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Hellooo! Ok so incase you haven’t guessed I am a big sucker for sickfics/hurt/comfort stories so of course I have decided to post some of my own but not only that I will be taking requests if you have any ideas, I will give them a go :) I can’t promise they’ll be any good but I can try!

Feel free to comment your requests!

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Hi:) Just want to say thanks for all the requests in the comments. I will definitely try my best to do them. This first one is for CherryLovesRainbows I hope you enjoy. I tried my best to do you request justice.

Please keep leaving your ideas below.

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Nick Nelson knew exactly the moment his eyes fluttered open that morning that he wasn’t well.  The hot sticky feeling on his skin, the dull ache in his stomach, his head and throat hurt and he had this overpowering feeling that he was going to throw up. Nick rarely got ill but when he did, boy he got it bad. Like anytime there was an outbreak of the flu or a bout of a horrible stomach bug he usually avoided it. But not this time. He sighed as he remembered last week when they had to cancel rugby practice because half of the team were out sick. He couldn’t afford to miss school or ruby. Exams were only weeks away and they had a big rugby match at the weekend.  Nick forced himself out of bed and in to the shower, hoping it would  make him feel a little better.

Nick stood under the water, he felt slightly dizzy but he hoped his shower would make him feel a bit more alert and ready for the day but all he really wanted was to crawl back into bed and cuddle Nellie all day. But that wasn’t an option. Well it was, just not one he was willing to follow.  He finished up in the shower and stood in front of the mirror. He knew as soon as his mum took one look at him she would reprimand him for even trying to go to school.  His eyes had dark bags under them and his cheeks were flushed although the rest of his face was a ghostly pale colour. He grabbed his toothbrush and brushed his teeth although it took him all his willpower not to gag and throw up the contents of his stomach.

Meanwhile downstairs Sarah Nelson busied herself between making breakfast and putting out food for Nellie.  “Nicky? Darling are you awake?” She called up the stairs and was greeted by a muffled reply.  “Breakfast is almost ready.” She said as she finished frying some eggs and serving them up with some toast, they were cooked just the way Nick liked them. Crispy on the outside but soft in the middle.

She boiled the kettle just as her son entered the kitchen.  She immediately took in his disheveled appearance.  “Nicky Baby are you ok?” She asked as she stepped closer to him and rested her hand on his forehead before he could protest or step away.   “You’re warm-“

Nick took a step back and gave her a small smile.  “I’m okay mum, just a cold.” He replied as he sat down at the table and picked up his mug. He didn’t really feel like consuming anything but he knew his mum would fuss over him and he also hoped it would help with his throat.  “Maybe you should stay home today?” Sarah suggested.  “I could make you a bed up on the sofa and I could call and take the day off work?”   Nick shook his head. “No, you really don’t have to.” He gave her a little smile. “Besides, I have my GCSE mocks this week.”  Sarah sighed knowing fine well how stubborn her son could be.  “Oh alright then, but if you feel any worse you get the school to call me Ok??”  “Ok,”

Charlie entered his form class, but was surprised to see that Nick wasn’t here yet as usually the other boy got here first.  He sat down at the desk as glanced at the door as the form teacher started to read from the register.

“Oscar?”

“Here, sir.”

“Adrian?”

“Here sir.”

“Nicholas? ”  No reply. Charlie felt a weird feeling in the pit of his stomach. Should he be worried? Surely there would be a plausible reason for Nicks absence.

“Here, Sir.”  Charlie’s head snapped up when he heard Nicks voice and he would have smiled if it wasn’t for taking in the poorly appearance of his boyfriend.

“You’re late, sit down please.” The form teacher instructed before glancing back to the register.   

“Sorry, Sir.” Nick muttered as he clambered in to his seat beside Charlie and dropped his back to the floor. Charlie took one look at his boyfriend and put a hand on his knee.  “Nick??” He asked. Nick turned his head to Charlie’s direction and gave him a shaky smile.  “Hi.”

“You don’t look well-“ came Charlie’s reply.  “You look really ill.”

“You sound just like my mum.” Nick replied, rolling his eyes and letting out a small chuckle although it came out more like a hoarse cough.    “You don’t sound well either.” Charlie commented before glancing around to ensure no one was watching before bringing his hand up and resting his knuckles against Nick’s flushed face.  “You’re Hot.”   

Despite feeling so lousy Nick couldn’t help himself in raising his eyebrow and smirking. “Charles Spring, we are in a public place!”

Charlie rolled eyes and removed his hand from the other boys cheek.  “You know what I meant.” He chuckled.  “You’re feverish-“

“I’m fine.” Nick cut him off.  “Honestly, I think I just got a little too much Sun yesterday when walking Nellie in the park.” He shrugged.  Charlie sighed because he was almost certain that Nick wasn’t being completely honest but he decided not to push him.

The first few periods were absolute hell for  Nick Nelson. Double maths was a pain in the backside at the best of times but today it just seemed to drag out even longer than usual and the pounding in his head just made things worse. Nick wanted nothing more than to lay his head down and curl up in to a ball, maybe the room would stop spinning.  He glanced over to the clock in the corner of the room. 25 minutes until lunch. He could do that, although the prospect of putting anything past his lips made him want to throw up and the prospect of throwing up made his stomach ache worse. He wrapped one arm firmly around his aching abdomen and rested his other elbow on the table in an effort to hold his achy head up.

Lunch was just as painful as he imagined it although he did sigh a breath of relief when Charlie had messaged him during last lesson, and suggested meeting up in the art block instead of the busy cafeteria. Nick was grateful for that as he knew the squabbling noise of the packed lunch room would irritate his headache.  Charlie noticed how little Nick ate, which was completely unlike his athlete boyfriend. Normally, Nick would have scoffed down his lunch before Charlie even had the chance to open his lunch box.  The older boy had barely nibbled at his sandwich.  “Not hungry, eh?” Charlie asked.  Nick glanced up before softly shaking his head.  “Not really.” came his quiet response.   “Don’t force yourself..” Charlie told him.  “You’ll end up making yourself sick.”

Nick paled at that statement. He put his food down and leaned his back against the art supply cupboard.  “Maybe you should go see the nurse?” Charlie suggested as he handed unopened bottle of water over which Nick reluctantly took and had a few sips of. The cool liquid did feel pretty good against his raw throat.  “I don’t need to..” he mumbled stubbornly as he put the water on the floor next to them. The pair spent the remainder of lunch just chatting on the floor of one of the art classrooms until the bell sounded.

Nick sighed as he pulled himself up off the floor, instantly, he regretted it as he felt the room sway around him. He felt very dizzy all of a sudden.  He didn’t feel very well at all. He heard a ringing in his ears and he tried his hardest to concentrate, laying a shaky hand on the work counter to steady himself.  Charlie noticed this immediately. Nick had suddenly turned a few shades paler.  “Nick, You ok?”

“Nick, you ok?” that was Charlie’s voice. He had to just concentrate on that voice, even though the room was spinning around him. “Nick?? What’s wrong?” . There it was again. Charlie’s panicked voice. He opened his mouth to reply but he could feel the bile rising in his throat, his vision blurred again before his legs turned to jelly and he fell forward and everything went black. He would have went crashing straight on to the hard floor if it wasn’t for his boyfriend, who caught him just in time.  Charlie carefully lay Nicks head in his lap, he frantically glanced around just in time to spot a worried looking Mr Ajayi.

Nicks eyes flickered opened. He was so confused. Where was he? He scanned his eyes around the room, blinking, as he became aware of his surroundings. He was in the nurses office at school with a cool flannel on his forehead.   “Nick?” he glanced to the right of him to see Mr Ajayi sat there with a concerned look on his face, noticing the teenagers confused look he explained.  “You fainted. Your mum is on her way to collect you.” He told him. “Just rest.”

Nick felt awful and slightly embarrassed that he had passed out but the one person he really wanted right now, wasn’t there. Where was Charlie?   “Charlie?” He spoke, but it barely came out louder than a whisper. His throat was raw and hoarse.  “He had to go back to class.”  Nick sighed but at least the second person he wanted was on her way.  He closed his eyes again as the nurse replaced the rag on his forehead with a cooler one.

“39.1.” Sarah tutted as she removed the digital thermometer from her sons ear and placed the cap back on it before it on the bedside table.  She brushed his damp fringe away from his sticky forehead.  “My poor baby.” She cooed. “You’re not feeling very well, are you?”   Her heart had almost broke when she had walked in to the nurses office and seen the sight in front of her.  Nick was curled up on the little bed in the corner of the room with his arms wrapped tightly around his stomach. He was shivering slightly and she could tell just by the redness of his face and the beads of sweat on his forehead that he was running one hell of a fever.  Despite nick being one of the tallest boys in his year group. He looked so small and vulnerable.  Her motherly instincts kicked in as soon as she got her son on to his feet and in to the car with support from Mr Ajayi. Nick had literally rested his burning forehead on the cool glass of the car window and closed his eyes where he slept the entire car ride home.

“Okay, we need to get this fever down.” Sarah said as she dabbed Nicks forehead with a cool, damp cloth. “I’m going to go get some medicine.”

Sarah returned less than 5 minutes later with some water and some paracetamol, but, the liquid kind because at the great age of sixteen. Nicholas Nelson still had a problem with swallowing tablets.  She measured out the right dose in to a little plastic syringe and gave it to Nick who literally threw it up less than a few minutes later. Sarah had been like a super ninja the way she grabbed the bin from the corner of the room and held it under Nicks chin in record time. She rubbed his back as he got sick, she could see how distressing this was for him so she decided not to push him to take anymore right now. She stayed with him for a while as he curled up wrapped in a lighter throw she had found on the top of her wardrobe.  That way Nick could still be warm and wouldn’t completely overheat.  She then headed downstairs.

Charlie walked as quickly as his legs could possibly take him from his house to Nicks. He has been worried all afternoon, especially after Nick passed out.  He felt his phone vibrate and pulled it out his pocket to notice he had 20+ messages from the group chat, all about Tao’s movie night. Tonight.  Shit.  He thought to himself. Nick obviously couldn’t go and he knew he wouldn’t enjoy himself either knowing that his boyfriend was ill.

Charlie: Hey Guys!! SO sorry but I can’t make it tonight.

Tao: WHAT??!

Elle: Aw no Charlie!!

Isaac: It won’t be the same without you.

Darcy: BOOO!

Tara: Nicks going to need you for moral support. It’s his first Movie night at Tao’s with us.

Charlie: I’m really sorry! Nick isn’t coming either..

Darcy: DOUBLE BOOO!!!

Tao: Nick Nelson??? Explain yourself

Charlie: Nick’s ill

Elle: oh no :( poor Nick! Hope you feel better soon!

Tara: feel better soon Nick x

Darcy: oh, that’s sucks! Feel better Nicholas

Tao: Oh, that’s unfortunate ):

Issac: So Nicks the kid that passed out and got sent home?

Tara: Wait, WHAT?

Charlie: I’m on my way to see him now. I will fill you in later and I’m sure Nick will too. Hope movie night is great but please don’t let Tao pick the films :D

Tao: RUDEEE

Charlie smiled to himself as he walked up the path to the Nelson household. He knocked on the door and could hear Nellie barking almost instantly.  Sarah smiled as she opened the door. “Charlie, darling.” She grinned.  “Come on in.” She said as she held the door wide open. Charlie smiled and walked inside kicking his shoes off and bending down to greet Nellie.  “Hello Nellie girl.” He grinned as he ruffled her fur just the way she liked.  He then stood up and looked towards the stairs. “How is he?”   

Sarah let out a heavy sighed. “Not great, I’m afraid.”  Charlie sighed as he followed her in to the kitchen.  “He’s running a fever of 39.1, he won’t keep anything down and he’s got the shakes.”   “Poor Nick. I wonder how he got so sick so quickly.” He said.  “If I know my Nicky, then he’s probably been feeling bad longer that he’s letting on.” Sarah said as she filled a glass up with fresh water.   “He’s never been one for admitting when he’s poorly, in matter of a fact I haven’t seen him this unwell since he was in year 8.”      

“Can I go check on him?” Charlie asked hesitantly.

“Of course, love.” Sarah smiled.  “I’m sure Nicky will be made up to see you.” She then handed him the glass of water. “Can you take this up to him and ensure he drinks some of it?”

“Yeah, sure.” Charlie smiled before heading out the room towards the stairs, Nellie following in quick pursuit.  He entered Nicks bedroom but was shocked to find that he wasn’t there.  The bed was empty and there was no sign of him. Charlie frowned but then he heard a painful retching sound coming from across the hall. He noticed that the bathroom door was slightly ajar. He softly knocked on it but came no reply so he gently pushed it open and the sight that greeted him, it broke his heart.

There was nick on his knees, huddled over the toilet bowl. His knuckles were almost white with how tightly he was gripping on, he was shaking and he had tears streaming down his face.   “Oh nick.” Charlie said as he dropped to his knees beside him. He placed a comforting card on the other boys back. Nick continued to heave but nothing was coming out. Charlie could practically feel his whole body tremble under his touch.   “SARAH?!!”

Nicks mother was up the stairs in less that 30 seconds. She could hear the panic in his voice.  “What’s-“ she pushed the door open and gasped.  “Oh, Nicky darling.” She said as she bent down and rubbed his back.  She looked in to the empty toilet bowl and sighed.  “You feel sick?”  Nick nodded softly as he let out a painful moan. He could feel the bile rising in his throat but he just physically couldn’t be sick.   “He does this sometimes-“ she said watching as Charlie gave her a confused look.  “He hates vomiting.”  Charlie frowned? Surely everyone hated it but then realisation set in. Did Nick have a fear of puking?

Sarah took this as an opportunity to check Nicks fever as she lay her hand on his forehead.  “Oh baby, you’re burning up.” She cooed.  “Charlie? Could you please grab me the thermometer? It’s right there in the cabinet above the sink.”  Charlie nodded and retrieved it before handing it over.  Sarah removed the cap and pressed a button before placing the tip in Nick’s right ear and waited for the beep.

“39.4.” she gasped with wide eyes. She knew she had to get his temperature under control fast or the evening might end with a trip to A&E.  “Do you think you’re still going to be sick?” She asked her child softly.  Nick let out a mumbled “M-hm”.  Sarah continued to rub circles on his back with one hand and she wiped his tears away with the other.  “Remember what I used to tell you? It’s better out than in. It might make your tummy feel better.”  Nick glanced her. He knew she was right. She never gave him false advice.  He let out a shaky breath before leaning over the toilet and retching again, this went on for a couple of minutes until he began to empty the contents of his stomach.  “That’s it, good boy.” Sarah told him as she rubbed his back until he finished vomiting.  Charlie could only watch on, he felt so sorry for his boyfriend.

30 minutes later found Nick tucked up in bed again with his head resting on Charlie’s shoulder.  After quite a bit of persuasion. Sarah and Charlie managed to get some medicine in to him which he surprisingly managed to keep down.  “Sorry that you had to see me get sick.” Nick said softly. “I must’ve looked like a gross mess..”  Charlie chuckled but then rubbed his upper arm. “You can’t apologise for throwing up. It’s a completely normal bodily function.”  Nick let out a small smile.  “I don’t like it.”  Charlie gave his hand a small squeeze, he wouldn’t push him to talk about his phobia.  Charlie rested the back of his hand on Nicks forehead. He was still pretty hot to the touch but his fever had gone down significantly since taking the medicine .

“ Sorry.” Nick mumbled. “For what?” Charlie frowned.“For making us miss Tao’s movie night, I was really looking forward to it.” He pouted.Charlie kissed his cheek and gave a small grin. “Oh believe me, there will be plenty more movie nights.” He chuckled as he pulled his phone out just as Nick reached to the side for his.

Nick: HEY!! Sorry for missing the movie night guys. Thanks for the well wishes <3

Tao: HE LIVES!!!

Darcy: NICHOLAS!! How are you feeling?

Elle: Don’t apologise. I hope you’re feeling ok?

Issac: How are you feeling now?

Nick: Thanks guys.  I still don’t feel too well :( but a lot better than I did earlier, thanks to the magic of Charlie’s cuddles..

Darcy: ADORABLE!!!

Darcy: not that you feel poorly but the Charlie cuddles

Tara: that’s so cute

Tao: Charlie’s cuddles are pretty magical to be fair

Elle: agreed

Charlie: He is currently using me as a pillow right now

Charlie: *sent an image*

Tara: omg how sweet

Nick: but you’re comfy though

Charlie: anyway enjoy the rest of your movie marathon guys, we’re about to stick a film on ourselves and someone needs some rest.

Nick: YES dr spring!!

Darcy: HAHAHA

Tara: you guys are the definition of adorable

Elle: feel better soon, Nick

Isaac: speak to you guys later :)

Tao: BYE!

Nick and Charlie spent the remainder of the evening cuddled up together in Nicks bed watching Harry Potter, Nellie curled up beside them and Sarah popping in occasionally to check on them and bring tea.  Nick normally hated being sick, but this time he didn’t mind as much.

Chapter Text

Darcy coughed into her elbow as she packed her bag. It was Saturday night which meant it was Paris squad sleepover night being hosted at Nicks house, for the first time. Darcy felt awful. She had woken up in the morning feeling run down, coughing and unusually chilly. She blamed Tara for it. She had only just gotten over a horrible cold. Actually, the horrible flu had been spreading around their friendship group. Starting off with Issac, then, Charlie, Nick and lastly Tara. She, Elle and Tao had been the only survivors up until now.

Darcy packed the last of her stuff and sat down before reaching for a tissue and blowing her nose. She knew it probably wasn’t a wise idea going out when she was under the weather and especially not being around her friends whilst being sick but she had came to the conclusion that staying home with her mother would make her feel 10 times worse than she already did. She felt her phone vibrate on the bed and smiled as she saw the messages from the group chat appear on the screen.

Tao: Nelson, you better have at least one decent film in your home for this evening or there will be hell to pay

Nick: I dont know how to reply to this…

Issac: LOL!

Elle: you will soon discover how passionate Tao is with movies

Tao: You say it like its a bad thing??

Nick: What time will you all be getting here? Just, so I can like set up and stuff

Charlie: proper little host you are

Nick: *inserts multiple laughing emojis*

Tara: My mums picking Darcy up around 5:30 if anyone else needs a lift?

Elle: That would be great :)

Issac: Charlie? Is your dad still fine to pick me up?

Charlie: of course! Tao?

Tao: Yes please :))

Darcy put her phone on the side and glanced at the clock. 4pm, she had just enough time to get some medicine in to her system and gave a quick nap. She felt even worse when she woke up.

Tara, Elle and Tara’s mum were right on time picking her up. She shuffled out of the door locking it behind her. She was relieved to be leaving before her mum returning from work as she really didn’t have the energy to put up with her nagging right now because of course the fact that Darcy had fallen victim of the spreading illness would be her own fault.

She slipped in to the backseat beside Tara and gave her a smile. Despite how rubbish she was feeling, she was so glad to be around her girlfriend. Tara noticed instantly the glassy look in Darcy’s eyes and her flushed cheeks. “You caught my cold, didn’t you?” She asked. Darcy gave her a small smile “I’m absolutely fine.” She told her. It was a lie but she didn’t want Tara feeling bad and she definitely didn’t want to spoil everyones night by bringing the mood down.

They arrived at Nick’s house the same time as everyone else. Nick had transformed the sitting room for the evening. The floor was decorated with sleeping bags and an air mattress, a pile of blankets were stacked up in the corner. The coffee table in the middle of the room was covered in snacks, drinks and board games. Sarah had helped him set up before she had headed out for the evening. Nick had really wanted to make a good impression as it was his first time hosting, after all.

“What should we do first?” Issac asked. “We could play a game of monopoly before we order pizza?” Charlie suggested as he sat next to Nick on the sofa. “Then I can rate your film collection from bad to chronically bad.” Tao replied as he glanced he glanced disapprovingly at the pile of DVDs stacked up next to the TV. Darcy had barely said a word since they got there, she didn’t really feel much like talking as her throat hurt and she just felt tired. Tara glanced worriedly at her. “If you really aren’t feeling well. I can get my mum to pick us up?” Darcy quickly shook her head. “No, there’s no need.” She told. “Honestly, I’m fine…just tired.” Tara just sighed but she knew there was no chance of changing Darcy’s mind.

Another while passed and they all ordered pizza and had a game of monopoly whilst they waited. After eating they settled on a film much to Tao’s protests but he finally gave in. Everyone got comfortable as the movie started. Darcy and Tara were sat on the floor beside one another, their backs up against the sofa and a blanket spread over their laps. Tara held a bowl of popcorn and noticed that Darcy never touched a piece even thought it was her favourite. Toffee flavour. Darcy struggled to keep her eyes open throughout the duration of the film, she leaned her head sleeping against her girlfriends shoulder as the exhaustion kicked in. Towards the end of the film, noticing how her girlfriend shivered beside her. Tara drapes the blanket around her and placed a soft kiss on her forehead. She winced softly at the heat radiating off the other girl. She just wished Darcy had been honest about how bad she was actually feeling.

As the film titles rolled up on screen. Elle was the first to break the silence as she noticed the position of her two friends. “Darcy‘s sick.” She pointed out. “Isn’t she?” She asked Tara, for confirming although she was positive she knew the answer. Tara sighed. “How did you know?” “She’s never this quiet.” Nick interjected. “She barely ate any pizza.” Charlie added in. “Which we all know isn’t like her, usually she has to fight Nick for the last slice.” He chuckled. Tara smiled. “She’s caught the plague that’s been going around Truham and Higgs.” She sighed. “She should have said.” Elle said softly. “We could have postponed.” All their friends nodded in agreement. “She didn’t want to ruin the night.” “She wouldn’t have.” Nick replied. “We’ve all been there.”

“Except me.” Elle and Tao in unison just as Darcy sneezed in her sleep. “I hate to break it to you guys but this cold is airborne.” Charlie laughed. “You’ll probably get sick.” “Thanks.” Tao replied dully but he knew Charlie had a point. Darcy had woken herself up as she lifted her head off Tara’s shoulder and rubbed her eyes. “How are you feeling?” Tara asked. Darcy was suddenly aware that all her friends were looking at her. “Um, I feel fine.” She replied faking a smile. “Why would you ask that?” “We know you’re sick.” Elle replied as she sat beside her. Darcy sighed and glanced at Tara. “You told them??”

“No.” Nick told her. “We kind of guessed.” Darcy sighed. “I’m sorry,” she mumbled. Charlie frowned. “For what? You can’t help it if you’re ill.” “I don’t want to bring the mood down.” Darcy admitted before coughing her in to her elbow. She felt horrible. “You’re not.” Charlie assured her with a smile. “But you need to be honest with us.” Elle said, putting a hand on Darcy’s shoulder. “How do you really feel?” “Awful.” Darcy mumbled as she lay her head on Tara’s shoulder again. “Do you want to go home?” Tao asked. “It’s really no problem if you want to. We can do this again.” Nick chimes in. Darcy quickly shook her head. “No!” She exclaimed. “Uh-uhm…it’s just, my mums not very motherly with things like this.” She admitted quietly. The gang came to an agreement there and then that they would look after Darcy and nurse her back to health.

Tao and Issac raided the bathroom cabinet to see if there was anything useful. It was safe to say that Saran Nelson kept it fully stocked. There was nearly every healthcare product imaginable. They returned to the living room a few minutes later armed with a thermometer, lemsips, both Lemon and Blackcurrant and throat lozenges. Tao raised an eyebrow and smirked at Nick. “What??” The older boy asked. “Your bathroom cupboard is like boots the chemist.” He chuckled. Nick rolled his eyes. “It comes in handy though does it not?” “Guess so.” Tao replied as he sat everything down on the table.

Half an hour later Darcy had changed into pyjamas and was tucked up in Nick’s bed with Tara by her side. It had taken a bit of persuasion to get her there. Worried about being a burden. Darcy had been adamant that she would sleep on the sofa but her friend had insisted she slept in his bed. She would be more comfortable and she would be able to rest in peace up here. Nick brought her up a Blackcurrant flavoured Lemsip in his favourite mug and sat in on the bedside table. “Thanks.” Darcy smiled softly. “Your bed is super comfy.” She told him as she collapsed back on to the stack of pillows behind her. “I’m never leaving.”

“You might need to fight Charlie over that one.” Nick said with a slip of the tongue before blushing in realisation that he had said that out loud. “Oh.” Darcy smirked. “You’re at the sharing a bed stage?” “Well…uh, he’s only stayed over one night.” Nick admitted as he sat on the edge of the bed. “But…yeah” he nodded. Darcy smiled, glad Nick was comfortable opening up about his relationship with her. She really has the best friends around her. “Tara’s heating up some soup.” Charlie told her as he entered the room. “I found this in the back of the freezer, it might help soothe your throat.” He said as he handed her an ice lolly. “Traffic light ice lollies? Really, Nicholas?” Darcy smirked. Nick rolled his eyes. “Mum bought them when I was ill last week.” He admitted. “Don’t insult them, they taste amazing.” Darcy laughed as she gratefully unwrapped the frozen treat and brought it to her lips. Charlie was right, it did help her sore throat. Nellie had joined them on the bed as she curled up next to Darcy who ran her hand through her fur. “She can tell you’re poorly.” Nick smiled. Darcy returned the smile. “I always wanted a dog but my mum doesn’t like them.” “Join the club.” Charlie pouted. “Well Nellie is just as much you guys dog as she is mine.” Nick told them.

Tara brought a bowl of soup up for Darcy a little bit later. Nick and Charlie retreated back downstairs. She sat the bowl on the side and got on to the bed next to her girlfriend, leaning her head against the headboard. “Nicks bed is so comfy,”. “I know! Right??” Darcy replied hoarsely. “I’m sorry I got you sick.” Tara sighed as she squeezed Darcy’s hand. “It’s not your fault.” Darcy assured her. “I could’ve caught this from anyone.” “I feel bad, you don’t have to stay up here with me.” Darcy told her as she sat up straight. “You’re missing out on all the fun downstairs.”

“How can I possibly have a good time when the girl I love is stuck up here feeling lousy?” Tara sighed as she reached out to check Darcy’s temperature, thankfully it had gone down a little bit. Darcy rested her head on Tara’s chest. “The girl I love, is the best girl in the world.” She mumbled sleepily. Tara’s felt a lump in her throat. Had she just heard Darcy right? Had she just said she loved her back? She had been waiting for that for so long, after saying it to Darcy a few times in the past and her not replying and maybe it was just the fever talking but she didn’t care because just hearing those words pass Darcy’s lips made her so so happy. Darcy closed her eyes as the exhaustion claimed her body once again. Tara smiled at her sleeping girlfriend and closed her own eyes and that’s how Nick and Charlie found them in the morning. Cuddled up together on the bed with Nellie by their side.

Chapter Text

“David…” “Mum??” his voice was thick with concern. Why was his mother calling him at almost midnight on a Saturday. What could be so important?”

“it’s Nicky,” the voice on the other end of the phone said shakily. “He’s in the hospital. He’s been attacked.” he winced at that statement. “David, it’s not good…”

David kept replaying his mothers call over and over again in his head as he walked through the hospital carpark. It was now nearing 4am as it had taken him some time to drive home from Glasgow, but, hearing the desperation in Sarah’s voice. He just knew he had to be here. “Mum??” David said as he entered the small waiting room that a nurse had kindly pointed him in the direction of. “Oh David, thank god.” Sarah replied as she engulfed her eldest child in a bone crushing hug. She held him tightly. “I’m so glad you’re here.” Sarah told him softly as she let go. David gave her a shaky smile. “How’s Nick??” and that was when Sarah Nelson fell apart, again. She let out a shaky sob as she pulled David over to the seating area in the corner of the room. “Mum? You’re scaring me now.” David told her as he sat down. “Is Nick alright?” Had something more sinister happened? oh god no, please no. David was thinking the worst as his thoughts ran away from him.

“He’s in surgery.” Sarah explained. “Surgery??” David asked his mother with wide eyes. Why was his little brother in surgery? “Why??” “He’s got a punctured lung and some internal bleeding, a broken arm and several cracked ribs Sarah exclaimed. “Not to mention the fact that they’ve messed his face up pretty badly.” She sniffed “His beautiful face.” David felt his blood boil. “Why was he attacked?” He asked completely oblivious to the elephant in the room. “Because he’s bisexual.” David frowned. “You can’t know that, Mum.” He said. He just didn’t want to believe this had happened because of Nick’s sexuality. “I do know that, actually.” Sarah said. “There were witnesses.” David felt a feeling of guilt wash over him. Yes, he has never physically assaulted his brother over his sexuality but ever since he found out all he done is taunt and make Nick hate himself for it. He was the one person that was supposed to prevent that from happening. He was the big brother. He was supposed to protect Nick from things like that.

Just then the door to the waiting room clicked open and David glanced up to see Charlie and a man he assumed to be his dad enter the room carrying a tray of teas from the hospital cafe. Julio Spring offered a sympathetic smile as he handed one over to Sarah. He had made sure to put in a couple of sugars, knowing she probably needed it. “Thank you.’ Sarah said quietly. Julio glanced at David and held out a hand. “You must be Nick’s brother. I’m Julio, Charlie’s dad..” David shook the man’s hand. “David.”

Sarah sipped her tea, her hand was trembling. The tea was sweet. Sweeter than she normally would have it but boy did she need it right now. Her stomach was in knots, the thought of her baby boy laying on an operating theatre somewhere in the building broke her heart. Someone had did that to her child. Beaten him up, so savagely and just left him there. For what? Because of his sexuality? It sickened her to think of but unfortunately it was the painful reality that had been forced upon them. “Did you drive Sweetheart, or did you get the train?” Sarah asked her eldest son as she put her hot drink on the table. “I drove.” David replied. “The trains were full up because of the bank holiday.” He explained. He then glanced up at Charlie. “Were you there?” Charlie’s head shot up. David’s question taking him by surprise. “Wh-at?” “With Nick.” “No.” Charlie said guiltily. “Not when it happened.” “Why not?” David asked not in an accusing way, more like in a confused way. They were normally joint at the hip.

Charlie went on to explain about how they had started off the afternoon going to the arcade with the gang. It had been normal afternoon but then Tao and Nick had a disagreement which lead to Charlie feeling like piggy in the middle. In conclusion Nick had decided to head on home as he claimed he was tired. Charlie knew it was because he had sided with Tao instead of him but not intentionally. He had just assumed that Nick wouldn’t overreact like Tao would. Charlie had tried to apologise as Nick left, the older boy assuring him that he had nothing to apologise for and that he would see him tomorrow. Truth being he didn’t want to make things weird between Charlie and his friends. Yes they were dating but Charlie and Tao had been friends a lot longer than they had been together and he just felt like he needed to respect that. What Charlie wasn’t expecting was the frantic phone call from Sarah a couple of hours later to say that Nick had been viciously attacked and left for dead. Someone had deliberately done this.

Suddenly the door to the waiting room opened an in walked a middle aged man. “Mrs Nelson?” Sarah stood up immediately as she shook his hand. He introduced himself as the one who had performed Nick’s surgery. “Nicholas is out of theatre and is currently in recovery.” He explained. “The surgery was little more complicated than we thought.” Sarah paled in hearing that. “What do you mean? Is he okay?” She asked, desperate to hear some positive news about her child. “I’m confident that the crack to the bone in Nick’s arm will heal nicely, we have put him in plaster and recovery should be between 6-8 weeks and we have repaired his punctured lung hut the internal bleeding was more severe than we thought.” He sighed. “We’ve had to remove his spleen.” “Oh god..” Sarah muttered as she rubbed her hands tiredly down her face. “What about his over all recovery? He’s a rugby player.” She explained “This isn’t going to effect that, is it?” “Nicholas has suffered some serious injuries.” He told her. “But I am fairly confident that he will recover fully although he will be on bed rest for some time and will be sore for a bit.” Sarah nodded. “Can I see him?” She asked in a hopeful tone. “He hasn’t come round from the anaesthetic yet but of course.” He smiled. “I think it’s best to limit it to 2 at a time for now.” Sarah smiled and thanked the Doctor again before grabbing her bag and smiling at Charlie. “Are you coming, love?” She said warmly. “I’m sure Nick will be made up to see you when he comes round.” Charlie glanced at Sarah and then at David. “You should go.” He said softly. “You’re family…” David shook his head. “I can assure you that Nick wont want to see me.” He sighed as he stood up. “I’m going to get a coffee, I’ll go see him in a bit.”

Charlie sighed and reluctantly followed Sarah out of her room but he couldn’t help feeling like he was the last person Nick would want to see when he came round. They both headed to a side room where Nick had been transferred to from recovery. He had came round from the anaesthetic but was still sleepy from the effects of the anaesthesia so he was napping when they arrived. Sarah was the first to enter and she almost crumbled at the sight of her son laying in the hospital bed. He had two black eyes, a busted lip and a bruised cheek, his left arm was in a cast and he had drips in both hands and a nasal cannula in both nostrils for oxygen. Those monsters had laid in to him. Charlie stepped forward and he felt his heart shatter as he seen his boyfriend. “Oh Nick..” he said quietly.

Nick walked away from the Arcade. He zipped up his jacket as the winter weather hit him square in the face. He decided to walk home rather than to call his mum for a lift, he needed to clear his head anyway. He tried not to let Tao and his pointless argument bother him because that was all it was, a pointless argument but he knew it would have escalated if he hadn’t made the decision to leave. Part of him had wanted Charlie to leave with him but the last thing he wanted was to cause a rift between his boyfriend and his friends . He’d call Charlie later and they’d talk and he’d apologise to Tao tomorrow and then things would be alright.

“Oi faggot.” Nick froze in his footsteps as he heard the gruff voice from behind him. He bit his lip as he began to feel unnerved. Surely they weren’t addressing him. Yeah, he had recently came out publicly and he knew that most of the town would now know he was bisexual but he was just being paranoid, right??? So he continued walking.

Wrong.

“We’re talking to you, Puff.” Ignore them and they’ll go away, Nick thought to himself as he started walking at a faster pace. That was until he was grabbed from behind and roughly shoved against a wall. Why did he think it was a smart idea to take a short cut through the back alley. It was quiet and lonely and now he was in big trouble. “I don’t want any bother.” Nick told them as he tried to push past the hooded figures. There was 3 of them. He was completely outnumbered. He wished he had called his mum after all. “Tough!” One of them sneered before punching Nick so hard that he fell to the ground. They proceeded to shout homophobic trash at him as they took turns throwing punches and kicks at the helpless teenager. Nick curled himself in to a protective ball as he suffered blow after blow. I mean 3 against 1 was hardly a fair fight but these men just kept laying in to him just because they didn’t like who he was or what he was in their eyes. All Nick could think about as he drifted in and out of consciousness was Charlie. He wanted Charlie.

Nick blinked his eyes opened and the first thing he was aware of was the pounding in his head. He then noticed the white. White walls. White ceiling and that smell. Sterile. He recognised that smell. The hospital. He had only ever been in hospital once before when he was 12. It started with a stomachache and then a raging fever and then the writhing in complete agony at 3 o’clock in the morning and a panicked Sarah rushing him to A&E where he was diagnosed with a ruptured appendix.

He knew this smell meant hospital, but what was he doing here. He gently rolled his head to the left. “Nicky? Sweetheart.” Nick blinked up at his mother as his surroundings became more clear. “Hi, baby.” Sarah smiled as she stroked his cheek. “You’re in hospital…” Nick noticed the white cast on his arm and realised that’s why it felt so heavy. His whole body ached. “Do you remember what happened?” That voice. Charlie. Charlie was here. Nick rolled his head to the other side and smiled. “Hi.” Charlie felt his heart flutter. Nick wasn’t mad with him? “Hi…” he said softly as he stroked Nicks hand but being careful of the IV drip. “How are you feeling?” Charlie asked. “Sore.” Nick replied. “I…I can’t…” his head was fuzzy and he was struggling to concentrate. “What happened?” Sarah sighed. “You were attacked, love.”

Nick’s eyes widened and suddenly he remember. He remembered curling himself in to a ball in an attempt to protect himself. He remembered begging them to stop. He remembered the rain battering down on his bloodied body as they laughed and left him there. He remembered calling out for his mum and for Charlie as he lost consciousness. He remembered the soft voice of the king stranger that found him and called for help. Nick blinked as the tears tan freely down his cheeks.

“I’m so sorry.” Charlie blurted out as he stroked his boyfriends arm. “This is all my fault.” Nick’s eyes widened as he shook his head softly. “No.” He said. “Yes, it is.” Charlie sighed. “I should have gone with you, you were upset but I stayed with the gang instead.” He whispered as his guilt over powered him again.

“Charlie…” Nick sighed. “You have nothing to apologise for, you didn’t know this was going to happen.” Sarah glanced over at Charlie. “Nicks right, darling.” She smiled softly. “I don’t know what happened between you boys earlier in the evening.” but she knew her son would eventually fill her in as he always did. He always confided in her about his troubles. “But this isn’t your fault.” She reassured Charlie. “The only ones that are to blame are the monsters that did this.” She said as she ran her hand through her sons hair. Nick closed his eyes as the small conversation had taken it out of him. He was just so tired. “You sleep now, baby.” Sarah cooed as she smoothed the blanket around him.

David approached the nurses station after grabbing himself and Sarah a coffee from one of the vending machines. He was shown to Nick’s room by a kind nurse and he hovered outside the door. Should he go in? Nick probably didn’t want him there and to be honest, he didn’t really blame him. He’s been a right dick to his younger brother ever since he found out that he was Bisexual. Before then, even. He’s always taunted and teased him. But he’s never actually physically hurt him, unlike the bastards that did this. They beat him to a pulp and left him in the cold and dark, if it wasn’t for that innocent dog-walker witnessing the full thing, his brother might have died.

David was about to enter the room when Charlie exited. “Oh, hi..” the younger boy said quietly, not expecting to see Nick’s brother hovering outside the room. “Hey.” David said awkwardly. “I didn’t think you’d want one.” he muttered as he glanced down at the coffee’s in his hand. Charlie shook his head. “I’m not a big coffee drinker.” he admitted. “Besides, I have to go, my dads waiting outside for me…” David nodded. “See you later.” Charlie smiled as he took off down the corridor. He didn’t want to leave Nick, but it was almost 6am and his dad had been sitting out in the car for the best part of an hour.

David watched the boy leave before taking a deep breath and entering the room. Sarah’s head snapped up and she smiled warmly at her elder son as he entered the room. “Hi love…”. David returned the smile as he sat down beside her. “I got you a coffee.” Sarah gracefully accepted it and took a sip. “He’s just dozed off. He’s pretty tired.” Sarah explained. “It’ll be the drugs.”

Nick slept for an hour before coming round again. Sarah had nipped home to take Nellie out and grab some pyjamas for Nick as she knew he’d probably be more comfortable in them that the hospital gown he was currently wearing. Nick opened his eyes, feeling a little more alert this time but what he wasn’t expecting that instead of finding his mother or Charlie sat by his bedside, it was David. “Hey…” David said, noticing this his brother had woken up. He placed the formula 1 magazine that he had been flicking through down on the table. Nick frowned. What was David doing here? “What are you doing here?”

“Nice to see you, too.” David mumbled with a roll of the eyes. “I’m here to see you.” He replied. “Is that ok?” He might if known Nick wouldn’t have been exactly thrilled to see him, although he couldn’t exactly blame him. “Why??” Nick questioned as he tried to pull himself into a sitting position but he was met with a sharp pain. “Hey, take it easy.” David replied as he gently pushed Nick back against the pillow. “You’ve just had Surgery, muppet.” He scolded. “You’ll burst your stitches.” “Don’t touch me.” Nick hit back, a little more harshly than he intended. “You know exactly what I meant.” David frowned but waited for his brother to carry on. “Why are you here, David?” Nick asked again. “Don’t pretend you care, because we both know you don’t…”

David glanced down at the floor as he awkwardly played with a loose thread on his sweatshirt. Is that what Nick actually thought? That he didn’t care, at all? Is this what all his years of taunting and teasing have come down to? “I do care…” he said quietly. Nick just scoffed as he crossed his arms across his chest. “Yeah, right….” “I do.” David repeated, a bit louder this time. “You’re my little brother and you’re in hospital. I got here as quickly as I could after mum called me.” David explained. Nick just shook his head. “I bet.” He said harshly. “I bet all your Christmases and birthdays came at once when mum told you what happened…” “Nick..” David said as he glanced up. “No…” “No??” Nick questioned. “You’re telling me you didn’t feel that tiny bit of satisfaction when you found out that your disgusting bisexual brother had been victim of a homosexual hate crime?”

David couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “What? No, that’s ridiculous.” Nick let a harsh chuckle escape his lips. “What’s ridiculous? The fact I just called myself disgusting or the fact that you’ve clearly forgotten that’s what you always call me.” David swallowed a lump that had formed in his throat. Nick had obviously hit a nerve, but he wasn’t wrong. He was completely right in what he was saying. “You’re right…” he said quietly. Nick glanced at his older brother, not expecting him to back down so easily. “What?” “I said you’re right.” David repeated. “I haven’t dealt with this the right way.” He sighed. “I’ve been horrible to you since I found out that you were…” he stopped. “See?? You can’t even say it.” Nick exasperates. “Bisexual.” David cut him off.

“I guess I just didn’t want to believe it.” He admitted. “But I was wrong. I reacted wrong.” “I can’t help who I am.” Nick told him. “I…it’s been hard, David. It has been really hard…” his voice croaked. He never imagined having this conversation with his brother because he never wanted to listen, until now. “I really thought I could depend on my big brother for support.” Nick said. “I knew when you saw that photo of Charlie and me and you knew that we were together and then all the taunting and teasing and outing us in front of dad.” he rambled on, he just couldn’t stop. He had waited such a long time to say these things to David.

“I’m sorry Nick.” David said sincerely. “I’m really fucking sorry. I shouldn’t have teased you. I should’ve been there.” he sighed. “I’m you’re big brother. I’m not supposed to make you feel like that, I’m supposed to kick the crap out of anyone that makes you feel like that.” He said as he ran his hands down his face. “It wasn’t my place to out you in front of dad.”

“No, it wasn’t…”

“I’m sorry.” David said. “I…I should have let you tell him when you were ready to be.” “I don’t think I’d ever of been ready to.” Nick said quietly. “I mean he’s not exactly father of the year is he?” “I guess not.” David agreed. “But that still doesn’t give me the right to do what I did. I don’t want to be an asshole.” He sighed.

“I don’t want to be anything like those cowards that put you in here. I just want you to be happy, Nick.” Nick glanced at his brother. “I see now that Charlie makes you happy, doesn’t he?” “Yeah.” Nick nodded. “He does. He makes me so happy.” “Do you think you’ll ever be able to forgive me?” David asked hesitantly. Nick sighed as he looked his brother in the eyes. “I…I don’t know.” He said quietly. David sighed, he had been expecting that but it didn’t make the situation any easier. “But I can try…”

David’s head snapped up. “What?” he asked in a surprised tone. “Im tired of fighting you David and I know you are too.” David nodded at that. “Look, I’m not saying I can just forgive you like that because you really hurt me..” Nick trailed off. “But I am willing to try but you have to promise me you’ll be a better person?” “I want to be.” David said quietly. “Then that’s good enough for me..” Nick replied. He wanted things to be like they used to be when he and David actually got along with each other. “So? Do we hug now or what?” David smirked. “Don’t push it.” Nick snickered. David laughed and held out his fist which Nick bumped with his good hand.

Sarah watched from the doorway. She hadn’t been there the whole time but she had heard enough to know that her family would be alright in time. She knew David and Nick weren’t just going to work through their differences like that but they were willing to try and that was enough for her.

Chapter Text

Hello everyone :)

Just a quick note to say that I haven’t abandoned this story and do not intend to. I have been busy concentrating on my other work that I have sort of neglected this piece but I really want to get back in to it but I am a little stuck for ideas at the minute so if anyone has any requests that they would like to see me so please let me know 🙏🏼

Thanks, hopefully I will have something to post here soon!! <3

Chapter Text

Nick lay bundled up on the sofa, wrapped in a blanket, a Halloween episode of modern family playing quietly in the background. Nellie was cuddled in to his side. Today was Halloween. Nick was supposed to be going to Tao’s spooktacular movie marathon along with Charlie and the rest of the ‘Paris Squad’ but he had woke up this morning with a sore throat and a temperature. Sarah bring her protective mama bear self had booked him an emergency appointment at the doctor for earlier that afternoon, where it was revealed he had strep throat, again, and was prescribed a course of antibiotics. Poor Nick has been succumbed to the nasty illness a good few times this year as his ‘lame tonsils’ as he would call them, let him down time after time. He glanced at his phone, he had a message from Charlie.

Charlie: HEY! how are you feeling?? Did you get a doctors appointment.

Nick: Hey! I feel like crap :( yeah, it’s strep

Charlie: again?? that sucks😫 do you want me to come over for cuddles?

Nick: you’ll miss Tao’s party and I don’t need to give him any more excuses to hate me 🤣

Nick: and I don’t want to get you sick

Charlie: Tao doesn’t hate you Nick😭🤣

Charlie: and I would much rather spend the evening cuddling with you than watching Tao’s idea of horror films, he’ll probably just make us watch Donnie Darko agin instead 😂

Charlie: also I live with a 6 year old boy, the chances of me getting sick are always high

Nick: 🤣🤣🤣 still haven’t watched that…

Charlie: keep it that way!

Nick: seriously though, you don’t mind missing the sleepover?

Charlie: I honestly don’t mind. It’s Halloween 🎃 and you’re sick 🤒 I don’t want you to be alone. Is your mum still going out??

Nick: Yeah, she’s got a party and David’s away for the weekend. So just me and Nells🫶🏼

Charlie: and me

Nick: 😇😇😇

Charlie: I can come over in an hour or so, I said I’d help Ollie with his Halloween costume.

Nick: good luck!

Charlie: it’s ironic that he’s decided to dress as a devil this year, because he’s been a little devil today👹🤣

Nick:🤣🤣

Nick: do you think the gang will be annoyed that we’re not there tonight?

Charlie: they might be 🤷🏻 Tao will definitely do some winging! But you’re not well so you can’t helot that and I’m lovingly taking care of you🥰

Nick: I’ll hold you to that when you’re forcing me to watch a horror later

Charlie: you can hold my hand at the jumps, babe❤️

Nick:😘

Charlie smiled. He didn’t mind missing out on the movie night, there would be plenty more but the chances of a night of being home alone with Nick were limited. They had zero privacy at his house, he wasn’t even allowed to have his bedroom door closed when Nick was over and when they were at his boyfriends, David the bellend was always lurking about. So of course he was going to grab, with both hands, this opportunity to spend some alone nick even if he was under the weather. Cuddling up with Nick and Nellie and watching Halloween films sounded perfect to him. He glanced at his phone again as it pinged with a notification. Nick had messaged in the group chat.

Nick: Hey guys!! I’m so sorry but I can’t make it tonight☹️

Darcy: Nooooo Nicholas! WHY?

Elle: ?? Won’t be the same without you Nick

Issac: oh nooo :( that sucks! How come?

Tao: PLEASE tell me you are NOT going to Harry Greenes Halloween bash?

Nick: no 100% not 🙅🏼

Tao: so what’s your better offer then instead of our movie night?

Nick: I wouldn’t exactly call it a better offer…I have strep throat

Tao: again?? Didn’t you have that like last month?

Nick: yes 😞

Imogen: poor Nicholas😫

Elle: Aw that sounds rough! feel better soon Nick x

Tara: that sucks & on Halloween too 😭 hope you feel better soon

Darcy: ah i see your lame tonsils have struck again?

Nick: it would seem so 😭

Darcy: That sucks!!

Issac: feel better soon :( strep sucks!!

Sahar: 😭😭 get well soon Nick

Tao: ah that’s rubbish!! Feel better soon. I’m sure Charlie will fill you in on what you miss tonight though

Nick: well…

Charlie: I can’t make it either😭

Tao: have you passed on your germs already, Nelson??

Charlie: I’m looking after Nick tonight while his mum is out

Tao: so you’re ditching us?

Issac: 🙄 Tao play nice

Darcy: CUTIES❤️❤️ nurse spring to the rescue

Nick: I did tell him to go to the sleepover

Charlie: and I ignored you💁🏻

Nick: don’t be mean. I’m poorly

Charlie: don’t milk it 😂😂

Tao: you BOTH better be at the next film night OR ELSE!!

Nick: I don’t think we have a choice by the sounds of that?

Tao: nope!

Charlie: enjoy tonight guys and don’t let Tao pick all of the films, I beg you

Tao: RUDE!!!

Charlie: 😘😘

Darcy: Enjoy your boring night without our company🫶🏼 although when Charlie ends up with strep we will know exactly why😘

Charlie couldn’t help but chuckle at his friends. He knew they were just messing and he knew Tao was just being dramatic. He would make it up to him but the most important thing was spending Halloween with Nick. Even if he was struck down with strep throat and a fever.

Nick flickered tiredly through the channels on TV. For it being Halloween, there was absolutely nothing decent to watch. He stifled a yawn. Being sick was exhausting. He sighed as he settled for Netflix instead. “I’m getting ready to leave, Nicky.” Sarah Nelson announced. Nick glanced up and smiled at her. “You look nice, mum.” He knew his mum didn’t get out very often. So he was adamant that she still go despite her protests of staying home because he’s unwell. Nick had put his foot firmly on the floor. Ensuring her that he would be fine and if he wasn’t he would call her, besides Charlie would be coming around to keep him company for the evening. Sarah smiled at her youngest son. “Thank you, darling.” She said as she bent over and placed a gentle kiss on his forehead, she frowned slightly. “Hmmm.” she brushed her fingers through his fringe. “You’re still a little warm, make sure you take more paracetamol in a bit.” Nick just nodded as he snuggled in to the blankets. “I’m sure Charlie will take great care of me.”

Sarah chuckled and smiled. She had no doubt about that. Charlie was such a kind, caring boy and she knew her darling Nicky was in good hands when he was around. “If you need me call me, there’s some soup in the kitchen and make sure you drink plenty of fluids..” she fussed. Normally she wouldn’t feel so comfortable leaving Nick at home alone when he was feeling poorly. But he wasn’t going to be alone. Charlie would be there and Nick had persuaded her to go on her night out, that she had been looking forward to it for ages and she hardly ever went out.

Nick was dozing on the couch when he heard the doorbell ring. Nellie instantly jumped off his lap and raced to the door. She bounced up and down excitedly when she saw who it was through the glass panel on the front door. Nick wrapped his blanket around his shoulders like a burrito as he trudged over to the door. He opened it and smiled immediately when he saw his boyfriend.

“Hi..”

“Hi..”

Charlie smiled as he stepped inside and bent down to pet Nellies fur. “Hi Nellie.” He grinned. “Where’s my good girl.” He ruffled her fur. She jumped up excitedly, licking his face. Nick pouted. “Where’s my cuddles..” he said, hoarsely with a hint of humour. Charlie chuckled as he stood up. “Awww. There’s my good boy.” He joked as he ruffled Nicks hair. He then stood back at examined his boyfriend. He looked pathetically pitiful. His eyes were glassy and tired looking with puffy, dark under bags. Which clearly indicated the lack of sleep. His cheeks were flushed red with fever and his lymph nodes were evidently swollen. “You were sleeping weren’t you?” He asked, feeling a little guilty. “Sorry I woke you up.” “Technically Nellie woke me.” Nick chuckled. “I didn’t hear the doorbell but I heard Nells.” He chuckled.

Charlie and Nick settled down on the couch again. Charlie making sure his poorly boyfriend was warm enough as he smothered him in blankets. “Have you eaten?” Charlie asked. Nick shook his head. “I’ll make some soup.” Nick grimaced. “Swallowing hurts.” He pouted. Charlie sighed. “You need to eat.” Nick narrowed his eyes and glanced at his boyfriend. “Have you eaten?” He asked hoarsely. Charlie sighed, he should have guessed that even though Nick was poorly and evidently feeling rubbish that he would still be concerned and worried for him. He should have guessed he’d ask that question. “I’ll have some soup if you do.” Charlie promised and negotiated at the same time. Nick looked at Charlie. He could be so manipulative sometimes but in a cute way. “Fine.” He said hoarsely. That was a pretty fair deal.

Charlie prepared them some soup and by preparing, meant he just emptied the contents of a tin of chicken noodle soup that Sarah had left out into a pot and let it simmer away. He then dished up two bowls and buttered some bread. “Bon Appetit.” He smiled as he sat down next to Nick to eat his own soup. He flicked through the watch list of movies that Nick had lined up for them to watch tonight. He chuckled. “Hocus Pocus? Really??” Nick glared at his boyfriend. “What? It’s a classic Halloween movie.” “If you say so.” Nick then shot his boyfriend a look of dissatisfaction. “You’re telling me you’ve never watched Hocus Pocus?” Charlie just shrugged. “Nope! We always watch The Addams family in our house.” He chuckled. Nick rolled his eyes. “Let me guess, that’s Tori’s influence?” Charlie just snorted. “Did you just compare my sister to Wednesday Addams?” He asked comically. Nick blushed red as he shook his head vigorously. “No..uh…I…” he stuttered which caused Charlie to laugh more. “I’m joking.” He admitted. Nick just rolled his eyes. “But, seriously. You’ve never watched Hocus Pocus? You don’t know about the Sanderson sisters and the black flame candle?” Charlie just slapped his hand against Nick’s forehead. “That’s definitely the fever talking.” He chuckled. “You’re talking crazy.” “You have no idea what you’re missing.” Nick rolled his eyes again. “We’re definitely watching that first.” he said before clicking play on the film.

Charlie laughed but then glanced at his boyfriend. “Seriously, though.” He said resting his head on Nick’s forehead again. “You’re awfully warm. You need to take more medicine after you eat.” Charlie finished his soup and put the bowl to the side. He glanced beside him and noticed that Nick had only had a couple of spoonfuls. He wasn’t even eating anymore. He just lazily stirred the spoon around in the bowl as he watched the movie in awe. What was his fascination with this film? Three grown women, who were witches had literally just turned a boy in to a cat? He didn’t get it. He frowned though. Nicks lack of appetite was worrying. It was usually him that was the slower eater or the picker. “You’re really not feeling good, eh?” Charlie asked softly as he reached out to stroke Nick’s warm cheek. The older boy just shook his head as he pushed the bowl away. He wasn’t hungry and he didn’t want it. Charlie just sighed as he picked the bowl up and placed it on the coffee table. He wasn’t going to force Nick to eat it if he really didn’t want to.

The next hour was spent with Charlie opening the door every now and then and handing out treats to tricker treaters from the bowl that Sarah had earlier prepared. Charlie could see how rubbish Nick had felt so had kindly offered to deal with the door opening as Nick rested on the couch watching his beloved Hocus Pocus. I’m definitely choosing the next film. Charlie thought to himself as he handed out the last of the sweets and turned the porch light off. He returned to the living room just as the ending credits rolled up on screen. “We’re out of sweets.” He announced as he flopped down on the couch beside Nick.

“Although, I did save you some snickers.” He grinned as he placed 4 individually wrapped treat size snickers bars on the arm of the couch. Knowing they were one of Nicks favourite. Nick gave him a small smile. Charlie sighed. He knew Nick was unwell but he couldn’t help but feel like something else was bothering him. He was so quiet. Which was probably because of his sore throat but he just felt as if he was missing something. “Nick?” Charlie asked carefully. Nick turned to look at him. “Are you okay? I know you’re feeling poorly.” he added. “But, is anything else bothering you?” Nick looked at his boyfriend, then at his lap, he was playing with a loose thread on his blanket. Something was clearly bothering him. “Nick…” Charlie said again. “You can tell me anything.” he assured him. Nick sighed and glanced up. “I’m scared Char..” he said, his voice quiet and raspy.

Charlie looked at Nick. Scared? What was Nick scared of? “Did the witches really terrify you that much?” he asked softly with a smirk, hoping to get a smile out of his boyfriend. Nick managed half a smile but Charlie knew something was really bothering him. “Has something happened?” he asked, cautiously. He felt slightly unnerved when Nick nodded in reply. “Kinda…” Charlie frowned. What kind of answer was that. What did that mean? He waited a few seconds, allowing Nick to carry on. Nick glanced at him and let out another sign. “When I was at my appointment earlier.” He started. “The doctor said that if I continue to keep getting strep and tonsillitis then I’m going to have to get them out.” he watched as Charlie gave him a confused look. “My tonsils. I’ll need to get my tonsils out.” he told him. “Which means surgery. Char..” he said in a small voice. Charlie glanced at him. No wonder he was in such a state. One thing Charlie knew about his boyfriend was that Nick hated anything medical related. Doctors. Hospitals. Needles. He had no idea how Sarah had managed to persuade him in to going to the GP earlier in the afternoon because it couldn’t have been an easy task. “I can’t have surgery…” he said, his voice trembling. “Nick..” Charlie said immediately sitting up straight and putting his hand on Nicks leg in a comforting way. “Is that why you’ve been so quiet? Because you’ve been worrying about this?” He asked. Nick nodded and put his head on Charlie’s shoulder. “He said if I get strep or tonsillitis again then they might need to consider it.” he croaked out. “Let’s face it. I’ve had strep 3 times and tonsillitis twice this year already so there’s a big fat chance I’ll get sick again.” “You might not.” Charlie tried to reassure him. “You never know, these new antibiotics might kick in and clear it for good.” He said giving his boyfriend a hopeful smile. Nick just sighed and shook his head. “I doubt it.”

“Hey!” Charlie said. “Where’s your positive vibes??” “Not vibing positively..” Nick mumbled as he crossed his arms over his chest and grunted. Charlie let out a smirk. “That’s not the attitude.” Nick just rolled his eyes. “Well it’s all I have right now.” Charlie just chuckled as he gave Nick a peck on the cheek. Feeling the heat against his lips reminded him of the text that he had received from Sarah a short while ago telling him that Nick was due some more antibiotics and to make sure he took more paracetamol if he was still running warm. Which he was. Charlie stood up and headed to the kitchen, taking the soup bowls with him. He placed his empty bowl in the sink and covered Nick’s hardly touched bowl of soup incase he got hungry later. He then found the pharmacy bag on the counter, containing Nick’s antibiotic. He took the blister pack out of the box and popped two pills into the palm of his hand before fetching a glass of water and doing the same with a box of paracetamol and returning to Nick. He handed the glass of water and pills over to his boyfriend, resulting in Nick giving him an unamused look. Charlie chuckled. “You’ll feel better if you take it.” Nick just sighed as he popped the pills in to his mouth one at a time and washed them down with the water. He then placed the glass on the table and cuddled in to Charlie, laying his head on his should. Charlie smiled as he grabbed Nick’s discarded blanket from before and draped it over them both before grabbing the TV remote to see what other films his boyfriend had lined up for them on Netflix. There’s no other place or person he would rather spend Halloween with. Yes, it would be better if Nick wasn’t unwell. But they were together and that’s what mattered. Tao’s film night could wait until another time.

Charlie pressed play on the next film and cuddled closer to his boyfriend. Half way through the film, he noticed that Nick had fallen asleep on his shoulder. He smiled as he placed a gentle kiss on his cheek before leaning his head against Nicks and closing his own eyes. He was pretty tired himself.  

Sarah arrived home around 10pm. She had planned on staying out later but knowing that Nick wasn’t feeling well just left her with an unsettled feeling in her stomach. She hung her coat up on the coat hook in the hallway and frowned slightly when she wasn’t met by Nellie. She was so used to her beloved border collie rushing to the door to meet her. Her eye fell on the empty bowl on the table in the hall. She smiled, delighted that they had some tricker treaters. She opened the door to the living room and was met by the most adorable sight. Nick and Charlie were both cuddled up on the couch asleep, the blanket draped over them and their heads leaning against one another. Nellie was curled up on the edge of the couch, right next to Nick. She was also asleep. Sarah couldn’t resist taking a sneaky photo on her phone as the sight was just so tooth rottenly adorable. Sarah took one last look at the boys before dimming the lights and turning off the tv which had just been displaying the end credits to nightmare before Christmas. She closed the door and went to make herself a cup of tea. She was so happy her Nicky has found someone like Charlie.

Chapter Text

Hi everyone. It’s been a while since I posted an update for this story. I have a couple of ideas of my own for upcoming chapters but I am also taking requests again so if you have any prompts just leave a little comment and I will try and get to them all 🫶🏼