Authors note: Yeah.... So I'm thinking things are going to have to take a darker turn in terms of the timeline moving towards when Charlie becomes more ill, I'm going to try and deal with this with as much sensitivity as possible but I want to stay true to the reality of Charlie's story. If like me you struggle with body image issues you should consider reading future content warnings closely.
CW: Charlie showing signs of depression, anxiety and alluding to the presence of self-harm.
Nick: Charlieeeeee?
Charlie: Nickkk?
Nick: I haven't seen you all week...
Charlie: Yeah, sorry... I've been revising for mocks and I dunno, everything's felt so stressful.
Nick: Do I stress you out?
Charlie: Nick! God no, never. It's just really complicated, when I get stressed I have strange ways of coping with it.
Nick: Wdym 'strange'
Charlie: It doesn't matter.
Nick: Charlie it feels like you're pulling away, you can tell me anything you know that right? Like, maybe with the exception of 'I'm breaking up with you' but yeah I dunno.
Charlie: For goodness sake Nicholas, I DO NOT WANT TO BREAK UP WITH YOU.
Nick: Oh thank god, I was kinda concerned.
Charlie: Why?
Nick: Because my boyfriend's been avoiding me for two weeks?!
Charlie: You're such a softie I swear.
Nick: When it comes to you, yes, I happily admit that.
Charlie: You're too cute.
Nick: No you.
Charlie: YOU'RE IMPOSSIBLE.
Nick: No you.
Charlie: NICK!
Nick: CHARLIE!
Charlie: I've had enough of this.
Nick: What does that mean?
Charlie: Well if you insist on pestering me it may as well be in person.
Nick: YAYYYYYYYYYYYYY
Charlie: Urgh the simpery.
Nick: Be there in like 2 minutes, is Oliver in?
Charlie: Yeah, he's a tad upset, my mom shouted at him about tidying up his tractors.
Nick: i hAvE AN IDeA!
Charlie: Umm okay?
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Charlie: Okay, did you bring Nellie round to cheer Oliver up or to guarantee privacy?
Nick: You decide haha.
Charlie: Works for me!
Nick: Charlie it's summer why are you wearing a jumper?
Charlie: Oh.. I like messing with the sleeves!
Nick: You're literally sweating... take it off haha
Charlie: Nooooo I'm fine
Nick: RIGHT, come here.
Charlie: Nick stay back
Nick: Woah sorry, hey? Why are you sat all the way over there
Charlie: Do not touch me.
Nick: Woah, Char I'm sorry... I didn't mean to..
Charlie: This was a mistake, I thought I was ready but I'm not IM SO STUPID
Nick: Charlie!
*Nick wraps Charlie in a bug hug which he would initially refuse but eventually accept*
Nick: Talk to me
Charlie: Don't freak out..
Nick: Never.
Nick: Oh Char.. what- why?
Charlie: I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry please don't hate me.
*Another long bear hug*
Nick: I would never hate you Char. Alright? Tell me you hear me
Charlie: I hear you
Nick: Just cry Charlie, let it out, I'm here. You're safe.
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Charlie: Hey?
Nick: Hey! You feeling alright?
Charlie: Yeah, way better, thank you so much for today.
Nick: I'm sorry if.. I pushed you away or pushed you too far.
Charlie: Nick, you were perfect, you ARE perfect, I can't believe I get to have you in my life.
Nick: Charlie, you are the KINDEST, most CARING person in my life, you're my boyfriend, of course I'm gonna do everything I can to keep you happy and safe <3