CW: Charlie speaks about his compulsive nature re. eating

Charlie: Nickkkk I've got nothing to do at school can I come to yours?

Nick: Charlie you've only got three weeks of school left you need to do work to be ready for year 11!

Charlie: Oh, I mean I kinda already left but I can go somewhere else if you don't wanna see me 

Nick: You walked out of school?! CHARLIE!

Charlie: You did the same thing! 

Nick: I left when you went to meet up with Ben Hope behind my back, are you really wanting to have that conversation again?

Charlie: Fair point.

Nick: Charlie... this is the third time you've done this.

Charlie: I know. I just can't Nick

Nick: Come on then, but we're going to talk about it okay? I'm not gonna be annoyed or angry but you need to tell me what's going on.

Charlie: I will, I promise. 

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5 hours later

Charlie: Thank you for such a lovely day Nick it was really amazing.

Nick: You're welcome! And thank you for constantly avoiding my questions about why you keep skipping school! ANSWERS CHARLIE

Charlie: Urgh fine. It's lunch. You don't know it but we got into a routine with lunch, every time I'd eat something at school I'd squeeze your hand three times if you're not there I can't squeeze your hand and I can't eat. 

Nick: Oh, I see. 

Charlie: I'm sorry Nick I didn't wanna tell you I knew you'd think I was a freak I'm such a fucking disaster. 

Nick: Charlie calm down, you NEVER have to be scared of telling me the truth, when you tell me the truth it helps us process how to deal with things properly, I love you Charlie, if eating lunch is easier when I'm there then I'll come to the school gate and me you Tao and Aled can do lunch there?

Charlie: You'd do that? 

Nick: Of course! There's nothing I wouldn't do for you Char! <3 

Charlie: I'm coming back to yours

Nick:?

Charlie: I'm crying again!

Nick: Well you're always welcome here, I'll walk you home this time too, at least your mom won't IMMEDIATELY lose her shit if I'm there haha

Charlie: I love you Nick <3

A/N: I feel very conflicted writing this one, I feel like we're at a point where I'm either going to have to end it now, or do a time jump to when they're 17/18 (Events of the Nick and Charlie Novella) and try to work from there. Your thoughts would be much appreciated :)