Heart Attack (a HeartStopper story)

Nick. Home.

Song recomendation for the chapter: Daylight. - Lover. - Taylor Swift.
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As Nick loaded the last box onto the moving truck, and closed the door so he could leave for the apartment, a strange feeling of melancholy and longing came over him. Charlie was chatting with his mother at the door of the house, still holding some things that would be taken in Nick's car. Both Sarah and Charlie were enjoying their last moments at that door before leaving it forever. Nick couldn't help but feel a lump in his throat as he saw an adult Charlie standing right where a child Charlie had stood all those years ago. Along with an adult Sarah... perhaps even more adult than before.

Memories of the night he first almost told Charlie he loved him came flooding back, and he felt the words forming again in his mouth as if he were back then. He had felt so scared. It was as if he felt that at that age he didn't have the right to say those words. He didn't really doubt what Charlie felt, but in those years showering him with such huge emotional burdens scared the hell out of him.

Now, as Nick watched the irresistible Charlie, in his white sweater and gray cargo jeans, run his hand through his beautiful hair so naturally, he reflected on how everything was so different and so alike.

At that moment, years ago, in that doorway, he doubted how two teenagers could tell each other they loved each other.

Now he doubted how two adults would explain to each other that they no longer wanted to be separated night to night.

How to tell him to move in with him.

Nick turned his back on the truck pulling away and ran his hand down the back pocket of his black pants, where he felt the small black velvet pouch where he had stashed his new set of keys. Destined for Charlie.

They were, before anything else, a gift. He didn't have to feel pressured to move in right then and there, especially with the way his parents were approaching things. Still a knot of anxiety rose in his chest, and he had to rub at the lavender shirt he had put on to calm himself.

Eventually Charlie turned to look at him with that beautiful smile as he gestured for him to come with him, and Nick took a deep breath and walked towards him.

He didn't have to be afraid. He had to trust his boyfriend, and that he would take the keys for what they were. Just a way to be closer.

"What are you two talking about?" Nick approached Charlie as he took the things out of his hands and left them in the open trunk of his car.

Charlie immediately had his hands free and grabbed Nick's outstretched hand.

"Charlie was helping me remember about your graduation." Sara smiled looking around the interior of the empty house wistfully, and Nick couldn't help but be surprised by the coincidence. "I'm going to miss this place so much."

"Me too." Charlie let it out with more melancholy than Nick would have thought possible. After all, Sara and Nick's house had long meant a safe place for Charlie and his friends. "Did David come for his things at last?" he asked.

"He'll come by my house for them. I know you don't want to Nicky but you'll have to invite him over to your new apartment eventually."

"I don't have to mom." Nick clarified. "But I'll think about it."

Sara rolled her eyes at him and let out a laugh. "It's complicated but he's your brother."

"Only if he's act nice, maybe...." Nick strained his eyes. If he planned to live there with Charlie David have to prove himself before he set foot inside.

"I can't believe you're already moving out on your own." Sara blurted wistfully squeezing his cheek, which caused an adoring laugh from Charlie.

"I was five years living alone in London Mom."