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“Well done you lot! Don’t forget next week is our last class for this session! And the sign up sheet for the centre’s talent show is by the door if you’d like to sign up! Have a great evening everyone!” Astrid, the dance instructor concluded. Everyone then put the supplies back into their designated cubbies and grab their belongings to make the trek back to their regular lives.
Charlie takes one last deep breath as Tara sits down beside him. “If I had known how great you are, I’d have asked you to join me ages ago!”
Charlie drops his head with a bashful giggle. “Well to be honest, I had no idea I could even dance.”
”Charlie,” Tara chides, eying him with a faux glare only she can give him. “You’re a drummer so you keep perfect time, it’s no wonder you’re a natural dancer as well.”
“Charrrrliiiiieeee! You got some killer moves, my guy! You put the other girls in this class to shame!” Darcy bellows as they run into his arms, picking him up and attempting to swing him around.
“Darcy!” Tara scolds, “Everyone can hear you!”
“Sorry.” Darcy shrinks as they notice many sets of eyes shooting them darts and daggers. Charlie lovingly rolls his eyes.
The trio were almost to the front doors of the centre when Darcy whirls back around, exclaiming needing the loo. Charlie and Tara opt to wait outside, too nice a late, spring day to waste a second indoors. The pair chat idly whilst they wait for Darcy who came running out just as the bus rolls to a stop. It doesn’t escape Charlie’s eye the mischievous smirk that quietly ghosts Darcy’s face. What are they up to?…
🍂
“Oh, c’mon Nicholas! You’d be helping me out!” Imogen pleads, giving him her biggest, saddest, glassiest eyes. “Take one for the team.” Nick snorts at her remark.
“Yeah, Nick. You’d be helping us out.” Echoes Elle, walking up behind him with her boyfriend Tao. “We really could use your muscle with sets and props. It’s just one evening.”
“Yeah, rugby lad. You wouldn’t want to disappoint my girlfriend now, would you?” Tao mumbles, fixing Nick with a glare that made Nicks skin prickle. Nick is all too quick to agree. Like a puppy, trying to please its owner.
“Ok, ok. I’m in. It’ll just be really tight as we do have a rugby match in the morning.”
“What’s going on? What are you agreeing to?” Otis walks up behind Nick with Christian and Sai in tow. The trio watch Nick with inquisitive eyes, all curious to know what’s unfolding in front of them.
“Just got Nick to agree to help us with sets and props for the centre’s talent show on Saturday. Say… would you lads be able to help as well? The art community would greatly appreciate your muscle.” Tao says with a groan as the boys giggle behind Nick.
“Sure, mate! We’d be glad to help! Can’t be much different from our school plays, yeah?” Otis chirps.
“Yeah! We’re in!” Sai and Christian echo, big grins on their faces.
“And who knows, maybe my future girlfriend might be in attendance there.” Christian adds hopefully. The group collectively sigh, laugh and jostle Christian in jest.
“C’mon, we’ve all got classes to get to before the bell rings!” Elle reminds them, all parting and going their separate ways, already creating a group chat on Instagram as she and Imogen rush off to Higgs.
🍂
”Charlie! A parcel has arrived for you!”
Charlie springs off his bed and flies down the stairs to see his mum inspecting the package held in her fingertips.
“Dahlal Internationale?” Jane asks, her bright blue eyes searching his.
“Yeah. It’s something I need for the talent show this Saturday.” Charlie mumbles, turning the package between his fingers.
”Ok. I’m sad we’ll miss it. Olly has his play date that afternoon. Anyway, dinner is at 6, yeah?” His mum reminds him.
“Ok, sounds good.” Charlie rushes out before flying back up the stairs to him room, shutting the door behind him.
Charlie rips open the package, depositing its contents on his bed. He picks up both items and places them against his body, a huge grin breaking across his face.
These are perfect.
He still can’t believe Darcy signed him up to perform in the talent show. But now was his time to be brave. He was good at this and he’s been through so much in such a short amount of time.
I can do this. Stand tall, show them all.
🍂
Otis, Sai, Christian and Nick clap as a girl finishes the final note of her opera performance. Christian sighs dreamily.
“I’m in love, boys.” Christian exhales dreamily, fizzy hearts practically popping around him. The other three lads break out into quiet giggles beside him.
“You’ve said that about the last four girls who performed up there.” Sai chides quietly, poking Christian in the ribs. Christian bats his hand away just as the lights go dark for the next act.
They watch as Sahar walks quickly onto the stage and into the spotlight, up to the microphone.
“And now, with an incredible drum solo to die for, please put your hands together for Charlie Spring!”
Nicks breath hitches at the mention of Charlie’s name. It’s no secret that he’s had a giant crush on the boy since Charlie was sat next to him in form two and a half years ago. Nick, the ever bumbling giant rugby lad could never work up the courage to just ask him out. They are friends, definitely but Nick is so afraid to break the delicate friendship they have built and risk freaking Charlie out. He’d die if he lost him as his friend. His best friend even. Nick had no idea Charlie was in the talent show, much less drumming. He loved watching Charlie play the drums. But wait, there’s no drum kit on stage… how will he-
The sound of a doumbek breaks over the speakers in fast percussion as Charlie comes gliding out onto the stage and Nicks breath is completely gone. Because, Charlie is an absolute vision. He’s adorned in a royal blue velvet cropped one shoulder top that glistens in the stage lights. His slim torso is exposed with a hint of gold glitter catching the light as he begins shimmying his hips to the percussion of the doumbek. He’s also wearing harem pants in teal, royal blue and purple that have a peacock feather print on them and a royal blue coin belt that accentuates every shimmy and movement he makes. Nick is practically drooling as Charlie expertly moves to the music with hip drops, bumps, chest pops and shoulder shimmies as his slim and toned arms gracefully glide along with each movement. The crowd is going wild, feeding the energy Charlie is soaking in, encouraging his movements even more, a giant smile across his face.
“Oi! I had no idea Charlie could move like that!” Sai practically shrieks to be heard over the roaring crowd.
“He’s so flexible and bendy!” Christian chimes in just as Charlie slowly rolls into a backbend, both arms overhead as began to bring his arms down in front of him, hands undulating. His upper half now horizontal with the floor, the crowd rages as Charlie finally drops to the floor and gracefully rolls up and back to his feet and begins to shimmy walk to the other side of the stage.
”Nick is so gone for him.” Otis chuckles to the other two boys, Nick completely tranced out to the boy undulating on stage. He couldn’t hear anything around him anymore, completely zoned onto Charlie and the music.
The crowd beaks out into a raucous applause as the song ends and Charlie steps into his final pose, breathing heavily. His smile never falters, his slightly tanned skin now glistening in sweat. Charlie gives one final bow before shimmying and spinning off the stage.
“I have to go.” Nick says after finally breaking his trance. He jumps out of his seat nearly tripping on his feet as he stumbles out of the back row and towards the side stage entrance.
“Go get your man!” Otis calls after him, all three lads beaming in Nicks direction.
🍂
”What the hell Charlie!! That was fucking mint, my guy!” Darcy screeched as Charlie walks off stage. Darcy picks Charlie up and swings him around. Once free of Darcy’s grasp, Charlie buries his face in his hands, giggling shyly.
“Charlie! You were amasing!” Elle gushes as Imogen comes up behind her. “Ohmygod Charlie! Who knew you could move like that! You’ll have to teach us everything!” Imogen squeals. “You’re like, so graceful!”
More people surround Charlie and congratulate him on his performance. He was never good with praise so he tries to be gracious from all the congratulatory gushing surrounding him. But in that moment, his senses are in overdrive and he can sense one more thing.
Charlie snaps his gaze up and sees Nick Nelson walking over to him. He can’t pin his facial expression. He’s never seen this look on Nicks face before. It almost looks like, Nick in love?
I’m definitely imagining it.. There’s no way..
And then Charlie is floating on air. Nick scoops him up into a bone crushing hug and swings him around. Charlie has experienced many a Nick Nelson hug but this one feels.. different. Nick holds onto him way longer than he is used to. Once Nick finally deposits Charlie back on the floor, he’s looking at Charlie with so much emotion behind his eyes and his signature lopsided smile.
“Charlie, that was- wow! I don’t even know where- just, when did you-“ Nick sighs and drops his head onto Charlie’s shoulder. Nick then slowly snakes his arms around Charlie’s waist, causing Charlie to gasp.
“Nick..”
“I like you Charlie. Like, really like you.” Nick mumbles into his shoulder.
“I like you too, Nick. You’ve been such a great friend to me.” Charlie whispers, deciding to take the safe route, trying not to read into the situation too much.
“No, Charlie. I mean, God. I’m so in love with you. Romantically. But I just didn’t want to ruin what we have. You’re my best friend and I’d die if I lost you. But seeing that, seeing how brave you were up there and how far you’ve come from year 10, I knew I had to be brave too. So I’m putting myself out there because, I really want to be with you and I want to see where we can go. Together.” Charlie cut Nick off with a kiss. All of Charlie’s sense explode around him. His body set a fire. He is ablaze in Nicks strong rugby arms, feeling everything right there in that moment. He can’t believe this is happening, the one thing he’s wanted so bad since he laid eyes on Nick that first day in form.
“Ahem!” Tara’s voice cuts through the haze. The boys break apart and Tara wraps Charlie into a hug. “That was brilliant Charlie!”
“Thank you Tara. You’re the one who dragged me to those belly dance classes.”
“You really should keep it up. You’re a very talented dancer and it could take you places.” Tara beams. Charlie giggles and drops his face back into his hands, again. “So then, are you two finally together?” Tara asks, giving Charlie and Nick a knowing look.
“Yes! Did you seal the deal, Nelson?” Charlie and the group turn to see Sai, Otis and Christian approach, all with shit eating grins on their faces. Charlie looks at Nick who beams back at him and offers his hand. Charlie takes it and intertwines his fingers with Nicks.
“Well, we haven’t gotten that far yet.” Charlie watches as Nick fully turns to him, taking Charlie’s other hand in his free one. Charlie takes in the boy towering over him. His beautiful milky skin, covered in freckles. His muscular, broad frame threatening to burst out of his clothes. His amber eyes that always ignite Charlie on fire.
“Charlie, would you go out with me, properly? On a date?”
Charlie looks at Nick with shining stormy blue eyes, overcome with emotion. I never thought this would happen to me. His throat becomes tight but he nods his head furiously. “Yes. Yes Nick, I’d love to go out with you.” The group squeals quietly as to not interrupt the current act that is still on stage. Nick takes Charlie’s hand again and leads him outside through the back door.
“Nick..”
“Are you rethinking this? Ohmygod Charlie, I’m so sorry! I totally ambushed you and just, exploded all over you! God, I’m so embarrassing!” It’s now Nicks turn to bury his face in his hands. Charlie can’t help but giggle at his best friend. His best friend who isinlovewithhim!! How did I get so lucky??
“Nick, you idiot! Of course I like you! I always have! Since that first day in form! I just, I never thought you’d like me back.”
“How could I not? You’re just so… you’re so beautiful, Charlie. I want to be with you. All the time.” Nick is looking at him so earnestly, Charlie can’t help but melt. “Should we get out of here?”
“Umm, I’m still in my costume. I should probably go change.” Charlie giggles.
“Oh yeah. I’ll come with you.” Nick offers Charlie his hand and Charlie cards his fingers with Nicks once again. He can’t help but think how natural this feels. Like Nick is special made for him. Just for Charlie. And Charlie is never going to let this go. Nick presses a kiss into Charlie’s curls and gives his hand a gentle squeeze.
From this day forward, they would become Nick and Charlie and he couldn’t imagine not having Nick by his side for the rest of his life. He had always imagined it as friends but now he is able to believe it as boyfriends. And maybe one day, as his husband.