Maddie, May I? - Chapter 21 - carrieluvshstpr (solarpunkdreamz) (2024)

Chapter Text

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Nick and Charlie danced, song after song after song, alone in their own private world. But they had to come up for air eventually. As one song faded away, Charlie, his body still pressed tightly to Nick, gently tossed his head back to shake his hair out of his eyes. Nick reached up to help, his hand getting delightfully lost in Charlie’s curls along the way.

Charlie leaned back into Nick’s hand, rolling his head, and his neck was suddenly right there , elegant and lean and mere centimetres away from Nick’s mouth . Nick’s eyes traced a hungry path from Charlie’s collar bone to his earlobe, and a wave of heat throbbed through his entire body as he fought the urge to graze along Charlie’s dewy skin.

Mmmmm, Charlie, how about a little nibble, or even a lick? Can I just–

“... get a bite?” Charlie asked.

“ S-s-sorry, what?”

“Should we get a bite? I’m starving! Are you starving?”

It took Nick a frantic minute to realize that Charlie had not, in fact, read his mind. Charlie was looking at him softly, asking a genuine question… a question that was, ahem, not about necks.

Jesus Christ, Nelson. Nick laughed, shaking his head. Pull it together.

As much as he wanted to keep dancing with Charlie, the man had a point. Neither of them had eaten since they arrived hours ago and they probably should eat something soon.

Food, Nick said to the little devil on his shoulder. We should eat some food.

Nick ran his hand over Charlie’s hair, smoothing it down before gently kissing the top of Charlie’s head.

“Yeah,” Nick smiled. “Let’s go find something to eat.”

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“Here, over here!” Charlie beckoned. He had run ahead of Nick, not sure exactly what he was looking for but confident he’d know it when he found it. Charlie stood peering out a sliding glass door that led outside, and he turned round to Nick, his eyes aglow.

“This is it!” he cried, sliding open the door and crossing the threshold.

Nick walked quickly through the hallway, carrying a tray filled with snacks and sodas.

“Oi, hold up for a second, I don’t want to spill anything!”

Nick caught up to Charlie and gasped as he walked through the slider. “Woah,” he said, looking around.

They were standing on a deck at the edge of the property, looking out at the lush rolling hills and the river in the distance. Tara and Darcy had hung fairy lights in the air from one side of the deck to the other, and they twinkled in the night sky like coloured stars from more vibrant galaxies. Not to be outdone, the bright harvest moon hung low on the horizon, its reflection flirting along the river’s surface down below.

Charlie spun round with his arms outstretched.

“YES! This is perfect!”

He turned to Nick, beaming, but stopped short.

“Oh sh*t!” Charlie giggled. “Sorry!” And he rushed over to help Nick with the tray.

They found a nice wide loveseat in the corner of the deck, and Charlie held the tray while Nick dragged the loveseat over to where they were standing. Nick was quite grateful he didn’t have to carry the bench, because it took Charlie a fair bit of time to determine the exact best spot to set it, and Nick would surely have dropped the bench and his “can do” attitude long before Charlie was done. As it was, Nick was sure he was going to strain something important from all the dragging back and forth he was doing. Over here, Charlie would cry out, and then two minutes later, No, wait here is better. But in the end, Charlie found a spot with a perfect view of the moon and its shimmering reflection, and Nick had to admit it was worth the wait.

Just like Charlie, Nick grinned.

Christ, he rolled his eyes. I’m such a f*cking sap.

Charlie placed the tray at the center of the bench and sat down to the left of it, pulling his legs up under himself and gazing out at the view. Nick grabbed a quick carrot stick to munch on while he stayed standing, wiping his face with the towel he’d slung around his neck on their way out of the kitchen.

Charlie helped himself to some food as his eyes drifted over Nick with a sly twinkle.

“Y’know, you really should get a refund on that green paint of yours,” Charlie teased while chomping on crisps.

Nick kept dabbing his face, his neck, his arms, and he could feel the heat from Charlie’s eyes pouring over his every move. Even after what they shared on the dance floor, Nick’s cheeks flushed at Charlie’s attention.

f*ck, his stare…

Nick took a deep breath as the heat of Charlie’s gaze washed over him, shocking and satisfying, like unexpected sunshine on a brisk winter’s day.

It feels so f*cking good.

He looked up, boldy catching Charlie’s eyes, and was pleasantly surprised to see Charlie’s cheeks redden too.

That’s right, Nick laughed to himself. Caught ya.

Nick winked at Charlie. “Well, I don’t think it’s the paint’s fault… I’m sure they don’t expect you to dance in it for hours on end.”

Most of the paint had wiped off by now, but Nick still had a noticeable green tint about him. He spread his arms wide and shimmied for Charlie with a hopeful grin on his face.

“How do I look?”

Charlie scanned him up and down, assessing.

“Hmm, honestly?” He munched away on his crisps, his face serious. “You look like your takeaway sat out on the counter all night long and you–genius that you are–ate it anyway.”

Charlie mimed someone barfing all over the bench, and Nick couldn’t help but laugh at Charlie’s gruesome scene.

“Jesus Charlie!” Nick laughed, playfully fwapping Charlie with his towel.

Charlie giggled and took defensive measures, sacrificing a few crisps in the process.

Still smiling, Nick looked around and shook his head before sitting down and helping himself to more snacks. “I still can’t believe no one else is out here.”

“I guess no one else thought it was okay to wander through your friends’ house tonight…” Charlie shrugged his shoulders with a gleam in his eye. “Go figure!”

“Heh, you’re probably right.” Nick chuckled. “But I’m glad you suggested it. It was kinda noisy in there.”

Nick sighed and relaxed into the cushions behind him, his left arm skimming along the top of the bench and resting with his fingers casually close to Charlie’s shoulder.

“This is much quieter.”

“Yeah, and hopefully Darcy can’t catch us with one of her jump scares out here.” Charlie shot a concerned glance over his shoulder toward the house. Before turning back around, his eyes fell to Nick’s hand next to him on the bench and Charlie bit back a grin.

He smiled up at Nick and reached forward for another snack. As he drew back, Charlie landed just a twinge closer to Nick than when he’d started, his shoulder now somehow magically bumping right up against Nick’s fingers.

Nick noticed Charlie’s not-so-subtle play, and bit back a smile.

We just spent the past hour wrapped around each other on the dance floor, but yeah, sure, work your little move Charlie.

Nick chuckled, wondering what was coming next.

Charlie smiled slyly at Nick and started tapping his carrot stick against his bottom lip. He rolled it back and forth a few times before taking just the edge of it into his mouth.

Charlie’s eyes held Nick’s with a devilish sparkle as he twirled the carrot stick in his mouth, slowly working it in and out, a little deeper each time.

Christ, Charlie.

Nick rolled his eyes, but there was no denying the flush creeping up his neck.

Charlie giggled, and with one smooth motion he popped the entire carrot stick into his mouth.

Nick valiantly fought to keep a straight face, but the sass in Charlie’s eyes was almost too much to bear.

Charlie tilted his head at Nick ever so slightly, the look in his eyes saying, Your move, Nicholas.

Game on, Nick smirked.

Nick brought his hand to his mouth, covering that quick smirk and rubbing his chin as he nodded, his brow furrowed with concern.

“Mmm, I dunno, Charles. Darcy has quite a talent…”

He leaned closer to Charlie with an air of melodrama as he carefully looked left and right, whispering, “I wouldn’t be surprised if she popped up from behind this bench any minute!”

Nick peered anxiously behind the loveseat, and Charlie gave a little giggle.

Nick grinned and reached all the way across the platter to snag a handful of mini-quiches from the side closest to Charlie, subtly scooting his entire body along the bench as he did so. At the end of his little maneuver, Nick’s left hand rested comfortably against Charlie’s neck, and Nick winked at Charlie as he popped the quiches into his mouth one at a time with a satisfied grin.

“Hmmm, that does sounds suspicious alright,” Charlie nodded, staring blatantly at Nick’s hand and swallowing more giggles. Making sure Nick was watching, Charlie made an obvious point of sliding down in the seat so he could rest his head against the back of the bench… and Nick’s hand.

Charlie brushed his hair lightly against Nick’s fingers, his eyes sparkling shamelessly up at Nick.

C’mon, Nick… TOUCH me.

Nick co*cked his head and raised his eyebrows, a look that only made Charlie giggle more.

“Hmmmmm,” Nick nodded, eyes serious, mulling things over.

Not so fast, Mister, “I’m teasing you with my soft, bouncy, absolutely gorgeous curls…

Nick’s mind started to wander…

f*cking perfect…

God, they really would feel soooooooo good…

Nick let out a deep sigh.

Fuuuuck me.

He laughed at himself and got back to flirting.

Nick narrowed his eyes and held his chin in his hand, deep in thought.

“But Charlie, Darcy’s not the only one who’s been acting a bit…” Nick’s gaze dropped to where Charlie’s head rested against his hand, “... suspicious, is she?”

Charlie giggled at the insinuation and nestled even more into Nick’s fingers.

Nick held Charlie’s eyes as he leaned over and dramatically plucked an enormous puff pastry from the tray, one so large Charlie had assumed they’d split between the two of them.

But Nick, inspired by Charlie’s carrot move, brushed the pastry softly across his lips. Then, completely oblivious to the shower of crumbs now falling into his lap, Nick opened his mouth wide and slid the entire pastry into his mouth.

Whoa! Charlie’s eyes went wide.

That was, erm… quite a mouthful Nicholas.

Nick, still playing his bit, narrowed his eyes at Charlie and opened his mouth to speak. But instead of words, a hailstorm of crumbs spewed out of his mouth, flying f*cking everywhere, and Nick could barely garble out his accusation.

“I esked oo uh kest-shun!!” Nick wagged a finger dramatically in Charlie’s face as more crumbs drizzled down his chin.

Charlie let out the most adorable snort Nick had ever heard, followed by a torrent of giggles.

“Oh my GOD, look at you!” Charlie cried, covering his mouth with both hands, peering at Nick over his fingers.

“What are you even doing?” Charlie laughed, brushing crumbs off Nick’s chest, thoroughly confused by Nick’s antics.

“I uz urt-ing!” Nick exclaimed, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

“Oh, Nick!” Charlie sputtered out between laughs, his face wavering between compassion and an almost primal need to take the piss out of Nick. He knew exactly what Nick was trying to say, but damn if he wasn’t gonna play with him first.

“Hurting?” Charlie looked concerned. “Are you okay?”

“URT-ing!” Nick repeated, louder this time, another shower of crumbs pouring from his mouth.

Jesus Christ, Charlie almost lost it then and there.

“Spurting?” Charlie guessed, biting back more laughter. “Well you’re definitely doing that.”

Nick started to pout at being so horribly misunderstood and for apparently failing so miserably at flirting. The look on his face plus the dribble of crumbs still cascading from his mouth made Charlie laugh so hard he could barely breathe.

Nick made as if to say something, but Charlie cut him off.

“No! Stop! Please!” Charlie begged. “Stop talking!!”

He quickly brushed a dusting of crumbs from Nick’s face before resting his fingers gently across Nick’s mouth.

“Just chew, please, for f*ck’s sake! You’re gonna choke to death on a stupid asparagus goat cheese tart, and I cannot drag your hulking frame back to the party for medical attention!”

A flash of surprise sparked in Nick’s eyes before he scrunched up his face in disgust.

“Waayd.. dares ‘sparuhgus in dis??!”

And suddenly Nick was six years old, grabbing a napkin from the platter and frantically scraping every last crumb off his tongue before the horrible asparagus contaminated him any further.

That was the end for Charlie. He rocked back against the bench, hands to his mouth, his laughter so intense it was coming out as high-pitched squeaks that really only the coyotes out in the neighboring woods could hear.

Oh my god, I’m gonna die, I am literally dying right now.

Charlie peeked up at Nick, who was silently making blech blech faces, his tongue waggling around by his chin as if trying to taste anything other than the horrors that awaited him in his mouth.

Charlie swallowed his laughter and took in a slow steady breath.

“Hey Nicholas, you think that’s bad…?”

Nick paused mid-waggle to look at Charlie, who was suddenly very serious.

Charlie shook his head and deadpanned, “You should try bubblegum ice cream.”

“OI!!” Nick exploded, reaching out for Charlie and tickling anything he could reach.

“Stay back!” Charlie hollered as he scrambled backwards, grabbing a random snack off the tray and holding it as far from Nick as possible. “Or the, um…” he tried to identify what he held in his hand, “...pigs in a blanket gets it!”

Nick gasped and jerked backwards.

“Charlie!! You don’t even LIKE pigs in a blanket!!”

“Try me, Nelson!” Charlie whispered menacingly.

Charlie could see the wheels spinning in Nick’s mind, desperate to find a solution. But then Charlie brought the appetizer to his mouth and Nick caved immediately.

“You win, you win!” Nick shouted, raising his hands up by his head in surrender. “Just…” his eyes begged, “Please! Charlie! Don’t eat my sausage!”

They looked at each other for a second as Nick’s words echoed in their ears.

And then both men erupted in laughter.

“Ohmygod, ohmygod, ohmygod!” Charlie gasped out between laughs. “You did not just f*cking say that?!”

Nick was too busy laughing to respond, he just gestured wildly with his arms, which only made Charlie laugh even more.

“Oh, Jesus,” Charlie murmured, trying to take deep breaths. He glanced over at Nick, who was busy wiping tears from his cheeks.

Nick gave a big sigh and grinned. “Sorry Charlie, that was the wurst.”

Nick looked extremely proud of himself for some reason, and it took Charlie a minute to realize–

“No!” Charlie set the sausage on the tray and pointed his finger at Nick.

“No Nichola–”

“Absolute w-u-r-s-t wuuuuuuurst, I tell ya.”

“Oh my GOD,” Charlie murmured, head in his hands. “No! No sausage puns. Please just eat it already so we can move on with our lives.”

Nick got oddly quiet, and Charlie dropped his hands from his face to find Nick staring at the appetizer.

“Nick?”

Nick looked up at Charlie with the saddest expression. “I don’t think I can eat it now.”

Charlie literally bit back a laugh. “Can’t, um… can’t swallow your own sausage, Nicholas?”

Nick’s cheeks instantly burned pink. “Well…” he flashed Charlie the widest grin. “Not that I haven’t tried…”

Charlie snorted, but quickly recovered. “Mmm, who hasn’t, really?” He winked and they both giggled.

Nick shook his head and rolled his eyes with a smile. “Jesus, how old are we? Twelve?”

“Oh my god, I should’ve tried when I was twelve,” Charlie stared off wistfully. “I was so much more flexible then!”

Nick let out a sharp, bright burst of laughter and Charlie grinned.

They shared a smile as Nick sank back into the loveseat again. Charlie waited till Nick had stretched his arm out along the rise of the bench, and then he tucked his legs up close and turned to face Nick, resting his head so that Nick’s fingers were once again at the nape of his neck.

“Hey,” Nick grinned, casually lacing his fingers through some of Charlie’s curls.

“Hey,” Charlie beamed back.

Nick tickled lightly along the base of Charlie’s hairline, causing Charlie to duck his head and giggle as shivers sparked all along his neck. He turned back to Nick and they stared at one another, neither of them able to wipe the goofy grins from their faces.

God, you’re so much fun to play with, Nick! Charlie’s grin grew impossibly wider. I just love you so mu–

Charlie’s eyes flew open wide and he started coughing, his mind pushing back against whatever the f*ck that was.

Nick instantly sat forward.

“Charlie, you alright?” He slid his hand to Charlie’s back and caressed him softly, trying to calm his body.

“It’s okay, just take a deep breath when you can, you’re alright, you’re alright.”

After a few more breaths, Charlie’s coughing finally calmed down and he grimaced at Nick, embarrassed.

“And here I thought I was the one was in danger of choking tonight…?” Nick joked, trying to make Charlie feel better.

“What, on that little sausage?” Charlie nodded to the platter with a mischievous gleam in his eye.

“Charlie–!?” Nick’s cheeks turned beet red and he was completely speechless.

Charlie giggled, but a rough cough caught him at the end.

Nick shot Charlie some side eye while getting one of the water bottles from the tray.

“f*cking menace,” Nick muttered, grinning.

He opened the water bottle and handed it to Charlie with a look that said no more funny business.

“Here, drink.”

“Sir, yes sir,” Charlie nodded, on his best behavior.

After opening the bottle, Nick returned his hand to Charlie’s back, that spot right between his shoulder blades where his hand seemed to fit so perfectly. Nick sighed, resting there briefly before starting gentle caresses along Charlie’s spine as he drank the water.

“Better?” Nick asked softly.

“Yeah,” Charlie nodded, setting down the water. He sighed and looked up at Nick sheepishly. “Sorry for being a bit of a… brat.”

Nick blinked.

“Charlie…” Nick whispered.

“Yeah?”

“Was… was that a sausage pun?”

Charlie giggled at the excited look on Nick’s face. “Maaaaybe…?” he replied.

Nick placed his hand over his heart and actually got a bit teary eyed.

“I’m gonna need a minute,” he sniffed.

Charlie just shook his head and reached for another snack.

“You are SUCH a dork.”

Charlie’s voice dripped with disdain, but the sparkles in his eyes and the sly curl of his smile made Nick’s heart cartwheel across his chest.

Only a few snacks remained on their tray, and Nick, remembering how Charlie had mentioned something last week about having issues around food, decided he should check-in with Charlie before eating anything else.

“Did you get enough to eat?” Nick asked.

Charlie, who’d lost himself for a moment in the moonlight on the water, turned to Nick.

“Mmm? Oh, yeah, I’m good.”

God, he’s so f*cking thoughtful.

“Thanks for asking, Nick,” Charlie said, suddenly shy.

“Well, yeah, of course.” Something in Charlie’s look set butterflies loose in Nick’s belly. “I just wanna make sure that you’re…” taken care of “...okay.”

“Thanks,” Charlie said, even quieter than before. He looked up at Nick through his lashes. “That’s really sweet.”

Nick could feel his cheeks flush, again, but he didn’t care.

I really would give you anything you asked for, Charlie.

“Anything.” Nick sighed.

“Hmm?”

“Uh…” Oh f*ck! Um… “Do you want anything else off the tray?”

“Oh, sure, maybe another water…?”

Nick opened a bottle and passed it to Charlie. He was examining the few remaining appetizers, hoping to avoid any more disgusting asparagus mishaps, when he felt a slight breeze across his skin. He looked up and noticed Charlie rubbing his arms, shivering.

Nick reached out and ran his hand brusquely up and down Charlie’s back, trying to warm him up. Charlie glanced back at Nick over his shoulder and gave him that soft, sweet, dimpled smile of his, warming Nick’s insides enough to weather a lifetime of arctic breezes.

Sadly though, Nick could tell from the goosebumps skittering up Charlie’s arms that these back rubs of his weren’t having the same effect.

sh*t, we should probably go inside.

Nick really didn’t want to go… Inside meant crowds and noise and the distinct possibility that he and Charlie wouldn’t be alone again for the rest of the night. But inside also meant heat, and that’s what Charlie needed right now.

“Hey Charlie, maybe we should go back inside?”

“No!” Charlie bolted upright, surprising them both with his fervor. He turned, brow furrowed, pleading with Nick and the breeze and total common sense.

“Please, no, it’s so lovely out here.” His voice dropped. “I’m having such a lovely time.”

Nick’s breath stalled for a moment. “Me too, Charlie,” he whispered.

The breeze wafted in again from the water, fresh and new and a reminder that the night was full of possibilities.

As the air changed, so too did Nick’s touch. His caresses along Charlie’s back slowed down, no longer simply trying to keep Charlie warm. They became more deliberate, finding their way along Charlie’s bends and curves, responding to all the subtle ways Charlie reacted to his touch. Each of Nick’s caresses whispering to Charlie, I want to take care of you.

“I should go get your jacket,” Nick murmured.

“No,” Charlie barely murmured the word this time, but his plea was no less passionate. His bright eyes held Nick’s as he relaxed into Nick’s touch. “Please stay,” he said softly.

f*ck. How could I ever say no to you Charlie?

“Okay,” Nick nodded reluctantly. “But I hate to see you so cold…”

Charlie glanced at the tray between them, and looked eagerly back up at Nick. “What if we move–”

“Yeah,” Nick agreed, catching on. He quickly reached for the tray and slid it under the bench. Charlie wasted no time and scooted across the loveseat, pulling his legs up onto the bench and turning to embrace Nick’s warmth. Curling up into a cozy ball, Charlie folded his arms against Nick’s chest and tucked his head into Nick’s shoulder. Nick’s arms fell around him gently, like a comforter fresh from the dryer settling onto the bed.

“How’s this?” Nick whispered into Charlie’s hair.

“Perfect,” Charlie sighed.

“Good,” Nick murmured.

Anything, Charlie.

Curled up against Nick like he was, Charlie’s face and hands were close together, like when he snuggled on his side in bed. And not far from where Charlie’s hands had landed, right in Charlie’s line of sight, was a large rip in Nick’s shirt. Charlie began tracing along the edge of the fabric, absentmindedly at first, just something to play with.

“How the hell are you not freezing in this shirt?” Charlie whispered with genuine awe.

He continued playing with the fabric, skirting back and forth along the tattered edge, not teasing, not flirting, just touching.

f*ck, I wanna touch you so bad, Nick.

It was almost physically painful, being this close to Nick without permission to… to do things.

Not anything big Nick, just, please, just a little… touch.

The pull, the ache, the way his nerve endings sizzled at the mere thought of…

f*ck.

Charlie snuggled closer, nuzzling his face into Nick’s shoulder, hoping maybe that would be enough, would scratch his itch.

Oh Jesus…

But Nick smelled so f*cking good, and as Charlie breathed him deep, Nick’s scent filling Charlie’s lungs and coursing out into his bloodstream, the itch only got worse. It traveled to every corner of Charlie’s body, pooling in places only Nick could reach.

Places Charlie wanted only Nick to reach.

f*ck, please… just…

touch…

Charlie slipped his fingers softly under the tear in Nick’s shirt.

Nick stopped breathing.

Charlie froze.

“Oh God!” he whispered. “I’m so sorry!”

Nick didn’t move, didn’t breathe. For an eternity.

And then, very quietly, he said…

“Stop saying sorry.”

Charlie grinned into Nick’s chest.

“You’re just so… warm, ” Charlie sighed.

And he slid his fingers farther under Nick’s shirt.

You’re warm, and firm, and f*ck your chest hair is so sof–

“I’m warm?” Nick chuckled softly, but with a rough edge to his laugh that Charlie had never heard before… as if Nick were struggling to control something deeper, something that threatened to surface at any moment.

“f*ck Charlie, you should feel the heat pouring off your han–”

Nick sucked in his breath as Charlie’s fingers brushed across delicate skin.

“sh*t, is that okay?” Charlie whispered.

“Y-yeah,” Nick’s voice was a breathy exhale.

Nick reached up and carefully covered Charlie’s hand with his, their fingers slowly twining as he pressed Charlie’s palm firm against his chest.

“Plus que okay,” Nick confessed into Charlie’s curls.

“Hmmm?” Charlie murmured.

Nick just smiled and held Charlie even closer.

Charlie sighed, nuzzling against Nick’s neck.

“So, so, warm,” Charlie marveled. He let out a little giggle and teased, “You’re a freak of nature, Nicholas, you really are!”

Nick, eyes closed, lost in the trance of Charlie’s touch, murmured faintly, “Well, I am a raging giant with super strength and green skin, so…” Charlie’s giggle danced along Nick’s skin, and Nick’s heart soared.

Nick and Charlie snuggled together like that for ages, neither man saying a word, both of them simply enjoying the hold the other man had on them.

But as their minds wandered, Charlie’s thoughts drifted to a question that had been on his mind most of the evening.

“Hey Nick?”

“Hrmmm?”

“Why did you pick the Hulk? I mean, this costume really was a lot of work for one party.”

Fingers still twined with Nick’s, Charlie drew back a bit to look at him.

“Why not go with, I dunno, Thor with the lightning and the giant ax?”

“Ahh, well…” Nick looked down at Charlie peering up at him and brushed Charlie’s curls back from his brow with a soft smile.

I chose the Hulk because I wanted more than anything for you to touch me, Charlie.

Nick grinned.

I think it worked.

“Why are you giggling, Nick?” Charlie eyed him suspiciously.

“What? No. I’m not giggling,” Nick said, very clearly giggling. He took a deep breath and put on a sober face. “I take the MCU quite seriously y’know.”

“Oh believe me,” Charlie rolled his eyes, “I know.”

They both laughed at that and Nick ruffled Charlie’s hair before getting back to the question.

“Well, Thor, who has a hammer by the way, Charles, not an ax–”

“f*cking hell,” Charlie muttered.

“–Thor was not an option for me.”

Nick’s fingers trailed lightly down along Charlie’s arm, drawing out little sighs from Charlie that made Nick smile.

“Someone else already had dibs on Thor for the school party tonight.”

After a beat, Nick stilled his hand and glanced back down at Charlie with a funny look on his face, as if he couldn’t decide whether to hand Charlie a medal or ring for a doctor.

“Wait a minute… Charlie Spring, did you just reference Avenger characters on your own? Without any prompting from me?”

“It is possible,” Charlie grudgingly admitted, “that my feelings about the Avengers may have evolved since the last time we discussed them.”

“Wow… WOW! Charlie’s entering his Marvel era!” Nick sat up taller and waved to an imaginary crowd. “Everyone cheered!”

“Shut up!” Charlie laughed, leaning back and pushing Nick in the chest.

“What? I mean, look at you! You’re even hanging out with an Avenger now,” Nick waved his arms up and down his torso and nodded at Charlie with approval. “You’ve come a long way, Charlie!”

Charlie narrowed his eyes playfully. “Apparently your constant yammering about the MCU affected me on a subliminal level.”

Nick puffed out his chest, pleased with himself.

“Oh, I’m taking that as a win, Charlie!”

Charlie laughed and curled up against Nick again, snug and warm.

“Mmm, well, I can’t deny that these heat-generating mutant powers of yours really are quite useful.”

Nick chuckled and started to wrap Charlie back up in his arms when he suddenly sat forward.

“Wait!” Nick patted his chest and his back pockets, jostling Charlie around. “I wanna make sure we have an official record of this…”

“Nick, what are you–?”

“Where did I leave my…?” Nick mumbled to himself, still looking around the bench.

“Ah! Here it is!” Nick stretched his arms out in front of himself, pretending to hold a piece of paper and a pen.

“Oh good lord,” Charlie groaned, trying to hide the smile tugging at his mouth.

Nick cleared his throat and straightened his shoulders, becoming very official all of a sudden.

He turned to Charlie, so, so serious, playing his part. But there was this moment, a brief second where he caught Charlie’s eye, when a flash of sheer joy sparkled across Nick’s face.

And Charlie’s heart skipped a beat at the sight.

Nick Nelson, Charlie beamed at him, you silly, adorable man.

“Charlie Spring, please state for the record,” Nick pushed some imaginary glasses up his nose and Charlie started to giggle, “Yes or no, please, are you now comfortable hanging out with Avengers?”

Charlie nodded enthusiastically, playing along. “Yes, definitely sir.” He gazed up at Nick through his lashes and slowly ran a single finger down Nick’s chest, melting Nick’s insides. “Especially the hot ones.”

Nick just grinned at him like an idiot, so Charlie tapped on Nick’s pretend paper. “Write that down, official scribe.”

“Yes, yes, of course…” Nick blinked and turned back to his paper. “Subject prefers…erm,” he chuckled, “unnaturally warm companionship. Noted.”

Charlie giggled and curled up against Nick again. Nick glanced down at Charlie, eyes closed, so peaceful against his chest, fingers folding into Nick’s shirt as if it were a cozy blanket.

And a whirlwind of emotions swirled through Nick as he gazed at the beautiful man resting so comfortably in his arms.

Charlie.

If Charlie had opened his eyes in that moment, he would have seen so much love and longing and promise staring back at him, any number of things might’ve happened.

It might’ve been too much too soon, too overwhelming to deal with all at once, and Charlie might have left the party then and there, needing time on his own to sort out these complicated feelings.

It might’ve even scared him away for good. Maybe that seems unlikely, but people do unlikely things every day, especially where their hearts are concerned.

Or perhaps he would’ve packed a bag full of his own overwhelming emotions and run headlong into Nick’s whirlwind, confident that he and Nick would still be together wherever the storm set them down.

Either way, the events that followed later in the evening might have turned out quite differently.

Difficult to say.

But as it was, Charlie’s eyes remained closed. And Nick’s heart remained a mystery to him.

And as the evening breeze moved on, with its myriad of possibilities, their world, their universe, carried on like this…

Charlie.

Nick made a decision.

When Nick spoke again, his tone had changed… his voice slightly more serious, more focused. The shift was so subtle that Charlie didn’t notice a thing.

And what was there to notice, really?

They were just playing, after all.

“Okay Charlie, the next question on the list is…” Nick held his imaginary paper up close. “Hmm, ah, yes, here we go, ‘Would you go out with an Avenger?’… Thoughts?”

Charlie laughed and opened his eyes. “Erm, sure, why not?”

But then he sat up on his knees and turned to Nick, keen to make a point.

“Oh, wait, except for maybe Iron Man? He’s a little too full of himself.”

“Excellent,” Nick turned back to his paper and pretended to write, “Subject expresses distaste for ego-driven geniuses.”

Charlie giggled again.

Nick looked askance, glaring at Charlie over the top of his imaginary bifocals.

“Charles, please, this is a serious questionnaire.” Nick took a long, exasperated breath. “For science,” he implored.

“Oh, yes, sorry.” Charlie sat back prim and proper, folding his hands in his lap and giving Nick his full attention. “For science,” he nodded, biting back a grin.

Nick co*cked his head a little to the side, gazing at Charlie, just… holding on to this moment.

f*ck I love playing with you.

“Nick?” Charlie was suddenly shaking his shoulder, eyes sparkling, expectant and amused at the same time. “Was there… another question?”

“Oh yes!” Nick checked his imaginary paper. “Let’s see, final question, ‘Would you kiss an Avenger?” Nick wiggled his eyebrows up and down and Charlie snorted out a giggle.

“Kiss one?” Charlie repeated, eyes wide.

“Yes. Kiss one.”

Charlie pretended to take the question very seriously. “Ahh, well, probably, y’know, if the mood was right. Maybe if they had just saved my life or something like that.”

“Interesting, interesting…” Nick was busy taking notes in his pretend journal. “But not Iron Man, of course.”

“Oh I would TOTALLY kiss Iron Man, are you kidding me?” Charlie grabbed Nick’s shoulders and flashed his flirty eyes. “Have you SEEN Robert Downey Jr? Total DILF!”

“I see, I see,” Nick looked very serious as he write more notes. “Okay, well, we’ll have to follow up on tha-at in a therapy session next week.”

Nick made a f*ck, that’s messed up grimace at Charlie, and Charlie laughed so hard he about fell off the bench.

Nick leaned forward and tossed his pretend journal down on the ground. When he turned, Charlie was still giggling at their antics. Nick rested his arm against the back of the loveseat and just sat there, enjoying Charlie’s joy.

When Charlie finally looked up to see Nick watching, Nick beamed at him so brightly Charlie blushed and had to look away.

But then Nick nudged him with his elbow and very casually asked, “So, what about me?”

Still giggly and a little embarrassed from his blushing, Charlie sassed, “What do you mean, ‘What about me?’”

Nick’s expression remained playful, but his gaze grew steady and serious. He held Charlie’s eyes for ages, not letting go, and Charlie’s giggles slowly faded away, dissolving under the heat of Nick’s stare. Charlie's heart thundered so loudly he was sure Nick could hear it, and he held his breath, waiting for Nick's reply.

“Charlie,” Nick’s voice was soft, but simmered with a quiet intensity. “Would you kiss me?”

Charlie looked at Nick a beat, wondering if they were still playing their game.

“Would I…?” Charlie’s confusion hung in the air.

“Yes…?” Nick waited patiently.

“Kiss you?” Charlie actually pointed at Nick, and Nick had to push down a grin.

“Yes.” Nick nodded reassuringly.

Charlie still wasn’t following.

“The Hulk you?”

Nick’s eyes sparkled with amusem*nt.

“No.”

Charlie paused, desperately trying to control the hope pounding in his heart, so, so afraid he might be wrong.

“The Nick you?” he whispered.

Nick’s smile was everything.

“Yes.”

One simple breath fell from Charlie’s lips...

“Oh.”

But it trembled with so much more.

Heartbeats passed, and then Charlie shook his head gently.

“Nicholas Nelson…”

Nick’s heart stopped at Charlie’s hesitation.

“Yeah?” he whispered.

Charlie gazed at Nick softly, eyes teasing.

“Have you not been paying attention?”

Nick chuckled. He reached out and gently took hold of one of Charlie’s wayward curls. Charlie watched as Nick rolled it between his fingers and played with it gently, holding this small part of Charlie with such tender care that Charlie’s heart ached, longing for Nick to explore the rest of his body with that same loving touch.

“Charlie Spring,” Nick murmured, his voice thick and emotional as he delicately nestled the curl back behind Charlie’s ear. He lightly brushed his fingertips along the edge of Charlie’s ear, dusting reverently down the slope of Charlie’s neck before pausing at the nook where neck meets shoulder. Charlie’s breath caught in his throat as Nick’s fingers hovered there for ages, right on the edge of so much that they both longed for. Charlie drew his teeth along his bottom lip, watching. Waiting. Nick took a long, deep breath, and then exhaled “Oh Charlie,” softly to himself, his fingers breezing one last time along Charlie's skin before pulling away slowly. Nick rested his hand back in his lap and then looked up, earnest and sincere.

“Charlie," Nick confessed, a tender desperation in his eyes, "I can’t pay attention to anything else.”

A steady quiet fell all around them as they stared at each other, hearts pounding, bodies yearning, the air between them hungry for their sighs and moans. The breeze had stilled and there wasn't a sound to be heard, as if the entire universe was holding its breath, waiting for an answer, waiting for Charlie's–

“Yes.”

Nick blinked, startled. Then Charlie saw a slow smile play across his face, catching first with a spark in Nick's eyes before pulling his mouth into that lopsided grin that Charlie loved so much. Charlie beamed back at him, his heart threatening to burst out of his chest.

Nick’s eyes drifted to Charlie’s mouth, his gaze burning so intensely that Charlie felt sparks sizzle across his lips. Charlie’s tongue slipped forward to ease the burn, and Nick moaned softly at the sight. His eyes flew back to Charlie’s and their eyes locked, their smiles this time sliding into heated smirks, filled with the thrill of what they knew was about to come.

Charlie reached forward, his hand gently cradling Nick’s cheek. His thumb softly brushed the edge of Nick’s mouth, tugging gently at Nick’s bottom lip, and he felt Nick kiss feather-light against his thumb before sighing into Charlie's palm.

Yes, Charlie’s heart thundered. Yes, yes, yes.

“Yes, Nick Nelson,” Charlie whispered again, his twinkling eyes fixed on Nick’s. “I would love to kiss you.”

Charlie moved forward, his eyes never leaving Nick’s. He watched as Nick’s eyes widened with anticipation, then closed, lashes resting against his creamy cheeks.

Charlie lingered for a moment, taking him in. Nick’s breath was warm, coming faster now. Charlie felt a flush of heat flood his cheeks as he stared at Nick’s lush lips, parted ever so slightly.

Yes.

Waiting just for him.

Charlie’s voice caught in his throat as he whispered one more time, “I would love to kiss you, Nick.”

Nick let out a soft, fragile sigh.

And Charlie finally pressed his lips to Nick’s.

Charlie’s senses were on overload. Being this close to Nick was almost too much. Heat poured off Nick’s body, seeping into Charlie’s very pores and flushing his skin. Nick’s musky, intoxicating scent surrounded him like thick steam in a sauna, and Charlie breathed deep, relishing the feel of something so uniquely Nick filling him so completely. Nick’s hands were on his waist, strong and firm, steadying him, engulfing him, drawing out the most painful longing imaginable as the rest of Charlie’s body burned to feel him too.

But what threatened to push Charlie completely over the edge, more than anything, were Nick’s lips.

His full, luscious, dizzyingly delicious lips.

God, I want to fall into his lips for days.

Charlie pressed his lips more firmly against Nick’s and Nick answered immediately, pressing back against Charlie and then yielding slightly, again and again, asking to play.

Hi!

Charlie’s heart swooned and he giggled to himself.

Even kissing, he’s so… Nick.

Impatient for Charlie, Nick pulled gentle kisses on just Charlie’s lower lip, sending a wave of shivers coursing down Charlie’s spine with every little tug.

Ooooohmygod Nick, that feels soooo good.

Charlie chased after him and Nick let himself get caught, both of them giggling, eager for more. They played back and forth like that for a while, smiles and kisses falling together with soft, gentle touches.

But it wasn’t long before their kisses grew longer, their breathing grew faster, and the giggles fell away.

Nick drew back just a breath, his eyes dancing with Charlie’s as he slid his hand gently to Charlie’s jaw. He shot Charlie a hint of a smirk before dropping back to Charlie’s mouth. Nick’s breath was warm and tempting as he teased lightly over Charlie’s lips, his mouth open ever so slightly… lingering… promising…

Mmmmmm…

Charlie's tongue snuck out to play, presumably to wet his lips but tickling and teasing Nick’s far more than his own.

“f*ck,” Nick gasped into Charlie’s mouth. He clung to Charlie’s jaw, pulling Charlie to him in one rough pulse.

And when he opened for Charlie, so, sooo willingly…

Oh god yes!

...Charlie about died from pleasure.

Charlie wanted so badly to devour Nick right then and there, but he pushed back the urge.

I wanna make this last, Nick.

And so he took his time.

Charlie edged his tongue along the inside of Nick’s lips, slowly, deliberately, back and forth and back again, his touch playful and light. Nick’s head fell forward with a deep, gravelly moan, his hands tightening around Charlie’s waist as Charlie grinned into their kiss.

Mmmm, what would make you moan like that again, Nicholas?

But before he could find out, Nick swept his tongue along Charlie’s with a long, luxurious stroke that pulled a sound from deep within Charlie's chest, a sound far more ragged than Nick's moan.

“God,” Charlie whimpered at the end, his fingers digging into Nick’s shoulder, only one thought on his mind.

More.

And Charlie surged forward, looking for it.

Nick and Charlie kissed like this for a long, long while, playful and pleasing, delighting in one another and the rush of each other’s touch, savouring the thrill of making each other melt over and over again.

It was everything Charlie wanted…

…until he wanted more.

An unfamiliar longing whispered through him, softly at first but growing stronger. It was as if the heat from their playful back and forth slowly thawed a desire Charlie didn’t know he had. Without even realizing it, their play had deepened into something much more intimate.

Charlie didn’t have words for it, it was just a hunger.

Now at the heart of every touch, every whisper, was a craving to discover Nick… and to reveal himself. He needed to know Nick, all of him, and have Nick’s body know him. Nothing else mattered. Every touch of his lips, every flex of his tongue, every moan, every sigh, his body said it was all for Nick: to find Nick, to know Nick, to be known by Nick.

Here I am, his body pleaded.

Feel me.

Find me.

He sensed the shift in Nick too, how Nick lingered with him through each sensation, hungry to feel Charlie’s thrills as if they were his own.

Charlie had never felt an intensity like this before in his life. Sure, he’d had good, even great sex with some of his uni hook-ups, but this was… this was different.

This wasn’t about what they were doing …

Charlie caught Nick’s eyes in the breath between a kiss.

“Nick…” Charlie whispered, quiet and vulnerable.

This was about what they were sharing.

“Charlie…” his name fell from Nick’s lips as soft and as vital as a breath.

Oh God, a part of Charlie panicked, What am I doing? This is too much, this is--

Nick’s mouth breezed tenderly along Charlie’s cheek, and Charlie sighed.

This is beautiful.

Nick claimed Charlie with a hungry kiss.

And I don’t want it to ever f*cking stop.

Suddenly Charlie couldn’t get enough of Nick.

He needed him.

All of him.

Charlie slid his hand to the back of Nick’s neck, carding through his hair, pulling Nick to him even more deeply. He rose up on his knees, bringing Nick forward, Nick’s arms quickly folding around him and holding him tight as the two men pressed their bodies closer together.

They fell into each other then, without hesitation, Charlie’s body on fire as Nick melted against him, around him, inside him. Everywhere.

Nick’s moans, low and guttural, crashed into Charlie, who ached with longing as each one flowed through his body.

Mmmmmm, Nick.

Charlie felt the heat burning off of Nick, the air between them hot and thick. Nick’s warm hands scorched through Charlie’s clothes, tight against his waist, lifting him effortlessly onto Nick’s waiting lap.

Yes, yes, ye–

Charlie’s body, desperate for more, rocked forward. His hips ground down, hungry for contact, and Nick didn’t disappoint.

“Oh f*ck yes!” Charlie moaned in Nick’s ear.

They clung to each other as powerful shivers tore through them both.

“f*ck, Charlie…”

“Nick, I need.… more, I need...”

You.

Charlie’s arms scraped roughly around Nick, his hands pulling tight in Nick’s hair as Nick buried himself at Charlie’s neck, nibbling and biting and kissing and drawing deeper and deeper moans out of Charlie.

“Nick…” Charlie rasped, “Oh God…”

Charlie couldn’t stand it any longer, he needed Nick closer, they were too far apart, they needed to be together.

Charlie dragged Nick’s mouth back to his and Nick met him with the same fire, the same need, crashing their lips together, moaning with desperation as he wrapped Charlie tightly in his arms.

Oh God, he feels it too.

It was so overpowering, this craving to know more, to HAVE more of Nick. They gripped each other hungrily, neither one of them wanting to break away.

I need f*cking ALL of you Nick!

Soon hands and tongues and breath melted away all boundaries between them. It was just the two of them entwined, feeling everything, closer than Charlie ever thought possible.

Charlie couldn’t breathe. He didn’t want to breathe unless it was breath he shared with Nick.

His body felt so f*cking alive as his heart cried out,

I’ve found you! I’ve found you! I’ve found you!

“Nick!”

Charlie gasped and broke away.

Eyes wide, panting, they stared at each other.

“Are…are you ok?” Nick stammered as he tried to catch his breath. His hands drifted to Charlie’s shoulders, caressing him gently, not ready to let him go.

“I’m sorry,” Charlie murmured, breathless, “I just.. I just… I was a little overwhelmed.”

“Yeah,” Nick said, a bit dazed himself, “That was, erm, pretty intense.” They glanced at each other shyly, the moment making them both suddenly bashful.

But it wasn’t long before Nick started to goof, fanning himself with big eyes, exaggerated drama, and a silly swooning look on his face that quickly drew a loud SNORT from Charlie. Charlie's eyes flew wide and he covered his mouth with his hand, leaning into Nick with a giggle. Nick folded Charlie in his arms and it was as if the awkwardness had never existed.

After a few more giggles between them, Nick pulled back from their hug. He tilted his head slightly and beamed at Charlie with his whole heart.

“Hi,” Nick whispered.

He reached up and brushed Charlie’s hair back from his face, resting his palm gently along Charlie’s cheek.

“Hi,” Charlie said softly, eyes tender. He turned into Nick’s palm and closed his eyes. Nick was so warm, so safe. So Nick.

Nick stroked Charlie’s back lightly with his other hand.

“Mmmm,” Charlie sighed, “that feels nice.”

Soon Nick’s hand found its way into Charlie’s curls, playing with them, carding through them loosely with the softest touch.

Charlie sighed again and shifted, arching his back ever so slightly.

Nick just watched, taking him in. His heart felt so full. So incredibly full.

Oh Charlie. Nick shook his head in wonder, emotions bubbling up from his chest. How is this even real?

“Charlie Spring,” Nick murmured, tears pooling in his eyes, “I…” Nick paused, struggling to get the words out around the lump in his throat, "I, um..."

God!

Nick closed his eyes, and a heartbeat later he felt Charlie's hand caressing his arm, soothing gently.

“Nick, what is it?” Charlie’s voice was tender and kind and full of concern as his other hand carefully brushed away the sprinkling of tears that had fallen onto Nick's cheeks.

Nick took a deep breath and opened his eyes. He found Charlie gazing at him with that sweet smile of his... the smile that had unlocked Nick’s whole world years ago.

Nick's heart swooped at the sight, and a bright smile flooded his face. Charlie's hand still drifted along Nick's cheek, and Nick captured it with his, drawing the cutest gasp from Charlie before Nick turned and nuzzled gently into Charlie's palm. He gazed up at Charlie through his lashes, sending Charlie's heart fluttering, and then Nick softly whispered, “I would love to kiss you too, Charlie.”

Nick held Charlie’s eyes a moment longer, and then, ever so slowly, he gave Charlie a long, ridiculous wink.

“Pffft,” Charlie snorted and they both laughed.

“You’re such a f*cking dork,” Charlie chided, his eyes sparkling more than the stars and the fairy lights above him combined.

Nick didn’t argue. All he could do was grin.

Then he leaned down to Charlie, and they found each other a second time.

🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂

Nick didn’t want to break away from Charlie, but he needed to slow this kiss before it overwhelmed them both. As he pulled back, Charlie’s mouth ghosted for him, and God how Nick desperately wanted to lean in and satisfy him. But he had to let the moment go, and Charlie slowly open his eyes.

“Hey,” Charlie murmured, sweetly.

Nick nuzzled Charlie’s nose with his and asked, “Is it okay if we, erm…”

“Avoid spontaneous combustion?” Charlie laughed.

“Yeah, pretty much,” Nick laughed too. “I mean that was amazing before, but it felt like we were really close to losing control.”

Nick smiled, still savoring the feel of Charlie’s mouth on his. “Like, deliciously, wonderfully, intensely losing control.”

He watched as Charlie impulsively licked his lips, and Nick felt heat rising in him again. He whispered, hoarsely, “Which isn’t a bad thing, but, erm, I don’t think I’m ready for that right now.”

Charlie nodded. “Yeah, no, me either.” He blew out a big breath. “That was a LOT.” They looked at each other and both started laughing again.

“I mean, I still want to kiss you–”

“Oh thank God!” Charlie said, feigning relief.

Nick laughed even more, and Charlie continued, “Because otherwise, this would be really awkward.”

Charlie reached up and twined his fingers tightly through Nick’s hair, pulling him down to meet Charlie’s mouth with a rough crash of their lips, their deep, tangled kiss drawing out a tender moan from Nick.

Charlie set him free a few heartbeats later, and Nick blinked slowly.

“Fuuuuck,” Nick murmured, his voice thick and gravelly.

Charlie giggled. “Sorry…. Not sorry.” He winked, and Nick’s rich laugh rocked Charlie’s chest.

Nick shook his head, eyes twinkling. “C’mere you,” he smiled, reaching for Charlie. Nick scooted back to the corner of the bench, pulling a giggling Charlie into his arms. Charlie snuggled in against Nick’s chest, curling his legs across Nick’s lap and looking up at him through his lashes with a sweet, bashful smile.

“Is this okay?”

Nick chuckled. “Yeah, that is definitely okay, Charlie.” Charlie giggled too and Nick brushed his hand gently along Charlie’s lower leg. “How about… this?”

“That’s um…” Charlie glanced at Nick and bit his lip. “Um, yeah…” he giggled again and ducked his head.

Oh my god, why am I so f*cking shy all of a sudden?

Nick laughed. “Well good, I’m glad it’s ‘um.'” His eyes sparkled mercilessly at Charlie. “Wouldn’t want it to be, ‘meh’ or ‘ugh.’” He grimaced dramatically. “Or, ‘ick!’”

Charlie scrunched his face at Nick and nudged his shoulder into Nick’s chest as they giggled together.

Nick wrapped his arm around Charlie’s shoulders, running his hand up and down Charlie’s arm as he squeezed him tight.

“You warm enough?” Nick whispered.

“Yeah.” Charlie let out a soft sigh and snuggled deeper. “Thanks.”

Nick bent down, resting his face in Charlie’s curls and breathing him in for a moment before gently placing a kiss atop his head. They cuddled there for quite a while, content with each other in their quiet closeness.

Charlie snuggled even closer, and Nick reached for Charlie’s hand. He held it carefully in his, turning it over gently, running his fingers and his palm along every surface. Caressing. Exploring.

Each touch drew out the most delicate responses from Charlie, his fingers coiling against Nick’s one moment, then splayed out and stretching the next.

Soon Charlie’s fingers began drifting across Nick’s hand too, slow and tender, moving together in their own little dance.

Charlie sighed deeper into Nick’s chest, relishing the feel of Nick’s hand on his as it shifted from firm and demanding to light and gentle and back again. Caressing, massaging, pleasing. Always warm and tender. Always Nick.

Charlie smiled to himself. Mmmm, I could get used to this.

But then Nick’s thumb started circling back and forth over Charlie’s index finger, and Charlie reflexively pulled away.

“sh*t Charlie, did I–?”

“No, you’re fine, I just…” Charlie paused and shook his head, dismissing his own feelings. “Sorry, it’s... silly.”

Nick tightened his embrace and whispered warmly into Charlie’s ear, “No sorries, Charlie… especially tonight.”

Especially tonight.

“Okay,” Charlie murmured, swallowing hard. He slowly returned his hand to Nick's, eager for Nick's touch but so, so nervous about what that touch would reveal.

Nick gently started caressing Charlie again, making sure to avoid the finger that seemed to bother him so.

“It’s just…” Ugh, I don’t want you to see my ugly calluses. “Those drumming calluses are, um…” Charlie let out a self-deprecating chuckle, “...not my best feature.”

“Hmmmm,” Nick murmured. He drew Charlie’s hand closer, his fingers tracing carefully around Charlie’s calluses without touching them.

“Do they hurt?” Nick asked softly.

“No, they just–”

Charlie’s words caught in his throat as Nick brought Charlie’s hand to his lips. Nick closed his eyes and slowly placed a trail of tender kisses from Charlie’s fingertip to his palm, circling back to linger over Charlie’s calluses when he was done.

“So beautiful,” Nick murmured, kissing deeper now, his tongue dusting Charlie’s skin with each kiss.

“Nick…” Charlie struggled to get the words out. Nick's kisses weren't anywhere near his mouth, but they stopped his breath just the same. “Nick, they’re... they're just scruffy calluses.”

Nick immediately stopped kissing and looked at Charlie sternly.

“Charlie Spring,” he chided, “this part of your body literally makes music.” Nick held Charlie’s eyes a beat to let that sink in. His eyes and his tone softened as he gazed at Charlie, awe-struck.

“That’s beautiful, Charlie.”

Nick pressed Charlie’s hand to his cheek and kissed his palm gently, his eyes never leaving Charlie’s.

“You’re beautiful,” Nick said softly.

“Nick…” Charlie’s voice was barely a whisper, he was so overwhelmed.

No one had ever touched him like this before. Not with their hands. Not with their mouth. And certainly not with their words.

Charlie didn’t know what to say.

But that was okay. He didn’t want to talk right now anyway.

“Shut up,” Charlie demanded, eyes sparkling.

Nick co*cked his head.

“Make me,” he dared with a smile.

Giggling, Charlie slid his hand from Nick’s cheek to the back of his head and brought Nick to him. Nick wove his arm around Charlie’s waist and slipped Charlie up onto his lap without even breaking their kiss.

“Mmmmm, well done,” Charlie whispered against Nick’s lips.

“Told you I’ve got skills,” Nick whispered back.

Nick and Charlie took their time with one another, the heat of their embrace simmering pleasantly without boiling over. Slow and sensuous, they slid together, tangling, teasing, torturing.

“f*ck, Charlie, God…” Nick moaned.

“You like that, Nichola–?” Charlie’s smirk was cut short by Nick’s hungry mouth, eager for more.

Nick and Charlie pushed forward, wrapping their arms around each other, pulling their bodies close, but the only thing that mattered in this moment was the press of their lips, the twist of their tongues, the pounding of their hearts.

The rest of their bodies were charged to be sure, sparks building as they tuned to every breath, every stroke, every moan that fell from the men’s lips. But they didn’t have much part to play, not now. They were like guests eavesdropping on their hosts’ juicy conversation…finding it all very tantalizing, but happy to remain out of sight.

“God, Nick, your lips…” Charlie murmured, taking Nick’s bottom lip gently between his teeth.

Nick’s hand tightened in Charlie’s curls.

“Christ, Charlie, what you do to me…” Nick whispered into Charlie’s mouth.

“Mmmmmm,” Charlie purred, so, so satisfied. “Can we keep doing this all night?”

“Erm…” Nick paused, then pulled back with a frown, catching Charlie’s eyes with a guilty look that made Charlie start to panic. “Sorry, but, uh…” Nick looked at his watch, “I’ve got a dentist appointment to get to.”

Charlie snorted. “Dammit!” he muttered. He tried to look upset but he couldn’t hide the grin pulling at his mouth.

“I know, right?” Nick shook his head, disappointed. “Another night then?” He made as if to stand up and Charlie grabbed at his shoulders, squealing and trying to steady himself as Nick stood up underneath him.

“Nick!” Charlie hollered, wide-eyed.

Nick laughed and sat back down, his arms carefully cradling Charlie.

“Did you have a nice ride?” Nick chuckled, settling Charlie back in his lap.

Charlie snorted again, and Nick’s cheeks flushed bright red as he heard what he just said.

“f*ck, that’s not what I–”

“Meh, it wasn’t as exciting as I’d hoped.” Charlie shrugged.

A beat passed as Charlie held Nick’s gaze and tried not to giggle through his smirk.

Nick narrowed his eyes. “Well, save up your tickets and maybe you can try again later.” He co*cked his head. “After the ride has been properly prepped for your satisfaction.”

Charlie literally gasped, his hands flying to his face.

“Nicholas Nelson!” he screamed, kicking his feet as both of them rolled with laughter.

“Holy f*ck, Nick, I can’t believe you just said that!”

Nick rubbed the back of his neck, grinning so wide his cheeks started to hurt.

“Yeah, I can’t believe I said it either!”

He looked up at Charlie with such a sheepish expression they both started laughing again.

Charlie tucked into Nick, shaking with laughter, and the two of them giggled together for a good long while. As their giggles fell away, Nick looked down at Charlie, snug in his arms, and gave him a sweet smile.

“Hi,” Nick grinned, gently running his hand down Charlie’s hair.

“Mmmmm, hi,” Charlie beamed back, reaching up to brush Nick’s fringe from his temple. As he did, Charlie noticed a renegade splotch of green paint hiding just past Nick’s hairline. Charlie ran his finger along it softly, drawing out a sigh from Nick.

But a moment later, Charlie got the giggles.

Nick sat up a bit and looked at Charlie. “What’s got you so giggly all of a sudden?”

Charlie turned to him with sparkling eyes. “I’m sorry, Nick, please don’t hate me–”

“Hate you? Why would I…?”

“It's just…” Charlie pursed his lips and looked up at the sky, as if trying to trap his words in his mouth while also praying that his words would land the right way.

“Okay,” Charlie looked at Nick, hesitantly, “I just can’t believe that the first time I kissed Nick Nelson…” Charlie waved his hand up and down Nick’s torso, “...he, um..." Charlie flinched, "...looked like the Jolly Green Giant.”

“WHAT!?"

“I’m sorry!!” Charlie giggled, his hands across his face, peeking out over his fingertips.

Nick looked horrified. “I thought we were having a proper romantic moment here and–”

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry!” Charlie buried his face in Nick’s chest.

“Jesus.” Nick shook his head. “Jolly Green Giant?” He mumbled under his breath, “f*ck, that’s so much worse than Shrek.”

“Pbbbbbbffffffttttt!” Charlie snorted a massive zerbert against Nick’s neck.

“f*ck!” Nick shouted as he shot about ten metres into the air. Laughing as he fell back down to Earth, Nick grabbed for Charlie.

“You little…!”

“It was an accident!” Charlie squealed.

But Nick didn’t care. They wrestled, limbs flying every which way, Charlie’s legs sliding off Nick’s lap as he tried in vain to scramble backwards. Nick just grabbed him by the waist, spun him round, and pulled their bodies flush together, Charlie’s back against Nick’s chest. And while a dazed Charlie was still trying to figure out exactly what just happened, Nick managed to pin his arms to his sides and tuck Charlie even tighter against him.

“sh*t! Lemme go! Lemme go!!” Charlie hollered through his giggles, squirming pleasantly in Nick’s arms.

“Not till you get yours!” Nick teased, his breath soft and warm at Charlie’s ear. Nick’s eyes were twinkling, but the edge of menace in his voice sent a thrill to Charlie's core.

Holy f*ck.

Charlie’s heart was pounding as he looked over his shoulder and stared at Nick, who literally licked his lips, eyeing the crook of Charlie’s neck.

“You wouldn’t…” Charlie whispered.

Nick answered with a smirk... and then dove forward.

Charlie instinctively tucked his shoulder and his ear close together, but Nick saw that move coming and took full advantage of the gap in Charlie's defenses on the other side of his neck.

“Ohmygodohmygodohmygod!” Charlie couldn’t stop giggling as Nick blew zerbert after zerbert against his skin. He writhed and wiggled, stomping his legs and twisting against Nick, giggling and giggling and giggling and it was all so maddeningly delicious and f*ck if Charlie wasn’t getting wound tighter and tighter and it felt so f*cking good but he was about ready to f*cking burst and–

Nick could sense that Charlie was reaching his limit, so he fired off one last zerbert and relaxed his hold.

Nick’s entire body tingled and pulsed, riding the thrill of having Charlie squirm with pleasure in his arms. He brushed the back of his hand across his mouth, already missing the feel of Charlie against his lips.

Charlie let out a shuddering sigh, collapsing backwards into Nick.

“You absolute dick,” Charlie murmured with the little breath he could manage. Nick laughed and placed a soft kiss at Charlie’s temple.

“That was sooo not fair. Mine was an accident, ” Charlie continued, shooting Nick some side-eye and settling even more against Nick, his breath still ragged from all the giggling.

“Mmm, but there are no accidents, Charlie,” Nick said in a lofty voice, wrapping his arms snugly around Charlie’s waist.

“Yeah, ohhh-kay, Master Oogway,” Charlie mumbled, letting out another deep sigh as he closed his eyes and leaned back against Nick’s chest. Nick gave a little chuckle, chuffed that Charlie got his reference. “You keep telling yourself that, Nick," Charlie said, relaxing into Nick’s embrace. “Meanwhile I’ll be waiting right here…” Charlie rested his arms over Nick’s and squeezed Nick tighter to his waist, for emphasis, “...on your apology.”

Nick played along, amusem*nt tickling through his voice, “My apology, huh?”

Charlie looked back over his shoulder, eyebrows raised, putting Nick in his place. “You heard me,” Charlie sassed.

“Hmm,” Nick murmured, eyes sparkling at Charlie, thinking it over.

“Hmm,” Charlie mimicked, glaring cheekily. He turned back around and closed his eyes, sinking into Nick’s embrace and the steady rhythm of Nick’s breaths.

Nick leaned forward and tucked into the tender warmth at the crook of Charlie’s neck. He tightened his hold around Charlie’s waist and drew his thighs snug against Charlie, enveloping him even more as the two men let out a slow breath together.

Charlie’s body tingled, savouring the feel of Nick surrounding him so completely.

God, can we just stay like this forever? Charlie sighed, melting into Nick.

Nick’s heart soared as he felt Charlie relax into his arms, and he pressed a gentle kiss to Charlie’s cheek.

“Y’know Charlie,” Nick whispered in Charlie’s ear, “I am sorry.”

It was quiet for a beat, as if Charlie was processing Nick’s statement.

“Really?” He sounded a bit surprised.

“Well, yeah,” Nick said softly, nuzzling the delicate curve of Charlie’s ear with his nose. Charlie let out a trembling sigh at Nick’s touch, and Nick’s heart sighed alongside him. “I feel bad that our first kiss didn’t live up to your expectations.”

“My… um… my expectations?” Nick’s nuzzles had turned into whisper kisses against Charlie’s ear, which was making it very difficult for Charlie to form cohesive thoughts, let alone follow a conversation.

“The, uh, Jolly Green Giant?” Nick reminded him, taking the soft flesh of Charlie’s earlobe between his teeth and nibbling gently.

“Ohhhhhhhh…,” Charlie’s eyes fluttered closed and he slid his hand forward along Nick’s arm, lacing his fingers tightly with Nick’s as he moaned, “.... that. ”

Nick raised his other hand and let his fingers drift delicately along Charlie’s neck, breezing from Charlie’s ear to his collarbone, dosing his skin with tiny pinpricks of anticipation that sent shivers to the farthest reaches of Charlie’s body.

Holy f*ck, Charlie gasped.

“And the zerberts…?” Nick’s heavy whisper was almost a plea, his breath hot and urgent in Charlie’s ear, “I can do so much better than that, Charlie.”

I bet you can, Charlie grinned, his body thrumming at the eagerness in Nick’s voice.

Charlie turned his head ever so slightly, nuzzling his cheek against Nick’s mouth… once, twice, and then again, drawing tender kisses from Nick each time. Charlie sighed and then turned to peer up at Nick, his eyes bright and bold.

“So,” Charlie murmured softly, tugging his teeth on his bottom lip as he looked Nick up and down, his eyes sparkling, “What’s stopping you, Nick?”

Charlie held Nick’s eyes a beat and then Nick laughed, his heart pounding.

Charlie’s eyes sparkled even brighter at Nick’s laugh, and he sassed his shoulders with grin.

God, Nick laughed again, shaking his head, you’re gonna be the f*cking death of me, Charlie Spring.

Nick’s eyes drifted to Charlie’s collar.

“Well…,” Nick slowly slid two fingers down the long, clean lines of Charlie’s neck, smiling to himself as he felt Charlie’s breath catch in his throat. Nick watched his own fingers swirl lightly in the hollow of Charlie’s neck, mesmerized, almost forgetting his point. But then he felt Charlie swallow hard against his hand and Nick glanced up, shook from his spell.

“...this tie, for one thing.” Nick tucked his fingers into Charlie’s loosened collar and wriggled it carefully, clearly disappointed when it didn’t give way. “Horribly inconvenient that is.”

Charlie’s eyes gleamed mischievously, and his little pout was too adorable for words.

“Gosh,” he shrugged helplessly, “If only there were something you could do about it, Nick.”

Nick held Charlie’s gaze for a beat, the smirks creeping across both their faces revealing how much fun they both were having. Then in one simply move, Nick took hold of Charlie’s waist and floated him easily onto Nick’s thigh.

“Nick!” Charlie gasped, eyes wide.

“Shhhhh,” Nick chided, placing a finger gently across Charlie’s lips as his eyes dropped to Charlie’s necktie. “I’m concentrating.”

The overdone serious expression on Nick’s face was too much for Charlie. He pursed his lips to try and trap his giggles, but it was no use.

“Pbbffft!” he snorted, choking on his laughter, and Nick shot Charlie such a disappointed, scolding glance that Charlie lost it completely.

“Sorry,” Charlie eeeked out, swallowed by even more giggles.

Nick co*cked his head with a sweet smile, just taking Charlie in. Then he leaned forward, cutting off Charlie’s giggles with a gentle press of his lips. Charlie’s laughter soon stilled and he returned Nick’s kiss eagerly, the two men lingering tenderly in the moment.

Nick drew back slowly and nuzzled Charlie’s nose with his own. “No sorries,” he said softly.

Charlie nuzzled him back, whispering like a good soldier, “Sir, yessir.” Then, as a small chuckle escaped Nick’s mouth, Charlie grasped the back of Nick’s head and pulled him to him again, coming together with Nick deeper and more passionately than before. And when Charlie pulled back moments later, Nick’s head was absolutely spinning.

“Nick...?” Charlie asked softly, brushing his finger across Nick’s lips.

Nick blinked slowly. “Um… right,” Nick shook his head to clear it and then looked at Charlie like a man with a purpose.

“Where was I?” he winked at Charlie, and his heart swooped at the giggle Charlie gave him in return.

Nick raised his hands and brought them forward to the knot of Charlie’s tie. But when he was mere centimetres away, Nick froze, unable to move any closer.

He swallowed hard, his heart suddenly pounding out of his chest.

It’s just a f*cking tie, for Crissakes.

But when Nick looked up, he found Charlie just as serious and as flushed as he was.

“Um…is this okay?” Nick asked, hardly able to breathe.

Charlie, eyes wide and set on Nick’s, bit his lip and nodded. “Yeah,” he said, his voice trembling as softly as Nick’s hands.

“Okay,” Nick whispered, his mind and his heart going a million miles a minute.

I’m undressing Charlie Spring. I am f*cking undressing–

Nick carefully rested his hands on the knot and worked the fabric, trying to slip it loose.

“It’s not…” he glanced up at Charlie, frustrated, “It’s not…” Nick turned back to the tie, his tongue slipping out between his lips to help him concentrate.

“f*ck, I’ve never done this on someone else…”

Charlie giggled then, more at Nick’s adorable expression than anything else.

“Here, let me help.” Charlie rested his hands over Nick’s and Nick, startled, looked up at Charlie.

“Like this… here…” Charlie said, his eyes locked on Nick’s as his fingers helped Nick wiggle the fabric loose. He gazed at Nick softly as he asked, “Feel that?”

The butterflies in Nick’s stomach took flight, spinning and fluttering at Charlie’s touch.

“Oh yeah,” Nick exhaled softly, “I… I feel it.”

Nick glanced up at Charlie and they held each other’s gaze, both of their hearts racing towards the sweet, tender intensity waiting for them in the other man’s eyes.

“Nick…” Charlie murmured, his breath coming faster, his fingers forgetting all about the tie and simply holding on to Nick.

“Wait, I…” Nick’s tongue was back between his lips and it was all Charlie could do not to rush forward and capture it with his mouth.

Nick could feel the quickening rise and fall of Charlie’s chest against his hands and it set his own heart tumbling even faster as he wiggled the fabric a bit more and–

“There!”

Charlie gasped as the tie slipped in the knot.

Nick glanced up at Charlie’s gasp, neither man breathing as heartbeats passed between them. They couldn’t take their eyes off one another, and neither of them said a word. But soon, with slow, deliberate strokes, they started working together to open Charlie’s tie… Charlie’s breath catching each time Nick gave a little tug… Nick’s heart fluttering each time Charlie’s grip tightened over his… Both of their hearts pounding because of a little piece of fabric.

After they’d pulled it loose a few more centimetres, Nick drew back, resting his hands at Charlie’s waist. Charlie made to keep loosening the tie but Nick’s hands flew back to Charlie’s immediately.

“No!” Nick cried out, startling them both. Heat flushed his cheeks as he looked at Charlie shyly. “Leave it,” he said, his voice husky and soft.

Nick’s eyes dropped to Charlie’s tie, studying the delicate way it draped around Charlie’s collarbone. “It looks good like that,” he whispered. Nick wet his lips and glanced up at Charlie, his eyes filled with desire. “You look good like that.”

Charlie’s heart stuttered, shocked and thrilled by the crush of longing on Nick’s face.

“Okay,” Charlie murmured, lowering his hands.

“I just…” Nick’s thoughts fell away as his eyes drifted along Charlie’s collar. He reached up, resting the fingers of both hands light and gentle around Charlie’s neck, slipping them barely under the edge of Charlie’s shirt.

Charlie drew in a sharp, quick breath as Nick’s fingertips sparked over his skin. Nick froze, his eyes darting back to Charlie’s.

“sh*t! Sorry!” Nick’s eyes were full of concern. “Is this okay?”

Charlie couldn’t speak, he just nodded softly and closed his eyes as delicious tingles raced up and down his spine.

Nick slowly, carefully, pushed open the fabric of Charlie’s collar. His heart pounded as he watched Charlie give way with a ragged breath, his eyelids fluttering at every delicate sweep of Nick’s airy touch across his skin.

Charlie’s shirt brushed back only a handful of centimetres more than before, but Nick and Charlie both felt so much more vulnerable when Nick finished.

Nick gazed at Charlie, barely able to breathe.

I can’t believe I get to touch you like this, Charlie.

“I just…” Nick chewed his bottom lip, his eyes and fingertips falling lovingly to Charlie’s collarbone. He slowly played across the sharp curves and angles he found there, drawing out a long deep breath from Charlie. “...I needed more of you,” Nick whispered.

Charlie’s eyes floated open and landed in Nick’s.

Take it all, Charlie’s heart pleaded, thundering in his chest. Please, Nick. Take it f*cking all.

Charlie couldn’t say that out loud, it was too much, too soon, too… true. So instead, he simply breathed out–

“Nick… ”

And hoped his eyes would say the rest.

The longing in Charlie’s face caught hold of something deep inside of Nick, drawing him closer on a breath.

Oh Char…

Nick reached up and carefully took hold of Charlie, cradling his jaw so, so, gently.

“Charlie…” Nick murmured softly, his eyes following the brush of his thumb across Charlie’s lips, “I’m gonna kiss you now.”

Nick felt Charlie’s breath quicken as his thumb gently tugged Charlie’s bottom lip. Nick glanced up and caught Charlie’s eyes, watching him.

“And you, Charlie Spring,” Nick’s eyes sparkled bright, a sly grin pulling at the corner of his mouth, “You are gonna forget all about the Jolly Green Giant.”

Charlie’s laughter lit up his entire face and sent a flutter through Nick’s heart.

“Yes sir,” Charlie nodded appreciatively.

Nick drew closer as Charlie raised a finger and chided, “Remember, no zerb–”

But Nick’s mouth was too busy kissing Charlie to even consider doing anything else.

Charlie laughed into Nick’s kiss and Nick nipped him playfully on his bottom lip. Charlie pressed back, coiling his arms around Nick and grabbing fistfuls of Nick’s shirt as they deepened their kiss.

Nick slowly slid his left hand round to the back of Charlie’s head, twining up into the soft curls that he loved so much. He let his other hand drift along the nape of Charlie’s neck, tickling lightly, the faintest tips of his fingers swirling up into Charlie’s hair then around and down to the base of Charlie's neck, each of his fingers exploring on it’s own before swirling back together and starting over again.

Holy f*ck!

Charlie couldn’t breathe.

That feels amazing!

He stopped kissing for a second, every nerve in his body focusing on the shivers sparking like fireworks down his spine.

“You okay?” Nick murmured against Charlie’s cheek.

A soft growl simmered from Charlie’s chest as he dragged Nick back to him.

“f*ck yeah I’m okay,” Charlie moaned into Nick’s mouth, as if to make his point perfectly clear before crushing his mouth to Nick’s.

They tangled together slowly, hot and deep, intensely devoted to every breath, every touch of their kiss.

Nick’s fingers did the same, tenderly exploring every inch of Charlie’s skin, lingering, savouring, drawing everything out as long as he could, just as his mouth was doing with Charlie’s.

Nick laced through the soft curls behind Charlie’s ear for days, his fingertips light and ticklish along Charlie’s scalp as he pulled curl after curl after curl. Charlie sighed as Nick cupped the back of his head and let his fingers coil up through Charlie’s hair before dusting gently down the length of Charlie’s neck. Nick’s warm hand palmed slowly across the slope of Charlie’s shoulders, his heart racing as he tenderly embraced Charlie’s bare skin.

“Charlie…” Nick whispered, and Charlie’s mouth was there to sooth his sighs.

Nick’s light touch grew more intense with each sweep of his hand, his fingers kneading into the flesh of Charlie’s shoulders with a deep caress. Charlie surrendered more and more on every stroke…

“Jesus, Nick…” Charlie murmured softly. Nick caught all of Charlie’s moans softly on his lips, each one tasting sweeter than the last.

It wasn’t long before Nick’s hand was straining the edge of Charlie’s shirt, pulling the fabric tight as he skimmed slowly around Charlie’s neck. Nick’s fingers drifted across the vulnerable, tender hollow of Charlie’s neck and hinted gently at moving down Charlie’s chest. Nick’s kisses grew even lighter, his mouth hovering, warm and soft over Charlie’s, as if his lips were asking permission for the rest of his body.

“No,” Charlie quivered, aching at the loss of Nick's mouth, desperate for more of Nick.

But that’s not how Nick heard it. Nick quickly drew back his hand, mumbling, “sh*t, sorry!” as he fumbled to Charlie’s waist, worried he’d gone too far.

Charlie grabbed for Nick’s hand.

“No, please!” His eyes locked on Nick’s, flaming with desire. He brought Nick’s hand to his cheek and kissed his palm, nuzzling him with a simmering look.

“Don’t stop touching me Nick.”

The craving in Charlie’s voice smouldered through Nick’s veins. He cupped Charlie’s jaw, tilting Charlie to face him.

“Charlie,” Nick’s voice was ragged as his eyes burned into Charlie’s, “Is that really what you want?”

Nick and Charlie held their stare for a beat before Nick’s eyes flashed with mischief, “I mean, be careful… I might not ever let you go.”

Charlie’s insides melted at the sweet earnestness blazing behind the humour in Nick’s eyes.

That’s exactly what I want, Charlie’s heart whispered.

Charlie took Nick’s face in his hands, pulling Nick to him, falling headfirst into Nick’s kisses and his promises.

Nick skimmed his hand up Charlie’s back, cradling Charlie’s head and deepening their kiss. He brought his other hand back to Charlie’s neck, slipping under Charlie’s loosened collar, his palm searing Charlie’s skin as they both slowed their kiss and breathed into the touch.

Oh god you feel so, so good, both men moaned.

Charlie rolled his head, offering even more of himself to Nick.

All of me, Nick.

Nick chased after Charlie’s kiss, catching him hungrily before letting his fingers drift feather-light across the top of Charlie’s chest. His hand wandered north, lovingly tracing the delicate hills and valleys of Charlie’s collarbone. Nick moaned softly into Charlie’s mouth, desperate to follow his fingers’ path with kiss after kiss after kiss, longing to pour out the tenderness and passion he’d been saving in his heart for Charlie all these years.

Charlie floated between two worlds, Nick’s powerful hands so, so gentle and light, breezing along Charlie’s body with tingling spirals of pleasure that carried him away, while Nick’s kisses fought to anchor him in place, growing harder, messier, almost bruising in their urgency.

“More… please,” Charlie murmured hungrily against Nick’s lips, meeting him eagerly, aching, losing himself in a sea of sensations, Nick’s touch consuming him completely.

“Charlie…” Nick groaned, gasping for air, and the next thing Charlie knew Nick had nuzzled firmly into the crook of his neck, his hot breath scorching Charlie with a pleasant burn that he soon satisfied with the wet press of his lips. Nick grazed slowly along Charlie’s skin, his tongue swirling, dancing, light and delicious, sending thrills throughout Charlie’s entire body.

“Ohmygod, that feels so good, Nick.” Charlie wove his fingers through Nick’s hair and tugged Nick even closer. “You feel so f*cking good.”

“You taste so f*cking good,” Nick murmured, indulging all his senses as he sank deeper into Charlie’s neck, nibbling and pulling hungry kisses that made Charlie moan and squirm. Charlie’s head lolled back on a sigh, Nick’s hand there to catch him and his mouth eager to claim him.

With one sizzling breath, Nick laved his tongue from Charlie’s collarbone all the way up to the tender nook behind his ear.

“Fuuuuuuuuck,” Charlie whimpered, his insides melting.

Nick’s mouth scalded Charlie’s ear, his voice hot and gravelly now, burning with the same uncontrollable longing that his touch sparked across Charlie’s skin.

“I’ve been wanting to do this for…”

years, Charlie, f*cking years

“...ever Charlie, ever since the front porch.”

Charlie moaned, his hand digging into Nick’s bicep. “I’m so wound up, Nick…” he begged, breathless, “...what you were doing with your fingers…”

Nick started trailing his fingers lightly along Charlie’s skin again, and thrills giggled up out of Charlie like bubbles in champagne.

“Jesus Nick!” Charlie sighed out a long shiver, and Nick chuckled into Charlie’s curls. Charlie closed his eyes and brushed the back of his hand across his lips, his mouth toying with his own fingers for a long sensuous beat before he reached out for Nick.

“That feels sooo f*cking good,” Charlie whispered, pulling Nick to him and pressing their lips together.

“Mmm,” Nick pulled away, eyes sparkling, “I’m not done yet.” Charlie giggled again and Nick grabbed a quick kiss before caressing Charlie lovingly all the way down to his collarbone.

“Oh Nick…” Charlie sighed so, so, tenderly. Nick fell softly into Charlie’s neck, dizzy from hearing his name float on Charlie’s breath like that.

Say it again Charlie, Nick begged, his heart aching. Please.

But Charlie was too far gone, left with only sighs and whimpers as Nick nibbled his way to the nook of Charlie’s collarbone. Nick nestled there for ages, softly pulling kiss after kiss at the delicate skin as both men slowly came undone.

“God, I f*cking love your neck Charlie,” Nick moaned. “It’s all beautiful, but this, right here …” Nick sucked a little harder and Charlie cried out, another wave of pleasure crashing over him.

Nick… Charlie tried, but he couldn’t get the words out. Oh Nick…

So many sensations thrummed through Charlie’s body… Tickles, scratches, shivers, thrills. The heat of Nick’s breath, the caress of Nick’s tongue, the pull of Nick’s mouth. The surface of Charlie’s skin tingled like mad, but inside… God, inside he felt everything.

Inside he felt f*cking alive.

And he didn’t want to feel this all on his own anymore.

The craving from earlier in the night burned through his veins, his body desperate to share everything he was feeling with Nick.

NOW.

Charlie urgently grasped the sides of Nick’s face, lifting Nick to him.

“Nick…” Charlie murmured, his voice strained.

Nick rose up from Charlie’s chest, worried. “What’s wrong, Charlie?”

“Nick, I…” Charlie stopped, suddenly mute, the man looking back at him stealing his words, stealing his breath, stealing his–

heart.

Charlie gazed at Nick, dizzy at the sight.

You’re so beautiful.

A heated flush dappled Nick’s creamy skin, glowing from the top of his chest to the tender hollows of his cheeks. His plump lips were gently swollen, rouged and ripe and wet for Charlie. A bit of slobber shined on his chin, his hair was a f*cking mess, and his eyes…

Oh Nick.

The warmth and tenderness in Nick’s eyes set Charlie reeling.

God, I’m falling so f*cking fast and I don’t even care, Charlie wanted to spin round and round and shout it to the world, I'm falling for Nick Nelson! And it's all okay because he's already caught me.

Charlie let out a long, sweet sigh.

You’ve already caught me.

Charlie just stared at him, at Nick, at beautiful, beautiful Nick, who was gazing at Charlie so completely, with so much care and concern and eyes that promised Charlie the world and who started softly rubbing Charlie’s back because that’s what Nick does he takes care of you and he plays with you and he looks at you like that and all the words were gone again because all Charlie could do was f*cking feel.

“Charlie,” Nick murmured softly.

He could tell Charlie’s emotions were churning. Nick ran his hand gently down Charlie’s hair, his back, comforting him, soothing him. “Hey, it’s okay, just tell me what you need.”

Charlie sighed, melting into Nick’s touch, his words falling so effortlessly, just a breath really, that at first Nick thought it was the breeze.

“I need you.”

Charlie reached out and brushed his fingers lightly across Nick’s lips. He traced the quiet murmurs of Nick’s breath, the warmth of his promises. Charlie’s heart was racing but he stilled his hand. Then he rested them both in Nick’s sighs.

Charlie raised his eyes to Nick’s, never more sure of anything in his life.

“I need you, Nick,” he said softly.

Ages passed as they simply stared at one another. Charlie’s eyes so vulnerable and sincere. Nick’s heart falling, flying, finished.

Nick reached up to his mouth and gently covered Charlie’s hand with his own. He closed his eyes, pressing Charlie’s fingers tenderly to his lips.

Charlie watched Nick kiss him and wondered how one kiss could possibly make him feel so… much.

Nick’s mouth lingered for a long, deep breath as Nick locked this memory away forever. Then he wrapped his hand round Charlie’s and rested their clasped hands against his chest.

Their hands rose and fell again with Nick’s breath. Then he opened his eyes.

Nick looked at Charlie, his eyes simple and straightforward. He gave the slightest shrug, as if there wasn’t much that could be done.

“You already have me, Charlie,” Nick confessed.

Charlie bit his lip, his emotions on the edge.

“Nick,” he murmured, his mouth crinkling as tears pooled in his eyes.

“Hey…” Nick hushed, eyes glistening, his hand smoothing Charlie’s hair. “Hey now…”

A little sob choked out of Charlie, followed almost instantly by a bright smile dancing across his face. Charlie's hands flew to his mouth and his eyes went wide with surprise, but there was no denying the sparks of joy that blossomed when his eyes met Nick’s.

The giggles were next.

So many giggles.

Nick watched the joy bubble up out of Charlie, that smile he kept trying to hide behind his hands and those dimples coming out to play and that little crinkle atop Charlie’s scrunched up nose that made Nick grin every time he saw it. It was beautiful and contagious and all Nick had ever dreamed of, and soon Nick was laughing right along with Charlie.

“Why are we laughing, Charlie?” Nick asked, genuinely confused.

“I don’t know!” Charlie shook his head with a look almost as confused as Nick’s, which made them both laugh even harder. Charlie took a deep breath and let out a long sigh, beaming at Nick.

“I’m just so… happy.” Charlie sighed again and brushed the back of his hand softly against Nick’s cheek, his eyes dancing with Nick's. “Are you happy, Nick?”

Nick looked at Charlie, drinking him in, and grew very quiet. His eyes filled with wonder, as if he couldn’t believe this was really happening.

“Yeah, Charlie,” he whispered, his breath catching in his throat. “I’m really happy.”

Charlie grinned. “Me too,” Charlie whispered back.

Nick smirked. “You already said that.”

“Shut up!” Charlie giggled, shoving Nick’s shoulder and pulling a face.

They both laughed some more, but then Charlie’s mood shifted and he shot Nick some attitude.

“Gotta say though, Nick,” Charlie narrowed his eyes and leaned back against the bench, arms spread wide, “I don’t appreciate being lied to like that.”

Nick’s laughter died in his throat.

“What are you talking about, Charlie?”

“Well,” Charlie held up his empty hands and looked dramatically from one to the other, “Clearly I do not have you right now, do I?” He looked right at Nick and let that sly smirk of his do the rest of the talking.

A shock of laughter burst out of Nick’s chest before he could stop himself.

“sh*t Charlie, you’re absolutely right.” Suddenly very serious, Nick looked completely heartbroken. “I feel awful that I misled you like that.”

His eyes twinkled as he shifted closer to Charlie on the bench. Nick began stroking Charlie’s arm, which was splayed out along the back of the loveseat.

“Gosh Charlie, how can I ever make it up to you?”

“Mmmm,” Charlie’s smirk grew even wider, “I’m sure you’ll think of something."And he casually swung his legs over Nick’s thighs.

Nick ran his hand up Charlie’s leg, resting peacefully just above his knee. He twisted his lips and looked up in the air, wheels turning.

“Oh!” He turned back to Charlie, very excited. “Free rugby lessons?”

Charlie narrowed his eyes.

“No.”

Nick tried again.

“How about watching the entire Avengers series, special edition director’s cuts, with my…” Nick whirled his hand and took a mini-bow, “...expert commentary?”

“Jesus Nick,” Charlie blanched, genuinely disturbed at the prospect. “That’s like forty-seven movies.”

“Thirty-two,” Nick corrected with a wink.

“Oh my god, the fact that you know that…” Charlie closed his eyes and flopped his head forward in despair, his forehead landing on Nick’s chest.

Nick laughed and ran his hand lightly up and down Charlie’s back. “What if I… cook you dinner?” Nick murmured into Charlie’s curls.

Charlie peeked up at him with a cheeky grin and whispered, “I think we both know you’re gonna do that anyway.”

Nick leaned back, hand on his chest, feigning indignation. “Jesus, Charles! Presume much?!”

Charlie started laughing and Nick, eyes twinkling, reached out and ruffled Charlie’s hair. Giggling, Charlie grabbed Nick’s tee and pulled him closer. He trailed the fingers of his other hand slowly across Nick’s chest, then gazed up at him through his lashes.

“But am I wrong?” Charlie sassed.

“f*ck off,” Nick laughed with a playful glare.

They grinned at each other, and Nick brushed Charlie’s curls back from his face. “You’re such a little sh*t, you know that?” he whispered.

“You love it,” Charlie said softly. He closed his eyes as the feel of Nick’s fingers in his hair drew out a tender sigh.

Nick smiled and rested his forehead on Charlie’s.

“Hmmmm…” he murmured noncommittally, his fingers drifting down to caress the nape of Charlie’s neck.

“You know you do,” Charlie whispered, his fingers skimming along Nick’s arm. Nick laughed lightly and pressed a kiss to Charlie’s nose, his hand caressing Charlie’s back, holding him close.

They played like that for a while, fingers light, hands drifting softly, satisfied with simple touches. Satisfied with simply being together.

Charlie gradually curled up into Nick, his head resting against Nick’s shoulder, knees tucked toward Nick’s chest, the two of them facing the moonlight in the darkness down below.

Nick bent down to Charlie’s curls and breathed him in.

“I’m sorry you had to kiss the Jolly Green Giant,” Nick whispered, placing a kiss on Charlie’s head.

“Aw, it wasn’t so bad,” Charlie waved his hand dismissively. “But I was surprised how much he hates asparagus.” Charlie looked up at Nick, his eyes sparkling. “That was oddly off brand.”

Nick’s laughter shook his whole chest, and Charlie giggled at the ride. He snuggled even closer, and Nick wrapped his arms around him.

“Y’know, this isn’t what I imagined my first kiss with Charlie Spring would be like either,” Nick said, gazing off at the view.

“Oh?”

“Yeah, well….” Nick chuckled. “My imagination wasn’t this good when I was sixteen.”

It took Charlie a minute to register what Nick had said.

“Wait, what?” He turned around, facing Nick.

Nick gave Charlie a soft smile. “Why do you think I came out when I did?”

His eyes fell to where he held Charlie’s hand in his lap, and his voice grew quiet.

“I think a part of me hoped that would get your attention, and you’d really see me.”

“Nick!” Charlie’s eyes were plaintive, earnest. He cradled Nick’s jaw and gently turned Nick to face him. “I saw you.” Charlie’s voice was tight with emotion, his eyes locked on Nick’s. “I always saw you.”

Nick looked down at Charlie’s hand in his and gently traced that rough callus on Charlie’s finger.

“You know I made it to all of your band concerts? I mean, Darcy and Tara thought I was there to support them, but…”

Nick gave a soft chuckle and looked up at Charlie. Some of Charlie's curls were flying wild in the breeze and Nick reached out, his fingers lacing through them carefully, playing with them, loving how free they were in the wind... how free they were, even in his hand.

But then sixteen year old Nick suddenly grew quite shy. He dropped his gaze and lowered his hand back to Charlie's in his lap. Nick began drawing soft caresses along Charlie's hand, his touch light and tender, his heart lost in his memories. And then he stole a glance up at Charlie, shaking his head in awe.

“You really are amazing on the drums, y’know.”

Charlie just… stared.

Then, without taking his eyes off Nick’s, Charlie carefully shifted his legs, straddling Nick’s thighs. He sat up on his knees and gently took Nick’s face in his hands, his eyes tender as he brushed his thumb lightly across the soft hollow of Nick's cheek.

Charlie ran his other hand through Nick’s fringe, pushing it back from his brow before placing the lightest of kisses on Nick’s forehead.

“Nicholas Nelson….” Charlie murmured, his lips a breeze across Nick’s skin.

He sat back till he could hold Nick in his eyes.

“You sweet, wonderful man.”

Charlie’s words fell like kisses, warming Nick’s cheeks, and the two men looked at each other forever.

“Sounds like we need to make up for lost time,” Charlie whispered.

Nick chuckled softly.

“Yeah,” Nick sighed. “I’d like that.”

Charlie leaned down to Nick, pressing their lips together for a heartbeat, before drawing back.

Nick looked at him curiously. Charlie just held his gaze, eyes sparkling, as a slow smirk spread across his face. Then he winked and whispered…

“Enjoy the ride, Nicholas.”

Charlie waited patiently for Nick’s laughter to die down. Then he spent the rest of the evening kissing Nick Nelson f*cking senseless.

And it turns out Nick was right...

It was far better than teenage Nick could ever have imagined.