Off To Uni! (Written after Nick & Charlie by Alice Osmen)

Chapter Twenty Three

Chapter Twenty Three

Charlie:
"You haven't texted me back! I wasn't sure what time you were coming!" I exclaim.

I break away from the hug and he smiles at me holding up two bags.

"I wanted to surprise you," he says.
"What's in the bags?" I ask curiously.
"Not even going to invite me inside?" Nick teases.

I laugh and pull him inside but before I can even ask him again, Oliver runs down the stairs.

"IS THAT NICK!?" He exclaims as he jumps into Nick's arms.
"Hey buddy!" He says.
"How's school? How long are you here? Do you want to play video games?"
"Oliver, let Nick breathe. He just walked inside," I say with a smile.
"Charlie and I are just going to have dinner and then after that, how about we all play some video games?" 

Oliver sticks his tongue out at me.

"SOUNDS AWESOME!" He says as he runs up the stairs.

Mum and Dad come over and say hello as Tori waves from the kitchen table. We walk over to the couch in the living room and sit down.

"So I'm assuming food is in one of those bags since you told Oliver that we were going to have dinner. What's in the other?" I ask again.
"No "Nick I missed you so much. How was the drive down here?""

I roll my eyes with a smile.

"Nick I missed you so much. How was the drive down here. What's in the bag?" I say, sticking my tongue out at him.

He laughs as he hands me the bag. I look inside and see that he got me a sweatshirt and as I pull it out of the bag, I see that it's a Muse sweatshirt.

"MY FAVORITE! You didn't have to get me anything," I say with a smile.
"I saw it while I was picking up dinner and there was no way I couldn't get it after I saw it," he says.
"You think you know me pretty well, huh?" I tease.
"I think I know you better than anyone," he says, looking into my eyes.

I use to think people would say that they fall in love over and over again with their boyfriend or girlfriend just to say it, maybe it sounded nice or romantic. Boy, was I wrong. When you meet the right person, you are constantly falling in love over and over again. I think I fall in love with Nick again every time I see him. 

"Elle wanted us all to get together Sunday morning before we head back up to Uni. She misses you."

I smile.

"That sounds like a great idea! It would be good to see her, Darcy and Tara. Oh, so how are Adam and Jacob? They went out last night, no?"

He laughs at me.

"Do you want me to have them carry a camera around them like some sort of reality show?"

I roll my eyes but smile.

"I just am rooting  FOR LOVE!" 

We both laugh.

"They had a great time. Adam came back very happy. I believe they kissed again too and will probably be spending some time together since the room is empty."

I clap my hands together.

"So amazing!"

Nick:
Even though I've been hanging out with Charlie every week since I left, it's nice to be back here with him, in his house. Hanging out with him here and at my home feel the most normal, it's the main thing we did for two years. Once I sat down here, everything felt right. Eating dinner, playing video games with him and Oliver, hearing Tori say a sarcastic comment or two, this is what I miss; this is what I love.

"You think your parents will let you stay over my house?" I ask as I look at the time.

Charlie shrugs.

"I don't see why not since I've been at your dorm these past couple of weeks. But then again, you never really know with them. Let me go ask."

Charlie disappears for a couple of minutes before walking back into his room with a smile on his face.

"They said yes. But are you, are you sure you don't want to spend some time with your Mum?"
"She's going to be getting ready for bed by the time we get there. I'll kick you out tomorrow and spend some time with her," I tease.

Charlie sticks his tongue out at me as he begins to pack a small bag.

"Very funny," he says.

We say goodnight to his family and head on over to my house. As soon as we open the door, Nellie runs over to greet us, but more specifically, she runs to me.

"HAHA!! See, Nellie loves me more," I say.
"That's just because she hasn't seen you in awhile. She's being polite!" Charlie teases.

Mum peeks her head out of the kitchen.

"Nicky!" She says as she places her cup of tea down and walks over to us.

She gives me a hug and smiles before hugging Charlie as well.

"I didn't know you were coming home today. I thought you'd end up coming tomorrow!"
"I stopped at Charlie's to say hi to his family and play some video games with Oliver," I say. "You don't mind if Charlie spends the night, do you?"

Charlie's gaze meets mine and then he looks back at Mum.

"Sarah, I'm so sorry. I thought Nick had already cleared it with you --"
"Nonsense, Charlie! Nick knows he doesn't need to ask. You are family and are always welcome here."

He smiles and thanks her as we walk into the kitchen and have a cup of tea with her. After that, we all head up to bed. Mum didn't even make a bed on the floor for Charlie like she usually does. I guess after sending us to Paris together and knowing me obviously share my bed up in Uni, it doesn't mater anymore. We change into our pajamas and crawl into bed.

"As much as I love coming to visit you, this just feels way more like home," Charlie says as he snuggles up to me.

I kiss the top of his head and smile.

"I was thinking the same thing before when I was at your house. I'm glad that we are able to see each other all the time, but something about being at your house or my house, it just feels right."

Charlie looks up at me and kisses me. I deepen the kiss as I take my hand and place is up his shirt, tracing his back with my fingers.

"That tickles," Charlie whispers with a slight laugh.
"What about this?" I ask as I lightly kiss his neck.
"That definitely tickles too," he says, slightly more out of breath.
"And what about this?" I say as I move my hand to his stomach and actually tickle him.

He starts laughing hysterically as he tries to push me away.

"I hate when you do that!" He says, catching his breath.

I kiss him again.

"I'm sorry, I just love that laugh," I say with a smile.

Charlie snuggles up to me again.

"You're not ticklish so it's not fair," he says.

I run my fingers through his hair as I feel him start to fall asleep.

"I love you so much, Charlie Spring."
"Forever," he whispers.