Chapter Text
There was a new kid in school.
It wasn't that big a deal, actually, Nick's school was quite big. He didn't know most people in the other years and mostly spent his time with his rugby mates. But he did attend school events when he knew someone who was a part of it. For instance, his friend Otis was performing in a play. It was a Midsummer Night's Dream, which Nick liked a lot too. There were hijinks an d elves and donkeys. It was hilarious at times.
Among all that costuming, it was difficult to recognize most kids. Yet, Nick noticed one. He was dressed like an elf, with the pointy ears and all. He was also the most elf-like, in terms of delicate features and slim figure. He didn't open his mouth during the whole play, which was a pity. He must be shy. Nick itched on his chair. When the event was over, he ran to the back, to congratulate Otis, who was happily chatting with a pretty blonde and barely nodded back at him. The bashful elf was already gone, so Nick retreated.
That night, he looked up Otis' Insta posts. As expected, there were photos of him as Puck. And the little guy was there, looking a little lost. Nick wondered what his name was.
So, at the next rugby practice, he asked Otis about him. But he didn't learn much. He was new, had transferred last term and had only seemed to come to hang out with the guy who played the donkey, Tao. There was no name attached at the moment, so Nick quietly gave up. It was a shame, he would have loved to get to talk to him. He looked like a cool guy.
But, then, he did run into him. He was about to sit down at the cafeteria and here he was, a table away. Nick turned around and sat opposite him.
“Hi,” he said.
“Hi,” the answer while surprised, was instantaneous. He even obtained a smile. There were no elves ears nor leaves wreath around his curls but he still looked unnaturally fair.
“Are you new here?” Nick knew the answer, obviously, but he had to start the conservation, somehow. Plus, he was curious about everything about him.
As it turned out, Charlie was not as shy as he seemed. He was also witty and a little cynical. Nick almost forgot the time and was late to his math class. He didn't mind much. Charlie had given him his phone number and they spent the next evening texting back and forth.
Another event was coming up, one he hadn't heard about until then. Charlie played the drum, which made him even cooler, and had joined the school band.
He seemed stunned when Nick showed up and asked him if he had another friend in there. As it happened, Tara Jones, a girl he had fancied when he was younger, was playing the clarinet and they had stopped to chat. That seemed to satisfy Charlie and he went to take his seat.
Nick forgot entirely about Tara and spent the evening staring at the way Charlie's fingers effortlessly created the rhythm the music was set on.
The next day, he told Charlie about his next match. And how rugby might not be as cool as drums, but he would like it if his new friend would come and support him. Charlie looked really red for a moment, but accepted. Nick did really well against the other team. He loved to play, always, but this time, he felt like he had wings.
He ate lunch a few times with Charlie, although most times, he saw him outside, with Tao and another kid he didn't know. He was happy Charlie had made friends so fast, but wished they could spend more time together.
So, when the sequel to his favourite film came out, he decided to go with him, instead of his mates. Charlie was dubious about liking the movie but came anyway. As it turned out, they both hated it. The actors were different, the plot was ludicrous. They started muttering, mocking everything and had to check their laughter throughout. It was delightful. Nick decided Charlie was the best. He made every experience just a little more fun.
They still texted like crazy. Nick barely slept and he did not care. He was hugging his dog after one of Charlie's compliment had him blush, when he realized the two should meet. Charlie was sweet and cuddly and so was Nellie. They would certainly get along. This was a solid plan.
Charlie was busier and busier. Nick had to beg him to cancel an outing with his other friends so that he would come and play video games at his house. He sent a photo of Nellie as incentive. Charlie caved instantly. Nick laughed in delight.