"And suddenly you know... It's time to start something new and trust the magic of beginnings."

"I'll be back around 6 pm," Charlie informed Nick as he put on his apron, getting ready to head to his first shift at the cafe in a while. It was around 8 am, and the two had gotten into a nice routine living together, it was going great. 

Charlie felt so safe with Nick, knowing he could not harm him.

"Okay." Nick pouted like a sad puppy, he loved having Charlie around and was going to miss him. Charlie chuckled at Nick's expression, "I will be back." He assured and began to head out. Nick watched Charlie leave and rubbed his face.

Why was he already missing him? Why did he feel so protective over someone he just met? Why did he find Charlie so...Pretty? Where did that come from?

Nick had such bad anxiety that any new emotion would set off a panic attack. Nellie whined in worry and climbed onto Nick's lap, applying pressure to calm him down.

Nick pets Nellie, trying to take deep breaths. Nellie laid on Nick's chest, even when she was off duty she would do anything to help her owner. After the panic attack slowed down,  Nick hid in Nellie's fur.

Was he falling for Charlie?

*****

"Charlie!" Ash squealed and rushed over tackling him into a hug.

Charlie jumped in surprise at the sudden loud noise before hugging her back. He hated that loud noises now made him flinch because of Ben, he hoped that ended soon.

"I'm so glad you're back it's been so boring without you." Ash rambled.

Charlie chuckled and walked behind the counter, "Me too. I missed working. But it's been nice getting to know Nick." He said as about to wipe down the counter but looked at Ash in confusion as she stared at him with an amused look.

"What?" Charlie asked.

"Getting to know Nick I see. Well, he's pretty cute." Ash wiggled her eyebrows.

Charlie sighed a bit, "He is, don't get me wrong. I just don't know if I can handle another relationship right now." He whispered. Ash nodded and began to help Charlie clean up the cafe before customers got there. "Well if you ever wanted to start dating again Nick would be perfect."

"You're right. He is perfect." Charlie agreed and braced himself as the first customer came in.

The day was so long. Charlie walked into Nick's apartment, he was exhausted. He kept expecting Ben to walk into the cafe to scream at him each time he looked at the door. At least he's locked up now and can't get to him.

"Hey Char, how was work?" Nick asked as he walked out of his bedroom, he had been resting all day since his panic attack. Nellie followed close behind him, refusing to leave his side since that was his first panic attack in a while.

"It was okay, I'm just tired." Charlie sat at the counter. Nick sat with him, "I bet we're too tired to cook, want to order in?" He suggested.

Charlie hesitated but nodded, he knew he should eat something since he hadn't eaten all day. "Pizza?" Nick nodded with a soft smile and called to order.

Charlie leaned into Nick, feeling safe again. Maybe Ash was right...Nick would be perfect for him if he was even interested in him. Why would he be?

Nick looked at Charlie after he finished the phone call, "The pizza will be here soon! I hope you're fine with pepperoni."

"That's fine," Charlie assured with a soft chuckle. Nick felt himself blush as he realized Charlie was leaning into him.

Was he falling for his roommate??

"I got...Kind of a weird question, you don't have to answer if you are not comfortable..." Nick rambled.

Charlie looked at Nick in confusion, curiosity shining in his eyes. "What's up? You can ask me anything, Nick." He guaranteed.

"How did you know you were gay?" Nick felt himself ask, he stared down at Nellie, petting her to avoid eye contact.

Charlie turned to face Nick and held his hand, to let him know that it was okay to ask these kinds of questions.

"Well, when I was little it started with fictional crushes, to real ones. I didn't realize it at the time of course. But once I had my first kiss I just knew that it was guys." Charlie explained the best he could.

Nick blushed at the fact that Charlie was holding his hand.

"I had my first kiss when I was eleven. It was so awkward I don't know if I even enjoyed it. Like, Yes she was pretty and all but lately I've been interested in a...Guy." Nick whispered, he felt like he could tell Charlie anything.

He felt so safe with him.

Charlie rubbed Nick's knuckles in a comforting way, "Well, if you want we can kiss to see if you are into guys.." He suggested with big soft eyes.

Pink painted across Nick's cheeks, "Okay." He breathed.

Nick leaned forward and kissed Charlie. Charlie kissed back and had to stop himself from deepening the kiss.

It felt so perfect as if their lips fit together like puzzle pieces.

Nick pulled away after a couple of seconds.

The world was a blur and the only thing he could focus on was Charlie.

As they kissed...

He saw fireworks.

It was nothing like his awkward first kiss. It felt meant to be.

The doorbell rang meaning the pizza got there, Nick sat there frozen so Charlie got up to answer the door.

Nick watched Charlie with a blush. Wow, maybe he was into guys...