Chapter Text
Nick didn't remember the last time he was this nervous. His hands were shaking a bit but he tried his best not to show any signs of it to Charlie. He wanted this to happen without him knowing.
They had been talking about their future together. Just casually planning their future life together. Even fantasizing about their wedding.
Nick thought this would be the perfect time to propose.
Asking Charlie's parents felt old-fashioned but after everything, they've been through with Charlie and all that he thought it would be best to at least let them know what was gonna happen. He knew his parents would be very happy. They really liked Nick.
And Charlie loved him. He loved Charlie.
So much.
They had come to spend the weekend at the Spring household. They had been living together for a couple of years now. They were laying on Charlie's bed, watching a movie together. Having a chill evening.
Nick didn't know when would be the next time he would see Charlie's parents so he had prepared to tell them today.
"I could go get us some more popcorn. And maybe something to drink," he offered. Any excuse to go downstairs without Charlie.
"Sure. I could come help," Charlie said and started to sit up.
"No! I mean, no you don't have to. Just relax here. I'll be quick," Nick said quickly. He was trying not to sound like he was planning something.
"Oh. Okay then," Charlie said and laid back down.
Nick got up and exited the room.
Before he went downstairs he took a deep breath.
It's time.
He found Mr. and Mrs. Spring in the kitchen. They smiled at him as he appeared in the doorframe and continued their conversation.
Nick took a new bag of microwave popcorn out of the box and put it in the microwave.
He took another deep breath and turned round.
"Um. Sorry for interrupting but do you have a minute?" he asked carefully.
Charlie's parents turned to look at him.
"Of course, Nick! What's on your mind?"
"You know I've been with Charlie for years now," he started.
"Very well. You make him very happy," Jane said, smiling.
"Yeah. He makes me very happy too. I love him more than anything in my life and we have been thinking about our future a lot lately," he was getting there.
Charlie's parents didn't want to interrupt Nick. He felt like they knew where this was going.
"I was just thinking I'd let you know that I have been thinking about… proposing… to Charlie," he finally said. Looking at the floor.
The Springs looked at each other, a little surprised but they also seemed very happy.
Julio got up from his chair and walked up to Nick. He wrapped Nick in a big hug and patted him on the back.
"We knew from the very beginning that this relationship would last. And we were right. You already make him happier than he ever has been and I'm sure you will continue to do so," he said and Nick felt his eyes getting watery.
"You better make it perfect. He has been dreaming about that moment from the moment he met you. Trust me," Jane laughed.
Nick let out a little laugh too.
"Yeah. So I've been told. And don't worry. It will be perfect".
"I'm guessing you want us to keep this conversation a secret from him?" Julio asked.
Nick nodded "That'd be great. We have talked about it with Charlie but he doesn't know I'm thinking about doing it very soon".
Then he remembered the popcorn in the microwave. They finished up the conversation, Nick took the popcorn and the drinks and went back upstairs.
***
Charlie was sitting on the bed, on his phone.
"I'm back!" Nick announced. After the conversation downstairs, seeing Charlie made him blush. But Charlie did that often to him anyway.
"What took you so long? I missed you," Charlie mumbled against Nick's shoulder as he climbed back to bed.
"I'm sorry. I had to go to the loo. But now I'm here, baby," he said
"Mmmkay," Charlie whispered and wiggled his way under Nick's arm so they were cuddling. Nick kissed the top of his head. Charlie raised his head so he was looking at Nick and reached up to press their lips softly together.
"Wanna continue the film?" Nick asked as they pulled away from the kiss.
"Yes!" Charlie said and pressed play on the laptop.
Nick kept looking at his pretty boyfriend in his arms.
His soon-to-be fiancé.