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?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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