got leave to go to shrift today?

“I have.”

“Then hie you hence to Friar Laurence' cell; There stays a husband to make you a wife. Now comes the wanton blood upin your cheeks, They'll be in scarlet straight

atany news. Hie you to church; I must another way, to fetch a ladder, by the which your love must climb a bird's nest soon when it is dark. I am the drudge and toil in your delight, but you shall bear the burdensoon at night. Go; I'll to dinner Hie you to the cell.”

Imogen pretended to leave the stage and then I said the last line.

“Hie to high fortune! Honest nurse, farewell.”

“That was quite good if I do say so myself.” Imogen said out of character.

“It was. I think we have everything memorized by now.”

“I agree.”

We both sat down on the stage in the auditorium and began to eat. I ordered a smoothie from the cafeteria and Imogen brought a sandwich from home.

“So Y/n.”

“Mmm.”

“I was just wondering with Nick.”

“No. No. Let me just stop you right there.”

“But Y/n.”

“No.”

“But-“

“No!” I shouted.

I didn’t mean to raise my voice, but it just slipped out.

“I’m sorry. I just don’t want to talk about him, because then I’ll cry.”

Imogen nodded, but there was a sad expression on her the face and now I felt bad. I know she was only trying to help.

“Look when I’m ready we can talk about it. Just not right now. Right now I just want to focus on the play.”

“Okay.” Imogen said and she gave me a smile. I smiled in return and took a sip of my smoothie.

————————

Nick

“Oh, my God, we’ve found another one!” Darcy said.

“You can’t tell anyone.” Tara said before turning to me. “She won’t tell anyone.”

“Yeah, I, um…”

“Not having lunch with your boyfriend today?” We heard Harry said.

The three of us turned and saw him talking to Tao

“No, I’m waiting for your mum, actually.” Tao shot back. The rest of my teammates laughed at Harry.

“I’m not really…out yet, or anything.”

I said.

“Do you want to be?” Darcy asked.

“I don’t know. I mean, I don’t even know what my sexuality is.”

“That’s okay. Tara didn’t know she was a lesbian until we kissed, like, six times.”

“It was two times.”

We all laughed.

“Oh my God, do you know what we need to do? Double dates.” Darcy said. “Us and Charlie, tomorrow night, before the concert, milkshakes.”

“I like milkshakes.”

“Good.” Tara said.

…

I was walking back to Truhman with Tara and Darcy when Tara said, “Don’t feel like you have to come out to anyone before you’re ready.”

“Oh. Yeah.” I said.

“Being out is hard. A lot of people will see you in a different way, and it is a lot to deal with.”

“Can I ask you something?”

“Yeah.”

“Are you like, definitely gay? Or do you think you’re bi, or…I mean when I was 13, I think I did like you and I’ve dated Y/n, so I’ve liked girls before, so I was wondered if you felt the same.”

“I’m definitely gay. Kissing you was actually one of the things that made me realize I don’t like kissing guys.”

I laughed. “Okay. Um…Happy to help.” Tara laughed as well.

“Uh, see you tomorrow?” Tara asked.

“Yeah, that sounds really good. Um��you’re kind of the first people I’ve told about Charlie.”

“Really?” Tara asked. She looked shocked, but honored at the same time.

“Yeah.”

“And does it feel good to have told someone?”

“Yeah.” I said. “It really does.”

Tara smiled and then walked with Darcy back to rehearsal.

I felt a warm feeling in my chest after letting everything out in the open. It felt good to tell the people who I trust in my life about Charlie and I. I just wish I could tell one more person.

…

[Later that night]

[Darcy]: Tao and Elle should come to our double date

[Nick]: wait, are they dating??

[Darcy]: not YET they’re not

[Charlie]: do tao and Elle like each other???

[Tara]: Elle definitely likes tao

[Darcy]: and they’d make such a good couple!!!

[Charlie]: btw they don’t know me and Nick are together

[Tara]: that’s okay!! We won’t say anything

[Nick]: so now it’s a triple date?”

[Charlie]: and Tao and Elle don’t know it’s a date at all…

[Darcy]: we are such meddling gays and I love it

—————————

I was getting ready for Tara and Darcy’s concert when I heard a knock on my door. It was my mum.

“Oh good! You’re getting ready. We’re going to leave in a few.”

“Wait we? Who’s we? Are you coming to the concert too?”

“What concert?”

“The concert at my school.”

“No im not talking about that. We’re going to your grandparent’s house.”

“What?! No I can’t! I promised Tara and Darcy I’d be there!”

“Well I guess you’ll just have to cancel then. I wish you could go, but we planned this dinner with your father’s parents a month ago. You’ll just have to apologize to your friends.”

“Fine.” I said. My mum smiled apologetically before she shut the door of my room. I quickly grabbed my phone and opened the group chat between the girls (minus Imogen).

[Y/n]: heyyyyy

[Y/n]: so I got bad news :(

[Elle]: what is it?

[Tara]: yeah what’s wrong

[Y/n]: unfortunately I can’t make it to your concert

[Darcy]: what why? What happened?

[Y/n]: my parents planned a dinner with my grandparents about a month ago and I had no idea it was today until like 5 minutes ago

[Y/n]: I’m sorry :(

[Tara]: it’s ok we understand

[Darcy]: awww that sucks

[Y/n]: send videos tho

[Elle]: I will :)

I wish I could be there for my friends, but at least they were understanding. Athough I really want to go the concert, and I would do anything to be able to go, a part of me is relieved that I’m not.

If I went to the concert tonight, that meant that I would have had to see him and I don’t know if I’m ready for that yet. I don’t know when I will be ready to see him, but I definitely would not have been ready tonight.

I walked towards my basket to grab a hat to wear when my mind wandered to what Xander said the other day: I think Noah likes you.

There’s no way that was true. Noah and I were just friends. Our only interest towards each other is when we play Romeo and Juliet onstage. There is nothing going on offstage.

I found a hat that matched my outfit and as I put it on there was a knock on my door.

“Wow you look horrible.” Xander said as he gestured towards me in my sweatshirt and sweatpants.

“I wanted to dress comfortable today.”

“Hmm hmm.”

I was about to retaliate, but Xander tilted his head and looked concerned.

“Your clothes look baggier than usual.”

I froze in my spot, but I didn’t let anything show on my face. I was hoping Xander wouldn’t notice my change in appearance, but of course he did.

“Oh it’s nothing. I just brought these clothes a size bigger for a baggy look.” I said to try and cover up what he was observing. Thank god I brought these clothes recently.

“Oh okay. But hurry up slow poke you’re taking forever.” Xander said before he walked away.

I sighed in relief when Xander left my room. I looked in the mirror in my room and grimaced. I looked awful. I definitely let this thing go too dar. I know what I’m doing is wrong, but I don’t know how to fix it.

[thesparkling-diamond27]

*Watching the unfinished fanfics in the draft section*

*turning around and running away to found goods fanfics to read*

[thesparkling-diamond27]

When Love Remains: Friend

Nick Nelson x Reader Nick x Charlie

Sleepover at Charlie’s. Imogen’s dog😭. Nick has a dilemma. Charlie’s b-day. Fettuccine and tears. You’re not in a good place. The weekend did not pan out how you thought it would.

Warning: mentioning of eating disorder and body dysmorphia. If you or anyone you know is struggling with an eating disorder please call (846)952-6293

A/n: I hope you joy. This chapter is kind of sad and depressing for the reader ngl :(

Charlie

Elle, Tao, and Isaac were all sleeping over at my house tonight and we were currently in my room playing monopoly. Well Elle, Tao, and I were playing monopoly while Isaac laid on the mattress nearby.

“Oh no. No!” Tao exclaimed.

“Hand over.” I said as I extended my hand for the Monopoly money that Tao had to pay me. He begrudgingly gave me his money.

“It’s nearly midnight, can we please call it a draw?” Elle asked.

“No, because I am clearly winning . I just have unlucky rolls.” Tao stated.

“No, I’m winning because I have more money.” I retorted.

“No the winner is the superior businessperson, and that’s me.” Tao shot back.

“No, I’m the superior businessperson seeing as I have more money, which is the goal of monopoly.”

“You only have more money ‘cause you know all the Monopoly cheats.”

“You can’t cheat at monopoly.” I stated.

Isaac had enough of our bickering and flipped the board game. All the pieces fell off the mattress and onto the floor.

“Oh, whoops.” He said sarcastically and I smiled at his antics. Isaac was always the peacemaker in our friend group. Even when we weren’t fighting for real.

“Draw?” I asked.

“Draw.” Tao agreed after some consideration.

“Thank god.” Elle said.

Once we cleaned up the board game, Isaac and I went downstairs to make all of us some hot chocolate. When we were finished we each grabbed two mugs each and walked back up to my room. We entered and saw Tao twerking into Elle, while she was hitting him with a pillow and that was a sight I never thought I’d see.

“Do I even want to know?” I asked.

Elle hit Tao one more time before the two of them finally settled onto my bed. I handed Tao his mug and found a seat on the floor in front of my bed.

“So, I was thinking of inviting Nick to my birthday thing on Saturday. I really want him to come, but I don’t want it to be awkward or weird since you don’t really know him.” I said.

“No, it wouldn’t be awkward.” Elle said.

“I assumed he was coming anyway.” Isaac said.

“Okay. Good.” I said with a smile.

—————————

“Hey you!”

I looked up from my literature homework and saw Nick looking down at me.

“Hey.” I said.

He sat next to me on the outdoor table and pecked my lips.

“What are you were working on?” He asked.

“Just an essay for lit.”

“Do you need help proofreading when you’re done.”

“Yeah actually thank you.”

“Of course!”

I was about to continue my essay when I heard sniffling. I looked up and saw Imogen sitting across me with teary eyes.

“Imogen are you okay?” I asked.

“My dog died last night.”

Imogen told me that her dog was old and it was inevitable. I just don’t think she expected it to happen so soon.

“I’m so sorry.” Nick said.

“Yeah.”

Imogen pulled out her phone and showed us pictures of her dog.

“He was really old so, like, we knew it was coming. I loved him so much. This is the worst week of my life ever.”

I grabbed her hand from across the table and gave it a squeeze.

“If there’s anything I can do, just let me know. I’m here for you.”

“Thank you Y/n.” She said. “I think I was just want to alone for now.”

“That’s understandable.” Nick said.

Imogen gave us both a smile before she left the table to be alone.

“I hope Imogen will be okay.” I said.

“She will be. She’s strong.” Nick said.

I nodded.

“Anyway. I was thinking…we could meet at Nando’s for dinner and then we could go to the cinema. I know they’re playing one of the new films you wanted to see.”

“That sounds lovely.” I said.

The bell rang and I quickly gathered my belongings and put them in my bag.

“Same spot, same time after school?” Nick asked.

“Yup.”

“Perfect. I love you.” He then kissed my forehead.

“I love you too.” I said.

—————————

Charlie

Mr. Hamlet was currently taking attendance, so I used it as an opportunity to poke Nick to grab his attention.

“So it’s kind of my birthday on Saturday.” I said.

“Is it?”

“Yeah. Me and my friends are going bowling, and I was going to ask if you wanted to come, but I know you don’t really know them, so you don’t have to.”

“Yes.” I said.

“Nick and Charlie keep it down please.” Mr. Hamlet said. Then he continued taking attendance.

I felt happy knowing that Nick would be coming to my birthday party, but I didn’t notice the dread that Nick was feeling.

“Wait what time will it be?” Nick asked.

“Um…well I think we’re going to start around 4:00 and the also have dinner. Why?”

I was supposed to have a date with Y/n on Saturday, but that didn’t start until 6, so I could probably go to Charlie’s b-day party for 1 hour and then leave to go get ready for my date with Y/n Nick thought.

“No reason. I just wanted to know. And by the way thanks for giving me barely any time to get you a present.”

“You don’t have to give me a present.”

“No, I’m gonna.”

“I’m serious.”

Nick playfully shushed me and that ended the conversation.

—————————

Nick

“Had a good day Nicky?” Mum said as she entered the house from grocery shopping.

“Mmm.”

“Oh what’s up?” My mum clearly sensed something was wrong.

I put my phone on the table and gave my mum my attention.

“I planned to go on a date with Y/n on Saturday, but I kind of also agreed to go to Charlie’s birthday party on the same day.”

“Well can you make it to both?”

“Yeah, but if I go to Charlie’s party, then I’d only be able to go for an hour and I can’t just postpone my date with Y/n because I want to stay at a friend’s birthday party.”

Mum nodded.

“Well I suggest that you keep your date with Y/n on Saturday, and Charlie should be understanding that you can only be at his party for an hour. At least you made the effort for being there for him.”

I smiled at her suggestion.

“I think you’re right. Thanks mum.”

“Of course! And you should invite Y/n for dinner sometime.”

“I was actually planning on having her stay over this weekend. If that’s alright with you.”

“Of course! You know I love Y/n. She can stay for as long as she wants.

I smiled and mum began to put the groceries away.

—————————

Nick

I thought about today for a while and thought what could hurt me going to Charlie’s party for an hour. I could support my friend on his birthday and then go spend time with my girlfriend.

I entered the bowling alley where Charlie’s party was held and I saw Charlie there waiting for me.

“You came.” He said excitedly.

“Yeah of course I did.” I handed him the small bag in my hand that contained my gift for him. “Happy birthday.”

“You didn’t have to get me anything.”

“And I ignored you.”

“Come on.” Charlie said and he led me to where his party was being held. I didn’t notice any of his friends around, so I asked him.

“Am I the first one here?”

“No you’re actually the last. We’re over there. Lane 17.”

I looked over at Lane 17 and the girl over there looked familiar.

“I feel like I know her from somewhere.”

“That’s Elle. She used to go to our school. She would have been in your year, but she moved to Higgs.”

I let that information sink in.

“That’s Isaac. He doesn’t really say a lot, but he’s really nice.” Charlie pointed to a guy with a book and a bowling ball in his hands. Why you would read while bowling is beyond me.

“And you know Tao.”

Charlie gestured to the guy who was talking to Elle. The last time I saw Tao he threw a rugby ball at me.

“Sorry in advance if he says anything rude to you. That’s just the way he is.”

“Okay.” I said.

Tao turned around and his face fell when his eyes landed upon me, but Elle smiled.

“Ready to meet them?” Charlie asked.

“Yeah.”

We walked over to Lane 17 and when we were in earshot Charlie said, “Everyone, this is Nick.”

“Hey.” I said.

“Hey.” Isaac said.

“Oh good. We’re just choosing fun names for the board.” Elle said.

“Fun names?” I said as I walked over to the board.

“Yeah and for the record, Elle smells was Tao’s idea.” Isaac said. Elle and I chuckled at his response.

Since it was Charlie’s birthday we all agreed to let Charlie go first. Sadly he got a gutter ball. Next was Isaac and just like Charlie his ball went into the gutter. Elle knocked one pin down and Tao landed it in the gutter as well. Then it was my turn and due to my years of bowling experience I got a strike.

“Come on you did it!” Charlie exclaimed.

We were about to hug, but we awkwardly stopped what we were doing and took a step back.

“Sorry.” Charlie said.

After a while we ordered some nachos and continued bowling. Elle even took a couple pictures to commemorate Charlie’s birthday. I was having so much fun! So much fun that I didn’t realize my phone buzzing in my packet because I had it on do not disturb. Eventually the game came to an end and I won.

“I was so close.” Elle said in defeat.

“You definitely cheated.” Charlie said.

“Oh yeah? How?”

“You have strong rugby arms.” Charlie said as he touched one of my arms. I would be lying if I said I didn’t feel something when Charlie did that, but I shook that feeling away.

“Strong rugby arms?”

“Yeah. You got an unfair advantage.”

“I thought you liked my arms.”

Wait where was this coming from? Wait am I flirting?

“Shut up.” Charlie said with a laugh, but he then sensed my awkward demeanor. He was about to ask what was wrong, but thank god Isaac interrupted.

“Is everyone ready for round two?”

“I’m just going to find the bathroom.” Charlie said.

He left and I joined Issac at the board to start round 2 of bowling. When we were picking names I started to get hungry, so I figured I’d get a bag of chips from the vending machine.

“I’m going to go get some chips. Do you guys want anything?” I asked Elle and Isaac.

“Oh, can you get me a coke?” Elle asked. “I’ll pay.”

“No, I’ll get it. It’s fine.”

“Okay.”

“Isaac?” I asked.

“I’ll also accept a can of coke. If you’re paying.”

I smiled. “Okay, all right. I’ll be right back in a minute.” I said as I walked away. I made it to the counter and was about to order when I heard voices from the bathroom.

“You know he’s just an attention-seeker like Harry and the rest of his mates!”

I ignored the conversation until I heard my name paired with someone’s else name that I knew in the same sentence.

“Nick doesn’t even like Harry. Nick’s basically risking everything by hanging out with me, so—“

It sounded like Charlie.

“Wow. I feel so sorry for the popular rugby lad who’s almost getting picked on because he dares to hang out with someone below his popularity status.”

That voice sounded like Tao’s.

“You know that’s not what I meant.”

“And now you’re going to tell me I’m just being jealous because you mad a new friend and I’m scared of being alone?”

“Well…aren’t you?”

“No! I just don’t like seeing him mess with you!”

“Do you really think he’s messing me around?” Charlie asked as his voice sounded deflated.

No Charlie! That’s not true. I enjoy your company and maybe a little more than I should.

“I mean, that’s what it looks like.”

“But..He’s my friend.”

“Fine. But if he is even slightly mean to you …”

“Yeah. You’ll murder him. I know.”

“I was going to say I’d send him a strongly worded DM, but murder’s fine too.”

Charlie chuckled.

I quickly walked away from the bathroom door and ordered my chips and the cokes for Elle and Isaac. I don’t want Charlie and Tao to think I was eavesdropping on their conversation.

The bathroom door opened and Charlie and Tao walked out. Charlie looked shocked to see me standing there and Tao looked annoyed.

“Ugh! Just go.” Tao said to Charlie before he walked away probably to Isaac and Elle.

“Hi.” Charlie said.

“Hi.”

“Are you getting more food?”

I looked at Charlie before I immediately hugged him. Charlie stiffened, but he slowly hugged me back. We said nothing and we just stood their in each others embrace.

I felt warm and fuzzy inside in his arms. Like a blanket being wrapped around me. Strange. Only Y/n makes me feel this way…Y/n…Y/n! Damn!

I quickly broke away from my hug with Charlie and he looked alarmed.

“Is everything alright?” He asked.

“Yeah…just uh, what time is it?”

“I don’t know.”

“I wasted no time and dashed back to Lane 17 and looked for my phone.

“Everything alright?” Elle asked

“Yeah I’m just looking for my phone. Um what time is it?”

Elle checked her phone and showed it to me. “It’s 8:30.”

“Damn it!” I whispered and I began to look for my phone again.

“We’ll help you look for your phone .” Isaac said.

Isaac and Elle began helping me look for my phone, while Tao sat on then couch and didn’t bother to help. I wanted to roll my eyes, but there was no time for that. It was already 8:30 and Y/n probably already left a bunch of messages for me to open.

“Found it!” Isaac said. “It was in between the seat cushions.”

I quickly thanked Isaac and I turned off do not disturb. My heart sank when I saw all the unread messages that Y/n had sent me.

“No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no!” I said as I quickly scanned Y/n’s text messages.

“What’s going on?” Charlie asked. I looked up and saw Charlie with my chips and the cokes for Isaac and Elle.

“I’m really sorry, but I have to go. Thank you so much for inviting me Charlie! I had a great time!”

I brought Charlie into a hug and he hugged me back.

“Thanks for coming.” He said.

I pulled away from Charlie and looked at Elle, Isaac, and Tao.

“It was nice meeting you all. I hope it won’t be our last.”

“It was nice meeting you too.”

“It won’t be the last.” Elle said.

Tao said nothing.

I smiled at Charlie before I ran out of the bowling alley.

—————————

Saturday came along slower than I wanted it to, but eventually it came and I was ecstatic for my date with Nick. Imogen came over to help with my hair and make up. Even though I distinctly told her I didn’t necessarily need to get all dolled up, but she shooshed me.

Imogen added the last stroke of blush on my cheek before she said, “Tada! My masterpiece is finished!”

I looked at myself in the mirror and smiled. I thought I looked beautiful. Imogen really knew how to highlight my natural beauty and not make it look like I had a mask on my face.

“Thanks Imogen. I don’t even know what to say.”

“Don’t thank me now. Thank me later when you’re snogging Nick later because he can’t keep his hands off you.”

I blushed at her words.

“Gross that is disgusting. Please don’t ever say that again.” A voice spoke.

I turned to my doorway and saw Xander standing there with a look of disgust.

“Well if you don’t want to hear such things then go to your room.”

“I was going to my room. Your door was wide open. You look nice by the way.” Xander said as he sipped his juice in his hand.

“Thanks?”

“Tell Nick I said hi.”

“Since when did you like Nick?”

“I never said I hated him.” Xander said and he walked into his room.

“Well that was weird.” Imogen said.

“Tell me about it”

“Oh it’s 6:45! Y/n you have to go.”

I scramble from my vanity and grabbed my purse. Together Imogen and I walked down the stairs of my house.

“You’re meeting him there?” Imogen asked.

“Yeah.”

“Okay.”

“Mum! I’m ready to go!”

I really wish I could drive myself to Nando’s, but I wasn’t 17 yet.

(A/n: I found it interesting that the age to drive in London is 17)

“Okay sweetie just let me get my keys. You girls can start heading to the car.”

“Okay!”

Imogen and I walked out into the driveway and got into the car. Shortly after my mom walked out and got into the driver’s seat. After a 10 minute drive we arrived at Nando’s.

“Alright text me when you two get to the cinema and call me when Nick’s mom picks you both up. I’ll drop off your bag after I drop off Imogen.”

“Okay thanks mom.” I said. “I love you.”

“I love you too.” My mom said with a smile.

“Have fun!” Imogen said.

“I will!”

I shut the car door and entered the entrance of Nando’s. A nice looking lady stood by the podium and looked up when she noticed my presence. She smiled.

“Good evening! Welcome to Nando’s! Do you have a reservation?”

“Yes it should be under Nick Nelson for 7:00.”

The lady scammed her list until she recognized a name.

“Ah, Nick Nelson right here. A table for two?”

“Yes.”

“Alright right this way.”

The lady grabbed 2 menus and began walking to a nearby table. She stopped by a table that was a little secluded from everybody else and it had a view of the field just outside.

“Here you are. We’ll just wait for the other half of the party and then you two can order.”

“Sounds great thank you!”

The lady smiled before she retreated back to her position. I decided to send Nick a quick text.

[Y/n]: hey love I just got seated at the table. Just let the lady in the front know who you are xo

7:01 pm

I opened the menu in front of me and began to scan the menu. I didn’t really come to Nando’s a lot, but I love their food. They always have such great choices to choose from.

When I was deciding between the fettuccine alfredo or the bolognese pasta I realized that it’s been awhile and Nick still wasn’t here. I checked the time and it was 7:15. Strange. Nick isn’t usually late to our dates, but there’s a first time for everything. It’s not like him to not text though.

[Y/n]: hi hi :)

[Y/n]: I just want to know what your eta is since it’s already 7:16 and you’re not here. I miss you💕

7:16 pm

“Hello! Good evening!” I looked up from my phone and saw a waiter with their notepad ready to take my order.

“Good evening!”

“My name is Joan and I’ll be your waiter for tonight. Can I start you off with some drinks?” She asked with a smile.

“I’ll just have a water for now. I’m still waiting for my boyfriend.”

“Sure! One water coming right up! I’ll add a second one for your boyfriend for when he comes.”

“Thank you.”

Joan smiled before walking over to a nearby table. Since Nick still wasn’t here yet I decided to scroll on instagram to pass some time. I was going through my reels when I received a text from Imogen.

[Imogen]: Soooooo how’s the date going so far?👀

I was about to rely to Imogen when I noticed the time. It was 7:26. Is it possible that Nick forgot about our date? No that can’t be. Not when he planned the whole thing. I opened my messages with Nick and texted him once again.

[Y/n]: hey so now I’m starting to get a little worried now bc it’s 7:26 and you’re still not here

7:26 pm

It’s not like Nick to forget something like this, so maybe something happened to him? I didn’t want to think like that, but I had to make sure he wasn’t hurt or anything.

[Y/n]: I just want to know where you are

[Y/n]: I hope everything is okay

7:27 pm

[Y/n]: please lmk you’re okay

7:29 pm

“Hello are you ready to order?” Joan asked.

“I’m sorry can I just have a few more minutes?”

“Yeah of course.” And Joan walked away.

My leg started shaking as I thought about something possibly happening to Nick. I needed something to distract myself. I guess it’s time to go back to the instagram reels. However, over time I got bored with that too, so I decided to migrate to instagram stories.

After a while I came across Elle’s story. It was a picture of her and Charlie and it said: Happy birthday to the bestest friend I could ask for. I smiled at the picture. So it was Charlie’s birthday today. Maybe I should DM him and wish him a happy birthday.

Elle’s story switched to the next post and it was a picture at a bowling alley with Elle, Tao, Isaac, Charlie and…My heart sunk. I saw Nick standing next to Charlie in the picture. I looked at the top to see when this picture was posted and it said 12 minutes ago. 12 minutes ago?

That means that instead of being here at Nando’s with me, he was over at a bowling alley with Charlie and his friends for his birthday. Completely ignoring my texts. He forgot about our date. The date he planned! I opened my contacts and called my mum. She answered on the second ring.

“Hi sweetie! Did you and Nick arrive at the cinema already?”

“No, um…” you cleared your throat to stile the tears from spilling.

“Y/n. Is everything alright ?” She sensed the change in voice.

“Can you just pick me up? I’ll explain everything in the car, I just…I need to leave now.”

“Sit tight and I’ll be there in 10 minutes.”

“Okay.”

I hung up before I could say anything else. I took a few deep breaths to compose myself. As much as I wanted to cry, I couldn’t break down in front of a bunch of strangers in a restaurant.

“Are you ready to order?”

I looked up and saw Joan once again. Now I was embarrassed. The nice waiter is currently witnessing me getting stood up.

“Yes um…can I have a fettuccine alfredo to go?”

The waiter frowned at my sad voice and expression, but she didn’t comment on it. She must have understood what was going on, since my eyes were glossy and I ordered my food to go.

“One fettuccine alfredo to go.” And Joan scurried off to the kitchen. I suddenly remembered Imogen’s text from earlier. I opened our messages and began typing.

[Y/n]: not great

[Y/n]: I’ll explain later

7:47

Typing…

I saw Imogen began to type, but I exited out of our messages. I didn’t have the energy to interact with anyone right now. I just wanted to rot in my bed and cry. My phone pinged and I saw a text from my mum.

[Mum]: I’m here :)

[Y/n]: okay give me a second

[Y/n]: I ordered food to go

I stood up, grabbed my purse from the back of my chair and walked over to where the lady at the podium was. She looked up from her list when she saw me.

“Did you enjoy your time here?”

I forced a smile.

“Yeah. I’m just waiting for my food.”

The lady nodded and offered for me to sit on the nearby couch. I sat down and waited for my food to arrive. A couple minutes later, Joan came with a brown paper bag that contained my dinner.

“Here’s your food Miss.”

I stood up from the couch and took the bag.

“Thank you.”

“My pleasure. Have a good night.”

I smiled weakly before I walked out of the restaurant.

—————————

I was currently laying on my bed. Staring at the ceiling for hours. On the drive home, I told my mum about what happened and she was disappointed in Nick, but she was mostly concerned with how I was feeling. I told her I didn’t really want to talk about it much and I went straight to my room with my food when we arrived back home.

Neither my mum or dad knocked on my door tonight and I was grateful. My mum probably notified my dad about what happened and knew that I wanted to be alone. Xander went over to his friend’s house today, so luckily I wouldn’t be bothered by him tonight.

I started to eat my fettuccine about 5 minutes ago and Joan even left a nice message on the bag: he’s a jerk. He’s a jerk pretty much sums up how I feel about Nick right now.

I still can’t believe he forgot about our date. Aren’t I important to him? If I’m important to him then he should remember when we have stuff planned instead of pushing me on the wayside for a friend.

I had no problem with him going to Charlie’s party. He went to support a friend and I would never hold that against him. My problem was that he didn’t leave the party when it was time for our date.

Nick chose a friend over me. Even if we weren’t dating I would still feel hurt because I am his best friend. His best friend since grade 1.

Does he not care about me anymore? Am I not good enough for him anymore? Does he not think I’m pretty anymore? Does he not love me anymore? My fork stopped. Could that be the reason for his recent behavior?

Why he’s been so distant lately and not sharing what’s on his mind. We used to tell each other everything and now i feel like he doesn’t want to do that anymore. How can I fix things between us?

You know how. The voice in the back of my head said. No I can’t. This is not what I’m doing that for. I’m doing that for the play.

But Nick doesn’t love you anymore. That can make everything better again. He can love you again.

I looked down at my half eaten fettuccine and I set it down on my desk. I placed the lid on top of the container and then I threw it in the trash. I walked over to my bed and threw myself onto my stomach. I stared out into the window as I thought about what I had just done.

It wasn’t supposed to go this far. I was only supposed to do this for the play. I didn’t even eat lunch today either, so I only ate one meal all day. I continued to lay on my bed as I ignored the sound of my stomach rumbling.

Tears started to pool into my eyes. This became bigger than what I intended it to be. Now I was doing this to make Nick love me again. Wait what?! There’s no way Nick doesn’t love anymore.

I sat up into a criss cross applesauce position and put my head in my hands. What is wrong with me? I actually thought that Nick had fallen out of love with me and the solution was to get thinner. More thinner then I have already become.

The tears started to fall from my eyes. I’ve gone too far. I’ve fallen in the deep end and there was only one person who can pull me out, but he wasn’t here.

I slowly crawled to the top of my bed and hid under covers. I started to cry and soon I fell sleep from exhaustion.

—————————

I woke up the next morning to the sun shining on my face. I searched for my phone on my nightstand and checked the time. It was 10:21.

I stretched on bed before I scrolled to see my notifications and that’s when I came across a text from Nick. I paused as I thought about what it could possibly say. I sat up in bed and opened up our messages on instagram. His text simply said.

[Nick]: can you meet me at our spot at 12:30?

12:30. That was two hours away. Although I was furious with him, I needed to receive an explanation about last night and I needed his presence after my thoughts took over.

I liked his message and I set an alarm for 12:00. I opened Netflix and put on one of my favorite comfort shows to pass the time. I had two hours until I had to meet with Nick so I might as well keep myself occupied.

My phone alarm rang when 12:00 came around and I slowly got out of bed and grabbed a nearby sweatshirt. I didn’t feel like changing into real clothes and I just wanted to stay in my pajamas, but I did brush my hair to look somewhat presentable.

I was about to exit my room when I noticed a pink post it note on my desk that I know I didn’t put there. I curiously picked it up and read what was written.

Hi sweetie! I hope you’re feeling better this morning. Dad and I went to the Goldstein’s for the day. You and Xander are on your own for food since we’ll be back late, but I did make blueberry waffles for breakfast! Your favorite! They’re in the fridge!

Love mum

I smiled at the note before I put it down and walked out of my room. When I reached downstairs I realized that no one was home, so I grabbed my keys, so that I could lock the house.

The weather was beautiful today. It was the last week of March and the weather slowly started to change. It was still as cold as ever, but sometimes days like these would pop up where all you need is a sweater.

The walk to Nick and I’s spot wasn’t a long one. When Nick and I were both 6, we first met at the park. Nick was sitting alone on the swings and I walked up to him because I claimed he was hogging the swing (he wasn’t). All the swings were taken, so I just walked over to the nearest kid.

However, he gave me the swing anyway. Once I was done, Nick followed me to the money bars and then the slide and before you know it we were best friends by the end of the day. And the rest was history. Now if we ever wanted to talk, or didn’t want to be bothered by anyone, we went to our spot, which was the spot where we first met.

My mind was blank as I walked over to the park, and by the time I got there it was 12:15. I was early, but I had the mentality that it was always best to be early than on time. I walked around a bit until my eyes fell upon the bench Nick and I always sat at and that’s when I saw him.

Nick was already there sitting down waiting for me. He was wearing light blue jeans, paired with a navy blue t-shirt and a brown coat. There was someone sitting with him, but after closer inspection I realized it was his dog Nellie, and that brought a smile to my face.

He looked lost in thought as he looked out at the field in front of him. Nellie noticed me first and quickly ran up to me. I crouched down at her level and petted her back and gave her a few scratches behind her ear.

“Hey you.”

I looked up and Nick was standing above me looking down at me with a smile.

“Hey.”

“Do you want to sit down?”

I nodded and I got up from the ground and joined Nick on the bench. We both sat in comfortable silence as we watched the trees blow in the wind.

“I came to your house last night.”

I looked at Nick.

“You did?”

“Yeah. I came over to apologize and your mum answered the door. She said you were sleeping, so I left. I figured we could talk in the morning.”

I nodded.

“Y/n I am so sorry. I shouldn’t have forgotten about our date and especially when I was the one who planned it.”

“You’re right you shouldn’t have forgotten.” I said simply.

I came here for the sole reason to hear Nick apologize, so I wasn’t planning on saying much during this conversation. I wanted to hear him out and listen to why he forgot our date. I knew why, but I wanted to hear it from him.

Nick let go of one hand from Nellie’s leash and used it to grab one of my hands that was sitting on my lap.

“I missed our date because I went to Charlie’s birthday party.”

“I know.”

Nick looked at me shocked.

“Elle posted a photo of all of you, at the bowling alley, on her instagram story.”

Nick sighed. “My plan was to only go to Charlie’s birthday party for an hour, but I had my phone on do not disturb by accident and I didn’t see your texts and-“

“It’s okay.”

Nick immediately stopped rambling and looked confused.

“It is?”

“Yeah. I am still very mad at you and you have to make it up to me.” I said as I pointed at him.

“And I will make it up to you.” Nick said with a determined look.

“But it was the first time you’ve ever did something like this, and what you did was an honest mistake. Even thought you did forget about it.”

Nick and I laughed.

“Just don’t do it again.” I said.

Nick looked into my eyes and I hoped he saw what I was trying to convey. Yes I did forgive him, but I was pleading for him to not forget me and put me on the wayside again. And especially don’t choose a friend over me.

Nick got the message and his eyes softened before he brought my hand that was in his up to his lips.

“I’ll try my best to not let it happen again.”

I smiled at his response. I thought our conversation came to an end, but then I noticed one of Nick’s legs began to shake. I became worried, so I placed my free hand gently on top of his knee and his knee slowly stopped shaking.

He looked at me and I gave him a comforting smile to take his time. I knew something was on his mind, and he wanted to share it with me, but he didn’t know how. After a few moments of unspoken silence, he cleared his throat.

“Do you ever feel like you’re only doing things because everyone else is? And you’re scared to change? Or do something that might confuse or surprise people? Your real personality has been, like…buried inside you for a really long time. I guess, um, that’s how I’ve been feeling recently.”

So this is why he has been acting strange lately. I was intrigued now that Nick was finally opening up to me about his thoughts, but a part of me felt worried. He mentioned how his real personality has been buried deep inside. Does he not feel safe to be himself with me? Or with Imogen or Charlie?

I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn’t realize that I haven’t said anything.

“Sorry that probably makes no sense.” Nick said.

“No. I think I get it. I just…I’m trying to process what you just said.”

“Mmm.”

“You mentioned how you feel like your true self has been buried deep down. Have you been hiding yourself from me? From your friends?”

Nick quickly shook his head. “No. No that’s not what I meant. I have never hidden anything from you.” Nick sighed. “I just think that I recently discovered something about myself and I don’t know how people will react to such a change. I’m starting to think that what I discovered about me has been buried inside of me until now. I just don’t even know where to start.”

Nick looked down at his hands. I took my free hand and softly brushed my fingers through his hair.

“Well I think it’s wonderful that you discovered something new about yourself. It may be scary to change, but the people who truly love you will stay. And just to clarify, the people who you are worried about are the people on the rugby team?”

Nick nodded, but then he mentioned someone else that shocked me. “And you.”

“Me?”

Why would he be worried about how I would react to him changing.

“Change is a natural thing in life. We’re not the same people we were a year ago.”

“I know. I know, but if I tell you this I’m afraid how you will react.”

He’s afraid about how I’ll react? What could be so horrible about him that I won’t accept? I loved every part of Nick and I would greet every addition and change about him with open arms.

“Well the only way to know how I’ll react is if you just tell me.” I said with a warm smile.

Nick looked at me and I gave him an encouraging glance. He took a deep breath before he began to speak.

“Do you remember Harry’s party that we went to a couple weeks ago?”

Of course I remembered that douche’s party. I only went because my friends were going and despite me hating the birthday boy, I actually had a great time. It was a good night, until Nick came to me crying. After that night was when Nick started acting weird. Did something at the party cause him to act oddly?

“Yeah I remember. It didn’t really end well for you though. You never told me what made you break down.”

Nick looked down at Nellie who now had her head in his lap. He brushed the top of her head.

“You met Charlie that night and the three of us hung out for a while until you went to go look for Imogen.”

I nodded.

“After a while Charlie and I got bored, so we started to explore around the mansion a bit. We came across a room with a Christmas tree and we talked.”

Where was he going with this?

“We were simply talking until he started asking me if I would ever kiss someone who wasn’t a girl and I said I don’t know. A part of me expected to say no, but recent events made me reconsider my answer.”

He said I don’t know when Charlie asked him if he would ever kiss a boy, which only meant…I brought my hand back up to his hair. He looked away from Nellie and up at me with sadness in his eyes. He didn’t have to say anything to get me to understand what was trying to say.

If anything the signs made sense. Nick has always been nice to Charlie, but over time I’ve noticed he developed a soft spot for Charlie. At first I thought it was just him looking out for an underclassmate, but now I know there was something more to it.

Nick is attached to Charlie, which means that he is probably bisexual. That can be a lot to take in for someone who thought they were straight their whole life. He’s probably feeling confused and conflicted. I have no idea where his head was at, but all I knew was that I would help him through this.

He helped me with my issues in the past, so I will help him learn more about himself.

“Im assuming that was a lot to take in?”

He nodded.

“I’m not going anywhere if that’s what you’re concerned with. You’ve always been there for me, so let me return the favor.”

“There’s more.” He said with a shaky voice.

I simply nodded and brushed my thumb across his hand that I was holding.

“Charlie and I we um…we um…”

“It’s alright take your time.”

He must be really nervous about what he was about to say.

“Charlie and I kissed.”

That’s when my world shattered. I froze. This is not where I expected our conversation to go.

“And it d-didn’t go mean anything I swear it and-“

“But it did mean something.” I said quietly.

“No, y/n-“

I pulled my hand out of his grasp and Nick fully turned his body to face me.

“Y/n believe me the kiss meant nothing. I am with you! I love you!”

He grabbed for my hand again, but I pulled it away.

“You do love me. But you also have developed some type of feelings for Charlie. Even if you don’t even realize it yourself. You have feelings for Charlie and that is why you kisssed him! Not because you suddenly were interested in boys or because you were attracted to him. You kissed him because you fell for him!”

I stood up from the bench with tears in my eyes. Nick stood up as welll and grabbed my arm, his eyes furrowed as he grabbed my arm. He was probably thinking about why my arm was thinner than usual, so snatched my arm away.

“Y/n please! Can we just talk about this? I love you and I still want to be with you!”

“We can’t be together anymore! Not like this.” The last sentence came out as a whisper as it became harder and harder to hold in my tears. Tears started to form in Nick’s eyes too.

“Y/n.” His voice cracked. “Please don’t go.” Please don’t leave me is what he meant, but how can I stay with someone who cheated on me?

I was ready to be with him every step of the way with his journey. I thought he had an attraction towards Charlie and nothing more. Now that he told me this, things will never be the same again.

It took everything in my power not to give in and forgive him. To say that what he did was a simple mistake that I could look past. It’s hard to let go of someone who has been ingrained in your life for as long as you could remember.

But I had to let go. Not just for me, but for Nick as well. I needed to have some self respect for myself, and Nick needed some time to figure things out.

Nick grabbed both of my arms and snapped me out of my thoughts.

“Y/n listen to me. Please don’t go! I need you.”

But I ignored him.

“You know what’s so heartbreaking.” I felt a single tear fall my eye. “If you would have just told me what you told me about your confusion, and you didn’t kiss Charlie, I would have stayed with you. I would have continued to be your girlfriend and I would have helped you with figuring out your sexuality. But you did kiss Charlie and you can’t take that back. All Charlie did was make you realize something about yourself and then you acted upon it and did something I can never forgive. Even if you did develop feelings for him, you could have stopped yourself from kissing him. A whole seven months down the drain.”

Nick opened his moth to say something, but nothing came out. Everything I just said was true and there was nothing he could add to it.

I slowly took a step back away from Nick and several more tears began to fall.

“Y/n.”

My heart broke when I saw Nick begin to cry, but I remained strong. I was walking away and we both knew what it would mean if I walked away from him right now.

“Please don’t walk away. I don’t want us to end.”

“Me neither, but you have some things to take of that I can’t be a part of.” I whispered.

Nick took a step towards me. “Please don’t do this.”

I braced myself for saying the next three words for the last time.

“I love you.”

“I love you too.” He said desperately.

Without saying another word, I turned around and walked back home.

[thesparkling-diamond27]

When Love Remains: Secret

Nick Nelson x Reader Nick x Charlie, Reader x OC

Nick runs a marathon in the rain. Things between you and Nick are back to normal (somewhat). You and Noah kiss on the balcony. You don’t feel great again. Tao is not so nice to Nick. Nick and Charlie are demolished at the rugby game. Nick and you plan a nice weekend “getaway”.

Warnings: mentioning of eating disorder/body dysmorphia (similar to Marly’s storyline in glee)

A/n: I’m sorry for not posting like I said I would (again🙄). But I’m finally done with school, so I have more time to write! I hope you enjoy this chapter :)

Charlie

Seeing Nick Nelson drenched outside my door in the rain was not on my bingo card for this morning. I thought I was going to rot in bed all day and regret with every ounce of my being what I did last night. That’s all I could think about ever since my dad picked me up from Harry’s party last night. I’ve been thinking about the mistake. Nick interrupted my thoughts.

“Um…I’m sorry for not texting you. Uh…I just wanted to talk in person.”

“Okay…Just.”

I grabbed both of Nick’s arms and pulled him into my house. I didn’t want him to catch a cold.

“Just come in, you’re getting soaked.”

I let go of him and now we were standing in front of each other.

“Yeah, good idea.”

“Did you forget a coat?”

“Oh, uh…yeah, I didn’t know it was going to rain this morning and I just came from Y/n’s house.”

My face fell at the mentioning of Y/n. As much as I enjoyed the kiss we shared last night, even though it was a mistake, I couldn’t erase the fact that he had a girlfriend. A long term girlfriend and if she found out about what we did she would probably end things with Nick. I know I would.

“But that’s not what I came here to talk about.” Nick started. “So, about last night. Um…I just want to say-“

“Nick.”

Nick and I both turned and saw my mum emerging from the kitchen.

“I didn’t know you were coming round.”

Nick and I looked at each other as we both tried to come up with an answer.

“Yeah. Sorry, yeah.” Nick said.

I internally laughed at him as I saved the situation with his horrible excuse.

“He’s just picking up a jumper he left here last week.”

Mum seemed to buy it.

“Right. Uh, well, don’t forget we’re going to grandma’s this morning, Charlie. You could at least change out of your pajamas.” My mum said before leaving Nick and I alone at the house entrance.

“Let’s got to my room.”

Nick agreed and began to walk up the stairs to my room, while I quickly checked in the mirror to smooth down my hair. I know things weren’t going to turn out the way I wanted to, but I wanted to at least not have bed head when talking to my crush.

I arrived at the door of my bedroom and shut it before I awkwardly stood there as I watched Nick take his sweatshirt off. I didn’t know what to say and especially when he was the one who wanted to talk. I simply waited for him to speak first.

“Uh…so—“

“I’m so sorry.” I interrupted. “I’m so sorry. It was…I didn’t think properly about what I was doing and…it was a stupid thing to do and especially when you have a girlfriend. I don’t want you to feel awkward about it cause it was all my fault.”

“Hang on.” But I ignore him

“I shouldn’t have kissed you. I bet you just felt pressured to do it because I asked, and I know you probably don’t wanna talk to me ever again, but I at least had to say sorry. See if there’s a chance we can still be friends?”

The whole time I was speaking I was looking down at the floor of my bedroom and I didn’t realize Nick was so close until I felt a hand on my arm.

“Charlie.”

“I don’t want to loose you, because I did something stupid.”

“Charlie listen to me.”

I finally stopped talking and looked up at Nick who was already looking at me. That’s when I realized he had his hands on the side of my face. My cheeks heated up and Nick seemed to realized the position we were in because he quickly retracted his hands. He paused for a few moments before he sat down on my bed.

“I’m just so sorry I ran away last night. I was just freaking out because, uh, I was consumed and surprised and, like, honestly…I’m having a proper, full-on gay crisis. And I was just so confused. Kissing you made me realize that I don’t mind kissing boys…I’ve just been so, so confused. And then there’s Y/n and all of this is just a mess.” Nick said as he put his head in his hands.

I slowly walked over to my bed and sat down next to Nick. His breath was shaky.

“I just think I need some time to…figure this out. I don’t want to loose our friendship.”

I put my hand on his shoulder in understanding and did the only thing that seemed like the right decision at the moment. I pulled Nick into a hug. He sank into my embrace and began to cry in my arms.

…

“From now on…is it okay if we, like…”

“Act like what happened at the party never happened?” I finished.

“Yeah. I just need to figure out some things first before I can even think about that. I just don’t know, really know, if I can, uh… You know. Come out as anything.”

“Yeah.” I said with understanding. “It’s fine.”

I grabbed an umbrella that was hanging behind me and I gave it to him. He took it thankfully and opened the door, so he could leave. He opened the umbrella and raised it over his head before he looked back at me.

“Bye.” I said.

“Bye.” He smiled before he began to walk away. I shut the door and smiled as my back pressed against the door frame.

“Why are you smiling?”

I saw my sister Tori walking down the stairs. That’s when I realized I was smiling like an idiot.

“Nothing.” I said and before Tori could say anything, I bolted up the stairs to my room.

—————————

Nick and I never really talked about what happened at the party. After Xander dropped off Noah, he brought the three of us back to our house. My parents allowed Nick to stay over, after they saw the state he was in, and thankfully didn’t question why my brother and I were tipsy from a party.

When we entered my room we didn’t say a word and I silently handed him a pair a sweatpants and a t-shirt that he left the last time he was here. After we changed we slowly went under the covers of my bed and Nick hugged my torso and placed his head on my chest.

I didn’t say anything and simply ran my fingers through his hair. I know when he gets silent like this it means he doesn’t want to talk, so I settled for making sure he was comfortable. We fell asleep and after Nick had breakfast with my family and I, he left to go to his house, since his parents had no idea where he was.

He left my house Saturday morning and now I was back at school on Monday. We didn’t talk about what happened, or talked much at all, but we both knew that there was something that was left unsaid that night. I wasn’t going to push him, but eventually I wanted him to tell me what has been going on with him lately.

Alright we did talk somewhat. He still sent me his good morning messages which reassured me that things will be okay with us. They had to be. Right?

I was too lost in my thoughts that I didn’t notice that Nick had walked up to me until I felt a kiss on my forehead.

“Hey you.” He said.

“Hey.”

I grabbed his hand and laced our hands together.

“Are you okay?”

“Y-yeah I am.”

“Nick.”

Nick looked down at our hands as if he was thinking about the right words to say.

“You’ve always known when something has been off with me. Even before we were dating and we were just friends.” Nick did with a smile.

“It’s a gift.” I said with a soft smile which caused Nick to chuckle.

“It is a gift.” He cleared his throat. “And you’re not wrong. I have been off lately and I want to talk with you about it, but…I just…need to figure out some things first. Before I talk with you about it. If that’s alright with you.”

I nodded.

“I don’t want to push you or make you uncomfortable, so when you’re ready to talk, I’ll be here.”

Nick smiled softly at me before he brought his head to my lips.

“Thank you.” He whispered into my hair.

I hummed in response and placed my head on his shoulder. We sat in silence with each other until the bell rang indicating that school was about to start.

“Do you have practice today?” I said as I broke away from Nick and grabbed my school bag.

“I do. Do you have rehearsal?”

I nodded and Nick smiled.

“Good. That means I can pick you up when you’re finished.”

His sentence made me smile. Things were going back to way things should be.

“I’m looking forward to it.”

Nick smiled before he kissed me on the lips.

“Alright come on Y/n let’s get to class.” Imogen said as she tugged on my arm.

“I’ll see you later.” I said as I was being pulled from Nick’s grasp by Imogen.

“I’ll see you later.”

—————————-

Charlie

I had a huge smile on my face as I was walking down the hallway to form because I was about to see Nick. I know Nick and I left things as just friends, and he’s still dating Y/n, but my instincts about him were right. He’s not entirely straight. Ha in your face Tao.

I wasn’t going to push him or anything. I want to be there for him as a friend and I know it’s going to be hard for me since I have a crush on him, but I believe that I can do it. If I can’t be there for him the way I want to be, then the next best thing is to be there for him as a friend.

I made it to form and I saw Nick sitting at his assigned seat that was next to mine. He had his arms crossed and he was smiling at me as I made my way to my seat.

“Hi.” I said.

“Hi.”

We were back to our normal routine as friends and I couldn’t be happier. We both were able to move past this, and move on with our lives.

…

I decided to go to Mr. Ajayi’s room for lunch to tell him about what recently happened between Nick and I. I was about to enter when I ran into Mr. Ajayi leaving the room.

“There’s a boy in there, waiting for you.” He said.

It couldn’t be Ben since he never spoke to me again ever since Nick saved me, so it had to be…

“Oh.” I said.

“Yeah. Is it the secret boyfriend or the straight not crush?”

I was about to answer him, but I figured I should leave Nick’s identity a mystery. But not without giving him a few hints.

“He’s on the rugby team.”

“Hmm.”

“I joined the rugby team.”

“Hmm. Of course you did. Well don’t get crumbs on the floor or I’ll get told off by the cleaners. Again.”

I laughed at his response.

“Go on.”

Mr. Ajayi left and I walked in to see Nick with his arms crossed and he was smiling at me as I entered. Again.

“Hi.” He said.

“Hi.”

“Im glad you agreed to hang out with me. You sure your friends don’t mind you eating lunch with me?” Nick asked.

“Nah. They can deal with it. Clearly I need to be here to get tips on how to be good at rugby.”

“Oh really? So that’s what this is actually all about then? You’re not here to just hang out with a friend?” He joked.

I clicked my tongue. “Maybe.”

We both laughed.

“It feels nice to be able to ditch my friends for once. All they want to do at lunch is just sit on the field and chuck stuff at people.”

“Chuck stuff?”

“Yep. Mainly Harry. He’s an idiot. My friends are nothing like you. Well except maybe Y/n and Imogen.”

“Yeah.” I said. I didn’t know who Imogen was, but I knew who Y/n was. She seemed really nice at the party and I can see why Nick would take a liking to her. I wanted to know more about her and maybe we could even be friends. I wonder if she knew about what happened between Nick and I.

“Does Y/n know about…”

I trailed off, but Nick seemed to catch on what I was implying.

“No. She knows something is off and that there’s something that I want to talk to her about. I told her I would talk with her when I’m ready, but I don’t even know when that would be.”

I nodded and we sat in silence.

“Are we even allowed in here?” Nick asked breaking the silence.

“Yeah. I used to come in here a lot last year. Like, when the bullying was really bad. Mr. Ajayi was the only teacher who really cared that much.”

“Well he was giving me evils before you got here.”

“He must have thought you were Ben. I told him about the “Ben making me keep us a secret” thing.”

Nick nodded and smiled.

—————————

[Nick]: Good luck with rehearsal! I’ll pick you up after like usual. I love you❤️

I smiled at Nick’s text.

“What did lover boy say this time?” Imogen asked as she was grabbing her books from her locker.

“Nothing. I’m just glad that things seem to be back to normal.”

“You talked with Nick?”

“Yup. Well sort of.”

Imogen gave me a confused look.

“It’s…well…never mind. The point is that he is no longer acting weird.”

Imogen smiled.

“Well that’s good. I can’t have my favorite couple, aka my two best friends, having relationship problems.”

I laughed at her response and I quickly texted Nick back.

[Y/n]: thank you! Good luck with practice today! I love you too💕

Imogen shut her locker before the two of us began to walk to the auditorium for rehearsal.

“So how are the songs coming along?” Imogen asked.

Ms. Swan thought it would be cool to incorporate a couple songs into the play, since she thought I had a lovely singing voice. I’ve had two rehearsals so far with our chorus teacher Ms. Smith and I’ve been practicing whenever I could.

“They’re coming along great! I’m excited to incorporate them into the play!”

“Incorporate what into the play?”

Imogen and I turned around to see Noah.

“Noah! Hey how are you?” I asked.

“I’m good! Here after you.”

Noah opened the auditorium doors and gestured for Imogen and I to enter first. Imogen and I thanked him.

“How are you? Are things okay with you? Things seemed off after the party.” Noah said.

“Oh no yeah I’m good. I’m sorry for making you leave the party early. I hope I didn’t ruin your night.”

“It wasn’t a problem really. Now what are you so excited about incorporating into the play?”

Imogen put her arm around my shoulder and said. “Her songs that she’s learning with Mrs. Smith.”

“Well I for one can’t wait to hear it.” Noah said before he sat in a seat in the audience. Imogen and I followed suit. The three of us fell into an easy flowing conversation until Ms. Swan came in with her energetic energy.

“All right everyone! Settle down! Settle down! I have an announcement!”

We all quieted down and awaited her answer.

“I know it has been hard rehearsing when I have all these ideas that are impossible in this theatre, so today we are going to take the bus to the circle theatre.”

We all screamed with excitement. Finally! We all could actually rehearse with Ms. Swan’s real vision in mind.

“All right everyone! Now this is how rehearsal is going to be from now on! We’re going to meet here and then we’ll all head to the bus to the theatre. Is that all right with all of you!”

We all agreed instantly.

“Very well. Now let’s go or as they would say in 1589, “let’s make haste!”.”

We all quickly jumped from our seats and excitedly ran out of the auditorium to the bus outside.

…

Rehearsal was going splendid. Right now we were going over the balcony scene and instead of standing in front of Noah, I was actually on the balcony. Well the makeshift balcony.

I was currently laying on top of a bed that was hanging from mid air. Four thick metal strings were attached to each corner of the bed, so that I could safely be suspended in the air.

Noah was currently standing on his tip toes on the round stage below with his arms stretched up to me. His hands were wrapped around the upper part of my arms. I began to say my next memorized lines.

“Hist! Romeo, hist! O, for a falconer's voice, to lure this tassel-gentle back again! Bondage is hoarse, and may not speak aloud; Else would I tear the cave where Echo lies, and make her airy tongue more hoarse than mine, with repetition of my Romeo's name.”

“It is my soul that calls upon my name: How silver-sweet sound lovers' tongues by night, like softest music to attending ears!” Noah said.

He placed a gentle kiss on my hand before he backed away. Our hands stood connected until I could no longer hold on to his hand. He walked down the steps of the stage and walked out between the seats of the audience and backstage.

“Romeo!” I shouted.

“My dear!” Noah ran into a sprint and when he reached to the suspended bed he jumped up, so that now he was dangling from it just like what Ms. Swan envisioned.

“At what o'clock to-morrow Shall I send to thee?”

“At the hour of nine.”

“I will not fail: 'tis twenty years till then. I have forgot why I did call thee back.”

“Let me stand here till thou remember it.”

“I shall forget, to have thee still stand there, Remembering how I love thy company.” I said as I caressed Noah’s face.

“And I'll still stay, to have thee still forget, forgetting any other home but this.”

“‘Tis almost morning; I would have thee gone: And yet no further than a wanton's bird; Who lets it hop a little from her hand, like a poor prisoner in his twisted gyves, and with a silk thread plucks it back again, so loving-jealous of his liberty.”

“I would I were thy bird.”

Then Noah did a pull up from his hanging position and kissed me on the lips. I placed my hands on both sides of his face. After a few seconds I pulled away and spoke the next line.

“Sweet, so would I: Yet I should kill thee with much cherishing. Good night, good night! parting is such sweet sorrow, That I shall say good night till it be morrow.”

I gave Noah a quick peck before I rose from the bed and began to climb the ladder that was beside it. I made it to the catwalk above where Imogen was waiting since she had a few lines earlier in the scene.

“I don’t think Nick is going to like this scene.” She pointed out.

“I know, but what can I do. Besides he knows it’s just acting.”

We heard Ms. Swan clapping from below.

“Splendid Y/n, Noah, and Imogen! Y/n and Imogen come down now! I think we’re done for today. I want to make sure you guys don’t get back to the school too late.”

Imogen and I walked around the catwalk and ascended down the nearest ladder and met our fellow cast mates who were all gathered on the round stage.

“Now I just have a few notes, but they’re just quick ones.”

We all nodded before we all grabbed our scripts to take the notes that Ms. Swan was about to tell us. She started with Noah and I first and then moved on to rest of the cast.

“I think we did good today with the balcony scene.” Noah whispered next to me.

“I think we did good too. It was nice to actually act it out the way Ms. Swan wanted it.”

“I agree.”

We stood silent for a while until Noah whispered again.

“I uh…I was wondering if maybe we can exchange instagrams. I think you’re really cool and I would like to be friends with you. Maybe even hang out if that’s alright with you.”

I smiled at his suggestion.

“Yeah I’d like that.” I said.

“Cool.”

I then turned back to Ms. Swan. Once she was done with all her notes we were all free to go. I threw my bag over my shoulder and I felt a tap on my arm. I turned around and saw Noah with his phone out.

I smiled at him, took his phone and typed in my instagram username. I clicked follow and then handed his phone back to him.

“Thanks.”

“Of course.”

“Y/n! Before you go, can you try on your costumes again? Carlotta altered both of them and wants to make sure that they fit perfectly.” Ivy shouted.

I nodded and went back stage to where Carlotta and Ivy were after saying goodbye to Noah.

“Oh there you are dear! Why don’t you try on the gold dress first.”

Carlotta took the gold sequined dress off the rack and handed it to me. I went to a nearby dressing room and began to strip my clothes. I stepped into the dress and slowly pulled it up. I placed my arms through the shoulder straps and situated the dress perfectly.

It fit just fine now, but it still had to zip. With bated breath I reached behind the zipper to zip the dress shut. It glided up easily, but then it stopped about 3 quarters of the way there. I tugged at the zipper, but it wouldn’t budge.

Did I gain weight? I didn’t think I did, but I was starting to think so. Last time, I thought the dress didn’t fit because I ate a big lunch, but now the dress not fitting made no sense. Carlotta let it out a little bit, so the dress should fit just fine. So why wasn’t the zipper zipping all the way.

I must have been taking too long because there was a knock on the door.

“Y/n? Is everything alright in there?”

It was Ivy.

“Yeah. Yeah.”

I walked over to the door and opened it.

“Does the dress fit okay?” Ivy asked.

“Yeah, but the zipper won’t zip all the way.”

“Are you sure?” She asked concerned.

“Yeah.”

“Let me check.”

I turned around and she tried to zip up the dress and sure enough the zipper wouldn’t budge.

“That’s strange. I know Carlotta let it out a little bit, so it should fit. I guess we’re going to have to alter the dress again.”

“Again?”

“Yeah. The zipper is not zipping. You can take the dress off now.”

I nodded and Ivy softly shut the door. I sat in a nearby chair and stared into the mirror in front of me. Why wasn’t the dress fitting? Well I knew why, but I didn’t want to believe it. The answer was as clear as day and I didn’t like it one bit

…

Imogen immediately knew something was wrong when I arrived on the bus and when she asked me I said it was nothing. Imogen didn’t seem to believe me, but she didn’t push me. I was sitting in the window seat, so I stared out the window and didn’t realize the quick text Imogen sent to someone.

[Imogen]: hey Nick

[Imogen]: something is up with Y/n

[Nick]: wdym?

[Imogen]: she’s been acting weird ever since she tried on her costumes. I asked her what was wrong and she said it was nothing, but ik something is up. Just talk with her. If she won’t talk with me, I’ll know she’ll talk with you

[Nick]: I will. Thanks for telling me Imogen

The bus arrived at the school and I got off without a word and saw Nick standing there waiting for me. I notified him earlier about us taking the bus to the circle theatre.

“Hey you.” Nick said with a comforting smile.

“Hey.” I said as I engulfed him into a hug.

“Is everything okay?”

“Yeah…I just missed you.”

I was feeling a lot of things on the bus, but when Nick wrapped his arms me all those negative thoughts simply went away. It was crazy to think about how a person can instantly change my mood. Nick was that person to me.

“Are you ready to go?” I asked.

“Yeah.”

Nick laced his hands with mine and we walked out of the school gates together.

“Are you sure evening is okay?”

Why would he be asking if everything is okay again. I already said nothing was wrong. Unless…

“Did Imogen tell you something?”

“No…uh no Imogen didn’t tell me anything.”

I could tell he was lying and I gave him a look.

“What did she tell you?”

“Nothing.”

I gave him a sharp look.

“Nothing…just that.” He stopped walking and I followed suit. “She was just worried about you. She said you were acting off ever since you tried on your costumes for the play. She texted me to make sure you were okay.”

“Well there is nothing to worry about because I’m fine.”

“Really?”

“Yes I’m fine. I’m just tired. Rehearsal was a little tedious today, but I’m fine.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes. Don’t you trust me?”

“Of course I do.”

“Then you just have to believe me when I say that nothing is wrong. Okay?”

Nick nodded. He slowly bent down and kissed me and when he pulled away he gave me a serious look.

“Whenever you’re feeling not okay you can come to me. Remember that. And it doesn’t matter what I’m doing. It doesn’t matter if I’m in class, or sleeping, or doing whatever. It doesn’t matter what the status of our relationship is either. It doesn’t matter if we’re happily in love or aren’t talking with one another. If you need me. Come find me.”

I looked up at him with so much love in my eyes I thought I might burst.

“I don’t deserve you.”

“No…I my love don’t deserve you.”

…

Later that night, my parents, Xander and I were sitting at dining table eating dinner. Nick spent about an hour at my house before he went back to his house for dinner.

It was nice being able to spend time with Nick. We’ve been so busy lately that we haven’t had a lot of times for us. I was hoping we could maybe talk about what was on his mind lately, but maybe that can be for another day.

Although I had a nice time with Nick, that didn’t stop the negative thoughts to come creeping back into my mind. I stared at the ceiling as I thought negatively about myself and what I could do to change that.

The dress didn’t fit, and I had no idea what I was going to do. Then a tiny voice in the back of my head spoke up. Theres a solution. A solution that hasn’t used in a long time.

No! I can’t. The solution is not healthy and I was in a bad place last time. But it wouldn’t be for long. It would just be until the weekend of the play. Then you can go back to the way things once were.

I probably swam in my thoughts for about a half hour until Xander came knocking on my door.

“Come on idiot! Mom said dinner is ready!”

I shot up from my position on the bed.

“Coming!”

—————————

I was currently eating lunch with Elle, Tara, and Darcy.

“It’ll die soon, won’t it?” Elle asked. Elle was referencing to the school talking about Tara and Darcy’s kiss at Harry’s party and I mean the entire school. Even girls from year 2 were talking about them according to Elle.

“I really, really hope so.” Tara said.

“Hey.” I reached over the table and grabbed Tara’s hand. “It will die down.” And then I looked at Darcy. “Eventually.”

“Hey everyone!” I turned up to see Imogen standing by our table.

“Oh god, Hi Imogen! What’s up?” Tara said.

I gave Tara a look, but she ignored me. I know they didn’t like Imogen, but they could at least try to be nice to her.

“I’m not here to talk about you and Darcy although the whole school is taking about it.”

Darcy rolled he eyes and Tara sighed.

“I’m not , like, homophobic or anything. I’m an ally.”

I wanted to facepalm at Imogen’s words. I loved her, but sometimes she just said the stupedest things.

“Congratulations?” Tara questioned.

“We thank you for your service.” Darcy said sarcastically.

There was an awkward pause.

“Anyway…I’m here for Y/n.” Imogen turned to me. “I was wondering if you wanted to go over a couple of lines? I’m having trouble with one of our scenes and it will be better for me if I practiced with you.”

“Yeah sure sounds great! I could use all the extra practice I can get.”

“Perfect!”

I grabbed my bag, rose from chair and I apologetically looked at Elle, Tara, and Darcy.

“I’m sorry, but-“

“You’re ditching us again.” Darcy said jokingly.

I was about to protest, but Tara beat me to it.

“Don’t worry Y/n. Go practice. We’ll see you around.”

I smiled. “Thank you! Bye!”

“Wait Y/n!” Elle said. “Don’t you want to finish your lunch first?” She gestured at my tray where my barely touched plate sat.

I had a snack earlier snd my new rule was no snacks in between breakfast and lunch and lunch and dinner. Since I had a snack after class I only ate a little bit of my lunch. I was waiting for some kind of excuse to not finish my plate, but then Imogen came.

“No that’s okay! I’ll just eat later.” I said and then I linked my arms with Imogen and left the canteen.

—————————

Tao

I stared at the empty seat beside me as Issac and I were eating lunch outside. Issac was reading his book, as usual, which left me alone since I had no one to talk to.

“I bet Charlie’s eating lunch with Nick again. He’s been eating lunch with him a lot.”

“Well, they’re in the honeymoon phase.” Isaac said as he looked away from his book.

“It’s not even like they’re dating.”

“Unless they are.”

“Nick is dating Y/n Collin’s and is straight. End of story.”

Isaac didn’t say anything, so I began to open my bag when I heard a bunch of laughter from the field. It was the rugby team.

“I mean…look at them.” I said.

Isaac looked back at the rugby team.

“It’s a bad idea to even walk near them, let alone actually befriend one of them. Charlie’s putting himself in danger just because he had a little unrequited crush.”

“Oi catch!”

It was so sudden that I didn’t have time to react and the rugby ball that Henry threw hit me in the head. I placed my hand on my forehead to dull the pain while Henry and his teammates laughed at me. Isaac looked worriedly at me, but I just got up and left to go pick up the ball.

“You okay?”

I stood up and was met with Nick Nelson of all people. I stood there rigidly.

“Yes.” I said curtly.

“Can I have the ball back?”

I handed it out for Nick to take, but before he could grab it I pulled it away. The boys on the rugby team laughed. Nick looked back at the team annoyed.

“No.” I said. “It’s mine now.”

Ooooo all the rugby boys said in response. Nick looked back at Issac and he said nothing. He then looked back at me before he began to walk back to his rugby friends. Since his back was turned I used that as an opportunity to throw the rugby ball at Nick’s head. That caused the rugby team to break into laughter.

Nick turned around to look at me with an unreadable expression, but I didn’t back down. I was angry that he was getting Charlie’s hopes up by making Charlie think he had a chance with him.

Nick ran a hand through his hair and the picked up the ball from the ground. Without another word he walked back to his rugby mates.

—————————

St. John’s Sports Academy

Charlie came running towards Elle.

“Hi!” Elle exclaimed.

“Oh my god, I missed you.”

“I missed you too.”

“Excuse me, where’s our hug?” An Asian guy asked Charlie.

“I see you all the time.” Charlie retorted.

“Oh, so this is Tara, Darcy, and Y/n.” Elle stated.

“Hi. Well Y/n and I have already met.” Charlie said.

“Really?!” Elle asked.

“When?” Tao asked shocked.

“At Harry’s party last weekend.” I answered. “It’s great to see you again Charlie.” I said with a smile and Charlie smiled back.

“Oh and Y/n this is my friend Tao.” Charlie said as he gestured to the guy who just spoke.

“Hi.” I said with a smile.

Tao didn’t say anything, but he smiled in response. Although he was quiet, he seemed nice enough. Elle and I fell into an easy conversation until I realized that I haven’t seen Nick yet. I was about to ask Charlie where Nick was until I saw him standing off to the side on the field.

“I’ll be back.” I said to the group as I made my way over to my lovely boyfriend.

“Hey you.” Nick said with a smile.

“Hey.” I said and I pecked his lips.

“Are you nervous?” I asked.

“Just a little, but I’m nervous like usual.”

“Good.” I said with a smile. Nick put his hands on my waist.

“However, now that I know my good luck charm is here, I don’t think that there is anything to worry about.” He said with a soft tone.

When we started dating, Nick started to call me his good luck charm whenever I went to go see his games. I should be used to it by now, but the nickname always gave me goosebumps.

“Well that’s a relief.” I said with a laugh as I wrapped my arms around his neck. Nick was about lean in when we were interrupted by one of his teammates.

“Oi, Nick! Come, come!”

Nick groaned and I laughed.

“Go on love I’ll see you after the game.” I pulled away from his neck, but he pulled me back.

“I may be leaving, but not without a goodbye kiss.”

I playfully rolled my eyes before I kissed him on the lips. I felt his lips smile into the kiss. I pulled away.

“Alright. Go to your teammates.”

Nick pouted, but obliged and made his way back to his teammates.

…

Imogen invited me to hang out with Ben and his friends, but today I decided to hang out with Elle, and her friends for a change. I never had a problem with Ben, but something always seemed off about him.

The game was about to begin and the home team came out of their locker room and onto the field.

“The other team look like adult men!” Elle shouted from beside me.

“I know. This school’s specialty is sports.” I said.

Tao and Elle both looked at me shocked.

“Charlie is going to get pummeled.”

“Well he’s a reserve, so let’s hope that he won’t have to play today.” I added to try to reassure the two.

The whistle blew which indicated for both teams to get into their positions to start the game. My friends and I cheered for Nick and Charlie from the sidelines. Nick punted the ball and the game began.

“So, does anyone remember the rules of rugby because I don’t.” Tao stated.

“No.” Everyone stated and then they all looked at me expectedly. I did know the rules of rugby since I watched most of Nick’s games.

“Okay…” and then I began to explain the rules of Rugby, so that they could better understand the game.

Nick got tackled a few times and I winced. I enjoyed watching him play, but I also hated seeing him getting hurt. The game wasn’t going too well, and to make matters worse we heard thunder begin to rumble from above. We all pulled out the umbrellas we prepared in case of the weather.

We were loosing bad. It was 14-0 St. John’s and the game was about to end. Although it wasn’t impossible to catch up to the other team, it would be really hard to do so. After some time someone passed the ball to Charlie and he began to run, but someone tackled him.

“Ow.” Elle said.

“Oh my gosh.” Tao said.

“I hope he’s okay.” I said.

“Yeah me too.” Darcy said.

“Come on get back up Charlie!” The coach encouraged him.

“Yes Charlie!” Elle exclaimed.

“Shake it off! It’s fine!” Tara said.

They began to play again and St. John’s scored again. We all groaned with disappointment. When they were about to restart again, Harry put his arm around Charlie and began to talk to him.

“Is Harry Greene picking on Charlie?” Tao asked.

“Maybe they’re friends.”

“I don’t know.” I frowned. “I hate all of the rugby team players except for maybe 3 of them and Harry is not one of them.”

Elle gave Charlie a worried look after my words. The game got progressively worse. It was now 35-0 St. John’s. It looks like we weren’t going to win this one .

The play began and one of the St. John’s boys had to the ball. He came charging at Charlie, but Charlie stood his ground. Don’t do it Charlie I thought, but of course he didn’t listen. (Like he could hear me). Instead of dodging his opponent who was half his size, he decided to try and tackle him, but the player pushed Charlie to the ground like he was nothing.

I winced when Charlie made contact with the ground. Everyone started at him as he laid on the ground.

“Okay that’s it, I’m calling it. This rain is too dangerous! Match is over! Everyone off the pitch!” The coach shouted.

The coach and the paramedic came by and led Charlie off the field to go check up on him. Nick began to walk over to me.

“You guys tried.” I said to try and cheer him up and mission accomplished because Nick smiled.

“I’m going to go check up on Charlie and freshmen up. Will you meet me here?”

“Yeah I will.”

Nick smiled before he followed the coach into the building.

————————

Nick

“Charlie is in there.” Coach said.

“Thanks.”

“Anytime.” She smiled before she walked away.

I knocked on the door to alert Charlie that I was there before opening the door. He was sitting on a medical bed with a tissue up his nose. He was covered in mud, but he seemed okay. I internally sighed with relief. I was afraid he was going to be seriously injured.

“Hey.” I said.

“Hey.”

I closed the door. “Is your nose okay?”

“I don’t know.”

“Let me see.”

I dealt with a lot of injuries due to rugby, so I was sort of an amateur expert when it came to injuries. I sat beside Charlie and pulled the tissue away from his nose. It didn’t look bad.

“It looks fine.” I said.

“Cool.”

“You’ve got some mud on your face though.”

I set the tissue aside and pulled out a new one for Charlie to use. I began to rub his face with the tissue in order to get some of the mud off his face.

I don’t know why, but being in such close proximity with Charlie made me feel warm. But most shockingly I felt a little nervous. But why would I be nervous? Charlie is just a friend.

I cleaned most of the mud off and I pulled the tissue away from his face. Charlie put his hands in his lap and looked down shamefully.

“Um, sorry.”

“What?”

Why would Charlie be sorry?

“I’m really sorry for being all clingy and annoying. I’m making this so awkward when we’re just friends.”

I sighed before saying, “I’m the one who should be saying sorry.”

I was about to say more, but the door to the room burst open. I slightly jumped and looked up to see Isaac standing at the doorway. I sighed in relief when I realized it wasn’t Y/n. Wait what? Why should it matter who it was? It’s not like Charlie and I were doing anything. We were just talking , but Isaac didn’t seem to believe that because he had a teasing smile on his face.

“Uh…sorry…for, um…interrupting, but Ms. Singh told me to give you some…antiseptic wipes.”

Isaac placed the wipes beside me and walked back to the door before he closed it. Now the atmosphere was awkward. I stood up from the medical table.

“Um…I’d better go.” I said.

“Okay.”

I began to walk to the door.

“Isaac won’t say anything.”

I turned back to Charlie.

“Yeah. okay.”

Then I walked out the room and shut the door.

—————————

After awhile the weather cleared up and it was no longer raining. I was waiting for Nick to clean himself of the mud when of course Harry had to speak up.

“Who you waiting for?” He asked.

I rolled my eyes.

“You know damn well who I’m waiting for Harry.”

Harry put his hands up in surrender. “Alright chill. You don’t need to twist your panties in a bunch.”

I was about to retort back when Nick interrupted.

“Hey you.”

I turned to look at Nick and my anger disappeared. He just emerged from the locker room showers. He looked freshly clean, no more mud in sight, and his hair was still dripping a little bit.

“Hey.” I said as a I grabbed his hand. “Ready to go?”

Nick nodded. Harry and his squad began to make kissy faces at us.

“Piss off Harry.” I said and I pulled Nick away from all of them.

Nick put his arm around me and we walked in a comfortable silence. After we got away from Harry and his goons Nick spoke up.

“So I’ve been thinking.”

“Well that’s a first.”

Nick playfully hit me on the arm.

“I’m serious!”

“Okay, okay what are you thinking about?” I asked.

“It’s been awhile since we’ve gone out on a date. Like a real proper date. So how about we go on one this Saturday and then we can spend the whole weekend together. Maybe I can help you practice your lines and fill in for Romeo.” He said as he wiggled his eyebrows

I laughed and thought about if I had anything to do this weekend and I was free. Getting Nick all to myself for the whole weekend felt like heaven.

“I can do this weekend.”

“Perfect! And maybe you can sleep over after if you want.”

I nodded.

“Can I actually sleep over tonight?”

“Yeah.” But Nick frowned after sensing the hint of sadness in my voice. “Is everything alright?”

“Yeah. I just want to be with you.” I said.

Although that statement was true there was another reason why I wanted to be with him. The voice in my head had been getting worse and I have been falling back into old habits. Nick being there would prevent me from doing what I have been doing. I couldn’t let Nick know though.

He would only worry and probably tell my mom about it which is what I don’t want. It wasn’t that serious anyway. I was going to continue this until the play and then stop once it’s was over. Easy peasy.

Nick is the only person, outside of my family, who knows about my past issues with food and he only knows about it because he caught me in a panicked state. Ever since then he has been by my side and through my recovery every step of the way until I was fully healed. I probably wouldn’t have been able to do it without him.

Just his presence alone can make my demons vanish which is why I wanted to spend the night with him. Being with him would take my mind off food for a while.

Nick smiled down at me before he kissed me and agreed. I melted in his embrace and took in the sweet scent of his soap. There was no other place in the world I’d rather be.

[thesparkling-diamond27]

When Love Remains: Kiss

Nick Nelson x Reader Nick Nelson x Charlie Spring

Nick feels guilty. You sense something is up with Nick. You don’t feel really great about yourself. Charlie is excited to go to a party. You finally meet Charlie and find him adorable. You get the chance to spend more time with Noah and Xander. Nick and Charlie kiss. Nick feels more guilt.

A/n: I’m sorry for being M.I.A. again. There has just been a lot going on with school. Here is next chapter and I will post the next three chapters for the next three days.

Warning: hints of body dysmorphia, and an eating disorder

Nick

I searched up “am I gay?” and came across a lot of results. I was feeling a whirlwind of emotions. What did all of this mean? Was I gay? If I am gay was I gay this whole time? Were there signs and I just didn’t realize until now?

What about Y/n? I know I love her, but what do these feelings for Charlie mean? If I tell her my confusion will she support me?

Then I went into a rabbit hole of lgbtq hate crime. Reported assaults, discrimination, same sex marriage, conversion therapy and an ultimate gay quiz.

Do you find yourself crushing on actors that are the same gender?

Are you a bit possessive of at least one friend of the same sex?

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to kiss a member of the same sex?

My results came out to be 62% homosexual. But could I trust the test?

The tears came before I realized they were there. One spilled, but I quickly blinked the others away.

I shut my laptop shut. The test was from online. It can’t be accurate at all. I’m not gay. I’m straight. Y/n is my girlfriend and I love her and Charlie is my good friend. Right?

…..

The next day wasn’t any better. I received a good morning text from Y/n.

[Y/n]: Good morning! I’ll see you at school xoxo

I ignored it. I couldn’t face her right now. I had too much to think about. I knew I was hurting her by pushing way, but I just couldn’t deal with anyone at the moment. Even her. My favorite person.

“Nicholas.” Harry got me out of my daze.

“All right?” I asked.

“How’s it?”

“It’s fine. Normal.” I wasn’t fine. Nothing was normal, but I wasn’t going to confide in someone like Harry.

“Pleased for you mate.”

“So, uh, what’s up?”

“Here to talk about a party, mate.”

“Party?”

“My sixteenth birthday party. St. George’s Hotel, this Saturday. You’re going to be there. And Y/n.”

“Uh…yeah. Sounds good. I’ll let Y/n know.”

“You’d better bring some extra cool people with you as well.”

“You are going to invite me?” Imogen said out of nowhere. I looked up and saw Y/n and Imogen.

Imogen looked at me eagerly as she expected me to invite her, while Y/n had a blank expression. There was no anger, but there was slight confusion. I know she was thinking about how I ignored her text this morning.

“Um, only if you’re cool enough apparently.” I said to try and lighten the mood.

“Um do you not think I’m cool, Nick Nelson?” Imogen asked.

“Fine, I…I guess I can invite you, Imogen.”

“Perfect!” She squealed and walked away. Y/n grabbed my hand and then kissed my cheek.

“Was there a reason why you ignored my text this morning?”

“I must have missed it I guess.” I know she didn’t by my lie because her eyebrows furrowed.

“Then why didn’t you send me a good morning text?”

Damn.

“I uh… I woke up early and didn’t have time to check my phone. Do you want me to check it now?” I began to dig into my coat pocket, but Y/n stopped me.

“No it’s okay. There’s no need. I’m already here. Just try not to forget again. I know it’s not obligatory for you to text me in the morning, but it just felt weird not getting one this morning. I guess I grown used to it.”

“Okay. I’ll try not to forget.” She smiled at my reply.

The bell rang.

“I’ll see you after school.” She said.

I kissed her forehead.

“After school.” I mumbled in her hair.

“Come on Y/n let’s go.” Imogen said.

“Alright Im coming!” She turned round me.“Bye.”

“Bye.”

_____________

“Alright everyone take a five!” Ms. Swan said.

“Thank you five.” We all said in reply.

My phone dinged and I quickly picked it up to see the notification, but it was a stupid notification from YouTube. I groaned in annoyance.

“What’s got you in such a sour mood?” Imogen asked.

“It’s Nick. I know it’s stupid, but he hasn’t sent me a good luck text before rehearsal. And yesterday he forgot to send me a good morning text. I know I’m sounding like a clingy girlfriend, but something seems off. I just don’t know what.”

“Hmm. That does seem weird, but I wouldn’t think too much about it. Just talk to Nick first. See what he has to say first before jumping to conclusions.”

I thought about Imogen’s words and it made sense. I should hear Nick out before assuming things and communication is key in a healthy relationship.

“Hey Y/n!.”

It was Ivy.

“Hey Ivy! What’s up?”

“The costumes are in and Ms. Carlotta wants to do your fitting first.” Ivy said.

“Oh yeah sure!” I turned to Imogen “I’ll be right back.” Imogen nodded and I followed Ivy to the black box.

“Y/n how’s your day been?” Ms. Carlotta asked.

“So far so good. How has your day been?”

“Can’t complain. Are you ready to see your costumes?”

“I’m excited.”

“Well here there are.”

Ms. Carlotta pulled out a costume rack and the 5 outfits that I had already put together were hung on the rack.

My first outfit consisted of black washed out baggy Jeans with a tight black crop tank top. A little stuffed purple bear was added as a little character element and the outfit would be paired with sneakers.

The second outfit was a cropped t-shirt with a shirt black skirt which would be worn with a lather jacket later on in the play.

Next were the pajama sets which were my favorite pink and blue plaid pajama shirts paired with a tank top with a moon and the sun on it that I stole from my cousin and pink socks. The other pajama set was a tie dye t shirt from summer camp, paired with my pink Nike pros.

The next outfit was black shorts pair with black halter top and a green sheer cover up that Carlotta found online paired with doc Martin’s.

Then my eyes came across two outfits that I did not recognize. One of them was a short gold sequenced dress and the other was a white satin midlength dress. These must be the custom made outfits that Carlotta was talking about the other day.

“Do you like them?” Carlotta asked.

“I love them!” I said. I let my fingers travel against the satin fabric. It was soft to the touch and the dress was absolutely beautiful.

“Would you like to try on that one first?”

I nodded with a smile. Ms. Carlotta plucked the dress from the costume rack and handed it to me.

“You can get changed in the bathroom and then Ivy can make some adjustments if needed when you get back.”

“Okay.”

I quickly scurried out of the black box and walked to the girls bathroom down the hall. I wasn’t the biggest stall, so I didn’t have a lot of room to change, but I managed. I hung the dress on the hook on the stall door and began to strip my clothes.

I always hated changing in bathrooms, but there was nothing I could do. The changing rooms only existed for tech week and the live performances because they were the band and chorus rooms.

I stepped into the dress, I made sure to not let it touch the floor, and put it over my shoulders. There was a zipper in the back so I zipped it up and it only went up half way. My arm wasn’t long enough, so I had to have Ivy do it when I came back to the black box

I grabbed my clothes and the hanger and walked back to Ivy and Ms. Carlotta. I entered the black box and Ms. Carlotta gasped.

“You look like an angel!”

I looked down shyly. “Thank you!”

“Does the dress fit good?”

“The dress fits, but my arm is too short, so I couldn’t zip it up all the way.”

“Well that’s okay. Ivy can zip it for you.”

Ivy smiled as she approached me and she told me to turn around, so I did. She tried to push up the zipper, but it wouldn’t budge.

“I’ll bring the zipper down and try again.” She said.

I nodded.

Ivy lowered the zipper and then tried to pull it up again, but it wouldn’t go up all the way again.

“Are the measurements correct Ms. Carlotta?” Ivy asked.

“They should be. Why?”

“Her dress isn’t zipping up.”

“Let me see.”

I heard footsteps and I felt a different set of hands handle the dress. The zipper still wouldn’t go up.

“I think I just ate a big lunch today at school. Really big tacos.” I said. That wasn’t true. I always ate food from home, but I felt like I needed to have an excuse for why the dress didn’t fit.

“Well that’s alright dear. We’ll just let it out a bit.”

I nodded, but I couldn’t stop the uneasy familiar thoughts and feelings that crept up in my mind.

—————————

Charlie

“Do you want to go to Harry’s party, with me?” Nick asked me.

“Oh…I don’t know. It doesn’t really sound like my sort of thing.”

“Please come. I want you to be there.

“Okay.”

“Great and it won’t just be me. My girlfriend Y/n is going to be there and so is my friend Imogen.”

…

[Charlie]: NICK INVITED ME TO HARRYS PARTY

[Charlie]: IM SCREAMING

[Elle]: omg your’re going to a popular people party

[Tao]: wait isn’t that tomorrow??

[Charlie]: yeah? why?

[Tao]: I thought we were having a film night round my house tomorrow

[Charlie]: I’m so sorry I totally forgot:(

[Charlie]: I told Nick I would go with him to the party

[Tao]: you said you’d hang out with us!!

[Charlie]: can we just do that another time?

[Tao]: it’s our film night!! It’s sacred!! Isaac and Elle, back me up on this!!

[Charlie]: I know, I’m sorry. I’ll make it up to you!

[Elle]: it’s okay it can just be us three tomorrow and we’ll do something us four soon :)

I felt bad for ditching Tao, Elle, and Isaac, but going to this party was something I couldn’t pass up.

—————————

Nick, Imogen and I were at Harry’s party and I was having a lot of fun. I hated Harry, but I loved his party. I know this party was celebrating Harry’s birthday, but my two favorite people were here and Tara and Darcy texted me that they were coming too.

Imogen went to go get a drink and I was currently dancing with Nick. I knew I had to talk to him about him being distant lately, but that could wait. Tonight was all about having fun and this was not the right setting to have a serious conversation. I looked at Nick and his eyes were on the door. Again.

“Why do you keep looking at door?”

“What?”

He must not have heard me over the loud music.

“Why do you keep looking at the door?” I said a little louder. “You’ve been looking at it all night.”

“Oh well I haven’t seen Harry yet and I want to wish him a happy birthday.”

It was odd that he wanted talk to Harry, but I didn’t think too much about it and nodded. Eventually Nick and I began talking to one of Nick’s teammates. One of the ones I actually liked.

He was talking about how annoying one of our teachers is when Nick waved at a guy. I turned around and noticed skinny looking guy with black curly hair. Nick waved him over and the guy sheepishly walked over.

“Hey did you just get here?” Nick asked.

“Yeah.” The guys replied.

It was silent for a moment and no one said anything. Nick looked back at me as if he just remembered I was still here.

“Oh uh…right. Y/n this is Charlie. Charlie this is my girlfriend Y/n.”

“Oh so you’re Charlie!” I said.

The boy nodded.

“I heard so much about you! It’s nice to finally meet you!”

“It’s nice to meet you too.” He smiled and it was a cute smile. He was adorable. No wonder Nick took a liking to him and took him under his wing.

“Do you guys want to sit over there at the couch? It’s kind of loud in here.” Charlie suggested.

“Yeah sure.” I said. Nick nodded. I grabbed Nick’s hand and the three of us walked off the dance floor. Everything was going great. I was getting to know Charlie more and more until Harry showed up.

“Nicholas! Y/n!”

“Alright mate?” Nick asked.

“What are you two hanging out in here? It’s a bit boring, innit?”The rest of Harry’s possy laughed and I rolled my eyes.

“We just are.” Nick said.

“Why so moody Y/n. Is it the time of the month?” Harry asked.

I rolled my eyes again. “Piss off Harry no one wants you here.”

“Ouch. I don’t think that’s a nice thing to say to the birthday boy. You know Nick I always told you that you need to control your—“

“Don’t finish that sentence Harry.” Nick said angrily. “Y/n is not just some dog that I control. She’s a human being and she’s my girlfriend and as my friend you should treat her with respect. So stop saying that I should control her it’s getting old.” Nick shouted.

Nick’s words sent a swell of pride in my chest. Seeing him stick up for me like that made me realize why I love him in the first place. His kindness and his heart.

I placed my hand on his knee and when he looked at me all the anger left his face and his eyes softened.

“It’s okay.” I said. Then I turned to Harry. “Some people just never learn when to shut their trap.”

I kissed Nick on the cheek. “I’m going to go look for Imogen.” Nick nodded and I turned to Charlie. “It was nice meeting you. Maybe I’ll see you again?”

Charlie nodded and smiled. I smiled back and then went to go look for Imogen. It didn’t take me long to find her. She was currently watching in amazement as a guy was making a concoction of some sorts. The guy was greasy looking, so the drink was definitely not safe.

“Come on.” I said as I pulled Imogen away.

“But my drink!”

“We can get drinks over here where we can see the alcohol come from the bottle and into the cup.”

I grabbed a bottle of alcohol and poured our cups.

“You don’t need to be so protective Y/n. I can take care of myself.”

“I know. But I don’t trust that guy.”

I handed Imogen her cup.

“Bottoms up in one go?” Imogen asked with an arched eyebrow.”

“Is that a challenge?”

“Maybe.”

“On 3.”

“1…”

“2…”

“3!”

We chugged our drinks at the same time and I coughed when I was finished.

“Wow. I usually do not drink vodka that fast.” I put my hand on my chest to try to stop the burning.

“Let’s do it again!”

I simply shrugged. What’s the worst that can happen? Imogen began poring us another round.

“Hello dear sister.”

I rolled my eyes, “Hello asshole.”

“Ouch that was harsh Y/n.” I turned around, ready to insult Xander again, but then I saw someone I wasn’t expecting to see. Noah.

“Hey Noah. I didn’t know you were invited.”

“Hey Y/n. Yeah Chris invited me and I invited your brother.”

I had no idea Noah knew I had a brother and that it was Xander. Not to mention that he was friends with my brother. I felt bad for not knowing so much about him. He’s my costar I should at least know basic information.

“What are you doing here?” I said to Xander. “You never go to parties.”

“A guy can change.” he shrugged.

I turned to Noah. “I didn’t know you two knew each other.”

“Yeah we’ve been friends since year 9.” Noah said.

“Year 9?!”

“Yes, yes I have a social life outside of you Y/n.” Xander said. “Anyway. Where’s Nick?”

“That’s a first.”

“What?”

“Not calling him names. Have you grown a soft spot Xander.”

“No. No! I was uh…just asking where the little twerp was. You two are usually always together.”

Xander always said he didn’t like Nick, and he especially likes to say so by calling him names behind his back. I knew he didn’t really hate Nick, because Nick and I have been friends for years. Xander is just taking the protective older brother role. But maybe he was warming up to Nick or possibly lying this whole time.

“He’s with his friend Charlie. I left both of them to go look for this one.” I turned to Imogen who had our cups ready.

“Bottoms up!” She exclaimed. “1, 2, 3!”

We downed our drinks again in one go. The burning and sensation was less strong this time.

“Woah. You might want it slow down there.” Noah said.

I shook my head, “Don’t worry I’m fine. You know this is the first time we’ve ever been with each other outside of practice.”

“Yeah you’re right.” He agreed.

Imogen put her arm around my shoulder.

“Let’s go dance!”

I turned to Xander and Noah. “Do you guys want to join?”

“Sure why not.” Noah said.

Xander downed the drink he had in his hand, tossed it behind him and said, “Screw it.”

The four of us made it to the dance floor and it was great. I also got to talk to Noah here and there and I learned more about him. It was nice to feel more connected with him. Us getting along better will definitely help with the play.

Imogen and I were dancing to one of our favorite songs when I saw Nick walking through the dance floor. I quickly walked over to him.

“Nick! Come dance with me!” He seemed caught off guard, but when I put my arms around his neck he didn’t hesitate to put his arms around my waist.

“You know I can’t dance.”

“It’s fine. I don’t care.”

We danced for a while and then I asked.

“How’s Charlie? I know Harry was a little harsh with him earlier.”

“He’s doing alright. I was actually looking for him earlier, he kind of disappeared.”

I stopped dancing and now I was alarmed. Charlie shouldn’t be alone at his first party and especially not Harry’s party.

“Do you want me to come help you look for him?”

“No…no I can go look for him. I want you to have fun.”

“Are you sure?”

I noticed hesitation in his face, but his words remained true.

“I’m sure. Go back with Imogen.” He kissed me on the lips and then slowly pulled away. I smiled before goofily dancing away. Nick instantly laughed at my antics, but there was a sadness in his eyes. I wanted to ask him what was wrong, but he walked away.

I turned around confused, but then I saw something wonderful. Tara and Darcy were kissing in public! In front of everyone!

I know they were taking about sneaking around less, but seeing them kiss made it more real. I quickly ran over to them to scream with joy.

————————

Nick

I watched Y/n dance away and I took her in. Like really took her in. I watched the glitter on her face shine as she moved. I saw the lights paint colors of blue, green, purple, and pink on her skin. I watched as she danced crazy in public, but didn’t care because she wanted to make me smile. This is why I love her. Her soul is beautiful. Y/n is beautiful.

She doesn’t deserve any of this. She doesn’t deserve me being confused with my feelings. She deserves someone to be there for her and I haven’t been there for her recently. I got too in my head and she’s starting to notice, but I can’t help it. I have a lot of emotions that I can’t process, but I need time.

A part of me wants to tell her what’s going on. How I have conflicting feeling for Charlie. Before we started dating she had always been a reliable person I could go to. A safe space and person. But I couldn’t go to her for this. I would basically be telling her that I have feelings for someone else, and that’s kind of cheating emotionally.

But I don’t know what to do! I can’t tell her this, as much as I want to, and I can’t keep treating her like this. All I can do now is stare at her and watch how care free she is. Capture herself in this beautiful moment.

Y/n must have noticed my change in demeanor because she stopped dancing, but I didn’t want her to worry so I began to walk away. Y/n will get an explanation, but after I sort everything out. Right now I just have to try my best.

I was making my way to the doorway when I saw Tara and Darcy kissing. I smiled. I talked with Tara earlier tonight. The last time we talked was when we kissed each other at a get together when we were 13. It was nice to catch up and she said that she was here with her girlfriend and how they wanted to stop hiding. I internally applauded for my friend and her girlfriend. They achieved a milestone and it should be celebrated.

Seeing Tara and Darcy actually reminded me of Charlie. Wait Charlie. I was looking for him earlier. He’s been gone for a while and now I’m starting to worry. I pushed past a few people on the dance floor, and after saying hi to a few people in passing, I finally found Charlie.

He was sitting on the couch Y/n, Charlie and I were sitting on earlier, but something seemed off. He looked upset. I walked over to the couch and sat next to him.

“Hi.” I said.

“Hi.”

“You left.”

“Sorry. I felt like I was in the way. And you’re year 11 friends are kind of intimidating, but Y/n is really nice.” He looked around for Y/n, “Where is she?”

“On the dance floor with Imogen. Yeah my friends can be intimidating, but I don’t know if I want to hang out with those guys anymore. I mean Y/n has been telling me for years to ditch them, but I think I’m finally going to stop hanging out with them. I’d rather hang out with you anyway.”

“So I just ran into Ben.”

Oh no.

“Ben?”

“Yeah. I mean—I dealt with it. He tried to like apologize for what happened, but I pushed him into a wall and told him to go away. I think he got the message this time.”

I was shocked. Charlie didn’t seem like the type to fight back physically, but he stood up for himself and I was proud of Charlie. I saved him from Ben and now Charlie saved himself from Ben tonight.

“I’m so proud.” I put my hand on top of his.

“Shut up!”

A bunch of cheers erupted from the dance floor.

“It’s kind of noisy in here isn’t it?”

“Yeah.”

“Should we go somewhere quite then?”

I don’t know where this came from. The music was just fine, but for some reason I wanted to be with Charlie and away from all of this.

“Okay.” Charlie said.

“Come on.” I grabbed Charlie’s hand and cut through the dance floor, so I could find a quiet place.

“You want to race?” I offered.

“Oh you want to race me?” Charlie said and before I knew he already started running.

“No, no, no.” I said as I ran after him.

“Come on.” Charlie said as we raised up the stairs.

“Wait stop! You’re going too fast!” I forgot how fast Charlie was. I could barely keep up with him. I’m surprised he’s not on the track team.

“You’re going too fast! Slow down!” I exclaimed, but Charlie didn’t slow down one bit and he kept on going up the stairs.

We finally got to the top and I followed Charlie down a hallway. I was dust.

“Come on.” Charlie said.

“I’m trying!” I said through tired breaths.

“It’s ‘cause you’re old.” Charlie teased.

Charlie opened a nearby door and ran in. I followed him in shortly after.

“Woah.” Charlie said as I entered. I looked around the room. There was a big crystal chandelier in the middle and a huge decorated Christmas tree. There was no furniture, so the room was completely empty, well except for the tree.

“Yeah.”

“How did Harry hire this entire place?” Charlie asked.

“Oh he’s like extremely rich.”

“He should have gone on My Super Sweet 16.”

“Hmm. So he could cry when his parents got him the wrong color Lamborghini.”

Charlie laughed, “Exactly.”

My breaths started to slow down, but I was still tired from the run, so I took a seat on the floor by the window. Charlie followed suit.

“So…I guess you’re pretty happy with Y/n.” Charlie said.

“Yeah she makes me happy.” I said which was the truth.

“So you don’t have a crush on anyone else at the moment?”

I wanted to say no, but then I would be lying and I couldn’t do that. I hesitated before saying, “Well…I didn’t say that.”

“Oh.” Charlie took a deep breath.

“What’s she like then?”

“You’re just going to assume they’re a “she”?”

Charlie looked shocked. I was shocked too. Where did this sudden boldness come from. The last time I felt this bold was when I asked Y/n out on a date.

“Are they…Are they not a girl?”

“Um…”

I didn’t know what to say. I was still very confused about my feelings. Did I like boys? I don’t know.

“Would you go out with someoen who wasn’t a girl?”

I didn’t know what to say again. All my life I always had crushes on girls and liked female celebrities. I never considered seeing boys that way.

“I don’t know. Maybe.”

Charlie inches his foot closer and placed his right hand beside mine on the ground.

“Would you kiss someone who wasn’t a girl?”

“I don’t know.”

I felt his pinky slightly touch my pinky and jolts of electricity went through my finger.

I nervously looked up at Charlie and he was already staring at me.

“Would you kiss me?”

I didn’t know what to say. I wanted to say yes, but I wanted to say no at the same time. I didn’t say anything and instead inched my hand closer to Charlie’s.

I slowly looked up at him and down at his lips. The last lips mine touched were Y/n’s and I’ve only ever kissed girl’s lips in the past. But when I looked down at Charlie’s lips it didn’t seem so odd to do so.

“Yeah.” I finally answered his question from before.

Charlie slowly leaned in and after a few seconds I leaned in as well. I close my eyes and waited until I felt Charlie’s lips on mine. It was definitely different. Strange, but not bad. It was definitely a new experience for me.

I slowly opened my eyes and looked at Charlie and I quickly turned my body ahead. Charlie did the same. The atmosphere was awkward now.

I just kissed a boy, Charlie, and I kind of liked it. So what does this mean. Am I gay? No that can’t be right. Iv’e liked girls all my life until now, so maybe…maybe I like girls and boys. The thought felt odd, but good.

I looked back at Charlie, but he looked unsure. I guess it makes sense. This whole time he thought I was straight until now. Hell even I thought I was straight until now. I grabbed his hand to reassure him that everything was okay. He looked back at me and then we leaned in again.

He put his hand on my back and my hand found its way to his arm. We kissed for a few more seconds. It was simple and innocent and I almost let my mind go, but then my mind went to Y/n. Omg Y/n!

I just cheated on Y/n. My girlfriend. The one person I was supposed to protect, care for, and love. I just cheated on the girl I loved. I felt awful and not because of Charlie. Charlie had nothing to do with this. I felt awful about doing such a thing to someone as pure a soul as Y/n. She doesn’t deserve any of this.

“You okay?” Charlie asked. He must have realized something was on my mind.

“I…” but I was interrupted when I heard Harry’s voice.

“Nick, are you up here? Y/n is looking for you. Why are you hiding?”

I quickly stood up and pulled away from Charlie. Charlie looked shocked, but I couldn’t say anything. Not now. Without saying a word I walked out to go see Harry.

…

“And like it’s all just banter, isn’t it? I mean the lads can see it’s banter, you can see it’s banter. There’s no need to start anything, just ‘cause you’re in a bad mood at my birthday party.” Harry said matter a factly as if he had the story straight. But after everything thats been going on and with what just happened, I don’t have the energy to argue with Harry right now.

“Yeah. Guess I was just in a mood.”

“Yeah exactly. So we’re good?”

As much as I wanted to scream no at him I did the exact opposite.

“Yeah. Just going to find the loo.”

At least I could make up an excuse to leave. Then I thought about how I acted after I kissed Charlie. I acted like a total douche. I just up and left him with no explanation.

I walked back down the hallway to the room Charlie and I were in before and I opened the door, but it was empty. Charlie left. Great.

I walked out of the room and walked back to where Harry and his friends were and they were gone as well. At least I wouldn’t have to deal with them.

—————————

Tara, Darcy and I were talking on the couch that Nick, Charlie, and I were on earlier. Imogen went off to go snog some boy and Xander and Noah went off to go do their own thing.

Tara and I were talking about our last dance class when I saw Nick in the corner of my eye.

“Nick!” I said, but he didn’t hear me.

I stood up from the couch and ran after Nick.

“Nick! Nick!” I followed him down the hall and outside the door. We were now outside in the driveway of the hotel.

“Nick!” Nick stopped in his tracks when he heard my voice, but he didn’t turn around.

“Nick?”

I finally caught up to him, but he didn’t turn around. I gently tapped his shoulder.

“Nick.” I said softly and slowly Nick turned around.

I looked at his face and I saw what I saw in his eyes earlier with a hint of something else. His eyes were filled with sadness and now regret.

I said nothing and wrapped my arms around him. Nick wrapped his arms around me and buried his face in my shoulder. He began to cry.

I’ve only seen him cry once before and that was when his dad left. But that was so long ago. We were kids back then. But as I held him in my arms now he looked like the little boy that cried in my arms all this years ago.

I rubbed circles on his back and I did something I always did when he was sad. I wrote a message on his back. At first I did it as a way to comfort him, but then we made a game out of it.

I traced on his back “I love you” and that just made him cry harder. Now I knew something we going on, but I didn’t know it was this bad. This whole time he was struggling and I didn’t see it. I’ve been a terrible girlfriend, but I can change that now. I patted his back before I slowly pulled away and Nick wiped his eyes.

“I’m going to text my brother and ask to take us home. Is that okay?”

Nick nodded.

I pulled out my phone and texted Xander.

[Y/n]: hey are you still at Harry’s party?

I waited a few minutes until he answered.

[Xander]: yea why?

[Y/n]: Nick isn’t doing too well and he wants to go home. I went with Imogen, but I know she wouldn’t want to leave so early. Can you take us home?

I waited a few more minutes, but he didn’t reply. Seriously?

“Hey.” I turned around and saw Noah.

“Hey. What are you doing here?” I asked.

“Xander said you and Nick needed a ride home and I was the one who drove us here. Xander is just getting our coats real quick.”

So Xander decided to help.

“Well he could have had the decency to text that.”

“Where’s the fun in that sis?” Xander said as he walked down the hotel steps. I rolled my eyes.

“You got what you wanted anyway. Now let’s go.”

I grabbed Nicks hand and we all followed Noah to his car. We all got in the car and I sent a quick text to Tara to take Imogen home, since I was leaving. Tara sent a thumbs up.

Noah began to drive and Nick put his head on my shoulder. I interlocked our hands as I looked out the car window.

[thesparkling-diamond27]

UPDATE

Hi lovelies! I’m sorry I’ve been kind of m.i.a. lately. There has just been a lot going on with school and I went on vacation. I was planning on writing during vacation, but I honestly just wanted a break. I will continue to update when love remains, since I’ve missed like 2 weeks, so lll post tomorrow and Thursday to make up for the past 2 weeks and then post on Friday as usual.

I have received a request for Fiyero and ragdoll reader and I have started it and will finish it as soon and I can. I might separate it into 2 parts because of how long it is, but I’ll see once I’m finished.

I will continue to write the second Bridgerton and I whenever I get the chance. Over the summer I will definitely have way more time to write what I want.

Lastly, thank you so much for the support for my Fiyero oneshots! Dancing through life reached 500 likes and No one mourns the wicked is almost at 400. I honestly didn’t expect for them to receive much attention lol. I just wanted to do something with my obsession with the wicked movie, Fiyero and Jonathan Bailey.

I’m sorry for being so inconsistent and not writing, but I will try my best to write when I can :)

🥰🫶🫧

[thesparkling-diamond27]

When Love Remains: Crush

Nick Nelson x Reader

Summary: Nick and Charlie officially become friends. The mentioning of Leonardo DiCaprio is the highlight of rehearsal (and maybe a certain someone) Charlie does not like the odds he has with Nick. Elle branches out. Charlie hears some (maybe) bad news. Nick is cute in a Steve Harrington kind of way. Elle plays detective. Romeo tries to make small talk. The cat is out of the bag. Nick is scared and confused :(

A/n: I’m sorry this is a little late. I went to the city with one of my friends and it completely slipped my mind that it was Friday. I also wish tumblr had more gifs of Nick. I didn’t really want to use this gif because he felt so lost during this scene, but I figured it goes well with what happens in this episode. I hope you enjoy :)

Nick

Awhile after I arrived back home, I scrolled through Charlie’s posts on instagram. There was one post with Charlie and his friends with sparklers. That seemed to have been a fun night.

Another post was with Charlie comparing himself to a cat. That’s funny. I scrolled a little further down and suddenly came across a post of the boys locker room and the caption said: “I hate it here”

I was reminded of a conversation that I overheard a couple of my teammates having last year.

“Did you hear some year 9 is gay?”

“It’s not really bullying…”

“Like he sort of asked for it.”

“This is an all boys school what did he expect?”

“He’s so gross.”

“I bet he was looking at us in the changing room.”

“I’d rather be dead than be gay.”

“He’s looking at us.”

“What a weirdo.”

“He’s such a loser.”

Back then I said nothing, because what could I have done. I didn’t know Charlie back then and I was an underclassmen. I didn’t want to overstep my boundaries with the upperclassmen. I felt bad that Charlie had to go through all that bullying. I should have said something back then, but I didn’t. But now I could.

I knew Charlie personally now, so maybe I could protect him from the rugby team at least. I don’t know how I would protect him from the rest of the school, but he fortunately didn’t seem to be getting bullied now.

Thinking about Charlie brought me back to what happened after practice with Ben. The situation with him seemed serious and seemed to be going on for a while. I wanted to make sure Charlie was still okay after Ben’s harassment, so I opened our messages on instagram and saw the text that he had texted me earlier.

[Charlie]: thank you x

I should probably respond I thought.

I began to type “It’s okay”, but that didn’t seem to be good enough, so I deleted that message and started typing again.

“That seems like a kinda serious situation.” Nah that didn’t seem right easier. It was none of my business to comment on what happened. I erased it. “Please don’t talk to Ben anymore.” No. No. Definitely no. That was way too direct. Eventually, after several other deleted text messages, I finally typed up a decent message. It showed that I cared and it wasn’t too specific. I sent it.

[Nick]: Are you feeling okay?

[Charlie]: yeah I’m fine don’t worry😊

[Nick]: You sure??

Typing…

Charlie stopped typing and I waited. Maybe he trying to figure out the right words to say.

Typing…

Charlie stopped typing again. I guess I can understand why he’s confused on what to say. What can you respond with on a situation like this? I began to type something to make it easier for him with the addition of what I typed earlier, because it seemed appropriate here.

[Nick]: You can talk to me about it if you want to

[Nick]: Sounds like a pretty serious situation

[Nick]: But you don’t have to

[Nick]: If you don’t want to

[Nick]: But I am your friend and I do care

[Charlie]: well it started last September

Last September. No wonder I never noticed Charlie before. My mind was consumed with Y/n at the time. He explained how Ben and him first met and how everything seemed fine at first until it went downhill.

[Charlie]: he never actually wanted to be my boyfriend

[Charlie]: I guess he was just using me

That’s awful. No one should ever be treated that way. It shouldn’t even be allowed for someone to be used. I know I would never do that to Y/n and vice versa.

[Charlie]: sorry…I know he’s your friend

[Nick]: well he’s definitely not anymore!!!!

[Nick]: GOD I hate him so much

[Nick]: Please don’t ever talk to him again

Okay maybe I was being a little too passionate about this, but I was just stating my opinion. I really did hate him now and I wish for Charlie to never speak to him again.

[Charlie]: thank you for being my supportive straight friend haha

[Nick]: Lol thats okay!!!

[Nick]: If he ever comes near you again I’ll kick his ass

Where was this coming from? I had no idea. I usually only get this protective when it comes to Y/n.

[Charlie]: ❤️

He sent me a heart. It was harmless really. He was showing appreciation to me as a friend. Then why did it make me smile like an idiot?

—————————

“2 hot chocolates please.” I said to Ms. Green at the hot chocolate stand.

“Coming right up. How are you two girls doing today?”

“Good.” I relied.

“Excited! It’s the first day of Romeo and Juliet rehearsals!” Imogen said.

“Well that is very exciting.” Ms Green poured the steaming hot chocolate into two cups. “What roles are you ladies playing?”

“Y/n is playing Juliet and I am playing the nurse.”

“Juliet? Wow you got the lead that’s very impressive. And the nurse. That is not an easy role. You two are going to have your hands full.”

“We most certainly will, but we wouldn’t have it any other way.” I said with a smile.

“Of course! Well here are your hot chocolates. Enjoy!”

She handed us our cups and Imogen and I paid for them.

“Thank you so much Ms. Green. Have a nice day!” I said.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome girls.”

Imogen began gulping down her hot chocolate.

“How can you drink that without burning your tongue off?!” I asked.

“It’s a gift. Anyway let’s go see your lover boy before he has a heart attack that he doesn’t get to see you before rehearsals.”

I playfully shoved her. I took a sip from my hot chocolate when I noticed Elle a few feet in front of us.

“Elle!” I shouted. She turned around and smiled. She waited as Imogen and I sped up our pace to catch up with her. The three of us began to walk together.

“How has your day been?”

“Good so far. How about your days?”

“Can’t complain.” I said and Imogen shrugged.

I nudged Elle’s shoulder before asking.

“Soooo did you make any new friends yet?”

Elle groaned. “You sound like my form teacher.”

“I guess not then.” I replied

“It’s just hard.”

“I understand. I have social anxiety so it’s hard for me to make new friends.”

Elle looked at me shocked. “Really? But you’re so bubbly and social.”

I shrugged. “I try to hide it. It may seem like I have a lot of friends, but in reality the only real friends I have are Imogen, my boyfriend and now you.”

Elle smiled when I mentioned her.

“Is there anyone who at least looks approachable?” Imogen asked.

Elle thought for a moment. “There actually is. My form teacher wanted Tara Jones to look after me, but I declined. However, she does seem really nice and so does her friend Darcy. I just don’t know how to approach them.”

“Oh Tara Jones! I know her. Me and her sometimes eat lunch together and we also take dance classes together. She is very nice and Darcy. I approve of both of them being friend candidates.”

Imogen checked the time on her phone.

“Y/n we got to go. Rehearsal starts in 10 minutes, so we have to get you to Nicky now.”

“Please do not call my boyfriend Nicky.” I said in disgust. I turned to Elle. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“I’ll see you tomorrow Y/n.”

“Okay let’s go!”

Imogen and I walked quickly to the gate between Higgs and Truham where Nick was already waiting.

“Hey!”

Nick looked up from his phone and smiled.

“Hey you.”

I gave him a quick kiss.

“Look I can’t stay for long.”

“I know I know and I got practice in a bit.” Nick pouted.

I pinched his check and he scrunched his nose cutely.

“Do you want to come over tonight?” He asked. “We can meet here after rehearsal and practice.”

“I would love that.” I stood up in my tip toes and kissed his nose.

“I’ll see you later. I love you.” I said softly.

“I love you too.”

I walked away from Nick and Imogen and I walked towards the auditorium for rehearsal.

“Try not to fall in love with the guy playing Romeo! Your real Romeo is right here!” Nick jokingly called out.

“Don’t worry I know!”

Imogen and I opened the doors to the school and felt a swoosh of warm air.

“I can’t wait to begin! I wander what we’re going to start with first? I also can’t wait to be on stage with you!” Imogen exclaimed.

“Me too! I’m also curious to see who is going to play Romeo. I don’t recognize the name Noah Harding.”

“Me neither. Maybe we just never crossed paths with him or he could be new.”

“That can be possible. I just hope we can be friends and get along.”

“I agree your chemistry has be on point with one another.”

I opened the door to the auditorium.

“After you.” I said to Imogen.

“Why thank you.” She walked through the door, before I followed after her, and the both of us took our seats in the middle of the fourth row furthest to the right.

“Here’s our staring lady. It is so good to see you my daughter.” Freddie said after turning around in his seat. He was an acquaintance of mine from drama club and he was going to playing my mother and father in the play.

“It is good to see you Mother/Father.” I replied. He laughed at my joke before turning back around.

Someone cleared their throat next to me and I looked up at a boy. He was tall with chestnut brown hair and it was surprisingly paired with crystal blue eyes. Freckles were sprinkled across his nose and cheeks.

I haven’t seen this guy around before, but then again 90% Higgs and Truham were separated.

“Is anyone sitting here?” He asked as he pointed at the vacant seat next to me.

“No not at all.”

When he sat down I realized that he was the only person here I didn’t recognize and there was only one name on the cast list I did not recognize.

“Are by any chance Noah Harding?”

“Yup that’s me!”

“So you’re Romeo! My name is Y/n and I’m Juliet.”

“Well I’m pleased to meet you Juliet.”

“I’m pleased to meet you Romeo.”

He smiled in response. He had a certain energy about him that I couldn’t describe. It made me feel hopeful that we would become great friends over the next couple of months.

“Alright everyone settle down!” Ms. Swan

Said. All of the chatter in the auditorium died down.

“Now I know all of you are excited to get started today, and we will, but first I have a few things to go through first.”

Almost everybody groaned.

“Alright, alright that’s enough. Enough eith the groaning! First I would like to thank all of you for auditioning for Romeo and Juliet. It was truly an honor to see all of you put so much passion into your auditions and I hope you are all happy with the cast list.”

Everyone nodded in agreement.

“Good very well. Now I would like to talk about the play and my vision. Now, I know you all know that Romeo and Juliet takes place in 1589 and it’s has all the ballgowns and the old language, but I would like to make this our own version of Romeo and Juliet.”

We all murmured with curiosity.

“Where is she going with this?” Noah whispered to me.

“I have no idea.”

“I want to do a modern take on the classic Shakespearean play. Have any of you seen the movie Romeo and Juliet with Leonardo DiCaprio?”

All the girls, myself included, squealed at the mention of Leonardo DiCaprio, while all the boys rolled their eyes. I still remember the time I forced Nick to watch that movie with me and he kept pouting because I said Leonardo was cute.

“I assume some of you know the movie.” Ms. Swan continued. “Well picture that movie, but onstage, with slight altercations. “

We all chattered with excitement. I was already excited for this play, but now I was even more eager to start.

“And that’s not all.”

We stopped talking.

“I have a vision for this play, but it is not possible with our theater, which is why we will be performing in the Circle theatre about 10 minutes from here.”

Now that caused everyone to go abuzz.

“Am I dreaming?” I asked Imogen.

“Nope.”

“Good! Can you believe this! We’ll be performing on a real life stage!”

“I know I can’t believe this!” I exclaimed.

Noah was about to say something to me, but was quickly interrupted by Ms. Swan

“Alright everyone! Let’s get started!”

—————————

Charlie

I was currently in class with Tao and Issac, but I was not paying attention. I was currently scrolling through the text messages between Nick and I over the weekend.

Tao clicked his tongue and sighed. “He’s straight Charlie. Like you only need to glance at him to see he’s a massive heterosexual. Isaac, back me up on this.”

Isaac looked up from the book he was reading. It always amazed me how he can read and listen to our conversations at the same time.

“Ginormous heterosexual.” Isaac replied and returned to his book.

“Exactly!” Tao said.

“Masculine guys can be gay.” I argued. “And no offense, but you’re not exactly the authority on working out who is and isn’t gay.” I turned to Isaac. “And bisexual people exist.”

Isaac said nothing and simply smiled before returning back to his book.

“I know he’s straight. He told me.” I said to Tao.

“So, you need to get over him.”

Although I wanted to argue with Tao, deep down I knew he was right. Nick was definitely straight and there was nothing I could do about it. He only sees me as a friend and he could never possibly have feelings for me, but then I got an idea about where I could go for advice.

…….

“Mr. Ajayi.” I said.

“Charlie Spring.”

Mr. Ajayi was the school’s art teacher. He let me eat lunch in the art room with him when I was getting bullied last year. Ever since then he became a teacher and person I could come to talk to about things. He was also gay like me, so I could go to him for things like this.

“I have a question.” I wasted no time and cut right to the chase. I put my books on the table and took a seat.

“Well I’m officially a beacon of learning, so, fire away.”

“How do I stop liking someone. Specifically a straight guy.”

“Uh, the question for the ages. I thought you had a boyfriend.”

“No. No, he was horrible. This is someone else.”

“Wow being a teenager is terrible.” I smiled at his words. “You know when I was a teenager and had a crush on a straight boy, I just repressed it and suffered.”

“That’s doesn’t sound very healthy.”

He agreed with my statement. “Now, this may seem obvious, but have you tried putting some space between you?”

I quickly picked up my books and stood up. I knew Mr. Ajayi would suggest distance with Nick, but I didn’t want to do that.

“You know what. I can’t do that.”

I began to walk to the door.

“Can’t or don’t want to?”

“Nope.”

“I’m just saying—“

I turned around.

“I needed realistic solutions. He’s…He’s a really good friend.”

I started walking to the door again.

“I’m afraid you’re just going to have to suffer then.” Were the last few words I heard before I was out in the hallway.

—————————

Elle

I walked into form and approached my seat when I heard someone call my name.

It was Tara.

“You dropped your pencil case.” She held it out for me.

“Oh. Thanks, Tara.”

“It’s really cute, where’s it from?”

“Uh, Paperchase, but I painted all the little flowers on it.”

“Really?” Tara looked impressed. “That’s so cool. I can barely draw stick figures.”

We both laughed.

“Do you want to meet up with us for lunch today?” Tara offered.

“Did Miss Greenwood tell you to try and make friends with me?”

“Uh…no. But Y/n may have mentioned you once or twice, and you seem really nice.”She genuinely looked like she was telling the truth, so I believed her. I thought about it.

“We eat in the canteen, so you can join us any time.” She smiled and walked to her seat in the back. I sat in my own seat and smiled at the thought of possibly eating lunch with Tara and Darcy.

…….

I walked into the crowded canteen and I looked for Tara and Darcy. I heard my name and saw Tara in the middle of the canteen waving me over. I waved back and walked over to their table.

“Hi.” I said.

“So, Tara said you had no friends.” Darcy said. Well that was direct.

“I didn’t say that.” Tara said.

I ignored them and sat down.

“Monster Munch?” Darcy offered. I took it.

“So, you moved schools from Truham?” Tara asked.

“Yeah, Truham was just hell for me, so…I mean, it was hell for almost everyone, but, like, especially me. And I kept getting suspended because of my hair length.”

“Hair length?” Darcy asked.

“Yeah. They had this stupid “chin length or above” rule.”

“Have you been finding it any better here?” Darcy asked.

“Yeah, it’s a lot less stressful. Apart from having the whole “having no friends” issue.”

“Don’t worry, most people here are nice. Like Y/n. Hey Y/n!”

I looked to where Tara was waving and I saw Y/n walking over to the table with a smile.

“Hey guys. I see you made some friends Elle.”

“Yeah.” I simply replied. I didn’t know if I was friends with Tara and Darcy yet, but it seems like I will be.

“Look who finally decided to join us.” Darcy said.

“I know, but with all my lines I need to practice during lunch to make sure it’s perfect.”

“We understand and we will be front row every night. We’re your biggest fans.” Tara said.

“Yeah, but maybe not as big as a fan as Nick.” Darcy said with a smirk.

“Is Nick your boyfriend?” I asked Y/n.

“Yeah we’ve been going out since the beginning of this school year.”

“That’s nice.”

“Yeah.” Y/n said with a smile. She checked the time on her phone. “Hey I got to go, but it was nice talking to you guys. Maybe next time I’ll join you. See you around.”

“See you!” Tara and Darcy said.

“See people here are nice. Just don’t do anything Darcy says.”

Darcy scoffed.

“She’ll have you taking part in her lunchtime games of American football in the science corridor.” Tara continued.

We all laughed.

“Have you two been friends for a long time?” I asked.

Tara and Dracy shared a look and agreed at my statement, but there seemed to be some unspoken truth shared between them as well.

“Best gal pals.” Darcy said.

“Since year 7, so five years of hell.”

Darcy threw her Monster Munch at Tara and Tara threw one right back at her before Darcy popped it in her mouth.

Things seemed to be turning around for me.

———————

Charlie

“This is Nellie.”

Nick and I were in form and he was showing me pictures of his dog on his phone.

“Oh my god, she so cute.” I said. “I wish I had a dog. My parents don’t like animals.”

“Well you should come round my house and meet her. Are you free on Saturday?”

I froze in my spot. Was this really happening? Was Nick asking to hang out with me.

“Yeah, I think so.” I said.

“Sweet. It has to be in the morning though because I have lunch plans with…”

I didn’t hear anything after that because all I could think about was getting to hang out with Nick.

—————————

Nick

[Nick]: Hey we’re still on for lunch on Saturday right?

[Y/n]: Yea of course😊

[Nick]: Perfect! I’ll pick you up at 3:00

[Y/n]: 👍

[Y/n]: I love you🩷

[Nick]: I love you too❤️

…….

“Tomorrow still good?” I asked as I referred to the lunch date Y/n and I had planned for Saturday.

Y/n and I were currently outside at the gate with our friends before school started, but Y/n’s face fell at my question.

“Wait what’s wrong?”

“I can’t.” Y/n said. “My mom wants to go visit my grandma.”

I wanted to be upset, but how could I? She was going to go visit her grandma. I pouted.

“Why are you so sad?” She asked.

“Because I haven’t been able to hang out with you all week and now I can’t hang out with you tomorrow.” I said as I leaned against the table.

Y/n smiled and put her arms around my neck. “Well how about we hang out after your game on Sunday. We’re both free.”

“You’re right. Why didn’t I think about that?”

“Because you’re sad and gloomy.”

I rolled my eyes playfully.

“But you’re cute when you’re sad and gloomy.”

Those words brought a smile to my face and I brought her into a kiss. We kissed for a few seconds until one of my friends whistled. I broke away and gave my friend a glare, but he simply shrugged.

“It’s okay. I have to finish English homework anyway.” Y/n said. She gave me a kiss on the cheek before she sat at the table she was leaning on and opened her back pack.

I haven’t been able to hang out with her all week because of Romeo and Juliet rehearsals and now I couldn’t hang out with Imogen either because she was in the play too. I was bored. Then I thought about Charlie.

Last Saturday was really fun . Maybe he would want to hang out again. I took out my phone and began to type up a text: “Sooooo I was wondering if you wanted to hang out again this weekend.”

I was about to click send when Imogen spoke up.

“Who you texting?”

“Your mum?”

My friends laughed at my joke. I didn’t see Y/n’s reaction, but I assumed she rolled her eyes.

“Whoa. Great joke. Nicholas. Who are you texting?” Imogen grabbed my phone, but I pulled it away.

“Don’t!” I said.

“Come on, who are you texting?”

She grabbed for my phone again.

“I’m texting no one. God.”

“Well okay fine. Who would you be texting anyway, since you have Y/n.”

My friends cheered at Imogen’s comment. I turned back to look at Y/n and she smiled at me. I smiled back. I looked back down at my phone and deleted the message. For some reason it felt wrong to message Charlie to hang out.

—————————

Charlie

It was Sunday and we were currently beating our opponent in rugby. I was the reserve, so I didn’t get to play yet, but I was fine with not playing at all. I’m scared on how I would play if I was put in today. Maybe next time.

“So we’re doing well.” I turned to see Tao.

“Don’t pretend you have any idea you know what’s going on.” I said.

“Which end are we supposed to be getting the ball to?”

“That end.” I pointed at the end zone to the right. “Nick scored most of the points.”

“Well he is the Rugby King.”

“Yep.”

“I wanted to talk to you about Nick actually.”

Tao wanted to talk to me about Nick? Why?

“Yeah? Me too.” I said.

“Did you?”

“Yeah. Yeah. Well…you know how I thought he was straight?”

“Yes.”

“Well I’ve kind of been feeling like maybe he isn’t. Like he might like me back.”

I couldn’t tell the expression on Tao’s face, but I could tell he wasn’t happy

“Oh.” Is all he said.

“There’s just been all these little moments over the past couple of weeks and during the half-term. Like we’ve been hanging out non-stop and he’s been acting a little bit flirty sometimes. Obviously, I’m not getting my hopes up, but I just think maybe there’s a chance.”

I looked to see what Tao was thinking and I saw uneasiness on his face. I knew he wanted to say something, but he didn’t know how to say it.

“What?” I asked.

“Um…”

“What?”

I just wanted him to spit it out already. He probably was going to say how I shouldn’t be thinking this way and how Nick was definitely straight. But what he said next was the complete opposite.

“Nick has a girlfriend.”

I felt like my world shattered. Nick has a girlfriend? Wait maybe I didn’t hear Tao right.

“What?”

“Like he has a girlfriend and is in love with her.”

No Tao definitely said girlfriend. So all this time it was in my head?

“Wha…How do you know that?” I asked.

“Okay, I know how much you like him, and I just don’t want you to get hurt. So I decided to do some digging over the half-term and I message Otis, since I sort of know him, and I know he’s friends with Nick, and I just slyly asked if Nick was going out with anyone, because I might have a friend who’s interested. And he said that he has a girlfriend.”

I couldn’t believe this.

“What girl.”

“Her name is Y/n Collins.”

Y/n Collins. The name echoed in my head. Here I thought there might be a slight chance for me and Nick when he had a girlfriend the whole time.

Suddenly an eruption of cheers came from the field. The team were all in a huddle and it looked like we won, but it didn’t feel like we did.

“Charlie!” Nick waved at me from the field and I waved back awkwardly. I didn’t know how to act around him now that I know this piece of information, but on other hand this might not be true.

I didn’t want to get my hopes up, but maybe Nick didn’t have a girlfriend and it was either in the past or just a rumor. There was someone who could help us with this.

Tao took out his phone. Probably to text Elle.

[Tao]: emergency Charlie situation. You two free this evening?

—————————-

I lightly hummed as I listened to the music that played from my phone. I was currently laying on my back, on Nicks bed, with my legs leaning up against the wall towards his headboard. My eyes were closed as I fully immersed myself in the voices of my favorite singers.

After the game, Nick’s mum drove us back to his place where his family was hosting a celebratory dinner with my family. My parents and brother were currently downstairs with Nick’s family while I waited for Nick to finish his shower.

The next song that played from my playlist was one of my favorites and it was impossible not to sing along. My quiet humming slowly turned into singing as I sang the words of the chorus.

I was completely into the song that I didn’t notice Nick enter the room with a smile on his face. Nor did I see him grab his phone to record.

The song eventually came to a close and I began to wonder if Nick finished his shower yet. I checked the time on my phone and I found out that Nick has been showering for about a half an hour.

Call me a needy girlfriend, but I missed him and I wanted him to come back already. Watching him play for an hour and a half was not the same as spending time with him for that long.

I slightly sat up and angled my legs to the side, so that I could get up from the bed and knock on the bathroom door to see how much longer Nick was going to take.

I managed to get into a sitting position on the bed when I noticed Nick sitting on his desk with his phone angled towards me.

I jumped back and slightly yelped when I noticed that Nick was in this room. I didn’t even know he came back. When did he come back? How long has he been sitting there? Did he hear me singing just now? Why did he have his phone out? Was he recording me?

“Oh my gosh you scared me!” I exclaimed.

“I’m sorry that was not my intention.” Nick said as he came over to his bed and kissed me on the cheek.

“I didn’t even hear you come in.”

“I’m stealthy like a ninja.”

“Did you just quote Steve Harrington?”

“Maybe.” He said as he sat next to me.

I playfully rolled my eyes. My eyes then wandered to his phone that he left sitting on top of his desk.

“Were you recording me earlier?” I asked.

“Yeah.” He said without any hesitation.

I immediately stood from the bed and began to walk towards his desk to grab his phone, but Nick’s reflexes were something else. His hands immediately wrapped around my waist and prevented me from moving.

“Let me go! I need to delete it!” I said as I struggled to break free from his hold.

“I can’t let you do that.”

“Why not? I probably sound awful.”

“That’s not possible. You always sound like an angel. Even when you’re not trying.”

I slowly stopped squirming and I turned around to face Nick.

“You’re lying.”

“I’m not lying.”

“Okay fine you’re not lying, but what can you possibly need that video for.” I said as I began to walk towards his desk, but once again I was stopped by Nick.

“I can’t just have a video of my girlfriend singing on her phone?”

“No. Absolutely not! I cannot have someone accidentally witnessing that video.”

“I promise I won’t show the video to anyone. It’s mainly for me anyway.”

I stopped moving and furrowed my eyes at his words.

“Mainly for you?” I turned around to face him again. Mainly for him? What did he mean by that?

“Yeah.” He sheepishly looked down at the floor. “This is going to sound kind of embarrassing.”

“More embarrassing than my video?” I jokingly asked as I sat down next to him on his bed.

“Yes.”

“I highly doubt it, but say what you need to say. You know I won’t judge you.”

Nick looked at me and I looked back at him encouragingly. He gently grabbed my hand and quietly mumbled something, but I couldn’t quite hear what he said.

“What did you say?”

“I was going to add the video to my photo album of you.” He said a little louder.

“Photo album?”

“Yeah I have a photo album on my phone that’s compiled of a bunch of photos and videos of you. I usually look at them when I’m feeling down or simply just missing you. I know it’s stupid and—“

“It’s not stupid.”

“It’s not?”

“Of course not! In fact I think it’s cute.”

Butterflies instantly filled my stomach when Nick mentioned the photo album. I had no idea that he took the time to place all those photos and videos into a singular album and even looked through them from time to time.

I felt giddy that he made such an effort to do such a thing when he didn’t have to. It showed me that he truly loved me and even missed me to the point where he had look at pictures of me. It made me realize how seriously he takes our relationship and how I shouldn’t take his love for granted.

“I shouldn’t be seen as cute in your eyes.” Nick retorted at the comment I said earlier.

“You might not think so, but I do.” I giggled.

“Well how about I change your mind.” Nick said before he fully stood up and shut the door of his bedroom to give us privacy.

“What do you mean by that?” I asked, but we both knew that I knew.

“You’ll see.” Nick said before he connected his lips with mine.

——————-

Charlie

“As your token straight friend it’s my duty to remind you that sometimes people are straight. It’s an unfortunate fact of life.”

Tao, Isaac and Elle and I were all at Tao’s house after the game. I was currently staring at a picture of Y/n Collins from her instagram. Nick’s supposed girlfriend.

“But we don’t know if it’s actually true that they’re dating.” Isaac said

“Isaac. I’ve already warned you about encouraging Charlie’s crushes on straight boys.” Tao said.

“But I want to believe in romance.”

Suddenly there was a knock on the door. It was Elle.

“Elle! So there’s this girl at Higgs who apparently is Nick’s girlfriend.” Isaac continued.

“We heard from multiple sources.” Tao added.

“But we don’t know if they’re actually a thing, so can you talk to her? Cause she’s in your year at school.”

“Charlie literally won’t give up on this straight boy until we know for sure.”

“Oh my god be quiet.” Elle sat down. “Okay. Slowly. What do you want?”

“Do you know a girl called Y/n Collins?” Tao asked.

“Yeah.”

“Y/n Collins? Wait wasn’t she Carrie in Carrie last semester?” Isaac asked.

I looked at him weirdly.

“You know her?” I asked.

“I know of her. I like to see the school plays and musicals. It’s one of the only times Truham and Higgs can mingle. She was Carrie last semester. In her sophomore year she played Epone in Les Miserables and Amber in Hairspray. And freshman year she didn’t get any roles but she was still good in the ensemble. Anyway, Elle can you ask her if she’s dating Nick Nelson?” Isaac asked.

So she could sing and act according to Isaac. How could I compete with that?

“Nick Nelson? You might as well give up right now. He’s the straightest person I have ever seen.” Elle said.

“Thank you!” Tao exclaimed.

“And I don’t know Y/n that well. Yes we’re friends, but I can’t just go up to her and ask who her boyfriend is. And I’m too busy being the cool, mysterious new girl who everyone wants to hang out with.” Elle said.

“So Y/n is Nick’s girlfriend?” Isaac asked.

“I know Y/n has a boyfriend named Nick, but I don’t know if he’s Nick Nelson.”

“I’m fine. Im honestly fine. I’m just being an idiot.” I said. I love my friends, but sometimes they can worry about me too much. So Nick is definitely straight. That’s fine! We can just be friends.

“Okay. Look, if and only if I get the chance, I’ll ask her.” Elle said.

I immediately got up from the floor and hugged Elle.

“Thank you!”

“I’m making no promises.”

Isaac joined in on the hug as well, but there was someone missing. We all looked at Tao

“Tao.” Isaac said.

“Come on.”Elle said.

Tao sighed before he stood up to join us.

—————————

Elle

I was currently in French class beside Y/n. Tara and Darcy were sitting behind us.

“Ladies, come on. We’ve still got 15 minutes to practice talking about friends and family. Everyone get into pairs.”Madame Martin said.

“Do you want to be partners?” Y/n asked.

“Sure I would love that.”

“Okay Elle. Vous avez un petit ami? (Do you have a boyfriend?)” Y/n asked me. Her French pronunciation was perfect. She spoke fluently like someone from France.

“No I do not have a boyfriend.” I said in the best way I could in French. “I’m sorry my French is terrible.”

“That’s okay! Don’t worry. Your turn now.”

“Okay.” I wanted to ask Y/n the same question. I knew she had a boyfriend, but I figured it would be easy to ask more questions about him if I asked this question first. I just didn’t know how to pronounce it. I found the question on the paper and asked in the worst French possible.

“Y/n, Vous avez un petit ami?” (Y/n do you have a boyfriend?”

“Oui, avez un petit ami.” (Yes I do have a boyfriend)

A/n: Hopefully these phrases are right I used google translate

“Quel est son nom? (What is his name?)” I asked.

“Il s’applle Nick Nelson. ( His name is Nick Nelson)”

So it was true. Y/n and Nick were dating.

“My turn to ask something.” Y/n said. As she looked at the paper for another question, I silently dreaded having to break the news to Charlie.

————————

“Alright everyone pipe down!” Ms. Swan said.

We all stopped talking and we were currently in rehearsal. It was around the end of March, so we only had a few more weeks until opening night in April.

“Now we took all of your measurements and they are now being used for some of your custom made outfits.”

We all squealed with excitement.

“I know you are all excited, but keep on looking for outfit ideas from your closet, in stores, or online. The play we’ll be here before we know it!”

We all nodded in understanding.

“Now I know you’re all excited and you will all get fitted into your costumes today, but you are going to be called one at a time. Bobby and Freddie, I want to go over the scene in Act lll with you two first, so Noah and Y/n you can go see Ms. Carlotta in the black box now.”

I nodded and Noah and I made our way to the black box theatre. It was silent. We were nice with each other while acting, but we never really hung out with each other outside of drama, so it as still a little awkward between us.

“So how was your day?” Noah asked.

Small talk. Normally I hated small talk, but there was nothing else to talk about.

“Good. I had a test in Maths today, and I don’t think I did well, but other than that it was pretty good. How was your day?”

“Eh pretty normal. I wouldn’t worry about maths. I bet you aced it.”

“Thanks.” I said with a smile.

Noah nodded.

“Do you have any plans this weekend?” He asked.

“Yeah nothing special. I’m just going to hang out with my boyfriend at his house.”

Noah’s face suddenly fell, or maybe I imagined it. “Your boyfriend?”

“Yeah. You might know him. His name is Nick Nelson and he’s on the rugby team.”

“Oh uh yeah I know of him. Uh how long have you two been going out?”

Noah stuck his hands in his blazer’s pockets and looked at the floor.

“Since the beginning of the school year.”

“Ah.”

If the atmosphere wasn’t awkward before it definitely was now.

“Well here we are.” We said when we approached the doors of the black box theatre. Noah said nothing and opened the door for me. I smiled and walked in.

“Y/n it’s so good to see you again.”

“It’s good to see you too Ms. Carlotta.”

Ms. Carlotta takes care of costumes for all the plays and musicals. I got to know her very well when I played Amber in Hairspray fall semester of my sophomore year. I was nervous with getting my first role, but Ms. Carlotta was so sweet and comforting.

“I don’t believe I know who this handsome young man is.”

“I’m Noah mamm.”

“Please call me Ms. Carlotta or Carlotta.”

“Okay Carlotta.”

Carlotta smiled at Noah. “I like him. He’s so polite. Anyway this is Ivy my assistant, and Y/n you already know her.

Ivy was a student crew member and was in charge of costumes after Ms. Carlotta.

I hugged her. “It’s great to see you again.”

I said.

“You too.” She said.

“Now Y/n, I’m going to measure you first. I have your measurements from last semester, but things can change.”

“Sounds good.”

“Perfect. Now arms out.”

Ms. Carlotta measured me and just like I thought my measurements were the same as last semester.

“Well it turns out you have the same measurements dear. I’ll alter your costume when it comes in and then we can adjust anything if necessary after that. Does that sound okay?”

“It sounds perfect.”

“Splendid. You can head back to rehearsal now Y/n and now I’ll measure you Noah.”

I turned to Noah.

“Do you want me to wait for you?”

“No it’s okay. I’ll be done in a minute.” He said with a smile.

I smiled back and walked out of the black box theatre.

————————

I was leaving school at the end of the day with Elle and I saw Tara and Darcy in their form classroom

“Hey it’s Tara and Darcy. Do you want to say hi?” Elle asked.

“Of course.”

We both walked into the classroom, but they didn’t notice our presence. They were too consumed in their own little world. They were holding each other’s hands in the table and quietly whispering things to each other. They were so cute together. I wanted to say how cute they were, but I wasn’t sure if Elle knew.

“Um, hi.” Elle said.

Tara and Darcy immediately separated their hands and stood up straight. They looked like they were caught in the act, when they did nothing wrong. It was quite funny.

“I was just admiring Tara’s hands. Cause like mine get super crusty in the cold, but hers are soft.”

“Darcy.”

I laughed at Darcy’s excuse to cover up their relationship.

“I’m sorry if I’ve got totally the wrong idea here, but are you two, like…dating?” Elle asked.

The duo looked at each other, and then at me before Tara said.

“Don’t tell anyone okay.”

“Finally! It was hard to keep your relationship a secret from her.” I said as I sat down on the desk in front of them.

“You know?” Elle said.

“I know and I’m the hugest Tarcy stan. Or Dara. No Dara sounds better.”

“Please don’t give us a ship name and only a few of our friends know, but I think you’re officially part of the inner circle.” Tara said. Tara grabbed my hand and Darcy’s hand. Darcy and I held out our hands for Elle to take, which she did.

“Also hers are really soft.” Darcy said.

“That’s the gayest excuse I’ve ever heard in my life.” Tara said. We all laughed.

“You befriended the school lesbians.” Darcy said.

My phone dinged in my pocket. I pulled it out.

[Nick]: hey I just finished practice. I’m ready when you are <3

I smiled.

[Y/n]: I’m on my way❤️

“Is that Mr. Nick Nelson?” Darcy said with a teasing smile.

“Maybe.”

“Alright then well go to your lover boy then.”

“Why does everyone call him that?” I asked as I got up from the desk.

“Because he is.” Tara said. “But it’s sweet. Really sweet. You can tell he loves you.”

“I’ll see you guys later.” I said.

“See you.”

—————————

“Hey.” I said.

Nick looked up from his phone and he beamed when he saw me.

“Hey you.”

He gently side hugged me and placed a kiss on the top of my head.

“Are you ready for go?” He asked. I nodded and we laced our hands together before we began to walk back home.

“How was practice?” I asked.

“It was alright. Not too bad, but not too good. How was rehearsal?”

“Great. We’ll be getting our costumes soon.”

“I can’t wait to see the play and support my beautiful girlfriend onstage.”

I blushed at his words and he noticed my reaction.

“Are you…are you blushing?” He asked with a teasing tone.

“No.” I said as I looked away. “It’s the cold air.”

“The cold air? You’re blaming the red tint on your cheeks on the cold air.”

“Maybe.”

“Well you are beautiful and I will remind you everyday just how beautiful you are.”

“Well then I get to tell you how handsome you are.” I retorted back.

Nick laughed at my words. “If you’re trying to get me to blush it’s not going to work love.”

“Not even a little?” I said with pleading eyes.

Nick shook his head and I pouted.

“It will take a lot more to get me to blush.”

“And I will celebrate when that fated day comes.”

The two of us walked for a little longer until we approached the steps of my house.

“Do you want to stay for dinner?” I asked.

“If it’s alright with your mum.”

“It’s been a long time since you stayed over for dinner and I know my mum won’t mind.”

“Sounds good.”

I smiled before I opened the door of my house and guiding Nick to my room.

—————————

Charlie

[Charlie]: what does it mean when HOT Straight Boy hugs you for a full ten seconds

[Tao]: he was probably imagining you were Y/n

[Charlie]: SHHH LET ME DREAM

[Elle]: okay Charlie don’t ask me how I know this, but…Nick and Y/n are definitely dating

[Elle]: I’m so sorry

I closed the group chat and sat up. So that confirmed it. Nick was straight and was in a relationship with Y/n Collin. But that’s okay because we can be friends. My sister was wrong. Nick wasn’t gay. I knew from the beginning I was only getting my hopes up, but why did it hurt so much?

—————————

Nick

I had a fun time with Charlie today and he even let me play his drums in his bedroom. I was awful, so he showed me how to play properly. We shared his tiny drum stool and he put his hands over mine, as they were holding the drum sticks, and he played a beat. I couldn’t help, but stare at him as he played. He was good. Really good.

Later on we got bored so we decide to watch a movie together. It was action movie that I’ve seen a bunch of times, but I stull loved it anyway. I was really invested in the movie that I didn’t realize that Charlie fell asleep.

I smiled at his sleeping face and I looked down at his hand. His palm was facing upwards as if it was telling me to grab it and hold it. My hand hovered above his hand and even though my hand was inches away from his I felt sparks ignite out of nowhere.

I almost did grab his hand, but I quickly pulled mine away when I felt the Cheney in energy. My arms were over my chest for the rest of the movie.

After the movie, I woke up Charlie and let him know that I had to head back home. I was about to open the door, but before I left I gave him a hug.

And it wasn’t a quick hug I usually do with my friends. It lasted about 10 seconds. I didn’t know why I suddenly felt the urge to hug Charlie, but I just did. I only usually hug Y/n for that long. I was feeling weird about it, so I abruptly left after that.

Now I was in my room, an hour later and I was scrolling on instagram. There was a post from one of my teammates about our last rugby win. I scrolled a little further until I saw Charlie’s post from our snow day. He looked so cuddly and free in that picture. It made me smile.

I left Snapchat and opened our photos from that day. One picture looked really nice. I clicked on it, zoomed in on Charlie’s faces and I couldn’t help, but smile. He looked so cute with his hat on. Wait what? Did I just think that Charlie looked cute?!

What is wrong with me?! There is no way I think Charlie is cute. I’m straight and have always been straight. And I have a girlfriend. A wonderful girlfriend who I love. I really do. But at the same time I can’t stop thinking about Charlie.

I quickly stood from my bed. This was a lot to take in and to say I felt confused was an understatement. I have these feelings that I shouldn’t have, but I do and I don’t know what they mean. Or maybe I do know and I’m scared at the possibility of what they could mean.

I grabbed my laptop from my bean bag chair and sat in it. I opened my laptop and went to google. I knew what I had to search, but my fingers refused to move. I was too afraid to type. I was scared about what would happen after I click search.

After some thought and courage, I slowly clicked the keys on my keyboard as my heart raced. I fully typed out my question and my finger hovered over the enter key.

It was a simple question, but I knew deep down that this question will change my life forever and nothing might never be the same again. But I needed to know. Even though my body was telling me no, I needed to know. I looked up at the screen to see what I typed and clicked the enter key.

[thesparkling-diamond27]

When Love Remains: Meet

Nick Nelson x Reader

Summary: your twin brother is a nuisance as always. Nick is as sweet as ever. You become friends with a new girl at school. Tao does not approve of Charlie’s friendship with the rugby king of Truhman. Nick says the 143 to you. Charlie joins the rugby team. “Oh Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo”. Nick becomes Charlie’s savior.

A/n: I hope you like it! I included the play Romeo and Juliet because Kit Connor killed it as Romeo on broadway. Although he won’t be Romeo in this story, I thought it would be a good idea to include it! Enjoy! :)

Warnings: mentioning of past eating disorder, no consent

My alarm blared and I immediately groaned. I slapped my hand onto my night stand until I felt what seemed to be my phone . I continued slapping until the obnoxious beeping stopped.

I don’t know if I snoozed or ended the alarm, but I didn’t care. My mum can wake me up again in case I fall back asleep. Today was the first day back to school after winter break and I was not looking forward to going back. Winter break was so much fun and especially since I got to spend so much time with—

“Y/n!”

My bedroom door was thrust open.

“Y/n I know you heard your alarm ring. It’s time to get up.”

I didn’t responded.

I heard a sigh before the sound of footsteps and suddenly I was blinded when my mum opened the curtains. I put my comforter over my head.

“Mum!”

“Up! Xander is almost done taking a shower. Get dressed and come downstairs for breakfast.” My mum left my room.

I preferred to take night showers while my brother preferred to take morning showers. It worked well when getting ready for school. I got to sleep in, but somehow I was always still tired.

After a few minutes I slowly lowered my comforter from my face and grabbed my phone from my nightstand. I instantly smiled when I read his message.

[Nick]: Good morning❤️

At least I would get to see him at school. Nick and I have been dating since the beginning of the school year and these past few months have been like a dream. However, I’ve practically known him my whole life since we have been friends since year 1.

I couldn’t wait to see him at school today and I know he will definitely uplift my mood. Everything was perfect with us and I knew, for now, there was nothing to worry about.

[Y/n]: Good morning❤️

[Y/n]: see you soon x

[Nick]: :)

I put my phone down and finally got out of bed.

————————

“Why do you have to be so disgusting?” I said to Xander as he put syrup on his eggs. Sometimes I wonder how he’s my biological twin brother.

“Why do you have to be so damn annoying?”

“Hey! You two need to get along.” My mum interjected. “Today is the first day of school after break, so be civil. Please.”

“Fine.” We both mumbled.

“Good because then your mum will threaten you with the spatula.” My dad said as he walked into the kitchen. My dad began to prepare his coffee in a to go cup.

“Aren’t you going to stay here for breakfast?” Mum asked.

“I’ll see you guys later. I have to get to work early.”

“So you can’t drive us to school?” I asked.

“No but I’ll be able to come home earlier.”

I smiled at my dad’s response.

“Here’s money for the bus.”

He handed both Xander and I $5 bucks each. We could walk to school, but it’s winter, which is why our dad gave us money for the bus, and our mum couldn’t drive us because she had to go to work.

He gave Xander a fist bump, kissed me on top of my head, kissed mum and then went off to work.

“I’m going to start getting ready to leave.” I said as I brought my plate to the sink.

“But you’ve barely touched your food.” My mum said as she motioned to my half way eaten plate. She gave me a worried looked.

I had a pretty big issue with food freshman year. I went to therapy and my mum always nagged me about eating properly since then. I know she has my best interest at heart, but sometimes she can be over bearing about it.

“Don’t worry mum it’s not that. Blame your son for doing the unspeakable.”

“Syrup on eggs is a delicacy.” Xander said with his mouth full.

“Says who?”

“Says me.”

“Well then that explains why it is such an idiotic idea.”

“Both of you enough! Y/n go get ready and make sure you buy something to eat for breakfast at school. Xander don’t talk with your mouth full that is disgusting.”

I scurried off to my room to grabbed my backpack.

————————

Walking to school was no problem. It wasn’t too long of a walk, but it was long enough to be a decent walk. I was able to watch the scenery and everything around me and it was beautiful. Especially when the leaves changed in autumn.

But now I hated it because it was so cold and I hated the cold. It would have definitely been quicker to take the bus, but my school sold hot chocolate after school on Mondays and I wanted some today. I also couldn’t stand my brother which was another reason not to take the bus.

I eventually made it school and I spotted my friend Imogen sitting at our table between both Truham and Higgs.

“Ahhh Y/n! I missed you so much!” Imogen brought me into a bone crushing hug.

“You literally saw me two days ago.”

“I know.” She said as we broke from our hug, “but it feels different since we’re now at school. We’re juniors now can you believe it!”

“I can actually. We were juniors last semester as well.”

“Why can’t you be as upbeat as me.” Imogen said with a pout.

“Because it’s junior year. It’s the most hardest year of high school and now we have to start thinking about the future.”

“But—“

“Hey you.” A male voice said as I felt something on my shoulder. I turned around and saw Nick with his arm around me and my mouth immediately turned up into a smile.

I gave him a kiss on the lips and he reciprocated it. I pulled away and wrapped my arms around his neck.

“Hey.” I said in his shoulder.

I felt his arms wrap securely around my waist. I felt safe and warm.

“Alright lovebirds. Enough.” Imogen said.

I pulled away slowly even though I did not want to and Nick gave me a pout. I patted him on the back and spared Imogen from more pda. As much as I love Nick I don’t want to make her or anyone else around uncomfortable. Suddenly the bell rang.

“Come on Y/n. We don’t want to be late.” Imogen said.

I gave Nick a hug and he kissed my forehead.

“Wait for me here after school alright.” He said.

“Of course.” I said with a smile.

I stepped away from Nick and then walked with Imogen arm and arm to our lockers before heading to form together. Both of us stopped by our lockers and when I closed mine shut, I was startled to see a girl standing in front of me.

“I’m so sorry I startled you! That was not my intention!” The girl said. The girl had brown curly hair with brown chocolate skin and she had round golden glasses that suited her. I’ve never seen her before. Maybe she was new I thought.

“It’s no problem. I just didn’t expect to see you there. I hope you don’t mind me asking, but are you new here? I haven’t seen you before.”

“Oh yeah I’m new. Well sort of. I transferred here from Truhman.”

“Oh okay.”

“I don’t want to burden you or anything, but can you show me form room number 302? I’m still trying to figure out my way around here.”

“Of course! Our form room is actually 301. We’ll walk you there.”

I gave her a comforting smile and she nodded her head shyly. She seemed nice, so I asked what her name was.

“My name is Elle.”

“Well Elle it’s nice to meet you. I’m Y/n.”

“And I’m Imogen.”

“It’s nice to meet you guys.”

“Same here. So you’re from Truham?”

“Yeah. It was hell for me there. I needed an environment that would be good for me.”

“And is Higgs better than Truham for you so far?” Imogen asked.

“Well I can’t say much now, so far here seems a bit better.”

“Good I hope it continues to be better for you.” I said.

Elle smiled. We finally made it to our form rooms which were next to each other.

“Well this is your stop. Our form room is down there. Do you want me to help you find your other classes for the rest of the day?” I asked.

“Oh no you don’t have to do that. You have your own classes to get to!”

“I really don’t mind.”

“She really doesn’t.” Imogen added.

“Oh no really it’s okay.”

“Okay well we’ll see you around. Bye!”

“Bye!”

—————————

Charlie

“Oh If it isn’t Charlie Spring. Happy New Year.” Mr. Hamlet said.

“Hi sir.”

“Come to join the ranks of Hamlet House?”

“Apparently so.” I said unenthusiastically.

“Let’s see where did I put you on the seating plan? Ah yes you’re over there. Next to Nicholas Nelson. He’s in year 11, so only one year older than you. One of the rugby boys too, I think. I’m sure you’ll get along swimmingly.”

I rolled my eyes when he mentioned Nicholas Nelson from the rugby team. I couldn’t stand rugby players and if he was on the team then he probably was just like the rest of them.

“Or you can just sit in silence for the rest of the year. It really doesn’t affect me in any way what so ever.”

I rolled my eyes again and slowly walked over to my spot. I saw Nicholas Nelson sitting at his spot next to mine and he was writing something in his notebook.

For some reason he looked approachable. I stared at him until he looked up from his notebook. He must have noticed my eyes on him. I began to walk to my seat to avoid any suspicion that I was staring at him. I didn’t want him to think I was a weirdo.

He looked back down at his notebook and I took my coat off before taking my seat.

“Hi.” I thought it was the most reasonable thing to say since we would be sitting next to each other for the entirety of this upcoming term.

“Hi.” He said and continued to write in his notebook.

Hi. I couldn’t help but feel light when he said that word. Maybe sitting next to a rugby player won’t be so bad after all.

[The next day]

I was walking to form and I got stuck in the doorway with Nick.

He looked up from his phone and said.

“Hi.”

“Hi.”

He let me walk in first.

[Later that day]

I was walking in the hallway when I heard someone say hi to me. It was Nick.

“Hi.” I said in response and as he walked further down the hallway, I looked back at him for a few more seconds.

[The next day]

I was sitting in my seat during form, working on some last minute homework I forgot to do, when Nick said hi to me as he sat down in his seat.

“Hi.” I said with a smile.

[The following day]

“Hi.” A voice said.

I stopped walking and noticed Nick.

“Hi.”

“Are you going that way?” He asked.

“Yeah. Maths.”

“Same.” He said as he held up what appeared to be maths homework.

We both began walking down the hallway together and he began to write on a piece of paper with maths equations on it.

“Are you literally doing your homework while walking to your lesson?” I asked.

“I might be.”

“That’s very chaotic.”

“That makes me sound like I’m cooler than I actually am.”

He continued to write on his paper and his eyebrows creased in frustration. He seemed to be struggling.

“Do you want me to do that for you?” I offered.

“No I’m good.”

“I can tell you the answer.”

“Then I won’t learn.”

I tried to grab his paper, but he pulled it away. We began to play rustle.

“If you’re stuck I can just…Let me just…”

“Get off.”

I gave in, but as I pulled away his pen swiped my hand and it left a blue curve mark on the side of my hand no.

“How dare you.” I said as I pointed at his damage.

“Look…”

He grabbed my hand and drew two dots together on top of the blue curve and the pen mark miraculously turned into a smiley face.

“Better?”

I looked at it before saying, “Maybe.”

We continued to walk to maths and Ben appeared around the corner.

“Hi.” I said to Ben.

He looked at me confused.

“What?” He asked stand offish.

“Uh…Just, hi.”

“Why are you taking to me? I don’t even know who you are.”

My mood suddenly sunk. I know he didn’t want to be public with our relationship, but I thought we could at least be acquaintances in public.

“Alright mate?” Ben said.

The atmosphere suddenly felt awkward. My own boyfriend didn’t even want to be associated with me and I didn’t know how to feel about that.

“Yeah alright.” Nick said.

Nick seemed to be trying to change the atmosphere, but it wasn’t helping. Unless he knew Ben. I felt embarrassed. Nick must think I’m a weirdo who randomly says hi to strangers I don’t personally know.

“Yeah.” Ben said before walking away.

“You’re friends with Ben?” I asked.

“Uh, yeah. He’s in my year. We hang out sometimes.”

“Oh.” Great. My boyfriend and Nick hang out. I had no idea Ben and Nick were even in the same circle. This made me feel even more terrible. I continued to walk to maths without checking to see if Nick was following.

…….

“I did it again.” Tao said as he slammed two bottles of apple juice on the picnic table.

Isaac and I were currently eating lunch, while we waited for Tao to join us. It might have been too cold to eat lunch outside, but we liked sitting here for lunch. It was our spot.

“I bought Elle’s drink. Again.” Tao continued.

“Didn’t you do that yesterday?”

“Yes, Isaac. Yes I did. And on Monday.” Tao put his hand on his head.

“Elle’s not here.” I said.

“I know.”

“She’s not been here all week.”

“I know. I just keep forgetting.”

“Tao, you’re allowed to miss her.”

“Okay, fine. Obviously it’s better that she’s at an all-girls school. You know Mr. Reed was still refusing to call her Elle.”

“Yeah. Mr. Reed’s a massive transphobe.”

“It’s still weird though. There used to be four of us, and now there’s only three. Like, four is a group. Three is just a…trio.”

I stopped listening to Tao and my eyes wandered to the rugby field. My eyes found him and after a while, Tao and Isaac noticed me staring.

“Isn’t that Nick Nelson? The guy you sit next to in form?” Tao asked.

“Who?” I tried to play it off like I didn’t know who Tao was talking about even though we both knew I knew.

“The one who looks like a golden retriever.”

“He doesn’t look like a golden retriever.” I argued. I looked back at Nick as he ran to one end of the field with the rugby ball. Okay Tao was right he did look like a golden retriever.

“Okay. He does.”

“I can’t believe you’ve been sitting next to rugby king Nick Nelson. Like what are you going to talk about every morning.”

“We talked.”

“Really? About what?” Tao was intrigued. I thought about an incident that happened in the past week.

—————————

“Charlie, you don’t happen to have a tissue, do you? My pen just, uh, exploded.”

I looked up and noticed Nick’s hands looked like the hands of a Smurf. His white shirt was sprinkled with blue dots as well.

“I’m sorry I don’t but let’s go to the bathroom. Maybe I can help you wash it off.”

We walked out of the classroom and into the bathroom at the end of the hall. I opened the door and turned on the sink, so that he wouldn’t dye anything else blue. Nick was scrubbing his hands with soap and water but it was not coming off.

“It’s not coming off.” He said.

“You’re gonna be blue forever.” I said through laughs.

“It looks like I’m wearing blue gloves.”

He raised his hands from the sink and they were still very blue.

“You can make it the new school fashion.” I joked to make him feel better.

“Or I’ll pretend it’s a tattoo.” He joked after.

I laughed at his response.

—————————

“Well, be careful.” Tao said.

Suddenly I was taken out of my daydream.

“What? Why?” I asked.

“Why?” He looked at me as if I was stupid to even ask that question. “Look at them.”

I looked at the rugby team and they were all in a rugby huddle.

“Look at us. We are a group. No, a trio of borderline outcasts. He is the star player of the rugby team, and he’s friends with a bunch of loud, gross Year 11s, who are exactly like the guys who bullied you last year.”

Tao did have a point there, but I couldn’t help but feel like I should defend Nick. Nick didn’t seem like the other rugby players or the people who bullied me last year.

“But like…Nick…He’s different. He’s nice.”

“I bet he’s a whole different person when he’s with his bro dude friends.” Tao argued.

Isaac chuckled at Tao’s jab. My eyes wandered back to the rugby field where I continued to watch Nick play rugby with his teammates.

Tao opened his phone and opened his messages with Elle.

[Tao]: hey I have news from Truham

[Elle]: Spill the tea

[Tao] Charlie is obsessed with some rugby lad in his form

[Elle]: Oh NO

[Tao]: Why is he like this?

[Tao]: anyway HI how are you?? How’s Higgs today?

[Elle]: Higgs is so much better than Truham

[Elle]: No one’s chucked a sandwich across the cafeteria all week

[Tao]: omg. heaven.

[Tao]: made any new friends?

[Elle]: yea I have actually!! There’s this girl named Y/n. She’s in the same year as me and she’s really nice and helpful😊

—————————

I closed my locker and noticed Elle leaving after school.

“Hey Elle! Wait up.”

She turned around and smiled at me.

“Hey Y/n!”

I gave her a hug.

“I actually wanted to ask you a question.”

“What is it?”

“There’s auditions next week on Monday for the school play. It’s Romeo and Juliet! A classic! Would you like to audition?”

“No thanks. It’s not really my thing.”

“Oh. Well that’s okay! I just figured you would want to maybe join something. Maybe make some new friends.”

“But I don’t need new friends. I have my friends from Truham and you.”

“I know. But it might be nice to branch out more. What are your hobbies?”

“I like to paint and draw.”

“Oh so you’re into art then?”

Elle nodded.

“There’s some art clubs you can join. Do you want me to send some information about them to you?”

“Yeah…yeah that would be great actually.”

“Perfect! Open your instagram.”

Elle opened her phone and went to instagram.

“Can I?” I gestured to her phone and she handed it to me. I looked up my account and requested to follow me.

“Now you have my insta. I’ll send you more details about those clubs later!”

I handed her back her phone.

“Thank you.”

“Of course! Hey I’ve got to go, but I’ll see you around.”

“You too. Bye Y/n.”

“By Elle.”

I made my way to the gates between Truhman and Higgs where Nick and I meet after school.

“Hey!” I said once I spotted him. His face broke into a smile when his eyes landed on me.

“Hey you!” He gave me a quick peck and he laced his hands with mine.

“How was your day today?” He asked as we began walking.

“Eh. Pretty boring. What about you?”

“Pretty good can’t complain.”

“So what are we doing on this surprise date that you couldn’t stop teasing me about all day?”

Nick had a smirk on his face, “You have to wait and see.”

“But you know how impatient I am!”

“I know, but I want it to be perfect just for you, so sit tight.” He booped my nose.

“Fine.”

“Good.”

We walked a little further and I noticed Nick had his tongue sticking out of his mouth. It was a habit of his whenever he was lost in thought.

“Okay what’s on your mind?” I asked.

Nick came back to reality. “What?”

“What’s going on in that head of yours?”

“Oh well…it’s nothing.”

“Well it’s not nothing if you’re quiet. Spill.”

Nick paused for a moment, but eventually cleared his throat to speak. “I uh…I have an idea and I’ve been thinking about the possible outcomes if I go through with it.”

“What’s the idea?”

“There’s this guy in my form, his name is Charlie, and I saw him running in PE today and he was fast! Like really fast and I think he might be a great addition to the team. We need a reserve in order to play against other teams and I think he might be a perfect fit.”

“That’s great! Wait…why are you even asking if this is the right thing to do? This is obviously a great idea!”

“Yeah well um…you know how my teammates can be and Charlie isn’t the typical rugby player. I want him to join, but I’m scared how everyone else will react. Plus he’s also gay…”

I gave him a sharp look.

“I’m not saying being gay is bad, but you know how the guys can be.”

I shook my head.

“I don’t know why you still hang out with that lot. Only three of them are decent. The rest I couldn’t care less about.”

Nick chuckled.

“But if you think Charlie might be the perfect reserve then who cares what the rest of the team thinks. You are the rugby captain and you want what’s best for the team. Screw them!”

Nick laughed at my response and smiled softly at me.

“And this…this is why I love you.”

My heart stopped and I stopped walking. I looked at Nick and his eyes were wide as if he was also surprised at what he just said.

“Wh-what? What did you say?” I asked.

Nick’s face suddenly turned upward and he fully turned to face me, so he could grab both of my shoulders. “I Nick Nelson. Love. You.”

“I-I um…”

“You don’t have to say anything back, but I figured you should know. I think I have wanted to say it for a long time now and I guess it just slipped. No pressure though. I don’t expect you to say it back and it’s okay if you don’t want to and—“

“But I want to.”

Nick looked shocked and happy at the same time.

“Really?”

“Yes you idiot!” I grabbed his shoulders just like he did earlier with mine. “I Y/n L/n. Love. You.”

Nick broke into a smile and immediately connected his lips to mine. His lips tasted sweet like cherries. Probably from the chapstick he always uses. The kiss wasn’t rough or passionate, but it didn’t need to be. The kiss was sweet and intimate and I knew right then and there, in the moment, that Nick was my person.

I know Nick will always be a part of me no matter what life may bring and he will forever be intertwined in my life and engraved in my heart. I don’t know what’s going to happen down the road, but whatever happens I know I want Nick in my life through it all. We slowly broke away.

“Now how about that surprise date you’ve been teasing all day.”

Nick laughed and kissed my forehead before lacing our fingers together again.

—————————-

Charlie

Why are our lockers so small? I’m trying to fit all my school books, my book bag, and other things in my locker, but they won’t fit . I have resorted to stuffing things in my locker and hoping everything fits

“Hey.”

I jumped and my books fell out my locker immediately. It was Nick. He began to help me pick up my books.

“Thanks.” I said. After we both stood up, he looked down at the drumsticks in my hand.

“You play the drums?”

“Yeah.”

“That’s so cool.”

“Thanks.”

“So, um, I have something that I wanted to ask you.”

I was hoping he would say:

“Charlie…I wanted to tell you that I’m gay too. And I’m I love with you. Do you want to go out with me? I want to be with you forever.”

But sadly he didn’t.

“Do you want to join the rugby team?” Nick asked.

“What?”

“We have enough players for the team, but we’re not allowed to actually play against other teams without a reserve. And I saw you run in PE and you’re, like, really fast. So…I thought you might be interested.”

“I don’t really know how to play.” I said shooting his idea down.

“That’s fine. I can teach you.”

“Aren’t I a bit small and weak to be a rugby player?”

“We’re just a school team, you know. It’s not that serious.”

“So you’re saying I am small and weak?” I joked.

“Wait, no. No.” He immediately said.

I chuckled and he realized I was kidding, so he joined in too.

“Um…so, so you want to join?” He asked.

…….

“It’s literally just another silly crush.” Tao said after I told him and Isaac that I agreed to join the rugby team.

“It’s not a crush. I don’t just fall for any guy who’s nice to me.” I said.

“And are you sure you want to spend a whole hour with giant, moronic, rugby lads?” Tao asked.

“Yes.”

Tao sighed and him and Isaac shared a look.

“It’s your funeral.” Tao finally said.

————————

It was Monday. The day of Romeo and Juliet auditions and I was nervous. I knew I shouldn’t be nervous. I’ve been the lead before a few times, so I felt like I had a good chance, but I can never shake away the nerves of an audition.

“Hey Y/n! Are you excited?!” Imogen shouted.

“Yeah I am. I’m just a little nervous.”

“Why. Juliet has your name written all over it. You’re definitely getting the role. Not to mention that you were Carrie last semester and crushed it and you have had several other roles.”

“I know it’s just auditions make me nervous. Especially when there’s no singing.”

“Well I for one think you are an excellent actress.”

“Thank you.”

“Of course!”

We approached our lockers, only a few spaces a way from each other, and we grabbed whatever we needed before we walked to the black box theatre for auditions. I zipped open my back pack when I heard a ding from my phone. It was a text from Nick.

[Nick]: Good luck today! I know you are going to do amazing! I’ll wait for you after auditions, since I have practice today. I love you<3

I smiled and Imogen groaned.

“You two are so cute it’s disgusting.”

“How did you know it was Nick?” I said as I closed my locker.

“Please! I know what expression your face makes with anything that involves that boy. I am your best friend!”

“Good point.” I said with a laugh.

I sent a quick text back to Nick.

[Y/n]: Thank you! Good luck with Charlie in practice today. I love you too!

—————————————

Charlie

I was walking to the locker room before my first rugby practice when I heard some voices talking about me.

“Charlie spring?”

“Isn’t he like in year 8?”

“No. Year 10.”

“He’s well like really skinny though.”

“Can he even play? I’m sure he’s a nice guy but we actually want to be dece.”

“Does he even like sports? Everyone knows he’s gay.”

Everyone burst into the laughter. I just wanted to make them shut up and they did, but for a different reason, after I opened the door to the locker room.

“Hi.” Nick stood up.

“Hi.”

…….

“I know I was joking about being weak, but I’m definitely too weak for this.”

Nick was currently working with me separately from everyone else in order to teach me how to play rugby.

“Where is your “can do” attitude?”

“Well she left. Long ago.” I responded.

“Just try. Tackle me, I won’t dodge.”

I didn’t budge.

“Come on, I bet you can do it.” He encouraged me.

I hesitated before I ran and tackled Nick to the ground. After realizing that I actually managed to tackle him, I rolled off of him.

“That was perfect.” He said.

“Was it?”

“Yeah. Now let’s try again while I’m actually moving. Come on.”

“I’m going to die.” I said with regret.

————————

Three minutes.

Just three minutes away before the casting list is posted. I felt like I did a good job. I felt like my audition was satisfactory and worthy to be considered but there was still that voice telling me in the back of my head that it wasn’t good enough.

But I couldn’t think like that. Not right now. I should at least wait until after the cast list is sent out. I checked the time on my clock.

Two minutes.

“Y/n relax. Stop pacing.” Nick said from the floor of my bedroom. I stopped pacing. I didn’t realize I was pacing. Was I really that nervous?

“Listen to Nick Y/n.” Imogen said from my bed. “You got this role in the bag. The other people who are listed for Juliet are just fillers, so it doesn’t look suspicious that the role is already yours.”

“Why are you so sure about this. Shouldn’t I be the one thinking that way?” I asked.

Nick stood up to his feet and stood in front of me.

“No. Of course you’re going to be hard on yourself. Everyone is hard on themselves. Even I am. You just need to have more confidence in yourself. And Imogen is right the role is basically yours.”

I checked the time.

One minute.

“There’s one minute left. I’m freaking out!” I walked over to my bed and put my head in my hands.

“Why are you so nervous? You weren’t this nervous for all the other school auditions.” Nick said. I felt the bed dip.

“That’s because Carrie is a musical and musicals are my specialty. This is a play and yes I can act, but acting is not my specialty.”

“Well—“

Nick was interrupted with a ding from my phone. I checked the time and it was 3:00. I wasted no time and ran to grab my phone from my desk. There was a notification from my email. The cast list. I opened my email and found the one that was sent.

My finger hovered over the email, but I couldn’t do it. Not when Nick and Imogen were watching.

“What does it say?” Nick asked.

“I’ll be right back!”

I ran out of my room, into the bathroom and slammed the door shut. I locked it to make sure no one would come in.

I sat on top of the toilet lid and braced myself for what the email could say. I clicked on the email and scrolled until I saw a link that said Juliet cast list.

Romeo- Noah Harding

Juliet- Y/n L/n

Mercutio- Bobby Munoz

Tybalt/Friar Lawrence- Charlotte Christensen

Nurse- Imogen Heaney

Capulet/Lady Capulet- Freddie O’ Moore

Paris- Jordon Velez

Benvolio - Lester Mosley

Balthasar- Conor Barry

I got the role! I was going to play Juliet! I jumped up from the toilet and screamed as I did my own little victory dance in front of the mirror. Once I was done with my mini celebration, I immediately opened the door and I jumped when I realized that Nick and Imogen were standing outside the bathroom door.

“I’m assuming that scream means you got the role yeah?”Nick asked.

“Yeah.”

Nick brought me into a hug.

“See you had nothing to worry about. You got the lead!” Imogen said. “Did you see if I got a role?”

“Yes you got the Nurse.”

“Wait really?! That’s a big role!”

“I know and I’m so proud of you.”

I broke away from Nick and hugged Imogen.

“What’s going on here? A bathroom party?” Xander said sarcastically.

I rolled my eyes.

“What do you want?” I asked.

“I want to pee, but you lovely people are in the way. But what are you two screaming about?”

Nick, Imogen and I stepped aside, so that Xander could enter the bathroom.

“I got Juliet and Imogen got the Nurse for the school play.”

“Oh big whoop.” Xander deadpanned, but he gave me a thumbs up before he shut the bathroom door. He always supports me in a weird way. Even if he’s a nuisance I love him.

“Why is your brother so rude?” Imogen asked.

“That’s Xander for you.”

“Anyway, why don’t I take you two out for some ice cream to celebrate, my treat.” Nick said.

“With what license and what car?” I asked.

“Good point. How about the ice cream from your freezer then.”

“What a treat.” Imogen deadpanned.

“It’s the thought that counts.”

The three of us then walked down the stairs to celebrate Imogen and I getting cast in the play.

—————————

Charlie

It was a rough transition. At first I felt like an outcast on the rugby team. I was bad and I mean really bad and I felt left out sometimes. Especially when everyone huddled in a circle while shouting “1, 2, 3 squeeze.” They didn’t even allow me to participate in that.

But over time I got better and slowly I got accepted by the team more and more. And one day I was able to join the rugby huddle and shout “1, 2, 3, squeeze!” with the rest of team. They would even say hi to me outside of practice during school.

Nick’s private practices were definitely helping out a lot. One day I was able to dodge him and make it to the end zone before he could tackle me.

“Well done.” Nick said.

I smiled back. It was a good practice, but I was ready to go home and play my drums. It was Friday and I was ready to relax over the weekend.

[Ben]: ur at rugby right? Meet me at the music block after

[Charlie]: why?

[Ben]: please Charlie I just want to talk

[Charlie]: fine

I don’t know why Ben wanted to talk. I haven’t spoke to him ever since I witnessed him between the Truhman and Higgs gate kissing his girlfriend. I still can’t believe that he had a secret relationship with me, and then had a girlfriend from Higgs.

I was trying to be supportive with him figuring out his sexuality and he didn’t treat me the same way. I know I deserve better. I entered the music block and looked around in all the empty rooms for signs of Ben.

I just wanted to get this over with. I don’t want to see him again, but we never had a final talk to end things. I did kind of say I didn’t want to see him anymore with no explanation

“Charlie.”

I looked to my right and Ben was there leaning against the wall. I entered the room and put my bag down on floor with a sigh.

“You’re wearing a coat? It’s not even cold.” Ben commented on the winter coat I was wearing. He was just wearing his school uniform.

“It’s February.” I said.

“Lame.”

I rolled my eyes. “What do you want Ben?”

Out of nowhere Ben forcefully grabbed my face. I tried to push him away, but his hand was like iron.

“Don’t touch me!” I shouted.

“God what’s your problem? I’m trying to be nice.”

“I said I don’t want to meet up with you anymore.”

“Yeah and I don’t believe you.”

“What?”

“You’re clearly just scared of getting caught.”

Me? Me scared of getting caught? I wanted to laugh, but I held it in.

“Why would I be scared of getting caught? Everyone in school already knows I’m gay. You’re the one who’s scared of getting caught. You can’t even look at me when other people are around. Not to mention the fact that you have a girlfriend.”

Ben looked shocked that I knew he had a girlfriend. Truham and Higgs are right next to each other, so it’s not that hard to get information from the other school. Besides he was kissing her right in front of the Truham and Higgs gate.

“Yeah. I’ve seen you with her at the school gate. Thanks for telling me. Oh wait, you didn’t.”

“Don’t be angry at me for not wanting to come out yet.”

“I’m not angry about that. If you’re figuring stuff out fine. Take your time. I would have been there for you. Don’t you think I of all people, would understand you’re figuring out your sexuality?”

“Then why are you angry at me?”

“I’m angry because you never even slightly cared about my feelings. We only ever meet up when you want to. Where you want to. When you feel like kissing a boy. You don’t care about me at all.”

“Well it’s not like anyone else is going to want to go out with you, is it?”

I didn’t want to admit it, but he was right. I was the only openly gay student at Truham and everyone else was either straight or not out yet. But even though what Ben said was true, I would rather be single than be with someone like him.

Ben suddenly pushed me back until my back was against the wall. I tried to push him away, but he was too strong. Then he did something else that terrified me. He kissed me. He pulled away to speak.

“Charlie I know you like me.”

“Stop it!”

I tried to fight him, but it was no use.

“Charlie, I like you but I’m figuring stuff out. Literally what more do you want from me?”

Ben kissed me again. I tried my best to push him away, but I couldn’t. I closed my eyes and hoped for everything to be over. Then suddenly, I felt Ben’s weight leave my body.

I opened my eyes and saw Ben being pushed out of the room by Nick! I quickly followed to see where Nick was taking Ben and Nick tossed Ben aside down the hallway.

“He told you to stop.” Nick said.

Ben was breathing hard, but didn’t move.

“Go on. Piss off.” Nick said with more force.

Ben looked at me before he walked away and left. Nick turned to me.

“You okay?”

I was still trying to process what just happened. Ben attacked me, but I was saved by Nick Nelson, the school’s rugby king. I probably would have developed a crush on him if I wasn’t so scared. He must have been waiting pretty long before he came to help.

Wait. Did he hear Ben and I’s conversation? I hope he didn’t. I don’t want him to think I’m pathetic. The thought of Nick hearing our conversation made me feel self conscious.

“Did you hear all of that?” I asked.

“Most of it. I just…You seemed kind of like something was up while we were getting changed, so I…I wanted to check everything was okay.”

Nick was still here checking up on me, so maybe he didn’t think of me differently, but I don’t want him to feel pity for me.

“I’m sorry.” I said.

Nick looked at me like what I just said was the most absurd thing in the world.

“You have nothing to be sorry about.”

“Sorry.”

“You say sorry a lot.”

I wanted to say sorry again for saying sorry too much. Nick picked up on that.

“Don’t say it.” He said.

“I kind of want to say it.”

“Don’t!”

Nick patted my arm like a mate would. Are Nick and I mates’s now? I would like to think that we are. A mate would save their mate from something like this right?

“We should get out. We’ll get locked in if we stay in much longer.”Nick said.

“Yeah.”

Together Nick and I walked out of the music box and towards the school where the exit was. I was about to go through the gate when Nick said, “Hey I have to head back to the school, but I’ll see you tomorrow.”

I wondered why he had to go back to the school building because the only thing that was going on right now was the drama club, but I didn’t question it.

“Okay. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Nick waved and I waved back and I watched as Nick walked back towards the school building. When he went through the school doors I began to walk away with a smile on my face all the way back home.