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Part 2 of Lunch at the Picnic Tables
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Published:
2023-02-10
Completed:
2023-02-11
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3,281
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2/2
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Nick Nelson Is Not That Into Me

Summary:

Sure, technically, Nick Nelson told him that he's interested. He also keeps texting him. But that doesn't mean that Nick Nelson is *into* Charlie, right?
This is part 2 in the "Lunch at the Picnic Tables" series, following "Nick Nelson Is Definitely Not Looking" (part 1).
+++
Once again: (slightly less) oblivious!Charlie's POV, smitten!Nick, heavy on the fluff, all of it set during lunch at the picnic tables.

Chapter 1

Chapter Text

+++ Setting: lunch at the picnic tables +++

 

Nick Nelson keeps texting him.

 

It’s been five days. Five days since Charlie walked up to him and found out that Nick’s eyesight isn’t actually that bad. That he has in fact been looking at Charlie the whole time and that he’s been wanting to talk. That he’s interested.

 

But that’s probably not why he keeps texting Charlie, right?

 

“Charlie.”

 

“Huh?”

 

“What’s up with you today?” Tao wants to know.

 

“What?”

 

“You keep looking at your phone and then staring into the distance.”

 

“Oh, let him be. He’s probably thinking about his very fit boyfriend.”

 

“He’s not my boyfriend, Isaac!”

 

“If you say so.”

 

“He’s not!”

 

“Ugh. I never should’ve encouraged this Nick Nelson thing.”

 

Isaac waves Tao off. “So, is it Nick Nelson you’re constantly texting then?”

 

“No. Maybe. Okay, yes.”

 

“Oh, this is so exciting! That reminds me: Yesterday, when we ran into him in the corridor, I swear he had hearts in his eyes.”

 

“He did not.”

 

“He so did!”

 

“Can we talk about something other than Nick Nelson for a change?”

 

“Oh shush, Tao! So, Charlie, does he text a lot?”

 

“Not a lot. It’s no big deal.”

 

“I don’t believe you for one second!”

 

Oh well. “He… He texts me every day. I think.”

 

“Gaaah!”

 

“Mornings and evenings, actually. Sometimes in-between classes. Most days.”

 

Isaac’s smile stretches inhumanly wide. “Nick Nelson is so into you!”

 

“He’s not. He’s probably just bored.” He must be. By now he must’ve figured out that Charlie is a hopeless, lame nerd.

 

“Charlie. Not this again.”

 

Charlie clears his throat. “Also, we’re calling him Nick now. Just Nick.”

 

“Oh. Noted.”

 

“God, Isaac, can you please stop grinning so much?!”

 

“I can try!” Isaac laughs. “Where is he today, anyway?”

 

“He sometimes plays rugby with his friends during lunch.”

 

“Ugh.” Tao rolls his eyes dramatically.

 

“Yeah.”

 

 

+

 

 

“Texting Niiiick?”

 

“God, Isaac.”

 

“Tell me I’m wrong.”

 

“Well, you’re not wrong.”

 

“Oh, oh, there he is! Do you think he’ll come over?”

 

“No.”

 

“Why not?”

 

“He’s probably going to sit with his friends. Or play rugby again.”

 

“Maybe you should make sure he sees you? You could ask him to sit with us?”

 

“What? No! He doesn’t want that!”

 

“Are you sure?”

 

“Hey, what are we talking about?” Tao asks, swinging his long legs over the bench.

 

“One gorgeous rugby captain.”

 

“Whyyyy?”

 

“Because Charlie is being oblivious again and Nick is a-dore-able. What do you text about, anyway?”

 

Charlie shrugs his shoulders. “Nothing in particular.” Only everything. “Now can we please change the subject?” Charlie takes a bite from his sandwich. The soggy bread is sticking to his teeth, which isn’t ideal.

 

“Hi, Charlie!”

 

Charlie coughs. “Nick! Hi!”

 

“How did your presentation go?”

 

Nick remembers that?

 

“It went okay, thanks. How, um, did your Maths test go?”

 

“Not so okay, unfortunately. I wasn’t kidding when I told you that I suck at Maths.”

 

“Charlie is taking Advanced Maths,” Isaac pipes up. “I’m sure he could help you?”

 

“Ow! What the fuck!” Tao hisses. Because Charlie kicked the wrong shin.

 

“Oh, erm, that’s okay,” Nick says quickly. And then nobody says anything. “Well, um, I’ll text you later, Charlie?”

 

“Yeah, sure, if you want to.”

 

“Bye.”

 

“What. The. Actual. Fuck. Isaac.”

 

“I’m sorry! But it was such a good opening!”

 

“This is not a rom-com, Isaac,” Tao comments, rubbing his shin and glaring at Charlie.

 

“Uh, sorry about that.”

 

“You’re merciless, Charlie,” Tao retorts.

 

“I said sorry!”

 

“Not that! I meant the way you let Nick rush off like that. All embarrassed and blushing.”

 

“What was I supposed to do?”

 

“I don’t know, talk some more? Ask him to sit with us, even? At this point, eating lunch with a rugby lad will be less awkward than watching you repeatedly brush him off.”

 

“I… Is that what it looks like I’m doing?”

 

Charlie blinks at the two nodding faces.

 

Well, shit.

 

 

+

 

 

Charlie (19:50): hey, so, there might be a possibility that i’m giving you wrong signals.

 

Nick (19:52): hi charlie :) mind explaining what you mean?

 

Charlie (19:53): it has come to my attention that it could seem like i’m ‘brushing you off’ or something

 

Charlie (19:53): when we talk at school

 

Nick (19:56): well tbh, i sometimes feel like i'm annoying you? and it’s confusing sometimes?

 

Charlie (20:10): i’m sorry. i really suck at this.

 

Nick (20:11): it’s okay :) i don’t know what i'm doing either.

 

Nick (20:12): can i ask you something? do you not want to talk at school? i really would like to talk to you more but i will ofc understand if you don’t.

 

Charlie (20:15): i would like that too

 

Nick (20:15): :)))

 

Charlie (20:25): do you maybe want to sit with us at lunch tomorrow? it’s totally fine if not or if you have other plans

 

Nick (20:25): YES!!!

 

Charlie (20:26): ok :)

 

Nick (20:26): <3

 

 

+

 

 

“Okay, so, Nick Nelson’s going to have lunch with us today. Probably.”

 

“What! Wait, I didn’t bring any good snacks today! We are not ready, Charlie!”

 

Tao rolls his eyes. Because Tao. “Isaac, I don’t think that’s the reason he wants to sit with us. Also, Nick Nelson, huh?”

 

“I mean Nick.”

 

“Did you ask him to sit with us? Or did he ask you?”

 

“I asked him. And he said yes. And he sent a heart.”

 

“Oh this is so cute! I’m so shipping you two.”

 

Charlie has to laugh. Because Isaac. “Save some of the excitement for your tumblr. Also, let’s see if he even shows up. He might forget or get roped into rugby or whatever.”

 

“As if Nick wouldn’t jump at the opportunity when the ice queen finally deigns to extend a branch.”

 

“Excuse me?! I’m no— Shit.”

 

Sure enough, Nick Nelson, Nick, picks this moment to exit the school building and start walking towards them. His smile is so bright, Charlie almost wants to look away. Only he kind of can’t.

 

“Hi!”

 

“Hey!” Charlie wishes he hadn’t just added that awkward little wave.

 

“Is it okay if I join you?”

 

“Of course it is!” Isaac says. “I hear you come with an exclusive invite.”

 

“As a matter of fact, I do!” Nick takes a seat next to Charlie. “Hey,” he says again.

 

“Hey. How’s your day so far?” Charlie asks, because he’s trying.

 

“Not bad. Mr. Lange was a bit shit this morning. He said that…”

 

Charlie had the best intentions of listening. He really did. But instead, he wonders how many freckles there might be on Nick’s face.

 

“…but then Sai – you know my mate Sai, right? - made this hilarious joke and even Mr. Lange had to laugh. Anyway, how’s your day going?”

 

“Oh, alright. Miss Elgers agreed to let me use the music room before form in the mornings, so I can get a bit of practice in. I do have my electric drum set at home but it’s just not the same.”

 

“That’s cool! Can I maybe… come watch you play some time? Would that be okay? It’s totally fine if you say no.”

 

Charlie swallows hard. “Well, it would be like, early in the mornings, before form. You would have to take an earlier bus probably.”

 

“I don’t mind.”

 

Charlie wonders if anyone else thinks that Nick Nelson is the embodiment of the blushing smile emoji. He’s so fucking pretty.

 

Charlie clears his throat. “Okay, sure. Tomorrow, if you like?”

 

“Great!”

 

All too soon, the bell signals the end of lunch. Nick has to hurry because his next class is on the other side of school. When he’s a couple of strides away, he turns and waves at Charlie again.

 

Charlie’s cheeks heat up as he awkwardly waves back. He stands and quickly packs up his things. Tao and Isaac do the same.

 

“I can’t get over how nice he is,” Isaac comments. “I wonder if most of the other rugby lads are nice, too? And we just don’t know it?”

 

Tao shrugs. “I like Otis. He’s nice.”

 

“A-ha! What do you think, Charlie?”

 

“262.”

 

“What?”

 

“Nothing. What?”

 

“Does Nick talk about his rugby friends? Are they nice?”

 

“Uh, I don’t know.”

 

262 freckles. That’s where he stopped counting.

 

Charlie needs to concentrate more on listening tomorrow.

 

 

+

 

 

“So? Did Nick come to watch you play this morning?”

 

“He did.”

 

“And?”

 

“And what, Isaac? It was maybe twenty minutes. We didn’t even talk much. He just… watched. And smiled.”

 

“I bet he was swooning. Very good decision on your part to let him watch. You look hot when you play. It’s like, your element.”

 

“I do not.”

 

“It’s actually true,” Tao supplies.

 

“See?! Oh! Hi, Nick!”

 

“Hey! Can I join you again?”

 

And this is how Nick ends up sitting next to Charlie at lunch for the second time.

 

“So, Nick, how did you like watching Charlie play?”

 

“You don’t have to answer that.”

 

“Why wouldn’t I? It was great! I’m so impressed. He’s so good and so quick and… yeah,” Nick trails off. “It was really cool.”

 

Charlie is getting better at recognizing when Nick is blushing. And this is one of those moments. “I’m glad you weren’t bored,” he says.

 

“Impossible.” Another one of those moments.

 

Later, Tao is retelling a story from when they went bowling last week and Charlie only half listens. He has to actively stop himself from counting freckles again.

 

Charlie is searching for a distraction when he feels something sliding against the back of his hand. It’s probably his lunch wrapper. Stupid wind. He quickly draws his hand back to catch the wrapper, but his fingers grasp at air. There’s nothing.

 

Nothing but a sinking feeling when he looks at Nick and catches a flash of something in his eyes. And especially when he sees Nick curling his fingers into a fist.

 

 

+

 

 

“Earth to Charlie.”

 

“Huh?”

 

“Are you okay?”

 

“Yeah, sure.”

 

“Uh-huh. Where’s Nick today?”

 

“How should I know? He doesn’t share his daily schedule with me.”

 

“Uh-huh.”

 

Okay, he might as well just say it out loud. Isaac will know. It was probably nothing, anyway.

 

“I have a question. Do you think that it could be possible, maybe, that um… that Nick tried to hold my hand during lunch yesterday?”

 

It sounds stupid out loud. That’s probably not what happened, like at all.

 

“Um.”

 

“It’s just… Yesterday, Tao was telling the story from bowling and I felt something brush my hand and I didn’t know what it was and I drew my hand back and then I saw Nick draw his hand back with this… look in his eyes.”

 

“Oh. Did you talk or text after that?”

 

“No.”

 

“No texting since lunch yesterday?”

 

“Correct.”

 

“I think we both know the answer to your question.”

 

“Shit.”

 

 

+

 

 

Charlie (21:05): hey

 

Nick (21:08): hi

 

Charlie (21:09): so i wasn’t kidding when i told you that i’m shit at this

 

Nick (21:10): at what exactly?

 

Charlie (21:12): you know

 

Nick (21:13): i don’t

 

Charlie (21:13): niiiiick

 

Nick (21:13): yes, charlie?

 

Nick (21:20): i'm sorry if trying to hold your hand was too much. if i'm coming on too strong.

 

Charlie (21:22): it wasn’t and you’re not. i’m just an idiot. i swear i didn’t realize that that’s what was happening.

 

Charlie (21:23): not until it was too late, anyway

 

Nick (21:23): really?

 

Charlie (21:23): i swear.

 

Nick (21:25): so it really wasn’t too much?

 

Charlie (21:25): no :)

 

Nick (21:26): ok :)

 

 

+

 

 

There’s no texts from Nick the following morning, nor does Charlie see him at lunch.

 

Isaac heaves his backpack on the table. “Did you sort things out with Nick?”

 

“I’m not sure. I thought so last night but now I’m not sure.”

 

Maybe it finally got too much for Nick.

 

Fuck. What the hell is he supposed to do now?

 

“Maybe you should text him? Charlie?”

 

“I’ll be right back.”

 

Charlie stands and marches across the lawn.

 

Otis and Christian are mid-conversation when Charlie says, “Hey, have you seen Nick?”

 

“Uh, I saw him in English but not since then,” Otis says.

 

“Is everything okay?” Christian asks.

 

“Yeah, I just need to find him.”

 

“Well, you could try the library? He sometimes—”

 

“Thanks!” And Charlie is off.

 

He gives up on his search fifteen minutes later. He can’t believe he messed this up so badly.

 

Leave it to Charlie to have a very fit and unbelievably nice guy like him – and not even hide it! – and chase him away. The horrible feeling in his stomach is going to stay awhile, that’s for sure.

 

Charlie takes a couple of deep breaths before pushing through the door and making his way to the picnic tables.

 

It’s going to be okay. It wouldn’t have worked out anyway. He’s just gonna— … gape at the scene in front of him. Nick is sitting with Tao and Isaac, laughing.

 

“Charlie, hi! Where have you been?”

 

“I was just…” Charlie sits down next to him. “Where have you been?”

 

“I had to talk to Coach Singh.”

 

“Oh.”

 

“Otis said you might be at the library.”

 

“No, I— You asked them where I was?”

 

“I might have.”

 

A huge grin spreads across Nick’s face. “Were you off looking for me just now?”

 

Charlie gulps. He knows he’s blushing. “Maybe.”

 

Nick chuckles. “You were.”

 

“Shut up.”

 

“He was all nervous about it, too.” Isaac grins, putting a crisp into his mouth.

 

“Isaac!” Charlie chastises.

 

When Charlie feels the brush against his hand this time, he doesn’t pull away. Instead, he turns his palm up and lets Nick slot his fingers in-between his.

 

The smile on Nick Nelson’s face stretches impossibly wider, his 262+ freckles dancing in the sun. Charlie might have to start bringing sunglasses.

 

“You know, Charlie, one might think you do like me, after all.”

 

Isaac laughs. “Oh, he’s so into you.”

 

“ISAAC!”

 

Chapter 2: Bonus Chapter

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

+++ At the bus stop +++

 

Of fucking course. The bus is gone. This is what Charlie gets for helping Mr. Ajayi with clean-up.

 

Twenty minutes till the next bus. Should he just walk home?

 

“Charlie?”

 

Charlie almost drops his phone. “Oh, hey!”

 

“Did you miss your bus?”

 

“Seems so. What about you?”

 

“Oh, rugby was canceled today and I forgot.”

 

“Oh.”

 

“I got changed and everything before I realized. I thought I was early for once and that’s why no one was there.” Nick shakes his head at himself.

 

Charlie huffs a laugh.

 

“So, are you gonna wait for the next one, then? The bus, I mean.”

 

“I was thinking about walking, actually.”

 

Nick rolls his shoe over a pebble, then clears his throat. “Can I walk with you?”

 

“Aren’t you in the other direction?”

 

“Yeah. But I’d like to walk you home. If… it’s okay with you.”

 

“It’s a thirty-minute walk.”

 

“I don’t mind. I’ll just catch the bus back.”

 

“Um. Okay?”

 

Someone turns on the sun. Because Nick’s smile surely can’t be that blinding all on its own. “Yeah?” Nick asks.

 

Was it Charlie? Did he turn it on when he said okay? “Sure. Yeah.”

 

The moment they start walking side by side, they're plunged into an awkward silence. Charlie should've known. They've only just gotten comfortable at the picnic tables. This is too new.

Luckily, they're saved by a stranger: an old man yelling at a squirrel in an Irish accent, to be exact. Between laughing at and hurrying past the scene, the awkwardness is lifted. Charlie almost wants to thank the old man and his tree-dwelling nemesis.

 

“I really love the playlist you sent me last night,” Nick says, after they’ve calmed down.

 

“You do?”

 

“Yeah! I’d love some more recommendations, if you have any.”

 

“Oh, you shouldn’t have said that. I’m gonna spam you now!”

 

Nick smiles at Charlie. “Can’t wait.”

 

“I…” Charlie shakes his head, because these smiles do something to his brain, but it doesn’t help. “Stop it!”

 

“Stop what? What am I doing?”

 

“Smiling at me like that all the time!”

 

“I can’t help it!”

 

“Whatever.”

 

They stop at a crossroads and Charlie feels some of the awkwardness seep back in. He flexes his fingers. Would Nick want to…? Out in public like this?

 

No, no, of course not. Jesus. Charlie needs to get a grip. He’s going to ask about Nick’s dog next. Excellent idea.

 

The pedestrian lights must’ve switched to green because Nick suddenly tugs at Charlie’s hand and leads him across the street. Charlie forgets all dog-related questions. As they reach the other side of the street, Charlie simply doesn’t let go. And neither does Nick.

 

And so, on an otherwise unremarkable Wednesday, Charlie Spring is walked home by Nick Nelson, holding Nick Nelson’s hand.

 

“This is me,” Charlie says and it’s entirely too soon.

 

“Oh. I like your door.”

 

“Thanks.”

 

Charlie really has to let go of Nick’s hand at some point. But he’s already addicted to the feeling. And instead of letting go, he finds himself stepping closer.

 

“Thank you for walking me home.”

 

Did Nick take a step closer, too?

 

“Anytime.”

 

The sun has just disappeared behind the horizon and Charlie is not ready for any of what it stands for.

 

“See you tomorrow?” he asks.

 

“Yeah.” There's that touch of a blush again. God, it's so lovely.

 

Charlie wants to say something else but feeling Nick’s breath on his face is too much of a distraction. They’re so close right now. Is he making Nick feel uncomfortable? Should he— ... wait, no. That's not it. He hears Nick’s breath getting shallower. Notices his blush deepen a shade. Watches him bite his lower lip. Feels him tighten his hand around Charlie’s. Realizes Nick might not mind their closeness at all.

 

A breath, a step, and Charlie is closing the distance. He’s kissing Nick Nelson. It's soft and shy but it's perfect all the same. So Charlie goes in for a second kiss. 

 

He takes a deep breath when he pulls back. “Was that, um, okay?”

 

“Very okay,” Nick breathes. 

 

“Good. I’ll see you tomorrow?”

 

It’s getting dark but someone turned on the sun again. “You will.”

 

“Okay. Bye.”

 

“Bye, Charlie.”

 

“Nick?”

 

“Yeah?”

 

“You’ll have to let go of my hand.”

 

“Oh, right. Sorry.”

 

“Bye.”

 

“Bye.”

 

It’s kind of impossible but somehow, Charlie’s evening proceeds very ordinarily after that. There’s homework, there’s dinner with a side of argument, then there’s dishes and a round of Mario Kart with Olly. But after that, it’s only Charlie, alone in his room, with a very non-ordinary day on his mind.

 

Charlie lies down in bed and pulls up the group chat.

 

Charlie (20:11): so i missed my bus home today

 

Tao (20:13): ugh. did you have to call your mum?

 

Charlie (20:14): no, i walked

 

Tao (20:14): isn’t it like 30 min?

 

Isaac (20:15): pls don’t tell me you’re getting into exercising, charlie. we had a deal!

 

Charlie (20:16): i’m not. no voluntary exercise for me.

 

Isaac (20:16): <3

 

Charlie (20:20): so. nick walked me home.

 

Elle (20:20): OMG WHAT!!!

 

Isaac (20:21): eeeeeeeeeeeeeee11!!! details! we need details!!!

 

Elle (20:22): YES! DETAILS! RIGHT BLOODY NOWWW!

 

Elle (20:22): charliiieee!!!

 

Charlie (20:25): we walked home. we held hands. we kissed.

 

Elle (20:25): OMG I'M DYINGGGGG

 

ELLE (20:25): omg charliiieee you kissed nick bloody nelson

 

Isaac (20:26): !!! <3 <3 <3 <3

 

Isaac (20:26): omg this is like the best love story everrrr!!

 

Tao (20:27): finally.

 

Isaac (20:26): are you happy?? how do you feel charlie? <3

 

Charlie (20:29): yeah. good :)

 

Charlie (20:30): so, i think nick is actually into me?

 

Isaac (20:31): !!! YOU THINK?!?!

 

Notes:

Hope you enjoyed! :) Also, I might've already started writing a third part in this series?! Who knew that something that started as "writing random dialogue on my phone while stuck on the train and needing distraction" would actually go anywhere. Not me!

Series this work belongs to: